Aura and Qoria Unite to Form ASX’s New Digital Safety Powerhouse AXQ
Aura Consolidated Group and Qoria Limited have announced a merger to create AXQ, a global leader in digital safety and cybersecurity, backed by a US$75 million equity raise and targeting strong growth and innovation.
- Merger via scheme of arrangement to form AXQ on ASX
- US$75 million equity placement from existing Aura shareholders
- Combined annual recurring revenue of over US$316 million as of December 2025
- Focus on AI-powered Connected Intelligence across family, school, and workplace
- Targeting positive free cash flow and significant cost synergies in 2026
A Strategic Union in Digital Safety
In a significant move for the cybersecurity and digital safety sector, Aura Consolidated Group, Inc. and Qoria Limited have agreed to merge, creating a combined entity to be listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under the ticker AXQ. This merger aims to establish a global leader in online safety by integrating complementary product suites and leveraging advanced AI capabilities.
The transaction, structured as a scheme of arrangement, will see Aura acquire 100% of Qoria’s shares, with Qoria shareholders receiving CHESS Depository Interests (CDIs) representing 35% of the merged company on a fully diluted basis before an equity placement. The deal is supported by a US$75 million equity placement from existing Aura shareholders, including key executives, at an indicative price of approximately A$12.38 per AXQ CDI.
Financial Strength and Growth Prospects
The combined group boasts an annual recurring revenue (ARR) exceeding US$316 million as of December 2025, with a strong growth trajectory targeting over 20% growth in calendar year 2026. The merger is expected to accelerate the path to positive free cash flow within 2026, driven by anticipated cost efficiencies and revenue synergies.
Post-merger, the group will hold approximately US$65-70 million in cash, with net debt estimated between zero and US$5 million, alongside an undrawn US$50 million debt facility. The transaction is projected to enhance the company’s market capitalisation and elevate its standing within the ASX200 Index.
Harnessing AI and Connected Intelligence
At the heart of the merger’s strategic rationale is the integration of Aura’s proprietary AI platform, Aura Intelligence, with Qoria’s extensive digital safety ecosystem. This fusion, branded as Connected Intelligence, promises a continuous, holistic digital protection experience spanning family, school, and workplace environments.
The combined product portfolio covers a wide spectrum of digital safety needs, including identity protection, parental controls, K12 student safety, device security, and employee benefits solutions. The merger unlocks powerful cross-selling opportunities and global market expansion, with established channels such as MetLife’s employee benefits platform and managed service providers (MSPs) for small and medium businesses.
Leadership and Market Positioning
The merged entity will be led by a blend of Aura and Qoria executives, with Aura’s founder and CEO Hari Ravichandran appointed as Chairman and Qoria’s founder and Managing Director Tim Levy continuing in his leadership role. The board will also include seasoned technology and industry veterans, supported by top-tier institutional investors.
This merger addresses a growing global market estimated at over US$120 billion, encompassing consumer security, family safety, K12 cybersecurity, and SME managed security services, all sectors experiencing double-digit growth driven by escalating digital risks and regulatory focus.
Risks and Next Steps
While the merger presents a compelling growth story, it is subject to customary conditions including shareholder and court approvals, as well as regulatory clearances across multiple jurisdictions. Integration risks, cybersecurity threats, and competitive pressures remain key considerations for investors.
The companies plan to dispatch the Scheme Booklet in early May 2026, with shareholder meetings and regulatory milestones scheduled through mid-2026, aiming for trading commencement of AXQ shares by late June.
Bottom Line?
As Aura and Qoria combine forces, the digital safety landscape braces for a new leader, but the road ahead hinges on regulatory approvals and seamless integration.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the merger deliver the anticipated cost synergies and revenue growth within the projected timeframe?
- How will the combined entity navigate complex regulatory environments across multiple countries?
- What impact will the equity placement and new ASX listing have on share liquidity and investor sentiment?