09
Oct
Technology M&A: AI and beyond
Australia’s technology sector has emerged as a global player, driven by world-class innovation, growing capital flows, and strategic cross-border interest. As artificial intelligence reshapes how we live, work, and invest, it’s also driving a new chapter in technology M&A, and tech acquirers and investors are recalibrating strategies amid a market hungry for innovation but cautious on valuation. From distressed opportunities and AI-led plays to cross-border acquisitions, the panel explores what’s driving (or stalling) transactions—and what investors and founders should watch in the year ahead.
- What area of the tech sector has seen the most activity in the last 12 months and why?
- What is the size and scope of the AI investment opportunity today and in the future?
- What are corporate buyers looking for in this dealmaking environment, and how have their strategies changed?
- How can Australian companies position themselves to attract global buyers in the tech M&A space or pursue international targets?
- What are the biggest post-merger integration challenges and how do you manage risks related to talent retention and culture alignment?
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SpeakersGiovanni Amodeo Chief Influencers Officer ION Analytics
Todd De Rosa General Manager Deals Ansarada
Chris Gronow Managing Director, Co-Head of TMT, APAC BofA Securities
Tom Humphrey Partner Blackbird Ventures
Kevin Xu Principal The Riverside Company
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Giovanni sits on the executive committee of ION Analytics and is responsible for engaging with Influencers in the capital market globally and across asset classes. He organizes fireside chats and exclusive closed-door events to facilitate connectivity and knowledge among the influencers. Giovanni joined the company in 2001 where it held various roles in Italy, Germany, London including managing a global team of journalists and data analysts.
Todd De Rosa is a hands-on leader who thrives on developing new markets and driving strategic initiatives. With more than 15 years of experience across technology and innovation sectors, he has consistently delivered measurable results and built lasting relationships. As General Manager of Deals & Procure at Ansarada, Todd leads multi-product go-to-market strategies, combining commercial insight with technical expertise to expand markets and unlock new opportunities.
Chris is a Managing Director in Investment Banking and the Co-Head of Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT), Asia Pacific for BofA Securities.
He joined BofA Securities in 2018 and previously held the joint roles of Head of TMT, Australia and Head of M&A, Australia.
Chris is a public markets M&A expert and TMT sector specialist having advised on some Australia’s most recent, complex and high-profile transactions.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Melbourne.
Tom Humphrey is a Partner with Blackbird Ventures, a venture capital firm supercharging Australia and New Zealand's most wild and ambitious founders right from the beginning.
Since 2012, Blackbird has raised $2.5B in funds and invested in over 120 companies including Canva, Zoox, SafetyCulture, and Culture Amp.
Prior to investing, Tom spent 8 years in operations. He was the COO of OurDeal, a D2C ecommerce company which grew to 80 people and exited to News Corp in 2011 returning over 4x to investors. He then moved San Francisco with his sister to launch Kanopy, a B2B video streaming platform which exited to KKR in 2020 returning 13x to investors. Immediately prior to Blackbird, Tom was a Partner at US-based Access Ventures.
Kevin Xu is a Principal at The Riverside Company. Since joining Riverside in 2014, Kevin has responsibility to source, diligence, and manage mid-market investments in the software / tech, B2B services and healthcare space. Kevin previously worked in J.P. Morgan’s Investment Banking team. He holds a Bcomm and LLB with Honours from the University of Melbourne.