Fintech PR
Venture investors conflicted over rising valuations of emerging technology startups

PitchBook, the premier data provider for private and public equity markets, today released the findings from a new survey conducted in partnership with Web Summit, the world’s largest technology event according to the Financial Times. The survey, PitchBook-Web Summit Venture Investor Survey, examines venture capital (VC) investment preferences in emerging technologies like AI, mobility, fintech, blockchain and more, alongside investor sentiment of the current economic climate. According to the findings, VCs are most bullish on AI/ML but have concerns over rising valuations and the rate at which unprofitable technology companies have entered the public markets.
The survey was administered to 264 VC investors at Web Summit and Venture, an invite-only event at the conference gathering leaders from funds like Seedcamp, Blackstone, Union Square Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Earlybird and more.
“It’s not necessarily surprising VC investors responding to our survey are still prioritizing growth over profitability, given the very nature of venture capital; however, their view that rising valuations are overall negative for the venture industry is a noteworthy shift,” said Steve Bendt, VP of Marketing at PitchBook. “High levels of capital availability and a preference for larger deals across all stages has helped fuel rapid growth and rising valuations. And according to PitchBook data, larger deals and valuations are likely to persist, meaning we have yet to see the full impact of the growth over profitability trend.”
“It’s interesting to see that even with the current questions regarding non-profitable startups, investors are still set on growth as the most important measure. Without any major market correction between private market valuations and public ones, it will continue to drive up the price they’re going to have to pay to invest in early-stage startup,” said Paddy Cosgrave, CEO and founder of Web Summit.
To download this data graphic to learn more about the key findings below, click here.
Opportunity
Venture investment in technology sectors has consistently increased over the last 10 years, making up nearly 40% of total VC investment so far in 2019. Nearly 70% of survey respondents agree investment will continue growing as there is an overabundance of quality investment targets within these sectors. Of the emerging technology sectors attracting venture investment, AI/ML (28%), healthtech (16%) and fintech (13%) were identified by respondents as the categories with the greatest disruption potential over the next five to 10 years. When evaluating investment opportunities in these sectors, almost one third (31%) of respondents cited executive team pedigree as the most important criterion, followed by business model (27%) and disruption potential (23%).
Profitability
Interestingly, only 19% of respondents cited path to profitability as a criterion when evaluating investment opportunities in emerging technology sectors. In fact, 72% strongly agreed or agreed that growth must come before profit for VC-backed emerging technology companies. At the same time, 86% of respondents were very concerned or somewhat concerned about the rate at which unprofitable technology firms have been going public – an outcome of the current environment of easy fundraising to offset high cash burn. According to PitchBook data, nearly 90% of VC-backed IPOs in 2019 were unprofitable at the time of IPO.
Threats
The looming global recession was top of mind for VC investors, with more than half (61%) preparing their fund for a global downturn. However, more broadly, rising valuations were cited as the greatest threat facing the VC-backed emerging technology industry (53%), followed by geopolitical events and regulatory challenges (34%) and competition from corporates and PE investors (13%). Over 86% of respondents agree or strongly agree that growing deals sizes and valuations, especially of emerging technology companies, are negative overall for the venture industry. So far in 2019, median early-stage valuation step-ups have reached 2.14x – a decade high. Download the data graphic here.
SOURCE PitchBook
Fintech PR
Nagarro strengthens its SAP CX capabilities with the strategic business transfer of Notion Edge France

PARIS and MUNICH, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nagarro, a global leader in digital engineering, announced today the business transfer of Notion Edge France, an SAP gold partner specializing in the SAP Customer Experience (CX) suite. The strategic transfer of business expands Nagarro’s CX offerings to key players in retail, CPG, manufacturing, and other sectors in France. The transfer also enables wider access to the African market while reinforcing Nagarro’s market position in Europe.
