Fintech PR

American Discovery Capital Announces Strategic Growth Investment in SmartBug Media®

Published

5 years ago

February 20, 2020

American Discovery Capital (ADC)—a private equity firm focused on investing in leading family-owned and middle market companies in high-growth sectors—today announced its strategic growth investment in and partnership with SmartBug Media^®. SmartBug^® is the highest-rated HubSpot partner in the world and a leading Intelligent Inbound^® marketing agency that assists businesses in generating leads, increasing awareness, and building brand loyalty through inbound marketing, digital strategy, design, marketing automation, and public relations. As part of its investment strategy, ADC will work closely with SmartBug to develop new growth channels and expand the company’s capabilities and team, while supporting its continued delivery of the highest levels of customer service and value.

ADC focuses on partnering with business owners and entrepreneurs who have built successful, established businesses with strong fundamentals that can benefit from ADC’s operational experience and capital to support future growth. Its partnership with SmartBug demonstrates ADC’s ability to identify unique investment opportunities and exemplifies its partnership approach with innovative owners and entrepreneurs.

“SmartBug demonstrates the quality and attractive attributes we look for in an investment,” said Mike Denbeau, partner at ADC. “Its unique business model—which includes strong and steady growth, recurring revenue and long-term customer relationships, a strong culture of innovation, and a unique ‘remote’ business model that provides access to a nationwide talent recruitment pool—has already proven very successful in the digital agency space and is one we look to build upon in partnership with the company’s highly talented management team.”

John Joliet, partner at ADC, added, “Over a decade ago, Ryan Malone anticipated the coming shift from traditional outbound marketing to data-driven, inbound marketing services for middle market growth companies, and he saw an opportunity to build a world-class professional team by employing an innovative ‘remote’ business model. We believe this unique philosophy has paved the way for SmartBug to develop its strong reputation throughout the industry as a market leader and respected advisor, which has resulted in numerous awards and accolades over the past few years. ADC believes that SmartBug’s ability to ‘productize’ this value in a recurring, long-term relationship model using its proprietary recruitment, employee training, and customer delivery processes makes its future prospects even more compelling.”

SmartBug has a number of unique and impressive attributes that made it an attractive investment for ADC:

SmartBug is a leader in the high-growth inbound marketing sector, which is benefiting from a rapid shift of spend from traditional outbound marketing channels to data-driven, digital inbound marketing.
Unlike the traditional agency model, which has historically focused on project-based, short-term campaign work that can be high cost with unclear ROI implications for the client, SmartBug offers customers a compelling, data-driven retainer model. This model allows customers to outsource their digital marketing needs on a turnkey basis, driving long-term value for the client with a heavy emphasis on ROI.
The need for SmartBug’s services is especially mission-critical in the large middle market segment of the U.S. economy, where companies typically do not have in-house digital marketing capabilities and access to the level of marketing talent that larger firms possess, creating a large untapped opportunity for SmartBug.
As the highest-rated HubSpot Partner in the world and HubSpot’s Global Partner of the Year, SmartBug has won a number of prominent industry awards recognizing the quality of the company’s work product, team, and workplace culture, including winning more than 150 MarCom Awards in the past two years alone, making the Inc. 5000 list three years in a row, being named to the inaugural Adweek 100: Fastest Growing Agencies list, and earning a number of Comparably and Great Place to Work^® awards.
SmartBug’s strong value proposition and unique retainer model have driven strong growth for the company and provide a reliable base of recurring revenue to re-invest in growing the company’s customer relationships and talent.

“We are very excited to partner with ADC, and we feel like their team and goals align fully with our values, our remote business model, where we believe the market is headed, and most importantly, our people,” said Ryan Malone, founder and CEO of SmartBug Media. “The ADC team is a uniquely talented and forward-looking group that understands and values the overarching purpose of our remote model: that you can win in business while retaining the flexibility to do the things that matter to you and your family. We believe there is a large, underserved opportunity to provide high quality digital marketing services to clients with the cost certainty and emphasis on ROI that clients highly value and our unique model affords, at scale—and we are excited to partner with ADC to address this compelling market need.”

