BOSTON and HOUSTON, Sept. 5, 2024 — Ara Partners, a global private equity firm that is decarbonizing the industrial economy, today announced the successful closing of a $335 million non-recourse financing (the “Financing”) of a first-of-its-kind U.S. permanent magnet manufacturing facility (the “Facility”), undertaken by Ara Partners and its portfolio company, Vacuumschmelze GmbH & Co. KG (“VAC”). This transaction marks a vital step in advancing the U.S. domestic supply chain for electric vehicles, aerospace and defense, renewable energy and more.

The Facility, located in Sumter County, South Carolina, is owned by e-VAC Magnetics, LLC (“e-VAC”, the “Company” or the “Borrower”), a recently formed U.S. entity wholly owned by Ara Partners. The Financing was led by BMO, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (“MUFG”), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (“CIBC”), Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. (“Rabobank”), and Société Générale S.A. (“Societe Generale”) as Coordinating Lead Arrangers. BMO is acting as Administrative Agent, and MUFG acted as Hedge Coordinator.

The Financing follows the announcement in January 2023 of the signing of a binding agreement between e-VAC and General Motors (“GM”) for e-VAC to build a North American factory to make rare earth permanent magnets to be used in a wide range of GM’s electric vehicles. Permanent magnets are a vital part of electric vehicle motors. The Facility will use locally sourced raw materials and will support GM for a minimum of 10 years. The support by the Coordinating Lead Arrangers for the transaction underscores the market’s confidence in Ara Partners’ and VAC’s ability to create a world-class manufacturing hub advancing the energy transition.

Tuan Tran, Partner at Ara Partners, said, “We are thrilled with the finance market’s appetite for this first-of-its-kind facility, a cornerstone in solidifying the United States electric vehicle value chain, and look forward to continuing to work with our lending partners. We are grateful for the support from our local and state governments and the federal initiatives that have made this project possible, and we extend our sincere thanks to General Motors for being a key partner in this endeavor.”

In September of 2023, VAC received a Defense Production Act Title III grant from the Department of Defense catalyzing Ara’s investment in October of 2023. The funding was awarded via the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) organization in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. MCEIP prioritizes and invests in industrial development and production critical for protecting national security. In March 2024, VAC was also awarded a $111.9 million Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (“Section 48c”) to advance the construction on the Facility. VAC also previously applied to the DOE’s Loan Programs Office.

“MCEIP investments aim to incentivize support from across the U.S. Government, industry, academia, and the greater investment community. This is a textbook example of a DOD investment that acted as a catalyst for other federal and private partners to strengthen and secure the U.S. magnet supply chain,” said Joe Sopcisak, Technical Director for MCEIP.

“We would like to thank our government partners at DoD and DOE, whose rigorous due diligence efforts were instrumental in catalyzing this project and provided the stamp of approval the private sector needed to finance this important component of the electric vehicle supply chain in the United States,” said Erik Eschen, CEO of VAC.

“We are extremely proud of our support of Ara Partners and VAC and look forward to the successful construction and future operations of the e-VAC permanent magnet manufacturing facility,” said Carrie Cook, Head, Global Investment and Corporate Banking, BMO Capital Markets. “Our leadership role in this financing is an example of BMO’s dedication to driving progress in the energy transition and aligns with our purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life.”

“MUFG is pleased to have had a leadership role in this marquee transaction that supports the growth of EV manufacturing in the United States.  Ara Partners’ focus on decarbonization in the industrial sector is unique and we look forward to supporting them, VAC and General Motors on other similar projects in the future,” said Dan Seltzer, Head of Infrastructure at MUFG’s Project Finance team.

“Ara Partners and VAC have proven that advanced permanent magnet manufacturing in support of the energy transition and green economy can meet the underwriting standards of leading global commercial banks. By utilizing optimized construction financing, Ara and VAC can press their competitive advantage, expanding production of a critical component in the electric vehicle supply chain,” said Sky Fabian, Partner at PEI Global Partners LLC (“PEI”). Karsten Schmitz, Managing Director at PEI, added, “this innovative project financing for a novel manufacturing facility not only reflects the confidence of top-tier project finance banks in Ara Partners and VAC but also showcases how non-recourse financings can support the expansion of the domestic manufacturing sector. The transaction further highlights the banking community’s robust appetite for loan opportunities that accelerate the energy transition and e-mobility. The PEI team was delighted to assist Ara Partners and VAC during the process.”

