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SUNRATE closes Series D-1 funding round with Prosperity7 Ventures as lead investor
SINGAPORE, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — SUNRATE, an intelligent global payment and treasury management platform announced today that Prosperity7 Ventures, the diversified growth fund under Aramco Ventures, has made an investment in the company in its latest D-1 funding round.
Prosperity7 Ventures led the D-1 funding round, which also included a subsequent investment by Softbank Ventures Asia.
According to FXC Intelligence, the global B2B cross-border payments market is expected to total $56.1tn in volume by 2030. SUNRATE is poised to capitalise on this massive market potential. SUNRATE intends to use the funds to spearhead further expansion plans, as well as make strategic investment to further deepen SUNRATE’s cutting- edge products and services, such as international payments and global collection services, to reinforce its position as a leading cross-border B2B payment platform in emerging markets.
Recently, SUNRATE also announced that it has successfully obtained the Capital Markets Services (“CMS”) licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”). SUNRATE is one of the few companies in Singapore which also holds a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence from MAS for Account Issuance Service, Domestic Money Transfer Service, Cross-border Money Transfer Service, Merchant Acquisition Service, and E-money Issuance Service, on top of the CMS licence.
Mr Paul Meng, co-founder at SUNRATE said, “in this tough macro-economic environment, having new and existing prestigious investors invest in SUNRATE is a testament to our sustained strong growth and proven capability. The investments from Prosperity7 Ventures puts us in a great position for accelerated growth and to sustain with the ever-increasing demand of our industry-leading global B2B cross-border payment solution in emerging markets with a plan to scale into other emerging markets such as the Middle East.”
“The application of cutting edge technology to address finance and payment challenges can unlock massive potential and have significant positive impact in transforming economy and society,” said Aysar Tayeb, the Executive Managing Director of Prosperity7 Ventures. “Over the past few years, SUNRATE has been successfully building an extensive B2B payment network that addresses an important bottleneck in facilitating quick and painless cross-border payments. We are very pleased to lead this round of investment, as we partner with SUNRATE and support the continued growth and expansion of their unique payment system across new geographies.”
About SUNRATE
SUNRATE is an intelligent global payment and treasury management platform for businesses worldwide. Since its inception in 2016, SUNRATE is recognised as a leading solution provider and has enabled companies to operate and scale both locally and globally in 150+ countries and regions with its cutting-edge proprietary platform, extensive global network, and robust APIs. With its global headquarters in Singapore and offices in Hong Kong, Jakarta, London and Shanghai, SUNRATE partners with the top global financial institutions, such as Citibank, Standard Chartered, Barclays and is the principal member of both Mastercard and Visa.
To learn more about SUNRATE, visit https://www.sunrate.com/
About Prosperity7 Ventures
Prosperity7 Ventures (P7) is the diversified growth fund of Aramco Ventures, a subsidiary of Aramco, the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals company. The fund’s name derives from ‘Prosperity Well’, the 7th oil well drilled in Saudi Arabia and the first to strike oil. Taking forward this pioneering history, we invest globally, with a long term-view, in breakthrough technologies and transformational business models that will bring prosperity and positive impact on a vast scale.
https://www.prosperity7vc.com/
Important note: This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of securities of SUNRATE in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale of these securities would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sunrate-closes-series-d-1-funding-round-with-prosperity7-ventures-as-lead-investor-301864352.html
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Embracing AI is critical to a sustainable and prosperous energy future, say ADIPEC speakers and industry leaders
- Day two concludes, as technology, energy and finance leaders explore pathways for increased collaboration to drive the energy transition
- New AI Zone highlights the intersection of energy and AI at the AI conference and exhibition, showcasing innovative solutions for a secure, equitable and sustainable energy future
- Experts debate AI’s role in boosting efficiency, enhancing resilience and unlocking investment, while addressing the balance between AI’s potential and its environmental impact
ABU DHABI, UAE, Nov. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the energy industry and accelerate decarbonisation has emerged as a critical topic of conversation amongst energy ministers and business leaders, as was made clear at the world’s largest energy event, ADIPEC 2024.
On the opening day of ADIPEC, His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, emphasised the critical need for industry leaders to come together and support era-defining breakthroughs such as AI.
The emphasis on AI’s game-changing impact reflects a wider sense of optimism across the energy industry, as the government leaders and business executives attending ADIPEC 2024 were united in the belief that AI can fast-track the energy transition and unlock new avenues for progress and prosperity.
