Fintech
Rainy Hollow Ventures Inc. and Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery Inc. Announce Interim Order and Meeting for Going Public Transaction
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – March 17, 2021) – Rainy Hollow Ventures Inc. (TSXV: RHV.P) (“Rainy Hollow“) and Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery Inc. (“SPUD“) are pleased to announce that on March 12, 2021 SPUD obtained an interim order from the Supreme Court of British Columbia authorizing the calling and holding of an annual and special meeting (the “Meeting“) of the shareholders of SPUD (the “SPUD Shareholders“), the granting of dissent rights to SPUD shareholders and other matters relating to the conduct of the Meeting. At the Meeting, the SPUD Shareholders will be asked to pass a special resolution relating to the proposed plan of arrangement of SPUD and certain securityholders of SPUD (the “Arrangement“) involving Rainy Hollow. The Arrangement is subject to the approval of at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast on the resolution related thereto by SPUD Shareholders virtually present or represented by proxy at the Meeting.
The Arrangement will be carried out pursuant to the terms of an arrangement agreement dated December 21, 2020, as amended on March 9, 2021, between Rainy Hollow and SPUD (the “Arrangement Agreement“) setting out the terms the Arrangement which consists of a reverse take-over of Rainy Hollow by SPUD by way of a statutory plan of arrangement under Section 288 the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “BCBCA“). It is anticipated that the Arrangement will constitute the Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies of the Corporate Finance Manual of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV“)) of Rainy Hollow and Rainy Hollow is seeking conditional acceptance from the TSXV in respect of same.
Concurrently with the Arrangement, Rainy Hollow intends to change its name to “Freshlocal Solutions Inc.” Upon completion of the Arrangement, the combined entity (the “Resulting Issuer“) will carry on the current business of SPUD. As part of the name change, SPUD will be releasing a new company logo and establishing a new company website.
“The name Freshlocal Solutions embodies our corporate mission of using innovation and technology to reduce environmental impacts while creating a safe and sustainable food ecosystem for all,” commented Freshlocal CEO Peter van Stolk. “We are excited to be nearing the final stages of our Arrangement and to continue to bring our grocery and eGrocery innovations to both new and existing customers in the global grocery marketplace.”
SPUD has applied to have the common share of the Resulting Issuer listed on Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX“). Listing is subject to the approval of the TSX in accordance with its original listing requirements. The TSX has not conditionally approved the Resulting Issuer’s listing application and there is no assurance that the TSX will approve the listing application.
Meeting and Meeting Materials
The Meeting will be held on Monday March 29, 2021 in a virtual only format, commencing at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time). Meeting materials, including a notice of annual general and special meeting of SPUD Shareholders, management information circular, form of proxy and letter of transmittal, are scheduled to be mailed in advance of the Meeting to SPUD Shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 15, 2021 and will be delivered to certain other security holders of SPUD, in accordance with statutory requirements and the interim order. SPUD Shareholders should carefully review all Meeting materials as they contain important information concerning the Arrangement and the rights and entitlements of the SPUD Shareholders.
Completion of the Arrangement is expected to occur at the beginning of the month of April but in no event later than April 22, 2021 and remains subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain customary conditions set forth in the Arrangement Agreement including, among other things, (a) requisite SPUD Shareholder and regulatory approvals and (b) approval to list the shares of the Resulting Issuer on either the TSX or TSXV.
About Rainy Hollow
Rainy Hollow was incorporated under the BCBCA and is a Capital Pool Company governed by the policies of the TSXV. Rainy Hollow’s principal business is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction. Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of a Capital Pool Company should be considered highly speculative. Trading in the Rainy Hollow Shares is currently halted and will remain halted until completion of the Arrangement. Rainy Hollow does not intend to apply to the TSXV for reinstatement of trading of the Rainy Hollow Shares at this time.