PEI served as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Ara Partners and VAC. Latham & Watkins LLP served as borrower counsel while Milbank LLP served as lenders counsel.

About VAC

VAC is a leading global producer of advanced magnetic solutions, rare earth permanent magnets, and inductive components that are crucial for the decarbonization of our planet. With more than 100 years of application know how and experience in material science and product development, VAC designs and manufactures mission critical solutions for a wide variety of industries, including renewable energy, e-mobility, automotive, industrial automation, medical, aerospace and defense. VAC’s unique ability to develop and manufacture from base elements through final products enables us to provide customers optimal form factors and performance, generating best in class efficient solutions in an environmentally conscious manner.

More information at www.vacuumschmelze.com.

About Ara Partners

Ara Partners is a global private equity and infrastructure investment firm focused on industrial decarbonization. Founded in 2017, Ara Partners seeks to build and scale companies with significant decarbonization impact across the industrial and manufacturing, chemicals and materials, energy efficiency and green fuels, and food and agriculture sectors. The company operates from offices in Houston, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Dublin. Ara Partners closed its third private equity fund in December 2023 with over $2.8 billion in capital commitments. As of March 31, 2024, Ara Partners had approximately $6.2 billion of assets under management.

For more information about Ara Partners, please visit www.arapartners.com. 

Media Contacts

For Ara Partners:
Scott Bisang / Jack Kelleher
Collected Strategies 
[email protected]

For VAC:
Kirsten Reising, Marketing Manager 
[email protected] 

SOURCE Ara Partners

Committed Capital allows Rice Park to make direct investments in early-stage and mid-stage Mortgage Technology Companies to support them through the Commercialization Phase of Growth

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 5, 2024 — Rice Park Capital Management LP (“Rice Park”), a Minneapolis-based, private investment firm, announces that its strategic equity investing team has closed RPC Ventures Fund II LP (“RPC Ventures”).

“We believe that our active approach to investing in sectors that we know are gaining attention and the successful closing of our second venture capital fund is a testament to what we are building. We feel this milestone highlights the growing interest of those who recognize the value of our strategic and hands-on method to investing,” said Nicholas Smith, CEO and Managing Partner at Rice Park. “Rice Park’s investment strategies span the mortgage ecosystem, from origination and servicing to the capital markets. Because of our collective experiences as operators and investors, we believe that we have a unique and deep understanding of the mortgage ecosystem that allows us to be more value-add investors.” 

RPC Ventures provides capital to early-stage and mid-stage real estate and mortgage technology businesses that the team believes have the potential to transform and reshape their marketplace, have a path to profitability and have the potential for a strategic exit.

Rice Park believes today’s mortgage market has the potential to undergo transformational change as origination costs have hit record highs over the past year. Because of the reliance on people in the origination process, Rice Park believes the industry is susceptible to the boom and busts of the cycle. With increasing innovations and AI, technology has the potential to play an increasingly significant role in the mortgage process.

“We are continuing to see opportunities to bridge gaps between legacy technology systems with new technology and AI which we feel will provide significant cost savings, create alternative revenue streams, and bring data into decision making and interactions with customers, resulting in a better journey for the consumer,” said Chris Bixby, Managing Director of Strategic Equity Investing at Rice Park.

“Historically the mortgage industry has been slow to adopt tech solutions. But we believe that the integration of technology in the mortgage sector began accelerating post-COVID and will continue as Millennial and Gen Z homebuyers enter the market. Our commitment to helping innovative startups through the commercialization phase of growth remains a priority as we move forward, providing the essential support and resources needed for their success.”

Last year, RPC Ventures launched an Advisory Board comprised of individuals involved in businesses that are complementary to the types of sectors in which Rice Park invests in to help with market insight and support.