In a session titled “The power of AI for the energy transition”, top executives from the private sector – including Tayba Al Hashemi, CEO, ADNOC Offshore, ADIPEC 2024 Chairperson; Michel Lutz, Chief Data Officer and Digital Factory Head of Data & AI, TotalEnergies; and Magzhan Kenesbai, Acting MD, AIQ – explored how AI is transforming business operations, and offered their expert insights on the long-term implications of wide-scale AI implementation.
Speaking to his company’s experience with AI, Michel Lutz, Chief Data Officer and Digital Factory Head of Data & AI, TotalEnergies, stated: “We are using AI to improve operational efficiency, which supports our company’s development in the renewables space. This allows us to better assist our clients in understanding their behaviour and what they need.”
Building on this sustained focus on AI’s role in the energy industry, speakers across ADIPEC’s ten different conferences emphasised the pressing need to address the challenges and opportunities surrounding this transformative technology. Alongside other top CEOs and energy executives, Tengku Muhammad Taufik, President & Group CEO, PETRONAS, urged industry players to adopt a measured and holistic approach to AI:
“Before we perfect artificial intelligence, we need to address fundamental issues. AI can initiate either a virtuous or vicious cycle, depending on how we utilise this technology and how we feed it. While AI consumes a significant amount of energy and its production requires vast resources, it nonetheless helps economies and societies grow. It is up to us to respond wisely to the fork in the road ahead.”
Anima Anandkumar, Bren Professor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Caltech, also contributed to these critical conversations, highlighting the evolving impact of AI on both the energy industry and the environment:
“We should consider not just the energy reduction achieved using AI, but also the time and money saved by employing these AI models. AI is helping us take corrective action in response to natural disasters and other climate-related issues, and the more data we have available, the better our AI models will become. The impact that AI can have in designing from scratch and creating simulations enhances our work in energy and technology.”
ADIPEC’s commitment to accelerating AI-enabled energy solutions and projects was reflected in the event’s inaugural AI Zone, which featured AI studios and demo pods that showcased transformative solutions from leading energy and AI businesses. This dynamic space provided attendees with a comprehensive view of the innovations shaping the future energy system.
The space also played host to the dedicated AI Conference, where leaders from the energy, technology, and government sectors worked together to develop a strategic roadmap for integrating AI into the energy landscape.
The AI conference featured several Innovation Showcases throughout the day, where tech giants and energy majors presented their latest breakthroughs and projects in the field of AI. Participants included Neeraj Joshi, Worldwide CTO of Energy & Resources, Microsoft; Aniruddha Sharma, Chair and CEO, Carbon Clean; Dr. Mike Roshchin, Head of AI, AIQ; and Ali Al Zaabi, acting CEO of AYP/ADP, ADNOC.
The newly launched Digitalisation & Technology Conference delved into how next-generation technologies, including AI, can unlock decarbonisation and efficiency opportunities presented by Industry 4.0. Sessions covered advancements in new materials, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), with a focus on sustainable scaling of these technologies.
In the exhibition halls, companies demonstrated their latest AI-enhanced hardware and energy equipment. Attendees explored innovative products and services designed to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources.
As ADIPEC 2024 moves into its third day, the event continues to serve as a global platform for driving innovation, collaboration, and sustainable progress in the energy transition. With its unique blend of strategic insights and technological showcases, ADIPEC remains the premier forum for addressing the complex challenges of creating a low-carbon, high-growth future for the global energy sector.
About ADIPEC
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and hosted by ADNOC in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on 4-7 November 2024, ADIPEC is the world’s largest energy conference and exhibition.
Building on 40 years of energy leadership, ADIPEC 2024 will enable innovation and accelerate action, exploring the intersection of energy and AI to drive the transition and deliver global impact.
The ADIPEC Conferences will comprise of 10 conferences and 370+ conference sessions, featuring 1,800+ speakers, including ministers, CEOs, academics, energy experts and youth. These diverse voices – united under this year’s theme “Connecting Minds. Transforming Energy.” – will be invited to consider how collaborative energy innovation can empower lives and drive global prosperity.
The ADIPEC Exhibition, spanning 16 halls, will feature 2,200+ exhibitors including 54 NOCs, IOCs, NECs and IECs, 30 country pavilions, and four specialised industry areas focused on decarbonisation, digitalisation, maritime and logistics, and AI. The exhibition will provide a platform for the energy world to demonstrate its game-changing solutions and forge the cross-sector partnerships needed to deliver secure, equitable and sustainable energy for all.
