‍Tech Startups: Built for This Moment

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The world is changing fast. With a growing shift toward protectionism—especially in the U.S., where tariffs are back in full swing—many businesses are navigating new challenges. But as with any shift, there’s also opportunity.

For tech startups and investors, this is a moment to double down on resilient, high-growth markets. As trade restrictions reshape supply chains and capital flows, we’re seeing founders build solutions that thrive in this new reality—leveraging AI, automation, fintech and deep tech to unlock new opportunities.

Tech startups have always been defined by their ability to adapt, scale, and disrupt—and today’s market is proving no different. While protectionist policies are forcing many traditional industries to slow down, tech startups are leaner, faster, and more globally connected than ever before.

Here’s how top founders are navigating and winning in this environment:

• AI-powered automation is helping companies optimize efficiency, reduce reliance on offshore labor, and scale faster than previous built tech businesses.
• Fintech innovation is reimagining payments and capital flows, allowing businesses to operate across borders despite restrictions.
• Deep tech and advanced manufacturing are giving rise to new supply chain solutions, reducing dependence on any single market.

We’re witnessing a new era where the most capital-efficient, high-impact startups are poised to dominate

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Where the Most Exciting Growth Is Happening

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USA: The AI Frontier

AI is no longer just hype—it’s reshaping industries. Small teams are outperforming massive incumbents. According to LeanAILeaderboard.com, startups achieving $5M+ ARR with teams smaller than 50 are delivering astonishing results:

• $3.7M revenue per employee (10x the SaaS standard)
• $144M valuation per employee (14x higher than tech giants)
• Average team size: just 23

Standout companies include:

• Telegram: $1B ARR with 30 employees
• fal: $40M ARR with 25 employees
• Cal AI: $12M ARR with 4 employees
• OpenArt AI: $12M ARR with 8 employees
• Solvely.ai: $6M ARR with 4 employees

Looks like Sam Altman wasn’t exaggerating when he said, "There will soon be a 1-person billion-dollar company." 🚀

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India’s Tech Startups: Scaling Fast, Staying Profitable

India is proving that startups don’t have to choose between growth and profitability—they can achieve both.

While many global markets are tightening, Indian tech startups are thriving, driven by capital efficiency, deep market penetration, and solving local pain points at scale.

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Tech Startups Defying the Odds

In 2024, despite a 6.5% dip in total startup funding (from $32.5B in 2023 to $30.4B in 2024), India's tech ecosystem remains resilient. Several key trends highlight why:

AI & SaaS Startups Scaling Rapidly
AI and software-driven businesses in India are achieving high growth with lean teams, leveraging automation and efficiency. Companies like Freshworks and Zoho have built global brands with capital discipline, and newer players are following suit.

Fintech Continues to Dominate
Fintech remains India's strongest tech sector, accounting for nearly 30% of all startup funding. From UPI-led payment innovations to embedded finance, startups like PhonePe, Perfios, and Money View are scaling profitably.

‍Enterprise Tech & AI Gaining Momentum
B2B SaaS and AI-driven automation companies are now competing globally. Postman, Razorpay, and Karbon Card exemplify how India is producing efficient, profitable tech businesses that attract international customers.

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Lean, Profitable Growth Is the New Normal

According to recent reports:

• 88% of tech startup founders in India reported revenue growth in 2024, surpassing previous expectations.
• Indian SaaS startups are now raising rounds at profitability, a shift from the aggressive cash-burn models of the past decade.
• Cloud, AI, and deep-tech startups are scaling with smaller teams, leveraging automation and lean operations.

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🌍 EMEA: Modernizing Regional Infrastructure

Across EMEA, startups are tackling deeply entrenched inefficiencies—from outdated financial systems to fragmented logistics networks. This isn’t just innovation for innovation’s sake—these companies are unlocking billions in valueby modernizing legacy industries at an unprecedented pace.

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Fintech: Rebuilding Financial Infrastructure in Real Time

One standout example is Palla, a cross-border payments disruptor that has increased its transaction volume tenfold in just one year, now handling hundreds of millions in payments.