About Rice Park Capital Management LP
Rice Park is a private investment firm managing capital of institutional investors, family offices and high net worth individuals. Its investment focus is to deliver cycle-resistant returns by unlocking value in complex opportunities in the residential and commercial mortgage and real estate sectors.

Learn more about Rice Park at www.riceparkcapital.com.

No Offer or Solicitation. This press release is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities.

Registered Investment Advisor. Rice Park is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements.

Forward-Looking Statements. This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements about the plans, strategies, and prospects of Rice Park and/or RPC Ventures.  These statements are based on our current expectations and projections about future events. The words “may,” “will,” “feel,” “should,” “expect,” “scheduled,” “plan,” “seek,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “aim,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of those terms or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.  You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their respective dates. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and estimates by the management of Rice Park and/or RPC Ventures that, although believed to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain and subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from historical results or those anticipated or predicted by such forward-looking statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release may not, in fact, occur. Rice Park undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement after the date of this press release as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Rice Park qualifies all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

SOURCE Rice Park Capital Management

SINGAPORE, Sept. 4, 2024 — In alignment with its mission to drive innovation and advancement within the blockchain ecosystem, HTX Ventures, the global investment arm of the cryptocurrency exchange HTX, has announced a strategic investment in Vanilla Finance. Vanilla Finance has distinguished itself by allowing users to own Bitcoin at a low cost. It has recently achieved top positions with Scroll and Bitlayer, achieving 3 billion USDT in trading volume and over 500,000 users in the first 60 days.

Vanilla Finance is designed with the habits of Telegram users in mind, integrating play-to-earn mechanisms and transaction mining to make cryptocurrency trading both accessible and engaging. The platform offers simplified derivatives trading, real-time settlement, and leveraged financial products directly within Telegram, harnessing the app’s vast user base to drive unprecedented Web3 adoption.

Vanilla Finance has recently secured a strategic agreement with Catizen & NotCoin, two of the top-rated games on Telegram, along with leading VCs such as HTX Ventures, UOB Ventures, ABCDE Labs, Pluto, Paper Ventures, Open Space, Y2 and core founders from projects including Step’N, Movement, Scroll and XAI. With this funding boost, Vanilla Finance is advancing its vision of making cryptocurrency and trading accessible to everyone.

“Vanilla Finance provides users with a low-cost entry into cryptocurrency, allowing them to own Bitcoin for as little as $10. Features like this positions Vanilla Finance perfectly to meet the needs of users,” said Edward, Managing Partner at HTX Ventures. “At HTX Ventures, we are excited to partner with Vanilla Finance in making financial services more accessible and efficient on one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms.”

“Partnering with HTX Ventures is not just a strategic move for Vanilla Finance, but a leap towards revolutionizing the DeFi landscape. Their expertise in nurturing innovative blockchain projects aligns perfectly with our vision to democratize financial markets. We’re thrilled to have HTX Ventures on board, as their support propels us forward in our mission to redefine what’s possible in decentralized finance.” said Michael Cameron, CMO and Cofounder of Vanilla Finance.

To celebrate its launch on Telegram, Vanilla Finance is offering a special promotion for Genesis members from September 4th to September 11th, 2024. Members can get more Cone by Trading & Sharing, etc. Cone is one of the key indicators to distribute the airdrop token.

About Vanilla Finance:

Vanilla Finance is an innovative exchange, the 1st exchange that lets you own 1 Bitcoin for $10. Vanilla Finance has already achieved over 3 billion trading volumes and 500k users. It has recently achieved top positions with Scroll and Bitlayer and is now available for trading on Telegram.

Backed by leading institutions such as UOB Ventures, ABCDE Labs, Pluto, and Paper Ventures & Y2, with angel investments from STEPN, Movement, Scroll, and XAI.

Vanilla Finance is not just another DeFi platform; it’s a movement towards making cryptocurrency trading and DeFi accessible to the masses.

