Shopify, YouTube, AI & Instagram: how to invest in digital businesses, ft Flippa CEO Blake Hutchison
This episode was originally featured on the Australian Investors Podcast.
In this Australian Business Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask chats with Blake Hutchison, CEO of Flippa, about:
– How Flippa became the world’s largest marketplace for digital businesses
– Why investors are flocking to Shopify, YouTube, and AI-driven businesses
– The infrastructure behind small business M&A in the digital age
– What it takes to successfully buy or sell an online business
If you love learning about digital businesses, private markets, and modern investing opportunities, subscribe to the Australian Business Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube!
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights.
Topics Covered
– Blake Hutchison’s career journey from Lonely Planet and Zero to Flippa
– How Flippa helps entrepreneurs buy and sell digital businesses globally
– The most in-demand assets: Shopify, YouTube, and AI businesses
– Why digital businesses trade at lower multiples than public companies
– How Flippa solves the “cold start problem” in marketplaces
– Deal flow, matching technology, and AI in small business M&A
– Examples of entrepreneurs and strategic buyers using Flippa
– Blake’s advice to his younger self on career and growth
Resources for this episode
Ask a question (select the Business podcast)
Rask Resources
All services
Financial Planning
Invest with us
Access Show Notes
Ask a question
We love feedback!
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @rask.invest
TikTok: @rask.invest
DISCLAIMER:
This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG):
https://www.rask.com.au/fsg
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45:28
Inside Euphemia’s family office: Backing women-led, climate & fintech startups
In this Australian Business Podcast episode, your host Mitchell Sneddon sits down with Judy Anderson-Firth, CEO of Euphemia. Together they discuss the inside story of how one of Australia’s most progressive family offices invests with purpose—backing fintech, climate tech and women-led startups.
Learn how Euphemia’s investment strategy works, the red flags to watch for, and what it means to be a “network-powered” investor
Topics Covered
– The origin story of Euphemia & Judy’s role as CEO
– Why 80%+ of Euphemia’s assets are in venture capital
– Their investment thesis: fintech, climate tech, and women-led startups
– How Euphemia supports founders beyond the cheque
– Why investing in women isn’t just ethical—it’s good business
– Red flags Euphemia looks for during due diligence
– Lessons learned from startup investing & syndicate building
– How investors can start supporting diverse founders today
– How Euphemia invests Dom Pym’s family wealth
– The venture capital strategies behind backing bold founders
– Why Euphemia focuses on fintech, climate tech & women-led startups
– How investors can address systemic bias in venture capital
If you love learning about venture capital, founder investing and impact-driven portfolios, subscribe to the Australian Business Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube!
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights.
Resources for This Episode
– Triple Bubble – Fintech fund powered by Euphemia
– Judy Anderson’s LinkedIn
– UBS: Gender Lens Investing Report 2025
– BCG: Why women-owned startups are a better bet (2018)
– First Round Capital – 10 Year Study on Startup Trends
Rask Resources
- Ask a question (select the Business podcast)
- All services
- Financial Planning
- Invest with us
- Access Show Notes
- Ask a question
- We love feedback!
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @rask.invest
TikTok: @rask.invest
DISCLAIMER:
This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG):
https://www.rask.com.au/fsg
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1:04:09
Investing in startups, unit economics and AI in research
In this Australian Business Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask talks with Joe Magyer about:
– Why Joe launched Seaplane Ventures and the edge of a solo GP
– Transitioning from public markets to early-stage venture
– How to read unit economics and spot real network effects early
– AI’s impact on venture and today’s warmer but selective market
If you love learning about venture capital, SaaS and network effects, subscribe to the Australian Investors Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube!
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights.
Topics Covered
– Seaplane Ventures 101: motivation, fund structure and why Austin helps but isn’t everything
– Process to “yes”: sourcing, diligence checklists, founder fit, reference calls and valuation context
– The market now: post-2021 reset, AI-led momentum and where competition still bites (allocations)
– Final thoughts & how to learn more: why pre-seed/seed remain attractive and where craftsmanship still wins
Show partner resources
Ask a question (select the Business podcast)
Visit TermPlus to learn more
Rask Resources
All services
Financial Planning
Invest with us
Access Show Notes
Ask a question
We love feedback!