This is part of a broader fintech transformation happening across EMEA, where startups are:
🚀 Replacing slow, costly remittance networks with faster, AI-driven money transfers.
🚀 Building AI-native neobanks that offer hyper-personalized financial services.
🚀 Optimizing B2B payments for businesses operating across fragmented markets.

Other Key Players Reshaping Fintech:

• Paymob (Egypt) – Enabling AI-driven digital payments for SMEs in cash-heavy economies.
• MNT-Halan (MENA) – A next-gen neobank using machine learning to serve underbanked consumers.
• Flutterwave (Nigeria) – Powering real-time, cross-border transactions across Africa.

Logistics & Supply Chain: AI and Automation Take Over

Logistics in EMEA has long been hindered by manual processes, fragmented networks, and high costs. Now, AI-driven platforms are taking over:

🤖 Trella (MENA) – An AI-powered freight marketplace optimizing trucking routes in the Middle East and North Africa.
🤖 Parcelninja (South Africa) – A cloud-based logistics platform using predictive AI to improve last-mile delivery.
🤖 Lori Systems (Kenya) – Leveraging machine learning to reduce transportation costs and optimize supply chains across Africa.

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Australia: Deep Tech Innovation

Australia has always been a global leader in deep tech, with groundbreaking innovations like Wi-Fi, the bionic ear, and IVF. Today, the country continues to push boundaries, particularly in biotech, clean tech, and robotics.

Through Cicada Innovations, I’m witnessing a surge of deep tech startups tackling high-impact global challenges. These companies are creating foundational technologies that are poised for global commercialization.

Some great examples of successful companies:

1. Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC): Led by Professor Michelle Simmons, SQC is pioneering quantum computing in Australia. The company has secured substantial funding, including a $50.4 million Series A round, to develop quantum bits (qubits) for advanced computing applications. ​

2. Luyten 3D: Based in Melbourne, Luyten 3D specializes in robotics and 3D printing for the construction industry. In collaboration with the University of New South Wales, they developed the first building code-compliant 3D-printed home in the Southern Hemisphere, significantly reducing construction time and costs. ​

3. Morse Micro: Morse Micro focuses on Wi-Fi HaLow technology, enhancing IoT connectivity over long distances. The company raised $170 million in a Series B funding round, led by MegaChips, to expand its reach in markets like security cameras and smart devices. ​

4. Fleet Space Technologies: Valued at over $800 million, Fleet Space Technologies utilizes satellite-enabled technology, seismic sensors, and AI to enhance mineral exploration. Their ExoSphere platform aids in discovering critical minerals for clean energy, with global operations across Australia, Chile, and upcoming lunar missions.

5. Myriota: Adelaide-based Myriota specializes in nanosatellite technology, providing IoT connectivity for sectors like agriculture, defense, and mining. A $50 million investment aims to create 100 high-skilled jobs and expand their global footprint, meeting the growing demand in the IoT market. ​

6. Samsara Eco is an Australian deep tech startup revolutionizing plastic recycling. Here are some of their key milestones:

• Breakthrough Technology: Developed EosEco™, an enzymatic recycling process that enables infinite recycling of plastics without quality degradation.
• Partnership with Lululemon: In 2024, launched the world's first enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 product.
• Expansion Plans: Partnered with NILIT to build the first nylon 6,6 recycling facility in Southeast Asia.
• Fundraising: Raised over AUD $150 million from investors like Temasek, Breakthrough Victoria, and lululemon to scale operations.
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Why This Moment Matters

We’re doubling down on startups that are not just surviving—but thriving in this new era.

History has shown that the boldest, most resilient founders emerge strongest in uncertain times. And in a moment of global transformation, the best way to maximize returns while minimizing risk is through diversification—across sectors, geographies, and business models.

This is why we built 007 Venture Partners the way we did.

We’re here to back the companies that will ride through this significant change and make a positive impact in the world.

And we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead. 🚀

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