ASX tech stocks gain from privacy surge in ‘anxiety economy’

• Mounting parental concern is fuelling demand for platforms like Life360 and Tinybeans
• Life360 paid subscribers tipped 2.5 million in June while shares rose 135% in 12 months
• Tinybeans posted a breakthrough Q4 with strong subscriber growth and a 12% lift in annual subscription revenue

Special Report: The “anxiety economy” is booming and tech companies that cater to parents’ need for reassurance are cashing in.

This week, family tracking app Life360 reported record growth, with revenue for the half year to June 30 climbing 34% to $US219 million ($336.2 million) and paid subscribers hitting 2.5 million.

The California-based, ASX-listed company credited rising parental concerns for fuelling its expansion, with new chief executive Lauren Antonoff describing peace of mind as “essential – like wi-fi or electricity.”

Shares surged 8% on the news and are up 135% over the past 12 months.

More than 88 million users globally now use Life360 (ASX:360)’s location tracking – now including options for pets and elderly relatives – as well as driving behaviour monitoring. Its shares have risen more than 81% this year, making it a market favourite among fund managers.

Anxiety economy not yet cornered

While Life360 has cornered the physical safety side of the anxiety economy, another ASX-lister is positioning itself to benefit from mounting parental concerns over digital safety and privacy.

Sydney-founded TinyBeans (ASX:TNY) offers a private, invitation-only photo-sharing and digital journaling platform for families, allowing parents to share milestones without putting images on public social media. In the past year, the company has seen solid subscriber growth as parents reassess the trade-off between convenience and control.

Tinybeans’ recent national survey of 1002 Australian parents found 75% have chosen not to post a photo of their child due to privacy concerns. 67% said sharing updates with grandparents is a priority, but they want to do so safely.

“We’re seeing a decisive cultural shift,” said Tinybeans CEO Zsofi Paterson. “Parents want to stay connected with loved ones, but they’re no longer willing to trade their child’s privacy for the convenience of a public feed. They’re actively looking for safer, more controlled ways to share the moments that matter.”

That shift is translating into tangible growth. Tinybeans reported a breakthrough Q4 FY25, marking what Paterson described as “a step-change for the business”. Global visibility surged after the app was named Apple’s App of the Day in more than 100 countries, driving new subscriber sign-ups and fuelling two consecutive quarters of positive operating cash flow.

Annual subscription revenue rose 12% year-on-year to US$3.32m (A$5.08m), with paid subscribers lifting to ~50,600 in Q4, up from ~50,200 in Q3. Operating cash flow in Q4 was US$141,000 (A$216,000), reversing a US$1.22m outflow in the prior corresponding period, with cash on hand at quarter-end at US$1.71m (A$2.62m).

Chair James Warburton said the results show Tinybeans “is demonstrating that disciplined execution and a clear vision can deliver meaningful results not just operationally, but for families around the world.”

“Whether it’s knowing where your child is or knowing exactly who can see their photo, these are the new essentials for modern parenting,” CEO Zsofi Paterson said.

“For many families, privacy is as critical as safety.”

Tinybeans is set to release its full-year results next week.

This article was developed in collaboration with Tinybeans, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.