• Im Rahmen dieser Vereinbarung werden beide Unternehmen technologische Synergien und Möglichkeiten zum Wissensaustausch untersuchen. Die Bank bekräftigt ihr Engagement für technologische Innovationen durch ihre Risikokapitalinvestitionen.
  
• Bit2Me wird seine Expansionspläne in der EU mit Unterstützung seiner strategischen Partner und seiner neu erworbenen europäischen Regulierungslizenz vorantreiben.

MADRID, 16. Januar 2026 — Bankinter hat eine Investitionsvereinbarung mit Bit2Me geschlossen, dem führenden Unternehmen für digitale Vermögenswerte auf dem spanischsprachigen Markt. Im Rahmen der Vereinbarung erwirbt die Bank eine Beteiligung am Kapital des Unternehmens und beteiligt sich damit an der ursprünglich im August letzten Jahres angekündigten Finanzierungsrunde in Höhe von 30 Millionen Euro.

Das Hauptziel dieser Investition ist es, technologische und wissensbasierte Synergien zu erkunden und zu erzielen. Darüber hinaus positioniert sich Bankinter gemeinsam mit einem nationalen Technologiepartner in der Entwicklung von Lösungen unter Verwendung der Distributed-Ledger-Technologie (DLT).

Für Bankinter spiegelt diese Transaktion das kontinuierliche Engagement des Unternehmens für technologische Innovation und die Schaffung von Synergien mit spezialisierten Fintech-Startups wie Bit2Me wider. Diese Strategie ermöglicht es der Bank, zukünftige Trends in der Finanzlandschaft zu antizipieren.

Diese Investitionsvereinbarung, zusammen mit dem Erhalt der europäischen Regulierungslizenz durch Bit2Me am 29. Juli und der Unterstützung strategischer Partner wie Telefónica, Inveready, Investcorp, Tether und BBVA, wird es dem spanischen Fintech-Unternehmen ermöglichen, seine Expansionspläne in der Europäischen Union zu beschleunigen. Außerdem wird es seine Präsenz in Argentinien und anderen lateinamerikanischen Ländern stärken und damit seine Position als wichtiger Akteur im Krypto-Ökosystem sowohl in Europa als auch in der spanischsprachigen Welt festigen. An der Kapitalstruktur von Bit2Me sind auch Unicaja und Cecabank beteiligt.

Pablo Casadío, CFO von Bit2Me, erklärte: „Diese Allianz bestätigt, dass der Bankensektor unser fundiertes Branchen-Know-how nutzen kann, um sein Angebot zu verbessern. Anstatt zu konkurrieren, bündeln wir unsere Stärken. Spanien und Europa bieten ein unvergleichliches Umfeld, und dank unserer technologischen und regulatorischen Solidität ist Bit2Me der ideale Partner für Finanzinstitute, um von diesem Umfeld zu profitieren und ihren Kunden Zugang zum Krypto-Ökosystem mit maximaler Sicherheit und Garantien zu bieten.”

Informationen zu Bankinter

Bankinter ist die fünftgrößte spanische Bank und laut der Europäischen Bankenaufsichtsbehörde die widerstandsfähigste unter den börsennotierten Unternehmen in der Eurozone. Sie ist ein bedeutender Akteur im europäischen Bankwesen und in Spanien, Irland, Portugal und Luxemburg vertreten. Sie zeichnet sich durch ihre Rentabilität, Effizienz und Vermögensqualität sowie durch eine starke Spezialisierung im Privatkunden- und Firmenkundengeschäft und eine bedeutende Präsenz im Private Banking aus. In ihrer 60-jährigen Geschichte hat sich die Bank als Pionierin der Digitalisierung profiliert und bietet innovative Lösungen für Kunden aller Segmente. Sie war unter anderem die erste Bank in Spanien, die Mobile Banking, den ersten digitalen Broker und den ersten Robo-Advisor eingeführt hat.

