NORWICH, England, April 15, 2025 — Homemove, the innovative proptech brand which allows users to manage their complete home move process from a single, easy to use platform, has today announced the successful completion of a $5 million funding round led by Fuel Ventures with co-investors including the Blandford Family Office, and Oxford Innovation. This investment underscores significant confidence in Homemove’s mission to transform the moving experience, enabling people to move home with more confidence and ease through high quality service and an all-in-one tech solution.

Co-founded by James Freestone and Louis O’Connell Bristow, in a highly fragmented industry, Homemove creates a seamless moving experience, by centralising everything in one place. From research to completion, homemove offers holistic oversight, easy management, and real-time updates, significantly cutting down administrative delays and improving customer confidence.

Rapid Growth and Market Validation

In just three years since its inception, Homemove has rapidly scaled from zero to $4 million in revenue, reflecting strong market validation and customer adoption of its innovative services. This latest funding round will enable Homemove to further refine its technology in its five core verticals of estate agents, mortgages, surveys, conveyancing and removals, build national brand recognition, and accelerate a rollout of innovative homemoving products to simplify moving home.

James Freestone, co-founder and CEO of Homemove, said:

“We’re incredibly excited by the support from Fuel Ventures and our additional investors. This investment empowers us not only to scale our platform but also to continue to make the home-moving experience simpler, less stressful, and more joyful for our customers. Our goal is to help homeowners move with greater ease and confidence, knowing everything they need is seamlessly managed in one friendly, easy-to-use place. Homemove truly is the home of moving home.”

Mark Pearson, Managing Partner of Fuel Ventures, added:

“Homemove is exactly the type of disruptive business we love to support – one that’s clearly addressing real-world inefficiencies with robust technology solutions. The company’s exceptional growth from zero to $4 million revenue in such a short time highlights its immense potential. Having backed Homemove since their first SEIS round in 2022, we’re thrilled to lead this round and excited about Homemove’s future.”

About Fuel Ventures

Fuel Ventures provides entrepreneurs with expertise and insights in business development, marketing, and brand-building through its extensive experience in scaling global companies. Since 2014, Fuel Ventures has invested over £227 million into more than 190 startups, continually backing the next generation of innovative technology solutions.

SOURCE Homemove

As Silicon Valley builds AI for the internet, RLWRLD trains AI to act in the real world—with support from LG, SK, KDDI, ANA, and more

SEOUL, South Korea and TOKYO, April 14, 2025 — RLWRLD, a Physical AI startup building robotics foundation models, today announced a $15 million seed round backed by a powerful alliance of industrial leaders from Korea and Japan.

The round includes investments from LG Electronics, SK Telecom, KDDI, ANA Holdings, Mitsui Chemicals, and Shimadzu Corporation, as well as leading AI-focused VCs from Japan and Korea, including Hashed, Mirae Asset, and Global Brain—marking one of the most significant cross-border bets on the future of real-world AI.

RLWRLD is led by Jung-hee Ryu, whose previous company, Olaworks, was acquired by Intel in its first-ever acquisition of a Korean startup. The founding team includes KAIST Chair Professor Jinwoo Shin, Kurly’s ex-CTO, a Kakao engineering lead, and a former BCG partner, forming a world-class squad to tackle what may be the next trillion-dollar opportunity in AI: machines that can move, think, and adapt in the physical world.

“Silicon Valley is building brains for the internet. We’re building brains for machines.”

— Jung-hee Ryu, Founder & CEO, RLWRLD

From Text to Touch: The Rise of Physical AI

While generative AI leaders race to master text, code, and images, RLWRLD is developing foundation models that learn from real-world sensors, robotics systems, and industrial workflows. These models enable robots to reason and act autonomously in dynamic physical environments—factories, warehouses, logistics hubs, and beyond.

RLWRLD’s platform is built on three strategic pillars:

• Embodied model architecture optimized for real-world intelligence
• Industrial-scale data pipelines from East Asia’s manufacturing ecosystem
• Plug-and-play infrastructure that integrates seamlessly with existing robotics systems

“We’re not just writing papers—we’re training models that solve real-world problems on real production floors.”

