With 558% Revenue Growth, Aditude Ranks No. 28 on Inc. Magazine’s List of Fastest Growing Companies: Northeast Region

With 558% Revenue Growth, Aditude Ranks No. 28 on Inc. Magazine’s List of Fastest Growing Companies: Northeast Region




With 558% Revenue Growth, Aditude Ranks No. 28 on Inc. Magazine’s List of Fastest Growing Companies: Northeast Region

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inc. magazine today revealed that Aditude is No. 28 on its fourth annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Northeast list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing Northeast private companies, based in Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Northeast economy’s most dynamic segment–its independent small businesses.

Quote from CEO Jared Siegal
“Aditude’s growth has been beyond my wildest dreams and we’re thrilled to rank #28 in the highly competitive Northeast region. Recognition like this from Inc. Magazine is validation for all the hard work we’ve put in over the years. A big thank you to our team, their approach to monetization and trust from all of our publisher partners. You’ll be seeing us next year too, you can count on that.”

The companies on this list show a remarkable rate of growth across all industries in the Northeast region. Between 2020 and 2022, these 198 private companies had an average growth rate of 155.84 percent; by 2023, they’d also added 14,560 jobs and $15.7 billion to the region’s economy.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: Northeast, including company profiles, can be found at inc.com/Northeast starting February 27, 2024. You’ll also find an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria.

“The honorees in our Inc. 5000 network are the Who’s Who of private companies. They’re energizing regional economies as they engineer the future of their industries. Learn who they are and what they do — they’ll be impacting things for a while,” said Eric Hagerman, Special Projects Editor at Inc. Media.

About Aditude
Aditude, an Inc. 5000 company, helps publishers scale their programmatic revenue with their ad optimization platform and industry-leading advertising partnerships. Aditude’s advertising and engineering teams help publishers save precious time and money while increasing their bottom line. For more information, visit aditude.com.

Contact: For more information on Aditude, please visit aditude.com or email brandon@aditude.com for media kit and press inquiries.

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Regionals  

About Inc. Media  
The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. 

The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.  

 

NEC X Invests in Technology Startup, WeWALK, to Advance Mobility Solutions for Visually Impaired People

NEC X Invests in Technology Startup, WeWALK, to Advance Mobility Solutions for Visually Impaired People




NEC X Invests in Technology Startup, WeWALK, to Advance Mobility Solutions for Visually Impaired People

NEC X invests in WeWALK; startup integrates NEC’s computer-vision technology to further advance its smart cane navigation technology

PALO ALTO, Calif. and LONDON, Feb. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NEC X, Inc., the pioneering venture studio backed by NEC’s world-class technological innovation and expertise, today announced its investment in WeWALK, a UK-based startup providing mobility solutions for blind and visually impaired people. Having previously raised a Seed round led by Nesta Impact Investments, with this new strategic investment, WeWALK will integrate NEC’s computer-vision technology into the next-generation of its smart mobility solutions.

WeWALK strives to solve some of the toughest challenges for blind and visually impaired people. Its patented smart cane technology and smartphone app leverage cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect above-ground obstacles through ultrasound while retaining the standard white cane’s ground feedback. Users are alerted through vibrations and automatic voice feedback, helping them navigate their surrounding environment. The smart cane also provides automatic voice feedback to the user to inform them of nearby shops, restaurants, public transportation, etc.

WeWALK was awarded the NEC X Prize at NEC Innovation Challenge 2022 and was invited to join Elev X! Venture Studio Program. Through mentoring, technical implementation discussions, and validations involving NEC researchers, this investment decision was made to provide more comprehensive support. Currently, we are on a project aimed at implementing spatial recognition features using computer-vision technology from the NEC Laboratories America into its next-generation mobility solutions.

“We’re incredibly excited by NEC X’s investment in advancing our smart cane technology with their cutting-edge computer vision. This collaboration strengthens our mission to empower visually impaired people with greater mobility and independence. We look forward to making a significant positive impact together,” said Gokhan Mericliler, CEO & Co-founder, WeWALK.

“We are honored to have the opportunity for NEC’s technology to contribute to realizing WeWALK’s vision of ensuring that every visually impaired person has the freedom to go wherever they want to go,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO, NEC X. “NEC X will continue its activities aimed at providing comprehensive support, including funding and technology, to globally active startups like WeWALK, and together, we will work to expand our businesses.”

More information about WeWALK can be found at https://wewalk.io.

Those interested in participating or learning more about NEC X’s Elev X! Venture Studio Program as entrepreneurs, partners or investors can visit https://elev-x.com.

NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. All rights reserved. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. ©2023 NEC Corporation.