For more information, visit:
https://linktr.ee/VanillaFinance

About HTX Ventures

HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, integrates investment, incubation, and research to identify the best and brightest teams worldwide. With more than decade-long history as an industry pioneer, HTX Ventures excels at identifying cutting-edge technologies and emerging business models within the sector. To foster growth within the blockchain ecosystem, we provide comprehensive support to projects, including financing, resources, and strategic advice.

HTX Ventures currently backs over 300 projects spanning multiple blockchain sectors, with select high-quality initiatives already trading on the HTX exchange. Furthermore, as one of the most active FOF (Fund of Funds) funds, HTX Ventures invests in 30 top global funds and collaborates with leading blockchain funds such as Polychain, Dragonfly, Bankless, Gitcoin, Figment, Nomad, Animoca, and Hack VC to jointly build a blockchain ecosystem.Visit us.

Feel free to contact us for investment and collaboration at [email protected]

SOURCE HTX

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 4, 2024 — ABANZA, a pioneering company in advanced soft tissue repair solutions, is excited to announce the successful completion of its Pre-Series A funding round, raising $5 million.

This funding round was led by a Family Office specializing in medical device investments, along with private investors. The funds will be used to accelerate the U.S. launch of ABANZA’s innovative Soft Tissue Fixation product line, including the WasherCap™ and WasherCap™ Mini. This milestone marks a significant advance toward achieving ABANZA’s mission to revolutionize soft tissue repair with its patented technology.

ABANZA’s technology addresses major challenges in the soft tissue repair market by enhancing fixation strength regardless of patient bone quality and minimizing graft displacement after surgery.

The WasherCap™ Fixation System has received FDA clearance for fixation of soft tissue grafts, including tendons and ligaments, during surgical procedures such as in Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction of the knee and has been used by a select group of surgeons in a preliminary launch. The company is also preparing to introduce the WasherCap™ Mini, which will cater to a wider range of applications including knee, hand, wrist, and elbow repairs.

ABANZA is expanding its field sales team to work with leading orthopedic specialists across key U.S. markets. This expansion will evolve over time, with increased staffing, production capacity, and educational initiatives for physicians.

Dr. Nirav Amin, an Orthopedic Sports Medicine specialist in Orange County, California, commented, “Having used this device, I’ve noted its exceptional performance in eliminating residual graft laxity right from the start. It’s very easy to use and ideal for cases where fixation and laxity is a concern; especially when using adjustable button fixation”.

Juan Abascal, CEO of ABANZA, commented, “This funding represents a pivotal moment for our entry into the U.S. market with the WasherCap™ Soft Tissue Fixation System. The WasherCap™ product is the first in a series of innovative solutions we plan to introduce for soft tissue repair. We are fortunate to have engaged with an outstanding group of investors, many of whom bring deep healthcare expertise and valuable connections to our venture.”

ABANZA is poised for a dynamic growth phase in the U.S., with the WasherCap™ Fixation System leading its product rollout. This launch marks the beginning of a comprehensive strategy to meet the needs in soft tissue repair and establish ABANZA as a key player in this sector.

For more information about ABANZA and its innovative solutions, please visit www.abanzamed.com.

About ABANZA

ABANZA is a leading innovator in Orthopedics and Arthroscopic Soft Tissue Repair. Committed to pioneering solutions and continuous improvement, ABANZA aims to enhance patient quality of life through the design and development of cutting-edge medical devices. The company is set to lead the next generation of medical device development with a focus on Sports Medicine and Soft Tissue repair/fixation.

SOURCE ABANZA

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 4, 2024 — ITC Federal (ITC), an established provider of mission-focused IT solutions and enterprise services to U.S. federal agencies, today announced a strategic venture capital investment from Blue Delta Capital Partners (Blue Delta), a growth-stage venture capital firm focused exclusively on the U.S. Federal Government Services market. This partnership represents a significant milestone in ITC Federal’s evolution, providing the capital, resources, and industry expertise that will help further enhance the company’s proven capabilities, its ability to pursue strategic acquisitions, and to further expand its impact across key federal agencies focused on law enforcement and national security missions.

