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Rapyd Launches a Venture Arm to Propel Digital Commerce and Payment Innovation Globally

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Rapyd, a global Fintech-as-a-Service company, announced today the launch of Rapyd Ventures, its new venture arm that will focus on investing in early and growth stage businesses that are delivering the next wave of financial services innovation. Rapyd Ventures will be led by Joel Yarbrough, MD of Rapyd Ventures and Rapyd’s VP of Asia Pacific.

Rapyd Ventures will largely work with startups after their Seed round and through Series B funding that have unique market and customer insights and are expanding on existing market traction. In addition to capital, Rapyd Ventures will provide access to its extensive Fintech-as-a-Service capabilities and network of partners, offering startups strategic advice and giving them opportunities to move faster, expand more quickly, and accelerate their growth.

The venture arm will look at two types of projects:

  • Capability providers delivering core infrastructure in areas where the market is going, including identity and risk management, faster and more seamless money movement and embedded financial services;
  • End-user platforms that are directly providing innovative financial services to consumers and businesses around the world.

“The innovations that we are seeing in the payments industry are not evenly distributed. We believe we have a mission and responsibility to support companies building both the infrastructure for next generation financial services, as well as innovators building on top of these new capabilities around the world, and to accelerate their development,” said Arik Shtilman, CEO and co-founder of Rapyd. “Joel’s intimate understanding of the global Tech industry and his vast insight and experience in payment technology makes him the ideal person to lead our new venture arm. He knows where the industry is headed and how to build the technology necessary to get there. Just as he has pushed Rapyd forward, we are confident he can do the same for others in this space and the entire digital commerce ecosystem.”

“We are engaging with entrepreneurs around the world to create the enabling infrastructure for next-generation financial services and bring to the market new fintech products that create opportunities for individuals, small, and large businesses to transact with lower friction, more quickly, safely, and in new ways,” said Joel Yarbrough, MD of Rapyd Ventures and VP of Asia Pacific. “We believe that ‘FinTech’ will be built into all types of services, and we want to help bring to life a network of innovators and a rich set of new payment, identity, open banking, and embedded finance capabilities to make it happen.”

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Swiss Life Asset Managers acquires a majority stake in Eliance

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MADRID, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Eliance Group, a global leader in the provision of specialized aviation services, has announced that Swiss Life Asset Managers has acquired a significant majority stake in the company through its Swiss Life Global Infrastructure Opportunities Growth II fund. The current shareholder, RiverRock, will continue as a minority investor in the company’s capital, retaining its commitment to Eliance’s growth.

This strategic move strengthens Eliance’s financial capacity to expand in the key markets of Spain, Italy and Croatia by providing capital for growth and consolidating its current leadership position in sectors such as firefighting, medical transport and rescue operations.

Since its foundation in 1958 in Madrid, Eliance has evolved from a provider focused on firefighting to a leading player in the emergency air services sector, with an integrated business model and European presence. The company has a varied fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft and stands out as one of only two companies accredited for Airbus maintenance in Spain.

Eliance’s success is also based on its remarkable track record of international expansion and winning government contracts. Recently, the firm has expanded its global presence by acquiring Italian operator EliFriulia and starting operations in Croatia to meet the growing demand for helicopter emergency medical services in these geographic areas.

Matthew Dooley, Director Value-Add Infrastructure, Swiss Life Asset Managers, said, “AES’s business model is characterized by its core nature, strong cash flow stability and asset weight. These are all key characteristics of the infrastructure we seek as part of our value-added investment strategy. We are delighted to be working with the Eliance management team to continue to leverage the strong growth potential of the business.”

“We are excited to welcome Swiss Life Asset Managers as a new shareholder of Eliance. Their collaboration represents a significant milestone in our journey, which began in 2021, and has led Eliance to become a leader in air emergency services in Southern Europe. The strength and reach of Swiss Life Asset Managers further underscore Eliance’s appeal and the industry’s attractiveness to infrastructure investors. Their support will be instrumental in driving Eliance’s next phase of growth and enabling the company to play a key role in consolidating the European market,” commented Alessandro Graziano, Chief Investment Officer at RiverRock.

For their part, Juan Carlos Martínez, CEO of the group, and Fernando Gallardo, group CFO at Grupo Eliance, added that “Swiss Life Asset Managers’ investment in Grupo Eliance not only strengthens our financial framework, but also ensures the stability needed to drive our continued growth in an industry that increasingly requires significant investments. This strategic partnership positions us to enhance our profitability and continue our expansion.”

Lazard served as the sole financial advisor to Eliance during this transaction, contributing their expertise to secure an investment that supports Eliance’s operational sustainability and growth.

Media contact:
Blanca Ahijado
+34 635 577 750

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/swiss-life-asset-managers-acquires-a-majority-stake-in-eliance-302423527.html

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OMRON and Cognizant Partner to Revolutionize Manufacturing with Unique One-Stop IT-OT Integration

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  • Balancing economic and social value for the future of manufacturing through advanced technologies.
  • Promoting sustainable manufacturing by enhancing workforce efficiency, boosting productivity, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Empowering people through data-driven decision making with manufacturing intelligence, AI & automation and digitalization.

STUTTGART, Germany, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OMRON Corporation (TSE:6645) and Cognizant (NASDAQ:CTSH) have signed a strategic partnership to integrate Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) in the manufacturing industry. The collaboration includes Cognizant being chosen as the engineering partner for OMRON’s Industrial Automation Business (IAB) products.

OMRON, known for its advanced automation technology, and Cognizant, with expertise in IT-OT convergence, will offer a unique, one-stop solution for digital transformation. The partnership combines OMRON’s OT products, such as sensors, controllers, servo motors, safety equipment and robots, with Cognizant’s IT capabilities, including cloud, AI, IoT, and digital twin technologies.

