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OLB Group is Making Omnicommerce and Wireless Plans Accessible to the Underbanked and Revolutionizing Payments for Businesses

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Omnicommerce is an integrated "all-channel" retail approach that provides consistent, seamless and personalized customer experiences, ultimately leading to secure and frictionless payments. It encompasses meeting customers where they are, whether through physical stores, online platforms, social media or other digital spaces. By adopting an omnichannel strategy, businesses can create a unified brand presence and deliver a smooth consumer experience across multiple channels. As technology continues to advance and consumer expectations evolve, the omnicommerce industry will continue to grow and play a significant role in shaping the future of the retail industry. In 2022, the global market size of retail omnichannel commerce platforms was $8.1 billion, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.6% from 2022-2030. Businesses today are investing more in developing omnicommerce solutions, such as mobile websites, apps, personalized email marketing and social media integration. However, not all businesses have the technology to adopt this approach and have to look to third-party technology companies for help. That’s where companies like OLB Group (NASDAQ: OLB) come into play to make omnicommerce more accessible. OLB offers a comprehensive suite of products and services, catering to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as larger organizations. OLB's flagship product, OmniSoft, is a cloud-based e-commerce platform that enables businesses to easily establish an online presence, manage and track their sales and accept payments securely. In June 2023, OLB acquired a controlling interest in black011.com, which encompasses Black Wireless and Mango Mobile, and is beginning to contribute to revenues. These strategic moves enabled the company to offer one Point of Sales (POS) system to customers so they can purchase products and seamlessly reload mobile phone minutes.. OLB is in the process of rebranding these platforms and integrating them into the OLB Payment Platform and ECO Payment system. Ultimately, these acquisitions enable OLB to focus on the rapidly growing underbanked communities. As of 2022, a market study revealed that approximately 13% of American adults were underbanked, a new market that OLB has identified as underserved. Increased accessibility can dramatically help these communities and provide bodegas and convenience stores with a new service to their customers. In November, the company reported a wider-than-expected quarterly loss, but an often overlooked accounting technicality is that the loss was largely due to non-cash depreciation “expense”. However, to underscore the confidence in the company’s future, Chairman and CEO Ronny Yakov acquired a total of 784,212 shares and Vice President Patrick Smith purchased a total of 392,106 shares at an average price of $0.77. OLB also provides various payment processing solutions, such as point-of-sale systems, mobile payment applications and virtual wallets – allowing businesses to accept payments from customers through multiple channels. To date, the company has worked with 10,500 merchants worldwide and secured over 28.5 million transactions annually in over 130 different industries. OLB prides itself on being a comprehensive single solution with over 15 years of experience. The company runs on the SaaS model with pay-as-you-go options, making its platform more accessible to businesses of all sizes. With a modest market capitalization of around $13 million and an annual revenue run rate of over $30 million (one of the lowest Price to Sales ratios of 0.3 times sales vs. a peer average of 1 x sales), OLB Group may represent an opportunity for investors interested in participating in the broadening out of the payments industry to include more of the underbanked. The emergence of omnicommerce reflects the next evolution in e-commerce for both businesses and customers alike and the growing recognition of payments as a cornerstone in every customer journey. With the convenience and accessibility of online shopping, customers now expect a seamless and personalized shopping experience across various touchpoints. With a commitment to empowering businesses with efficient and secure payment solutions, OLB is establishing itself as a trusted provider in the payments industry. Featured photo by Mark König on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

February 29, 2024 08:20 AM Eastern Standard Time

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BitTorrent Chain Spotlighted in Reports by CoinMarketCap and Reflexivity Research