About SPUD
SPUD is a Vancouver-based company that is building a leadership position in the provision of end-to-end grocery e-commerce solutions. SPUD operates two primary businesses, FoodX and eGrocery, both of which support its corporate mission to leverage innovation and technology to create a sustainable and profitable food system for all. FoodX Technologies (“FoodX”) is SPUD’s scalable end-to-end SaaS-based eGrocery Management Solution (eGMS) which is designed to meet the needs of large and small grocery retailers while providing profitable unit economics. The FoodX eGMS is the culmination of 20 years of experience in online grocery and the company’s proven track record of delivering efficiently, sustainably and profitably. SPUD’s consumer eGrocery business has expanded into one of Canada’s largest online grocery companies, with a focus on delivering fresh, local, organic produce and groceries, along with exceptional customer experiences. SPUD serves the main urban markets in British Columbia and Alberta through its brick and mortar store locations operating under the Be Fresh and Blush Lane banners, as well as through SPUD.ca which is SPUD’s award-winning online eGrocery platform. For more information, please visit http://spud.ca.
Further Information
Completion of the Arrangement is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV or TSX acceptance and if applicable pursuant to TSXV or TSX requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. The Arrangement cannot close until the required SPUD Shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Arrangement will be completed as proposed or at all.
Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular of SPUD or filing statement of Rainy Hollow to be prepared in connection with the Arrangement, any information released or received with respect to the Arrangement may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Rainy Hollow should be considered highly speculative.
Neither the TSXV nor the TSX has in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed Arrangement and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
For further information:
Rainy Hollow Ventures Inc.
Michael Atkinson – Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary, and Director
Phone: (604) 689-1428
Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery Inc.
Media Contact:
[email protected]
Investor Relations:
Ian S. Tharp, CFA
(416) 567-2563
[email protected]
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Notice on Forward Looking Information
Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to: the terms and conditions of the Arrangement, including receipt of TSXV, TSX and SPUD shareholder approval; holding the Meeting; the closing of the Arrangement; and the listing of the Resulting Issuer on the TSX. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate”, “project”, “belief”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “predict”, “may” or “should” and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.
With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, Rainy Hollow and SPUD have made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions of SPUD and the market in which it operates. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.
Although management of Rainy Hollow and SPUD believe that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to the receipt of all requisite approvals for the Arrangement, including the approval of SPUD Shareholders, the TSXV and the TSX; approval of the Resulting Issuer’s listing application by the TSX; risks associated with the business of SPUD; business and economic conditions in the eGrocery industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of technology or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws; risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 including, but not limited to, its impact on general economic conditions, the ability to obtain financing as required; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. Rainy Hollow and SPUD do not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Not for distribution to U.S. newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. securities laws.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/77576
The fintech landscape continues to redefine itself, driven by innovation, partnerships, and groundbreaking strategies. Today’s roundup focuses on the latest digital wallet offerings, evolving payment trends, strategic collaborations, and notable funding achievements. This editorial explores the broader implications of these developments, casting light on how they shape the future of fintech and beyond.
Beacon’s Digital Wallet for Immigrants: A Gateway to Financial Inclusion
Beacon Financial, a leading player in financial technology, recently launched a digital wallet tailored to meet the unique needs of immigrants moving to Canada. This offering bridges a critical gap, enabling seamless financial integration for newcomers navigating a foreign system.
By combining intuitive technology with user-centric features, Beacon aims to empower immigrants with tools for payments, savings, and remittances. This aligns with the growing demand for tailored financial products that resonate with specific demographics.
Op-Ed Insight:
Financial inclusion is more than just a buzzword; it’s a moral imperative in the fintech space. Products like Beacon’s digital wallet highlight the industry’s potential to create tangible change. As global migration trends increase, such offerings could inspire similar initiatives worldwide.
Source: Fintech Futures.
Juniper Research Highlights 2025’s Payment Trends
Juniper Research’s latest report unveils pivotal payment trends poised to dominate in 2025. Central themes include the adoption of instant payment networks, a surge in embedded finance solutions, and the rise of crypto-backed financial products.
The research underscores the rapid adoption of real-time payment systems, fueled by increasing consumer demand for speed and efficiency. Meanwhile, embedded finance promises to blur the lines between traditional banking and non-financial services, delivering personalized and context-specific solutions.
