Vaulted Deep launches with a major carbon removal purchase facilitated by leading advanced market commitment Frontier.

HOUSTON, Sept. 7, 2023 — Advantek Waste Management Services, a pioneer in the science of deep injection wells, announced today the launch of Vaulted Deep (“Vaulted”), a stand-alone biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRs) carbon removal (CDR) company. Carbon removal is an essential part of managing global emissions and reaching net zero targets. With the market finally evolving for carbon removal and demand increasing for proven and measurable CDR solutions, Vaulted Deep will provide high-quality, lower-cost carbon removal for entities participating in the voluntary carbon market to offset their unavoidable emissions.

Vaulted intercepts sludgy organic wastes – like biosolids, agricultural & livestock waste, paper sludge, and others– before they are dumped in a landfill or waterway or are left on land to decompose and pollute the air or water. Carbon sequestration from this wide range of organic wastes provides substantial co-benefits: it eliminates significant methane emissions (which Vaulted does not include in its credit accounting); it reduces water-borne illness and prevents pollution that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.

A recent study from Louisiana State University estimated organic waste produces five gigatons of carbon dioxide per year, or roughly half of the tonnage required to meet global net zero emissions. Vaulted’s exclusive use of Advantek’s patented deep well slurry injection technology, initially developed to remediate legacy waste deposits from oil and gas developments, will sequester the tons of carbon trapped in these organic wastes deep in the earth.

“Across the market, there has been a ‘flight to quality’ as buyers increasingly value real, measurable carbon credits,” said Vaulted CEO Julia Reichelstein. “By leveraging a decades-proven technology that can permanently store carbon, Vaulted’s CDR can serve as the Net in Net Zero.”

Increasingly, emissions avoidance and reduction credits, which currently comprise 95 percent of the market, are coming under scrutiny for their low quality. The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) has declared that only carbon removal (not avoidance or reduction) is valid for companies to utilize as offsets to achieve their Net Zero or other climate goals.

Catalyzed by $8 million in seed funding, led by major carbon removal fund Lowercarbon Capital, Vaulted is launching with a significant amount of its 2023 capacity going to pre-purchases facilitated by Frontier, an advance market commitment for carbon removal.

“Vaulted is literally cleaning up the planet, scaling field-proven injection terminology to safely dispose of harmful wastes like biosolids while permanently storing away millions of tons of CO2,” said Ryan Orbuch, Partner at Lowercarbon Capital.

While injection sequestration sites often take years to permit and become operational, Vaulted is emerging with two operational, permitted injection sites.

Unlike its competitors, Vaulted’s ability to take a range of wastes with minimal upstream processing reduces overall long-term costs for carbon removal, unlocking a dramatically lower cost point. Other high-quality, permanent carbon removal available on the market today cost over $500 per ton. Vaulted offers carbon removal for $300 per ton and expects price to come down significantly before 2030. 

Advantek founder Omar Abou-Sayed will transition from CEO to Chairman of Advantek and will lead Vaulted as Executive Chairman, with CEO Julia Reichelstein, former investor at climate tech venture capital fund Piva Capital.

Abou-Sayed said the new company will be able to remove much more carbon dioxide than its contemporaries. “Unlike many carbon removal technologies still in R&D, Vaulted’s technology and sites can safely and permanently store carbon underground, at scale, today. The early removals we will deliver are pivotal to keeping the window open to hold our planet’s warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.”

About Vaulted Deep
Vaulted Deep is a biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRs) carbon removal company dedicated to the geologic sequestration of organic wastes. Vaulted Deep’s mission is to utilize the proven and patented geologic slurry injection technology for permanent carbon dioxide removal (CDR) through the sequestration of organic wastes, thereby accelerating the earth’s natural process and contributing significantly to the global fight against climate change. Vaulted Deep is backed by Advantek and Lowercarbon Capital, Earthshot Ventures, and others. To learn more, go to www.vaulteddeep.com. 