BitTorrent Chain

Singapore / February 28, 2024 / - BitTorrent Chain (BTTC), a pioneering force in blockchain interoperability and scalability, has been featured in recent reports by CoinMarketCap (CMC) and Reflexivity Research, highlighting its growing influence in the blockchain sector. CoinMarketCap's report offers a deep dive into the cross-chain interoperability sector, where BTTC stands out for its unique approach to connecting diverse blockchain networks. The report emphasizes BTTC's infrastructure, ecosystem, and innovative tools like BitTorrent Bridge, BitTorrent Chain Converter, and BitTorrent Wallet. Highlighting BTTC's efficiency in facilitating seamless cross-chain transactions, and its role in addressing liquidity fragmentation across blockchains. Reflexivity Research's report chronicles BitTorrent’s evolution, from a file-sharing protocol to a key component in the blockchain space. The analysis delves into the technology and functionalities of BTTC, including its three-tier architecture comprising the Root Contracts Layer, the Delivery Layer, and the BTTC Layer. The report also covers BitTorrent Chain’s tokenomics, underlining how BTTC leverages its architecture to enhance cross-chain communication, thereby contributing to the growing significance of interoperability in the blockchain landscape. Together, these reports illustrate BTTC's robust technology, showcasing its potential to drive significant advancements in the blockchain sector. The recognition from CoinMarketCap and Reflexivity Research reflects BTTC's role in shaping the future of cross-chain interoperability and decentralized applications. For more detailed insights and comprehensive analyses, readers are encouraged to explore the full reports by CoinMarketCap and Reflexivity Research. About BitTorrent Chain BitTorrent Chain (BTTC) is the world’s first heterogeneous cross-chain interoperability protocol, which adopts the PoS (Proof-of-Stake) mechanism and leverages sidechains for the scaling of smart contracts. It now enables interoperability with the public chains of Ethereum, TRON, and BNB Chain. Fully compatible with EVM, BitTorrent Chain facilitates the seamless transfer of assets across mainstream public chains. The governance token BTT, also known as BTTOLD on TRON Protocol was granted statutory status as authorized digital currency and medium of exchange in the Commonwealth of Dominica on October 7th 2022. Website | Telegram | Medium | Github | Docs Media Contact Teresa X press@bittorrent.com Contact Details Teresa X press@bittorrent.com

February 29, 2024 01:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Analyst Ali Martinez Makes a Bullish Pepe Price Prediction; Shiba Inu and KangaMoon Remain Top Meme Coins To Watch