Through this collaboration, the companies provide a distinctive capability to achieve flexible and agile operational excellence. This includes consultancy, on-site implementation, operation, and maintenance. Target sectors for the joint capability include Automotive, Semiconductor, Electronics, Industrial Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Consumer Goods industries.

Combining the capabilities of both companies, OMRON and Cognizant strive to establish a unique business model that addresses on-site and management issues through continuous IT-OT analysis and improvements. This IT-OT integration will leverage both companies’ strengths to help promote sustainable manufacturing, enhancing productivity, improving workforce efficiency and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

OMRON’s broad product lineup (more than 200,000 SKUs) gathers high-quality field data for Cognizant’s Asset Performance Excellence (APEx) platform and its Industry 4.0/5.0 maturity assessment tool OnePlant™. This data, combined with management information, helps analyze IT-side issues and prioritize improvements from a management perspective. Results can be fed back via OMRON’s control application and the i-BELT data utilization service, working with customers to address on-site challenges linked to management issues in a comprehensive manner.

“OMRON is the only manufacturer of control equipment in the world that owns all the equipment used in the production line. Cognizant, on the other hand, is one of the world’s leading global IT services companies supporting the digital transformation of a wide range of industries with advanced digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud,” said Junta Tsujinaga, CEO of OMRON Corporation. “Through this partnership, we will promote the integration of IT and OT to solve urgent issues faced by manufacturing sites, such as significantly improving productivity, reducing operational losses, and speeding up management decisions. The two companies will work together to promote sustainable cutting-edge manufacturing of the future.”

“Clients are looking for a Strategic Partner with deep industry and domain expertise, end to end capabilities and the ability to manage complex technologies at various layers of digital factory,” said Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant. “We are excited to partner with OMRON in taking integrated value propositions and capabilities to transform manufacturing for our clients globally. OMRON’s expertise in OT data and systems, combined with Cognizant’s digital manufacturing and IT/OT integration capabilities, will enable manufacturers to make quicker, more reliable decisions using real-time data. Together, we are committed to advancing manufacturing by leveraging emerging technologies and integrating IT and OT systems to realize a state of manufacturing in the future that is connected, intelligent, autonomous, sustainable, and resilient,” he added.

About OMRON Corporation 
OMRON Corporation, as a leading automation company with its unique “Sensing & Control + Think” technology at its core, is engaged in control equipment, healthcare, social systems, and electronic components. The company is also developing a data solution business that utilizes a wide variety of data acquired through these businesses. Founded in 1933, OMRON now employs approximately 28,000 people worldwide and provides products and services in more than 130 countries, contributing to the creation of a better society. For more information, https://www.omron.com/jp/ja/ please visit: OMRON Global

About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq-100: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we’re improving everyday life.
See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.

For media inquiries, please contact:

OMRON: Global Corporate Communications and Engagement – Ankur Bhat, ankur.bhat@omron.com ; +81-75-344-7175

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Cognizant: GlobalPR@cognizant.com

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Bybit, BGA and EthicHub Empower Coffee Farmers With Blockchain-Backed Microloans

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DUBAI, UAE, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is spotlighting the power of blockchain for real-world impact with its upcoming livestream, “Bybit x EthicHub x BGA: Invest for impact, earn with DeFi,” in collaboration with EthicHub and Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA), a collaborative grants initiative to accelerate blockchain projects solving real-world problems.

The livestream airs on April 11 at 1PM UTC, and will unpack how blockchain technology is helping coffee farmers in developing regions access fair financing, build global partnerships, and participate in ethical trade.

EthicHub’s innovative model connects unbanked farmers to global lenders through blockchain-backed loans that are community-audited. Bybit recently pledged $1 million in liquidity to the platform, reinforcing its commitment to real-world impact through Web3.

Key Takeaways from the Livestream:

  • How blockchain can close the financial gap for smallholder farmers.
  • Why decentralized lending models matter in global agriculture.
  • Insights from the full lending ecosystem — including auditors, buyers, and tech enablers.
  • $2,000 prize pool giveaway and live community poll on the role of DeFi in farming.

Featured Speakers:

  • Gabriela Chang, Co-Founder & CSO, EthicHub — shares the platform’s mission and success stories.
  • Jorge Barrigh, Regional Director, Impact Capital Americas (Heifer International) — discusses how Heifer audits and supports lending partners.
  • David Llorens, Head Roaster & Buyer, Animal Coffee and Jaleo — offers a roaster’s view on ethical sourcing and direct trade.
  • Glenn, Lead, Blockchain for Good Alliance — highlights how BGA supports impact-driven Web3 projects.
  • Moderator: Shadie Berro, Social Media Lead, Bybit.

In a fast-moving Web3 space, this session brings a refreshing focus on real-world utility, social impact, and sustainability. The discussion promises practical examples, candid perspectives, and a deeper understanding of how blockchain can serve communities—not just markets. Viewers can join the discussion in the live chat, and vote in a poll on who benefits more from DeFi lending: farmers or investors.

This initiative is part of Bybit’s broader Blockchain for Good strategy, which incubates and scales projects leveraging Web3 for positive change.

The livestream offers meaningful perspectives for those interested in sustainability, ethical finance, and the global coffee supply chain. Full event details and viewing access are available on the official event page.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BGA

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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About Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA)

The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) is a long term collaborative non-profit initiative with key partners with the main aim to contribute to societal good by using blockchain technology to solve real world problems. By convening leaders, innovators, and organisations from across the blockchain community, BGA seeks to drive innovation, collaboration, and action towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

For more information
Email: hello@blockchainforgood.xyz
Website: www.blockchainforgood.xyz
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chainforgood

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