Fintech PR
Dubai-based Fintech, Beehive, Releases State of the SME Ecosystem Report
Beehive, MENA’s first regulated peer to peer lending platform, has released an insightful new report revealing the state of MENA’s SME ecosystem, the same week as the company celebrates its fifth birthday.
The report is based on quantitative and qualitative SME research, including a survey of 175 SME owners and senior management and a roundtable of 13 prominent SME founders / CEOs.
Key findings from the report include:
- Surveyed MENA SMEs have more women in senior positions than the global average.
- 28% of respondents see innovation as a priority for growth, yet only 2% of business owners are currently trying to access finance to fund it.
- SMEs offer young people a great opportunity for development. 48% of SMEs would hire someone under 25 with no experience.
The report focused on key areas that impact SMEs such as talent acquisition, innovation and growth factors. The survey results showed positive indicators such as SME appetite for market expansion and the opportunity for women in business.
The region also fares well as a leading destination for young people to start their careers in start-ups and SMEs. This popularity has the potential to establish MENA as a hotbed of budding entrepreneurs.
In the report, SMEs highlight challenges and areas where they feel they could benefit from more support initiatives to help them drive growth, such as innovation. They also talk about new ways of working in order to stay competitive and take advantage of business opportunities.
The report is released as Beehive celebrates a key milestone of five years of operation. Launched in 2014, the company has grown from a start-up to become leading fintech SME in the region with a team of 30 in the UAE and a further 17 employees in Thailand. The company has also recently expanded to Bahrain and has further exciting expansion plans in 2020.
Craig Moore, Beehive CEO commented: “We’re delighted to be celebrating five years of operation in the region and very much see Beehive as an SME for SMEs. During our five years we have amassed a significant amount of data which gives us an invaluable insight into the SMEs landscape. This report digs deeper to assess their business challenges and opportunities, as well as their attitudes and opinions as SME owners and senior management.”
SOURCE Beehive P2P Ltd
Fintech
Fintech Pulse: A Daily Dive into Industry Innovations and Developments
The financial technology sector continues to evolve at a rapid pace, offering innovations that disrupt traditional paradigms. Today’s briefing underscores fintech’s diverse growth avenues: from substantial venture capital plays and strategic partnerships to groundbreaking implementations in lending. Here’s a closer look at recent developments shaping the landscape.
Synapse’s Comeback and Andreessen Horowitz’s Strategic Bet
Source: Axios
Synapse, a financial infrastructure company previously embattled by controversy, is staging a remarkable comeback, backed by none other than venture capital heavyweight Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). With this new infusion of funds, Synapse aims to consolidate its position as a premier platform for building financial services tools.
This resurgence demonstrates the resilience of the fintech ecosystem, where innovation often prevails over turbulence. Synapse’s renewed vigor also signals that top-tier investors remain bullish on infrastructural solutions pivotal to the future of digital finance. Andreessen Horowitz’s participation not only validates Synapse’s model but also underscores the VC giant’s enduring interest in fintech infrastructure, even amid global economic uncertainties.
Analysis:
This partnership exemplifies the dynamism within fintech, highlighting the interplay of innovation, capital, and resilience. It also raises questions about the broader implications of giving second chances to firms with turbulent histories. While Synapse’s evolution could inspire others, it also places a spotlight on governance and accountability in high-growth sectors.
Israel’s Fintech Scene Gets a Boost with Investment in Finova Capital
Source: Calcalistech
Israeli fintech startup Finova Capital has raised an impressive $20 million in a funding round led by prominent institutional investors. This marks a significant milestone for the company as it seeks to expand its suite of financial solutions aimed at underserved markets.
Israel’s fintech ecosystem has long been recognized as a hub of innovation, and this latest investment only reinforces its global standing. Finova Capital’s focus on empowering smaller businesses and fostering financial inclusivity aligns with emerging trends where tech-driven solutions bridge critical gaps in financial services.
