NeXtGen Biologics Successfully Completes First FDA Audit with Zero 483 Observations




NeXtGen Biologics Successfully Completes First FDA Audit with Zero 483 Observations

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NeXtGen Biologics announced today the successful completion of a two-day inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The inspection concluded with no Form 483 observations issued, underscoring the company’s commitment to quality, compliance, and operational excellence.

“Our vision has always been to pair scientific innovation with uncompromising integrity,” said Jonelle Toothman, co-founder and CEO of NeXtGen Biologics. “Completing this inspection with no observations highlights both the rigor of our quality systems and the high standards our team holds in every aspect of their work.”

A form 483 observation is issued when FDA inspectors identify conditions that may violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Concluding an inspection without observations is an important validation of a company’s quality and compliance practices.

This successful inspection represents a key step as NeXtGen Biologics advances its ECM platform technology. The company is continuing research and development to support future applications in wound care, surgery, and other medical disciplines.

About NeXtGen Biologics, Inc.

Headquartered in Alachua, FL, NeXtGen Biologics is a medical device company with a suite of patents covering an extracellular matrix (ECM) platform technology derived from the axolotl. Leveraging expertise in medical devices and breakthrough tissue technologies, the company is developing advanced solutions to address complex challenges in wound care, trauma, plastic surgery, cardiovascular disease, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and ophthalmology.

Contact:
Jonelle Toothman, 904-599-3264, jltoothman@nextgenbiologics.com

NeXtGen Biologics Successfully Completes First FDA Audit with Zero 483 Observations




NeXtGen Biologics Successfully Completes First FDA Audit with Zero 483 Observations

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NeXtGen Biologics announced today the successful completion of a two-day inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The inspection concluded with no Form 483 observations issued, underscoring the company’s commitment to quality, compliance, and operational excellence.

“Our vision has always been to pair scientific innovation with uncompromising integrity,” said Jonelle Toothman, co-founder and CEO of NeXtGen Biologics. “Completing this inspection with no observations highlights both the rigor of our quality systems and the high standards our team holds in every aspect of their work.”

A form 483 observation is issued when FDA inspectors identify conditions that may violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Concluding an inspection without observations is an important validation of a company’s quality and compliance practices.

This successful inspection represents a key step as NeXtGen Biologics advances its ECM platform technology. The company is continuing research and development to support future applications in wound care, surgery, and other medical disciplines.

About NeXtGen Biologics, Inc.

Headquartered in Alachua, FL, NeXtGen Biologics is a medical device company with a suite of patents covering an extracellular matrix (ECM) platform technology derived from the axolotl. Leveraging expertise in medical devices and breakthrough tissue technologies, the company is developing advanced solutions to address complex challenges in wound care, trauma, plastic surgery, cardiovascular disease, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and ophthalmology.

Contact:
Jonelle Toothman, 904-599-3264, jltoothman@nextgenbiologics.com

BRKZ to accelerate KSA construction industry with new $30m finance facility as mega projects take off




BRKZ to accelerate KSA construction industry with new $30m finance facility as mega projects take off

BRKZ, the leading B2B managed marketplace for building materials in Saudi Arabia, has secured up to $30 million in growth debt from Stride Ventures. The facility will enhance BRKZ’s capabilities to offer flexible payment solutions in the construction sector, enabling its network of partner factories and contractors and driving growth in the supply chain for raw materials.

Riyadh, Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Saudi Arabia preparing to host global events such as Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, and giga-projects like King Salman Park, Diriyah Gate, Qiddiya, and The Red Sea Project advancing, the country’s construction market is shifting gears from boom to blockbuster – where efficient materials procurement and innovative financing solutions are emerging as the next catalysts for sustainable growth. BRKZ today announced it has secured up to $30 million in growth debt from Stride Ventures, to strengthen its position as one of the key innovators in tailored embedded financing for the Kingdom’s building materials market.

This announcement follows BRKZ’s earlier equity rounds totaling $22.5 million, with the latest round fully covered by repeat investors including BECO, BNVT Capital, Better Tomorrow Ventures and Aramco’s Wa’ed, a strong signal of long-term confidence in the company’s business model. In 2024, BRKZ grew revenues by 4× while maintaining healthy unit economics. Since launch, the company has processed SAR 3.14 billion (≈ $837M) in RFQs, expanded its catalog to more than 7,500 SKUs sourced from 1,300 suppliers, and onboarded over 850 unique contracting companies and factories across the Kingdom.

As a further mark of recognition, BRKZ was hand-picked into the Saudi Unicorns Program, highlighting its position as one of the Kingdom’s most promising growth companies, strategically aligned with national priorities.

Founded in 2022 by serial entrepreneur Ibrahim Manna, BRKZ was built to address inefficiencies in construction procurement: fragmented supply chains, manual processes, and cash flow gaps faced by contractors and factories that slow down projects execution and increase costs. Through its tech-enabled managed marketplace, contractors and factories can secure competitive quotes within minutes and leverage embedded financing tailored to construction cash flow cycles.

Ibrahim Manna, Founder & CEO of BRKZ, said: “This growth debt facility from Stride Ventures strengthens our ability to support contractors and factories with more flexible payment and financing enablement options across the Saudi building materials market. It allows us to further expand our tailored embedded financing ecosystem, helping customers manage project cash flows more efficiently. With the recognition of being hand-picked into the Saudi Unicorns Program, we are firmly positioned to scale as the procurement and financial enablement partner of choice for contractors and factories nationwide. Stride has a proven track record of backing companies with similar models, making them the right partner to support us as we scale this vision in Saudi Arabia.”