About Advantek Waste Management Services
Advantek Waste Management Services (Advantek) is an industrial waste management company, building a cleaner more sustainable world by using injection wells to minimize the impacts from human activities on our land, air, water, and climate through better management of complex and liquid wastes. Advantek and its predecessor entities have made pioneering advancements in the field of slurry injection. Advantek operates globally and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information: www.advantekwms.com. 

SOURCE Advantek; Vaulted

Strengthens Existing Strategic Learning Partnership with InnoEnergy Skills Institute

ATLANTA, Sept. 7, 2023 — NIIT Learning Systems Limited [NIIT Managed Training Services (NIIT MTS)] announced that it has made a strategic investment in the private placement round of KIC InnoEnergy, SE (EIT InnoEnergy) – EIT InnoEnergy secures over €140 million in private placement round. With this investment, NIIT MTS joins the cap table as one of the new strategic investors in the private placement round that includes major players from industrial, financial, training, and digital sectors to accelerate the clean energy industrial innovation.

Earlier this year, EIT InnoEnergy had selected NIIT MTS as a strategic partner of the EIT InnoEnergy Skills Institute. The strategic investment reinforces NIIT’s commitment to the strategic learning partnership with the EIT InnoEnergy Skills Institute. The investment bolsters NIIT MTS’ core goal of developing the human capital and skills to enable decarbonization and make a meaningful contribution to the rapid transition to Green Energy.

EIT InnoEnergy was established in 2010 and is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union (EU). EIT InnoEnergy operates at the center of the energy transition and is the leading innovation engine in sustainable energy, bringing the technology and skills required to accelerate the energy transition and progress towards global decarbonization efforts.

EIT InnoEnergy is ranked as Europe’s top impact investor in cleantech in 2022, named in 2023 as a top 10 active deep tech investor by Sifted, and is recognized globally as the most active sustainable energy investor. EIT InnoEnergy backs innovations across a range of areas including energy storage, transport and mobility, renewables and sustainable buildings and cities – leveraging its trusted ecosystem of partners and shareholders.

This partnership capitalizes on NIIT’s global reach and robust infrastructure, enabling the rapid deployment of services and accelerating training initiatives across Europe, Asia, and North America. NIIT will also spearhead the go-to-market program, expanding the offering to a diverse range of industries and companies across the global green energy value chain. Additionally, NIIT will establish and manage a network of local training partners in multiple countries, further expediting adoption and impact.

The transition to net zero presents the century’s most significant opportunity, triggering an unprecedented demand for talent and skills worldwide. To realize this ambitious goal, up to 18 million workers will require retraining globally. For instance, the number of solar PV jobs is projected to quadruple between 2015 and 2030. This strategic investment strengthens the partnership between EIT InnoEnergy and NIIT, providing opportunities for close collaboration in addressing the challenges and seizing the immense potential of decarbonization.

“New strategic players have joined InnoEnergy’s outstanding cap table, several shareholders have reinvested, and altogether we have secured sufficient fresh financial resources to double our on-going impact”, said Diego Pavia, CEO of InnoEnergy.

InnoEnergy currently has a portfolio of 200 companies, three of which are unicorns, on track to generate €110 billion in revenue and save 2.1G tons of CO2e accumulatively by 2030.

“As the world accelerates decarbonization initiatives, NIIT MTS has a two-fold commitment to the green energy transition as a strategic partner of EIT InnoEnergy. On the one hand, we are excited to be the strategic learning services partner of the InnoEnergy Skills Institute to help rapidly scale and create the highly skilled and certified human capital essential for the rapid transition to Green Energy. On the other, we believe that EIT InnoEnergy is poised to be the green transition thought leader and partner of choice for corporations and governments globally,” said, Sailesh Lalla, Chief Business Officer at NIIT MTS.

“This is why we have strategically invested in EIT InnoEnergy as a shareholder to reinforce our commitment to the partnership. This partnership will also help us make a meaningful contribution to decarbonization while leveraging our core strength of developing the human capital and skills to meet the needs of the fourth industrial revolution globally. We are looking forward to a long and successful collaboration with EIT InnoEnergy and the InnoEnergy Skills Institute,” he added.

