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Growth Catalyst Partners Acquires InspiredMinds!, the World’s Largest Ecosystem of AI Leaders and Innovators
Acquisition accelerates InspiredMinds! expansion of robust AI community and influential summits into U.S. markets to advance AI for good and responsible innovation
WASHINGTON and LONDON, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Growth Catalyst Partners, a U.S. based private equity firm focused on investing in information, marketing, and tech-enabled services, today announced the acquisition of U.K.-based InspiredMinds!, a fast-growing, award-winning global technology and science strategy group at the epicenter of the exploding AI and AI healthcare markets. The acquisition is a significant addition to Growth Catalyst Partners’ growing portfolio of niche providers of data and AI leadership services at the forefront of preparing public and private-sector organizations for the challenges and opportunities posed by the supersonic pace of AI adoption and innovation.
Founded as a female-owned business in 2017 by pioneering AI advisor and technology entrepreneur Sarah Porter, InspiredMinds! has developed the world’s largest and most active AI community across 160+ countries, and is a leading and trusted voice in the industry focused on the ethical development of AI. Its global community comprises over 300,000 professionals across the AI ecosystem, including government, policymakers, big tech, academic and researchers, startups, investors and VCs, corporate enterprises, associations and NGOs. InspiredMinds! connects their community through prestigious and large-scale AI summits, including World Summit AI and Intelligent Health, that attract the world’s preeminent leaders driving business and societal transformation through artificial intelligence innovation, application and regulation.
“As the most influential and connected AI community in the world, nothing we do is status quo,” stated Sarah Porter, CEO & Founder of InspiredMinds!. “It is a critical point in time for human-AI collaboration, and with the support of Growth Catalyst Partners, we are poised to supercharge the work of our community, by critically focusing on equitable AI and the opportunities that this presents to our future world.”
To fuel expansion for InspiredMinds! and advance its purpose of fostering inclusive, equitable and safe adoption of emerging technology, Growth Catalyst Partners will integrate InspiredMinds! into the Data Society Group, a U.S.-based platform that develops future fluent workforces through the power of data and AI. InspiredMinds! will continue to operate as an independent company and plans to launch its festival-style AI summits in the United States in 2025.
“InspiredMinds! is a nexus for the brightest minds, industry leaders, and key government entities driving significant insights and innovations in the field of AI and emerging technologies. We are excited to provide a platform to amplify the important work Sarah and her talented team do to empower the rapidly expanding AI universe,” said Connor Dawson, Managing Director of Growth Catalyst Partners. “The highly aligned missions of InspiredMinds! and Data Society Group will be instrumental in guiding the InspiredMinds! launch into the U.S. market working closely with Doug Llewellyn, Data Society Group CEO. We believe the combined business will ultimately become an essential resource for AI and data leaders and their organizations globally.”
“With its influential global reach, InspiredMinds! fills an integral role to inform responsible AI innovation. We’re inspired by Sarah Porter’s leadership in building a high-quality team with a track record of success and strategic impact,” said Doug Llewellyn, CEO of Data Society Group. “Working together, I look forward to connecting, growing and inspiring future leaders as they harness the potential of artificial intelligence across societal sectors.”
About InspiredMinds!
InspiredMinds! is a dominant worldwide force in artificial intelligence and emerging technology. Our global community of 300,000 expert practitioners and thought leaders across 168 countries includes technologists, clinicians, scientists, leaders, innovators, government officials, healthtech professionals, academics, startups, investors, and NGOs. A strategic advisor to the United Nations and European Union, InspiredMinds! is regarded as a dedicated and influential voice shaping global AI policies and initiatives for the betterment of all humankind. The company’s premier AI event brands include World Summit AI (Amsterdam, Netherlands and Doha, Qatar) and Intelligent Health (London, UK and Basel Switzerland), among others. For more information, visit inspired-minds.co.uk/.
About Data Society Group
Data Society Group enables organizations to harness the full potential of data and AI by working with data leaders to crack cultural challenges and develop future fluent workforces. We unlock innovation and radical collaboration through peer-to-peer exchange, best-in-class data literacy assessment and training, and custom data science and AI applications. Our mission: to enable the enterprise from the inside out, providing comprehensive guidance. We support organizations in enabling new skills, mindsets, and ways of working, ultimately fostering a culture of confidence in applying modern data and AI practices. For more information, visit datasocietygroup.com.