Khaled Hamada, General Manager of AlFanar Contracting, added: “BRKZ’s financing enablement solutions have been a game-changer for our projects. Having access to tailored payment terms through their platform allowed us to execute multiple projects across Saudi Arabia more efficiently, while meeting tight deadlines without the usual financing hurdles. Their approach gives contractors like us the confidence and flexibility to scale with the pace of the Kingdom’s giga-projects.”

The BRKZ team. 

As projects such as Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, and Expo 2030 continue to shape the construction landscape, the sector is increasingly focused on efficiency, financial flexibility, and innovation. BRKZ’s financing enablement led model is designed to give contractors and factories the tools to execute reliably, even in a challenging market environment.

Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, Founder & Managing Partner, Stride Ventures, said: “BRKZ is a standout startup, building the financing infrastructure to match the pace and scale of Saudi Arabia’s construction transformation under Vision 2030. This partnership reflects our commitment to the region’s entrepreneurial economy, with our GCC expansion set to deploy half a billion dollars across the region by 2026.”

Fariha Ansari Javed, Partner, Stride Ventures, said:“We are proud to back BRKZ as it pioneers innovative financing solutions for Saudi Arabia’s building materials sector. Having previously partnered with leaders in similar models in India, we believe BRKZ is well-positioned to replicate and localize that success in the Kingdom. Their strong execution, rapid scale, and alignment with national priorities make them a true standout in the region.”

Looking ahead, BRKZ will continue investing in AI-driven procurement tools, expanding its flexible payment enablement suite, and growing its supplier network across Saudi Arabia and international markets such as the Far East and India. The company is also doubling down on cloud manufacturing models and supply/off-take arrangements to further support the growth and resilience of factories and raw materials sourcing in the Kingdom.

Media images can be found here. 

About BRKZ
BRKZ is a B2B managed marketplace transforming construction procurement in Saudi Arabia. By connecting contractors and factories with suppliers through a tech-enabled platform, BRKZ provides access to thousands of SKUs, competitive pricing, and technology-enabled payment and financing enablement solutions. With a focus on efficiency and transparency, BRKZ empowers MENA’s construction sector to meet the ambitious goals. For more information please visit https://brkz.com/en 

About Stride Ventures
Stride Ventures is a leading global venture debt and private credit platform with a presence across India, the GCC, the UK, and Southeast Asia. With over USD 1.3 billion in credit enabled globally across multiple vehicles, Stride has partnered with 180+ portfolio companies across high-growth sectors. Recognized as a 4-time Venture Debt Investor of the Year (India), Stride continues to expand its global footprint with the recent close of its ADGM Fund, through which it has committed to deploying USD 500 million in the GCC by 2026.

CONTACT: For further information please contact the BRKZ press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257

BRKZ to accelerate KSA construction industry with new $30m finance facility as mega projects take off




BRKZ to accelerate KSA construction industry with new $30m finance facility as mega projects take off

BRKZ, the leading B2B managed marketplace for building materials in Saudi Arabia, has secured up to $30 million in growth debt from Stride Ventures. The facility will enhance BRKZ’s capabilities to offer flexible payment solutions in the construction sector, enabling its network of partner factories and contractors and driving growth in the supply chain for raw materials.

Riyadh, Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Saudi Arabia preparing to host global events such as Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, and giga-projects like King Salman Park, Diriyah Gate, Qiddiya, and The Red Sea Project advancing, the country’s construction market is shifting gears from boom to blockbuster – where efficient materials procurement and innovative financing solutions are emerging as the next catalysts for sustainable growth. BRKZ today announced it has secured up to $30 million in growth debt from Stride Ventures, to strengthen its position as one of the key innovators in tailored embedded financing for the Kingdom’s building materials market.

This announcement follows BRKZ’s earlier equity rounds totaling $22.5 million, with the latest round fully covered by repeat investors including BECO, BNVT Capital, Better Tomorrow Ventures and Aramco’s Wa’ed, a strong signal of long-term confidence in the company’s business model. In 2024, BRKZ grew revenues by 4× while maintaining healthy unit economics. Since launch, the company has processed SAR 3.14 billion (≈ $837M) in RFQs, expanded its catalog to more than 7,500 SKUs sourced from 1,300 suppliers, and onboarded over 850 unique contracting companies and factories across the Kingdom.

As a further mark of recognition, BRKZ was hand-picked into the Saudi Unicorns Program, highlighting its position as one of the Kingdom’s most promising growth companies, strategically aligned with national priorities.

Founded in 2022 by serial entrepreneur Ibrahim Manna, BRKZ was built to address inefficiencies in construction procurement: fragmented supply chains, manual processes, and cash flow gaps faced by contractors and factories that slow down projects execution and increase costs. Through its tech-enabled managed marketplace, contractors and factories can secure competitive quotes within minutes and leverage embedded financing tailored to construction cash flow cycles.

Ibrahim Manna, Founder & CEO of BRKZ, said: “This growth debt facility from Stride Ventures strengthens our ability to support contractors and factories with more flexible payment and financing enablement options across the Saudi building materials market. It allows us to further expand our tailored embedded financing ecosystem, helping customers manage project cash flows more efficiently. With the recognition of being hand-picked into the Saudi Unicorns Program, we are firmly positioned to scale as the procurement and financial enablement partner of choice for contractors and factories nationwide. Stride has a proven track record of backing companies with similar models, making them the right partner to support us as we scale this vision in Saudi Arabia.”

