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LemFi Raises $33 Million To Transform Financial Services For Immigrants Everywhere

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OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — LemFi, a leading fintech platform transforming financial services for immigrants, has raised a $33 million Series A round led by Left Lane Capital. Other investors included Y-Combinator, Zrosk, Global Founders Capital, and Olive Tree.

Each year, millions of immigrants move abroad to start new lives, and the biggest hurdle they face is access to financial services. In 2020, Founders Ridwan Olalere and Rian Cochran joined forces to solve these challenges with a vision to build a platform that empowers the next generation of immigrants.

Olalere and Cochran first met while building OPay – one of Africa’s most successful fintech platforms. After combined decades of navigating the underlying complexities and regulatory nuances of cross-border payments in emerging markets, the two were uniquely positioned to leverage their experience as a launching pad for LemFi.

Olalere, LemFi’s CEO, drew from his own experience as an immigrant and shared, “Having lived on three continents and leading a multicultural team, our mission is deeply personal: creating a world where financial services are universally accessible. We’ve already made life easier for over half a million people, but we’re only just getting started.”

Today, within minutes of residency, a user can onboard with LemFi and use its multi-currency offering to send, receive, hold, convert and save in the currencies of both their country of origin and country of residence. In addition, LemFi also offers instant international transfers at the best exchange rates with zero fees on transfers or account maintenance.

“Our product is a game changer for users since traditional banks and other leading neo-banks have always steered clear of less common or more volatile currencies,” Ridwan Olalere explained. “This has driven immigrants to often use unsafe, informal channels or to stitch together several other services to solve some of their basic financial needs. Until now.”

In 2020, LemFi launched in Canada to enable easy and low-cost remittance payments to Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. By 2021, the company quickly expanded to the UK, and in parallel, broadened its reach by enabling 10 new African remittance corridors.

In a strategic consideration, LemFi acquired UK-based Rightcard Payment Services in late 2021. Through the acquisition, LemFi obtained an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority to provide customers with more services, such as higher transaction limits, e-money accounts, and more.

“LemFi has been very deliberate and strategic in acquiring licenses and building a robust network of financial institution partners to facilitate cross-border payments for immigrants,” said Matthew Miller, Principal at Left Lane Capital, who joined LemFi’s Board of Directors as part of the transaction. “We’re excited to support LemFi as it expands its product offering to serve more immigrant communities globally.”

2023 has similarly been a pivotal year for LemFi, with its new subsidiary Rightcard Payment Services securing an International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) license from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The IMTO license will enable LemFi to offer its services in partnership with Nigerian banks, empowering users by eliminating the need for intermediaries. The Acting Governor of the Central Bank, Folashodun Shonubi, recognizes the alignment of LemFi with the Central Bank’s goals of improving the availability of foreign exchange in Nigeria and ensuring exchange rate stability.

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LemFi remains committed to offering accessible and transparent financial services to migrant communities across the globe. With the conclusion of this latest investment round, the Company will seek to expand its product offering to the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as innovate on new product offerings according to the needs of its users.

About Left Lane Capital
Founded in 2019, Left Lane Capital is a New York and London based global venture capital and growth equity firm investing in internet and technology companies with a consumer orientation. Left Lane’s mission is to partner with extraordinary entrepreneurs who create category-defining companies across growth sectors of the economy, including software, healthcare, e-commerce, consumer, fintech, edtech, and other industries. Select investments include GoStudent, M1 Finance, Wayflyer, Yokoy, Masterworks, Blank Street, Talkiatry, WeTravel, and more. For more information, please visit www.leftlane.com.

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Apt.Residential Selects Yardi’s Technology to Support BTR Projects

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Australian property developer and operator to utilise innovative cloud platform for construction and investment accounting

SYDNEY, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Apt.Residential, an owner, developer and operator of residential properties in Australia, has chosen Yardi’s single connected platform to support growth, connect teams and manage capex projects and build.

With Yardi®, Apt.Residential can manage its funds and simplify complex financial processes, mitigate risk and deliver real-time insights into projects. The platform provides more visibility from investor to asset and delivers enhanced and accurate reporting. The company can access live data for costing, expenses, and revenue on all projects, from ground-up development to single-unit improvements and will allow Apt.Residential to grow the volume of units within BTR once they have operational units.

“We wanted to find the best platform for BTR that would support growth, streamline management of capex projects and handle our complex accounting,” said Michael Hogg, co-founder & head of operations for Apt.Residential. “Yardi’s single integrated platform was the best solution as it ensures our team can connect on one system and not worry about integrations or using multiple platforms.”

“We’re excited to work with Apt.Residential and support its growth as the company expands its BTR projects,” said Neal Gemassmer, vice president and general manager for Yardi. “Our connected platform will help Apt.Residential enhance communication and set them up so they’re ready to operate once development has completed.”

See how Yardi’s end-to-end technology can help drive your digitalisation strategies.

About Apt.Residential
Apt.Residential is a leading vertically integrated owner, developer, and operator of residential properties in Australia backed by global institutional capital. The company develops residential communities where wellbeing and connectedness come first. Its human-centric approach allows Apt.Residential to shape places for people who crave comfort, community, and elevated living. For more information, please visit aptresidential.au.

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About Yardi

Celebrating its 40-year anniversary in 2024, Yardi® develops industry-leading software for all types and sizes of real estate companies across the world. With over 9,500 employees, Yardi is working with our clients to drive significant innovation in the real estate industry. For more information on how Yardi is Energised for Tomorrow, visit yardi.com.au.

