TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2024 — Soundpays Corp. (Soundpays), a pioneer in ultrasonic sound cue technology, is proud to announce its activation with the Houston Texans, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to transform fan engagement across the sports and entertainment industry. During the Texans’ game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, November 10, 2024, Soundpays successfully delivered one of the team’s most dynamic and interactive fan experiences, showcasing the full power of its patented technology.
Soundpays Logo
Soundpays’ innovative platform uses inaudible sound cues broadcast through existing stadium speakers to enable real-time engagement through fans’ mobile devices. This technology allows fans to participate in immersive light shows, access exclusive offers, purchase team merchandise, and participate in interactive moments during live events.
“Partnering with the Houston Texans is a proud moment for Soundpays,” commented Peter Awad, President of Soundpays. “This game was a testament to what our technology can achieve, and we’re excited to build on this success as we engage with more NFL teams and expand into other sports leagues, including MLB, the NBA, and beyond.”
Continued Growth and Funding Success
Following the successful completion of its required funding round, Soundpays is accelerating its operations to meet growing demand from the sports and entertainment markets. With this funding, the company is positioned to expand its partnerships, refine its technology, and deliver even greater fan experiences across the globe.
“We’re grateful to our partners, investors, and supporters who have helped us bring Soundpays to this pivotal moment,” added Awad. “This is just the beginning of a journey to redefine how fans interact with their favorite teams, whether they’re in the stadium or at home.”
For further information, please contact: Paul Eastwood Director, Business Development [email protected] 416-505-2775
About Soundpays Corp. Soundpays is a cutting-edge technology company that uses patented ultrasonic sound cues to create real-time, interactive experiences for fans. From stadiums to broadcasts and beyond, Soundpays empowers teams, brands, and venues to connect with consumers in innovative and meaningful ways. By enhancing audience interaction, Soundpays unlocks new revenue opportunities and delivers unforgettable experiences.
The series A investment round secures resources for advancing global Phase I/II clinical programs and orchestrating the company’s global footprint expansion.
BEIJING, Nov. 28, 2024 — Allink Biotherapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering next-generation bispecific antibody and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics, today announced successful completion of an $42 million Series A financing. The financing round was led by Lanchi Ventures, a preeminent global early-stage technology investor known for backing breakthrough innovations, with participation from an elite syndicate of new investors including Yuanbio Venture Capital, Legend Capital and C&D Emerging Industry Equity Investment, alongside strong support from existing shareholders Gaorong Ventures and Med-Fine Capital.
“Since company inception a little over a year ago, AllinkBio has rapidly advanced from lead asset PCC to clinical development stage,” said Hui Feng, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AllinkBio, “We are grateful for the continued support from existing shareholders and delighted to welcome new investors who recognize both our scientific excellence and capability of translating scientific findings into clinical applications. Their support enables us to accelerate the development of our diverse pipeline spanning multiple modalities including next-generation ADCs and bispecific antibodies targeting oncology and immunology diseases. Looking ahead, we are poised to achieve multiple pipeline milestones in the coming months as we pursue our long-term mission of bringing innovative therapeutics to patients with significant unmet medical needs.”
“AllinkBio’s exceptional execution speed and quality in advancing its lead program from preclinical to clinical stage, led by Dr. Feng, one of the leading figures in China’s biopharmaceutical industry, demonstrates the company’s high competitiveness in the field,” commented Lanchi Ventures. “AllinkBio’s innovative approach to ADC development presents a compelling opportunity in the targeted oncology therapeutics space.”
The Series A financing proceeds will be deployed to advance:
Global clinical development of lead candidates ALK201 and ALK202 through Phase 1 studies in Australia, the United States and China
Enrichment of current portfolio by developing multiple highly competitive new assets in oncology and immunology
Further development of the company’s proprietary bispecific antibody and ADC technology platform
Global footprint expansion to achieve world prominence
The successful completion of this round of financing marks a pivotal moment in AllinkBio’s growth trajectory. With the new financial resources in place, combined with the company’s efficient R&D capabilities, AllinkBio is well-positioned for expedited growth toward new heights on both its product and corporate development fronts.
About AllinkBio
Founded in 2023, AllinkBio is a clinical stage biotechnology company leveraging its innovative proprietary platforms in bispecific antibodies and ADCs to develop a diverse pipeline of First-in-Class (FIC) and Best-in-Class (BIC) therapeutics. AllinkBio aims to develop treatment paradigm shifting new drugs for patients in the oncology and immunology disease areas and address critical unmet medical needs globally.