Op-Ed Insight:
As the lines between financial services and technology continue to blur, these trends emphasize the industry’s shift toward convenience and personalization. The growing role of crypto-based solutions reflects an evolving consumer mindset, where decentralization and digital-first experiences gain precedence.
Source: Juniper Research.
MeaWallet and Integrated Finance Partner to Revolutionize Digital Wallets
MeaWallet, a prominent fintech solutions provider, has partnered with Integrated Finance to advance digital wallet capabilities and secure card data access for fintech companies. This collaboration focuses on empowering fintechs to deliver better, safer digital payment experiences.
MeaWallet’s role as a technology enabler aligns seamlessly with Integrated Finance’s goal of simplifying complex financial infrastructures. Together, they aim to create scalable, robust platforms for secure payment solutions.
Op-Ed Insight:
Partnerships like this underscore the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. As security concerns grow in tandem with digital payment adoption, solutions addressing these challenges are essential for maintaining consumer trust. The fintech ecosystem thrives when synergy and innovation coalesce.
Source: MeaWallet News.
Nucleus Security Among Deloitte’s Fastest-Growing Companies
Nucleus Security has achieved a remarkable milestone, ranking 85th on Deloitte’s 2024 Technology Fast 500 list. This achievement is attributed to its robust cybersecurity solutions, which cater to the increasingly digital fintech environment.
With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, fintech companies are under immense pressure to safeguard their platforms. Nucleus Security’s growth reflects the rising demand for comprehensive, scalable security solutions that protect sensitive financial data.
Op-Ed Insight:
In a digital-first world, robust cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s fundamental. The recognition of companies like Nucleus Security signals the growing importance of protecting fintech infrastructure as the industry scales globally.
Source: PR Newswire.
OpenYield Secures Funding to Transform the Bond Market
OpenYield has announced a successful funding round, aiming to revolutionize the bond market through innovative technology. The platform promises greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in fixed-income investments.
This funding underscores the growing appetite for digitizing traditionally opaque financial markets. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, OpenYield seeks to democratize bond investments, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Op-Ed Insight:
The bond market, long viewed as complex and inaccessible, is ripe for disruption. OpenYield’s efforts to modernize this space highlight fintech’s transformative potential to democratize finance and empower individual investors.
Source: PR Newswire.
Key Takeaways: Shaping the Future of Fintech
Today’s developments underscore several critical themes in the fintech landscape:
- Personalization and Inclusion: Products like Beacon’s wallet highlight the importance of understanding and addressing specific user needs.
- Collaborative Ecosystems: Partnerships, like that of MeaWallet and Integrated Finance, emphasize the power of collaboration in solving industry challenges.
- Emerging Technologies: Juniper Research’s predictions affirm the continued influence of blockchain, embedded finance, and instant payment networks.
- Security at the Core: The recognition of Nucleus Security underscores the essential role of cybersecurity in fintech.
- Market Transformation: OpenYield’s funding signifies the ongoing disruption of traditional financial markets, paving the way for broader accessibility.
The post Fintech Pulse: Daily Industry Brief – A Dive into Today’s Emerging Trends and Innovations appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
As fintech continues to reshape the global financial landscape, today’s briefing highlights pivotal developments, strategic expansions, and innovative launches across the industry. This op-ed explores the latest advancements with commentary on their potential impacts and challenges.
Finastra Data Breach: A Wake-Up Call for Fintech Security
Source: KrebsOnSecurity
The cybersecurity landscape is buzzing after Finastra, one of the largest financial technology providers globally, confirmed an investigation into a potential data breach. Reports suggest unauthorized access to its systems, raising concerns about data security across its client base, which includes thousands of banks and financial institutions worldwide.
Implications and Challenges
While the details of the breach remain sparse, this incident underscores a glaring vulnerability in the fintech sector—cybersecurity. As financial services increasingly rely on interconnected ecosystems, breaches like these threaten not only individual institutions but also the trust customers place in fintech platforms.
The key takeaway for the fintech industry is clear: proactive cybersecurity strategies must go beyond compliance. Real-time threat detection, robust encryption standards, and regular audits are no longer optional but essential for maintaining operational integrity.
