Fintech PR

TrustedHousesitters finds new $100m home at Mayfair Equity Partners

Published

12 months ago

December 20, 2023

Category-defining pet-sitting marketplace community available in over 140 countries
Pet and travel tech innovator delivered 158% year-on-year growth in 2022
Mayfair to support product and technology innovation and marketing initiatives
Pet and travel sectors expected to grow to $369 billion by 2030 and $1,016 billion by 2027, respectively^[1]

LONDON, Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Mayfair Equity Partners, a dedicated technology and consumer investor with over £2 billion in assets under management, is backing a management buyout of TrustedHousesitters, a category-defining, subscription-based pet-sitting and travel community. Mayfair will hold a majority stake in the business alongside the management team. Rockpool will exit their stake in TrustedHousesitters and reinvest alongside Mayfair. The transaction values the business at over $100 million. Additional deal terms have not been disclosed.

TrustedHousesitters is the leading travel solution for pet people which connects pet owners with pet sitters around the world. Pet owners can find verified sitters to look after their pets while they’re away from home and, in return, sitters are able to visit destinations across the globe for a unique and rewarding travel experience. Since its founding in 2010, the company has facilitated over 10 million nights of pet sitting, has grown its operations to more than 140 countries and saves pet owners and travellers thousands of pounds annually in accommodation and pet care costs. The pet care and travel sectors are expected to grow to $369 billion by 2030 and $1,016 billion by 2027, respectively.^[1]

Mayfair is partnering with Mathew Prior, TrustedHousesitters’ CEO, and the management team to accelerate growth and support product innovation across its core markets in the US, the UK, Europe, and Australia. Mathew joined TrustedHousesitters in 2019, bringing over 30 years of experience in the travel industry to the company, following managing director roles at Travelopia, Specialist Holidays Group, First Choice Holidays, and The First Resort. Under Mathew’s leadership, the company has undergone significant growth while improving balance sheet management and profitability.

TrustedHousesitters recorded 158% year-on-year growth in 2022, supported by a rising pet population, the accelerated digitisation of pet services and a return to historical rates of travel. TrustedHousesitters’ unique combination of a pet-loving community, reliability, and adventure delivers a memorable experience every time for pet owners and sitters. This leads to exceptional customer satisfaction scores which in turn drive recommendations, with more than 60% of customers hearing about TrustedHousesitters from word of mouth.

Mathew Prior, CEO, said: “Pet parents know that pets are more comfortable at home than in kennels, boarding facilities or even with friends and family. At the same time, there are millions of pet lovers throughout the world who seek authentic, sustainable, and cost-effective travel experiences. I’m proud of our platform’s growth over the past few years and the wonderfully positive feedback we receive from our members. We see a huge opportunity for continued expansion and believe that Mayfair is the right partner to help us achieve our global growth ambitions.”

Kunal Dasgupta, Partner at Mayfair Equity Partners, commented: “TrustedHousesitters is a unique pet-care and travel solution with off-the-chart customer satisfaction scores. The company is creating a category by disrupting conventional pet-sitting services and offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional holiday accommodation. We’re excited to back a genuine innovator at the intersection of travel and pet care and believe that pet sitting services are an untapped opportunity in the pet care sector. TrustedHousesitters is ideally placed to succeed and we’re excited to partner with Mathew and his team on the next stage of their journey.”

Advisors to Mayfair on the transaction included Torch Partners (corporate finance), OC&C (commercial), PwC (financial and tax), Goodwin Proctor (legal counsel), and Palladium (digital and technology).

TrustedHousesitters shareholders were advised by Clearwater International and KeyBanc Capital Markets (M&A), Taylor Wessing (legal), PwC Strategy& (commercial), Claritas (tax) and Fox Williams (insurance).

Management were advised by Liberty Corporate Finance (M&A), Mishcon De Reya (legal) and Cooper Parry (tax).

^[1] Sources: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/pet-care-market-104749; https://www.statista.com/outlook/mmo/travel-tourism/worldwide

About TrustedHousesitters

TrustedHousesitters is the leading travel solution for pet people; a global community whose love of pets and travel enables home sharing and pet caring all over the world. The service was founded in Brighton, UK in 2010 and has over 200,000 members in more than 140 countries, responsible for 10 million nights of pet sitting. A subscription gives unlimited access to short and long-term sits with no further money changing hands. Sitters explore the world while staying in real homes and enjoying the companionship of pets. Meanwhile, owners enjoy freedom and peace of mind by prioritising their pets’ well-being at home with a trusted companion.