About Lanchi Ventures
Lanchi Ventures (LCV), a leading early-stage venture capital firm with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Beijing, focuses on investing in entrepreneurs who leverage technological innovations to create a sustainable impact. With its heritage in Silicon Valley since 1998, Lanchi Ventures (LCV) manages over $2 billion in capital through multiple funds and has invested in over 200 portfolio companies, including Gaussian Robotics, TCab, UniUni, Agibot, Galbot, Moonshot, Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI), QingCloud (688316.SH), WaterDrop (NYSE: WDH), Ganji/58.com, Guazi, etc. The firm has been recognized by Forbes, Fortune, Preqin, and others. For further information, please visit https://www.lanchiventures.com.
SOURCE Lanchi Ventures
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The series A investment round secures resources for advancing global Phase I/II clinical programs and orchestrating the company’s global footprint expansion.
SHANGHAI, Nov. 28, 2024 — Allink Biotherapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering next-generation bispecific antibody and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics, today announced the successful completion of a $42 million Series A financing. The financing round was led by Lanchi Ventures, a preeminent global early-stage technology investor known for backing breakthrough innovations, with participation from an elite syndicate of new investors including Yuanbio Venture Capital, Legend Capital and C&D Emerging Industry Equity Investment, alongside strong support from existing shareholders Gaorong Ventures and Med-Fine Capital.
“Since our company’s inception a little over a year ago, AllinkBio has rapidly advanced from lead asset PCC to clinical development stage,” said Hui Feng, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AllinkBio. “We are grateful for the continued support from existing shareholders and delighted to welcome new investors who recognize both our scientific excellence and capability of translating scientific findings into clinical applications. Their support enables us to accelerate the development of our diverse pipeline spanning multiple modalities including next-generation ADCs and bispecific antibodies targeting oncology and immunology diseases. Looking ahead, we are poised to achieve multiple pipeline milestones in the coming months as we pursue our long-term mission of bringing innovative therapeutics to patients with significant unmet medical needs.”
“AllinkBio’s exceptional execution speed and quality in advancing its lead program from preclinical to clinical stage, led by Dr. Feng, one of the leading figures in China’s biopharmaceutical industry, demonstrates the company’s high competitiveness in the field,” said Lanchi Ventures. “AllinkBio’s innovative approach to ADC development presents a compelling opportunity in the targeted oncology therapeutics space.”
“Our continued investment in AllinkBio reflects our strong conviction in the company’s scientific excellence and execution capabilities,” said Jiangtao Yu, Ph.D., Managing Director at Gaorong Ventures. “Since our initial investment, we have been impressed by the company’s rapid advancement in both platform development and pipeline progression. We are excited to strengthen our commitment through this Series A financing.”
“We are delighted to have witnessed the fast and steady development of AllinkBio. Dr. Feng and his team’s dedicated work in progressing two highly promising ADC drug candidates into clinical stage within one and half years since company inception has been really impressive. We believe the company has great potential and will continuously support its endeavor in developing innovative drugs for patients in need globally.” said Angel Round lead investor Vince Deng, Ph.D., Partner of Med-Fine Capital.
The Series A financing proceeds will be deployed to advance:
Global clinical development of lead candidates ALK201 and ALK202 through Phase 1 studies in Australia, the United States and China
Enrichment of current portfolio by developing multiple highly competitive new assets in oncology and immunology
Further development of the company’s proprietary bispecific antibody and ADC technology platform
Global footprint expansion to achieve world prominence
The successful completion of this round of financing marks a pivotal moment in AllinkBio’s growth trajectory. With the new financial resources in place, combined with the company’s efficient R&D capabilities, AllinkBio is well-positioned for expedited growth toward new heights on both its product and corporate development fronts.
About AllinkBio Founded in 2023, AllinkBio is a clinical stage biotechnology company leveraging its innovative proprietary platforms in bispecific antibodies and ADCs to develop a diverse pipeline of First-in-Class (FIC) and Best-in-Class (BIC) therapeutics. AllinkBio aims to develop treatment paradigm shifting new drugs for patients in the oncology and immunology disease areas and address critical unmet medical needs globally.