Kangamoon

Meme coins are always causing hype in the DeFi sphere. This time, analyst Ali Martinez gave Pepe (PEPE) a thumbs up, and things got even more exciting. Meanwhile, Shiba Inu (SHIB) and KangaMoon (KANG) remain the top meme coins to watch. Some analysts hint that KANG (a Stage 6 presale star) may jump by 1,000% in 2024. Let’s discover why. Ali Martinez: The Pepe Price May Hit $0.00000274 Recently, crypto analyst Ali Martinez made some headlines with his Pepe (PEPE) price prediction. According to his tweet, this meme coin may surge to $0.00000274 soon. In terms of the Pepe price movement, it has jumped from $0.0000012 to $0.0000020 in the past week alone. Its market cap grew from $505M to $856M in that period. Meanwhile, there are now 23 technical indicators flashing green for the Pepe coin. Thus, experts remain bullish. They foresee the Pepe price reaching $0.000010 within Q2 of 2024. Shiba Inu (SHIB): SHIB Army Propose a SHIB ETF Meanwhile, there were some exciting Shiba Inu (SHIB) developments. For instance, the SHIB army made a new proposal on Change.org for a Shiba Inu ETF by Grayscale. This petition has already obtained close to 2,000 signatures. This Shiba Inu news may trigger a bullish run for this crypto. The Shiba Inu crypto has surged from $0.0000091 to $0.00001031 over the past 30 days. This meme coin’s market cap increased from $5.37B to $6B during that period. Furthermore, over 25 technical indicators are flashing green. As a result, analysts predict Shiba Inu will reach $0.000016 within Q2 of 2024. KangaMoon (KANG): Brings Innovation to the Meme Coin Space KangaMoon (KANG) is a game changer in the meme coin market. Standing out from its peers that often have no use, KangaMoon integrates Social Fi and play-to-earn (P2E) elements into one. Introducing a P2E game for KangaMoon makes it different, as it will let players use KANG tokens for character upgrades, in-game purchases, and more. This new utility sets KangaMoon as a strong competitor in this sector. You can spectate matches, bet with your KANG holdings, and unlock weekly, monthly, and quarterly challenges. By completing these challenges, you earn extra in-game items and tokens, which can be sold on the KangaMoon marketplace. In Stage 2 of its presale, KANG has already raised nearly $150K, with each meme coin priced at just $0.0075. This marked up a staggering 50% from its starting price. These are amazing numbers that beat expectations by far. However, market analysts predict that once KANG hits exchanges in Q2 2024, it could see a 100x surge. Anyone may start earning KANG tokens before its official launch by buying one meme coin and spreading the word on social media. If interested, sign below for a 10% bonus on each purchase. Can KangaMoon Outpace Pepe and Shiba Inu? KangaMoon has a market cap of just $7.5M. With a lower valuation than competitors like Pepe and Shiba Inu, it will require fewer new funds to increase its price. As it faces off against these peers, KangaMoon’s potential for rapid growth rises significantly. Thus, KANG may be one of the top meme coins to invest in for fast returns. Discover the Exciting Opportunities of the KangaMoon (KANG) Presale Today! Website: https://Kangamoon.com/ Join Our Telegram Community: https://t.me/Kangamoonofficial Integrating GameFi and Play To EarnEmbark on your quest for glory. Assemble your champions, engage in epic battles or bet on your favorite fighters to earn $KANG tokens and exclusive rewards. Gain control of rare NFTs, unlock exclusive content and build alliances with fellow gamers as you ascend the ranks and leaderboards. Disclaimer: The following disclaimer is important to read and understand before engaging with Kangamoon, a play-to-earn meme coin. By accessing or participating in any activities related to Kangamoon, you acknowledge and accept the terms outlined below: 1 No Financial Advice: This whitepaper and any associated content do not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or solicitation to purchase Kangamoon tokens. The information provided is for informational purposes only. It is your responsibility to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions. 2 Volatility and Risks: Cryptocurrencies, including Kangamoon, are volatile and subject to significant price fluctuations. Investing in or holding Kangamoon tokens involves substantial risks, including the possibility of total loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. 3 Regulatory Compliance: The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is evolving and varies across jurisdictions. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in your country or region before engaging with Kangamoon. 4 Uncertain Market: The market for meme coins and play-to-earn platforms is highly speculative and subject to rapid changes. There is no guarantee of market demand, liquidity, or utility for Kangamoon tokens. Token values may fluctuate drastically and may not reflect the intrinsic value of the project. By continuing to engage with Kangamoon, you acknowledge and accept the risks and limitations outlined in this disclaimer. You should only participate if you fully understand and are willing to assume these risks. Contact Details Kangamoon marketing@kangamoon.com Company Website https://kangamoon.com/

February 28, 2024 09:00 AM Central Standard Time

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Cyber Startup Secures 7 Million Networks, 500 Million Connected Devices – SAM Seamless Network Protects Customers Of Verizon, Virgin Media, Orange And Bezeq

