Brainfish Raises $10M to Expand AI Support Platform Globally
Sydney-founded AI startup Brainfish has raised $10 million in a pre-Series A funding round to accelerate its international expansion and scale its next-generation customer support platform.
Founded in 2022, Brainfish develops “ambient AI agents” — intelligent assistants that integrate directly into digital products to provide real-time, proactive customer support. By analyzing user behavior and screen context, the AI can resolve issues instantly, often before users reach out for help.
The company has experienced rapid growth, now serving over 5 million users worldwide and helping businesses significantly reduce support ticket volume while improving user satisfaction.
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With this funding, Brainfish plans to expand its engineering team, enhance its product capabilities, and establish a U.S. headquarters in San Francisco. The company is targeting small and mid-sized businesses that want to deliver high-quality customer experiences without large support teams.
Brainfish’s technology represents a shift away from reactive support and traditional chatbots. Its AI agents work behind the scenes, understanding user actions and offering relevant guidance in the moment — delivering support that feels more like a product feature than a help desk.
With strong momentum and global ambition, Brainfish is positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven customer experience.
Advanced Navigation Trials Indoor ‘GPS Replacement’ in Blackspot Zones
Sydney-based navigation specialist Advanced Navigation has successfully trialled a next-generation positioning system designed to deliver reliable location awareness in indoor “blackspot” zones where GPS falters.
The pilot deployment, conducted at a major commercial campus and complex indoor facility, demonstrated sub‑meter accuracy by combining ultra-wideband (UWB) anchors, magnetic-field mapping, and inertial sensors embedded in handheld devices. This hybrid solution continuously fused multiple data streams—ultrasonic, magnetic, and movement-based—to maintain precise tracking even when satellite signals were completely blocked.
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Testers reported smooth, uninterrupted positioning through corridors, over multiple floors, and within densely structured environments—areas where conventional GPS typically loses lock. The result: virtually seamless navigation for smartphones and other portable devices without any reliance on overhead satellites.
Advanced Navigation plans to refine system latency and scalability before a broader rollout into sectors like manufacturing, mining, warehousing, and public safety. The long-term vision includes fully integrating this system into consumer products and enterprise solutions, offering consistent position data across indoor–outdoor boundaries.
Positioning experts say success in these trials could mark a turning point in location technology, enabling environments—hospitals, airports, factories—to approach GPS-level accuracy indoors. Advanced Navigation expects wider commercial trials by early 2026, with a commercial release targeted soon after.
Johns Lyng Group Agrees to $1.1 Billion Takeover by Pacific Equity Partners
Leading property services company Johns Lyng Group has reached a takeover agreement with private equity firm Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) in a deal that values the company at approximately A$1.1 billion, representing a significant premium over its recent market valuation.
Under the agreement, shareholders will receive A$4.00 per share, a 77 percent premium to the company’s share price prior to discussions becoming public. The offer has been unanimously recommended by the board and is supported by key stakeholders, including CEO Scott Didier, who owns nearly 18 percent of the company. He is expected to retain a stake in the private entity post-acquisition.
Johns Lyng, founded in 1953, is known for its restoration and repair services, particularly in the insurance sector. Operating across Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the U.S., the company has built a reputation for rapid response following natural disasters and property damage incidents.
While recent financial results showed a dip in revenue due to fewer catastrophic events, the business remains profitable and strategically positioned for long-term growth.
The acquisition is expected to close by late 2025, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. PEP plans to support Johns Lyng in expanding its international footprint and service offering.
Trump Proposes 200% Tariffs on Australian Pharmaceuticals: What’s at Risk?
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has flagged potential tariffs of up to 200% on pharmaceutical imports from Australia, causing concern for the industry and raising questions about what Australian-made medicines could be impacted.
What Does Australia Produce?
Australia’s pharmaceutical industry mainly manufactures generic drugs, active ingredients used in medicine production, vaccines, and some specialty medicines. While Australia has a growing biotech sector working on innovative treatments, much of the cutting-edge drug development happens overseas.
What Could Be Affected?
- Exports: Australian pharmaceutical exports are an important part of the economy. High tariffs could reduce competitiveness in the U.S. market, potentially shrinking sales.
- Supply Chains: Many Australian companies supply ingredients or generic medicines that feed into global supply chains. Tariffs could disrupt these flows and increase costs.
- Innovation: Threats of tariffs might discourage investment in local biotech research and development, slowing growth in this sector.
- Medicine Costs: Though tariffs mainly target exports, trade tensions could have knock-on effects on medicine prices and availability within Australia.
Industry leaders are watching the situation closely, hoping to avoid disruption in trade and maintain strong ties with international partners.
Body Fit Training Expands into the Middle East with Master Franchise Agreement
Australian fitness brand Body Fit Training (BFT) is set to expand into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through a new master franchise agreement. The deal aims to establish over 50 studios across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE over the next decade, with Qatar serving as the regional headquarters.
The first flagship studio, BFT West Walk, opened in Doha in February 2025. Spanning over 1,000 square meters, it is the largest BFT facility globally, featuring premium amenities and state-of-the-art fitness technology.
The expansion is led by Dr. Mohamed Abdou, a seasoned business strategist with Edar Group, who first experienced BFT in the UK and was impressed by its scientifically-backed training and community-driven atmosphere. Dr. Abdou emphasized Qatar’s commitment to health and wellness as a perfect fit for BFT’s model.
BFT’s unique approach combines strength-based group workouts with cutting-edge technology, appealing to the MENA region’s growing demand for premium fitness solutions. The 10-year strategy includes opening additional studios in Riyadh, Dubai, and Kuwait City within the next 12 months, aiming to establish a strong regional presence.
