Herbert Smith Freehills’ venture capital team has advised Linktree on its US$110 million capital raise at a valuation of US$1.3 billion.
The round was led by existing investors and global investment firm Coatue, and international venture capital firm Index Ventures, with other existing investors including US private equity and venture capital firm Insight Partners and Australian venture capital firm AirTree Ventures.
This new capital will be employed to fund the continued rapid growth and expansion of the company.
Founded in 2016, Linktree is an Australian tech platform and link-in-bio tool which allows users to aggregate their online ecosystems, enabling content engagement as well as eCommerce and helping entrepreneurs, small business owners and creators manage and develop their online presence.
This raise sees Linktree join a handful of Australian companies that have achieved unicorn status including Canva, Culture Amp, GO1, Airwallex and SafetyCulture.
The Herbert Smith Freehills team was led by Co-Head of Venture Capital (Australia) Elizabeth Henderson and solicitor Adam Ong, as well as solicitors Mapa Madhawa and Katherine Duong across the firm’s Sydney and Melbourne offices, working with associated tax practice Greenwoods & Herbert Smith Freehills led by partner Toby Eggleston.
Elizabeth Henderson said, “We have so much enjoyed working with Linktree on its phenomenal growth journey since 2020, which has seen them build a platform that is ubiquitous on social media and is driving the creator economy. This raise is a recognition of their hard work and passion, particularly its founders Alex, Anthony and Nick, that has seen Linktree grow from strength to strength. It is now an Australian unicorn taking its place on the world stage.”
Adam Ong said, “I joined Herbert Smith Freehills in November and within a few months was finalising a raise for one the world’s most innovative social media companies. I’ve really enjoyed working with the team at Linktree.”
Co-Founder and CEO Alex Zaccaria said, “Having the HSF team work alongside us through another major milestone for Linktree has been a great support and helps us on our mission empowering anyone to curate and grow their digital universe.”
This deal is another example of Herbert Smith Freehills’ market-leading work in Australian venture capital raisings in the emerging tech sector. Other recent examples include:
- Mr Yum on its A$89 million Series A capital raise
- SafetyCulture on its A$99 million Series C2 capital raise
- Culture Amp on its A$135 million Series F capital raise and secondary sale
- Who Gives A Crap on its A$41.5 Million Series A capital raise
- Dovetail Research on its US$63 Million Series A capital raise
- Deputy Group on its A$111 million Series B capital raise