Informationen zu Bit2Me

Bit2Me ist das führende Krypto-Asset-Unternehmen in Spanien und bei der CNMV als Krypto-Asset-Dienstleister (CASP) registriert. Das Unternehmen baut seit über 10 Jahren Krypto-Infrastrukturen auf und verfügt über mehrere Zertifizierungen in den Bereichen Cybersicherheit und Einhaltung gesetzlicher Vorschriften, darunter: ISO 27001 (Informationssicherheitsmanagement); ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management); ISO 37001 (Anti-Korruption und Unternehmensethik); ISO 37301 (Compliance-Managementsysteme); UNE 19601 (Management der strafrechtlichen Compliance) und die CSA STAR Level 1-Zertifizierung.

Bit2Me wurde als eine der vertrauenswürdigsten Börsen anerkannt und von Rankia in Italien und Portugal als „Beste Kryptowährungsbörse” ausgezeichnet.

Das Unternehmen engagiert sich auch für die Aufklärung und Einführung von Kryptowährungen durch die Bit2Me Academy, die größte spanischsprachige Bildungsplattform zum Thema Kryptowährungen, die über 450 kostenlose Artikel und zertifizierte Kurse anbietet.

Haftungsausschluss

Wichtige Informationen zu Krypto-Assets. Diese Marketingmitteilung wurde von keiner zuständigen Behörde der Europäischen Union geprüft oder genehmigt. Bit2Me agiert als autorisierter Krypto-Asset-Dienstleister. Es ist wichtig zu beachten, dass Krypto-Assets nicht durch Einlagensicherungssysteme oder Anlegerentschädigungssysteme in der EU abgedeckt sind. Die Wechselkurse sind sehr volatil, und es besteht das Risiko eines Totalverlusts der Anlage. Weitere Informationen über die Risiken finden Sie unter: bit2me.com/legal/riesgos 

Website: www.bit2me.com

Foto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862739/Bit2Me.jpg

• Grâce à cet accord, les deux entités exploreront les synergies technologiques et les possibilités de partage des connaissances. La banque renforce son engagement en faveur de l’innovation technologique par ses investissements en capital-risque.
  
• Bit2Me est prêt à accélérer ses plans d’expansion dans l’UE grâce à ses partenaires stratégiques et à la licence réglementaire européenne qu’il vient d’obtenir.

MADRID, 16 janvier 2026 — Bankinter a conclu un accord d’investissement avec Bit2Me, la principale société d’actifs numériques sur le marché hispanophone. Selon les termes de l’accord, la banque acquiert une participation dans le capital de la société, rejoignant ainsi le tour de table de 30 millions d’euros annoncé en août dernier.

L’objectif premier de cet investissement est d’explorer et de réaliser des synergies technologiques et fondées sur la connaissance. De plus, Bankinter se positionne comme un partenaire technologique national dans le développement de solutions utilisant la technologie du grand livre distribué (DLT).

Pour Bankinter, cette opération reflète l’engagement continu de l’entité en faveur de l’innovation technologique et de la création de synergies avec des startups spécialisées dans la fintech comme Bit2Me. Cette stratégie permet à la banque d’anticiper les tendances futures du paysage financier.

Cet accord d’investissement, associé à l’obtention par Bit2Me de la licence réglementaire européenne le 29 juillet, et au soutien de partenaires stratégiques tels que Telefónica, Inveready, Investcorp, Tether et BBVA, permettra à la fintech espagnole d’accélérer ses plans d’expansion dans toute l’Union européenne. Elle renforcera également sa présence en Argentine et dans d’autres pays d’Amérique latine, consolidant ainsi sa position d’acteur clé de l’écosystème des crypto-monnaies en Europe et dans le monde hispanophone. La structure du capital de Bit2Me comprend également une participation d’Unicaja et de Cecabank.