About Mayfair Equity Partners

Mayfair Equity Partners is a dedicated technology and consumer investor, with assets under management of over £2 billion. Mayfair’s investment philosophy centres on backing people and their ideas, working with founders and management teams to help them realise their ambitions. Mayfair’s model of Active Partnership includes a senior team of dedicated functional Specialists who support portfolio companies with business process improvement initiatives that help unlock their full potential.

Mayfair has an established track record of supporting fast-growing, sector-defining companies, including Ovo, a digital challenger which has scaled to become the third largest provider in the UK retail energy sector; LoopMe, a leading brand-focused mobile advertising platform; and Tangle Teezer, the category defining British haircare brand. For more information, please visit www.mayfairequity.com.

Contact Mayfair Equity Partners
Charlie Harrison
The One Nine Three Group
[email protected]
+44-788-4136-143

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/trustedhousesitters-finds-new-100m-home-at-mayfair-equity-partners-302019472.html

Fintech

Banking and Capital Markets: Navigating a Complex Future

Published

3 hours ago

November 29, 2024

Zoltan Tundik

banking-and-capital-markets:-navigating-a-complex-future

Curated in collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

The global financial industry stands at a pivotal juncture, facing a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by technological disruption, sustainability mandates, and geopolitical uncertainties. The end of prolonged accommodative monetary policies has ushered in an era of increased scrutiny, regulatory tightening, and heightened demand for innovation. At the same time, financial technology (fintech) continues to transform the sector, driving new opportunities and challenges for traditional banking systems.

This article delves into the strategic issues currently defining Banking and Capital Markets. Drawing from expert insights curated by Lutfey Siddiqi, Visiting Professor-in-Practice at LSE, it examines the dynamic risk environment, emerging technology trends, shifts in banking business models, and the growing focus on sustainability and talent development.

Key Issues Influencing Banking and Capital Markets

The Financial Risk Landscape: Heightened geopolitical tensions and regulatory demands are reshaping the industry.
Financial Technology: Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain offer potential but also pose significant implementation challenges.
Banking Business Models: Institutions are adopting diverse strategies to navigate competition and shifting market demands.
Financial Talent: Attracting the next generation of banking professionals requires a clear purpose and forward-thinking policies.
Sustainability and Finance: Balancing environmental and social goals with immediate business priorities is a growing challenge.

1. Latest Insights: Shifting the Banking Paradigm

Experts highlight the profound challenges and opportunities facing financial institutions today. From geopolitical volatility to advances in fintech, the banking landscape demands unprecedented agility. Recent developments include:

Monetary Policy Adjustments: China’s central bank explores easing policies to boost investment.
Regulatory Scrutiny: Global banking rules, such as Basel 3.1 reforms, are under review, signaling potential shifts in global supervision.
Financial Inclusion: Updates from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) aim to balance anti-money laundering standards with broader access to financial services.

These trends emphasize the need for financial institutions to anticipate disruptions while fostering resilience and innovation.

2. Strategic Context: Transforming Banking in a High-Stakes Era

2.1 The Financial Risk Landscape

Banks are grappling with an increasingly volatile environment characterized by geopolitical tensions, regulatory reforms, and market disruptions. The end of ultra-loose monetary policies has highlighted weaknesses in traditional funding models, exemplified by the high-profile collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse in 2023.

Regulators are tightening oversight, expanding their focus to include non-bank institutions and fintech companies. Additionally, rising geopolitical tensions demand localized data operations, robust cybersecurity measures, and new approaches to global strategy.

Key takeaway: In an age of uncertainty, resilience and stability are essential.

2.2 Financial Technology

The Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to reshape banking through advancements like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing. However, challenges remain, such as limited real-world blockchain applications and increasing cybersecurity risks tied to digitalization.

Financial institutions must adopt technology thoughtfully, focusing on solutions that address specific operational pain points and align with organizational goals. Balancing efficiency with contingency planning for outages and cyber threats is paramount.

Key takeaway: Tech adoption must prioritize practicality, security, and alignment with purpose.

2.3 Banking Business Models

Global trends are driving a diversification of banking models. Some institutions are scaling back operations in unprofitable markets, while others are leveraging acquisitions or digital innovation to expand. The rise of big tech competitors—armed with vast behavioral data—adds a new layer of complexity to the competitive landscape.

