The clean health and beauty company defies fundraising odds and reaches significant milestone with the support of the Philadelphia investment community

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 1, 2024 — Naturaz, the clean health and beauty company that formulates, manufactures and distributes 100% vegan hair care products for curly hair, announced today that it raised $1 million in investments during its seed round of financing. Key investors in the round included the Philadelphia Community Impact Fund, which invested $300,000 in the round, as well as other impact and angel investors.

Naturaz is a groundbreaking clean hair care product line, meticulously crafted by Founder and CEO Mumbi Dunjwa, delivering and sustaining an impressive 3X more moisture in curly hair. As an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society, Dunjwa utilized her background and experience in chemistry, large pharma, healthcare, and technology to build Naturaz.

According to a recent report by PitchBook, women are massively under-represented among venture capital investors, with companies founded solely by women receiving less than 3% of all venture capital investments. Fundraising is an especially difficult journey for Black female founders, who have long been significantly under-funded. Dunjwa is forging ahead, reaching a significant milestone in the company’s journey of raising $1M in investment capital.

“We are so grateful that the Philadelphia investment ecosystem has been so supportive of Naturaz and our mission,” said Mumbi Dunjwa, Founder and CEO of Naturaz. “The funds that have come from the Philadelphia Community Impact Fund, in addition to other investors who have been instrumental in this process, will go a long way in ensuring Naturaz products become available and accessible to curly-haired women and their families across the United States. We’re hopeful that sharing our story serves as an example and an inspiration for female entrepreneurs.”

With the help of the Philadelphia Community Impact Fund, the Bucks County IDA and other investors, Naturaz raised over $700,000 in the last six months, and fundraised $500,000 in July alone. Although the journey to get there has not been easy, Naturaz has found success by taking a unique approach to raising capital. The company focused on building strong, targeted relationships with investors by creating the opportunity to speak with stakeholders one-on-one, connecting them to the company’s brand strategy, growth trajectory and future optimizations.

Securing this significant funding allows Naturaz to execute its retail expansion strategy, bringing high quality, highly efficacious, vegan hair care products to consumers who are demanding cosmetic products that keep the health of their families top of mind. Naturaz looks forward to raising additional investment capital before closing this round soon. The company also looks forward to continuing to formulate innovative products that are 100% vegan, non-GMO, highly effective and scientifically formulated to care for curly hair. Naturaz products are currently available in beauty supply stores and can be purchased online at www.Naturaz.com.

Download Naturaz images here.

About Naturaz
Naturaz is a socially inclusive, clean health and beauty company that formulates, manufactures and distributes 100% vegan hair care products for curly hair. This groundbreaking product line, meticulously crafted by Founder and CEO Mumbi Dunjwa, delivers and sustains an impressive 3X more moisture in curly hair. The company’s signature Moisture Burst System^® is the embodiment of Naturaz’s commitment to excellence in hair care. Naturaz has been committed to formulating products that are 100% vegan, non-GMO, highly effective and scientifically formulated to care for curly hair. To place an order or learn more about Naturaz, visit www.Naturaz.com.

Media Contact:
Kathleen Dwyre
[email protected] 

SOURCE Naturaz

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 1, 2024 — Athena Security , the innovative leader in concealed weapons detection system software that is inspired by Homeland Security Best Practices, today announced the successful completion of a $10 million seed funding round led by its founders, Lisa Falzone and Chris Ciabarra. This investment decision reflects Chris and Lisa’s unwavering confidence in Athena’s CWDS technology and the growing demand for advanced security solutions.

“In a market that doesn’t always align with our vision or valuation, we’ve chosen to take control of our destiny,” said Chris Ciabarra, CTO of Athena Security.” This round allows us to maintain focus on expanding our business, developing cutting-edge technology, and delivering unparalleled security solutions to our clients.”

Athena Security has consistently delivered innovation to concealed weapons detection systems, introducing patented features like “Evasion” detection which uses artificial intelligence to alert the security team when uncooperative patrons try to avoid the weapons screening system. Other unique features, like the “Voluntary” function, real-time photo alerts, and a wide variety of integrations, allow security teams to streamline processes and enhance compliance with  Homeland Security Best Practices . The company’s unwavering commitment to innovation, information security, and compliance has earned them a reputation as a trusted partner in safeguarding businesses, schools, casinos, hospitals, and public spaces.

“The new funding will be used to accelerate sales, product development, expand reach in new markets, and strengthen customer support,” says Michael Green, CEO. Athena Security remains dedicated to its mission of creating a safer world through advanced security technology.