About Growth Catalyst Partners
Growth Catalyst Partners is a middle-market private equity firm investing in information, marketing and tech-enabled services businesses. GCP’s strategy involves targeting growth segments of industries and identifying and building market-leading companies with breakout potential. GCP partners with company founders and owners, along with top executives within those industries, and provides capital, proprietary deal origination and operating expertise to the management teams. GCP’s team has deep sector expertise and has led hundreds of transactions and successful investments in services businesses for over 20 years. Since the firm’s founding in 2015, GCP has completed over 110 acquisitions across its industry-leading platform companies. For more information, visit growthcatalystpartners.com.
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DAMAC Properties Unveils DAMAC Islands: An Invitation to a New Way of Life
- DAMAC Islands was unveiled in style and culminated after a month-long global campaign featuring giveaways to travel destinations and marketing promotions by global celebrities and influencers.
- The project is the sixth master community in the DAMAC Properties’ portfolio, unveiling an island living theme inspired by most sought-after global island destinations
DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — DAMAC Properties, UAE’s leading property developer has announced the launch of DAMAC Islands, its third and largest master community unveiled this year and the sixth in its portfolio of master development projects. Nestled in the heart of Dubailand, DAMAC Islands offers a unique opportunity to live in a tropical-inspired haven that combines luxury living with the natural paradise of island life. This meticulously designed community is slated to be the perfect escape from the bustling city, providing residents with tranquility, rejuvenation, and connection within a peaceful and intimate setting.
The project was unveiled in an exquisite setting at Coca-Cola Arena on 19th November. Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties, Amira Sajwani, MD, DAMAC Properties and senior executives from DAMAC headlined the press and partner event. DAMAC unveiled the launch after a meticulously planned month-long campaign that included a special teasing campaign, ‘DAMAC Air’, where global audiences had an opportunity to win air tickets to their favourite travel destinations.
As part of its marketing efforts and to connect with customers, DAMAC also roped in globally acclaimed celebrities and influencers for the launch, including Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood superstars Ranveer Singh, Sara Ali Khan, acclaimed two times boxing champion Amir Khan, English professional football coach John Terry, Lebanese actress Nadine Njeim amongst others.
Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties, said: “DAMAC Islands represents much more than a development; it is an invitation to experience an entirely new way of living that brings together luxury and wellness. This project embodies our vision of creating spaces where residents can find both escape and connection—an oasis that feels exclusive and warm. DAMAC Islands is a landmark of our commitment to innovation and our belief in Dubai as the ultimate destination for transformative, world-class living.”
DAMAC Islands takes inspiration from some of the world’s most sought-after island destinations, and will feature six clusters including the Maldives, Bora Bora, Seychelles, Hawaii, Bali, and Fiji. Masterfully blending the relaxed island aesthetic with modern splendour, the community aims at creating an oasis where indoor luxury will be harmonised with outdoor paradise, allowing residents to experience both worlds without leaving Dubai.
“An Island State of Mind” sets the tone for the DAMAC Islands experience, with amenities that elevate day-to-day life to a blissful retreat. From serene lagoons and cascading waterfalls to lush jungle rivers and an exclusive Aqua Dome with indoor aquatic activities, every element has been crafted to evoke the serenity of island living. Signature features include a hot springs spa, jungle swings, a bird park, and a mini-golf island, ensuring every resident finds an escape within this exclusive community.
Residents will also be able to enjoy gondola-style paddle boat rides, relax in hammock-laden tours across crystal-clear lagoons, rejuvenate in a hot spring natural spa, or unwind at unique dining venues overlooking turquoise waters. A wedding venue, a tortoise garden, a fresh fruit market and an exclusive Residents Clubhouse will also add to the charm of this sanctuary, making DAMAC Islands a perfect blend of leisure, luxury, and natural beauty.
A Prime Investment Opportunity
DAMAC Islands will offer a range of luxury villas and trendy townhouses, each designed with spacious layouts and breathtaking views. Property options include luxury Villas starting at AED 6.3 million for 6-bedroom layouts and AED 18.5 million for 7-bedroom layouts. Its townhouses category will include units selling for AED 2.25 million for 4-bedroom units and AED 3.1 million for 5-bedroom units.