Khaled Hamada, General Manager of AlFanar Contracting, added: “BRKZ’s financing enablement solutions have been a game-changer for our projects. Having access to tailored payment terms through their platform allowed us to execute multiple projects across Saudi Arabia more efficiently, while meeting tight deadlines without the usual financing hurdles. Their approach gives contractors like us the confidence and flexibility to scale with the pace of the Kingdom’s giga-projects.”

The BRKZ team. 

As projects such as Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, and Expo 2030 continue to shape the construction landscape, the sector is increasingly focused on efficiency, financial flexibility, and innovation. BRKZ’s financing enablement led model is designed to give contractors and factories the tools to execute reliably, even in a challenging market environment.

Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, Founder & Managing Partner, Stride Ventures, said: “BRKZ is a standout startup, building the financing infrastructure to match the pace and scale of Saudi Arabia’s construction transformation under Vision 2030. This partnership reflects our commitment to the region’s entrepreneurial economy, with our GCC expansion set to deploy half a billion dollars across the region by 2026.”

Fariha Ansari Javed, Partner, Stride Ventures, said:“We are proud to back BRKZ as it pioneers innovative financing solutions for Saudi Arabia’s building materials sector. Having previously partnered with leaders in similar models in India, we believe BRKZ is well-positioned to replicate and localize that success in the Kingdom. Their strong execution, rapid scale, and alignment with national priorities make them a true standout in the region.”

Looking ahead, BRKZ will continue investing in AI-driven procurement tools, expanding its flexible payment enablement suite, and growing its supplier network across Saudi Arabia and international markets such as the Far East and India. The company is also doubling down on cloud manufacturing models and supply/off-take arrangements to further support the growth and resilience of factories and raw materials sourcing in the Kingdom.

Media images can be found here. 

About BRKZ
BRKZ is a B2B managed marketplace transforming construction procurement in Saudi Arabia. By connecting contractors and factories with suppliers through a tech-enabled platform, BRKZ provides access to thousands of SKUs, competitive pricing, and technology-enabled payment and financing enablement solutions. With a focus on efficiency and transparency, BRKZ empowers MENA’s construction sector to meet the ambitious goals. For more information please visit https://brkz.com/en 

About Stride Ventures
Stride Ventures is a leading global venture debt and private credit platform with a presence across India, the GCC, the UK, and Southeast Asia. With over USD 1.3 billion in credit enabled globally across multiple vehicles, Stride has partnered with 180+ portfolio companies across high-growth sectors. Recognized as a 4-time Venture Debt Investor of the Year (India), Stride continues to expand its global footprint with the recent close of its ADGM Fund, through which it has committed to deploying USD 500 million in the GCC by 2026.

CONTACT: For further information please contact the BRKZ press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257

Pave Bank raises $39 million to scale world’s first programmable bank built for digital assets and AI era




Pave Bank raises $39 million to scale world’s first programmable bank built for digital assets and AI era

Pave Bank announces fundraising led by Accel to expand its corporate and institutional bank offering that unifies traditional finance with regulated digital assets.

Singapore, Oct. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The future of finance is shifting on-chain. As that shift accelerates, the world’s financial system is being rebuilt around tokenisation, the programmability of money and assets, along with a focus on regulation, risk and compliance. Pave Bank, a fully licensed commercial bank built for this new financial architecture, today announced it has raised over $39 million in funding led by Accel, with participation from Tether Investments, Quona Capital, Wintermute Ventures, Helios Digital Ventures, Yolo Investments, Kazea Fund, and GC&H Investments. The round brings the company’s total funding to more than $44 million and positions Pave Bank to expand its regulatory footprint, accelerate product development, continue to build institutional grade infrastructure and scale its client coverage across global markets.

Pave Bank founders: (L to R) Simon Vans-Coina, Salim Dhanani and Dima Bocharov. 

Pave Bank was founded on two core ideas: that the future of money is programmable, and that businesses need a regulated, bank-grade counterparty capable of operating seamlessly across both traditional and digital asset rails. Today, the company offers a single platform that unifies commercial banking services – deposit accounts, broad payment coverage, deep FX liquidity, payment card issuance and corporate treasury management – with institutional-grade digital asset management, an instant settlement network and an OTC trading desk. Instead of managing multiple providers for fiat banking, custody, and liquidity, clients can operate across both systems under one regulatory framework, one compliance standard, and one interface.

“The global financial system is moving towards regulated on-chain finance, and institutions need a trusted bridge between the old and the new,” said Salim Dhanani, Co-Founder and CEO of Pave Bank. “We have built a mulit-asset bank that merges the stability and prudential oversight of traditional finance with the automation, speed, and intelligence of digital assets. This is about redefining how money moves safely, transparently, and automatically across the world’s financial systems.”

Businesses using Pave Bank can manage both fiat and digital assets in real time, automate treasury operations, and reduce reliance on intermediaries. An exchange or market maker can manage both digital assets, fiat and fixed income treasury products in one place, and at the same time, deal with their counterparties using the Pave Network – enhancing operational liquidity and mitigating operational risk. Corporates exploring using stablecoins in their operations can unify digital assets and fiat corporate treasuries with regulatory clarity and in a secure manner – improving speed, control, and cost efficiency. 

Since launching, Pave Bank has focused on building a sustainable, technology-driven operating model rather than chasing top-line growth. The company achieved profitability in seven of its first nine months of operation – a rare milestone for a newly licensed bank – by leveraging automation and AI across software engineering, compliance, operations, and treasury functions. With a team of just over fifty people, the bank expects to continue to scale intelligently while maintaining profitability along with a core focus on risk and compliance. 