About NIIT Learning Systems Limited
NIIT Learning Systems Limited [NIIT Managed Training Services (NIIT MTS)] offers Managed Training Services to market-leading companies across 30 countries. Trusted by the world’s leading companies, NIIT MTS provides high-impact managed learning solutions that weave together the best of learning theory, technology, operations, and services to enable a thriving workforce. The NIIT MTS comprehensive suite of Managed Training Services includes Custom Content and Curriculum Design, Learning Delivery, Learning Administration, Strategic Sourcing, Learning Technology, and L&D consulting services. With a Net Promoter Score of 9 on 10 and a 100% renewal rate, NIIT MTS helps leading companies transform their learning ecosystems while increasing the business value and impact of learning. www.niitmts.com

SOURCE NIIT

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 7, 2023 — Roambee, the global supply chain visibility and intelligence provider, proudly announces the appointment of George de Urioste as the newest member of its Board of Directors. This strategic move is poised to amplify the company’s trajectory as a leader in the supply chain technology space.

de Urioste’s illustrious career, spanning over three decades, is a testament to his profound      expertise in finance and operational leadership, coupled with his strategic insights. His exceptional background positions him as a catalyst for Roambee’s ambitious growth plans. With a history of pivotal roles, including CFO, COO, and board positions, at various public and private enterprises, de Urioste has consistently demonstrated his ability to guide companies through transformative phases. He has navigated an impressive track record of IPOs, substantial M&A deals, and capital-raising ventures, amounting to over $½ billion.

de Urioste’s profound influence extends far beyond the boardroom. His Hispanic heritage, coupled with his unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, harmoniously aligns with Roambee’s core values of inclusivity and innovation. de Urioste’s appointment reaffirms Roambee’s dedication to fostering a diverse and empowering work environment that mirrors the broader world.

In response to his recent appointment, George de Urioste stated, “I am thrilled to join Roambee’s dynamic team at this crucial juncture. Roambee’s commitment to innovation and its relentless pursuit of delivering exceptional value align perfectly with the principles that have guided my career. I eagerly look forward to contributing my expertise in steering Roambee’s ambitious growth and shaping its strategic evolution.”

Sanjay Sharma, CEO at Roambee, emphasized the value of de Urioste’s addition, stating, “George’s appointment significantly enhances our board’s collective expertise and strategic vision. His impressive background in finance, coupled with his track record of navigating growth and transformation, aligns seamlessly with Roambee’s ambitions. We are excited to tap into George’s unique insights and experiences as we chart our course to enable the autonomous supply chain.”

Roambee continues to redefine the landscape of supply chain intelligence through pioneering solutions that empower businesses across industries. de Urioste’s appointment to the board serves as a testament to Roambee’s steadfast commitment to leveraging top-tier expertise to drive its ambitious growth objectives as mentioned in the company’s latest newsletter for H1 2023.

About Roambee

Roambee is a supply chain visibility & intelligence provider enabling on-time, in-full, in-condition delivery of shipments and assets anywhere in the world. 300+ enterprises are improving customer experience, service levels, product quality, order-to-cash cycles, business efficiencies, sustainability, and automating logistics with Roambee’s real-time insights & foresights. More than 50 of them are the top 100 global companies in the Pharma, Food, Electronics, Chemicals, Automotive, Packaging & Containers, and Logistics sectors. Roambee’s innovative AI-powered platform, and end-to-end monitoring solutions, deliver reliable business signals built on item-level, firsthand IoT sensor data and non-sensor inputs. The outcome is 70% better multimodal ETAs, OTIF deliveries, 80%+ cold chain compliance, and more, including 4X+ ROI on supply chain asset performance.