Notion Edge (NE) France has expertise in delivering end-to-end SAP-enabled innovative solutions to help businesses in digital transformation. Notion Edge has delivered successful projects across Europe, the USA, and Africa, particularly within the retail, CPG, B2B manufacturing, and digital commerce sectors, delivering integrated services ranging from consulting and implementation to maintenance and licensing. This transaction strengthens Nagarro’s access to key industry players and allows clients to benefit from an expanded portfolio of customized end-to-end CX solutions that are aligned with the highest standards of delivery excellence.
Amine Gaiji, CEO, Notion Edge, states:
“This milestone marks a new and exciting chapter for Notion Edge. Joining forces with Nagarro brings powerful synergies, combining our boutique expertise in SAP CX, BTP, and FSM with Nagarro’s robust capabilities in SAP S/4HANA ERP and advanced innovation. This complementarity allows us to deliver an offering that is not only stronger but also fully aligned with SAP’s vision of an integrated Business Suite covering end-to-end enterprise processes. Together, we are uniquely positioned to help our clients scale their digital transformation journeys with agility, innovation, and simplicity at the core.”
Amit Sharma, Nagarro’s Retail, CPG & Digital Commerce business unit lead, states:
“Nagarro has deep expertise in offering products and solutions enabling intelligent customer experiences (CX) in retail, CPG, manufacturing, and other sectors. By joining forces with Notion Edge, we are embarking together on a strategic journey to offer SAP-enabled innovation solutions to customers worldwide. Notion Edge‘s deep consulting and implementation expertise in the SAP Customer Experience (CX) suite strengthens Nagarro’s offerings in end-to-end intelligent customer experiences across digital commerce, customer service, sales automation, marketing, customer data platforms, BTP, CPQ, FSM, AI, and others. I extend a warm welcome to Notion Edge‘s team into the Nagarro family and look forward to achieving remarkable success together.”
Christian Haller, Managing Director, Nagarro France, states:
“Collaboration with Notion Edge will allow us to address even more customer needs and strengthen our position not only in France but also globally. We will now address a larger portfolio for our SAP clients by integrating the SAP Customer Experience. The teams are also looking forward to working together more widely. We appreciate the skills and enthusiasm of the Notion Edge team. We already shared our Paris offices with Notion Edge colleagues, and now we will share the ‘CARING’ values and the Nagarro adventure!”
About Notion Edge France
Founded in 2017 by SAP alumni, Notion Edge France is an SAP partner focused on SAP CX, FSM and BTP implementation, providing a range of integrated services of digital transformation, SAP consultancy and implementation services to its clients.
About Nagarro
Nagarro, a global digital engineering leader, helps clients become innovative, digital-first companies and thus win in their markets. The company is distinguished by its entrepreneurial, agile, and global character, its CARING mindset, and its approach of thinking breakthroughs. Nagarro employs nearly 18,000 people in 39 countries.
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Fintech PR
Change in Management: Exyte announces Katrien Verlinden as new President of its Global Business Unit Advanced Technology Facilities

- Katrien Verlinden will take over as President of Exyte’s Global Business Unit Advanced Technology Facilities (ATF) effective April 14, 2025
- Verlinden joins from Saipem America Inc., where she served as President and CEO, bringing more than 25 years of international leadership experience
- Exyte Executive Board Member Mark Garvey will focus on his role as CEO ATF, overseeing the business segment at board level
- Exyte CEO Büchele: “Katrien Verlinden brings remarkable expertise in global projects and leadership capabilities. She and the team will accelerate our progress toward Exyte’s strategic goals.”
STUTTGART, Germany, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Exyte’s Executive Board has appointed Katrien Verlinden to the position of President of the Global Business Unit (GBU) Advanced Technology Facilities (ATF) effective April 14, 2025. Based in Singapore, she will report to Mark Garvey who has served as President ATF since January 2020 and since December 2023 also filled the roles of CEO ATF and Executive Board Member. With Verlinden’s joining, Mark Garvey will focus on his role as Board Member and CEO of ATF in the future. ATF is Exyte’s largest business segment by sales, primarily active in the semiconductor and battery cell sectors.
