Lachlan Drury was fixing wind turbines in remote New South Wales when he first noticed the chaos that could follow a storm — power lines down, repair crews scrambling, and energy companies struggling to see what was happening. Years later, sitting in a New York boardroom, he helped close a $36 million deal that could change how the world’s energy systems respond to crisis. He and childhood friend James Whalley, once neighbours in the small town of Wagga Wagga, have built Gridsight — an artificial intelligence company now backed by Insight Partners, one of the largest tech investors in the world.
Their story matters because energy grids are under more pressure than ever. Storms are stronger, demand is rising, and outages cost billions. Yet many utilities still rely on outdated tools to manage their networks. Gridsight’s AI platform changes that. It pulls in real-time data from satellites, weather stations, and sensors across the grid to predict where damage might occur and help operators act before blackouts spread.
The $36 million raised is one of the largest early-stage rounds for an Australian AI start-up this year. Most of it comes from Insight Partners, known for backing big names like Twitter and Shopify. But local investors also joined, including Sydney-based Main Sequence, which focuses on deep-tech innovation. The money will expand Gridsight’s team in Australia and launch its software with energy providers in the United States and Europe.
What makes Gridsight different is not just the technology — it’s the founders’ roots in regional Australia. They’ve seen firsthand how fragile rural power networks can be. That practical experience shaped a system designed for real-world conditions, not just lab simulations. Now, utilities from Texas to Tasmania are testing it ahead of storm season.
This isn’t just a win for two friends from the bush. It’s proof that breakthrough ideas can come from anywhere — even if you start with little more than a shared dream and a dodgy internet connection. As AI reshapes industries worldwide, Gridsight shows that Australians aren’t just keeping up — they’re helping lead the charge.