About Lanchi Ventures Lanchi Ventures (LCV), a leading early-stage venture capital firm with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Beijing, focuses on investing in entrepreneurs who leverage technological innovations to create a sustainable impact. With its heritage in Silicon Valley since 1998, Lanchi Ventures (LCV) manages over $2 billion in capital through multiple funds and has invested in over 200 portfolio companies, including Gaussian Robotics, TCab, UniUni, Agibot, Galbot, Moonshot, Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI), QingCloud (688316.SH), WaterDrop (NYSE: WDH), Ganji/58.com, Guazi, etc. The firm has been recognized by Forbes, Fortune, Preqin, and others. For further information, please visit https://www.lanchiventures.com.
About Gaorong Ventures Founded in 2014, Gaorong Ventures is focused on early and growth-stage investments, with a specialty in new technology, healthcare, internet and new consumption. We have 24 IPO portfolios, amongst which, many of them have advanced to be leaders in their perspective industries, including Pinduoduo (NASDAQ: PDD), Huya (NYSE: HUYA), BOSS Zhipin (NASDAQ: BZ), Roborock (688169.SH), etc. We continue to invest in the healthcare industry and are committed to discovering and accompanying leading companies in the fields of drug discovery, medical instrumentation and testing, digital health and medical services. Representative examples include Alto Neuroscience（NYSE: ANRO）, ProfoundBio (acquired by Genmab）, Sironax, Cornerstone Robotics, HYGEA, United Family Healthcare, Saint Bella, etc.
About Yuanbio Venture Capital Yuanbio Venture Capital is a leading healthcare investment firm focusing on early and growth stage companies. Based in Suzhou bioBay, YuanBio keeps a global vision. With both RMB and USD funds, YuanBio has built up a portfolio of over 190 companies, covering biotech, medical devices, IVD, and healthcare services fields. The firm has seen great investment returns with 19 of its portfolio companies listed on the STAR, Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. YuanBio has received multiple awards as one of the leading healthcare VCs in China. With passion, dedication and expertise, YuanBio strives to become one of the most successful healthcare venture capital firms in China.
About Med-Fine Capital Med-Fine Capital is a leading healthcare-focused venture capital firm in China, known for its capability of identifying promising entrepreneurs and investing in their NewCo formation round. Med-Fine manages multiple RMB and USD funds, investing across the healthcare sector including biotech, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare technology and services. To date, it has grown a portfolio of approximately 70 companies, including Hanyu Medical, Mabworks, ImmVira Pharma, Zion Pharma, LYNK Pharmaceuticals, Eccogene, Pharma Legacy, MagAssist, Alebund, Allorion Therapeutics, Allink Biotherapeutics, Castalysis Bioscience, and VelaVigo. Med-Fine is dedicated to becoming a reputable investment institution with global impact.
About Legend Capital Founded in 2001, Legend Capital is a leading VC&PE investor focusing on the early-stage and growth-stage opportunities in China, with offices across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore. It currently manages USD and RMB funds of over US$10 billion and has invested in around 600 companies, covering technology, healthcare, consumer, enterprise service and intelligent manufacturing sectors. Over the years, Legend Capital has become a widely recognized name in bridging key resources in China and overseas through cross-border activities, and a valuable partner to Chinese and overseas investors. Legend Capital values long-term sustainable investment and incorporates ESG into its long-term development strategy. As a UNPRI signatory since November 2019, Legend Capital is among the first group of top VC/PE firms in China to join the initiative.
About C&D Emerging Industry Equity Investment C&D Emerging Industry Equity Investment is a professional equity asset management institution under C&D Group (Fortune Global 500). Established in 2014, our mission is to “create new value and help more emerging enterprises achieve better development.” We specialize in new economic fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, TMT/consumption.
SOURCE Allink Biotherapeutics
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As robotics investing climbs out of its 2023 slump, humanoid robotics pioneer WorkFar — which has not received any funding from venture capital — is ready to produce at the level of competitors already receiving billions of investment dollars.
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 27, 2024 — There’s nothing quite like the tenacity of a new company with a unique value proposition that directly addresses the needs of its target customer base. WorkFar Robotics, a business specializing in commercial humanoid service robots for industrial applications, has yet to get on the radar of today’s venture capitalists — but that hasn’t stopped them from reaching the mass-producing stage.
Many companies, particularly those in the robotics industry, are reliant on venture capital, and they can go for years — or even a decade — without turning a profit. Building a cash-flowing robotics company with no investment aside from hard work, creativity, and business acumen is a feat rarely accomplished. Yet WorkFar has managed to achieve the same level of progress as competitors receiving $100 million to over $1 billion in investment funding.