For more information, visit www.adipec.com
To register as media, visit https://www.adipec.com/press-media/media-registration/
About ADNOC
ADNOC is a leading diversified energy and petrochemicals group wholly owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. ADNOC’s objective is to maximise the value of the Emirate’s vast hydrocarbon reserves through responsible and sustainable exploration and production to support the United Arab Emirates’ economic growth and diversification. To find out more, visit: www.adnoc.ae
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/embracing-ai-is-critical-to-a-sustainable-and-prosperous-energy-future-say-adipec-speakers-and-industry-leaders-302296709.html
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ROYAL CANADIAN MINT CELEBRATES THE PEOPLE, TRADITIONS AND LANDS OF INUIT NUNANGAT ON A NEW $2 COMMEMORATIVE CIRCULATION COIN
OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Royal Canadian Mint is issuing a new $2 commemorative circulation coin as an invitation to all people living in Canada to celebrate Inuit Nunangat. This coin is also an invitation to learn more about the distinct ways of life and culture of Inuit thriving in this vast northern homeland. In a first for a Canadian circulation coin, four different artists, each representing one of the four regions of Inuit Nunangat, have collaborated on designing its reverse. On the coin, Inuit unity is symbolized through the four artists’ joint representation of the story of Nuliajuk, spirit of the sea, and through an ulu representing each of their homes within the Inuit homeland. This coin will begin circulating as of today.
“Nuliajuk’s story is one of the most important in Inuit culture, and we are excited that she will now be honored in Canadian currency, the way we have honored her in our hearts and imaginations since time immemorial. Congratulations on a beautiful design by Mary Okheena, Charlotte Karetak, Thomassie Mangiok, and Tegan Voisey. We are also proud of this work in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mint, who have collaborated with Inuit on this project in a genuine and respectful manner,” said Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
“Walking the path of reconciliation includes honouring the rich cultural contributions of Indigenous Peoples,” said the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. “Inuit have called the North home for time immemorial, and it is fitting that the toonie—whose iconic polar bear has long spotlighted the Arctic—will now share the vibrant Inuit culture and distinct ways of life in Inuit Nunangat with all Canadians.”
The artwork appearing on the reverse of the 2024 $2 circulation coin celebrating Inuit Nunangat (ᐃᓄᐃᑦ ᓄᓇᖓᑦ) is the creation of Tegan Voisey (Makkovik, Nunatsiavut), Thomassie Mangiok (Ivujivik, Nunavik), Charlotte Karetak (Arviat, Nunavut) and Mary Okheena (Ulukhaktok, Inuvialuit Settlement Region). The inner core of the coin features an image of Nuliajuk, spirit of the sea, wearing an atigi (parka), and clockwise from Nuliajuk are a walrus, two beluga whales, a seal, and an arctic char. On the right of the outer ring appear four different artistic interpretations of uluit (knives), whose appearance is derived from the traditional shape for uluit found in each region, and that act as each of the artist’s signatures. The inscription “Inuit Nunangat” appears on the left. The coin’s obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
More information on the meaning of these designs and the story of Inuit Nunangat can be found at www.mint.ca/IN.
“We are thankful to have been given the opportunity to work with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and four talented Inuit artists to celebrate Inuit Nunangat on a new circulation coin,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “Collaborating with the communities to tell their story is how we at the Royal Canadian Mint seek to engage all people living in Canada, and we are pleased to share Inuit stories far and wide by celebrating Inuit Nunangat in this way.”
Limited to a mintage of three million coins, of which two million will be coloured, this new $2 circulation coin will begin circulating on November 7. It will reach Canadians through their change as bank branches and businesses replenish their inventories of $2 coins.
The coloured and uncoloured circulation coin are also available in 15,000 coloured and 10,000 uncoloured limited-edition special wrap rolls of 25 uncirculated coins each, retailing for $79.95 CAD.
These collectibles can be ordered as of today by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca.They are also available at the Royal Canadian Mint’s Winnipeg boutique, as well as through the Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.
Images of the circulation coin and collector products are available here.
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada’s prestigious military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations.
For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
About Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) is the national representative organization for 70,000 Inuit in Canada, the majority of whom live in the 51 communities spread across the four Inuit regions of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut, which comprise the Inuit homeland. Inuit Nunangat makes up more than 40 percent of Canada’s land area and more than 72 percent of its coastline. ITK represents the rights and interests of Inuit at the national level through a democratic governance structure that represents all Inuit regions. ITK advocates for policies, programs, and services to address the social, cultural, political, and environmental issues facing our people.
For more information, media are asked to contact: Alex Reeves, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Royal Canadian Mint, Telephone: 613-884-6370, [email protected]
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ewpartners Announces $50 Million Strategic Investment in Leshines to Localize Manufacturing in the Middle East
- Leshines is the supply chain solution provider of Lenovo Group, which ranks among the top ten on Gartner’s prestigious Top 25 supply chain list.