For more information, visit Roambee.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Susana Leiser
Warner Communications for Roambee
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 786-403-8393

SOURCE Roambee

Former MLB Exec Creates Dynamic Hub to Deliver All-in-One Sports Experience; $1.6M in Pre-Seed Funding from Miami FC and Series A Owner, IMG and Entourage veteran sports executive, and Astralis Capital

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 7, 2023 — Takes, an innovative, all-encompassing sports experience app, today announced its official launch out of beta on the heels of a $1.6M pre-seed raise. Backed by industry heavyweights including Riccardo Silva, Co-Owner of AC Milan and Miami FC; along with co-founder of MP & Silva (MPS) and sports business veteran, Carlo Pozzali; Astralis Capital, a digital sports and gambling focused fund managed by Tisno Onggara and Evan Meyer; and Joe Inzerillo, CPO + CTO at Sirius and Tech Visionary behind MLBAM & BAMTech. Takes is putting interactive, crowdsourced, and snackable content in the hands of sports fans everywhere – with initial users at 15+ launched college campuses nationwide.

Developed by former MLB and Amazon product executive, Michael Iams, Takes is a dynamic hub where fans can share their own sportscaster-quality video commentary, engage with friends and other fans, make live predictions and browse highlights, stats, and analysis.

“Sports have always been about those exhilarating moments that captivate passionate fans,” said Iams, CEO and Co-Founder, Takes. “Takes amplifies these moments by making users feel like they’re at a sports bar with their best friends. With the ability to tap into AI-driven personalization, live interactions, and content co-creation, Takes meets the next generation of sports fans where they are — on their phones – whether at the game, watching live, or just looking for quick content or stats.”

Powered by advanced AI, Takes curates a feed of content tailored to users’ interests, whether it’s following a favorite team, tracking a fantasy league, or staying up-to-date about key players. Users connect with fellow fans as the game unfolds, fostering vibrant conversations and creating an engaging and inclusive sports community.

With a comprehensive suite of creator tools and real-time statistics available, Takes empowers users to step into the role of color commentators, with picture-in-picture editing, telestrators to mark up live plays, and augmented reality filters to express fandom.

“Existing social platforms often fail to cater effectively to the needs of Gen Z sports fans,” said Liz Ludwig, COO and Co-Founder, Takes. “This younger demographic craves more than passive content consumption: they yearn for interactive and personalized experiences that are integrated into their digital-native lifestyle. Takes answers this call by allowing fans to not only watch, but to also participate in and communicate about the games they love in real-time.”

To join the Takes revolution and experience the future of sports interaction, visit: www.takes.live

About Takes:

Founded in 2021 by Michael Iams and Liz Ludwig, Takes is a pioneering sports-focused social platform built to bring people together around their shared love of sport. Emulating the camaraderie found in a sports bar, the platform offers a shared, immersive experience where fans revel in games together. Real-time game feeds leverage generative AI to curate up-to-the-minute stats and organize posts around the moments that matter in sports, while innovative creator tools, allow fans to express their true sports passion. By resonating with the full spectrum of Gen Z sports enthusiasts, Takes provides an unparalleled opportunity for brands to engage authentically with this audience while enabling creators to monetize their unique Takes within a dedicated fan community. Download Takes here and follow on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Media Contact:
Alexandra Pony
250.858.0656
[email protected] 

SOURCE Takes

aelf Ventures is adopting a vertical and stage-agnostic approach to pledge comprehensive support to innovative Web3 projects.

SINGAPORE, Sept. 7, 2023 — aelf, a high-performance Layer 1 featuring multi-sidechain technology for unlimited scalability, announces the launch of aelf Ventures with an aelf Ecosystem Fund of $50 million.

This bold step resonates with aelf’s mission to create a highly efficient and interoperable future, marked by strategic investments in pioneering teams propelling the transition from Web2 to Web3. The initiative also nurtures innovative blockchain projects within the aelf and multichain ecosystems.