Future Considerations
This breach could trigger a domino effect, prompting regulators to tighten security standards and requiring fintech companies to double down on investments in data protection. Startups and mid-tier players, often lacking extensive cybersecurity budgets, may face significant pressure to keep pace.
PayPal Resurrects Money Pooling Feature
Source: TechCrunch
In a bid to stay ahead of the competition, PayPal is reintroducing its Money Pooling feature, a popular tool that was discontinued in 2021. The feature allows users to pool funds collectively, catering to families, small businesses, and social groups.
Strategic Revival
This move reflects PayPal’s commitment to customer-centric innovation. By reinstating a feature beloved by its user base, the company seeks to reclaim market share lost to emerging competitors offering similar functionalities.
Broader Industry Impacts
Money pooling represents a broader trend in fintech—customized solutions that cater to niche needs. This reintroduction may inspire competitors like Venmo and CashApp to refine their collaborative payment offerings.
While this move strengthens PayPal’s ecosystem, its success will depend on seamless integration with existing services and robust fraud prevention mechanisms to avoid abuse of the feature.
Santander Expands Fintech Reach in Mexico
Source: Yahoo Finance
Santander is making waves in the Latin American fintech space with the launch of a dedicated fintech unit in Mexico. The initiative aims to capitalize on Mexico’s growing fintech adoption and digital payments market, valued at billions of dollars annually.
Strategic Significance
Santander’s expansion into Mexico highlights the region’s untapped potential. Latin America is a burgeoning market for fintech, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, a youthful demographic, and demand for accessible financial services.
Challenges on the Horizon
While Mexico offers immense opportunities, regulatory complexities and market competition from local players like Clip and Konfío pose significant challenges. Santander will need to blend its global expertise with local adaptability to succeed in this dynamic market.
2024 Global Fintech Awards: Spotlighting Excellence
Source: PRNewswire
Benzinga has announced the winners of the 2024 Global Fintech Awards, honoring companies and individuals driving innovation in financial technology. This year’s winners spanned categories like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and payment solutions.
Recognizing Industry Leaders
Awards like these highlight the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial drive fueling fintech growth. Recognizing trailblazers not only motivates incumbents but also inspires startups to push the boundaries of innovation.
What It Means for the Ecosystem
The awards also bring attention to emerging technologies. Categories such as blockchain and AI signal the industry’s continued focus on leveraging cutting-edge tech for efficiency and scalability.
Commonwealth Central Credit Union Partners with Jack Henry
Source: FinTech Futures
Commonwealth Central Credit Union (CCCU) has announced a partnership with Jack Henry, a leading financial technology provider, for a comprehensive tech upgrade. The collaboration focuses on enhancing member experience through improved digital services.
Modernizing Member Experiences
Credit unions have often lagged behind major banks in adopting advanced digital solutions. By partnering with Jack Henry, CCCU aims to bridge this gap, offering members streamlined services such as mobile banking, automated lending, and personalized financial tools.
A Growing Trend
This partnership reflects a broader trend in the financial industry—credit unions and smaller banks embracing fintech to remain competitive. As customer expectations evolve, partnerships like this may become the norm rather than the exception.
Key Takeaways for the Fintech Industry
- Cybersecurity is Critical: The Finastra breach underscores the need for robust security measures.
- Innovation Drives Loyalty: PayPal’s revival of its Money Pooling feature highlights the importance of listening to customers.
- Regional Opportunities: Santander’s expansion into Mexico showcases the untapped potential of emerging markets.
- Recognition Matters: Awards like Benzinga’s provide valuable visibility for companies and individuals shaping the industry.
- Partnerships Foster Growth: Collaborations between credit unions and fintech companies signify a trend towards modernized financial solutions.
The post Fintech Pulse: Industry Updates, Innovations, and Strategic Moves appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
The fintech sector continues its relentless drive toward innovation and market dominance. Today’s highlights include a record-breaking customer milestone for Revolut, groundbreaking fintech solutions for women in the EU, open entries for the PayTech Awards 2025, implications of political shifts on funding, and notable recognition at the US FinTech Awards.