About NEC X
NEC X, Inc. offers its Venture Studio Program “Elev X!” to empower startup founders to elevate their ideas into dynamic tech-driven ventures. Building on the strength of NEC Corporation’s technologies, NEC X helps founders swiftly launch and magnify their business scale. Strategically located in Silicon Valley, the company taps into the heart of the startup ecosystem and remains at the forefront of the high-technology market. Discover more at https://nec-x.com or by emailing contact-us@nec-x.com.

About WeWALK
Founded in 2019, WeWALK is a UK-based startup with a mission to enhance the mobility of visually impaired people. It leverages cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to provide innovative solutions, such as the smart cane. WeWALK’s technologies enable blind and visually impaired people to enjoy greater mobility, safety, and independence. For more information, visit https://wewalk.io.

Media Contact:
NEC X Inc.
Sandy Fewkes (Kiterocket)
+1-408-529-9685
sfewkes@kiterocket.com

Revolutionary Partnership Between iCause and CheapBills is Changing the Fundraising Landscape in Australia

Revolutionary Partnership Between iCause and CheapBills is Changing the Fundraising Landscape in Australia




Revolutionary Partnership Between iCause and CheapBills is Changing the Fundraising Landscape in Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cost-of-living crisis of 2024 continues to impact charities and fundraisers in Australia, a dynamic collaboration between iCause and CheapBills is poised to reshape the landscape of fundraising. The brand-new crowdfunding platform introduces a groundbreaking approach to giving back, blending charitable donations with everyday consumer choices and allowing individuals to donate without needing to part with any money.

Why is iCause Different?

In a climate of soaring living costs and a shrinking charitable donor pool, iCause stands out as a beacon of hope for charities, communities, schools, sports clubs, and individuals alike. What sets iCause apart is its world-first Switch and Donate utility feature, a unique solution that allows supporters to contribute to their favourite causes without spending a cent.

Powered by a partnership with CheapBills & moveinconnect, an Australian Utility comparison service ABN number 66 168 166 667, iCause transforms the act of switching utility providers into a donation opportunity. When supporters use CheapBills to compare and switch service providers like electricity and gas plans, NBN plans and Pay TV, a generous 30% of the commission goes directly to the iCause campaign of their choice. This innovative model ensures that every household saving becomes a means of support for a worthy cause.

For example, an $87 donation can be generated by switching electricity and gas plans with the potential to exceed $500 by choosing to switch multiple utility providers, capitalising on the best electricity deals available. It’s a win-win! Not only can Australians save on their bills through this comprehensive electricity comparison, but also boost charity donations at the same time. Donor still has the option to donate through conventional forms such as Visa, Mastercard, Amex and PayPal.

Shaping the Future of Fundraising in Australia

With charitable donations down in 2023, this first-of-its-kind platform is positioned to revolutionise the way fundraising works by opening the field to people who cannot spare money to donate via traditional means, but who can benefit from saving on their utility bills.

For charities grappling with supporter fatigue or facing the reality of maxed-out donor budgets, iCause is the solution.

Partnership Opportunity

iCause, a platform dedicated to positive change, announces open partnership opportunities with charities, schools, community groups, sports clubs, and individuals. The highlights include inclusive collaboration, a user-friendly interface for easy campaign management, multichannel engagement options, and mobile accessibility through the iCause app. To get started, interested parties can create a profile, set up a campaign, and utilize various engagement tools. iCause aims to foster a community of change-makers committed to making a positive impact.

For media inquiries or partnership opportunities

Muhammad Haider

info@icause.com.au
0430035554
www.icause.com.au

VoxelSensors Expands its Spatial and Empathic Computing Solutions with Gaze Tracking, Acquires EyeWay Vision’s IP, and Unveils the Plan for its First Spatial Awareness System for Mobile

VoxelSensors Expands its Spatial and Empathic Computing Solutions with Gaze Tracking, Acquires EyeWay Vision’s IP, and Unveils the Plan for its First Spatial Awareness System for Mobile




VoxelSensors Expands its Spatial and Empathic Computing Solutions with Gaze Tracking, Acquires EyeWay Vision’s IP, and Unveils the Plan for its First Spatial Awareness System for Mobile

BRUSSELS, Belgium, Feb. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VoxelSensors, a leading startup in sensing technologies, announced a significant step towards real-life communication and intuitive interaction in the digital world. This strategic announcement, unveiled at MWC Barcelona, entails the acquisition of EyeWay Vision’s intellectual and industrial property, along with their expertise in gaze tracking and projection technology for XR. By seamlessly integrating this technology with its innovative Single Photon Active Event Sensor (SPAES), VoxelSensors strengthens its leading position in Spatial and Empathic Computing for Mobile and XR to unlock next-generation user experiences across various devices.