— Jinwoo Shin, Chief Scientist, RLWRLD & KAIST Chair Professor

Building a Real-World AI Ecosystem

The $15M funding will accelerate RLWRLD’s next phase:

• Expanding proprietary data pipelines across industrial partner sites
• Advancing its robotics foundation model stack
• Deepening integration with robotics and sensor companies in Asia and North America

The company is also building a multi-stakeholder innovation ecosystem through collaborations with KAIST, Seoul National University, and POSTECH, and with robotics manufacturers like WIRobotics, Rainbow Robotics, Wonik Robotics, Robotis and more.

“RLWRLD combines deep AI research with industrial execution at scale. That’s what makes this a rare, high-conviction investment.”

— Simon Seojoon Kim, CEO, Hashed

About RLWRLD

RLWRLD is a Physical AI company developing robotics foundation models trained on real-world data from East Asia’s top manufacturing ecosystems. Founded by serial entrepreneur Jung-hee Ryu, the company brings together world-class AI, robotics, and industrial expertise to power the next generation of embodied intelligence.

Learn more at rlwrld.ai.

Media Contact:

Leehyoung Yang, Team Cookie, [email protected] 

SOURCE RLWRDL

“We welcome Comvest Partners, Barings, and once again thank RedBird for their ongoing support. iCreditWorks will continue to execute its product roadmap, focus on PaaS automation, and integrate new capabilities that make the iCreditWorks App and omni-channel platform even more intuitive and powerful,” said Stephen E. Sweeney, iCreditWorks’ Chairman and Founder.

iCreditWorks has developed a highly configurable and modular Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution that empowers its partners (leading financial institutions, enterprise networks, and large brands) to rapidly deploy embedded POS lending solutions with integrated payment technologies that meet consumers where they live—significantly decreasing time to market while eliminating cost and challenges facing those industries today. iCreditWorks’ digital payments infrastructure, which includes the rapid issuance of an in-App “Tap to Pay” virtual card, offers a seamless and flexible payment experience to consumers and merchants alike.

“We are excited to lead iCreditWorks’ capital raise,” said Charles Asfour, Partner at Comvest Partners. “We believe the Company’s highly compelling value proposition and attractive growth prospects make for a great addition to our opportunistic credit portfolio. We look forward to contributing to the Company’s ongoing success with both capital and other value-added resources going forward.”

Barings similarly embraced iCreditWorks’ Platform through its participation in the raise.

Michael Searles, Head of North America, Capital Solutions for Barings added, “We are excited to back the iCreditWorks Platform and look forward to working with the team to support the Company’s expansion.”

Mike Zabik, a Partner at RedBird Capital, will remain a Board Director since leading the prior capital raise; Charles Asfour and Micheal Searles will join as Observers to the iCreditWorks Board.

“Once again, RedBird Capital is excited to back iCreditWorks,” said Zabik, “and continue pushing their strategic edge in their next stage of growth.”

iCreditWorks will leverage these investments to fuel the continued expansion of its omni-channel PaaS platform into other business verticals (e.g., healthcare, SMB equipment, home improvement, etc.) and drive its commercial growth through new PaaS partnerships.
*All loans issued by WebBank.

About iCreditWorks
iCreditWorks leverages innovative technology and mobility to deliver an omni-channel platform experience that provides access to a broad suite of “Point-Of-Sale” (POS) financing products, empowering consumers to take control of their financing.* The first-of-its-kind iCreditWorks native mobile App delivers a simple, seamless, and secure financing experience that redefines the consumer journey. For more information, please visit www.icreditworks.com.