“The companies we serve are large, sophisticated corporations and institutions operating across markets,” Salim Dhanani added. “They expect their bank to be as fast and adaptive as the technology companies they partner with, but with the security, compliance, and oversight of a regulated financial institution. That’s the gap we’re closing.”

Pave Bank’s backers share this conviction. “As digital assets become an integral part of the global financial ecosystem, there is a strong need for a well regulated, full reserve approach to banking at the intersection of fiat and digital assets. Pave Bank is at the forefront of this fundamental shift in how financial infrastructure operates and we are excited to partner with them,” said Rachit Parekh, Partner at Accel.” 

“By powering mainstream fintechs and digital platforms through its programmable banking infrastructure, Pave is leading the new age transformation in financial services and enhancing the experience for end-users.” said Ganesh Rengaswamy, Quona Capital. “Pave’s programmable, full-reserve approach combines the best of traditional banking and digital assets and has the potential to catalyze widespread adoption of stablecoins, deepening financial inclusion across markets. It’s an ambitious vision grounded in real-world execution.”

The financing reflects growing institutional demand for a new kind of financial institution  – one that can manage regulated digital assets, from stablecoins to bitcoin, alongside everything that is expected from a commercial bank, provide instant settlement and programmable flows, and have prudential oversight. Pave Bank has been building within regulatory frameworks for digital assets from day one, and as these regulations mature and harmonize, Pave Bank is working directly with regulators to ensure compliance and interoperability across jurisdictions.

Looking ahead, Pave Bank plans to expand its licensing coverage, deepen its programmable treasury and institutional financial  products, and integrate with major financial and digital asset ecosystems. The long-term vision is to become the trusted corporate and institutional global financial institution -the place where the traditional and digital economies finally operate as one.

Media images can be found here. 

About Pave Bank
Pave Bank is a fully regulated programmable commercial bank built for the modern economy. We enable corporates and institutions to run fiat and regulated digital assets side by side – with an instant settlement network, stablecoin and digital asset management, programmable money flows, comprehensive payment solutions and corporate treasury management. Our mission is to make money move safely, intelligently, and automatically across the world’s financial systems.

Pave Bank, with a Singaporean holding company, holds a banking license issued by the National Bank of Georgia and a bank representative office in London, United Kingdom. Pave Bank is in the process of expanding its presence globally with offices in the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America,  Hong Kong and within the European Economic Area. 

About Accel
Accel is a global venture capital firm that is the first partner to exceptional teams everywhere, from inception through all phases of private company growth. Atlassian, Browserstack, Bumble, CrowdStrike, Facebook, FalconX, Freshworks, Flipkart, Qualtrics, Scale, Segment, Slack, Spotify, Swiggy, and UiPath are among the companies Accel has backed over the past 40+ years. We help ambitious entrepreneurs build iconic global businesses. For more, visit www.accel.com or @Accel on X.

About Tether Investments
Tether Investments is the dedicated investment arm of Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin. With global reach, Tether Investments deploys capital from Tether’s profits to back pioneering founders and companies at the intersection of technology, infrastructure and real-world utility. From frontier markets to advanced digital ecosystems, Tether Investments partners with teams building the platforms, protocols and innovations that shape the future of finance and commerce. For more, visit www.tether.io or follow @Tether_to on X.

About Quona Capital
Quona Capital is a leading global venture capital firm dedicated to investing in innovative technology companies that drive financial inclusion and economic opportunity in emerging markets. With a focus on Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, India, and Southeast Asia, Quona partners with visionary entrepreneurs building scalable solutions for consumers and SMEs. Our team brings deep fintech expertise and hands-on experience across both emerging and developed markets, backing businesses that drive financial inclusion while delivering strong financial returns. Learn more at www.quona.com.

CONTACT: For further information please contact the Pave Bank press office on press@pavebank.com  

Enabled Talent Launches from Brampton to Tap Into the World’s Largest Untapped Workforce




Enabled Talent Launches from Brampton to Tap Into the World’s Largest Untapped Workforce

BRAMPTON, Ontario, Oct. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With over 600 million people with disabilities globally facing unemployment rates between 70–90%, Enabled Talent officially launched its full-scale inclusive employment platform from Brampton’s Innovation District, expanding internationally with a regional rollout in Africa.

Founded by a partially blind entrepreneur and powered by the lived experience of its founding team, Enabled Talent is more than a job board, it’s a next-gen, AI-powered ecosystem designed to connect employers with untapped talent and make inclusive hiring frictionless. The platform helps governments, employers, colleges, and nonprofits unlock accessible pathways to employment – supporting everything from hiring to onboarding and workplace inclusion.

Each year, the global economy loses over $1.9 trillion in GDP due to the exclusion of people with disabilities from the workforce. Enabled Talent aims to close this gap—one accessible job at a time.