WorkFar’s Business Model: An Autonomous, Remote-operatable Robot for $0 down
WorkFar’s offering is unique in the world of industrial robotics. The industry’s most common business model is to sell an expensive product to a manufacturer and possibly provide some integration services. For companies unable to afford the high price tag, certain robotics manufacturers offer a subscription-based “Robot-as-a-Service.” WorkFar takes this a step further by allowing clients to lease both a robot and a trained, remote operator on a monthly basis without a down payment.
The combination of sophisticated humanoid robot, AI-enhanced programming, and an optional human operator constitutes a turnkey solution for warehouses and manufacturers dealing with aggravating challenges like long-lasting labor shortages, concerns around worker safety and burnout, and issues with efficiency and consistency. Since the optional teleoperator is remote-based, WorkFar can leverage the global workforce to support its customers.
The WorkFar “Syntro” robot uses virtual reality eye tracking and AI algorithms to target and grasp objects at the operator’s direction, and the operator gets feedback on object pick-up through haptic gloves. The robot’s “core logic” is human intelligence, which — despite rapid advances in AI — still can’t be beat.
WorkFar’s Manufacturing Expertise goes back Decades
Although the ‘Syntro’ robot is brand-new, WorkFar’s US based manufacturing facility has over 40 years of experience producing plastic and metal parts for industrial machinery and consumer products. This expertise is now being leveraged to mass produce humanoid robot in-house — an arrangement that cuts out the middleman and leads to more efficient operations. With supply chain issues wreaking havoc on robotics companies’ operations for the past several years, this is a major advantage.
Robotics Investing dipped in 2023, but it’s Coming Back strong with AI and Humanoid Technology
Investment in the robotics industry hit a five-year low last year, particularly in the area of autonomous vehicles (AVs). This was partially a result of a widespread market correction within venture capital investing, but the legislative concerns and negative press surrounding AVs didn’t help. The slump was temporary, however, and robotics venture capital is starting to rise again rapidly, with vertical-specific robotics companies focusing on logistics, security, and medical applications leading the way.
One thing that’s making robotics investing much more appealing is the awe-inspiring takeoff in artificial intelligence capabilities. AI models give robots the capacity to execute complex tasks like grasping unpredictably shaped objects much more smoothly and accurately. Even better, AI allows the robots to learn from each effort, rapidly increasing their accuracy and efficiency over time. Robot vision will gain clarity with improved object detection and image segmentation — essential tools for interacting “intuitively” with the environment.
With a design meant to evoke their maker, humanoid robots are poised to reap the greatest benefits from this rapid growth in AI. They show promise across multiple industries, ranging from manufacturing to healthcare to personal assistance. Once AI’s transformative capabilities became apparent, projections for the humanoid robot market ten years from now shot up from just $6 billion to almost $200 billion — or in some estimates, well over $24 trillion.
Sheer Business Acumen has propelled WorkFar to the point of Mass Production
Although the robotics investment outlook is getting brighter, the recent dip has prompted investors to be more discerning and focus on areas where robotic solutions can make important strides right now. Venture capitalists have seen plenty of technology demos that turn heads; now it’s time to back these up with solid business plans that show real returns on investment. With its robot-as-a-service offering at $0 down payment, this is WorkFar’s strong suit.
Even with rapid AI advances, this model will always benefit from the authority and decision-making power of human intelligence. This is central to WorkFar’s vision: a human-robot team that will unleash a new era of productivity, bringing collaborative efficiency to factories and facilities worldwide. This innovative solution takes into account what other solutions overlook: the fact that true productivity depends on human decision-making and robotic efficiency being intertwined, not isolated.
This vision is what has enabled WorkFar to grow on its own revenue in an industry that usually requires millions or even billions of dollars in venture capital. No longer a startup, this company has now pushed into a higher corporate level of investment based on business acumen alone. With a market-ready product that can be manufactured in WorkFar’s own factory, the humanoid robotics pioneer is stronger because it does not rely on venture capital.
Series A investment led by NFX accelerates Constrafor’s mission to provide cutting-edge financial and AI-powered solutions for the construction industry
NEW YORK, Nov. 27, 2024 — Constrafor, a pioneering software provider for the construction industry, today announced the successful close of its $264 million Series A funding round. The financing, comprising an equity component of $14 million and a $250 million credit facility, has been led by NFX on the equity side, and Wafra and Crestline Investors on the credit side. The investment will accelerate Constrafor’s ambitious growth plans and cement its leadership in construction finance technology.