SOURCE American Discovery Capital

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Fintech PR

China’s AIMA brand electric motorbike is now in Bangladesh

Published

7 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

DHAKA, Bangladesh, Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With the popularity of electric vehicles in Bangladesh, the globally renowned AIMA brand has also arrived in Bangladesh. The esteemed DX Group has brought the AIMA F-626 to customers. This environmentally friendly battery-operated electric motorbike has already been approved by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) now.

In light of the increasing popularity of electric motorcycles in the country, the internationally-leading brand AIMA has entered the market. By the end of 2023, AIMA electric two-wheelers had established a presence in over 50 countries worldwide, with 11 global production bases, including overseas factories in Indonesia and Vietnam. In 2022, AIMA collaborated with Rob Janoff, the designer of the Apple logo, to refresh the brand’s VI system with a youthful and fashionable image. In 2023, AIMA teamed up with PANTONE, the global authority in color expertise, to create the trending color of the year. As an industry leader, AIMA spearheads the electric two-wheeler sector and showcases the prowess of a leading electric two-wheeler brand on a global scale. As of March 31, 2024, AIMA’s total electric two-wheeler sales had reached 80 million units, earning certification from Frost & Sullivan, a globally recognized business growth consulting firm, as the “Global Leading Electric Two-wheeler Brand”.

Over the years, AIMA has always been a product trendsetter in the electric two-wheeler sector. As of March 31, 2024, the total sales volume of AIMA electric two-wheelers reached 80 million, and Frost & Sullivan, a world-renowned market consulting company, awarded AIMA with the market status certification of the “Global Leading Electric Two-wheeler Brand (by Sales)”.

AIMA adhere to the customer-centered product philosophy and technologies that support long-term innovation and breakthroughs. We believe that the efficiency and modern technology of the AIMA F-626 will present an excellent alternative means of communication for our customers.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/chinas-aima-brand-electric-motorbike-is-now-in-bangladesh-302314773.html

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China Telecom Gulf Officially Launches in Saudi Arabia for Business

Published

1 hour ago

November 23, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

china-telecom-gulf-officially-launches-in-saudi-arabia-for-business

HONG KONG, Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On November 21, China Telecom Gulf was officially launched in Riyadh. This milestone marks a significant step in China Telecom’s efforts to provide deep services under the “Belt and Road Initiative” and to promote the building of a “China-Arab Community with a Shared Future.” It signifies another solid advancement on China Telecom’s path toward internationalization. Mr. Liu Guiqing, Executive Director and EVP of China Telecom Corporation, delivered an opening speech, along with Mr. Fawaz, Representative of Contact Office of Chinese Companies in the KSA, Deputy General Manager of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Riyadh Branch. Over 100 guests and leaders from the Economic and Commercial Office of Embassy of the PRC of the KSA, Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Bank of China, Huawei, and others attended to witness this momentous occasion.

In his address, Mr. Liu Guiqing emphasized China Telecom’s commitment to openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit. He expressed the company’s willingness to share its experiences in cloud-network integration, cloud transformation, intelligent operations, and technological innovation. China Telecom aims to work closely with various levels of Saudi governments, enterprises, and partners to actively participate in the development of local digital infrastructure, drive the rapid advancement of next-generation information technologies, and establish a robust bridge for cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in the field of information technology. Leveraging its extensive resources and global operational capabilities, China Telecom plans to bring its strengths in 5G, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other fields to provide innovative, high-quality communication products and services to Saudi enterprises, institutions, and consumers.

Mr. Fawaz extended his warm congratulations on the opening of China Telecom Gulf. He highlighted that as a leading global provider of communication services, China Telecom possesses abundant cloud-network resources and mature international service capabilities. The establishment of China Telecom Gulf is a significant step toward supporting the digital transformation of businesses in the region. He expressed confidence that through joint efforts, the company will seize opportunities in the digital era and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s socio-economic development and practical cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in various fields.

China Telecom showcased its global resources, business capabilities, and its investments and partnerships in the Middle East and Africa. Key services introduced included eSurfing Cloud, computing power solutions, quantum technology, and customized 5G networks. Currently, China Telecom operates branches in 42 countries and regions worldwide, owns 53 international submarine cables, and manages 27 self-operated Internet Data Centers (IDCs). Its cloud-network integrated infrastructure and customer-centric digital service systems provide coverage across the globe.