This expansion follows the closing of VoxelSensors’ €9.5 million Seed Round, empowering its ambition to spearhead the fusion of depth sensing and gaze tracking for stellar spatial and empathic immersive experiences. The company is set to expedite the development and rollout of its technology with an upcoming Series-A funding round.

VoxelSensors acquires EyeWay Vision’s IP to advance Spatial and Empathic Computing
On a track to enhance spatial and empathic computing experiences, VoxelSensors has completed the acquisition of EyeWay Vision’s industrial and intellectual property (IP) portfolio and know-how. Founded in 2014, EyeWay Vision is an Israeli company pioneering immersive XR glasses. Its innovation includes a novel gaze-contingent projection architecture including underlying technology, such as dynamic exit pupil shifter, varifocal foveated projection, laser-based gaze tracker, and efficient sequential graphical pipeline.

This architecture simultaneously addresses many critical XR requirements, such as:

  • Power efficiency for all-day use, daylight visibility, and dynamic range
  • Solution for vergence accommodation conflict
  • Continuous varifocal interaction
  • Zero perceived latency and image persistence
  • Virtually pixel-less and photorealistic perceived 5K image
  • Situational awareness due to wide dynamic field-of-view

With this acquisition, VoxelSensors further strengthens its portfolio. The combined technology holds promise for truly immersive experiences across diverse sectors like entertainment, health, shopping, education, and professional applications.

“The acquisition of EyeWay Vision’s IPs and the mobile depth system mark key milestones for VoxelSensors,” stated Johannes Peeters, CEO of VoxelSensors. “Together, these advancements position us as a major player in the rapidly evolving spatial and empathic computing market for mobile and XR devices. By combining our technologies, we can offer seamless and intuitive interactions in these domains, significantly enhancing user experience while utilizing our efficient SPAES sensor.”

SPAES for Mobile
At MWC, VoxelSensors will preview its first Spatial Awareness system for mobile, powered by a single SPAES sensor and a single illuminator. This novel system is part of the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of low-power, low-latency, and precise spatial awareness and empathic computing for intuitive user interfaces, biometric face authentication, enhanced photos and videos, and mobile augmented experiences.

“The combined power of Single Photon Active Event Sensing and EyeWay Vision’s technology addresses customer demands for power-efficient, low-latency, and precise perception and interaction systems. This opens exciting new opportunities for integration in mobile and XR platforms, with fully immersive and intuitive experiences that redefine spatial and empathic computing,” said Ward van der Tempel, CTO of VoxelSensors. “The synergy of technologies pushes the boundaries of what is possible and marks a major step forward in our industry.”

VoxelSensors at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2024
Visit VoxelSensors at MWC Barcelona (stand 7G51) and 4YFN Barcelona (stand D11) between the 26th and 29th of February for the SPAES demo experience. Contact sales@voxelsensors.com to schedule a meeting.

VoxelSensors

About VoxelSensors
VoxelSensors develops groundbreaking sensing technology for Spatial and Empathic interfaces and Mobile, XR, and industrial applications. Our proprietary Single Photon Active Event Sensor (SPAES) technology and system architecture are designed to fulfill the demands of end-product manufacturers seeking power-efficient, low-latency spatial awareness, gaze tracking, and intuitive interaction solutions. By transcending the experience barrier, our technology propels the growth of the Mobile and XR markets while satisfying the rising demand for Spatial and Empathic applications across various industries.

The foundational SPAES technology enables a revolutionary sequential system based on Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) that are single-photon sensitive and uniquely deliver low-power, low-latency data paths, and highly precise information. This game-changing innovation unlocks the full potential of immersive and autonomous experiences, transforming consumer electronics, smartphones, wearables, and industrial applications. To learn more, visit us at https://voxelsensors.com.

For Press Information contact:
Karina Kovalenko – MarCom Manager
Email: press@voxelsensors.com
Website: https://voxelsensors.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voxelsensors

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/11b664cc-3530-4738-a521-afad572cba57

Renew Capital Achieves Investment Milestone, Launches Next Pan-African Tech Fund

Renew Capital Achieves Investment Milestone, Launches Next Pan-African Tech Fund




Renew Capital Achieves Investment Milestone, Launches Next Pan-African Tech Fund

Investing in asset-light, tech-enabled businesses across Africa

DENVER and NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amidst a surge of new funds in Africa’s thriving tech sector, Renew Capital has emerged as a distinctive player. With a dual purpose of generating returns for investors and founders, and rebranding Africa’s global image from a place of giving to a place of investing, Renew Capital is making significant strides. Founded by Matt and Laura Davis, who transitioned from their lives in Washington, D.C. to Africa’s investment landscape in 2012, Renew Capital is a seasoned player in the continent’s venture capital industry.

