Folklore Ventures

Looking for a new opportunity? Join one of our growing portfolio companies – Senior Technical Talent Acquisition Partner @ Arkeus (Melb, Au): https://lnkd.in/gTyZXkH6 Product Support Specialist @ Uptick (UK): https://lnkd.in/gTFbvmJg Electronics Technician @ Hullbot (Syd, Au): https://lnkd.in/gm3FEjx6 Playtest Lead - ClusterCraft Contract @ Strong Compute (Syd, Au): https://lnkd.in/gfyGdahY Account Executive - Investment Banks @ Ansarada (Au): https://lnkd.in/gKHRGxFq Lead Software Engineer @ Komodo Wellbeing (NZ): https://lnkd.in/gKvnNph9 Operations Coordinator - Clinical Trials @ HealthMatch (US): https://lnkd.in/ghK6TqXN TRAM Lead @ Sphere (SF, US): https://lnkd.in/g_RQ5Mxq More open roles: https://lnkd.in/gG-Wutfd

How do autonomous systems operate in smoke, dust, haze and contested environments when traditional sensors fail? At SOF Week 2026 Tampa, Arkeus CEO Simon Olsen and former SOAR operator Patrick McCann discussed why perception is becoming the defining challenge for autonomy with Aviation Week Network. As autonomous systems scale across increasingly complex operational environments, the ability to see, understand and act in real time is becoming essential. Arkeus is building sensing systems designed specifically for AI, enabling operators to accelerate decision-making in degraded and denied environments. Watch the full interview below. https://lnkd.in/gz_CMQNf

Folklore's first cheque - Hullbot. Tom Loefler first built a version of Hullbot as a university assignment at UNSW. What followed was years of iteration - 6 generations of underwater autonomous robots, over 20 versions in total, and a commitment to proving the technology worked at scale. An initial idea became Hullbot: autonomous hull cleaning robots that remove marine growth early and efficiently, helping shipping companies reduce fuel consumption and cut emissions by up to 26%. From a university assignment to a globally recognised technology company - most recently awarded the Australian Good Design Award of the Year - Hullbot continue to expand partnerships globally, as well as closing a $16M Series A that Folklore Ventures was proud to participate in. Read the full story via UNSW Founders: https://lnkd.in/gzZHJeki -- At Folklore, we're first cheque to forever investors. We believe in the power of founder vision and the potential of teams — right from the start.

Destination Queensland for defence tech start-up Arkeus! 📍 Arkeus will establish new advanced manufacturing operations on the Gold Coast, backed by $25 million in global investment led by QIC. Arkeus develops systems that combine advanced sensing with onboard AI to allow autonomous platforms to understand their environment in real time, even in complex conditions where traditional systems struggle. Founded in Melbourne, the company will relocate several roles to the Gold Coast and create 23 jobs locally as it ramps up production to meet demand for more capable technology among defence customers in Australia, the United States and Europe. 🌏 🤔 Why the Gold Coast? Because it has the talent, infrastructure, and industry capability to support the next generation of defence technology. This deal will further strengthen Queensland’s position as a national leader in defence and the Gold Coast as a growing hub for high-tech manufacturing jobs. Crystal Russell, Nicholas Guest, Nick Capell, R+ VC, Folklore Ventures, DYNE Ventures, Main Sequence, Salus Ventures, Beaten Zone Venture Partners

We’re making Queensland the home of advanced manufacturing and world-leading defence innovation. The Crisafulli Government has secured defence tech company Arkeus’ advanced manufacturing operations for the Gold Coast, backed by a $25 million investment led by Queensland Investment Corporation. Arkeus develops AI-powered sensing systems — the “eyes and brains” of autonomous platforms like drones — detecting and responding to threats where traditional systems can fail. And it’ll be built right here in Queensland. After Labor’s decade of decline and missed opportunities, we are getting on with the job of delivering highly-skilled jobs and strengthening sovereign capability. QIC Queensland Treasury Arkeus #defence #innovation #investment #manufacturing

🌏 Genesis Mentors - building alongside the next generation 👀 Meet Rochelle Ritchie. Senior Marketing Manager at Folklore Ventures, Rochelle brings deep expertise in startup GTM, positioning for VC funding, and building standout founder brands. From shaping marketing strategy to navigating PR and engaging journalists, she helps founders cut through the noise and get seen by the people who matter. Because building a great product isn’t enough - you need the right story, in the right room, at the right time. 💡 Genesis at The University of Sydney Business School - where founders build with the people who’ve done it before. #Genesis #USYD #StartupAustralia #Mentor #StartupEcosystem #Marketing #GTM #VentureCapital #PR #FounderBrand #Innovation #NextGen

Defence tech startup Arkeus has secured A$25 million (US$16 million) in a series A round led by QIC Ventures. The new funding will help Arkeus expand globally, build advanced manufacturing facilities in Queensland and the United States, and speed up the delivery of its systems to defence partners in allied countries. Simon Olsen | Jonathan Nebauer 🔗 Read full article link in comment #arkeus #defencetech #startupnews #funding #businessnews #businessupdate #innovation