Emerging trends include:

Consolidation of corporate and private banking services.
Strategic retreats from costly markets, such as HSBC’s exit from US retail banking.
Big tech firms offering financial services as data-driven loss leaders.

Key takeaway: Differentiation and adaptability are critical in a fragmented, competitive market.

2.4 Financial Talent

The banking sector faces a mounting talent crisis, particularly among younger generations who view the industry as outdated or misaligned with their values. To attract top talent, banks must redefine their purpose and emphasize their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and career growth opportunities.

Surveys indicate that young professionals seek workplaces offering training, flexibility, and inclusive leadership. Reskilling initiatives and a focus on digital expertise will also be key to preparing employees for the future.

Key takeaway: A compelling vision for the future of banking is essential to attract and retain top talent.

2.5 Sustainability and Finance

Sustainability has become a focal point for the financial industry, driven by growing demand for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. However, backlash against greenwashing and tokenism has led banks to reevaluate their approaches.

Balancing short-term priorities like energy security with long-term goals like combating climate change requires bold leadership. Opportunities abound in areas such as carbon trading, green bonds, and sustainability-linked investment products. However, success demands authenticity and a commitment to systemic change.

Key takeaway: Embedding sustainability into core operations is vital for long-term success.

Transformation Maps: A Strategic Tool for Leaders

This analysis leverages the World Economic Forum’s Strategic Intelligence Transformation Maps, which provide an interconnected view of global trends and challenges. These tools enable leaders to explore key topics, such as cybersecurity, fintech, and sustainability, and understand how they shape the future of Banking and Capital Markets.

Conclusion

The financial industry’s journey through this transformative era requires agility, innovation, and a deep commitment to purpose. From adapting to geopolitical tensions to embracing sustainability and nurturing top talent, financial institutions must strike a delicate balance between tradition and progress.

By leveraging technology, redefining business models, and embedding ESG principles into their strategies, the sector can navigate today’s challenges and build a resilient, forward-thinking future.

For more insights and resources, visit the World Economic Forum’s Strategic Intelligence platform.

The post Banking and Capital Markets: Navigating a Complex Future appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

Fintech PR

Xinhua Silk Road: Micro-documentaries depicting people-centered governance initiatives released

Published

3 hours ago

November 29, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

BEIJING, Nov. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A series of micro-documentaries titled “the People’s City in Jing’an” has been released, showcasing real stories about the district’s initiatives in urban construction, governance, and development in Shanghai.

The series also highlights vivid practices of Jing’an in implementing the concept of a people-centered city.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/343370.html

Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569899/video.mp4

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xinhua-silk-road-micro-documentaries-depicting-people-centered-governance-initiatives-released-302318776.html

Fintech PR

VANTAGE FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH FRESH START TO SUPPORT EDINBURGH COMMUNITIES

Published

3 hours ago

November 29, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

vantage-foundation-partners-with-fresh-start-to-support-edinburgh-communities

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Nov. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Foundation has partnered with Fresh Start, an Edinburgh-based charity helping people who have been homeless establish themselves in their new home through the provision of goods and services. They work to end the cycle of homelessness and for a better life for those living in poverty.

Fresh Start was established in 1999 from a desire to help and support their community where issues such as homelessness, deprivation and poverty were prevalent. Taking a person-centered approach, the organisation began to distribute Starter Packs, which are packs of essential household items to help people establish themselves in their new home.

They are now distributing over 14,000 packs per year and helping over 2,000 people. They have also expanded to offer more services over the years in response to the needs of the people in their communities, such as providing kitchen appliances, cooking classes and painting and decorating services.

Vantage Foundation visited Fresh Start in November to pledge support for their cause by sponsoring Starter Packs. “We are pleased to support Fresh Start in their mission to help people make a home for themselves,” said Steven Xie, Executive Director of Vantage Foundation. “Their mission firmly resonates with us and this partnership is a reflection of our own commitment to address invisible challenges to social immobility.”

“We want to give people an opportunity to make themselves feel at home,” explained Jen McQuistan, Corporate Partnership Officer at Fresh Start. “It is important for them to have a space to call their own and develop a true sense of belonging in the community.”

For more information on Fresh Start and how you can get involved, visit their website at https://www.freshstartweb.org.uk/

About Vantage Foundation

Vantage Foundation is an independent charitable organisation launched at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK in 2023. The foundation has worked with charity organisations around the world, including The iREDE Foundation in Nigeria, Teach For Malaysia in Malaysia, and Instituto Claret in Brazil.