Revolut Hits 50 Million Customers: A Global Fintech Giant’s Milestone
Source: Revolut
Revolut, the UK-based financial super app, has achieved a monumental feat: surpassing 50 million customers worldwide. This milestone underscores its position as a leader in the global fintech landscape, furthering its ambition to create the world’s first truly global bank.
Key to this success has been Revolut’s strategy of expanding its offerings, from banking to travel and crypto services, all within a seamless user experience. The company’s recent ventures into emerging markets such as Latin America and Asia demonstrate its intent to bridge financial services gaps while retaining competitive differentiation through technology.
This milestone is not just a triumph for Revolut but a signal of fintech’s capacity to redefine traditional banking. It reinforces the narrative that digital-first strategies, customer-centric innovation, and international scalability can challenge long-standing financial institutions.
PayTech Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Innovation
Source: FinTech Futures
The PayTech Awards 2025 are officially open for entries, promising to spotlight the brightest minds and most innovative projects in the payment technology sector. These awards are a testament to the industry’s commitment to advancing secure, seamless, and scalable payment systems.
This year, the focus is on emerging technologies that redefine how businesses and consumers interact financially. Categories will recognize achievements across multiple domains, including sustainability in payments, AI-driven solutions, and partnerships that push boundaries.
As fintech companies prepare their entries, the awards provide a timely reminder of the sector’s ongoing evolution and the collaborative efforts required to achieve meaningful breakthroughs.
U.S. Politics and the Fintech Sector: A New Era of Funding?
Source: American Banker
The U.S. fintech sector might witness an infusion of optimism as speculation about a second Trump presidency gains momentum. The Trump-era policies of deregulation and venture capital encouragement are remembered as catalysts for unprecedented fintech growth during his first term.
While it remains uncertain how regulatory landscapes will shift, the possibility of a more relaxed approach toward fintech compliance could rejuvenate funding inflows. Investors and startups alike are watching closely, weighing the potential benefits against long-term risks tied to reduced oversight.
A politically charged backdrop often spells volatility, but for fintech, it may also spell opportunity. Preparing to adapt quickly will be crucial for startups and established players in the face of any regulatory pivot.
Klara AI and Unlimit: Addressing the €1.3 Trillion Female Economy
Source: FF News
Klara AI has teamed up with Unlimit to launch a fintech solution aimed at empowering women across the EU. This collaboration targets the €1.3 trillion female economy by addressing the unique financial needs of women entrepreneurs and consumers.
The solution promises to integrate AI-powered tools with streamlined financial management services, enabling users to access credit, manage investments, and scale businesses effectively. By tailoring services to the underserved female demographic, the partnership hopes to drive financial inclusion and support economic growth.
This initiative stands as a blueprint for fintechs exploring niche markets, proving that innovation tailored to specific segments can yield transformative results.
Autire: Accounting Tech of the Year at US FinTech Awards
Source: Business Wire
Autire, a rising star in financial technology, has been crowned ‘Accounting Tech of the Year’ at the US FinTech Awards 2024. The award recognizes Autire’s ability to blend cutting-edge AI with intuitive user interfaces, delivering unparalleled accounting solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Autire’s platform has gained traction for automating complex accounting tasks, ensuring compliance, and delivering actionable insights through real-time analytics. Its emphasis on reducing administrative burdens for SMEs has been particularly impactful, enabling entrepreneurs to focus on growth rather than bookkeeping.
The recognition not only cements Autire’s reputation but also highlights the role of AI-driven accounting solutions in reshaping business operations globally.
Final Thoughts: A Fintech Revolution in Full Swing
From customer milestones to policy-driven opportunities, the fintech ecosystem is in constant evolution. Revolut’s ascent to 50 million users signals growing consumer trust in digital platforms. The PayTech Awards continue to inspire innovation, while political shifts could redefine the regulatory landscape. Initiatives like Klara AI and Unlimit emphasize the power of targeted solutions, and companies like Autire show how niche technologies can achieve broad impact.
The next phase of fintech growth will likely hinge on inclusivity, adaptability, and innovation—pillars that today’s news stories exemplify.
The post Fintech Pulse: Milestones, Partnerships, and Transformations in Fintech appeared first on .
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