Tech Round-Up: June 2021 - The Electric Edition!
This month we examine the convergence of software, mobility, and energy that is playing out across the globe. In it, we highlight the roles that five disruptive ANZAC companies are playing in this 21st-century tech-driven revolution. All of this, plus your regular, carefully curated collection of titillating tech tales from your friends at North Ridge Partners.
Viva la tech revolución!
Original thinking from North Ridge Partners
Viva La Revolución! Using a bit of injury downtime, our partner Roger Sharp examines the fusion of software, mobility, and energy playing out across the globe.
The Revolution Playlist. As EVs begin to displace petrol-powered cars, we remember how integral gas-powered cars are to popular culture. So, here’s a specially curated music playlist to read our newsletter by. Petrolheads and vinyl forever - enjoy!
EVs are barely selling in Australia. Martin Hirst examines this global anomaly for us in The Shocking State of the EV Market in Australia.
As if you need further proof that software is eating the world, here are five innovative companies from Australia and New Zealand that are capitalising on the convergence of software, mobility, and energy. Here come the ANZACs!
Big Tech
Death and taxes: The G7 lands a historic deal to make companies like Facebook, Apple pay higher taxes. Why did it take so long?
Software continues to eat the world: Traditional companies now recruit more software engineers than technology companies! Read the last line in Satya Nadella’s address.
The Office meets Clash of the Titans: In a recent survey half of remote workers would consider changing employers if offered remote work elsewhere. How are companies responding to this challenge? Google expects 60% of its workforce to spend three days a week in the office, as part of a remarkably flexible programme. By contrast, JP Morgan Chase’s Big Cheese believes remote work “does not work for younger people”. Jamie Dimon is over Zoom and expects his team back in the office chair very soon. (Our Money’s on Pichai!)
What do Thelma and Louise, The Hobbit and Ben-Hur all have in common? Shortly, they’ll all be owned by Amazon. Here’s what Tech Crunch and Quartz have to say about the pros and cons of this important deal.
Markets
Crazy money and even crazier valuations: Pitchbook tells us what’s going on (as if anyone really knows…)
A tale of two SPACs: The US may be cooling off, but the EU is just getting going.
Shenanigans in Spacville: If you’re considering a blank cheque deal, you might first want to read these reports by the Financial Times and Tech Crunch.
It’s a frenzy! The global M&A binge hits the tech sector in Australia with Autodesk lobbing in an unsolicited $5bn bid for Altium.
Asia Tech News
You know we’re a bit obsessed with TSMC, right? This article by the Guardian reveals how one Taiwanese company drives the world economy. Think about it.
It’s all at Sea: The amazing story of how Sea became Southeast Asia’s biggest public company.
While we’re at it, here’s an interesting read on the massive impact that GSG (Grab, Sea, and Goto) will have on the Southeast Asian tech scene: why their successes will create more unicorns.
Light at the end of the tunnel for the travel sector: in a stunning pre-IPO deal, Masayoshi Son invests US$2 billion in Yanolja, the Korean hospitality-tech and budget hotel group.
While India fights the Delta strain of COVID-19, its tech sector is still on a tear: Deals continue, unabated.
Global Tech News
Crypto correction: Bitcoin and a host of other cryptos hit the skids in May as Elon Musk announced that Telsa would no longer accept Bitcoin due to its carbon footprint, and as the People’s Bank of China warned against using crypto currencies for payment.
Apple becomes inclusive: Android and Windows users will be able to join FaceTime calls later this year.
Old meets Nu: The legendary Warren Buffet has invested $500m in the world’s largest digital bank, Nubank.
Air BnB (Branson, Bezos and space - get the pun?): Consumer space travel is nearly here. Between Branson and Bezos, we are closer to normal people being able to travel into space, than ever before. One-way ticket to Mars, anyone?
Stuff we found interesting: The USA Edition
From zero to hero: The USA public health system’s response to COVID-19 seemed an abject failure only a year ago. Now it has vaccinated 300 million people (note the free guns and beer being offered - let’s hope they aren’t in the same package!)
Meditation for the Rich and Famous: The wacky meditation regime that a serial entrepreneur swears by. Only in America.
New York City reanimates: After a year of tragedy and uncertainty, life is stirring again in the Big Apple. How good is that?
Holding US Big Tech to account: 12 months after American tech companies blazed a trail of publicity to combat racism, who has delivered? Here’s their report card.
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