Fintech PR
EQT Life Sciences leads EUR 93 million oversubscribed Series A round in PanTera, which aims to accelerate global actinium – 225 production
- On track for commercial-scale production of actinium-225, which is crucial to a new class of targeted treatments for cancer
- Largest Series A in life sciences sector in Belgium to date; led by EQT Life Sciences
- Total of EUR 134 million raised including funding secured through EUR 7.2 million equity from IBA and SFPIM, and EUR 33.8 million debt financing
STOCKHOLM, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — EQT Life Sciences is pleased to announce that it has led a EUR 93 million oversubscribed Series A fundraise in PanTera, the Belgian radioisotope producer. With additional equity and debt funding, the total amount raised is EUR 134 million. The round was also joined by Kurma Partners, Eurazeo, Korys, Paladin and PMV. Alongside this, IBA, the world leader in particle accelerator technology, and SFPIM, a Belgian sovereign fund, will convert into equity EUR 7.2 million convertible loans.
PanTera was founded in 2022 with the primary goal of enabling large-scale production of actinium-225 (225Ac), which is crucial to enable a new class of targeted cancer treatments known as Targeted Alpha Therapy. The funds raised will be used primarily to support the construction of a state-of-the-art production facility in Belgium.
Targeted Alpha Therapy is a promising new cancer treatment approach that enables safe and effective delivery of radiation to the cancer cells by radioisotopes that emit highly energetic alpha particles. The radiation effect of the alpha particle is more localized compared to other approaches and as such can destroy the cancer cells to which it is attached without harming surrounding healthy tissue. The most promising alpha emitter for this approach is 225Ac. As a result, demand for 225Ac is increasing rapidly as drug-development companies look to scale-up clinical trials across a range of different cancers and seek regulatory approvals. However, dependable, scalable and sustainable methods for producing 225Ac are complex and require advanced nuclear infrastructure, which has resulted in a global shortage of the isotope.
PanTera is working to solve this global shortage. The Company’s unique, patented photo-nuclear “gamma” production process transforms Radium-226 (226Ra) into Radium-225 (225Ra), which in turn decays into 225Ac. This process provides a reliable, safe and high-quality supply of 225Ac, not only for clinical trials but also for future commercial radiopharmaceutical therapies, the first of which are due to be on the market in 2028-2029. PanTera’s process and infrastructure is designed to enable the annual production of more than 100 Curies (Ci) of clinical grade 225Ac by 2029, allowing treatment of more than 100,000 patients per year. The combination of SCK CEN’s unmatched large stock of pure 226Ra and IBA’s Rhodotron® electron accelerator, positions PanTera to become a highly successful and reliable producer of this key medical radioisotope.
In parallel to its effort to develop commercial-scale production of 225Ac, PanTera is already providing early 225Ac supply through an alternative production method. Working in collaboration with TerraPower Isotopes, PanTera is on track to provide 1.5-2 Ci of 225Ac annually from early 2025. With today’s current global supply estimated at 3 Ci annually, this will be a significant contribution to drug development. PanTera has signed supply agreements with several pharmaceutical companies, including Bayer, and expects to have secured agreements for more than 80% of its capacity before starting production.
Sven Van den Berghe, CEO of PanTera, said: “PanTera is looking to radically improve supply in the short and long term, in order to ensure that this potentially life-saving, highly innovative modality can reach patients. The size of this raise is testament to our strategy, our unique assets and our capabilities. We are working alongside very experienced partners with a combined expertise and a network that goes well beyond 225Ac production and encompasses all aspects of the radiopharmaceutical revolution. With this funding, we are now en route to realise our vision of providing a “Better Fight for Life” to cancer patients worldwide by becoming a dependable global 225Ac supplier.”
Martijn Kleijwegt, Partner at EQT Life Sciences, commented: “It is clear to us that PanTera has the expertise, assets and strategy in place to address the critical actinium-225 supply shortage faced by the pharmaceutical industry today, as well as the significant increase in demand expected in the future. EQT is one of the world’s largest healthcare investors and we are committed to supporting pioneering ventures, like PanTera, to reach their fullest potential. We are excited to partner with the PanTera team, alongside IBA, SCK CEN and our fellow investors, on the next phase of PanTera’s development.”
Contact
EQT Press Office, [email protected]
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LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ultima Markets, a leading global forex and CFDs brokerage, is thrilled to announce its double success at the prestigious Global Forex Awards – Retail 2024. The company won two distinguished awards: “Best Affiliates Brokerage – Global” and “Best Fund Safety – Global.”
The awards were presented during the event in Limassol, Cyprus, where Jean Philippe, Board Advisor, Corporate Governance and Sustainability at Ultima Markets, accepted the honours.
The Global Forex Awards – Retail has celebrated excellence in trading innovation for seven consecutive years. Ultima Markets’ dual wins reflect its commitment to quality, client-centric strategies, and strong partnerships across the financial services sector.
The “Best Affiliates Brokerage—Global” award recognises Ultima Markets’ exemplary affiliate programme, which has successfully driven its global expansion. It is celebrated for its transparency and competitive rewards tailored to affiliate needs.
Receiving the “Best Fund Safety – Global” award highlights Ultima Markets’ efforts to safeguard client assets. Through its partnership with Willis Towers Watson, the company provides up to USD$1,000,000 in insurance per account, while its Financial Commission membership ensures clients access to up to €20,000 in compensation funds.
These recognitions underscore Ultima Markets’ priority to security and transparency, including segregated accounts and robust risk management practices. The broker also assures affiliate partners of exceptional standards.
Commenting on the awards, Jean Philippe said, “These recognitions reflect the exceptional work of our teams to ensure the safety of traders’ funds and our dedication to creating value for our partners and clients. We will continue to evolve and innovate to meet the market’s demands.”
