Telstra-backed location intelligence platform Near has raised $143 million in a series D funding round, with the funds to be used for further expansion and to support the rollout of new platform offerings.

Venture capital invested in Australian startups hit a record US$1.23 billion in the 2018/19 financial year, with the potential of start-ups to change the shape of Australia’s future economy, according to a new global report.

New Zealand’s competition regulator, The Commerce Commission, has given the green light for the Infratil investment consortium to acquire up to 50% of the shares in Vodafone New Zealand.