During the event, China Telecom Gulf signed strategic cooperation agreements with Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Huawei Saudi Arabia, and Baud Telecom Company. The parties committed to deep collaboration, leveraging their respective strengths to provide optimized and convenient digital experiences to Saudi customers.

The establishment of China Telecom’s presence in Saudi Arabia marks a major milestone in the company’s entry into the Middle Eastern communications market, representing a key development in its global strategy. Moving forward, China Telecom Gulf will leverage China Telecom’s robust digital infrastructure and resource integration capabilities. We will collaborate closely with local Saudi enterprises, Chinese businesses expanding internationally, and global companies to strengthen cooperation and enhance exchanges. The company aims to contribute to the growth of Sino-Saudi and Middle Eastern industrial cooperation, continuously offering more smart solutions for the development of the Middle East’s digital economy, while striving to become a world-class provider of digital and intelligent technology services.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/china-telecom-gulf-officially-launches-in-saudi-arabia-for-business-302314765.html

Fintech PR

Redefining Financial Frontiers: Nucleus Software Celebrates 30 Years with Synapse 2024 in Singapore

Published

16 hours ago

November 23, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

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SINGAPORE, Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The thriving India–Singapore partnership in banking and technology reached a new milestone as Nucleus Software celebrated 30 years of transformative innovation at Synapse 2024, held in Singapore. The event underscored the company’s role in redefining financial services across Southeast Asia (SEA) and the globe, bringing together leaders in finance and technology to explore a shared vision for the future of banking.

Synapse 2024 celebrated 30 years of Nucleus Software’s leadership in driving transformative change across Singapore and Southeast Asia’s financial ecosystem. The event also shone a spotlight on the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), an initiative supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to champion responsible technology adoption. The event highlighted the deepening synergies between India and Singapore, driven by their shared commitment to innovation, cross-border collaboration, and financial inclusion. As the financial services sector undergoes rapid evolution with advancements in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital banking, these partnerships are setting the stage for a more connected, resilient, and inclusive global ecosystem.

Vishnu R. Dusad, Co-founder and Managing Director of Nucleus Software, reflected on the milestone: “For over 30 years, we’ve had the privilege of aligning our journey with Singapore’s ascent as a global financial powerhouse. Back in 1994, when we chose to go East instead of West, it was a bold and emotional decision—guided by our belief in Singapore as a hub for innovation and collaboration. We saw then what remains true today: Singapore is at the heart of the global financial landscape, a place where new ideas take root, and partnerships thrive.”

The event brought together a distinguished array of participants, highlighting the transformative potential of India–Singapore collaboration. Mr. Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS Group and the Guest of Honor, set the tone for the event with his opening remarks, emphasizing the transformative role of big tech in reimagining scalable, customer-centric financial services in the digital age.

Following his address, key speakers enriched the discussions with their insights. Mr. Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Group CEO-Designate of The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), underlined the importance of fostering responsible technology adoption and building inclusive financial ecosystems. Mr. Vinod Rai, globally respected public policy expert, Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore, and former Comptroller and Auditor General of India, shared his perspectives on governance and policy frameworks in financial systems. Mr. S.M. Acharya, Chairman of Nucleus Software and former Defence Secretary of India, offered a visionary outlook on leveraging technology to modernize and secure banking frameworks. Finally, Mr. Pieter Franken, Co-founder and Director of GFTN (Japan), a global FinTech pioneer and deep tech innovator, discussed the future of decentralized finance and its implications for the financial sector.

The event showcased the transformative role of technology in global financial systems, emphasizing innovations that set benchmarks for scalability and inclusivity. Panelists discussed the importance of localized solutions, the challenges of cross-border integration, and leveraging dual business models to optimize capital and foster public participation. The dialogue highlighted the need for common standards, unified frameworks like APIs, and collaborative efforts to accelerate financial inclusion and drive global connectivity in the digital age.

For 30 years, Nucleus Software has consistently introduced advanced lending and banking solutions that support financial institutions’ evolving needs in Singapore and South East Asia. Driven by lean development methodologies like Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CICD), Nucleus Software continues to push boundaries in efficient, flexible, and secure financial technology.

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