Blackbird Deploys $297 Million in September Quarter

The venture capital firm invested in 16 companies as it moves towards a $1 billion target for the 2026 calendar year.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Isometric editorial illustration of a geometric block sculpture in an atrium, representing venture capital growth. — Blackbird deployed $297 million across 16 companies in the September quarter, continuing its strategic expansion into AI and deep technology sectors. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is now a good time to increase investment in large-scale technology and AI infrastructure?

Blackbird deployed $297 million in capital across 16 companies during the September 2026 quarter. This investment strategy prioritises AI infrastructure and deep technology.

Why it matters

The firm’s robust activity reflects a strategic focus on expanding its later-stage portfolio. This growth is heavily influenced by the firm's ongoing commitment to artificial intelligence infrastructure.

The firm deployed $297 million across 16 different companies during the recent quarter. This capital was sourced from a combination of the firm's internal funds and various co-investment vehicles.

The players

Blackbird

Blackbird is a prominent venture capital firm that focuses on investing in technology companies, particularly in the Australian market.

Halter

Halter is a technology company within Blackbird's later-stage portfolio that focuses on agricultural innovation.

Heidi

Heidi is a technology company that forms part of the later-stage portfolio managed by the firm.

PsiQuantum

PsiQuantum is a deep technology company specialising in quantum computing research and development.

Airwallex

Airwallex is a global financial technology company that is a key component of the firm's later-stage investment portfolio.

The details

The firm’s investment activity is centred on its later-stage portfolio, which currently includes companies such as Halter, Heidi, PsiQuantum, Baseten, and Airwallex. The deployment focuses on high-growth sectors including AI infrastructure and deep technology.

Blackbird deployed $297 million in capital during the September 2026 quarter.
The firm is projected to deploy more than $1 billion throughout the full year 2026.

The Tech Race

Blackbird's focus on AI infrastructure aligns with the broader surge in institutional AI infrastructure investment seen across the global venture capital sector. This push marks a shift from general software funding towards the high-cost hardware and foundational models required for modern AI.

For the average user, these investments signal the potential for accelerated development of new AI-driven tools and deep-tech consumer applications. However, the impact on daily workflows will depend on the speed at which these funded companies successfully commercialise their technology.

The takeaway

Blackbird is maintaining a high rate of capital deployment to secure a leading position in the deep technology and AI sectors. Investors and stakeholders should watch for how these 16 companies integrate their new funding to scale operations over the coming year.