“Brampton is proud to be the launching ground for Enabled Talent—a platform that combines innovation with compassion and puts inclusion at the heart of workforce transformation. This global expansion, starting with Africa, showcases how our city’s Innovation District is supporting startups that turn potential into progress and create opportunities for all.”
— Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Enabled Talent highlights Brampton’s growing role as a hub for innovation and inclusive growth. Developed right here in our Innovation District, it shows how local creativity and purpose can address some of the world’s biggest challenges, like disability employment, while setting a global standard for inclusive technology.”
— Gurpartap Singh Toor, Chair, Economic Development Committee, City of Brampton

“Enabled Talent is helping shift the narrative from accommodation to opportunity. At CBDIN, we believe that when employers remove barriers and tap into disability-inclusive talent pipelines, they unlock innovation, resilience, and stronger economic performance. We’re excited to see Enabled Talent advancing this work and look forward to opportunities to collaborate in building a more accessible and prosperous future for all.”
— Eve Adams, Executive Director & President of the Board, Canadian Business Disability Inclusion Network (CBDIN)

“Amandeep and his team showcase the strength and potential of Brampton’s innovation ecosystem,” said Vikram Khurana, CEO of BHive Brampton. “Enabled Talent’s journey from Brampton NEXT to global markets shows what’s possible when purpose meets perseverance.”

The launch event gathered key leaders including Councillor Rod Power (Chair, Accessibility Advisory Committee), Zubair Patel (Director, Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships, BHive), Chris Carder (Director, Schulich Startups, York University), Lindsey Mazza (Lawyer and Disability Advocate), and Mark and Valarie Wafer (Disability Rights Activists), who joined in celebrating this milestone.

Enabled Talent offers inclusive features such as bias-free job matching, DEI analytics, accessibility-first design, and inclusive onboarding support. Pilots have already begun across Canada, USA, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Mali with employer sign-ups, nonprofit collaborations, and university hiring hubs underway.

This work directly supports Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) and the national vision for a Barrier-Free Canada by 2040, helping build a future where employment is truly inclusive—by design.

About Enabled Talent

Enabled Talent is an AI-powered employment platform focused on building inclusive, accessible workplaces. Founded in Brampton, Canada, the platform connects people with disabilities, employers, NGOs, and universities to foster inclusive hiring at scale.

Website: www.enabledtalent.com

Media Contact:
Jeby James
Co Founder & CTO
jeby@enabledtalent.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a1646881-4c5f-4969-a625-3b3184d922fc                  

Investa to Lead a New Era of Accessible Options Trading at The London Investor Show 2025




Investa to Lead a New Era of Accessible Options Trading at The London Investor Show 2025

– CEO Alec Beasley to demystify options trading for UK investors –

London – Investa, the UK’s first zero-commission options trading app (other fees may apply), will champion education and inclusivity in options trading at The London Investor Show 2025.

On Friday, 24th October, Alec Beasley, CEO and co-founder of Investa, will appear on the OpenStage Theatre (11:05am – 11:35am) to present “Speculate, Hedge, and Earn Income with Options.” In his session, he’ll highlight options trading strategies and explain how Investa is empowering UK investors to participate more confidently in this asset class, one that’s hugely popular in the U.S. but has remained underdeveloped in the UK due to many barriers to entry. Drawing on his extensive experience as a former Citi Equity Derivatives Sales Associate, Beasley brings deep market knowledge and insights that will help make options trading more approachable for private investors.

Investa will return to the stage at 12:30pm in the Auditorium for The Lunchtime Summit, a panel discussion chaired by James Baxter-Derrington of The Telegraph. Beasley will join Holly Mead, freelance journalist and former Deputy Money Editor of The Times, and Clem Chambers, a contributing market commentator for Solomon Global, to explore “What Would a £74 Billion Cash Injection Do to UK Markets?” and will provide a unique perspective on market dynamics and the potential impact on private investors.

The Investa app is designed for on-the-go traders seeking a level playing field and access to the same opportunities professionals have enjoyed for years. It provides an intuitive interface and removes jargon, complex options chains, and commissions. The Early Access Launch of its second fundraise on Crowdcube went live on Monday, 20^th October. Visit the Investa page on Crowdcube¹ for more information.

“Our aim with Investa is to give UK investors a clearer and more accessible way to trade options,” said Alec Beasley, CEO of Investa. “We’ve designed the platform to remove the friction points and hidden costs, so that investors can navigate the market more confidently. Investa’s goal is to make the trading experience as straightforward as buying shares. The London Investor Show is the perfect platform to showcase this approach and introduce UK investors to a simpler way of engaging with options trading.”

“Private investors come to The London Investor Show for specialist insights and new opportunities. With Investa, they’re getting both. The team’s Citi background and fintech expertise give them a deep understanding of what UK investors want and the ability to finally make options trading here as accessible as it is in the U.S.,” said Lisa Campbell, founder of Investor Conferences (UK) Ltd.

Join Investa at the London Investor Show 2025

The London Investor Show is taking place on Friday, 24th October 2025 at Novotel London West. Don’t miss the chance to gain valuable insights and network with peers and industry leaders. Get complimentary tickets using the Investa code.

For more information about Investa, visit the website at: https://www.investa.co.uk/

– ends –

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Investa

Investa has built the UK’s first zero-commission options trading app for on-the-go traders. Founded by ex-Citi options brokers who understand the challenges faced by non-US investors and developed by the co-founder of Freetrade (Ian Fuller), Investa aims to level the playing field for private investors by providing an accessible way to trade both stocks and options.

What makes Investa different from other trading apps?

The platform has been designed specifically with options traders in mind and removes the jargon, complex options chains, and commissions to deliver an intuitive and straightforward trading experience. Unlike traditional platforms, Investa focuses on clarity and accessibility:

• Zero commission (other fees apply)
• Cash accounts only, with no margin
• Jargon-free terminology and simplified “options cards” that aim to strip away complexity
• An intuitive interface that has been designed for the on-the-go trader

Investa is a trading name of Investa Markets Ltd, which is an appointed representative of Richdale Brokers & Financial Services Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 1008437). In this capacity, it is permitted to perform the reception and transmission of orders. Investa does not provide investment advice. Individuals should seek advice from a suitably licensed and independent professional advisor.