OurCrowd

By Jeremy Ruden, Benzinga A small startup headed by a former officer in Israel’s elite 8200 Military Intelligence cyber unit is silently protecting 500 million connected devices in more than seven million homes and businesses around the world. This is the age of the Internet of Things (IoT) with millions of smart devices connected by Wi-Fi. From garage doors to smartwatches, all have access to private Wi-Fi, and many were designed without any attention to security. Once hacked, they provide a gateway into home and business networks where cyber criminals can wreak havoc, stealing personal information and holding entire companies to ransom. “In the US, an average household has 22 connected devices,” says Sivan Rauscher, a former 8200 officer and Co-Founder and CEO of SAM Seamless Network, an Israeli startup at the forefront of securing millions of IoT devices on a global level. “We record an average of 16 attacks a day on every network.” https://youtu.be/x94vQ0CBQyY?si=XHO89NQBkNcWzbpF Fueled by the spread of 5G wireless technology, the growth of smart devices snowballed during the pandemic – and the numbers keep growing. By the end of 2024, experts expect there will be more than 17 billion IoT devices connected worldwide. These are not just tablets or smartphones but include everything from household heating systems to online factory machinery. Many of the smart devices will also be enhanced with artificial intelligence, capable of making autonomous decisions. With this increased connectivity come major security concerns. “When you have more connected devices in your perimeter, you’re opening more back doors into your data,” says Rauscher, a rare female CEO in the male-dominated world of cyber security. “It’s just like when you move into a larger house, there are more entry points for thieves. It’s the same with information – the more connectivity, the larger the threat of a breach.” SAM is currently raising a funding round via OurCrowd, the Jerusalem-based investment platform that allows accredited investors to access privately held startups. Prime Target While major corporations can look to giants like Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) and Check Point (NASDAQ: CHKP) for their cybersecurity needs, SAM targets small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up the vast majority of companies – including 99% of all businesses in Europe. Unlike large, security-conscious multinationals, most Wi-Fi networks in small businesses and home offices are unmanaged, unsecured and without an information officer, leaving them prey to hackers. “The fast adoption of 5G, combined with the proliferation of smart devices operating on unsupervised networks, can be catastrophic for millions of home and business users. Even with the implementation of basic security requirements on IoT devices, the threat of a silent invasion through them is very real,” says Rauscher. “SAM is the best and most cost-efficient defense to this threat and we’re proud that our solution, which is constantly adopting to the changing threat landscape, is being adopted by some of the world’s top providers.” SAM’s platform is securing networks provided by some of the largest telecommunication companies in the world. including Verizon (NYSE: VZ) in the U.S., Virgin Media in the U.K., Orange in Belgium, Bezeq in Israel and other major European providers. The company’s cloud-based software can work with any system and is deployed remotely, which means the customer doesn’t have to fiddle with complicated settings or pieces of hardware. SAM’s system works automatically through the user’s router or other onsite gateway – usually provided by an internet service provider or as an off-the-shelf product. Unrecognized Devices SAM has a special relationship with Verizon, which is both a client and an investor through its investment arm Verizon Ventures. Verizon and SAM also launched the Device ID platform, allowing users to monitor their home network for new or previously unrecognized devices. This allows customers to manage certain details of their devices, like customized naming conventions, allowing for better control of their home network and connected devices. This visibility also results in improved customer service and troubleshooting from the viewpoint of Verizon, which is truly able to “see” the connected home network. SAM has several key investors including BlackBerry, which co-led the Series B round with Verizon Ventures, Intel Capital, Night Dragon, Target Global, Ericsson, ADT Security Corporation and Blumberg Capital. OurCrowd is leading SAM’s Series C investment round, which is now funding. The company is constantly updating its security in response to new threats identified on the networks. “We employ a data-driven approach to identify emerging threats and attacks on these IoT devices, relying on data from millions of IoT devices across our networks,” says Rauscher. “We’re actively looking and researching vulnerabilities in IoT devices we believe pose a significant threat to our customers.” IoT regulation Western governments are aware of the security risks posed by IoT devices. “Malicious cyber actors may leverage your home network to gain access to personal, private, and confidential information,” the U.S. NSA warned in Best Practices for Securing Your Home Network, published in 2023. Last July, the U.S. government announced a national IoT security label that manufacturers and retailers can use to assure consumers that their smart connected IoT devices meet a certain level of cyber-safety. The EU is not making IoT security optional. This year, the European Commission imposed minimum requirements for the security of smart devices. Products not meeting the standards will be banned from the EU market. The UK has similar legislation due to take effect in April 2024. While such government programs don’t apply to IoT devices that are already in use today, they will create a more informed consumer and raise awareness among other parties in the ecosystem, such as retailers or ISPs, motivating them to take action. For more information about the SAM Seamless Network investment round on the OurCrowd platform, click HERE. Featured photo courtesy of SAM Seamless Network. OurCrowd was started in 2013, driven by the idea that the business of building startups grows bigger and better when the global ‘crowd’ gains access to VC-level investment opportunities.Today, OurCrowd is a global venture and alternative investing platform that empowers institutions and individuals to invest and engage in emerging companies. OurCrowd vets and selects companies, invests its capital, and provides its global network with unparalleled access to co-invest and contribute connections, talent and deal flow. OurCrowd builds value for its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycles, providing mentorship, recruiting industry advisors, navigating follow-on rounds and creating growth opportunities through its network of multinational partnerships. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Lisa Graston lisa.graston@ourcrowd.com Company Website http://www.ourcrowd.com

