AI exports rattle allies

By the Orchestra editors · 4 min read

TL;DR

Anthropic model blackout sparks G7 debate over US AI access controls, with direct implications for Australian users
Anthropic hires ex-Atlassian exec David Masters to lead A/NZ policy as it builds local presence
Melbourne healthtech Everlab raises $65M Series A led by Airtree
Brisbane biotech warns proposed RDTI reforms could send IP offshore

AI · Worldwide

Anthropic blackout makes US AI dependency a global issue

The Trump administration ordered Anthropic to cut access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models for foreign nationals, triggering a scramble that affected users worldwide. At the G7, Macron and Modi pushed for a "trusted partners" framework so allied nations aren't subject to overnight shutoffs. Australia, as a heavy Claude consumer, has skin in this game.

SpaceX confirms $60B Cursor acquisition

Fresh off the largest IPO ever, SpaceX is buying AI coding platform Cursor for $60 billion in a play to compete with Anthropic and OpenAI for enterprise developer tooling. The deal is expected to close later this year.

Enterprise AI ROI reckoning sets in

Companies that went all-in on token usage are hitting the wall. Uber reportedly burned through its annual AI budget in months, some orgs trimmed Claude licences and Meta killed an internal AI leaderboard. The pattern is a useful signal for AU teams budgeting their own AI spend.

Australian Tech

Anthropic hires David Masters to lead A/NZ policy

Former Atlassian and Microsoft exec David Masters has joined Anthropic as head of policy for Australia and New Zealand, signalling the company is serious about its local government and regulatory relationships even as the export control crisis plays out.

Melbourne's Everlab raises $65M for preventative healthcare

Healthtech startup Everlab closed a $65 million Series A led by Airtree Ventures. The funds will go toward expanding its preventative healthcare platform into international markets.

Brisbane biotech warns RDTI reforms could kill trials

A prominent Brisbane biotech says proposed changes to the R&D Tax Incentive, including a 10-year cap, would cost it $15 million and risk pushing IP offshore. The case highlights broader concern across Australia's deep-tech sector.