Fintech PR
DC to VC – NatWest Cushon and Future Planet Capital Lead the Charge in UK Pension Access to British Innovation
LONDON, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Future Planet Capital (FPC) is delighted to be working with NatWest Cushon, with a view to the Cushon Master Trust potentially making an investment in the British Co-Investment Fund (BCF). Any future investment will be subject to commercial terms, due diligence, and Trustee approval. If approved, NatWest Cushon’s participation would signify a major step forward, creating new avenues for British pension funds to access high-growth, private technology companies at scale. In partnership with pension solutions provider Mobius Life, the Fund will channel pension investment into the UK’s most innovative and impactful businesses.
The BCF closely aligns with the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s vision under the Mansion House Reforms, aiming to unlock large-scale investment in key British industries. It emphasises the private sector’s pivotal role in accelerating innovation and economic growth, through supporting the UK’s most promising and high-impact technology businesses.
Historically, British pension funds have had limited access to high-growth investment opportunities within the UK, meaning that overseas investors have been the primary beneficiaries of the nation’s flourishing innovation economy. Indeed, according to the BVCA, 86% of venture capital investment comes from overseas investors. To redress the balance, the BCF will be one of the first funds designed specifically for UK regular savings pension funds. It will offer direct and ongoing access to investments in the strategic technologies of the future.
Examples of companies likely to benefit from the Fund’s investments include Tokamak Energy, a world-record holder in nuclear fusion technology. The government-backed UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), managed by Future Planet Capital, was the first investor in Tokamak Energy, which has since gone on to raise over $250m. This demonstrates the role of public-private partnership in supporting British technology to drive both economic growth and environmental impact. With the support of mainstream British capital, much more can now be done.
Lord Norman Foster, Chair of Future Planet Capital’s Advisory Board shared, “One of our most important tasks is to anticipate the future and find ways to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of people and the planet. We will need intellectual and financial capital to make that happen. This partnership supports the excellent work that is being done to invest in ground-breaking technologies which offer incredible potential.”
Douglas Hansen-Luke, Executive Chairman and Co-founder of Future Planet Capital, commented, “This collaboration enables British pension savers to support the next generation of British innovation, ensuring that UK capital not only backs but also benefits from the country’s technological and sustainable advancements.”
Julius Pursaill, Pensions expert and advisor to the Cushon Master Trust, said:
“There are a number of good reasons to support the UK Growth agenda. Innovations like the British Co-Investment Fund play an important role in delivering on this objective by driving financial growth whilst also offering access to innovative, impact-focused sectors such as climate technology and artificial intelligence, which can help secure the future for pension savers and broader society.”
About Future Planet Capital
Future Planet Capital is an impact-led venture capital firm built to back growth companies from the world’s top universities and research ecosystems. Founded in Britain with global outlook and reach, Future Planet Capital manages over $460m for public and private investors and has deployed a further $200m of co-investment. With 140 portfolio companies across geographies and stages their mission is to invest in high-growth companies solving global challenges. Mapped against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, these include climate change, education, health, security, and sustainable growth.
For more information visit: https://futureplanetcapital.com/
Other potential investments include:
Tropic Biosciences, founded in 2016 with an initial investment from Future Planet Capital’s UKI2S fund, is reshaping agriculture to improve resilience, efficiency, and sustainability in food production.
Roslin Technologies, spun out of the University of Edinburgh, pioneers the development of pluripotent stem cells for cultivated meat. Their technology addresses the global protein gap by enabling scalable, sustainable meat production without raising animals. By providing genetically stable, self-replicating stem cells, Roslin delivers solutions that reduce production costs to less than $15/kg, positioning itself as a leader in a $2BN cell market by 2035.
Beam (formally known as Rovco) is a growth-stage autonomous robotics company specialising in subsea services for the offshore wind sector. With £19 million in 2023 revenue, the company is rapidly scaling, leveraging cutting-edge AI and computer vision to lead the way in subsea autonomy.