Pablo Casadío, directeur financier de Bit2Me, a déclaré : « Cette alliance confirme que le secteur bancaire peut profiter de notre savoir-faire industriel avancé pour améliorer son offre. Au lieu d’être en concurrence, nous intégrons nos forces. L’Espagne et l’Europe ont un contexte unique, et grâce à notre solidité technologique et réglementaire, Bit2Me est le partenaire idéal pour les entités financières qui veulent profiter de cet environnement, en offrant à leurs clients un accès à l’écosystème crypto avec un max de sécurité et de garanties. »

À propos de Bankinter

Bankinter est la cinquième banque espagnole par la taille et la plus résistante parmi les entités cotées de la zone euro, comme le reconnaît l’Autorité bancaire européenne. C’est un acteur majeur du secteur bancaire européen, présent en Espagne, en Irlande, au Portugal et au Luxembourg. Elle se différencie par sa rentabilité, son efficacité et la qualité de ses actifs, ainsi que par une forte spécialisation dans la banque de détail et la banque d’entreprise, et une présence significative dans la banque privée. Tout au long de ses 60 ans d’histoire, la banque s’est distinguée en tant que pionnière de la numérisation, en proposant des solutions innovantes à ses clients dans tous les segments. Elle a été la première à lancer des services bancaires mobiles, le premier courtier numérique et le premier robo-advisor d’une banque en Espagne, entre autres étapes importantes.

À propos de Bit2Me

Bit2Me est la première société de crypto-actifs en Espagne, enregistrée auprès de la CNMV en tant que fournisseur de services de crypto-actifs (CASP). L’entreprise construit des infrastructures cryptographiques depuis plus de 10 ans et détient de nombreuses certifications en matière de cybersécurité et de conformité réglementaire, notamment : ISO 27001 (gestion de la sécurité de l’information) ; ISO 22301 (gestion de la continuité des activités) ; ISO 37001 (lutte contre la corruption et éthique d’entreprise) ; ISO 37301 (systèmes de gestion de la conformité) ; UNE 19601 (gestion de la conformité pénale) ; et la certification CSA STAR de niveau 1.

Bit2Me a été reconnue comme l’une des plateformes d’échange les plus fiables et a été désignée « Meilleure plateforme d’échange de cryptomonnaies » en Italie et au Portugal par Rankia.

L’entreprise s’engage également dans l’éducation et l’adoption des crypto-monnaies par le biais de Bit2Me Academy, la plus grande plateforme éducative sur les crypto-monnaies en langue espagnole, qui propose plus de 450 articles gratuits et des cours certifiés.

Clause de non-responsabilité

Informations importantes concernant les crypto-actifs. Cette communication marketing n’a pas été examinée ou approuvée par une autorité compétente de l’Union européenne. Bit2Me agit en tant que fournisseur autorisé de services de crypto-actifs. Il est important de noter que les crypto-actifs ne sont pas couverts par les systèmes de garantie des dépôts ou d’indemnisation des investisseurs établis dans l’UE. Les taux de change sont très volatils et il existe un risque de perte totale de l’investissement. Vous trouverez de plus amples informations sur les risques à l’adresse suivante : bit2me.com/legal/riesgos 

Site web : www.bit2me.com

Photo : https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862739/Bit2Me.jpg

NEW YORK and LONDON, Jan. 16, 2026 — Moody Aldrich Partners (MAP), a private investment firm based in Boston, has committed US$300 million to funds managed by Sandglass Capital, an investment firm specializing in emerging market special opportunities. Founded in 1988, MAP is a fiduciary for discreet families and institutions with a legacy of supporting high-calibre, specialist managers known for their expertise and disciplined execution.

Sandglass Capital, founded in 2013, concentrates on event-driven investments in sovereign and corporate credit and equity opportunities in Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and South Asia. Ranked in Global Investment Report’s Top 50 Hedge Funds, Sandglass has more than quadrupled the returns of the Barclay Hedge Emerging Market Index over the past five years and outpaced the S&P 500 over that period.

“We are honoured to have been selected by MAP, an astute long-term investor whom we deeply respect,” notes Genna Lozovsky, Sandglass Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer, “Their commitment enables us to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities in emerging markets in the coming years.”