“In 2012, we were among the first investment firms in Ethiopia. Much of our early work involved educating the market about what an investment firm does,” says Matt Davis, co-CEO of Renew Capital. Now operating in 14 countries, Renew Capital aims to be one of Africa’s leading investment firms by 2025.

“We began investing into individual deals through the Renew Capital Angels Network, now comprising more than 200 families mainly from the U.S. and Canada,” adds Laura Davis, co-CEO. “We are grateful to have members of the Renew Capital Angels visiting Kenya this week on an EconTourism trip. This visit underscores our commitment to directly engaging with and understanding the ecosystems where we invest, fostering deeper connections between our investors and the African entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

In 2023, the firm launched the Renew Venture Lab Fund series, focusing on early-stage tech and tech-enabled companies. With a “founder first” approach, Renew Capital prioritizes the character and vision of founders. “We believe in founders with integrity, intelligence, grit and vision who can lead their countries forward,” explains Matt.

Renew Venture Lab Fund 1 was designed to support startups at the forefront of innovation with scalable and sustainable business models, focusing on asset-light companies for a resilient and adaptable portfolio. Some of the companies that Renew Capital has invested in with Renew Venture Lab Fund 1 include Opareta, a Ugandan startup enhancing the efficiency of mobile money operations with a comprehensive digital platform; Mpost, which is transforming postal services with its technology; Octavia Carbon, leading in carbon capture and sustainability efforts; Scale, making strides in logistics; Sawa Energy, making renewable energy solutions more accessible in East Africa; Bosso, addressing the critical need for affordable housing in Zambia through its online marketplace for building materials and financing solutions; Tappi, a Kenyan innovation enabling SMEs to rapidly establish their online presence and access digital advertising and Level Africa, a regulated fintech innovator streamlining the investment process.

Following the closing and deployment of capital from Renew Venture Lab Fund 1, Renew Capital is now launching Renew Venture Lab Fund 2 (RVL2). This fund is designed to invest in up to 50 tech startups across Africa, offering training and support to founders and their teams. The most successful companies in RVL2 will be eligible for larger investments from Renew Capital Fund 1, the firm’s growth-stage investment fund.

“At Renew Capital, we aim to back exceptional founders who will shape Africa’s economic future,” Matt concludes.

About Renew Capital

Renew Capital is a pan-African investment firm backing innovative founders building world-class companies in Africa. The firm manages investments for a global network of HNIs, foundations and family offices seeking financial returns and sustainable social impact.

Investments with Renew Capital are speculative in nature and involve a high degree of risk. The information in this press release is not intended as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any investment vehicle (an “Investment Vehicle”) managed by Renew Capital or its affiliates. Such an offer or solicitation may be made only by the delivery of subscription agreements relating to an Investment Vehicle and specifically delivered by Renew Capital to the recipient thereof. Investment in an Investment Vehicle is open solely to “accredited investors” (as defined by the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and, in addition, is intended only for sophisticated investors who meet the investor suitability requirements described in the subscription agreements and who can bear the risk of investment losses, including the potential loss of their entire investment.

MEDIA CONTACT
Laura Davis
ldavis@renewcapital.com

VoxelSensors completes its Seed Round with an Additional €3 Million, Totaling €9.5 Million for XR and Mobile Spatial and Empathic Computing

VoxelSensors completes its Seed Round with an Additional €3 Million, Totaling €9.5 Million for XR and Mobile Spatial and Empathic Computing




VoxelSensors completes its Seed Round with an Additional €3 Million, Totaling €9.5 Million for XR and Mobile Spatial and Empathic Computing

BRUSSELS, Belgium, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VoxelSensors, a leading Belgian semiconductor deep tech start-up, closes its Seed Round with a €3 million in tail investment led by a new investor SFPIM Relaunch with participation from existing investors Qbic Fund and finance&invest.brussels. The funding is an extension of the company’s €5.5 million Seed Round of May 2023, led by Capricorn Digital Growth Fund and Qbic Fund, which now totals €9.5 million.

The investment will boost VoxelSensors’ international growth, technology advancement, and customer engagement for its low-power, low-latency Spatial and Empathic Computing solution for mobile and XR devices. VoxelSensors will also use the funds to prepare for the Series A round to support the company’s ambitions.

Spatial and Empathic Computing is an emerging field that aims to create technology that can enhance user perception based on user intentions for unique and personalized experiences. This technology will enable many applications for consumer electronics and professional applications on XR devices. VoxelSensors strives to make wearables more intuitive and user-friendly and foster the mass-market adoption of mobile and XR applications.

XR wearables and mobile spatial and empathic devices are projected to grow at the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.9% from 2022 to 20271.