- The move reinforces ewpartners’ and Leshine’s commitment to fostering local industrial growth and empowering enterprises in Saudi Arabia.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ewpartners (formerly eWTP Arabia Capital), the first international investment firm to establish a Saudi-Asia cross border platform, has announced a USD $50 million investment in Leshines, the supply chain solutions arm of Chinese multinational tech company Lenovo at The Future Investment Initiative (FII), a premier global platform that drives transformative investments and fosters international partnerships for sustainable economic growth.
The investment accelerates the localization of Leshines capabilities in Saudi Arabia, further strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a vital player in sustainable global trade networks and supply chain operations.
Five months ago, Lenovo and PIF-backed company Alat announced a strategic collaboration, including a proposed US$2 billion investment. Today, this partnership is set to advance to the next step.
Leshines is also exploring the option of entering the KSA-Sino Logistics Special Economic Zone at King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, an initiative which was announced by the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics earlier this month. Managed by ewpartners, the Zone will cover a total area of 4 square kilometres and consist of a logistics industrial park, an international commercial and business park, and corresponding living space and facilities. It will enable international companies to manufacture locally in Saudi and then springboard their distribution to other markets worldwide. It is expected to attract over 3,000 wholesalers and retailers and around 200 light industrial manufacturers from China and Asia.
Jerry Li, Founder and Managing Partner at ewpartners said the following on the announcement:
“This investment is a significant step towards building the future of Saudi Arabia that we all envision, and we are actively working to establish this goal. Our investment in Leshines underscores our commitment to this project and our determination to foster local industrial growth and the development of Saudi enterprises. By partnering with Leshines to bring advanced supply chain solutions to Saudi Arabia and the MENA markets, we further assist Chinese companies in exploring localized production and empower local enterprises, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”
Alan Zhou, COO of Leshines, commented on the announcement:
As Lenovo’s smart supply chain solution platform, Leshines will take this opportunity to establish roots in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the MENA region, and build the foundational strategic capabilities of an advanced digital supply chain. As a globally leading strategic fund, ewpartners’ strategic resources and unique advantages in KSA, the Middle East, and emerging markets perfectly match Leshines’ strategic vision and development roadmap. With solid support and a strong partnership with ewpartners, we are confident that Saudi Arabia will become an important node in the Smart Supply Chain Platform, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The investment in Leshines marks the first transaction for ewpartners Fund II. Amid the growing synergy between China and the Middle East, ewpartners’ investment model has garnered recognition from key stakeholders in the region. Supported by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, ewpartners has also recently secured commitments from other GCC sovereign wealth funds, including USD 150 million from the Oman Investment Authority.
About ewpartners
ewpartners (formerly eWTP Arabia Capital) is an international investment firm specialising in cross-border investments between Asia and the MENA region. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the firm has been active in Saudi Arabia since 2017 and was the first investment firm to launch a cross-border platform between the Kingdom and China.
Headquartered in Riyadh, ewpartners focuses on building value across borders by establishing strategic partnerships with exceptional companies. Our team’s expertise in shaping innovative conducive policy frameworks can support governments in fostering economic transformation and diversification driven by innovation and technology.
ewpartners is committed to investing in, supporting, and growing successful businesses across the Asia and MENA regions, with a focus on key industries and themes such as digital infrastructure & solutions, advanced manufacturing & energy transition, and logistics & consumer enablement.
About Leshines:
Lenovo Group is a global tech giant. For three consecutive years, Lenovo has ranked among the top ten on Gartner’s prestigious Top 25 supply chain list. As the strategic empowerment platform of Lenovo Global Supply Chain, Leshines is tasked with the important mission of driving supply chain transformation and upgrading through technological innovation. Drawing on Lenovo’s global industry strengths and management expertise, Leshines delivers digital international supply chain solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Chinese manufacturers expanding overseas.
About the KSA-Sino Logistics Special Economic Zone
The Special Economic Zone is a collaboration between ewpartners and the King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) and was announced on 13th of October 2024. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and is one of several recently announced initiatives designed to strengthen supply chains and streamline trade, e-commerce and investment in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The project aims to create an integrated ecosystem that will encompass global enterprises, logistic facilities, supply chains, and high-end manufacturing, significantly bolstering Saudi Arabia’s regional and global distribution capabilities. International companies will establish manufacturing capabilities within the Zone and collaborate with Saudi enterprises to produce locally for distribution to markets around the world.
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