“As we navigate the path toward a decentralised Web3 era, aelf Ventures stands as a guiding light for extraordinary minds and groundbreaking projects. Our mission is clear: to champion those who share our vision, investing in founders driven by passion and ideas that resonate with the essence of aelf. The remarkable journey of aelf Ventures is exemplified through notable investments like Crystal Fun and Mythic Protocol, projects that exemplify our dedication to seamlessly transition Web2 users to thrive in a decentralised Web3 future,” said Hazel Zhang, Head of Investments at aelf.

aelf Ventures is led by a cohort of accomplished experts and trailblazers in the crypto sphere. The eminent objectives of aelf Ventures encapsulate:

• Thesis: aelf Ventures materialises as a pivotal arm, uncovering fresh investment opportunities within Web3 and harnessing its potential as a high-performance Layer 1 venture for standout projects within the bustling blockchain realm.
• Investment Approach: With a keen focus on growth stage transition (Web2 to Web3) and novel possibilities, aelf Ventures champions transformative ventures within both aelf and multichain ecosystems.
• Dual-Track Investments: aelf Ventures embarks on both strategic and financial investments in promising blockchain startups and established crypto enterprises. These investments fortify these enterprises’ growth and foster symbiotic relationships and collaborations within the crypto landscape.

aelf Ventures aims to extend its reach into venture investments spanning diverse sectors, targeting avant-garde projects with visionary founders in alignment with pursuing a decentralised future. The fund favours blockchain innovation, addressing substantial market needs in the Web3 space, including but not limited to Gaming, DeFi, NFTs, and Public Goods.

aelf Ventures has invested in Crystal Fun, a decentralised Web3 game ecosystem aimed at converting Web2 game players into Web3 users through high-quality games, and Mythic Protocol, a protocol building a first-of-its-kind collaborative entertainment, allowing the community to contribute and develop a collaborative universe. Aelf Ventures has also incubated projects like Portkey, a social recovery account abstraction wallet; eBridge, a cross-chain bridge; Forest NFT Marketplace, an NFT marketplace; Awaken Swap, a decentralised exchange (DEX); EWELL, an initial DEX offering (IDO) platform; and BeanGo Town, a casual NFT game.

Stay updated on aelf’s news and engage with the aelf community on:
Website: https://aelf.com 
Telegram: https://t.me/aelfblockchain 
Discord: https://discord.gg/bgysa9xjvD   
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About aelf

aelf, a high-performance Layer 1 featuring multi-sidechain technology for unlimited scalability. aelf blockchain is designed to power the development of Web3 and support its continuous advancement into the future. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, aelf is one of the pioneers of the mainchain-sidechain architecture concept. Incorporating key foundational components, including AEDPoS, aelf’s variation of a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) consensus protocol; parallel processing; peer-to-peer (P2P) network communication; cross-chain bridges, and a dynamic side chain indexing mechanism, aelf delivers a highly efficient, safe, and modular ecosystem with high throughput, scalability, and interoperability.

aelf facilitates the building, integrating, and deploying of smart contracts and decentralised apps (dApps) on its blockchain with its native C# software development kit (SDK) and SDKs in other languages, including Java, JS, Python, and Go. aelf’s ecosystem also houses a range of dApps to support a flourishing blockchain network. aelf is committed to fostering innovation within its ecosystem and remains dedicated to driving the development of Web3 and the adoption of blockchain technology.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this press announcement is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. aelf makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided in this press announcement. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency involve inherent risks, including but not limited to market volatility, regulatory changes, and potential security vulnerabilities. By accessing and using the information provided in this press announcement, you agree to indemnify and hold aelf, its officers, directors, employees, and agents harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses arising out of or in connection with your use of the information or participation in aelevate. aelf reserves all rights not expressly granted in this press announcement.

SOURCE aelf

The women-led social enterprise pitch competition heads back to Motor City for its 5th Anniversary

DETROIT, Sept. 6, 2023 — 1863 Ventures, an independent, Black-led national business development nonprofit and venture capital accelerator and Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, are excited to announce the HI-HERImpact Pitch Competition, a shark tank style social entrepreneurship pitch competition, is headed back to its roots in Detroit for its 5^th Anniversary on Thursday, September 28th, 2023.