Aligning Forces for Continued Expansion

The investment from Blue Delta Capital Partners is a strong endorsement of ITC Federal’s accomplishments to date, its management team, the company’s service offerings, and its potential for significant future growth. “We are delighted to secure this venture capital investment from Blue Delta Capital Partners as we embark on the next chapter in ITC Federal’s growth,” said Greg Fitzgerald, CEO of ITC Federal. “Blue Delta’s deep and proven expertise in the federal market and their successful track record with companies like ours makes them an ideal partner for our team as we continue to drive innovation for our national security and law enforcement customers and deliver unparalleled value to their missions.”

Foundation for Long-Term Success

For nearly two decades, ITC Federal has worked alongside government leaders to support missions focused on national security, law enforcement, and citizen services by providing full lifecycle enterprise IT, cloud infrastructure, DevSecOps, federal financial systems, and delivering mission-focused outcomes. With Blue Delta’s support, ITC will continue to expand its service delivery capabilities and solution offerings, further cementing its reputation as a reliable partner to our nation’s vital IT services missions. Phil Nolan, General Partner at Blue Delta Capital Partners, remarked on his firm’s investment: “ITC Federal has built an impressive reputation for delivering mission-critical solutions to law enforcement and national security customers in the federal government. We are thrilled to join Greg’s team and support their expansion plans, helping to amplify their impact in the market. Our investment reflects our strong belief in ITC’s leadership team and their strategic vision for the future.“

About ITC Federal

ITC Federal is a large IT solutions and enterprise services provider dedicated to supporting the national security and law enforcement missions of federal government agencies. With the resources and scale necessary to meet mission-critical demands, ITC Federal is deeply committed to the success of its government clients. www.ITCFederal.com

About Blue Delta Capital Partners

Blue Delta, a growth-stage venture capital firm founded in 2009, focuses on the U.S. federal government services market. The firm partners with entrepreneurs seeking growth without losing control or incurring heavy debt, offering decades of venture capital and operational expertise to deliver value beyond capital. www.bluedeltacapitalpartners.com

Media contact: Julia Litvak, 703.894.4444
[email protected]

SOURCE ITC Federal

DALLAS, Sept. 4, 2024 — New Zealand-founded property software company Re-Leased has announced an oversubscribed US$12.5m raise led by Movac, with participation from Icehouse Ventures and existing investors. The raise will enable Re-Leased to boost the use of AI within its software (which it has built out with the launch of its AI-tool Credia) and give early investors liquidity. The capital will also assist in funding its continued expansion in the UK and US.

Re-Leased repositioned during the Covid pandemic to achieve ‘break even’ by focusing on capital efficiency, and has since maintained strong growth rates and unit economics which has attracted high investor interest in a challenging global investment market.

“Our vision is to help our customers run a better real estate business. The global real estate industry is facing significant headwinds and a cyclical downturn, and in this challenging environment we’re seeing more property professionals recognise that automation and AI gives them a distinct advantage in the market,” explains Tom Wallace, Founder of Re-Leased.

Over the past 12 months, Re-Leased has focussed on capital and operating efficiency and investment into its product. This strategy has paid off to the tune of 1 400 customers with 350 000 tenants and a rent roll of US$7.5 billion as well as high investor interest.

Movac’s General Partner Jason Graham says “Re-Leased is not a ‘nice-to-have’ but the core operating system of their customers. As a result, it has been embedded across some of the largest real estate companies globally and is perfectly positioned to leverage its AI technology into real value for its customers.”

AI; but not just ‘for the sake of it’

Re-Leased has focused its use of AI on a very niche set of challenges that are specific to commercial real estate.

“In real estate there are endless tasks that are necessary, yet low value and repetitive – so the opportunity for AI innovation is huge. We want to enable our customers to get back to what they love: building relationships and engaging in creative, value-add work,” says Wallace.

Launched in June, Credia (the AI-powered ‘brain’ of Re-Leased) acts on a user’s behalf to supercharge productivity. For example, Re-Leased has integrated AI with email to read maintenance requests from tenants and take actions such as sending out requests for quotes, creating work orders and writing emails.