Visit the website for more information: https://www.investa.co.uk/
Download the app here.

Disclaimer: Capital at risk. All investments carry a varying degree of risk and it’s important you understand the nature of these. The value of your investments can go up or down and you may get back less than your original investment. Options are complex products and not suitable for all investors. Please review Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options prior to engaging in options trading. Fees may apply.

About the London Investor Show

The London Investor Show was launched in 2010 with the sole aim of providing independent investment training and education to private investors and traders in the UK. Alongside Media Partners, MoneyWeek, the London Investor Show delivers this information through a one-day, live event and exhibition – with workshops, seminars, panel sessions, live debates, company presentations and interviews. The London Investor Show, and sister event, the London Trader Show, take place on the same day in the same venue – delegates with a ticket to one event can visit all events.

Friday, 24th October at Novotel London West, W6 8DR. Doors open at 9.30 am and close at 5.00 pm.

For more information, please visit: www.londoninvestorshow.com

For further press information, please contact: Francesca De Franco on 0794 125 3135 or email: francesca.defranco@investa.co.uk  

¹ Crowdcube disclaimer: Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more: https://www.crowdcube.com/explore/risk-warning 

Investa to Lead a New Era of Accessible Options Trading at The London Investor Show 2025




Investa to Lead a New Era of Accessible Options Trading at The London Investor Show 2025

– CEO Alec Beasley to demystify options trading for UK investors –

London – Investa, the UK’s first zero-commission options trading app (other fees may apply), will champion education and inclusivity in options trading at The London Investor Show 2025.

On Friday, 24th October, Alec Beasley, CEO and co-founder of Investa, will appear on the OpenStage Theatre (11:05am – 11:35am) to present “Speculate, Hedge, and Earn Income with Options.” In his session, he’ll highlight options trading strategies and explain how Investa is empowering UK investors to participate more confidently in this asset class, one that’s hugely popular in the U.S. but has remained underdeveloped in the UK due to many barriers to entry. Drawing on his extensive experience as a former Citi Equity Derivatives Sales Associate, Beasley brings deep market knowledge and insights that will help make options trading more approachable for private investors.

Investa will return to the stage at 12:30pm in the Auditorium for The Lunchtime Summit, a panel discussion chaired by James Baxter-Derrington of The Telegraph. Beasley will join Holly Mead, freelance journalist and former Deputy Money Editor of The Times, and Clem Chambers, a contributing market commentator for Solomon Global, to explore “What Would a £74 Billion Cash Injection Do to UK Markets?” and will provide a unique perspective on market dynamics and the potential impact on private investors.

The Investa app is designed for on-the-go traders seeking a level playing field and access to the same opportunities professionals have enjoyed for years. It provides an intuitive interface and removes jargon, complex options chains, and commissions. The Early Access Launch of its second fundraise on Crowdcube went live on Monday, 20^th October. Visit the Investa page on Crowdcube¹ for more information.

“Our aim with Investa is to give UK investors a clearer and more accessible way to trade options,” said Alec Beasley, CEO of Investa. “We’ve designed the platform to remove the friction points and hidden costs, so that investors can navigate the market more confidently. Investa’s goal is to make the trading experience as straightforward as buying shares. The London Investor Show is the perfect platform to showcase this approach and introduce UK investors to a simpler way of engaging with options trading.”

“Private investors come to The London Investor Show for specialist insights and new opportunities. With Investa, they’re getting both. The team’s Citi background and fintech expertise give them a deep understanding of what UK investors want and the ability to finally make options trading here as accessible as it is in the U.S.,” said Lisa Campbell, founder of Investor Conferences (UK) Ltd.

Join Investa at the London Investor Show 2025

The London Investor Show is taking place on Friday, 24th October 2025 at Novotel London West. Don’t miss the chance to gain valuable insights and network with peers and industry leaders. Get complimentary tickets using the Investa code.

For more information about Investa, visit the website at: https://www.investa.co.uk/

– ends –

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Investa

Investa has built the UK’s first zero-commission options trading app for on-the-go traders. Founded by ex-Citi options brokers who understand the challenges faced by non-US investors and developed by the co-founder of Freetrade (Ian Fuller), Investa aims to level the playing field for private investors by providing an accessible way to trade both stocks and options.

What makes Investa different from other trading apps?

The platform has been designed specifically with options traders in mind and removes the jargon, complex options chains, and commissions to deliver an intuitive and straightforward trading experience. Unlike traditional platforms, Investa focuses on clarity and accessibility:

• Zero commission (other fees apply)
• Cash accounts only, with no margin
• Jargon-free terminology and simplified “options cards” that aim to strip away complexity
• An intuitive interface that has been designed for the on-the-go trader

Investa is a trading name of Investa Markets Ltd, which is an appointed representative of Richdale Brokers & Financial Services Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 1008437). In this capacity, it is permitted to perform the reception and transmission of orders. Investa does not provide investment advice. Individuals should seek advice from a suitably licensed and independent professional advisor.


Visit the website for more information: https://www.investa.co.uk/
Download the app here.

Disclaimer: Capital at risk. All investments carry a varying degree of risk and it’s important you understand the nature of these. The value of your investments can go up or down and you may get back less than your original investment. Options are complex products and not suitable for all investors. Please review Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options prior to engaging in options trading. Fees may apply.

