November 2025 Blog Post

Our Learning Curve - the LinkedIn Scandal

November was a steep learning curve for Lyra. It was a month of contrast, one where challenges and milestones happened side by side. We navigated unexpected publicity hurdles, reached a record number of sales, and welcomed the highest number of new hires we’ve had to date.At Lyra, we aim high. We set ambitious goals and aren’t afraid to put ourselves out there knowing that growth often comes with discomfort. This month reminded us that dreaming big also means being prepared to learn quickly when things don’t go as planned.

Midway through the month, Lyra experienced backlash following a LinkedIn post shared by our COO. Much of the response stemmed from misunderstandings about who we are as a company and what we do. To clarify, Lyra is not a startup, and we do not have a product in the traditional sense.

While the majority of the criticism was based on incorrect assumptions, a small portion of the feedback raised valid and thoughtful points. These comments highlighted areas where we could communicate more clearly and operate more effectively.

We take that feedback seriously. Moments like this force us to pause, reflect, and improve. Constructive criticism, even when it comes in difficult moments, helps us grow stronger as a company. We value those perspectives and are committed to learning from them and making meaningful improvements moving forward.

November reinforced an important lesson for us: progress isn’t just about celebrating wins. It’s also about listening, adapting, and continuing to build with intention.

New Recruits

In the midst of the publicity backlash, our engineering team stayed focused and steady. Rather than slowing us down, the month became one of strong execution.

During this period, we closed 11 new contracts  including a deal with one of our largest clients: Chakra. We’re genuinely grateful for the trust our clients placed in us and for the support they showed during a challenging moment for the company.

This surge in new contracts allowed us to raise the starting salary for junior engineers, helping us attract more like minded talent who align with how we work and what we value. It was an important step in continuing to build a strong, motivated team.

November also marked a period of significant team growth at Lyra. Throughout the month, we welcomed:

• Jonathan Liu
• Jayden Lam
• Abyan Majid
• James Walden
• Dylan Nguyen

We’re excited to continue expanding the team and bringing in more talented engineers as we grow.

Lyra External Events

We were thrilled to join TechSpire, the flagship event hosted by UNSW DevSoc, as a guest speaker. TechSpire brings together students, engineers and industry leaders to share real-world insights and bridge the gap between university and the tech industry.Being part of the event gave us the chance to connect directly with the student community, share Lyra’s perspective on growing as engineers, and contribute to a space that actively supports learning, collaboration, and curiosity. It was inspiring to see so many students eager to learn, ask questions, and engage with the challenges and opportunities of the tech world.

Manan flew to Melbourne for the weekend to attend the MLAI AUS Hackathon as a panelist, diving into the city’s fast-growing tech scene. The event brought together a dynamic mix of engineers, designers, sponsers and entrepreneurs all building with remarkable energy and ambition.It was genuinely eye-opening to see the quality of ideas, the level of collaboration, and the strong sense of community coming out of Melbourne. The experience reinforced our excitement to continue engaging with this vibrant ecosystem and expanding Lyra’s presence, while supporting and learning from talented individuals pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.