Most recently, Verlinden served as President and CEO of Saipem America Inc., and Country Manager for Saipem in North America. She brings more than 25 years of international leadership and extensive operational experience in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) in the energy sector to Exyte’s global ATF organization. Verlinden is a recognized expert by clients and industry representatives.
At Saipem, a global leader in energy offshore and onshore EPC services, Verlinden held numerous international management positions, after progressing through operational roles including Technical Manager, Project Manager and Project Director for the execution of large-sized onshore EPC projects mainly across the Middle East and North Africa. Prior, Verlinden had studied engineering at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium and completed further executive education at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Fluent in Dutch, Italian, English and French, she also has a passion for Korean and Japanese.
“I am thrilled to join Exyte during these extraordinary, transformative times for the semiconductor and battery industries,” says Verlinden. “In recent years, the Global Business Unit Advanced Technology Facilities has been on an impressive growth trajectory, and I am eager to actively contribute to strengthening and amplifying this successful momentum. ATF’s ambitious goals present a unique opportunity to combine my experience and fresh perspectives with those of the global team to collectively drive innovation in high-tech projects and deliver exceptional results for both Exyte and its clients worldwide.”
Exyte CEO Dr. Wolfgang Büchele: “Katrien Verlinden brings remarkable expertise in global projects and leadership capabilities. Her appointment as President of the Global Business Unit Advanced Technology Facilities will advance Exyte’s vision. Her leadership will ensure operational excellence, and strengthen our capabilities in delivering innovative, high-tech solutions for our clients. She and the team will accelerate our progress toward Exyte’s strategic goals.”
Exyte’s Global Business Unit ATF is the largest business segment by sales and operates predominantly in the semiconductor, battery, photovoltaics and flat panel display markets. ATF provides consulting and planning services, engineering and design services, as well as project management services around the building of manufacturing plants and the construction of research and development facilities in the electronics industry sector. The customers include global technology and innovation leaders.
About Exyte
Exyte is a global leader in the design, engineering, and delivery of ultra-clean and sustainable facilities for high-tech industries. With cutting-edge expertise developed over more than a century, the company serves clients in the sophisticated markets of semiconductors, battery cells, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and data centers. Exyte offers a full range of services from consulting to managing the implementation of built complete solutions with the highest standards in safety and quality to its customers worldwide. Exyte creates a better future by enabling key industries to enhance the quality of modern life. In 2023, the company generated sales of €7.1 billion with around 9.900 employees worldwide. www.exyte.net
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Contact:
Samy Abdel Aal
Public Relations Manager
Mobile: +49 172 840 33 01
Phone: +49 711 880 44 696
samy.abdelaal@exyte.net
www.exyte.net
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Fintech PR
Ayan Capital Secures Shariah-Compliant Financing Facility of up to £25 Million from Partners for Growth

New funding will be used to boost growth, scale tech-led underwriting, and expand UK access to halal finance, targeting £25m in 2025 and £100m by 2026.
LONDON, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ayan Capital, a fast-growing provider of halal vehicle financing, has secured up to £25 million in Shariah-compliant financing facility from institutional debt provider Partners for Growth (PFG), a global private credit firm with a strong 20-year track record of backing high-growth technology and fintech companies in more than 20 countries. This investment reflects the rising demand for Islamic financial products in the UK and reinforces Ayan Capital’s position as a key player in the sector.
Ayan Capital provides halal business car financing, serving private hire (Uber, Bolt, etc.) and business drivers seeking halal alternatives to purchase low-carbon emission cars. Operating in the £21.7 billion UK used car finance market – still dominated by non-tech players under regulatory scrutiny – Ayan offers a tech-led, commission-free model that puts customers first, financing them directly regardless of where they buy their car. Expanding beyond vehicle financing, the company recently launched Ayan Pay, a 0% interest, 12-month financing covering home repairs, renovations, car repairs and furniture purchases.