The competition has awarded grants totaling over $300,000 to various women-led social enterprises based in Detroit, Miami, Washington D.C. and Kansas City since its inception in 2018. Past winners have been invited to compete again, commemorating the last five years of growth and support for women entrepreneurs who are making an effort to solve issues within their community.

Among the 24 past winners, five finalists were selected to pitch their business in the HI-HERImpact anniversary competition for a chance to win a grand prize of $50,000. Encompassing a diverse array of sectors including consumer products, health, services and technology, this year’s competition features a dynamic lineup of competitors:

• Alecia Gabriel,based in Detroit is the innovator of The Lab Drawer which is dedicated to ensuring young individuals in disenfranchised communities have access to STEM education
• Anastasia Mikhalochkina, founder of Lean Orb Co. in Miami, provides sustainable solutions to combat single use plastics via compostable food packaging.
• Arion Long, based in Washington D.C. is the creator of organic period care brand, Femly.
• Brittany Rhodes, founder of Black Girl MATHgic in Detroit, provides a monthly subscription box that encourages confidence in math.
• Lisa Ragan, representing Kansas City has established allergy friendly snack brand, Safely Delicious.

“HI-HERImpact celebrates the unwavering spirit of women entrepreneurs who are driving positive change in their communities,” says 1863 Ventures Founder, Melissa Bradley. “This event is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration, showcasing the incredible ideas and solutions that arise when diverse voices are given the platform they deserve. We are thrilled to come together with Ford Motor Company Fund and our partners to mark five years of supporting and empowering women-led social enterprises.”

This year’s event is set to take place in collaboration with Newlab @ Michigan Central, a support ecosystem for local Detroit startups and entrepreneurs to expand their businesses. The HI-HERImpact event will be open to the public and will provide a platform to network, learn and be inspired. In addition to the competition, 1863 Ventures will host an engaging panel discussion on the importance of social entrepreneurship with business leaders from the Detroit area. The event will also include a vendor showcase with local women-owned businesses for guests to explore and shop.

Winners will be determined by a distinguished panel of judges who will award prizes of $50,000 for first place, $25,000 for second place and $15,000 for third place. Adding to the excitement, this year’s competition will also include an audience choice winner which will be determined by both in-person attendees and those tuning in via the 1863 Ventures live stream on YouTube. This winner will receive a $5,000 grant towards their business needs.

To register for the HI-HERImpact Pitch Competition event please visit https://lu.ma/99kmiwki. For more information on 1863 Ventures please visit https://www.1863ventures.net.

About 1863 Ventures
1863 Ventures is a leader in providing culturally competent accelerator programs, non-dilutive financing, and mentorship to Black, Latino, and other historically underestimated entrepreneurs. By addressing the unique needs of this demographic, 1863 Ventures assists entrepreneurs in transforming high-potential business ideas into high-growth, profitable companies that generate jobs and wealth for their communities. Learn more at 1863ventures.net.

About Ford Motor Company Fund
As the global philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund focuses on providing access to essential services, education for the future of work and entrepreneurship opportunities for under-resourced and underrepresented communities. Ford Fund’s partnerships and programming are designed to be responsive to unique community needs, ensuring people have equitable opportunities to move forward. Harnessing Ford’s scale, resources and mobility expertise, Ford Fund drives meaningful impact through grantmaking, Ford Resource and Engagement Centers and employee volunteerism. For more information, visit fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

SOURCE 1863 Ventures

BARCELONA, Spain, Sept. 7, 2023 — We Venture Capital, the corporate venture capital operation of Werfen, announces its launch today.

We Venture Capital is the venture capital arm of Werfen committed to investing in diagnostics start-ups, as well as digital solutions and biotechnology, surrounding the diagnostics space.

Through a global reach, We Venture Capital invests primarily in Series A, and may also invest in Seed or Series B. With an early-stage focus, investments target start-ups close to market, or early market entrants ready to scale up.