Quotes of Support:
Lord Wei of Shoreditch
”Changing the world and making an impact at scale is really tough and at times can be a lonely place. Future Planet Capital has managed to pull together globally an immense network of investors, founders, and experts to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. It is truly a fellowship, and a font of innovation, as well as being a premier fund platform. In these fast changing times it is so reassuring to know that there are innovators working on making the world a safer, cooler, and better place, whose chances of success are being supercharged through the FPC community.”
Jim Wilkinson, Chief Financial Officer, Oxford Science Enterprises
‘Future Planet Capital’s investment strategy offers not only something different, but something that has been lacking in this space. Its approach as well as its scope -involving a remarkable series of partnerships with leading universities and university venture funds – make it a very valuable strategic partner for anyone active in this field.’
Paul Abberley, Investment Governance Board Chair
CEO at Charles Stanley, one of the oldest firms on the London Stock Exchange. Previously the CEO / CIO of Aviva Investors.
‘Successful innovations deliver superior investment returns. When those innovations have a positive impact on broader society, the capital investments which makes them possible benefit all stakeholders. Responsible investing of this type is easy to envisage but harder to implement, because identification of suitable opportunities is so challenging. The Future Planet approach bridges that gap.’
Priya Guha OBE, Member of the Future Planet Capital Investment Governance Board
‘With the Chancellor firing the starting gun on this Government’s pension reforms in yesterday’s Mansion House Speech, I am delighted Future Planet Capital are able to announce they are in discussion with NatWest Cushon for an investment into the British Co-Investment Fund. With their strong reputation for investing in high-growth high-impact companies in the technology sector, Future Planet Capital’s BCF is exactly the right vehicle through which pension funds can back the scaling companies of the future; a win-win for British scale-ups and for British pensioners.’
Matthew Hurn OBE, Deputy Chair of Future Planet Capital’s Advisory Board
‘The UK Growth agenda presents an exciting opportunity and it is vital that we have in place the tools needed to fulfil this potential. I strongly welcome this partnership which signals an important step forward – helping to pave the way to greater financial growth while offering savers access to world leading, impactful innovation.’
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dc-to-vc–natwest-cushon-and-future-planet-capital-lead-the-charge-in-uk-pension-access-to-british-innovation-302306339.html
- Homeowners are wasting £100s on professional household repairs
- Going DIY on chair and fence fixes could save Brits up to £400
- Evolution Power Tools reveals where to pick up FREE wood & cut costs down
SHEFFIELD, England, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Nobody likes being faced with worn, damaged or faulty objects around the house – but before Brits rush out and spend £100s on replacements or repairs, it’s worth considering the DIY approach.
DIY enthusiasts from Evolution Power Tools reveal how common household issues can easily be fixed – without needing to spend much on multiple tools and materials in the process.
“With just weeks until Christmas, we’d much rather spend our money on gifts for loved ones instead of forking out for furniture repairs.
“We always encourage homeowners to repair and not replace. What’s more, repairing furniture yourself can be a rewarding experience and doesn’t have to cost as much as you might think.
“For example, when your chair has wobbly legs, it’s tempting to buy a replacement – or pay for professional repairs.
“It might sound cost-savvy to get a repair, but getting the professionals in can cost more than you’d think.
“The average professional chair leg repair can cost up to £300.
“But by using a mitre saw, timber, screws, glue and sandpaper, you can get the job done yourself for a fraction of the price.
“If you don’t have a saw of your own, ask friends and family if you can borrow one.
“Plus, did you know you can pick up timber for free by browsing Facebook Marketplace or asking local construction sites if they have any scraps going?
“Then you can pick up screws, wood glue and sandpaper from B&Q for under £20 – saving you over £280!
“Similarly, a broken fence can feel like a nightmare – but you don’t have to call in a professional and pay in the region of £150.
“One solution is getting hold of some pallet wood – and this doesn’t have to cost a penny.
“Depending on where you live, your local IKEA may be getting rid of excess supplies – so you may find wood available to pick up for free.
“Then all you need is a hand saw or circular saw – which you may have, or could borrow – plus a hammer and nails, measuring tape and a level.
“Most people will have these supplies at home – which means you could save the best part of £150!”
Top 5 tips for picking up free wood
- Ask local businesses. If you see a supermarket worker emptying a pallet of products, ask if the wood is being thrown away. If so, you may be able to grab it for free.