“We think that Spatial and Empathic Computing is the future of XR and Mobile technology, and we are happy to be among the pioneers of this field,” said Johannes Peeters, CEO of VoxelSensors. “We are grateful to have secured this investment. It will allow us to keep innovating and developing our technologies to meet customer needs. We appreciate the support of institutional investors who align with our vision and values for the future of spatial and empathic computing in Brussels, Belgium and of electronic-semiconductor companies in Europe. Their investment is a recognition of the quality of our business and the promise of our technology.”

New investor SFPIM Relaunch for the future is a subsidiary of the Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPIM), which is Belgium’s Sovereign Wealth Fund. The main objective of SFPIM Relaunch for the future is anchoring digital technological expertise in Belgium.

“We are delighted to support and invest in this young and ambitious Belgian tech company that is making waves in a highly competitive and strategic market. By supporting deep tech companies like VoxelSensors, SFPIM Relaunch for the future aims to boost Belgium and EU competitiveness in the semiconductors industry, in line with the EU Chip Act objectives that seek to enhance the production and innovation of microelectronics in Europe,” said Céline Vaessen, CEO SFPIM Relaunch.

Qbic Fund is an inter-university venture capital fund that focuses on the transformation of technological breakthroughs into sustainable businesses. They support spin-offs and start-ups that valorize research from Qbic’s knowledge partners in the deep tech, software, biotech, and health tech sectors.

“Qbic is pleased to keep investing in VoxelSensors and further support its Seed Round. The VoxelSensors team has demonstrated consistent progress since we first invested in 2023, delivering their technology roadmap, management skills as well as market penetration. We are also glad to support their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are in line with our values,” said Steven Leuridan, Partner at Qbic Fund.

finance&invest.brussels is a public limited company that facilitates and completes the financing chain of value-creating companies in the Brussels region. They provide financing solutions for start-ups, scale-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), social enterprises, and cooperatives.

“We are happy to reinvest in VoxelSensors, a Brussels deep tech leader in 3D Perception semiconductors,” said Antoine Kuypers, Investment Manager at finance&invest.brussels. “Our investment aligns with the Brussels Region’s goals to foster innovation and green transition. We trust that VoxelSensors and its low-power technology will boost collaboration, productivity, and sustainability in enterprises.”

“Spatial and empathic computing devices need efficient and reliable perception and understanding of user and environment for widespread adoption. This requires a new sensing and algorithmic paradigm,” said Ward van der Tempel, CTO of VoxelSensors. “VoxelSensors’ unique SPAES (Single Photon Active Event Sensor) technology enables low-power and low-latency sensors that combine into a multimodal perception system to connect user gaze and gesture to its environment. This synergy is the heart of successful spatial and empathic computing in XR systems.”

About VoxelSensors
VoxelSensors develops groundbreaking Spatial and Empathic Sensor Fusion technology for Mobile, XR, and industrial applications. Our proprietary SPAES (Single Photon Active Event Sensor) technology and system architecture are designed to fulfill the demands of end-product manufacturers seeking power-efficient and low-latency perception solutions. By transcending the experience barrier, our technology propels the growth of the Mobile and XR markets while satisfying the rising demand for Spatial and Empathic experiences across various industries.

SPAES enables a revolutionary sequential system that delivers low-power Spatial Awareness and a low-latency data path. This game-changing innovation unlocks the full potential of immersive and autonomous experiences, transforming consumer electronics, smartphones, wearables, and industrial applications.

To learn more, visit us at https://voxelsensors.com.

For Press Information contact:
Karina Kovalenko – MarCom Manager
Email: press@voxelsensors.com
Website: https://voxelsensors.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voxelsensors

About SFPIM Relaunch
SFPIM Relaunch is a subsidiary of the Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPIM), Belgium’s Sovereign Wealth Fund. The main objectives of SFPIM Relaunch are to restart the Belgian economy after the impact of Covid, the energy crisis, and to meet the challenges of tomorrow by promoting economic prosperity and employment in Belgium. SFPIM Relaunch is committed to long-term profitability, combined with promoting sound corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. SFPIM Group supports current or future Belgian companies whose business model, in addition to a normal financial return, makes an important contribution to the transition in terms of mobility, inclusion, productivity and/or digitalisation. For more information see SFPIM website.

For Press Information contact:
Joel Decerf
Email: j.decerf@sfpim.be
Website: Our subsidiaries – SFPIM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sfpi-fpim/
sfpim_relaunch_logo.jpeg

About finance&invest.brussels
finance&invest.brussels is a public limited company that facilitates and completes the financing mix for Brussels-based companies with a clear focus on a number of key sectors that promote sustainable economic development and job creation.

The company provides concrete solutions to the financial needs of entrepreneurs, in the form of loans, capital or guarantees, at decisive moments in their journeys. These financing solutions are aimed at start-ups, scale-ups, SMES, but also very small social entities and cooperatives.