We Venture Capital actively partners with its portfolio companies and supports their growth by leveraging its knowledge of specialized diagnostics worldwide.

Having an evergreen structure allows We Venture Capital to partner with portfolio companies to create long-term value all the way to the optimal point of exit.

Javier Gómez
Chief Financial Officer, Werfen

“We Venture Capital is further proof of Werfen’s commitment to the advancement of patient care through innovation. This vehicle allows Werfen to invest in early-stage companies, understand trends in healthcare, and be at the forefront of disruptive technologies that will shape the future of diagnostics.”

Louise Warme
Head of We Venture Capital

“Our investment team is truly passionate about partnering with start-ups that drive change and technological disruption in the diagnostics field, and we aim to become a leader in diagnostic venture capital. We want to thank everyone who has supported this launch and for bringing We Venture Capital to life.”

We Venture Capital currently holds 2 portfolio companies, operating within diagnostics and digital solutions/AI.

About Werfen

Werfen is a growing, family-owned, innovative company founded in 1966 in Barcelona, Spain.

We are a worldwide leader in specialized diagnostics in the areas of Hemostasis, Acute Care Diagnostics, Autoimmunity, and Transfusion and Transplant. Through our Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) business line, we research, develop and manufacture customized assays and biomaterials.

We operate directly in 30 countries, and in more than 100 territories through distributors. Our headquarter is in Barcelona, Spain, and our Technology Centers are located in the US and Europe. Worldwide sales exceed US$2.2 billion annually, and our workforce is more than 7,000 strong.

weventurecapital.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2201084/We_Venture_Capital_Logo.jpg

SOURCE We Venture Capital

• BlueWhale Bio Science Team led by world-renowned immunotherapy pioneers Carl June and James Riley of University of Pennsylvania
• BlueWhale Bio technology platform aims to bring cell and gene therapy benefits to patients faster and at lower cost
• Investors include Danaher Ventures, Novalis LifeSciences, Marshall Wace, Hillhouse Capital

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 7, 2023 — BlueWhale Bio, Inc., a new company spun out of the University of Pennsylvania to overcome key bottlenecks in cell and gene therapy manufacturing, announced today that it has raised $18 million in Seed financing. The round was led by Danaher Ventures LLC, the corporate venture subsidiary of Danaher Corporation, with a deep syndicate of leading life science investors, including Novalis LifeSciences and Marshall Wace, amongst others.

With the demand for cell therapy products surpassing supply, BlueWhale Bio aims to address critical shortcomings in the current treatment paradigm. Its founding scientific team is led by world-renowned immunotherapy pioneers Carl June, the Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine, and James Riley, a Professor of Microbiology at Penn. June and Riley are co-inventors of technology to be developed by BlueWhale Bio as a platform and portfolio of groundbreaking products that could bring the benefits of cell therapy to more patients faster and at lower costs. The company will be based in Philadelphia and led by CEO Peter Keller.

“This is an exciting time in cell therapy. With an increased focus on growth and adoption, cell-based therapies can become the next pillar of medicine,” said June. “I am thrilled that together we are looking to develop and commercialize a new cell therapy platform to improve patient care and save lives.”

BlueWhale Bio is the first company to emerge from the Danaher Ventures Pioneer Program, which creates companies in partnership with leading technology founders with the goal of developing and commercializing highly disruptive products and services to advance scientific research and improve lives on a global scale. Through the Pioneer Program, founders and their startups may access the investing and company-building experience of the Danaher Ventures team as well as Danaher’s research, product development and commercial expertise.

“Among the most powerful advanced biomedical therapies and technologies, cell and gene therapies have the potential to transform healthcare – but only if we can make them more accessible to the many patients who may ultimately need them,” said Murali Venkatesan, Ph.D., Head of Danaher Ventures, Americas and Europe and Vice President, Science & Technology Innovation at Danaher Corporation. “We are proud that through the Pioneer Program we are bringing together transformative, world-class talent and resources to help address this critical challenge.”