About the London Investor Show

The London Investor Show was launched in 2010 with the sole aim of providing independent investment training and education to private investors and traders in the UK. Alongside Media Partners, MoneyWeek, the London Investor Show delivers this information through a one-day, live event and exhibition – with workshops, seminars, panel sessions, live debates, company presentations and interviews. The London Investor Show, and sister event, the London Trader Show, take place on the same day in the same venue – delegates with a ticket to one event can visit all events.

Friday, 24th October at Novotel London West, W6 8DR. Doors open at 9.30 am and close at 5.00 pm.

For more information, please visit: www.londoninvestorshow.com

For further press information, please contact: Francesca De Franco on 0794 125 3135 or email: francesca.defranco@investa.co.uk  

¹ Crowdcube disclaimer: Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more: https://www.crowdcube.com/explore/risk-warning 

Chipmind launches from stealth with $2.5m for its AI agents to speed chip making




Chipmind launches from stealth with $2.5m for its AI agents to speed chip making

Chipmind’s technology is designed to shorten chip development cycles. Its AI agents solve real-world chip design and verification tasks autonomously, helping engineers save 40% of their time on repetitive low-level tasks.

Zurich, Oct. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today Chipmind, the first European startup building AI agents to accelerate the development of microchips, launches Chipmind Agents, optimized to empower engineering teams in semiconductor companies to speed-up the path from specification to chip manufacturing. 

Chipmind Agents are a new class of AI agents designed to automate and optimize the most complex chip design and verification tasks. Uniquely built upon each customer’s own proprietary, design-specific data, these agents seamlessly integrate into existing workflows, intelligently self-adapting to the specific design context, auto-customizing for proprietary EDA tools, and understanding the entire chip design hierarchy. Functioning as a fully aware and collaborative co-worker, Chipmind Agents enhance engineering productivity by autonomously executing complex, multi-step tasks while ensuring the human engineer always remains in full control. This holistic and purpose-built approach is designed to dramatically reduce time-to-solve cycles within any custom chip design environment, empowering teams to achieve results faster.

Chipmind Founders: Harald Kröll and Sandro Belfanti.

The evolution of chip design has created powerful, deeply embedded EDA tool flows that were not designed for interaction with modern AI agents. Recognizing that these critical systems can’t be discarded, we developed Chipmind’s agent-building technology. This foundational platform is the key to unlocking AI’s potential, as it prepares a company’s current designs and development environment for agentic automation. Instead of replacing legacy systems, our technology makes them ready for the future of chip design.

“In the semiconductor industry, deep customization and data protection are fundamental, but true design awareness is what separates a generic tool from an intelligent partner. Each company’s chip is a complex hierarchy with unique constraints, surrounded by a proprietary environment of tools and workflows,” said Harald Kröll, Co-Founder and CEO of Chipmind. “That is the reality we built for. Our ‘design-aware’ agents are engineered to holistically understand the entire chip context, not just the surrounding tools. We’ve found this deep awareness is the key that unlocks productivity, translating directly into significant time savings on the most complex tasks, all while integrating seamlessly into existing workflows.”

Chipmind is the first European startup focusing on AI agents for chip design and verification, its origin story is built on the strong, trusting relationship between its founders, Harald Kröll and Sandro Belfanti, who met during their PhD studies at ETH Zurich. Both have extensive experience in AI and chip design, and have developed more than 20 chips, ranging from modems for mobile phones to system-on-chip solutions.

“Anyone who’s spent time in chip development knows how much of the work is repetitive and time-consuming, demanding precision but not necessarily creativity,” said Sandro Belfanti, Co-Founder and CTO of Chipmind. “Throughout my career developing chips at top-tier semiconductor companies, I’ve often wished for a solution that could magically take care of those tedious tasks so I could focus on solving real engineering challenges. With Chipmind Agents, we’re finally bringing that solution to life: AI agents that can autonomously handle the boring parts, letting engineers focus on what truly matters: innovation.”

The semiconductor industry is at a critical inflection point. As the demand for more powerful chips continues to skyrocket, the complexity of designing them has grown exponentially, pushing traditional methodologies to their limits. This is no longer a problem that can be solved by simply hiring more engineers. Concurrently, a new generation of engineers is becoming increasingly accustomed to working with AI tools and agents, creating fertile ground for a new market of intelligent, collaborative design solutions. This confluence of need and acceptance sets the stage for a new paradigm: the integration of sophisticated AI agents into the core of chip design. This human-AI collaboration is the key to managing immense complexity, unlocking engineering creativity, and ultimately enabling the next generation of technology that will define our future.

Chipmind has successfully raised $2.5M in its pre-seed round, led by Founderful with participation of prominent angel investors from the semiconductor industry. This investment allows Chipmind to expand its world-class engineering team, accelerate product development, and deepen its engagements with key industry players.

Edouard Treccani, principal at Founderful, added: “In a world buzzing with AI every day, Chipmind stands out as a refreshingly real solution to a problem Harald and Sandro have spent 20 years deep in. From day one, they’ve built in close dialogue with the market, and the early feedback has been remarkably positive. Founderful is thrilled to be part of their journey!

Discover how agentic AI can accelerate your design cycles. Request your demo with our team today.

Media images can be found here. 