DAMAC is offering an attractive 75/25 payment plan, with 75% payable during construction and 25% upon completion, making DAMAC Islands a compelling choice for families and investors seeking lifetime value in one of Dubai’s most promising master communities.
DAMAC Properties has significantly expanded its community development portfolio with the launch of Suncity and Riverside earlier this year, adding to its established communities of DAMAC Hills and DAMAC Hills 2, as well as the upcoming DAMAC Lagoons. Since its founding in 2002, DAMAC has launched over 75 towers and continues its dedicated growth, offering diverse living spaces and investment opportunities for discerning clients.
About DAMAC Properties
DAMAC Properties has been at the forefront of the Middle East’s luxury real estate market since 2002, delivering award-winning residential, commercial and leisure properties across the region and internationally, including in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, the Maldives, Canada, the United States, as well as the United Kingdom.
Since then, the company has delivered more than 47,000 homes with over 40,000 more in diverse planning and development phases. Joining forces with some of the world’s most eminent fashion and lifestyle brands to create tremendous living experiences, such as with Versace, Roberto Cavalli, or de GRISOGONO. With a consistent vision and momentum, DAMAC is building the next generation of luxury living across the globe.
Visit us at www.damacproperties.com
Follow DAMAC Properties on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube(@DAMACofficial).
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Odoo S.A. announces a €500 million transaction, increasing the Belgian Unicorn’s valuation to €5 billion
LOUVAIN-LA-NEUVE, Belgium, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Odoo S.A., a leading provider of integrated business software, today announced a €500 million transaction led by CapitalG and Sequoia Capital, with participation from BlackRock, Mubadala Investment Company, HarbourVest Partners, AVP, and Alkeon. This secondary capital transaction reflects strong confidence in the company’s vision and impact. As part of the transaction, existing investors Summit Partners, Noshaq, and Wallonie Entreprendre are selling a portion of their shares; Summit will remain Odoo’s largest institutional shareholder.
This major transaction underscores Odoo’s leadership position in the SMB software ecosystem and strong, profitable financial profile. It also highlights the company’s continued momentum in reshaping the business software landscape with innovative, accessible solutions for companies worldwide.
Since its founding in April 2002, Odoo S.A. has been dedicated to developing and continuously enhancing a comprehensive suite of management software applications for small and mid-sized businesses. Today, with over 13 million users and currently adding more than 7,000 new clients each month, Odoo has built a strong presence in the industry. Known for its intuitive and user-friendly design, Odoo empowers companies to focus on what matters most: improving customer satisfaction, driving innovation, optimizing business processes, and scaling operations efficiently.
Odoo S.A. has achieved sustained annual growth of 40% and is projected to exceed €650 million in billings within the next 12 months, with a target of reaching €1 billion in billings by 2027. The company has strengthened its global presence by establishing 15 subsidiaries and building a network of 7,500 partners worldwide. With this latest investment, Odoo S.A.’s valuation has reached €5 billion.
“Fabien and his team have built a one-of-a-kind business from their ambitious vision for a unified suite of tightly integrated business apps,” said Alex Nichols, partner at CapitalG, the independent growth firm of Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company. “Odoo’s powerful and easy-to-use suite of apps has won over customers across more than 100 countries and virtually every industry, as well as companies with anywhere from one to thousands of employees. The team’s two decades of dedication and long-term thinking has fostered a robust community of partners, contributors, and users that will serve as their foundation for years to come. We are thrilled to partner with Fabien and the rest of Odoo’s leadership team.”
“Odoo has built an outstanding software company with a unique culture, product suite, and ecosystem,” said Andrew Reed, partner, Sequoia Capital. “Odoo is a tremendous business already, and it feels like their best days are still ahead. Odoo has the long-term potential to transform the SMB software market and deliver enormous value to customers. We’re excited to partner with Fabien and the Odoo team for the long-term.“
The recent launch of Odoo 18, the most advanced iteration of the company’s software, on October 2nd, strengthens the company’s market position and enhances overall performance and customer experience.
“ERPs are traditionally expensive and resource-intensive to implement, often failing to meet the actual needs and evolving requirements of SMEs. We have developed a unique value proposition that is playing a pivotal role in the market” explains Fabien Pinckaers, founder and CEO of Odoo S.A.