Ultima Markets is renowned for its extensive range of trading products and personalised customer service, designed to meet clients’ diverse needs worldwide. The dual recognition marks a significant milestone in the company’s global growth and reaffirms its reputation for delivering fund safety and robust affiliate opportunities.
“We are delighted to be recognised with these awards, which reflect our mission to create a secure trading environment and build strong, rewarding partnerships,” said Jack Li, Ultima Markets’ Regional Business Director.
About Ultima Markets
Ultima Markets is a fully licensed, fast-growing broker offering access to 250+ financial instruments. With a team of 2,000+ professionals in 15 global offices, we serve clients in 172 countries. Check out more about our awards on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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Fintech PR
EQT to acquire Indostar Home Finance, an Indian affordable housing finance company, for INR 17.5 billion (USD 210 million) and invest INR 5 billion to support further growth
STOCKHOLM, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —
- Indostar Home Finance is a fast-growing affordable housing finance company with INR 24 billion (USD 286 million) in assets under management, that has supported over 39,000 low income homeowners and small businesses
- India’s INR 30 trillion housing finance market presents a multi-decade growth story driven by strong government support, rising affordability and urbanization
- EQT will invest INR 5 billion in primary capital to support Indostar Home’s continued growth, including by broadening its footprint across India and investing in digital capabilities
EQT is pleased to announce that the BPEA Mid-Market Growth Partnership (or “the MMG fund”) has agreed to acquire a 100% stake in Indostar Home Finance (or “the Company”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Indostar Capital Finance Limited, for INR 17.5 billion (USD 210 million).
Founded in 2017, Indostar Home Finance provides affordable mortgages to retail customers in tier 2 to tier 4 cities in India and has supported over 39,000 low income homeowners and small businesses. The Company has rapidly scaled to more than INR 24 billion in assets under management, achieving a 32 percent compounded annual growth in the last three years. Indostar Home Finance has a network of more than 130 branches spread across nine states and employs over 1,000 people.
The Indian housing finance market currently stands at more than INR 30 trillion, according to the CRISIL. The segment has recorded strong growth driven by government support, rising affordability, and urbanization. However, there remains a significant shortage of housing in the country, with India’s mortgage to GDP ratio at 12.3% compared to more than 60% for developed countries like the USA and UK.
The MMG fund will invest INR 5 billion of primary capital in Indostar Home Finance to support its next phase of growth. EQT aims to expand the Company’s geographic footprint and accelerate its digital transformation journey by leveraging EQT’s in-house digitalization expertise, network of seasoned industry advisors, and expertise in go-to-market strategies.
Ashish Agrawal, Partner in the EQT Private Capital Asia advisory team, said: “Retail lending is a key investment theme for EQT within financial services in India. Building on our investment in the education finance sector through HDFC Credila last year, we are thrilled to welcome Indostar Home Finance to our portfolio. India’s affordable housing finance sector represents a long-term growth opportunity supported by secular demand drivers, favorable government policies and resilient asset quality across economic cycles”
Hemant Sharma, Managing Director in the EQT Private Capital Asia advisory team, said: “Indostar Home Finance has established itself as a leading player in this segment and is well-positioned for continued growth. We are impressed by its market-leading position in South India and strong underwriting capabilities. We see significant potential to expand Indostar’s presence across India and drive its digital transformation. EQT looks forward to supporting the company in its next phase of growth.”
Mr. Shreejit Menon, CEO of Indostar Home Finance, said: “This transaction marks a key milestone for Indostar Home Finance. We are excited to embark on this new journey with EQT, who shares our vision and whose partnership will significantly help advance our mission of delivering affordable housing finance solutions across India. With EQT’s support and global expertise, we are well-positioned for accelerated growth and success.”
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Contact
EQT Press Office, [email protected]
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LYON, France, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — After an intense week of competition, the 47th WorldSkills Competition has officially wrapped up, marking the end of a thrilling journey for 1,400 young professionals from around the globe. For four days, participants representing nearly 70 countries and regions competed fiercely in 59 diverse skill areas, transforming Lyon’s Eurexpo into a vibrant hub of craftsmanship and international talent.
From day one, the atmosphere was charged with energy as competitors showcased their expertise in sectors ranging from Manufacturing and Engineering to Fashion, Digital Technology, and Healthcare. The level of dedication and precision demonstrated throughout the week was a testament to the profound commitment these young professionals have to their trades, as well as their determination to showcase their nation’s worth on the global stage.
Last night, the closing ceremony of WorldSkills Lyon 2024, held at Groupama Stadium, brought the event to an emotional close with the announcement of medalists in each skill category. Four medals were awarded in each skill: Gold Medal, Silver Medal, Bronze Medal, and the Medallion for Excellence. This ceremony underscored the core belief of the WorldSkills movement: excellence is found in diversity – diversity of profiles, backgrounds, expertise, and techniques.
The list of medalists is now available. Visit https://worldskills.org/what/competitions/worldskills-lyon-2024/#results to discover the winners!
What’s next?
The impact of WorldSkills Lyon 2024 extends far beyond the event itself. As the competition unfolded, and millions of people followed it in person or through media, WorldSkills Lyon 2024 spotlighted the crucial role of vocational education in today’s world and in shaping our shared future. By celebrating excellence, the competition highlighted the incredible ability of youth to drive the change our world needs through their energy and dedication. The legacy of this event lies in every vocation it has sparked and every future career it has inspired. This 47th edition has once again shown the world that where there is skill, there is a way.
Media Contacts:
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PR Officer
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Anne-Laure TRONC
Press Relation Manager
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