February 28, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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RocketFuel Payment Solutions CEO Jensen Predicts Shift to Digital Currencies & Blockchain Globally

RocketFuel Blockchain Inc

RocketFuel Payment Solutuons CEO Peter Jensen joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share insight into a discussion that delved into the evolving landscape of global currencies and the impact of blockchain technology, especially after Bitcoin breached previous highs of $57,000. With a focus on the potential shift away from the dominance of the US dollar, Jensen highlights the growing interest in cryptocurrencies and stable coins for international transactions. He emphasizes the efficiency and security benefits of blockchain, suggesting a future where countries or alliances could adopt their own digital currencies. The conversation explores the strategic implications for businesses and governments, noting the gradual adoption of these technologies worldwide. Jensen's perspective hints at a paradigm shift where crypto adoption may begin outside North America before influencing the region. RocketFuel Inc. remains positioned to leverage these trends, witnessing increasing adoption of digital currencies among businesses. The interview offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of global finance and technology. Contact Details Proactive United States +1 347-449-0879 action@proactiveinvestors.com

February 28, 2024 07:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

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HIVE Digital Technologies on green bitcoin mining & AI pivot | Crypto Round-Up

HIVE Digital Technologies

HIVE Digital Technologies, a prominent Bitcoin miner is at the forefront of the Bitcoin mining sector with operations in Sweden and Iceland. Frank Holmes, co-founder and chairman of HIVE, emphasised the role of Bitcoin in the digital financial transformation, highlighting the significant inflows into Bitcoin ETFs such as those from VanEck and BlackRock. Holmes underscored the decentralised nature of the Bitcoin ecosystem, powered by 17,000 nodes worldwide, offering transaction validation at a fraction of traditional banking costs. He discussed the upcoming Bitcoin halving in April, its implications for the mining sector, and Hive's commitment to mining "green coins" using renewable energy sources. Despite challenges from the discontinuation of Intel's ASIC chips for Bitcoin mining, Hive remains innovative, focusing on energy efficiency and high-performance computing (HPC) to pivot towards AI and other high-margin business models. With Ethereum's shift away from mining, Hive is adapting by expanding its AI capabilities and hedging strategies to maintain profitability. Holmes also highlighted Hive's significant Bitcoin holdings and their strategies for managing market volatility. The conversation touched on regulatory perceptions in Sweden and Iceland, Hive's operational efficiencies, and the broader implications of Bitcoin's decentralisation amidst increasing institutional investments. Finally, Holmes shared insights into the current Bitcoin market dynamics and the potential for Bitcoin as a hedge against inflationary pressures, comparing its investment appeal to that of gold. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

February 28, 2024 07:06 AM Eastern Standard Time

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HIVE Digital Technologies secures 1,000 New Energy Efficient Bitmain S21 Antminers to increase HODL