About Comvest Partners
Comvest Partners (“Comvest”) is a private investment firm that has provided equity and debt capital to well-positioned middle-market companies throughout North America since 2000. Through its private equity, direct lending and opportunistic credit investment platforms, Comvest offers tailored investment solutions across the capital structure along with deep industry expertise, operating resources, a collaborative approach, and significant transaction experience as an active investor. In 2025, Comvest Partners proudly celebrates 25 years of investment management leadership, and today manages $15.7 billion in assets, with over $16.8 billion invested since inception. Comvest Partners is based in West Palm Beach, with offices in Chicago and New York City. For more information, please visit comvest.com.

About Barings
Barings is a $442+ billion** global asset management firm that partners with institutional, insurance, and intermediary clients, and supports leading businesses with flexible financing solutions. The firm, a subsidiary of MassMutual, seeks to deliver excess returns by leveraging its global scale and capabilities across public and private markets in fixed income, real assets and capital solutions. For more information, please visit www.Barings.com.
**As of March 31, 2025

About RedBird Capital Partners
RedBird Capital Partners is a private investment firm that builds high-growth companies with strategic capital solutions to founders and entrepreneurs. The firm currently manages $12 billion in assets on behalf of a global group of blue-chip institutional and family office investors. Founded in 2014 by Gerry Cardinale, RedBird integrates sophisticated private equity investing with a hands-on business-building mandate that focuses on three core industry verticals – Sports, Media & Entertainment, and Financial Services. Over his 30-year investment career, Cardinale has partnered with founders and entrepreneurs to build some of the most iconic growth companies in their respective industries. For more information, please visit www.redbirdcap.com.

Contact
Rich Groves
SVP – Professional Affairs
201-450-4268
[email protected] 

SOURCE iCreditWorks

AMERICAN FORK, Utah, and HONOLULU, April 14, 2025 — Thrive Smart Systems, a pioneer in wireless irrigation technology, has announced a lead investment of $600,000 from members of the Hawai’i Angels, an early-stage investor network based in Honolulu. The funding is part of a targeted $1 million round supporting Thrive’s expansion and next-generation product launch.

Thrive’s flagship product, the Thrive EVO™, eliminates the wiring typically required between irrigation controllers and valves—wiring that often creates headaches for landscape professionals and limits water efficiency. The company’s fully wireless solution reduces installation complexity and maintenance costs, while enabling reliable, long-range performance in the field.

By removing the need to trench and bury wires, Thrive’s system slashes installation time and cost, allowing contractors to complete more projects with fewer resources. This not only saves on labor and materials, but also opens up new opportunities in locations where traditional wiring would be impractical or cost-prohibitive. It integrates seamlessly with all industry-standard multi-wire controllers, including models from Rain Bird and Hunter, making upgrades easy without overhauling existing systems.

This year, Thrive is preparing to launch a cloud-connected LoRa version of its technology, extending the system’s wireless range virtually without limit and removing the need for a physical irrigation controller altogether.

Thrive’s wireless technology has already gained traction with landscape professionals, with over a thousand units installed to date. Thrive EVO™ systems are in use at Google and Apple campuses, as well as dozens of schools and universities, churches, city parks, and commercial properties across the country. The upcoming cloud-based solution is poised to expand the company’s reach among distributors and industry partners.

“We installed the Thrive EVO™ a few months ago. Not only was it quick and easy to install but it saved me the cost of having to horizontal-bore under a city street and disturb the existing landscape,” said David Hawk, Grounds and Irrigation Manager at Brigham Young University. “I see it as our solution to the sprinkler wire problems I deal with on my site.”

The Hawai’i Angels network, which has supported hundreds of early-stage companies since 2002, brings together individual angel investors who collaborate to fund and mentor startups. Members evaluate companies independently but often invest as a group, contributing capital, guidance, and strategic connections to help founders succeed.

“We’re always looking for founders who are tackling overlooked but important problems—and Thrive is a perfect example,” said Joey Katzen, Managing Director of Hawai’i Angels. “Their approach to wireless irrigation has the potential to change how water is managed across entire landscapes. It’s exciting to back a team like this and help them accelerate.”

“We’re grateful for the support from Hawai’i Angels,” added Bangerter. “Their belief in what we’re building helped us reach this next stage—and their investment is already accelerating our growth.”