Sandglass co-founder Michelle Kelner adds, “This commitment by MAP adds Sandglass to a very short list of firms to receive its backing over their 37 years of investing. We look forward to a mutually rewarding partnership for years to come.”

Bill Moody, MAP Executive Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer shared, “Uncovering overlooked emerging markets sovereign and corporate opportunities requires the acumen, judgment and expertise we found most evident in Sandglass Capital.”   

MAP’s Chief Investment Officer and Co-Executive Officer Eli Kent corroborates, “Sandglass has built an exceptional team.  Their acute understanding of and ability to capitalize upon restructurings, turnarounds and market dislocations — as well as their ability to engage with local decision makers and mitigate systemic risks — were some of the many factors that inspired our conviction and decision to invest in the firm.” 

About Moody Aldrich Partners (MAP)
MAP is a Boston-based, SEC-registered investment advisor formed in 1988 as a private investment office for its founding principals with substantial long-term capital. Established to protect and compound their capital, MAP adheres to a highly selective discipline to identify, invest in, and cultivate distinctive, niche investment opportunities. MAP is an active, strategically aligned capital partner deriving benefit from the manager’s returns while providing anchor capital for distinct opportunities and leveraging its discreet global network of qualified investors to invest into the manager alongside the partners of MAP.

About Sandglass Capital 

Sandglass Capital is a global investment management firm that specializes in emerging market distressed and stressed credit. It concentrates on event-driven investments in sovereign and corporate credit, particularly restructurings, turnarounds and market dislocations. Founded in 2013, Sandglass manages a suite of funds investing in public and private securities and in companies and countries facing special situations, focusing on Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. Sandglass has offices in New York, London and Dubai.

• Through this agreement, both entities will explore technological synergies and knowledge-sharing opportunities. The bank reinforces its commitment to technological innovation through its venture capital investments.
  
• Bit2Me is set to accelerate its EU expansion plans backed by its strategic partners and its newly obtained European regulatory license.

MADRID, Jan. 15, 2026 — Bankinter has reached an investment agreement with Bit2Me, the leading digital asset company in the Spanish-speaking market. Under the terms of the deal, the bank acquires a stake in the company’s capital, joining the €30 million funding round originally announced last August.

The primary objective of this investment is to explore and achieve technological and knowledge-based synergies. Furthermore, Bankinter positions itself alongside a national technological partner in the development of solutions using Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).

For Bankinter, this operation reflects the entity’s ongoing commitment to technological innovation and to generating synergies with specialized fintech startups like Bit2Me. This strategy allows the bank to anticipate future trends in the financial landscape.

This investment agreement, coupled with Bit2Me’s attainment of the European regulatory license on July 29, and the support of strategic partners such as Telefónica, Inveready, Investcorp, Tether, and BBVA, will enable the Spanish fintech to accelerate its expansion plans across the European Union. It will also strengthen its presence in Argentina and other Latin American countries, consolidating its position as a key player in the crypto ecosystem within both Europe and the Spanish-speaking world. Bit2Me’s capital structure also includes participation from Unicaja and Cecabank.

Pablo Casadío, CFO of Bit2Me, stated: “This alliance confirms that the banking sector can leverage our deep industry know-how to enhance their offering. Instead of competing, we are integrating strengths. Spain and Europe present an unrivaled scenario, and thanks to our technological and regulatory solidity, Bit2Me is the ideal partner for financial entities to capitalize on this environment, providing their clients access to the crypto ecosystem with maximum security and guarantees.”

About Bankinter

Bankinter is the fifth-largest Spanish bank by size and the most resilient among listed entities in the Eurozone, as recognized by the European Banking Authority. It is a prominent player in European banking, with a presence in Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and Luxembourg. Its differentiation lies in its profitability, efficiency, and asset quality, along with a strong specialization in Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, and a significant presence in Private Banking. Throughout its 60-year history, the bank has distinguished itself as a pioneer in digitalization, providing innovative solutions for customers across all segments. It was the first to launch mobile banking, the first digital broker, and the first robo-advisor from a bank in Spain, among other milestones.