About Chipmind 
Chipmind is the first European startup dedicated to creating AI agents that accelerate the development of microchips. By making existing chip design environments and EDA tool flows AI-ready, Chipmind empowers semiconductor companies to shorten development cycles, reduce errors, and foster innovation. Founded by a team of semiconductor and AI experts, the company is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

About Founderful 
Founderful (formerly Wingman Ventures) is the leading Swiss pre-seed fund, backing ambitious founders from day zero to exit. With a hands-on, founder-first approach, Founderful has invested in over 60 startups, building a portfolio of Switzerland’s most promising tech companies.

CONTACT: For further information please contact the Chipmind press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +447714007257.

Chipmind launches from stealth with $2.5m for its AI agents to speed chip making




Chipmind launches from stealth with $2.5m for its AI agents to speed chip making

Chipmind’s technology is designed to shorten chip development cycles. Its AI agents solve real-world chip design and verification tasks autonomously, helping engineers save 40% of their time on repetitive low-level tasks.

Zurich, Oct. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today Chipmind, the first European startup building AI agents to accelerate the development of microchips, launches Chipmind Agents, optimized to empower engineering teams in semiconductor companies to speed-up the path from specification to chip manufacturing. 

Chipmind Agents are a new class of AI agents designed to automate and optimize the most complex chip design and verification tasks. Uniquely built upon each customer’s own proprietary, design-specific data, these agents seamlessly integrate into existing workflows, intelligently self-adapting to the specific design context, auto-customizing for proprietary EDA tools, and understanding the entire chip design hierarchy. Functioning as a fully aware and collaborative co-worker, Chipmind Agents enhance engineering productivity by autonomously executing complex, multi-step tasks while ensuring the human engineer always remains in full control. This holistic and purpose-built approach is designed to dramatically reduce time-to-solve cycles within any custom chip design environment, empowering teams to achieve results faster.

Chipmind Founders: Harald Kröll and Sandro Belfanti.

The evolution of chip design has created powerful, deeply embedded EDA tool flows that were not designed for interaction with modern AI agents. Recognizing that these critical systems can’t be discarded, we developed Chipmind’s agent-building technology. This foundational platform is the key to unlocking AI’s potential, as it prepares a company’s current designs and development environment for agentic automation. Instead of replacing legacy systems, our technology makes them ready for the future of chip design.

“In the semiconductor industry, deep customization and data protection are fundamental, but true design awareness is what separates a generic tool from an intelligent partner. Each company’s chip is a complex hierarchy with unique constraints, surrounded by a proprietary environment of tools and workflows,” said Harald Kröll, Co-Founder and CEO of Chipmind. “That is the reality we built for. Our ‘design-aware’ agents are engineered to holistically understand the entire chip context, not just the surrounding tools. We’ve found this deep awareness is the key that unlocks productivity, translating directly into significant time savings on the most complex tasks, all while integrating seamlessly into existing workflows.”

Chipmind is the first European startup focusing on AI agents for chip design and verification, its origin story is built on the strong, trusting relationship between its founders, Harald Kröll and Sandro Belfanti, who met during their PhD studies at ETH Zurich. Both have extensive experience in AI and chip design, and have developed more than 20 chips, ranging from modems for mobile phones to system-on-chip solutions.

“Anyone who’s spent time in chip development knows how much of the work is repetitive and time-consuming, demanding precision but not necessarily creativity,” said Sandro Belfanti, Co-Founder and CTO of Chipmind. “Throughout my career developing chips at top-tier semiconductor companies, I’ve often wished for a solution that could magically take care of those tedious tasks so I could focus on solving real engineering challenges. With Chipmind Agents, we’re finally bringing that solution to life: AI agents that can autonomously handle the boring parts, letting engineers focus on what truly matters: innovation.”

The semiconductor industry is at a critical inflection point. As the demand for more powerful chips continues to skyrocket, the complexity of designing them has grown exponentially, pushing traditional methodologies to their limits. This is no longer a problem that can be solved by simply hiring more engineers. Concurrently, a new generation of engineers is becoming increasingly accustomed to working with AI tools and agents, creating fertile ground for a new market of intelligent, collaborative design solutions. This confluence of need and acceptance sets the stage for a new paradigm: the integration of sophisticated AI agents into the core of chip design. This human-AI collaboration is the key to managing immense complexity, unlocking engineering creativity, and ultimately enabling the next generation of technology that will define our future.

Chipmind has successfully raised $2.5M in its pre-seed round, led by Founderful with participation of prominent angel investors from the semiconductor industry. This investment allows Chipmind to expand its world-class engineering team, accelerate product development, and deepen its engagements with key industry players.

Edouard Treccani, principal at Founderful, added: “In a world buzzing with AI every day, Chipmind stands out as a refreshingly real solution to a problem Harald and Sandro have spent 20 years deep in. From day one, they’ve built in close dialogue with the market, and the early feedback has been remarkably positive. Founderful is thrilled to be part of their journey!

Discover how agentic AI can accelerate your design cycles. Request your demo with our team today.

Media images can be found here. 

About Chipmind 
Chipmind is the first European startup dedicated to creating AI agents that accelerate the development of microchips. By making existing chip design environments and EDA tool flows AI-ready, Chipmind empowers semiconductor companies to shorten development cycles, reduce errors, and foster innovation. Founded by a team of semiconductor and AI experts, the company is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

About Founderful 
Founderful (formerly Wingman Ventures) is the leading Swiss pre-seed fund, backing ambitious founders from day zero to exit. With a hands-on, founder-first approach, Founderful has invested in over 60 startups, building a portfolio of Switzerland’s most promising tech companies.

CONTACT: For further information please contact the Chipmind press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +447714007257.