Ayan Capital more than doubled its financing issuance last quarter, growing 2.2x while maintaining a 0% non-performing loan rate – demonstrating the strength of its underwriting technologies and expertise. This latest funding follows Ayan Capital’s recent £3.4 million Pre-Series A round.
With this new £25 million funding, which is based on Ijara wa Iqtina principles, Ayan Capital aims to accelerate growth, enhance its technology-driven underwriting capabilities, targeting £25 million in financing this year and £100 million in 2026, broadening access to halal financial products across the UK and laying the groundwork for a long-term vision that includes a UK banking license application.
Ayan Capital is building on the success of Alif Bank, also co-founded by Abdullo Kurbanov and based in Central Asia, whose digital transactions grew by 30x over three and a half years, serving over four million customers. Now, Ayan aims to become a UK leader in Islamic banking, leveraging the country’s strong regulatory environment.
Ayan is addressing the gap in UK Islamic finance. Despite the UK’s Muslim population set to reach 10m by 2050, according to some estimates, Islamic banking remains severely underserved, with only 0.1% of total banking assets – even though 82% of UK Muslims seeking Shariah-compliant products. However, momentum is building – Islamic bank assets in the UK surged 26% in 2023 to $8.2 billion, with Fitch Ratings projecting growth to $15 billion in the medium term.
Armineh Baghoomian, Co-Head of Fintech at Partners for Growth, stated: “Ayan Capital is redefining what Islamic finance can look like in a modern, tech-enabled ecosystem. Their strong traction, disciplined underwriting, and commitment to financial inclusion closely align with PFG’s mission to support founders building next-generation financial infrastructure. We’re proud to support Ayan as they scale access to Shariah-compliant products across the UK and beyond.”
Richard Osborne, Investment Manager at PFG stated: “We are excited to support Ayan’s mission to expand access to Shariah-compliant financing throughout the UK. The team’s experience, strong underwriting expertise and technology-first approach align well with PFG’s global strategy of backing great founders building high-growth, innovative financial services businesses. We’ve been particularly impressed by Ayan’s growth trajectory and ability to achieve key milestones at a rapid pace. We look forward to seeing Ayan’s continued success and impact on the market.”
Abdullo Kurbanov, Co-founder and CEO of Ayan Capital stated: “We are grateful for the trust and support of the PFG team. Our mission is to make halal financing more accessible in every way – cost, technology, and customer experience. Choosing a halal option should not mean paying more. While we are still at the beginning of our journey, we are wholeheartedly committed to building a financial system that is open to all – one that is not only halal but also more competitive, convenient, and innovative than conventional alternatives.”
Furkat Suvhanov, COO of Ayan Capital, stated: “We’re growing rapidly while maintaining exceptional portfolio quality and customer service. Our partnership with PFG reflects the strength of our model and supports our long-term capital strategy. Building on this momentum, with PFG’s support, we’re now beginning work on our next £75–100 million Shariah-compliant debt raise.”
About Ayan Capital
Ayan Capital is a halal, technology-driven financial services provider committed to making Islamic finance accessible to millions across the UK and beyond. Founded by Abdullo Kurbanov, Firdavs Mirzoev, and Zuhursho Rahmatulloev, the company is laying the groundwork for the long-term vision of a banking license application in the UK.
About Partners for Growth
Partners for Growth (PFG) is a global private credit firm specializing in custom debt solutions for high-growth companies. For over twenty years, PFG has provided growth debt financing to tech, fintech, healthcare, and tech-enabled companies to accelerate their path to profitability or finance specific assets at pivotal stages of growth. Since inception, PFG has partnered with more than 250 companies across 20 countries.
TMT Global Advisers provided financial advice to Ayan Capital on this transaction. TMT Global Advisers is an independent mid-market advisory firm specializing in M&A and fundraising for tech, telecom, and media clients worldwide.
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