About Thrive Smart Systems
Based in American Fork, Utah, Thrive Smart Systems delivers fully wireless irrigation solutions that eliminate underground wiring, reduce installation costs, and simplify water management. Its flagship product, the Thrive EVO™, is trusted by landscape professionals for its reliability, range, and ease of use. Learn more at thrivesmartsystems.com.

About The Hawai’i Angels
The Hawai’i Angels is a Honolulu-based network of early-stage investors that has supported founders in Hawai’i and beyond since 2002. Members invest individually but often collaborate on deals like Thrive’s, offering not just capital but also coaching and connections to help startups grow. Learn more or inquire about membership or corporate/VC sponsorship at hawaiiangels.org.

Contact:
Joey Katzen
Hawai’i Angels 
[email protected]
Bryan Brittain
Thrive Smart Systems
801.413.3023
[email protected]

SOURCE Hawai’i Angels; Thrive Smart Systems

SINGAPORE, 14 april 2025 — ABC Impact, de op Azië gerichte impactinvesteringsfirma, heeft met succes de afronding van haar tweede fonds afgerond op meer dan 600 miljoen dollar, een verdubbeling van de omvang van Fonds I. Deze mijlpaal verdiept het engagement van de firma om de kritieke sociale en ecologische noden van Azië aan te pakken door impactgedreven investeringen.

Bredere steun weerspiegelt groeiende afstemming

ABC Impact Fund II kon rekenen op de steun van een diverse groep Limited Partners, waaronder Temasek; Temasek Trust; de Aziatische Ontwikkelingsbank (ADB); Mapletree Investments; SeaTown Holdings; een staatsinvesteringsfonds in Zuidoost-Azië; een Amerikaans family office; en zeer vermogende particulieren. Deze convergentie van ontwikkelingsfinanciering en privékapitaal geeft blijk van een groeiend besef dat impactinvesteren systeemproblemen kan aanpakken via marktgebaseerde benaderingen.

Benoit Valentin, hoofd Impact Investing, Temasek: “In een snel veranderende wereld staan we voor steeds complexere en ingrijpendere sociale en ecologische uitdagingen. Ons partnerschap met ABC Impact is een kernpijler van Temaseks impactinvesteringsstrategie. Het geeft onze overtuiging weer dat impact investing kapitaal kan opschalen om de dringende problemen waarmee we geconfronteerd worden aan te pakken. Door samen te werken kunnen we een meer inclusieve en duurzame wereld creëren waarin elke generatie tot bloei komt.” 

“Het landschap voor impactinvesteringen in de regio staat nog in de kinderschoenen, en bedrijven in de groeifase hebben een gebrek aan financiering,” zegt Jackie Surtani, regionaal directeur van ADB en hoofd van het kantoor in Singapore. “De investering van ADB in ABC Impact Fund II weerspiegelt onze betrokkenheid om impactkapitaal te katalyseren in Azië en de Stille Oceaan.

Door innovatieve bedrijven te steunen die dringende sociale en milieuproblemen aanpakken, willen we levens- en bestaansmiddelen in de hele regio verbeteren.”

Een gedeelde visie voor Azië versterken

Tow Heng Tan, voorzitter van ABC Impact: “De succesvolle afsluiting van Fonds II benadrukt het vertrouwen van toonaangevende institutionele beleggers in de gedisciplineerde beleggingsstrategie van ABC Impact. Door extern kapitaal van bijvoorbeeld de Asian Development Bank te verwelkomen, verdiepen we onze toewijding aan het vormgeven van een duurzamere en inclusievere toekomst in Azië.”

“Wij geloven dat doelgericht ingezet kapitaal kan bijdragen aan pragmatische, marktgestuurde antwoorden op de meest urgente uitdagingen in onze regio,” zegt David Heng, CEO van ABC Impact. “Of het nu gaat om klimaatbestendigheid, inclusieve financiering of toegang tot gezondheidszorg, investeren in deze gebieden is niet alleen een maatschappelijke noodzaak maar ook een zakelijke kans op lange termijn.”