“Repetitive jobs that previously took 5-6 minutes now take 30 seconds. Credia acts as the best intern you’ve ever had,” explains Wallace, adding “It’s AI – but not just ‘for the sake of it’.” Wallace says he sees this as just the beginning of Re-Leased’s journey with AI and is working on an AI ‘Agent’ which promises end-to-end automation of entire business functions such as compliance and data extraction which he believes will “Completely transform the industry as we know it and the experience of the people who work in it.”

Further expansion

Aside from liquidity and product investment, the capital will also be put to work to grow the go-to-market team in the UK and US. Re-Leased has achieved a step-change in users through large partnerships that include a soon-to-be announced seven figure enterprise deal in the UK with a publicly listed real estate business.

“Re-Leased is proud to have led the way for cloud technology in commercial real estate and we are excited and determined to be the leaders of the AI era. Having turned industry challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation, we remain focused on delivering tangible value to our customers and investors by developing software that creates better real estate businesses,” concludes Wallace.

About Re-Leased
Re-Leased exists to help its customers run a better real estate business. The commercial-first property management platform empowers customers to thrive in a digital-first world by integrating the intelligence and capabilities of Credia AI with their property, tenant, lease and accounts information—all in one place. With offices in Auckland, Dallas, London, Melbourne and Napier, Re-Leased’s technology manages over 350,000 leases globally. More: https://www.re-leased.com/

SOURCE Re-Leased

GHENT, Belgium, Sept. 4, 2024 — Clouds of Care, a leading MedTech company dedicated to enabling better care for people with Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders, proudly announces the successful closure of its funding round. The company has secured 5 million euros, highlighting strong investor confidence and support for its mission to revolutionize CNS care through digital health technologies and advanced data analytics.

With this funding round, Clouds of Care appoints two experienced life science professionals to the board of directors; Michel Vounatsos, former CEO of biotech company Biogen, is welcomed as chairman, and Yacine Hadjiat, global HealthTech expert and senior pharma executive, will join the board as an independent director.

Life science venture capital firm TCD Capital led the funding round, supported by Flanders Future Tech Fund and White Fund underscoring the market’s recognition of Clouds of Care’s vision and innovative approach.

At the core of Clouds of Care’s mission is the empowerment of healthcare providers with state-of-the-art digital health solutions and advanced data analytics to enhance patient outcomes in CNS disorders. With a focus on electrophysiology, the company has established a strong presence in epilepsy and sleep disorders. Leveraging this expertise, Clouds of Care is set to expand into neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders across the treatment development and care continuum.

“Pharma no longer just needs best-in-class tools; they want platforms that promote standardization across these tools. This is exactly what Clouds of Care aims to achieve within the market for neurological disorders,” said Nicolas Roberti de Winghe, partner at TCD Capital.

“Clouds of Care combines extensive electrophysiology expertise with an advanced AI platform designed to enhance endpoint validation in global clinical trials. Their customized solutions cater to the specific needs for clinical development, aiming at increasing the probability of success. With a strong track record in epilepsy, they are now ready to expand into other CNS diseases,” said Michel Vounatsos, chairman of the board.

With the funding, Clouds of Care will invest in its technological infrastructure, expand its team of experts, and deepen its research and development efforts. The company is committed to driving positive change in CNS healthcare, ultimately improving the lives of patients worldwide.

About Clouds of Care:

Clouds of Care NV is an ISO 13485:2016 and ISO 27001:2013-certified MedTech company in Ghent, Belgium, housing CE-marked and FDA-cleared electrophysiology applications for clinicians and tailor-made solutions for clinical trials and research. Through its comprehensive CNS platform and strategic network of partners, Clouds of Care is revolutionizing care for people with Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders.

www.cloudsofcare.com 

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2496002/Clouds_of_Care.jpg

SOURCE Clouds of Care

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 4, 2024 — GMA Consulting (“GMA”) is proud to announce Greg Roselli, a seasoned gaming industry expert, has joined the firm. With nearly two decades of experience as a credit analyst, investor, and advisor, Roselli brings unparalleled financial insight into the gaming, lodging, and leisure sectors. His extensive background and deep industry knowledge will significantly enhance GMA’s capabilities and value proposition to our clients.

