A few years ago, Andrea Murray and Nikki Fuller set out to transform the property leasing landscape. Today, their start-up, Spek Technologies, has been acquired by Monochrome Corporation, a multi-investment and crypto-asset financial services group. The platform they developed streamlines administrative tasks for landlords and commercial leasing agents, making the process more efficient and accurate.
Spek’s innovative approach quickly caught the attention of Monochrome, whose acquisition of the company aligns with its strategic focus on technology that improves the operational capabilities of financial institutions, particularly those involved in crypto investment.
Reflecting on the acquisition, Murray expressed her delight, saying, “We’re so excited. When you start something like this, you have an open mind about an exit strategy but we didn’t expect it so soon.”
Before officially launching on August 1, 2023, Spek secured a successful round of capital raising. The company also brought on board Dion Jensen, a former high-ranking executive from Flight Centre Travel Group and Travelex, as its CEO. Spek’s swift success is a testament to its ability to address a real need within the commercial leasing and property sector.
Place Estate Agents Eyes Major Expansion in Queensland
Place Estate Agents has ambitious plans to significantly grow its presence in the Queensland real estate market, targeting a more than twofold increase in its footprint over the next eight years. The expansion began with the recent opening of Place Redcliffe Peninsula, following closely behind the launch of Place Cleveland just two months earlier.
The company, which has been operating for 22 years, aims to add 19 new franchise agencies in key areas such as Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, and the Moreton Bay region. Chief Executive Damian Hackett explained that the expansion is part of Place’s strategic 2032 business plan, which focuses on establishing offices in high-growth areas.
Leading the Moreton Bay Region office is Jess Culling, who, according to Hackett, embodies the values and work ethic that Place cherishes. “This expansion marks a pivotal step in our strategic 2032 business plan,” Hackett said. Meanwhile, Emma Miller heads Place Cleveland, adding further momentum to the company’s growth strategy.
Monopoly: Sunshine Coast Edition to Launch in 2025
After years of public demand, the iconic board game Monopoly is set to introduce its first-ever Sunshine Coast edition, launching in 2025. Following the popularity of Monopoly: Gold Coast Edition in 2018 and the more recent success of Monopoly: Gympie Edition, it was only a matter of time before the Sunshine Coast got its own version of the classic game.
Jaimie-Lee de Niet from Winning Moves, the company producing the game under license from Hasbro, shared her excitement, saying, “We’ve been getting requests for years to create a Sunshine Coast board, so it’s been on our radar for a long time.”
Starting this week, locals can submit their suggestions for landmarks they want to see featured on the board. Some of the potential contenders include the Big Pineapple and the popular Eumundi Markets. As the community gears up to roll the dice on this custom-made edition, the iconic Monopoly tokens, first introduced in 1935, will once again take their place on the board alongside Sunshine Coast landmarks.