Analysis:
With this funding, Finova is poised to enhance its technological offerings while contributing to economic inclusion. However, the broader fintech industry will watch closely to see how the company leverages this capital amid increasing competition from regional and global players.
India’s Yubi Plans a Fundraising Push
Source: Bloomberg
Yubi, a prominent Indian fintech platform backed by Insight Partners, is reportedly preparing for a new fundraising round. Having already established itself as a leader in credit infrastructure, Yubi aims to bolster its offerings and expand its market footprint.
India’s fintech landscape is witnessing explosive growth, with platforms like Yubi playing a critical role in the credit ecosystem. Yubi’s planned fundraising reflects the broader appetite for scaling solutions that streamline credit access, particularly in emerging markets where traditional lending models often fall short.
Analysis:
This development highlights two key trends: the increasing reliance on credit platforms in high-growth economies and the strategic role of international investors like Insight Partners in driving fintech innovation. Yubi’s expansion plans could set a precedent for other regional fintech players seeking to scale amid global economic headwinds.
Provenir and Hastings Financial Services Win Global Recognition
Source: Business Wire
In a testament to the transformative power of digital lending solutions, Provenir and Hastings Financial Services have been jointly recognized for the Best Digital Lending Implementation at the IBSi Global Fintech Innovation Awards. This accolade underscores the success of their collaboration in modernizing the lending process through cutting-edge technology.
Provenir’s advanced decision-making platform and Hastings Financial Services’ lending expertise have delivered a solution that significantly enhances user experience, operational efficiency, and risk management. Such innovations highlight the increasing role of partnerships in advancing fintech’s digital transformation.
Analysis:
This recognition not only validates the efficacy of digital lending but also emphasizes the importance of partnerships in driving innovation. It signals to the industry that collaboration can be a powerful tool for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Microf and Quantum Financial Technologies Forge New Alliances
Source: PR Newswire
Microf, a financial solutions provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Quantum Financial Technologies. This collaboration aims to expand lending solutions for contractors, providing streamlined access to capital for businesses in need of flexible financing options.
This partnership is a timely response to the growing demand for specialized financial products in niche markets. By leveraging Quantum’s technology, Microf can now offer more tailored solutions, particularly to contractors navigating complex financial requirements.
Analysis:
This development reflects a growing trend: the diversification of fintech offerings to serve specific market segments. As competition in mainstream fintech intensifies, targeting underserved niches could become a defining strategy for success.
Key Takeaways for the Fintech Ecosystem
- Resilience in Fintech Funding: Despite economic uncertainties, venture capital continues to fuel innovative fintech players like Synapse and Finova Capital.
- Regional Growth Stories: From Israel to India, fintech ecosystems are thriving, attracting global attention and investment.
- Collaboration as a Catalyst: The success of partnerships like Provenir-Hastings and Microf-Quantum underscores the importance of strategic alliances.
- The Power of Recognition: Awards like the IBSi Fintech Innovation Awards validate industry achievements, inspiring others to push the envelope.
- Focus on Inclusion: Whether through credit platforms or lending solutions, fintech is playing a pivotal role in fostering financial inclusivity worldwide.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The fintech sector’s journey is far from linear. Regulatory complexities, technological disruptions, and market volatility remain persistent challenges. However, as seen in today’s developments, the opportunities far outweigh the risks. By prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, fintech players can navigate the complexities of the global financial landscape.
This moment in fintech history is pivotal. It’s a time for bold decisions, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to bridging financial divides. As industry players rise to the occasion, the road ahead promises a future where technology and finance intertwine to empower individuals and businesses alike.