Prior to joining GMA, Roselli founded Roselli Advisory – a boutique consulting firm – to provide specialized services to both corporate clients and investors. His extensive background includes research, investing, capital raising, direct lending, balance sheet engineering, M&A, and strategic consulting. At GMA, Roselli will leverage his deep industry knowledge and innovative approach to drive strategic growth and enhance client solutions.

Commenting on his new role, Greg Roselli stated, “I am thrilled to join GMA Consulting and help contribute to their exceptional team. Over my career, I have been fortunate to work in some of the most dynamic sectors within the gaming and hospitality industries, and I am excited to bring my experience to a firm that is at the forefront of these fields. I look forward to collaborating with the GMA Consulting team and serving our diverse and prestigious client base.”

Roselli began his career in 2005 at Bank of America as a member of the No. 1 Institutional Investor-ranked Gaming, Lodging, and Leisure High Yield Research team. In 2009, he joined UBS’ Fixed Income desk as a Senior Credit Analyst, where he covered over 50 debt issuers and supported the firm’s Investment Banking and Capital Markets teams. In 2013, Roselli joined a prominent hedge fund overseeing a portfolio of gaming and hospitality debt, equity, and private credit. During his 10-year tenure, he invested across a majority of domestic and Native American gaming operators and equipment suppliers, participated in the fund’s direct lending efforts, and collaborated with management teams and investment banks to structure new debt and equity issues, refinancings, construction loans, credit facilities, and bank amendments.

Roselli’s notable achievements also include serving on the Board of Revel Entertainment as a Director and member of the Operations Committee and being licensed by the NJ Casino Control Commission, underscoring his deep understanding of the regulatory landscape in the gaming industry.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Greg Roselli to GMA Consulting,” said Josh Swissman, Founding Partner and Managing Director of GMA Consulting. “Greg’s unparalleled expertise perfectly complements our firm’s capabilities, allowing us to better serve our current and future clients. His strategic vision and proven success will be instrumental as we continue to expand our footprint across gaming, lodging, and leisure, strengthening both our team and the value we deliver to our clients.”

Roselli is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, holding degrees in Finance and Computer Science. His addition to GMA Consulting signals a significant step forward in the firm’s mission to deliver exceptional advisory services and innovative solutions to clients.

Greg is available immediately to offer his expertise in financing, debt and equity capital, balance sheet, M&A, strategic and other related consulting services. Please reach out to GMA Consulting at [email protected] for more information or to schedule a call with Greg.

About GMA Consulting
GMA Consulting is a modern consulting firm created through the merger of Global Market Advisors and The Strategy Organization.  Founding Partners Matthew Chilton, Steve Gallaway, Seth Schorr, Josh Swissman, Kit Szybala, and Seth Young each have decades of deep-rooted experience in the hospitality, gaming, entertainment, web3, iGaming and online sports betting industries.  In 2023, the firm also launched its Government Relations, Strategic Communications, and Executive Placement business units.  The company’s client list spans the majority of public gaming companies, 85 Native American tribes, commercial and investment banks, and government agencies from around the world.  For more information on GMA Consulting, please visit www.gmaconsulting.com.   

Media Contact
Pat Eichner
Associate Partner, GMA Consulting
(303) 759-5944
[email protected]

SOURCE GMA Consulting

Toyota Ventures and Azolla Ventures Investments will Boost Development of Cost-Effective Green Methanol Production

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 3, 2024 — Oxylus Energy, developer of a novel carbon utilization technology for the production of e-fuels, today announced the close of its $4.5 million Series Seed investment co-led by Toyota Ventures and Azolla Ventures with participation from Earth Foundry and Connecticut Innovations. Oxylus’ solution is the first low-temperature and low-pressure conversion of carbon dioxide to green methanol, a liquid fuel. This is enabled by commercializing the first-ever catalyst developed at Yale University by Professor Hailiang Wang for direct electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol. Building reactors similar to green hydrogen electrolyzers, Oxylus creates methanol using only captured carbon dioxide, water and electricity. Designed to operate in modular conditions, this approach is a lower-cost technology for carbon conversion into alternative fuels. This funding will accelerate Oxylus’ technology development, prototype testing and pilot deployment.