“We are not deterred by market fluctuations,” added Lisa Falzone, President of Athena Security. “We believe in the value we bring to the table and are committed to building a long-term, sustainable business. This funding round is a testament to our confidence in the future of Athena Security.”

About Athena Security

Athena Security is a leading provider of concealed weapons detection system patented software and people screening systems designed to protect businesses, hospitals, casinos, schools, and public spaces. The system enhances checkpoint security with the necessary processes and controls to support best practices by Homeland Security. Athena Security is committed to creating a safer world through cutting-edge technology and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction.

Media Contact:
Athena Security
833-928-4362
[email protected]

SOURCE Athena Security

The funds are being used to further expand markets and release the 8-year sherry cask finished reserve and a low-alcohol ready-to-serve

FAIRFIELD, Conn., Aug. 1, 2024 — Fairfields Rum of the Americas, founded by entrepreneurs Frank Klein and Joy Branford, announced a Late Seed round led by Maplewood Ventures of Westport Connecticut.  “We will be going deeper into existing markets, releasing our reserve, and launching our evolutionary ready to serve low-alcohol rum cocktails,” according to Frank Klein, CEO of Fairfields.  The rum is currently distributed in fine Connecticut restaurant and retail locations and via e-commerce with distribution in California, New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island coming this summer.

“We continue to be well received by not only rum drinkers but those seeking a no-additive clear spirit that is expressive and nuanced” commented Frank Klein, Co-Founder and CEO.  “The lower sugar, diverse craft drinks that bartenders are making with Fairfields showcase how versatile an all-naturally distilled, no sugar added white rum can be” Klein added.  The rum is made in the United States from cane sourced throughout the Americas.  The 8-year-aged reserve is bottled at eighty-eight proof and the amber spirit is finished in sherry casks with no additives or colorings.

The brand is continuing with its campaign that declares “If you like your tequila, you will love our rum”.  Joy Branford, Caribbean born, Brooklyn raised, collaborated with Klein to create a unique rum that intentionally strayed away from Caribbean styles that rely on flavorings or added sugar.  “We use a blend of Agricole and Molasses distillations to create a rum that sips on its own over ice like tequila or can be used in simple three ingredient cocktails.”  Branford added “because a daiquiri was around long before George Clooney invented tequila”.   Not surprisingly the founders prefer daiquiris on the rocks.

“We are truly excited and proud to support Frank, Joy and the wider Fairfields Team as their production partner on these incredible rums,” states Anthony Moniello, Co-CEO of Next Century Spirits. Moniello continues, “Fairfields’ headquarters are right in our backyard and supporting skilled entrepreneurs like Frank is core to who we are. We believe in what they’re building as well as the quality of the rum at-hand and are excited to be part of their wider journey ahead.”

Fairfields Rum of the Americas was founded by Frank Klein and Joy Branford.  Investors include Overdrive Ventures which is led by founder Ray Potter, Maplewood Ventures and others. Fairfields Rum of the Americas is based in Fairfield, CT.   Suggested retail is $29.99 for the Dry White Rum and $43.99 for the Reserve.

To learn more visit www.rumoftheamericas.com as well as check out their Instagram.

Frank Klein can be reached at 203-763-9997 or [email protected]

SOURCE Fairfields Rum

HONG KONG, GERMANTOWN, Md. and SUZHOU, China, July 31, 2024 — Sirnaomics Ltd. (the “Company“, Stock Code: 2257.HK, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group” or “Sirnaomics“), a leading biopharmaceutical company engaging in discovery and development of advanced RNAi therapeutics, today announced a partnership with Gore Range Capital LLC (“Gore Range Capital“) (Dallas, TX, USA) for establishment of a joint venture, Sagesse Bio, Inc., to advance its novel RNAi therapeutic products into aesthetic medicine.

Sagesse Bio, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Sagesse Bio“), combines the strength of Sirnaomics’ leadership in RNAi-based technology and product development for focal fat reduction and Gore Range Capital’s world leading expertise in skin health industry and financial resources, to accelerate clinical development of the company’s innovative products for addressing a fast-growing aesthetic medicine market. Sagesse Bio will rapidly advance Sirnaomics lead compound that is IND-enabled and currently in Phase II clinical trials for other indications. Initial indications of interest include body contouring and fat reduction. The founders, board of directors, and newly established executive management team of Sagesse Bio are comprised of a group of well-accomplished senior executives from skin health industry, world-renowned clinicians in dermatology and aesthetic medicine, and leading experts in RNAi medicine. The strategic goal of Sagesse Bio is to become a world-leading aesthetic medicine company with innovative technologies and aesthetic products.