Disclosures: 

The University of Pennsylvania has granted an option to BlueWhale Bio to enter into a license for rights to certain Penn intellectual property. Dr. June and Dr. Riley are consultants for and hold equity in BlueWhale Bio and may receive future financial consideration and sponsored research funding from BlueWhale Bio.

Dr. June is a member of the Danaher Scientific Advisory Board.

SOURCE BlueWhale Bio, Inc.

Strategy Focused on Infrastructure Projects That Deliver Decarbonization and Social Progress

MIAMI and MONTREAL, Sept. 7, 2023 — Power Sustainable, an alternative asset manager and wholly owned subsidiary of Power Corporation of Canada (TSX: POW), announces a US$600 million commitment for the Power Sustainable Infrastructure Credit (“PSIC”) strategy. Commitments to the strategy were made by subsidiaries of Great-West Lifeco (“Lifeco”).

The strategy seeks to directly originate, structure, and manage infrastructure credit assets that demonstrate positive sustainability characteristics. PSIC targets investments in the energy and decarbonization, transportation and logistics, digital infrastructure, social infrastructure, and utilities and recycling sectors.

“We are delighted to enter this long-term partnership with Power Sustainable. This is a compelling opportunity for us to invest across sectors which are driving decarbonization and social progress, while also capturing attractive risk-adjusted returns,” said Raman Srivastava, Global Chief Investment Officer for Lifeco. “We were impressed with the experience of the PSIC team, the quality of investment opportunities they are able to source, and their risk-minded approach.”

Tom Murray, PSIC Managing Partner, has more than 30 years of infrastructure financing experience, having previously led similar strategies at I Squared Capital and Apollo Global Management. Based in Miami, the team includes Daniel Fein as Principal, Ben Shenwick as Vice President, and Vitaliy Koretskyy as Senior Associate – all of whom worked extensively with Tom in prior roles. PSIC have also added Jim Moore, the former CEO of Atlantic Power Corporation, as Operating Partner, and Tom Danielsen as Head of Investor Solutions, who joins from Macquarie Asset Management.

“We believe that infrastructure credit is well-positioned to deliver favorable risk-adjusted returns with substantial downside protection,” said Managing Partner, Tom Murray. “The tailwinds supporting a transition to a less carbon-intensive society are providing an abundance of attractive projects in the sector, and we believe infrastructure credit presents a compelling opportunity for institutional investors.”

Power Sustainable’s Chairman and CEO, Olivier Desmarais, said, “Bespoke lending for infrastructure has a pivotal role in building a strong, low carbon economy. There is a generational opportunity – and need – for private capital to finance infrastructure that advances decarbonization and positive social outcomes.”

About Power Sustainable

Power Sustainable is a sustainability-focused alternative asset manager with investment strategies for institutional clients in infrastructure credit, infrastructure equity, agri-food private equity, and public equities. Our purpose is to help our clients achieve their financial objectives while positively contributing to decarbonization; sustainable cities and communities; and improved energy and resource efficiency.

Power Sustainable has approximately C$3.3 billion of assets under management, with over 75 employees across its investment businesses and support functions.

Power Sustainable is a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Corporation of Canada, an international management and holding company that focuses on financial services in North America, Europe and Asia. Its core holdings are leading insurance, retirement, wealth management and investment businesses, including a portfolio of alternative asset investment platforms.

For inquiries, please contact [email protected]

About Great-West Lifeco Inc.

Great-West Lifeco is an international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management and reinsurance businesses. We operate in Canada, the United States and Europe under the brands Canada Life, Empower, Putnam Investments, and Irish Life. At the end of 2022, our companies had approximately 31,000 employees, 234,500 advisor relationships, and thousands of distribution partners – all serving over 38 million customer relationships across these regions.

Great-West Lifeco trades on the Toronto (TSX) Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GWO and is a member of the Power Corporation group of companies.

SOURCE Power Sustainable