Grotere impact in prioritaire sectoren

Door de toenemende klimaatschommelingen, ongelijkheid en economische onzekerheid richt ABC Impact Fund II zich op praktische oplossingen in gebieden waar traditionele modellen moeite hebben om resultaten te leveren. De investeringsstrategie is gericht op vier prioriteitssectoren: schone energie en klimaatbestendigheid, inclusieve financiering en digitale toegang, gezondheidszorg en onderwijs, en duurzame voedselsystemen.

Onze investeringen tot nu toe waren onder meer voor Aye Finance in India, dat leningen verstrekt aan micro- en kleine ondernemingen; Tekoma Energy in Japan, een ontwikkelaar van hernieuwbare energie gespecialiseerd in zonneprojecten; en DCDC Kidney Care, een van de grootste dialysenetwerken in India dat betaalbare behandelingen aan achtergebleven patiënten biedt.

Afgestemd investeren in een diverse regio

Het economische en demografische momentum in Azië blijft kansen creëren voor innovatie op het gebied van impact. Maar de complexiteit van de regio vereist een juiste en aangepaste investeringsaanpak.

“Hoewel het beleid veranderingen kan versnellen, zijn het de marktvraag, kapitaalstromen en concurrentiekrachten die uiteindelijk zorgen voor aanpassing op schaal,” aldus David. “De bedrijven waarin we investeren wachten niet op signalen van buitenaf – ze geven actief vorm aan de toekomst door kritieke behoeften aan te pakken op een impactvolle en gezonde financiële wijze.”

Fonds II bouwt voort op het momentum van Fonds I (2019-2024), waardoor ABC Impact zijn partnerschappen kan uitbreiden, zijn bereik in sectoren met een grote impact kan vergroten en commercieel levensvatbare oplossingen met een potentieel voor impact op lange termijn kan ondersteunen.

Doelgericht vooruitkijken

Steeds vaker wordt impactinvestering beschouwd als een strategisch voordeel, in plaats van een compromis. De aanpak van ABC Impact is geworteld in de overtuiging dat financiële kracht en maatschappelijk voordeel hand in hand gaan, op weg naar vooruitgang.

“Onze vooruitgang wordt mogelijk gemaakt door het vertrouwen en de samenwerking van onze investeerders en partners,” concludeert Tow. “Samen laten we zien dat financieel succes en positieve impact niet alleen samengaan, maar elkaar ook versterken.”

(EINDE)

Voor vragen van de media:
Jeffrey Fang
Hoofd Investeerdersrelaties
[email protected]

Over ABC Impact
ABC Impact is een pan-Aziatische impactinvesteringsmaatschappij die zich toelegt op het leveren van meetbare sociale en milieuresultaten naast een voor risico gecorrigeerd financieel rendement door middel van duurzame groei. Met meer dan USD 900 miljoen aan vermogen onder beheer volgt het bedrijf een gedisciplineerde, thematische strategie om te investeren in bedrijven met een hoog potentieel die de meest urgente uitdagingen van Azië aanpakken.

Haar portfolio omvat klimaat- en wateroplossingen, duurzame voeding en landbouw, gezondheidszorg en onderwijs, en financiële en digitale inclusie. ABC Impact maakt deel uit van Temasek Trust Asset Management en wordt gesteund door Temasek Trust, Temasek, de Aziatische Ontwikkelingsbank en andere vooraanstaande institutionele investeerders.

Als ondertekenaar van de Principles for Responsible Investment en de Operating Principles for Impact Management, past ABC Impact een rigoureus, op feiten gebaseerd kader voor impactmeting en -beheer toe om doeltreffendheid en verantwoordelijkheid te garanderen. ABC Impact zet zich in om privékapitaal te mobiliseren voor een duurzamer en inclusiever Azië.

Ga naar www.abcimpact.com.sg voor meer informatie.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2661736/ABC_CMYK_Orange__Logo.jpg