Constrafor is dedicated to tackling the construction industry’s most pressing challenges—tight margins, cash flow constraints, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages. By strengthening relationships between subcontractors and General Contractors (GCs), Constrafor’s innovative technology and financial solutions drive meaningful impact.
The Constrafor technology platform modernizes how GCs manage subcontractor relationships, transforming inefficient processes into a streamlined digital command center. With integrated procurement tools, simplified invoicing, and the Discovery Network connecting GCs to a wide roster of subcontractors, the platform ensures efficient and organized subcontractor procurement and payment. To round-up the subcontractor administration process, Constrafor’s Prequal and its AI-powered Insurance CoPilot provide contractors with powerful solutions for streamlining insurance document management and automating full policy compliance reviews.
For subcontractors, Constrafor’s Early Pay Program (EPP) is a game-changer. It accelerates payments at competitive rates, easing cash flow pressures and eliminating lengthy payment cycles. Taking financial empowerment even further, the soon-to-launch Subcontractor CFO Suite will offer advanced tools, such as project-based accounting, supplier management, and enhanced financial controls—redefining financial management for the construction sector.
Anwar Ghauche, CEO and Cofounder of Constrafor, commented: “This Series A funding is testament to the critical need for Constrafor in the construction sector. We’re not just providing features or point solutions; we’re rewiring the construction industry’s financial operating system. With this investment, we’re poised to expand our reach and impact, helping more contractors build sustainable, profitable businesses.”
Douglas Reed, CTO and Cofounder, added: “This funding allows us to scale our AI capabilities, giving clients access to advanced technology. It streamlines operations and creates new opportunities in an evolving industry.”
Pete Flint, Partner at NFX, expressed his confidence in the company’s vision: “We’ve seen firsthand how marketplaces like Trulia, Zillow and DoorDash can leverage network effects to become dominant players in their industries. Constrafor is exhibiting similar traits, rapidly building a platform that has the potential to become the de facto service by empowering contractors and streamlining payments and financing in the construction industry.”
Rahul Vaid, Lead Partner at Crestline, added: “Given our extensive experience in real estate investment, we recognize how critical cash flow is for subcontractors. Constrafor’s innovative financing solutions address this need, enabling subcontractors to thrive in a competitive and capital-intensive industry. We are excited to support Constrafor’s mission to streamline cash flow management and empower the construction ecosystem.”
Paul Steinberger, Managing Director at Wafra, said: “Constrafor is reshaping the construction finance landscape. Its innovative financing tools, which are proving invaluable to contractors and subcontractors alike, are helping usher in a new paradigm in the industry. Wafra is delighted to support this ground-breaking operation.”
About Constrafor Constrafor is the construction industry’s first vertically integrated supply chain finance and risk management platform. By leveraging advanced technology and innovative financial products, Constrafor empowers general contractors and subcontractors to optimize cash flow, mitigate risk, and streamline operations. Visit our website to learn how Constrafor can transform your business operations and financial management.
About NFX: NFX is a leading seed-stage venture firm based in San Francisco, CA and Herzlia, Israel, started by technology entrepreneurs who built 10 companies with more than $10 billion in exits. They are experts in networks, platforms and marketplaces across multiple industries and geographies. To learn more, visit www.nfx.com and follow @NFX on Twitter.
About Wafra: Wafra is a global alternative investment manager with approximately $28 billion of assets under management across a range of alternative assets, including real assets, real estate, strategic partnerships, and special situations. By providing flexible and accretive capital solutions and focusing on long-term partnerships, Wafra aligns and partners with high quality asset owners, companies, and management teams. Headquartered in New York, Wafra has additional offices in London and Bermuda. www.wafra.com
About Crestline Investors: Crestline Investors, Inc is an alternative investment management firm founded in 1997 and based in Fort Worth, Texas, with affiliate offices in London, New York, Toronto, and Tokyo. The firm has approximately $18 billion in assets under management (as of March 31, 2024), and is specialized in private credit strategies, offering a diverse range of investment solutions across its direct lending, opportunistic, and portfolio finance platforms. For more information, visit www.crestlineinvestors.com.
