Misha Saul and Benjamin Plummer Launch AI-Native Holding Company Dragonfly
Australian Financial Review
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Details
- Date Published
- 15 Feb 2026
- Priority Score
- 2
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 15 Feb 2026, 02:00 am
Description
Former EVP investor Misha Saul and Silicon Valley CEO Benjamin Plummer have launched a company to buy out legacy services businesses to transform with AI.
Summary
The article covers the launch of Dragonfly, a venture by former investor Misha Saul and Silicon Valley executive Benjamin Plummer, aimed at transforming legacy service businesses using artificial intelligence. The initiative signals a significant shift from traditional venture capital towards leveraging AI for revitalizing existing companies, potentially setting a precedent for similar endeavors globally. Although the focus isn't explicitly on existential or catastrophic AI risks, this strategic move underscores the growing importance of AI integration across industries and may influence AI governance and policy discussions. The initiative, however, does not directly address safety or governance frameworks concerning AI's potential risks.
Body
TechnologyStart-upsPrint articleTess BennettTechnology reporterFeb 15, 2026 – 12.00pmInvestor Misha Saul has emerged from last year’s highest-profile venture capital controversy to team up with a former Silicon Valley chief executive to launch a company that will buy out services businesses and try to transform their fortunes with artificial intelligence.Saul became the public face of the Strongroom AI saga almost a year ago, after leading his firm EVP’s investment in the pharmacy software start-up, before raising the alarm over an alleged fraud about its financial position.Loading...Tess Bennett is a technology reporter with The Australian Financial Review, based in the Brisbane newsroom. She was previously the work & careers reporter. Message Tess on Signal: @tessbennett.02. Connect with Tess on Twitter. Email Tess at tess.bennett@afr.comSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreStart-upsAIVenture capitalPrivate equityFundingSydneyAppleGoogleOpenAICompany mergersMergers & acquisitionsAnthropicFetching latest articles