About Bit2Me

Bit2Me is the leading crypto-asset company in Spain, registered with the CNMV as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP). The company has been building crypto infrastructure for over 10 years and holds multiple certifications in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance, including: ISO 27001 (Information Security Management); ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management); ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery and Corporate Ethics); ISO 37301 (Compliance Management Systems); UNE 19601 (Criminal Compliance Management); and the CSA STAR Level 1 certification.

Bit2Me has been recognized as one of the most trusted exchanges and awarded “Best Cryptocurrency Exchange” in Italy and Portugal by Rankia.

The company is also committed to cryptocurrency education and adoption through Bit2Me Academy, the largest Spanish-language crypto educational platform, offering over 450 free articles and certified courses.

Disclaimer

Important Information Regarding Crypto-Assets. This marketing communication has not been reviewed or approved by any competent authority of the European Union. Bit2Me acts as an authorized crypto-asset service provider. It is important to note that crypto-assets are not covered by deposit guarantee schemes or investor compensation schemes established in the EU. Exchange rates are highly volatile and there is a risk of total loss of the investment. You can find more information about the risks at: bit2me.com/legal/riesgos 

Website:www.bit2me.com

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862739/Bit2Me.jpg

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15, 2026 — St. Cloud Capital is pleased to announce a recent investment in Revive Infrastructure Group, LLC (“Revive” or the “Company”), a leading provider of critical infrastructure services, offering design and engineering, construction, installation, maintenance, and project management services to customers in the telecommunications, power, water, gas, and government sectors. This is an investment out of St. Cloud’s fourth fund, which has committed capital of $236 million.

“We are excited to partner with St. Cloud as we continue delivering critical infrastructure services to our customers,” said Chad Magee, CEO of Revive. “This investment will provide the capital needed to support the continued expansion of broadband access, reliable power, and clean water for rural communities across the United States.”

Kacy Rozelle, Managing Partner at St. Cloud Capital, commented, “The Company’s commitment to deliver essential services to communities with limited infrastructure is consistent with St. Cloud’s investment approach, and we look forward to collaborating with management on future growth.”

Global law firm, K&L Gates LLP, served as counsel to St. Cloud Capital. For more information about Revive, please visit: www.reviveig.com.

About St. Cloud Capital

St. Cloud Capital is a Los Angeles-based private investment firm founded in 2001 that provides debt and equity growth capital to the lower middle market (companies with annual revenues generally between $10 million and $150 million). St. Cloud has managed over $700 million and invested in over 80 portfolio companies. Investments have been made in a wide range of industries and in every layer of the capital structure, including senior secured debt, subordinated debt, and preferred and common stock. St. Cloud typically invests in non-control situations, acting as both a financial and strategic partner to successful and experienced ownership entities, management teams and industry entrepreneurs in fulfilling their long-term growth plans. For more information about St. Cloud Capital, please visit: www.stcloudcapital.com

Media Contact: Sheila Emami, [email protected]

SOURCE St. Cloud Capital

DENVER, Jan. 15, 2026 — SDR Ventures is pleased to announce its partnership with Matt Huebner, a seasoned investment banker with 20 years of experience across M&A, capital raises, business valuations, and strategic consulting. Matt joins SDR to advise clients on sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions, capital formation initiatives, and broader strategic advisory engagements, while also working closely with the senior leadership team on business development.

Matt Huebner commented, “I’m extremely excited to join SDR Ventures. The senior leadership team has built an impressive investment bank while remaining grounded in faith-based value, something truly unique in the finance world and important to me in my continued finance journey. I look forward to working with the team to continue growing the firm and delivering outlier results for our clients.”

Matt most recently co-founded OnRamp Advisors in 2023, where he advised early- and growth-stage companies on strategic initiatives and supported them in raising growth capital. Earlier in his career, he began as an investment banking analyst at Headwaters MB, which later merged with Capstone Partners. At Capstone, Matt went on to build and lead the firm’s private placement desk, working extensively with emerging and growth-stage businesses.