SOURCE Constrafor
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The 37 investments will address mental health, housing, legal services, social connection, and more
NEW YORK, Nov. 27, 2024 — The Bob Woodruff Foundation is proud to announce an investment of over $4.7 million dedicated to ensuring that veterans, service members and their families have stable and successful futures. The latest grant portfolio addresses key issues for veteran communities, including mental health, housing, legal services, education, employment and social connection.
This new investment brings this year’s total investments to over $10 million across 73 grants – a new record for the Bob Woodruff Foundation. The fall investments include seven new grantee partners, contributing to a total of 17 new grant recipients in 2024.
Of the 37 investments announced today:
Nine address veteran mental health through strengthening the mental health workforce, providing direct clinical care in military-connected communities and increasing access to intensive outpatient programming.
Six programs support military children’s access to clinical mental health care.
Five investments will provide outreach and peer support to connect veterans to crisis prevention resources.
One investment will support student veterans across campuses in NYC and one in South Dakota while simultaneously supporting the next generation of social workers.
Three investments will address employment outcomes for veterans and military spouses, with services spanning New York, Indiana, and North Carolina.
Four investments will improve social connection for service members, veterans and their families through the arts, leadership programming, and mentorship.
Ten investments will support more than 5,700 veterans experiencing or at-risk of homelessness by supporting direct emergency and transitional housing, and provide complementary services to address social determinants of health.
Five investments will provide legal aid to ensure veterans gain access to earned financial and health benefits, prevent evictions, remove barriers to employment, and improve quality of life.
“Our fall grants fund programs and services that help veterans, service members, and their families navigate challenges they face and ensure they receive the support they’ve earned and deserve. We’re funding housing and job programs, food assistance, physical and mental health care, legal support, and more,” said Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. “We’re proud to work with an incredible nationwide network of partners to make this impact possible in communities across the country.For more information on the funded organizations and their work, visit the 2024 fall grants portfolio highlights.
About the Bob Woodruff Foundation
The Bob Woodruff Foundation was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has raised awareness about the tough challenges veterans and military families are facing, and invested in solutions to help support them in the next chapter of their lives. To date, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has invested over $165 million to ensure that our nation’s veterans, service members and their families — those who stood for us — have stable and successful futures. Visit. www.BobWoodruffFoundation.org for more information.
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 27, 2024 — CalTier, Inc. (CalTier), an innovative leader in real estate and alternative investment platform, is excited to announce the launch of its Series B round of funding, a significant milestone in its journey to democratize access to high-quality real estate investments.
CalTier
“This is a pivotal step as we look to accelerate the company’s growth over the next 24 months,” said Parker Smith, Chief Operating Officer of CalTier. “We believe this is the opportune time to further establish our position as one of the market’s leading real estate and alternative investment platforms.”
With an experienced team, a robust network of real estate partners, and a strong community of over 32,000 registered users, CalTier is well-positioned for its next phase of growth. The company has ambitious plans to scale its user base to 500,000 and build a $7 billion AUM real estate portfolio with this round of funding.
“This funding round is a starting point for our next chapter,” said Smith. “Retail investors are looking for alternative investments, and our platform provides a simple, clean, and streamlined way to access them.”
The Series B funding round will fuel CalTier’s mission to deliver a seamless and accessible investment experience for both accredited and non-accredited retail investors. The company’s innovative platform simplifies real estate investing, providing individuals with the opportunity to participate in an asset class traditionally reserved for institutions.
About CalTier
CalTier, Inc is an alternative investment platform that provides the everyday investor access to alternative investments, like cash-flowing real estate, which traditionally has proven extremely difficult to participate in and is often reserved for a select group of institutions and high-net worth individuals. Their platform has over 32,000 registered users. Their offerings, including how to participate in this round of funding, can be accessed here CalTier.fund.
RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 27, 2024 — 360Player, a leading all-in-one digital platform for modern sports clubs, today announced a $25 million strategic growth investment from Five Elms Capital, a leading software investment firm. The funding will support 360Player’s ambitious plans to expand its integrated platform for clubs, coaches, players, and parents across new international markets.
(PRNewsfoto/Five Elms Capital)
“I have met a lot of investment firms over the years. No one can compare to the team we have partnered with at Five Elms. Their experience running effective SaaS businesses and providing real value gives us a huge opportunity to offer our customers the best product possible,” said Mats Kraitsik, Founder and CEO of 360Player.