- Go to your local recycling facility. Many people will dispose of excess materials, including wood, by taking it to the tip. All you have to do is ask the staff if you can take it.
- Visit IKEA. Certain branches will make their surplus materials available for free. The scheme isn’t always running, but it’s worth keeping an eye out!
- Check online marketplaces. Sites like Facebook Marketplace have a surprising amount of supplies going for free, as people just want to get rid of it.
- Construction sites. These places may be glad to have someone pick up excess materials, as it saves them having to dispose of it.
“If you’ve got multiple furniture repairs to carry out, it can be cost-efficient to buy a tool with a multi-material cutting blade.
“Featuring a Japanese Tungsten Carbide Teeth blade, these versatile tools will simplify your toolkit, while allowing you to carry out DIY projects with ease
“Our multi-material cutting tools provide clean and accurate cuts through a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastics and even wood with nails,
“Gone are the days of homeowners needing to constantly swap blades or purchase specialist equipment. Now, you can rely on one tool to do it all, making DIY much more efficient and enjoyable.
“By investing in versatile tools or borrowing existing equipment, you can avoid unnecessary costs and breathe new life into your household items at a fraction of the price.”
About the company: Evolution Power Tools is a global leader in multi-material technology, with over 30 years in the industrial power tool market.
They are part of a growing movement which encourages homeowners to feel empowered when carrying out DIY, and as such, design tools that help to tackle a variety of tasks without the need for expertise.
Evolution Power Tools never compromise on performance, and their patented technology is no exception, it is reliable with a 3 guarantee, accurate, ergonomic, and powerful for the most precise cuts on a multitude of materials.
- Pricing information accurate at the time of submission
- Cost of smaller supplies for DIY fixes have been sourced from B&Q
- We would appreciate a link to the Evolution Power Tools website within the copy, if you decide to publish the article
- Evolution Power Tools is based in the steel city of Sheffield and has a worldwide reputation for premium and professional tools.
- Their tools have been featured on TV shows including Top Gear, DIY SOS, and Grand Designs
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2583046/Evolution_Power_Tools.jpg
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– Approval positions the FinTech as a leader in crypto-asset innovation and compliance in the EU, allowing it to expand its transformative digital-native payments platform and enter new markets –
AMSTERDAM, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ZBD, the innovative payments company at the forefront of digital economies, today announced it has become the first company to receive approval for the new European Union (EU) crypto-asset service provider license under MiCAR (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation). This landmark achievement represents a major milestone both in crypto-asset regulation in the EU and in ZBD’s journey to build a digital-native payments platform on top of the Bitcoin Lightning Network.
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) has approved ZBD’s license application under MiCAR, and will issue its license when MiCAR takes effect on 30th December 2024. MiCAR is a new regulatory framework that all crypto-asset service providers in the EU must comply with. Securing a license under MiCAR allows ZBD to expand its capabilities by offering a wide range of services including crypto-asset custody, administration, transfers, and—crucially—fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat exchange. It also demonstrates a strict adherence to the highest standards of compliance and consumer protection for ZBD’s EU users.
While many companies, including the world’s largest exchanges, are struggling to navigate MiCAR’s stringent requirements, ZBD’s comprehensive and proactive approach to compliance has positioned it to lead the way in crypto-asset innovation and better serve customers across the EU. MiCAR therefore presents a unique opportunity for ZBD as it begins its expansion into the EU market after establishing a strong presence in the US.
“Being the first to have received MiCAR license approval is a major leap forward for us,” says Marca Wosoba, COO of ZBD. “We’ve built a culture where compliance is at the forefront of what we do, and we see it as an enabler for new functionality, not a blocker. MiCAR gave us an opportunity to obtain licensing across all of the EU and facilitate our expansion in the region.”
This milestone aligns with ZBD’s broader vision to build digital-native payments infrastructure for the gaming and entertainment industries. Unlike traditional FinTech companies, which typically start with a fiat-first model and then add on crypto functionality, ZBD flips the script—building on Bitcoin’s Lightning Network to enable fast, low-cost, and globally scalable payments. This flexibility allows the company to find product market-fit in the gaming space, serving use cases that are simply not possible with traditional finance, such as instant reward payouts with no minimums – gamers can earn money playing games and cash out as soon as they’ve earned even a fraction of a cent.