Geoff Elias added, “Matt brings a highly complementary skill set to SDR that allows us to not only bolster are existing services, but further expand our offerings, specifically in capital raising and strategic advisory. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”

Scott Mitchell commented, “I’ve known Matt for more than 25 years. He brings deep banking and consulting expertise, and just as importantly, he is a collaborative, values-driven professional who will be a terrific addition to SDR’s senior leadership.”

Over the course of his career, Matt has worked on more than 50 engagements across multiple industries, including both domestic and cross-border transactions. His experience spans capital raises, strategic advisory assignments, and sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions.

About SDR Ventures
SDR Ventures is a Denver-based investment banking firm serving private business owners in the lower middle market, including companies with enterprise values up to $500 million. SDR provides M&A advisory, private capital formation, and business consulting services across a broad range of industries. Guided by its philosophy of “Thinking Like Owners,” SDR Ventures helps businesses maximize long-term value.
For more information, visit www.sdrventures.com

Media contact

MATT HUEBNER
mhuebner@sdrventures.com

SOURCE SDR Ventures

Funding to advance from lab-scale results to industrial pilot testing as copper demand outpaces supply

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15, 2026 — Transition Metal Solutions, a startup boosting copper production from existing mining operations and waste, today announced an oversubscribed $6 million seed round led by Transition Ventures, with participation from leading climate and deeptech investors from the US, Europe, and Australia.

The company’s proprietary platform analyzes the microbes living in an orebody and predicts, tests, and formulates chemical additives to optimize the specific wild biology and deliver more copper. The concept emerged following work at a major copper mine where some heaps were producing significantly more copper than expected. Analysis revealed the overperformance was driven by the diverse microbes found in the ore — over 90 percent of which had never been isolated or sequenced.

That discovery convinced Dr. Sasha Milshteyn, founder and CEO of Transition Metal Solutions, that all the necessary biology is already present. “We just need to identify what’s limiting the microbial communities from doing what they naturally evolved to do,” said Milshteyn, who has more than 20 years of experience in biophysics, metagenomics, and synthetic biology.

When tested on a low-grade primary sulfide ore, lab results showed an increase in copper recovery from 60 to 90 percent. Experiments on ores with challenging mineralogy, such as refractory, high-carbonate ore, achieved in situ acid generation and metal leaching three times faster than industry standard.

“We listened to dozens of miners and industry experts who have been disappointed by the performance of past biomining efforts,” said Alexandra Shiluk, co-founder and COO of Transition Metal Solutions. “Our solution does not require lab-grown microbes or additional capital investments, making it cheaper, faster, and easier to adopt and scale.”

The investment comes amid surging copper demand — driven by the energy transition, renewables, electric vehicles, and AI data center buildouts. Copper was recently added to the United States Critical Minerals List, underscoring the metal’s importance to the country’s economic and national security. Global copper demand is expected to grow 50 percent by 2040, but the richer deposits are virtually exhausted, leaving miners urgently searching for ways to recover copper from low-grade and complex ores.

The company, formerly Transition Biomining, was founded in 2023 and rebranded to better reflect its unique chemical approach to enhancing biological systems. It is headquartered at UC Berkeley’s Bakar Labs for Energy & Materials. Dr. Suzan Yilmaz leads R&D, alongside scientists Dr. Diana Bojanova and Jeremy Wei. Yilmaz brings 15 years of experience in metagenomics and engineering across energy, environment, and human health applications. Vania Grandi leads the go-to-market efforts as Chief Commercial Officer, with 20 years of experience in mining, metals, and sustainability. Dr. Peter Kondos is an independent board director who brings over three decades of mining and metallurgical expertise from leadership roles at Barrick Gold, Inco (Vale), and Noranda (Glencore.)

The Seed round was led by Transition Ventures and backed by all prior investors — SOSV, Dolby Family Ventures, Astor Management AG, Juniper VC, and Climate Capital — alongside new investors Possible Ventures, Understorey Ventures, New Climate Ventures, Essential Capital, and Kayak Ventures.