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NewCo Capital Group Continues Global Expansion as 2024 Milestones Set The Stage for an Ambitious Q4

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NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As Q4 fast approaches, NewCo Capital Group (“NewCo”) and Australia-based Bizcap are finalizing year-end initiatives to strategically position both companies for an ambitious expansion in 2025.

Both companies have celebrated a highly successful 2024, marked by remarkable and accelerated growth. This momentum has been driven by Bizcap’s unique Line of Credit product, NewCo’s introduction of their “Line of Capital” product and the launch of NewCo’s new mobile app. CEO Albert Gahfi emphasized the importance of closing 2024 on a high note to set the stage for future growth. “We’ve had an exceptional year so far, but our focus is on what comes next. We’re building the foundation for 2025 and beyond, ensuring that NewCo and Bizcap are positioned for continued global expansion.”

The plan for Q4 includes deepening their presence in existing markets while making calculated moves into new territories, including Singapore, Germany, and Luxembourg. “There are new opportunities in emerging markets that are currently underserved, where we believe we can make a significant impact. As a result, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for SMB financing globally.”

By reinforcing their operational and technological infrastructure, the companies are preparing to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global financing landscape. “2024 has been a year of strong growth, but we’re not stopping here,” Gahfi said. “We are focused on delivering innovative financing solutions that not only meet the needs of today but also anticipate the demands of tomorrow. As we head into 2025, we’re ready to expand our reach and provide even more businesses with the capital they need.”

Part of a multinational collaboration, NewCo and Bizcap have successfully deployed over $1.5 billion to over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Gahfi commented, “We’re moving capital faster and more effectively than any other sector and our clients are benefiting from that growth.”

NewCo’s strength lies in its ability to adapt quickly, using a unique mix of proprietary technology, nuanced underwriting, and an experienced risk management team. The companies’ hybrid approach is challenging outdated financing models, making NewCo a preferred partner for SMBs looking for custom capital solutions that truly fit their needs.

“We’re not just growing; we’re leading,” Gahfi added. “As we expand globally, our goal remains the same—helping small businesses scale, create jobs, and thrive.”

With a clear strategy and a relentless focus on delivering value, NewCo Capital Group is primed to deepen its market influence and capitalize on emerging opportunities. As the company prepares for its next wave of market entries, Q4 will serve as a pivotal launchpad for an even more ambitious 2025, setting the stage for continued growth and global leadership.

For more information, visit www.NewCoCapitalGroup.com.

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NewCo Capital Group
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.NewCoCapitalGroup.com

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Zulu Ecosystems and Severn Trent Water secure Innovate UK funding to pioneer catchment-scale Nature-based Solutions

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  • Partnership aims to develop innovative funding model for nature-based solutions that enhance water resilience in the Idle and Torne catchment, a priority area for environmental improvement
  • Project will aggregate supply and demand for ecosystem services across the 1,200km2 catchment, benefiting both nature and local communities
  • Led by Zulu Ecosystems, the collaboration seeks to accelerate private investment in nature recovery while addressing critical water challenges

LONDON, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Zulu Ecosystems and Severn Trent Water have been awarded funding from Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, for a £580,000 project to develop a groundbreaking catchment system operator model for unlocking private investment in nature. The project aims to enhance water resilience and deliver multiple benefits for both nature and local communities in the Idle and Torne River catchment.

The Idle and Torne catchment, identified as a priority catchment by the Environment Agency, faces significant challenges including drought risk, flood vulnerability, and water quality issues. Approximately 60% of water bodies in the catchment currently fail to meet good ecological status. However, the area also presents substantial opportunities for nature recovery, with potential to restore over 5,000 hectares of priority habitats and significantly improve water resources management.

This innovative partnership will leverage Zulu Ecosystems’ cutting-edge natural capital assessment capabilities and Severn Trent Water’s expertise in water management to create a scalable approach for funding and delivering nature-based solutions. The project will focus on interventions such as woodland creation, wetland restoration, and riparian woodland to address the catchment’s pressing environmental challenges. The project will engage local stakeholders, including farmers, landowners, and community groups, to ensure that interventions reflect local needs and knowledge.

Ed Asseily, CEO of Zulu Ecosystems, said:

“This funding from Innovate UK is a game-changer for how we approach local nature recovery and water resilience. By developing a catchment-scale model that aggregates both the supply of and demand for ecosystem services, we can accelerate the flow of private capital into nature-based solutions.”

Severn Trent Water will play a key role as the project’s System Operator, strategically coordinating plans and aligning stakeholder priorities to maximise outcomes for water services and the environment.

Richard Smith, Strategic Asset Planning Manager at Severn Trent Water, commented:

“We’re excited to partner with Zulu Ecosystems on this transformative project. By adopting a system operator approach, we can ensure that investments in nature-based solutions deliver the greatest possible benefits for our customers, local communities, and the environment.”

This project has been funded by Innovate UK as part of the ‘Integrating Finance and Biodiversity for a Nature Positive Future’ programme, a joint initiative between the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Innovate UK. This £7 million programme aims to develop solutions that embed the values of biodiversity into financial decision-making.

By bridging the gap between nature recovery and water resilience, this project has the potential to create a replicable model for sustainable landscape management across the UK. Innovate UK’s support underscores the national significance of developing new approaches to environmental management that can deliver multiple benefits, including improved water security, enhanced biodiversity, climate resilience, and potential new income streams for landowners.

Over the next 9 months, the project team will work closely with local stakeholders to identify priority interventions and develop a portfolio of investable nature-based solutions. The project aims to demonstrate how multi-stakeholder nature-based projects can be developed, funded, and delivered at catchment-scale to address climate adaptation and reverse biodiversity loss. Findings will be published to help scale similar initiatives across the UK and beyond.

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For more information, please contact:
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