For Press Information contact:
Mélusine Baronian – Press & Public Affairs Manager
Email: m.baronian@finance.brussels
Website: https://www.finance.brussels/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/srib/
finance&invest.brussels_logo.jpeg

About Qbic
Qbic Fund is an inter-university sector-agnostic seed and early-stage venture capital fund, supporting young innovative companies that valorize research from Qbic’s knowledge partners. The fund typically participates in the first external investment round of a company and continues to support and invest in these companies throughout their growth. Across 3 funds, Qbic has close to € 200M in AUM.

For Press Information contact:
Steven Leuridan
Email: steven.leuridan@qbic.be
Website: www.qbic.be/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qbic/
qbic_fund_logo.png

_______________________________________________

1 https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/wearable-technology-market

SeedBlink mobilizes €342M in startup investing over 4 years, fueling growth in European tech sector

SeedBlink mobilizes €342M in startup investing over 4 years, fueling growth in European tech sector




SeedBlink mobilizes €342M in startup investing over 4 years, fueling growth in European tech sector

  • In 2023, SeedBlink marked its most active year with 53 deals raised by European startups across 20 different tech-verticals.
  • The platform reports over €815M in asset ownership and €342M in startup investing mobilized for over 250 companies from 15 countries in 4 years.

BUCHAREST, Romania, Jan. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SeedBlink, Europe’s tech-focused venture investment and equity management platform, marks down the most active year of activity in 2023 with 59 deals raised by the next European superstars, including FLOWX.AI, Dronamics and Alcatraz AI, across 20 different tech-verticals. Celebrating 4 years of activity in the European ecosystem, the platform reports over €815M in asset ownership and €342M in startup investing mobilized for over 250 companies from 15 countries with €67M raised through SeedBlink’s community of investors since launch.

The platform now provides 3 main types of investment rounds, including VC-backed rounds, Syndicates and Community Stars, for startups from pre-seed to Series B with investment ranges from €50k to €2M. In 2023, the largest share of rounds is for Seed funding (41%), while top 5 funded verticals based on mobilized amount are Enterprise SaaS (€67M), AI/ML (€55M), FinTech (€9M), Marketplace (€8.5M) and MedTech (€5.5M).

The largest investor portfolios value on SeedBlink is over €900,000 with 49 investments, the average being €6,200 for a retail investor and €44,000 for a sophisticated investor with 25% of all portfolios including 5 or more companies. 

Rising inflation, volatile public markets, a looming global recession, unfortunate international wars, and more have restricted post-pandemic recoveries. But, despite these significant headwinds, SeedBlink has continued to support some of the most innovative startups in Europe that are building the products and services that will shape the world of tomorrow,” states Andrei Dudoiu, President of BoD at SeedBlink.

“Collaborating with SeedBlink on our financing rounds has been an incredibly smooth and easy step in our growth trajectory. We appreciated their flexibility and proactive support as co-investors, leveraging their strong network and syndication infrastructure which helped us consolidate both institutional and private investors,” shares Ioan Iacob, CEO of FLOWX.AI.

Equity management platform Nimity onboarded more than 8,000 company representatives and stakeholders, registering over 1,700 companies’ cap tables implemented and over 500 ESOP beneficiaries on the platform since its launch in June. This moment marked SeedBlink becoming the only European platform offering financing, equity management, and secondaries for private equity on a unified platform.

We enter 2024 with an even greater focus on making equity ownership simpler and more empowering for everyone. Looking ahead to 2024, exciting things await. This year is expected to be a better year for tech startups due to three core reasons: a growth rebound, potential increases in venture capital investment, and an optimistic IPO market,” adds Carmen Sebe, CEO SeedBlink.

Read the full report here for more information on SeedBlink’s impact on the European tech startup ecosystem as it celebrates 4 years of activity.

About SeedBlink
SeedBlink’s mission is to simplify and grow equity ownership in Europe. Through its range of products, financial services, and extensive network, it offers an equity management and tech-focused venture investment platform that enables European startups and their stakeholders to access, manage, and trade equity.

SeedBlink SA is registered in the Register of the Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF), under number PJR28FSFPR/400001 as of November 3, 2022, with an EU passport as per the European Securities and Market Authority (ESMA) register of crowdfunding service providers. Contact us by email: hello@seedblink.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c6335897-b39c-4d2a-96b7-8320c01d8afe

Salestrekker surpasses half a million eSigned envelopes with Annature ahead of 2.0 launch

Salestrekker surpasses half a million eSigned envelopes with Annature ahead of 2.0 launch




Salestrekker surpasses half a million eSigned envelopes with Annature ahead of 2.0 launch

Annature

BRISBANE, Australia, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Salestrekker, a leading CRM and loan origination platform used by thousands of mortgage and finance brokers, today announced a significant milestone in its exclusive partnership with Australian eSigning innovator Annature.