HIVE Digital Technologies

Hive Digital Technologies Chief Financial Officer Darcy Daubaras joined Steve Darling from Proactive and shared significant updates regarding the company's Bitcoin mining operations. He announced the purchase of 1,000 Bitmain S21 Antminers, which will add 200 petahash per second of high-efficiency Bitcoin mining capacity to the company's operations. The S21 Antminer is recognized as one of the newest and most efficient Bitcoin mining ASIC systems, boasting a remarkable energy efficiency of 17.5 joules per terahash. Additionally, Daubaras disclosed that Hive Digital Technologies has further strengthened its position by accumulating 2,070 Bitcoin on its balance sheet as of February 21, 2024. This proactive approach aligns with the company's strategic preparation for the upcoming Bitcoin Halving event, expected in late April 2024. Rather than expanding its physical footprint, the company has opted to upgrade its mining fleet with the latest and most efficient machines available. This strategic decision aims to lower the average costs of Bitcoin production and enhance operational efficiency. By upgrading to the S21 Antminers, Hive Digital Technologies plans to increase its target Exahash from 5.3 EH/s to 5.5 EH/s by the end of June 2024, leveraging its 140 MW of operating infrastructure globally. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

February 28, 2024 07:04 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Trust Stamp flags Trojan impacting 3rd party biometric systems on iOS

T Stamp Inc

Trust Stamp CTO Scott Francis joined Steve Darling from Proactive to issue a warning to financial institutions and their customers regarding the emerging dangers posed by Trojans targeting bank accounts. One such newly discovered Android Trojan, dubbed "GoldDigger," has raised concerns among cybersecurity experts. Furthermore, Group-IB's threat intelligence unit identified a cluster of aggressive banking Trojans, including GoldPickAxe, which is the first known iOS Trojan designed to harvest facial biometric data for unauthorized access to bank accounts. Francis emphasized the importance of safeguarding biometric data in light of rapidly evolving attacks like these Trojans. He highlighted Trust Stamp's revolutionary Stable IT2 TM technology and biometric multi-factor authentication, which do not store or retain any biometric data on vulnerable devices. Additionally, no identifying data is stored on the user's device. This biometric cryptographic system offers authentication without leaving behind any biometric breadcrumbs that could be exploited by cybercriminals. By combining biometric multi-factor authentication with device authentication, Trust Stamp disrupts the transaction flow used by attackers behind these Trojans. This approach not only utilizes biometric authentication with proof of life but also ensures that the user is in possession of the authorized device, thereby enhancing security and mitigating the risks associated with such attacks. Contact Details Proactive USA +1 347-449-0879 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

February 28, 2024 07:01 AM Eastern Standard Time

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UPDATE: Wingman Ventures rebrands as Founderful, gains momentum for $120m Fund II for Swiss tech startups

