Fintech PR

Duetti Secures $114M in New Funding to Expand Independent Artist Catalog Acquisitions and Drive Strategic Growth

Published

4 weeks ago

October 29, 2024

Data-driven music platform has raised over $235M in just over two years and is now introducing the first-ever asset-backed securitization (ABS) transaction backed by indie artists’ music

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Duetti, a music platform democratizing catalog monetization for independent artists, today announced it has raised $114 million in new funding. This includes $34 million in equity financing led by Flexpoint Ford, along with participation from existing investors Nyca Partners and Viola Ventures. Additionally, Duetti successfully completed its inaugural $80 million privately rated asset-backed securitization (ABS) transaction, backed by a highly diversified music rights catalog. Barclays acted as the sole structuring and placement agent for the ABS.

“We believe we are leading the way in educating the capital markets on the significant long-term value of the independent music sector,” said Lior Tibon, CEO and Co-Founder of Duetti. “The number of independent artists is growing at an unprecedented rate, and Duetti is here to ensure they have access to differentiated financing solutions. Duetti will now be able to utilize more diverse and efficient financing sources, enabling us to significantly expand and offer more funding options for independent artists, outside of the major label ecosystem.”

The company aims to use the proceeds from its new funding to accelerate its acquisition of music catalogs and expand its proprietary forecasting, pricing, sourcing, and marketing technology, offering artists even better data-driven deals with fast turnarounds and impactful catalog management. Duetti is rapidly developing marketing and optimization capabilities, with programs such as a playlist network of close to two million followers on Spotify, proprietary channels on YouTube, as well as ongoing remix launches and sync placements in TV shows, films and advertisements. These initiatives increase the visibility of Duetti’s artist partners and grow their audience across all major digital platforms.

“We are proud to support the Duetti team, one of the fastest growing music rights companies in recent years, and their innovative approach to music financing as they continue to empower independent artists,” said Mike Morris, Managing Director at Flexpoint Ford. “We see tremendous potential in their ability to provide scalable, data-backed solutions that address the evolving needs of musicians today and are looking forward to the company’s exciting growth plans.”

Flexpoint is a private equity firm focused on the financial services and healthcare sectors, offering tailored and flexible capital solutions to its partner companies. The investment was made through Flexpoint’s Asset Opportunity Fund, which leverages the firm’s expertise in financial services and private equity to invest in opportunistic asset-driven investments across financial services subsectors and assets, including music.

Duetti has partnered with over 500 artists to date across genres, based in over 30 countries, including MC Delux, SadBoyProlific, and Savannah Dexter. Artists have been able to secure immediate access to the funds needed to support their careers by selling master catalogs, individual tracks, or portions thereof, in deals typically ranging from $10,000 to $3 million per artist. In addition to immediate access to capital, the company’s optimization services have helped artists maximize distribution and audience impact across all platforms, driving significant increases in streams and visibility.

“Duetti has completely changed the game for me as an independent artist,” said FTO Sett, Memphis-based rapper and Duetti Artist Partner. “Not only has my partnership with Duetti allowed me to fund new projects, but the team is also optimizing my profile across streaming services to help reach a brand new audience and bring new opportunities to the table – some of my tracks saw 3x increase in streams since I partnered with Duetti. It’s hard to find a company that feels like a true partner, but Duetti has been just that for me.”

Artists with tracks that have been on streaming platforms for at least 2 years, and have garnered at least 500,000 streams in the last 12 months can learn more about master sale opportunities on Duetti.co.

About Duetti

Duetti was founded by Lior Tibon, former COO of TIDAL, and Christopher Nolte, former Business Development executive at Apple Music, with the mission of getting a wide range of artists quick and easy access to catalog sales and unlocking new investment opportunities. Leveraging their experience in streaming and support from innovative music and technology investors including Flexpoint Ford, Nyca Partners, Viola Ventures, and Roc Nation, Duetti’s music platform has helped over 500 artists receive up to $3 million per transaction. The proprietary model provides data-driven prices for established tracks, allowing artists to sell individual tracks or even parts thereof, while Duetti then markets those tracks going forward using proprietary ROI-focused techniques.

About Flexpoint Ford

Flexpoint Ford is a private equity investment firm that has approximately $8.3 billion of regulatory assets under management and specializes in privately negotiated investments in the financial services and healthcare industries. Since the firm’s formation in 2005, Flexpoint Ford has completed investments across a broad range of investment sizes, structures, and asset classes. Flexpoint Ford has offices in Chicago, Illinois, and New York, New York.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/duetti-secures-114m-in-new-funding-to-expand-independent-artist-catalog-acquisitions-and-drive-strategic-growth-302289344.html

Fintech PR

China’s AIMA brand electric motorbike is now in Bangladesh

Published

37 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

Fintech PR

China Telecom Gulf Officially Launches in Saudi Arabia for Business

Published

2 hours ago

November 23, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

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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

17 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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