“Transition Metal Solutions has developed a scalable, low-emission alternative to smelting,” said Clara Ricard, Partner at Transition Ventures. “This drop-in solution to leaching low-grade ores is transforming the industry and addressing a critical gap in the energy transition worth billions.”

The seed funding will be used to scale the technology from lab to industrial pilot conditions, with 3-meter column trials targeted to start the first half of 2026. Transition’s long-term vision is to extend the platform to other critical metals, including nickel, cobalt, gold, and zinc.

“We evaluated dozens of new mining start-ups,” said Pae Wu, General Partner at SOSV, “and urged Sasha to start the company because his unique scientific insight draws a straight line to scaled cash flows for his customers by tapping into what mining companies are already doing — without any overhead.”

About Transition Metal Solutions

Transition Metal Solutions develops custom chemical additives that enhance wild microbial communities for metal extraction. The company’s platform analyzes the biology already at work in a mining operation and formulates targeted products that increase recovery and accelerate extraction — without new infrastructure or changes to existing processes. Starting with copper, a metal key to the energy transition, the technology is designed to extend to other critical minerals. The company is backed by leading climate and deeptech investors across the US, Europe, and Australia. For more information, visit www.transitionmetal.com.

SOURCE Transition Metal Solutions

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 15, 2026 — In an important step forward for the Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center (VEC), the Pentagon Memorial Fund (PMF) has secured a $12 million federal appropriation to support development of the long‑awaited national education facility adjacent to the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. This critical funding reflects bipartisan recognition of the importance of preserving and teaching the history of September 11, 2001, at the site where American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon.

The federal support, secured as part of recent appropriations measures supporting 9/11 memorial education initiatives, will accelerate design, planning, and preparatory work for the VEC while complementing the PMF’s ongoing private fundraising efforts. This allocation brings the project closer to its goal of establishing a comprehensive national education space that tells the full story of 9/11, honors the 184 lives lost at the Pentagon, and conveys the lessons of resilience, unity, and service for future generations.

“The Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center will be more than a building. It will be a place where every visitor—student, family, veteran, and citizen—can grasp the sacrifice and heroism of 9/11 with depth and meaning,” said Joe Kornhoff, Executive Director of the Pentagon Memorial Fund. “This federal support demonstrates that our nation stands united in its commitment to education and remembrance.”

The VEC, to be located near Arlington National Cemetery and within walking distance of the Pentagon Memorial, will offer state‑of‑the‑art exhibits, survivor and family testimonies, educational programming, and an enduring tribute to those whose lives were forever changed on September 11. It will fill a key gap in America’s 9/11 memorial landscape, bringing the Pentagon site in line with the World Trade Center and Flight 93 memorials in providing robust context and interpretation for visitors.

Alongside federal support, the PMF’s campaign has raised significant private resources, bringing the project closer to the total funds required to complete the VEC by the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in 2026.

“We are grateful to Members of Congress and Administration partners who recognize the enduring importance of telling this story well,” Kornhoff added. “As construction milestones approach, we look forward to sharing more ways the public can support and participate in this national effort.”

To learn more about the Visitor Education Center and how to support the mission, visit pentagonmemorial.org.

Contact: Joe Kornhoff, Executive Director
[email protected]

SOURCE Pentagon Memorial Fund

BENGALURU, India and NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 15, 2026 — CloudSEK, a Predictive Cyber Threat Intelligence firm specializing in AI-powered attack detection, today announced it has secured a strategic investment from Connecticut Innovations (CI), the strategic venture capital arm of the State of Connecticut, as part of its $10 million Series B2 round.

With this investment, CloudSEK becomes the first Indian-origin cybersecurity company to receive funding from a U.S. state-backed venture fund. 

CloudSEK had previously raised $19 million in its Series B1 round and has now concluded the Series B round with this B2 tranche, comprising a mix of primary and secondary capital.

Building Jobs, Talent, and Cybersecurity Research in the U.S.