Since adopting Annature’s eSigning technology in February 2022, Salestrekker’s network of nearly 10,000 brokers have sent over half a million ‘envelopes’ to clients for secure and efficient digital signing. This represents 100% growth in the number of completed envelopes compared to Salestrekker’s previous eSigning solution.

As the first broker CRM to effectively digitise the loan process end-to-end, Salestrekker highlighted Annature’s eSignature solution as vital to its overall success. According to Salestrekker CEO and founder Dalibor Ivkovic, the number of platform users has grown 10% in the past 12 months, with particularly strong uptake of eSigning through the platform.

“By removing time-consuming manual processes, Annature’s solution closely aligns with our point-of-difference as a 100% percent digital platform,” Ivkovic said. “Annature is ISO 27001-certified and utilises blockchain technology to keep data stored within the platform, which we consider to be major advantages.”

“Our brokers report that digital signing is far more efficient and intuitive than printing and scanning documents, and the security of Annature’s solution gives them and their clients peace of mind,” he added. Ivkovic also praised Annature’s competitive pricing structure, which facilitated a significant cost saving compared to non-Australian signature companies.

“We’re proud to see the rapid impact of our eSigning solution for brokers using Salestrekker,” said Annature founder and CEO Corey Cacic. “Sending over half a million envelopes in under two years is an incredible achievement, and a clear sign our technology is trusted by finance professionals. We look forward to continuing our partnership and reaching even more brokers in 2024.”

Salestrekker and Annature reached this milestone ahead of the launch of Salestrekker 2.0 in January 2024. The refreshed and modernised platform promises lightning-fast responsiveness on any device, with supercharged automation, exceptional task functionality and all-new tools for commercial brokers (in addition to existing home loan and asset finance tools). In this new iteration, Annature remains Salestrekker’s exclusive eSigning partner.

“We’re excited for our brokers to discover everything Salestrekker 2.0 has to offer,” Ivkovic added. “We estimate brokers spend an average of 15 working hours to process each loan, and our target for Salestrekker is to dramatically reduce that processing time to five hours. With Annature’s eSigning solution already saving our users thousands of hours, we’re confident in meeting this ambitious goal through our continued partnership.”

ABOUT ANNATURE:

Annature is Australia’s leading eSignature and client verification provider, established in 2020. We offer secure and efficient digital signing solutions ideal for businesses needing to send documents electronically and conduct client verifications seamlessly.

ABOUT SALESTREKKER:

Salestrekker is a CRM and loan origination platform for lenders, aggregators, mortgage and finance brokers. The platform helps brokers and sales staff connect with their clients and referral partners, provide credit advice, produce compliance documents and submit loans to over 100 lenders. Salestrekker also presents lender product data and provides extensive tools, calculators and lender gateways essential to providing customers with loans.

Contact
Corey Cacic, Annature CEO
corey@annature.com.au

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ae4ee4d4-eadf-4f77-9ca3-5e0ea92f72a4

Tech, Genes and Beyond – Transforming Biotech

Tech, Genes and Beyond – Transforming Biotech




Tech, Genes and Beyond – Transforming Biotech

Dublin, Jan. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “Startup Series – Tech, genes, and beyond – transforming biotech” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

Biotechnology is crucial in solving global challenges and enhancing human well-being in medicine, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Startups are leading the way, driven by healthcare demands, government support, and technological breakthroughs. AI integration is driving progress in DNA sequencing, drug discovery, and precision medicine. Meanwhile, ambitious projects like longevity research and brain-computer interface implants are gaining momentum. Biotech also plays a crucial role in environmental conservation, addressing issues such as water treatment and biomanufacturing.

The latest Startup Series report, ‘Tech, Genes, and Beyond: Transforming Biotech,’ explores key domains like genomics, neurotechnology, and synthetic biology, providing insights into start-up-driven innovations backed by data and expert analysis.

The report focuses on the market impact of cutting-edge biotechnological innovations in various domains such as agriculture, environment, genomics, and neurotechnology, among others. This report thoroughly explores the biotech landscape as reshaped by startups, spotlighting their innovative solutions and their potential in various industries across eight key domains. By offering in-depth insights into this dynamic field, the report assists industry stakeholders in identifying promising biotech startups and comprehending the implications of their contributions to the industry.

