Rising Australian AI start-up star set to seal $1b 'unicorn' status - AFR

Technology Venture capital Print article Emma Rapaport and Zoe Samios Aug 12, 2026 – 9.00am A year ago, the country’s largest venture capital firm Blackbird Ventures was touting Heidi Health as the fastest-growing start-up ever on its books; now the medical artificial intelligence player is set to seal the coveted billion-dollar unicorn valuation if negotiations with international investors succeed. The company, which is also backed by HESTA, has been highlighting growing global demand for its patient consultation and medical records software to potential backers. People with knowledge of the discussions, who requested anonymity to speak freely, said Heidi Health was raising more than $100 million at a valuation exceeding $1 billion. Loading... Save Log in or Subscribe to save article Share Copy link Copied Email LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Copy link Copied Share via... Gift this article Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Subscribe now Already a subscriber? Login License article Read More Venture capital Start-ups Healthcare HESTA Canva Funding AI Fetching latest articles