The post Fintech Pulse: A Daily Dive into Industry Innovations and Developments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech PR
BIZCLIK MEDIA LAUNCHES DECEMBER EDITION OF FINTECH MAGAZINE
The December edition of FinTech Magazine includes interviews with leading experts and executives from Alipay+, Marqeta & Flyfish
LONDON, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — BizClik, the UK’s fastest-growing publishing company, has released the latest edition of FinTech Magazine.This publication is highly regarded by voices within the Financial Sector for its in-depth reports and interviews with prominent figures in the industry.
FinTech Magazine
This month’s edition features an exclusive lead interview with Flyfish C-Suite, Savvas Pashias, Shay Merary and Michael Zetser on how they have developed a platform for SMEs to access banking services, as traditional infrastructure struggles to meet increasing cross-border needs.
“The UniFi platform is inherently scalable, designed to growin line with a company’s expansion and service requirements” – Michael Zetser, CEO, Flyfish
The edition also contains extensive interviews with key thought leaders from Marqeta, Sidekick, PayU and more. Plus the Top 10: Decacorns
You can visit FinTech Magazine for daily news and analysis of the ever-changing financial industry.
About BizClik
BizClik is one of the fastest-growing digital media companies in the UK, host to a growing portfolio of industry-leading global brands and communities.
BizClik’s expanding portfolio includes Technology, AI, FinTech, InsurTech, Supply Chain, Procurement, Energy, Mining, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Mobile, Data Centre, Cyber, and Sustainability.
For more information, please visit our website.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bizclik-media-launches-december-edition-of-fintech-magazine-302316768.html
Fintech PR
Hakluyt announces new partnership with Orchestras for All
LONDON, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Hakluyt, the global strategic advisory firm for businesses and investors, has today announced a new social impact partnership with Orchestras for All (OFA), on the eve of the charity’s Big Give Campaign launch.
Orchestras for All is a UK-based charity that works with 11-19 year-olds to widen access to music, with a particular focus on those who face challenges such as disability, deprivation or caring responsibilities.
Drawing on its connectivity and in-house expertise, Hakluyt will advise the charity on issues as it seeks to fulfil its mission to ensure that all children, regardless of background or circumstance, are able to share in the benefits of group music-making.
Hakluyt, which has been providing in-kind support to the charity since 2022, has now formalised a partnership with Orchestras for All that will see it provide advice and guidance across a range of strategic challenges in order to help the charity widen its impact and reach more young people.
Kayo Yoshida, who co-leads Hakluyt’s work with Orchestras for All, said: “Orchestras for All does invaluable work sharing the benefits of music with children who have often been shut out of creative opportunities. I am personally delighted to be working with them, and look forward to our partnership flourishing over the coming years.”
Alexandra Davison, who also co-leads Hakluyt’s work with the charity, commented: “The opportunities that Orchestras for All offers can be life-changing for young people. The myriad benefits of musical education to children’s development and educational attainment are well known, and Orchestras for All is an organisation with a proven track record of widening access to music for the children who need it most.”
Nick Thorne, Executive Director of Orchestras for All, added: “We are delighted to have formalised our partnership with Hakluyt, and are incredibly grateful for the support they provide. This relationship is one of our most significant corporate partnerships to date, offering both financial support and advisory services.
“The funding Hakluyt have provided will not only help OFA continue providing its life-changing musical programmes, but also enable our participation in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2024. Through this campaign, OFA aims to raise vital funds to ensure that more young people can access inclusive and transformative music-making opportunities.”
Notes to Editors
Hakluyt is a strategic advisory firm that works with corporate leaders and investors around the world on their most important commercial issues. For more information on the firm, please visit www.hakluytandco.com
Orchestras for All (OFA) is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation that breaks down barriers to give all young people the life-changing experience of making music together, regardless of the daily challenges they might be facing. Its inclusive, non-auditioned National Orchestra for All (NOFA) brings together 100 young musicians from across the UK who would otherwise be unable to access musical opportunities – whether due to physical disability, a mental health condition, economic deprivation, or rural isolation.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hakluyt-announces-new-partnership-with-orchestras-for-all-302316677.html
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