Key Highlights:

  • Stay updated: Biotech is rapidly evolving with impact ranging across several industries.
  • Discover new startups: The report covers promising startups that are working on groundbreaking technologies and solutions.
  • Identify deep tech domains: The report helps in decoding key biotech domains and disruptive startups focused on those domains.
  • Learn about products: Deep-dive into biotech startups researching cutting-edge technologies to offer distinct products.
  • Assess investment potential: Access valuable information for assessing the investment potential of different startups in biotech.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The biotech landscape

  • Introduction and key drivers
  • Select biotech milestones
  • Key enterprise benefits
  • Domains in focus
  • Illustrative startup map

2. Sub-domains and start-up profiles

  • Agriculture
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Cellular research
  • Environment
  • Food and beverages
  • Genomic research
  • Neurotechnology
  • Synthetic biology

3. Challenges and outlook

Company Coverage:

  • Acepodia
  • Air Protein
  • Alto Neuroscience
  • Altos Labs
  • Ansa Biotechnologies
  • Bionaut Labs
  • Bloom Biorenewables
  • BlueNalu
  • Capstan Therapeutics
  • Cellares Corp
  • Cellino Biotech
  • Colossal Biosciences
  • Cumulus Neuroscience
  • Element Biosciences
  • ElevateBio
  • Forge Biologics
  • Generate Biomedicines
  • GenoPalate
  • HydRegen
  • Inari
  • Invaio Sciences
  • Kernel
  • Kula bio
  • Loam Bio
  • Maze Therapeutics
  • Mootral
  • Neuralink
  • PILI
  • Precision Fermentation
  • Prellis Biologics
  • Puraffinity
  • Q Bio
  • Redefine Meat
  • Satellite Biosciences
  • Solugen
  • Tempus
  • UBQ Materials
  • Upside foods
  • Viome Life Sciences
  • WasteFuel Global.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/crrt1n

About ResearchAndMarkets.com
ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world’s leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

CONTACT: 
CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com 
         Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager 
         press@researchandmarkets.com
         For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 
         For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 
         For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 

Chilau Foods Opens Crowdfunding Round Due to Rapid Expansion into Retail Stores Across the U.S.

Chilau Foods Opens Crowdfunding Round Due to Rapid Expansion into Retail Stores Across the U.S.




Chilau Foods Opens Crowdfunding Round Due to Rapid Expansion into Retail Stores Across the U.S.

The soup aisle disruptor has already rallied more than 100 investors in the community crowdfunding round

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Chilau Foods, a rapidly growing food brand known for its Southern-inspired stew and boil bases, today announces it has reached a significant milestone in its equity crowdfunding campaign. More than 100 individual investors have joined the brand’s community funding round as the company rapidly expands into retail locations across the U.S.

While brand names dominate the soup aisle, their offerings primarily revolve around traditional flavors like chicken, beef and vegetable. Chilau’s line of southern-inspired stew and boil bases present a significant opportunity in the retail industry’s soup and bouillon category by offering a unique alternative that taps into the growing demand for authentic, bold and ethnic flavor profiles.

After debuting in January 2023, Chilau quickly picked up momentum as its products are currently available in more than 370 stores across the U.S., including Winn-Dixie, Market Street, Albertsons, United Supermarkets, Harveys Supermarkets, and Plum Market. The company expects to add its products to an additional eight retailers by end of year.

After one week of opening the funding round, Chilau Foods secured funding from 130 investors, working its way toward its goal of $1 million to accommodate its rapid expansion.

In the last six months, Chilau has seen sales increase by 22%. Funding will go toward increasing production in order to meet growing demand – this includes packaging, filling and distribution. Additionally, Chilau will invest in trade spend as the company aims to amplify its marketing and promotional efforts to drive product trial and increase off-the-shelf sales.

“The Chilau brand was developed by listening to our customers, and I am thrilled to give our early backers the opportunity to own a piece of the brand and grow with us,” said Michael Anderson, founder of Chilau Foods. “As Chilau Foods continues its rapid growth into retail, this community round of funding will play a crucial role in expanding our presence and meet growing demand.”

In addition to being a soup aisle disruptor, Chilau Foods is also providing its customers with a new level of accessibility. Chilau has partnered with Consumer Convenience Technologies (CCT) to use the revolutionary EEASY Lid on all of its products. CCT’s patented EEASY Lid is designed to help brands provide an unprecedented level of accessibility to their jarred food products. The EEASY Lid allows consumers to vent a vacuum-sealed jar by simply pressing a button on the lid, reducing the amount of torque needed to twist off the lid by up to 50%. The EEASY Lid will be available on all Chilau products across 700 retailers by the end of March 2024.  

For more information about Chilau Foods and its crowdfunding campaign, visit https://wefunder.com/chilaufoods/.

About Chilau Foods
Chilau Foods is a culinary innovator, specializing in concentrated, better-for-you stew and seafood boil bases that simplify home cooking while delivering bold Southern flavors. Founded on the principle of listening to customer feedback, Chilau Foods has grown from a beloved online brand to a rising star in the retail space.

Contact
Hannah Conley
Uproar PR for CCT
hconley@uproarpr.com
321-236-0102