“Becoming the first Indian-origin cybersecurity company to receive backing from a U.S. state fund is a milestone for CloudSEK, as well as for the entire Indian cybersecurity ecosystem,” said Rahul Sasi, CloudSEK co-founder and CEO. “With Connecticut as our U.S. anchor, we are committed to creating jobs, investing in localized research, and strengthening cyber resilience in the Western world. CloudSEK is proud to advance its identity as a truly Indo-American cybersecurity company.”

Founded in 2015 by Sasi, a cybersecurity researcher-turned-entrepreneur, CloudSEK has evolved from a research-first initiative into one of the world’s most trusted cyber threat intelligence platforms, serving more than 300 enterprises across the BFSI, healthcare, technology, and government sectors.

The groundbreaking partnership with CI was forged after CloudSEK emerged as a top startup at VentureClash, CI’s global investment pitch competition. At the event, Sasi and product owner, Nivya Ravi, pitched a distinguished panel of judges, including Indra Nooyi, former Chair and CEO of PepsiCo; Connecticut Governor, Ned Lamont; and senior leaders from Endiya Partners, IITM Research Park, and Capria Ventures. Governor Lamont’s participation underscored the state’s commitment to attracting cutting-edge technology companies.

“At our 2025 VentureClash India pitch event, CloudSEK distinguished itself as a truly innovative provider of cybersecurity and predictive threat capabilities used by hundreds of businesses around the world,” said Alison Malloy, Managing Director, Investments at Connecticut Innovations. “We are excited to welcome CloudSEK to the CI portfolio and look forward to supporting their team as they establish their U.S. hub and pursue new customer and partnership opportunities in Connecticut.”

A Strategic U.S. Hub for an Indo-American Cybersecurity Powerhouse

CloudSEK will leverage this investment to accelerate its expansion in the U.S., with plans to establish its regional hub for operations, talent, and partnerships in Connecticut.The company is preparing to onboard strategic local talent and build deep collaborations with corporate partners, universities, and research ecosystems across the state.

CI funding will play an active role in enabling CloudSEK to:

• Recruit high-quality cybersecurity and AI talent from the region
• Establish partnerships with local academic and research institutions
• Build its U.S. regional headquarters in Connecticut
• Drive region-specific cybersecurity research and innovation

A Strong Foundation: Backed by Global Investors and Trusted by 300+ Enterprises

Prior to this round, CloudSEK’s Series B1 was led by U.S.-based strategic investor Commvault, with participation from MassMutual Ventures, Inflexor Ventures, Prana Ventures, and Tenacity Ventures. Early investors, including Meeran Family (Eastern Group), StartupXSeed, Neon Fund, and Exfinity Ventures continue to support the company’s long-term growth.

Additionally, CloudSEK recently announced a strategic partnership with Seed Group, a company of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, to deliver predictive cyber intelligence and AI-attack detection capabilities organizations across the UAE.

A New Chapter in Indo-American Cybersecurity Collaboration

This landmark investment not only amplifies CloudSEK’s global trajectory but also symbolizes the rise of Indian cybersecurity innovation on the world stage. By establishing strong roots in Connecticut and continuing to scale globally, CloudSEK is poised to strengthen cyber resilience across continents and redefine cross-border technology collaboration.

About CloudSEK

CloudSEK is a Predictive Cyber Threat Intelligence platform purpose-built to detect and anticipate AI-driven attack chains before they form. Our cloud-native SaaS platform continuously maps digital footprints, correlates weak signals, and identifies emerging attack paths to help organizations stay ahead of evolving threats.To learn more about how CloudSEK can strengthen your external security posture and deliver value from Day One, visit https://cloudsek.com or drop a note to [email protected].

About Connecticut Innovations

Connecticut Innovations (CI) is Connecticut’s strategic venture capital arm and is the leading source of financing and ongoing support for innovative, growing companies. By offering equity and debt investments, strategic guidance and introductions to valuable partners, we help promising businesses thrive. For more information, please visit http://www.ctinnovations.com.

CloudSEK Media Contact
Shashank Shekhar
[email protected]
+91 9811379924

SOURCE CloudSEK