Frederick Beddingfield, MD, PhD, serving as Chairperson of the board of directors of Sagesse Bio, is an internationally renowned dermatologist and expert in biopharma and the aesthetics industry, who has led the development of global leading brands such as BOTOX®, JUVEDERM®, LATISSE® and KYBELLA®. He served as Chief Medical Officer of Allergan Medical and Kythera, and as CEO of Sienna Bio and Kira Pharmaceuticals, and currently serves on the board of directors of Cytrellis Biosystems. Dr. Beddingfield stated: “I could not be more excited to help lead and build Sagesse Bio. We have an amazing team with the right experience and a unique opportunity based on the finding of adipocytolysis with good tolerability in human clinical studies, to rapidly advance our IND-approved lead product.”

Mr. Humberto Antunes, co-founder of Sagesse Bio, partner of Gore Range Capital, former Chairman and CEO of Galderma/Nestlé Skin Health, an internationally renowned executive in skin health industry, comments: “The strategic goal of Sagesse Bio is to deliver innovative and life changing therapies to patients with an initial emphasis on focal fat destruction.”

“We are thrilled to build this historic partnership: RNAi therapeutic candidate is moving into medical aesthetic product development for body contouring,” commented Dr. Patrick Lu, founder, Chairman of the board, executive director, President and CEO of Sirnaomics. “The joint expertise and resources from both Sirnaomics and Gore Range Capital are setting up a strong foundation for a tremendous growth potential of Sagesse Bio with its accelerated product development speed.”

The board of directors of the Company has approved, and the board of directors and the stockholders of Sagesse Bio have approved, a series of agreements in relation to the partnership (the “Agreements”). The Company and Sagesse Bio have signed the Agreements, which shall become effective only upon being approved by the shareholders of the Company at an upcoming general meeting. Under the partnership arrangement, Sagesse Bio will initiate a clinical evaluation immediately for its leading product candidate, SGY-101, with scientific and technical support from Sirnaomics, receiving assignment and licensing of certain relevant intellectual property rights for the licensed product. In return, Sirnaomics will receive milestone payments of up to US$33 million and a majority equity position of Sagesse Bio with value of approximately US$36 million upon successful equity or debt financing in the future at a minimum pre-financing valuation of Sagesse Bio at US$60 million. Gore Range Capital is responsible for initial funding and building the executive management team and advisory board. In addition, with its well-built domain expertise and extensive networks in the skin health industry, Gore Range Capital is able to provide a hands-on approach for Sagesse Bio’s fundraising and business development challenges.

About Gore Range Capital

Gore Range Capital is focused on investments in the skin health businesses. Gore Range’s approach is simple: “We invest in what we know.” Over the course of their respective careers the Gore Range team has built domain expertise and extensive networks across multiple areas of healthcare. Through Gore Range Capital, capabilities are channeled to focus on the largest organ and the most visible manifestation of personal identity: the skin. At Gore Range, the hands-on approach of operationally focused private equity is blended with the early-stage guidance needed in venture capital. Formed in 2015, Gore Range works closely with portfolio companies and industry leaders to bring skin health innovations to market. To accomplish this mission, Gore Range leverages its team of experienced healthcare investors, leaders, and practitioners to bring strategic, financial and scientific expertise to its investments. Learn more at: www.gorerangecapital.com.

About Sirnaomics

Sirnaomics is an RNA therapeutics biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery and development of innovative drugs for indications with unmet medical needs and large market opportunities. Sirnaomics is the first clinical-stage RNA therapeutics company to have a strong presence in both Asia and the United States. Based on its proprietary delivery technologies, a polypeptide nanoparticle RNAi platform and GalNAc RNAi platform, GalAhead™, Sirnaomics has established an enriched drug candidate pipeline. STP122G, which represents the first drug candidate utilizing the Company’s GalAhead™ mxRNA technology, is currently in Phase I development. STP237G is the first dual-targeted drug based on a GalAhead™ muRNA technology and is in the late stage of preclinical development. The Company has also had multiple successes with oncology applications through its clinical programs for STP705 and STP707. With the establishment of the it manufacturing facility in China, Sirnaomics is undergoing a transition from a biotech company to a biopharma corporation. Learn more at: www.sirnaomics.com.

CONTACT: 

USA Media Contact:
George Ji, MBA
Head of Finance and Administration
Email: [email protected]

Asia Media Contact:
Johnson Shen, M.A.
Senior Business Manager for Investor Relations
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Sirnaomics