Since its founding in 2014, 360Player has emerged as a premier all-in-one platform for sports, serving well-known clubs including Barça Academy, Rafa Nadal Academy, Rush Soccer, International Development Academy, Total90 Futbol Academy, Royal Society FC, and many others. The company’s comprehensive suite of digital tools spans video analytics, player development, team management, and seamless financial services for clubs. 360Player currently serves over 420,000 users across 50+ countries, with recent rapid growth in key markets like the United States.
Ryan Mandl, Partner at Five Elms Capital, commented on the investment: “360Player has built an incredibly powerful and differentiated platform that is transforming the way youth and amateur sports clubs are organized and operated globally. We are thrilled to partner with Mats and the entire 360Player team as they continue to expand their reach and deliver innovative solutions to the sports community.”
The investment from Five Elms will enable 360Player to accelerate its international expansion, with a focus on growing its user base internationally. It will also allow the company to enhance its integrated platform with new product features and capabilities driven by customer feedback and grow its team of sports industry experts and technologists to support scaling.
About 360Player 360Player is an all-in-one digital platform that streamlines the sports management ecosystem. The company’s comprehensive suite of tools empowers sports organizations, coaches, athletes, and families with video analytics, player development, team management, and seamless financial services. With 360Player you get a total branded experience with full control and overview of everything that happens in your club. The platform is available on any device which means you can run your club from your mobile phone. For more information, please visit 360player.com.
About Five Elms Capital Five Elms is a leading growth investor in world-class software businesses that users love. Five Elms provides capital and resources to help companies accelerate growth and further cement their role as industry leaders.
With over $3 billion in assets under management and a global team of 70+ investment professionals, Five Elms has invested in more than 70 software platforms globally. The firm’s operational value creation team supports the portfolio, working alongside companies to accelerate growth, build executive teams, improve retention and sales & marketing efficiency, upgrade analytical infrastructure, and expand into new markets. For more information, please visit fiveelms.com.
SOURCE Five Elms Capital
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WAYNE, Pa., Nov. 26, 2024 — Argosy Private Equity (“Argosy”), a lower middle market private equity firm, today announced it has exited its investment in Rita’s Franchise Company, LLC (“Rita’s” or the “Company”).
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Trevose, PA, Rita’s is one of the premier frozen treat purveyors in the industry. The company’s journey began when Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter, opened the first Rita’s location in Bensalem, PA. Tumolo expanded the brand by introducing franchising, and today, the Rita’s franchise network spans approximately 600 locations across 30 U.S. states, as well as international markets. Known for its loyal customer base, Rita’s has been named a top food franchise by Franchise Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Entrepreneur’s Startup. Additional recognition from top publications like Zagat and The Wall Street Journal have solidified its place as a beloved and celebrated brand in the frozen dessert space.
Argosy acquired Rita’s in December 2016 and began implementation of its Value Acceleration Methodology (VAM™) at acquisition. Key initiatives included refining its expansion strategy and leveraging data to drive key decisions, such as new store and drive thru locations. Enhancing franchisee support through upgraded training and ordering tools, while boosting customer engagement through a revamped app and mobile ordering, contributed to additional growth. On the product front, relentless R&D led to new flavors and offerings including Frozen Coffee and seasonal favorites.
“Partnering with the Rita’s leadership team has been an extraordinary experience. From the outset, we were impressed by the brand’s potential and its passionate customer base. In collaboration with the management team, the implementation of VAM™ initiatives led to significant growth and contributed to more than doubling EBITDA during our hold period. Rita’s has evolved into a beloved and celebrated brand, and it has been a privilege to contribute to their journey. The numerous changes implemented during our ownership period have significantly increased franchisee profitability and improved the customer experience. We are excited to see the brand continue to thrive under its new ownership,” said Kirk Griswold, Founding Partner of Argosy Private Equity.
“Argosy has been a great partner, helping us refine our strategy and align our core fundamentals with our business objectives. Argosy’s VAM™ tools were instrumental in growing revenue, improving processes, and ultimately helping our franchisees better serve our customers. The Argosy team has not only been a trusted business partner but also a key contributor to making this journey rewarding for everyone involved,” said Linda Chadwick, CEO of Rita’s.
About Argosy Private Equity
Argosy Private Equity, founded in 1990, is a lower middle market private equity firm dedicated to growing and professionalizing U.S. manufacturing and business services companies, often family or founder owned. For over 30 years, Argosy Private Equity has partnered with more than 135 investments, focusing on companies with $3 to 10 million of EBITDA and substantial potential to grow. Argosy manages a diverse portfolio across six funds and over $1.1 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2024.