This €500 million investment exemplifies the international recognition and trust that Odoo has garnered within the investment community. Following investments led by Summit Partners in 2019, 2021 and 2022, this latest round further highlights Odoo’s appeal to investors.
Faris Al Mazrui, Head of Growth at Mubadala, said “Odoo stands out as a prime example of innovation in global software, offering scalable, adaptable solutions that empower businesses in the digital and cloud transformation journey. With Mubadala’s expertise in software investments and the UAE’s role as a fast-growing tech hub, we see Odoo as an exceptional partner for companies adapting to cloud and AI megatrends. We’re excited to support their growth worldwide“.
“Odoo continues to deliver solutions that we believe are helping to transform the business software landscape – and they are doing so with impressive traction,” added Antony Clavel, a Managing Director at Summit Partners who has served on the Odoo Board of Directors since Summit’s initial investment in 2019. “We are delighted to welcome new investors and look forward to working together to support Odoo’s exciting growth trajectory.” Following this transaction, Summit remains Odoo’s largest institutional shareholder.
Odoo does not stop here. For 2025, the unicorn is already expecting many more opportunities and expansion projects, enhancing Odoo’s capabilities for research and development, and allowing accelerated innovation in its product offerings.
“We are expecting to open five new subsidiaries within the next three years across Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific,” said Sebastien Bruyr, Odoo S.A. Chief Commercial Officer. Odoo’s Chief Finance Officer, Alessandro Mazzocchetti, added, “I’m confident that Odoo will remain profitable in terms of EBITDA and Cash Flow as we expand our team and global reach. We will keep working hard to serve our customers and partners!”.
For Olivier Vanderijst, CEO of Wallonie Entreprendre (WE), “the visionary and strategic nature of Odoo’s management and the rigor with which it has implemented this vision have led to an incredible valuation of 5 billion euros, which has attracted the best investors in the world. This is why WE has signed this transaction, while remaining a shareholder in the company to support its future growth as a local player”.
J.P. Morgan SE acted as exclusive placement agent on this transaction.
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ROLLER Releases 2025 Attractions Industry Benchmark Report, Unveiling Key Trends and Revenue Strategies
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ROLLER, a leading venue management software provider, is excited to announce the release of its 2025 Attractions Industry Benchmark Report – which happens to coincide with the company hitting its 2,000 customer milestone.
The comprehensive report, which will be unveiled at IAAPA Expo in Orlando, is packed with insights from hundreds of thousands of data points. The guide offers operators vital strategies for boosting revenue and enhancing the guest experience in the coming year.
Compiled from anonymized data from a 24-month period, the 2025 Attractions Industry Benchmark Report presents a thorough analysis of trends and easy-to-read infographics – covering essential areas such as booking and spending behavior, parties and group bookings, membership trends, payment methods, and popular venue features.
The report is organized so operators can easily compare their performance within their specific sector and region – helping them identify growth opportunities.
“One thing we love about the attractions industry is that operators are extremely collaborative and help each other out when they can. Our goal is to honor these collaborations and bring the community together,” said Luke Finn, CEO and Founder of ROLLER. “We created the report to provide the community with proven trends and data to help them stay ahead and enter 2025 with confidence.”
Key insights from the report:
- Rising online conversions and revenue: Online bookings are increasing across all regions, with average basket sizes up to 3x larger than in-person point-of-sale (POS) transactions. The report dives into how mobile and online checkout optimizations drive these increases.
- Impact of party bookings and memberships: Despite a slight dip in overall party bookings due to economic conditions, per-head spending remains strong, softening revenue impact. Additionally, members visit 261% more often than non-members, underscoring the importance of memberships in fostering loyalty and boosting repeat visits.
- Growth of digital wallet payments: Digital wallets now account for a large portion of transactions, with venues reporting order values up to 43% higher for wallet transactions compared to traditional card payments.
The full report includes additional details on these areas and so much more. Each section is also paired with strategic analysis based on ROLLER’s 14+ years in the industry to help operators take direct actions based on the insights. Download the full report here.
About ROLLER
ROLLER is a cloud-based venue management platform built for the attractions industry. Its all-in-one platform simplifies business processes and maximizes revenue for venues worldwide. ROLLER’s comprehensive solution includes online checkout, ticketing, POS, integrated payments, memberships, gift cards, waivers, and more—designed to streamline operations and enhance the guest experience.
For more information, visit ROLLER’s website.
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