What We Know
- Morgan Stanley and Schroders participated in an A$1.05 billion fundraising for Blackbird Ventures.
- The fundraising is described as the largest venture capital raise in Australia and New Zealand’s history, according to multiple sources.
- The deal is linked to Canva backer Blackbird Ventures, per coverage of the fundraising.
What’s Still Unclear
- Whether the A$1.05 billion fund is Blackbird’s sixth flagship fund or a different fund, as sources vary in wording.
- The exact current Canva valuation metrics or how Canva’s corporate figures relate to the Blackbird fundraising.
Context
Blackbird Ventures is a prominent Australian venture capital firm known for backing early-stage technology startups. The fundraising underscores ongoing interest from global institutions in Australia’s tech-investment ecosystem. Canva, a major global design platform, is frequently cited in relation to Blackbird due to a financial or strategic linkage, though specific deal mechanics are not detailed in the available materials.
Why It Matters
The involvement of Morgan Stanley and Schroders in a record-breaking Australian VC fundraising highlights growing international engagement with Australia’s venture scene and could have implications for the capital available to local startups, fund dynamics, and the broader tech-investment landscape in the region.
What to Watch Next
- Any official confirmation from Blackbird on the fund’s fund-size, number, and strategic focus.
- Announcements clarifying the relationship between Canva, Blackbird, and the fundraising.
- Subsequent fundraising activity by Blackbird or related Australian VC funds.
FAQ
Q: What is the size of the fundraising?
A: Reports indicate A$1.05 billion, described as the largest for an Australian VC, but exact fund class and composition details are not fully specified in the available materials.
Q: Who participated in the fundraiser?
A: Morgan Stanley and Schroders are named participants, with Blackbird Ventures as the recipient of the fundraising.
Source Transparency
- This article is based on a short preliminary brief and may not reflect the full details available in ongoing reporting.
- Source links are provided in the Sources section where available.
- A limited open-web check was used to clarify key details when possible; unclear items remain clearly marked.
Original brief: Morgan Stanley and Schroders took part in a $750 million fundraising by Canva backer Blackbird, closing the largest financing for an Australian venture capital firm…
Sources
- Morgan Stanley, Schroders Join Record Funding for Canva's Backer
- Morgan Stanley and Schroders back $750M Blackbird fundraise tied to …
- Blackbird raises A$1bn fund – FinanceAsia
- Square Peg joins Blackbird in revaluing Canva at $65b
- Blackbird nets $800m payday from Canva share sale