Founderful

Five years after it launched, venture capital firm Wingman Ventures has today rebranded as Founderful and is announcing it has quickly raised $85m for its new fund, aiming to reach a final close at $120m in the months to come. The firm was founded in 2019 by Swiss unicorn GetYourGuide co-founder Pascal Mathis, former Switzerland Lead at Creathor Ventures Alex Stöckl, and EAT.ch co-founder Lukas Weder. The team’s driving force has always been helping ambitious Swiss tech startups to become international market leaders. The firm was established with the singular goal of backing local, pre-seed startups in their first financing round with hands-on, founder-focused funding. Bucking the venture trend of keeping ‘dry powder’ on hand, Founderful has made nearly 50 investments in the last 4 years alone, having made eight Swiss investments in 2023. From Fund I, Founderful has deployed $60m into 40 startups. This represents 109 founders who scaled to create 1,093 jobs and went on to raise almost 6x additional funding of over $350m in just 3 years, some of which from leading international venture firms. Notably, Wingtra (survey drones) has scaled to 200 employees and an annual revenue of over $20m. DePoly has been recognized globally for its revolutionary plastics recycling technology and raised a $15m seed round, while Corintis (sustainable computing) is collaborating with global big tech and enterprise businesses. Founderful has already started deploying the capital raised in Fund II, backing the founders of Chiral Nano (alternative silicon chips), Nala Earth (ESG reporting), Ascento (security robotics), SAEKI (manufacturing robotics), Anthropos (workplace skills), Isospec Analytics (biomolecular analysis), Eightinks (lithium-ion batteries) and Faive Robotics (humanoid robotics). Alex Stöckl, Founding Partner at Founderful, commented: “We’re beyond grateful that we get to continue our work with the most ambitious founder teams of this exciting ecosystem. Switzerland is one of the world’s fastest-growing venture capital markets. With the global shift towards more complex technologies solving some of our society’s most pressing challenges, it will become one of the world’s most important tech hubs. With our founder-operator backgrounds and the deeply rooted access we’ve built over the years into the universities and research institutions with our Founderful Campus program, we’ve become the go-to firm for entrepreneurs and investors alike.” Founderful II is backed by a range of institutions, family offices, and founders who have successfully scaled their startups into global unicorns such as Duolingo, Climeworks, GetYourGuide, Delivery Hero, and Scandit. Severin Hacker, CTO and co-founder at Duolingo, commented: "Building Duolingo, I've seen my own fair share of VC firms, and it is rare to collaborate with an investor who is as meticulous and relentless toward creating value to the founders they backed, as the team at Founderful.” Jonas Theiler, Head of Asset Management at Artemis Group, added: “We’ve been working with Founderful since day one, and the companies they back have impressive substance and relevance from a technological and business perspective – they are spot-on doubling down on the Swiss venture ecosystem.” Founderful is laser-focused on the Swiss tech market and, with it, concentrated on supporting founders in the B2B software and industrial technology space This includes robotics and industrial automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning, computer vision technologies, and material sciences innovations in cleantech, climate tech, and construction tech. Founderful works quickly and closely with academia and industry to boost the new generation of technology leaders. Lukas Weder, Founding Partner at Founderful, commented: “Our fresh identity as Founderful reflects our purpose as a venture capital business to have the deepest understanding of founders and give them the highest level of support. We were once founders ourselves and know what it takes to succeed. We are redefining founder-friendliness beyond just the term sheet through sharing advice, granting insights, and investing courageously. We bring lightheartedness and empathy to serious topics and remain calm in the face of adversity. We try to be the honest companion we would have wanted by our side when we built our own companies.” The Founderful thesis on investing in Swiss-based startups has been proven by three megatrends: For the 13th consecutive year, Switzerland has ranked first in the Global Innovation Index - topping the lists for technology, knowledge, and creative output. It also has the world's highest patent per capita ratio, and ETH Zurich produces more university spin-outs than any other university worldwide. Big tech is fascinated by Switzerland, which is why Google has 5,000 developers there (its largest tech office outside the US). Disney, Nvidia, Meta, Huawei, and Intel have consistently grown their local R&D teams over the past years. Switzerland is a Unicorn state – there are more billion-dollar tech startups per capita in Switzerland than anywhere else in Europe. Recent unicorn graduates like Scandit (logistics software), Climeworks (carbon capturing), and SonarSource (code security), and bootstrapped under-the-radar success stories like Proton (internet privacy) underline Switzerland’s rising global relevance for B2B technologies. Yoram Wijngaarde, CEO and founder of Dealroom, added: “When looking at our data, Switzerland has been on the rise as one of Europe’s fastest growing VC ecosystems over the past five years, and in 2023 becoming the fifth largest venture market on the continent only behind powerhouses UK, Germany, France and Sweden. When you look at nine tech unicorns on 9 million inhabitants, it becomes apparent that this is a market you cannot miss in your coverage as a European fund or limited partner.” About Founderful Founderful is Switzerland’s leading pre-seed fund. We give every founder our deepest understanding and highest levels of support, and together, we’re building the future of the Swiss startup ecosystem. For more information, please visit our website or LinkedIn. Contact Details Founderful Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website http://www.founderful.com/

February 28, 2024 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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