“Having already built a stable revenue-generating business gives us a great entry point to expand what we do and move towards our vision of building a payments company that can instantly move money in any currency,” added Wosoba. “It’s not about being a crypto or Bitcoin business, it’s about being a digital-native payments business that happens to use Bitcoin on the Lightning Network as a core technology in our internal tech stack.”
ZBD took a proactive and strategic approach in anticipation of the new regulation, submitting its MiCAR registration application at the earliest opportunity. Its strong, collaborative relationship with The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), which was the first in the EU to accept and process applications, was also instrumental in achieving this significant milestone.
The license under MiCAR primes ZBD to launch more complex payment products built around Bitcoin, as well as grow rapidly in the EU in 2025. It also brings ZBD one step closer to achieving its ambitious vision as a transformative digital-native payments company. Following its ethos of building crypto-first and then adding complementary fiat functionality, the company is also in the final stages of receiving an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license, which will complement the range of services ZBD can offer under MiCAR, by also granting it license to perform a wide range of fiat payments services in the EU.
About ZBD
ZBD is a leader in payments innovation, pushing the boundaries of how we move money across the internet. Within gaming, ZBD has made a name for itself by powering instant real-money rewards for partners ranging from Square Enix to 1047 Games. Beyond gaming, ZBD enables unique payments-based use cases across interactive entertainment and adjacent industries. Whether it’s streaming money alongside audio in podcasting apps like Fountain, or implementing instant revenue sharing for each ad impression for adtech innovators like Slice and AdInMo, ZBD makes money move online as seamlessly as information.
To learn more, visit https://zbd.gg/
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2584112/ZBD.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2583320/ZBD_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zbd-becomes-first-to-receive-eu-micar-license-approval-302335116.html
ZUG, Switzerland, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bivial AG is proud to announce the successful completion of its rebranding from Klarpay AG. This transformation represents a major milestone in the company’s journey, aligning its identity with its vision to become a global leader in comprehensive financial solutions for digital businesses.
The name ” Bivial ” encapsulates the company’s commitment to enabling seamless multidirectional financial flows, a core principle that has guided its evolution. This new identity underscores the company’s dedication to innovation and trust while expanding its capabilities.
With the rebrand complete, Bivial AG is poised to enhance its services beyond its established expertise in cross-border corporate payments. The company is actively working to broaden its portfolio with a range of financial and treasury solutions tailored to meet the needs of modern online businesses. This strategic shift underscores Bivial’s commitment to becoming a one-stop financial partner for its clients.
“The transition to Bivial reflects not just a change in name but an expansion with purpose,” said Martynas Bieliauskas, CEO of Bivial AG. “Our clients can expect the same innovative and reliable service they’ve always trusted, now complemented by a broader suite of offerings designed to support their growth in an interconnected world.”
As part of its growth strategy, Bivial is seeking to extend its regulatory footprint. Building on its existing regulatory framework under the Swiss Federal Banking Act Art 1b, the company has initiated processes to secure additional regulatory approvals in Switzerland.
Bivial’s rebrand signals a bold vision for the future of business finance. By integrating new technologies, expanding its regulatory reach, and broadening its offerings, the company is uniquely positioned to lead the way in financial services.
For more information about Bivial AG, visit www.bivial.ch.
About Bivial AG.
Bivial AG, formerly Klarpay AG, is a deposit-taking financial institution authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) under the Swiss Federal Banking Act, Article 1b, offering modern Swiss accounts and cross-border payment solutions for digital businesses. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Bivial AG specialises in offering online businesses access to multi-currency IBAN accounts, global payment acceptance, and digital disbursement solutions. As the first Swiss-licensed fintech company to work exclusively with e-commerce, digital entrepreneurs, and social media influencers, Bivial seeks to empower digital businesses through borderless, scalable, bespoke business accounts and payment solutions.
CONTACT: [email protected], + 41 41 552 0093
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2584116/Bivial_AG_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/klarpay-ag-has-officially-transitioned-to-bivial-ag-302335084.html
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