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @rask.invest
TikTok: @rask.invest
DISCLAIMER:
This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG):
https://www.rask.com.au/fsg
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57:55
The hidden costs (and gold) of writing a book
In this special episode of the Australian Business Podcast, Drew Meredith (Wattle Partners, host of the Australian Retirement Podcast, and author of The Golden Years) is joined by Gemma Mitchell (host of the Australian Finance Podcast and author of the upcoming The Money Reset).
Together, Drew and Gemma dive into the idea of writing a book as a business strategy. They share why they each decided to write, what the process really looks like, and the unexpected opportunities a book can create. From publisher-led projects to self-publishing paths, they explore the costs, the challenges, and the wins along the way.
Whether you’ve ever thought about writing a book yourself, or you’re curious about how a book can elevate your brand, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look from two people who’ve done it.
In this episode we cover:
– Why a book can be a powerful business strategy
– The writing and publishing process: lessons learned
– Insights into the costs (time, money, and energy)
– Opportunities that flow from publishing a book
– Comparing publishing options: traditional vs self-published
– Examples of how others have used books to build business success
Subscribe for weekly episodes on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
Resources for this episode
Order Gemma’s book on Amazon
Order Drew’s book
Ask a question (select the Business podcast)
Rask Resources
Inflection community
All services
Financial Planning
Invest with us
Access Show Notes
Ask a question
We love feedback!
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @rask.invest
TikTok: @rask.invest
DISCLAIMER:
This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG):
https://www.rask.com.au/fsg
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Turning Honey Into Millions: The Story Behind Flow Hive’s Global Buzz
Cedar Anderson is the inventor behind Flow Hive, the world-famous beekeeping innovation that raised over $12M in crowdfunding and changed how honey is harvested forever. In this Australian Business Podcast episode, host Gemma Mitchell sits down with Cedar to explore how a simple shed experiment with his dad became a global movement, the challenges of scaling a purpose-driven business, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
If you like this episode, you’ll love the series. Subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
Cedar Andeson from Flow Hive talks about:
- The moment Cedar realised there had to be a better way to harvest honey- How Flow Hive’s first prototypes came to life in a backyard shed- The $12M crowdfunding campaign that shook up the beekeeping world- The biggest challenges of scaling from inventors to a global brand- Balancing purpose with profit while donating millions to pollinator projects- Cedar’s lessons for founders launching their own big ideas
Resources for this episode
- Honey Flow website
- Ask a question (select the Business podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest
Rask Resources
Inflection community: https://community.rask.com.au
All services: https://bit.ly/R-services
Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/R-plan
Invest with us: https://bit.ly/R-invest
Access Show Notes: https://bit.ly/R-notes
Ask a question: https://bit.ly/R-quest
DISCLAIMER:
This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Australian Business Podcast is Australia's top business podcast for people building, managing and leading a successful small business in Australia.
Hosted by Zara McGuffie, CEO of Inflection, and Jordan Kidis, co-founder of Grey Space Advisory, whether you're drawing a small business plan on a serviette, have a growing side hustle, you run a business with 10 employees or 100, the Australian Business Podcast will teach you how to grow, manage, market and steer your business to success.
The Australian Business Podcast will help you grow your business faster, take advantage of industry change and opportunities, and identify strategies to make you more profitable.
Hosted by Owen Rask, founder of The Rask Group; plus Jordan Kidis & Danil Goloubev, co-founders at Grey Space Advisory, and Zara McGuffie, CEO of Inflection Marketing. You can take our free business course on Rask by following this link: https://bit.ly/3B9Xekp
Owen's top Australian Business Podcast resources:
Australian Business Podcast - landing page
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⚠️ General information, tax & legal warning ⚠️
The information in this podcast is general information only. That means, the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on the information. In addition, you should obtain and read the product disclosure statement (PDS) before making a decision to acquire a financial product. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is not a licensed tax agent or law firm. If you don’t know what your needs are, you should consult a trusted and licensed financial adviser, tax agent and/or lawyer, who can provide you with personalised advice, tax advice and legal advice. Please read The Rask Group's Terms & Conditions and Financial Services Guide on our website before acting on the information in this podcast.
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