Oxylus Energy’s methanol can be used as a drop-in fuel replacement or upgraded to jet fuel and other green petrochemicals. By uniquely combining carbon conversion and alternative fuel production this approach can reduce energy expenditures and cut costs for fuel production. “Direct electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide at low temperatures and pressures is the only way to decrease the cost of green methanol,” said Conor Rooney, Co-Founder and CTO of Oxylus. According to Harrison Meyer, Co-Founder and COO of Oxylus, “Without decreasing the price of methanol it will be difficult to decarbonize the hard-to-abate sectors of aviation, shipping, and petrochemicals that are currently responsible for 11% of global emissions.”

The World Economic Forum states that green methanol can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by almost 95%. Furthermore, “green methanol can be blended with traditional gasoline or diesel fuel, offering a seamless transition … minimizing the need for infrastructure upgrades.” Current green methanol production is less than 0.2 million tons annually, but according to estimates from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), this is likely to rise to 500 million tons by 2050. “This is why Oxylus’ technology is critical—it can meet the growing market demand for methanol in the net-zero transition at a price that actually works for industry,” said Co-Founder and CEO Perry Bakas.

“We are thrilled to support the team at Oxylus Energy as they work to scale this cost-effective process for e-fuel production,” said Lisa Coca, Climate Fund partner, Toyota Ventures. “Eliminating the need for hydrogen as an input is a significant innovation in the green energy space that has the potential to dramatically reduce production costs and unlock numerous decarbonization pathways.”

“While green methanol provides a pathway to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like shipping, maritime and aviation, price premiums and limited supply restrict feasibility of adoption. Oxylus Energy’s modular single-step CO₂ electrolyzer, however, is highly efficient, reduces cost, and can be easily stacked to scale green methanol production,” said Amy Duffuor, General Partner at Azolla Ventures. “Oxylus Energy’s technical progress combined with the novel catalyst, complementary team and ability to target multiple market applications, makes it an optimal investment for Azolla. We are incredibly excited to partner with Oxylus Energy on the next phase of their journey.”

About Oxylus Energy
Oxylus Energy is a climate technology company developing low-temperature and low-pressure conversion of carbon dioxide into green methanol. Oxylus Energy was founded at Yale by graduate students Harrison Meyer, Conor Rooney, and Perry Bakas and incubated at ClimateHaven. Oxylus Energy converts CO₂ into carbon-neutral fuels and chemical feedstocks. Oxylus’ electrolyzers are designed to be modular and enable onsite carbon utilization and fuel production. Carbon utilization in green methanol can provide drop-in fuels and chemical feedstocks for the hard-to-abate sectors of shipping, aviation, and petrochemicals. To learn more, go to: https://www.oxylusenergy.com/

About Toyota Ventures
Toyota Ventures is the early-stage venture capital arm of Toyota. Founded in July 2017, its mission is to discover what’s next for Toyota by helping startups bring disruptive technologies and business models to market quickly. With more than $800 million in assets under management, the firm is dedicated to investing in talented entrepreneurs around the world who are driving innovation in frontier technologies and climate solutions. For more information about Toyota Ventures and its portfolio companies, please visit www.toyota.ventures.

About Azolla Ventures
Azolla Ventures, launched by Prime Coalition in 2021, is an early-stage investor in climate breakthroughs that could avert catastrophic climate change. At Azolla Ventures, we prioritize impact first: every investment holds the potential for large-scale greenhouse gas reductions and a more just climate for all. The team seeks out bold entrepreneurs from all corners and embraces opportunities outside of venture norms. Azolla Ventures manages the $239MM Azolla Fund I and the $50MM Prime Impact Fund. For more information about Azolla Ventures, please visit https://www.azollaventures.com

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SOURCE Oxylus Energy