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Alis Biosciences launches fund to free over USD$30 billion of capital trapped in listed development-stage life sciences and biotech companies
- Significant market inefficiencies have left over USD$30 billion of capital trapped in c.300 listed biotech companies worldwide that have experienced clinical or regulatory setbacks
- Fund provides efficient mechanism to help investors recoup and recycle trapped cash, while allowing residual science and IP to be developed
- Fund to be listed on public markets in due course
- Led by highly experienced industry and investment executives Annalisa Jenkins and Nicholas Johnston
LONDON, April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alis Biosciences (“Alis”), an investment fund focused on returning capital to investors that is currently trapped in listed, development-stage biotech companies, today formally launches. Founded by highly experienced industry and investment executives, Alis’ goal is to protect public shareholders’ funds while still supporting company management and boards.
Currently, there are nearly 300 listed, development stage life sciences and biotech companies worldwide that have experienced clinical, regulatory or commercial setbacks. These have trapped capital worth over USD$30 billion on their balance sheets, with market caps ranging from USD$5 million to USD$100 million and cash reserves ranging from USD$10 million to USD$400 million.
Alis offers public companies a range of innovative and adaptable structures to return capital to their shareholders, while providing a chance for any residual science and IP to be developed if appropriate. Alis will approach the board and management of each target company and mutually agree the optimum Alis structure to deploy. Alis will then seek to delist the company from the public market with the agreement of its shareholders in the normal way. Each delisted company’s cash and IP will be held in individual Special Purpose Vehicles (“SPV”) which are managed by Alis. Applicable cash will then be returned to shareholders immediately, with the IP either developed or sold using one of the following structures.
- Structure A returns most of the uncommitted cash to shareholders (e.g. 97%), with the company then sold back to certain shareholders or stakeholders who wish to further develop any residual science. Alis will retain a small stake with any upside from its stake shared across these shareholders.
- Structure B returns the vast majority of uncommitted cash to shareholders (e.g. 95%), leaving just enough to manage the structured wind-down of the company. Alis keeps the IP associated with this company. This process will be far quicker than any bankruptcy process.
In the near term, Alis will seek a public market listing that will allow it to offer a further Structure:
Structure C leaves enough cash in the acquiring vehicle (e.g. 40% of cash balance), to allow Alis to fund further clinical programmes, with the remaining 60% of cash immediately returned to shareholders along with an equity interest in Alis. The proceeds from any clinical success will then be retained by participating contingent value rights and by retaining shares in Alis.
Nicholas Johnston, Board Member and Founder of Alis Biosciences, commented: “We founded Alis Biosciences to alter the status quo, where tens of billions of dollars of investors’ funds are trapped in moribund listed life sciences and biotech companies. Our highly experienced team work collaboratively with shareholders, management, and boards, to provide the optimum mechanism to return capital to shareholders, while also allowing stakeholders the option to further develop residual science and IP where there is potential to do so. This is too big a problem to ignore and Alis is committed to providing a fresh solution.”
Annalisa Jenkins, Chair of Alis Biosciences added: “In this challenging financial market environment, there is a need for greater creativity to find answers to this USD$30 billion problem. This needs to be solved if capital is to be effectively recycled within the capital market ecosystem to finance exciting new science that has the potential to succeed and deliver investor returns.
“Public and private investors have expressed strong support for Alis Biosciences’ tailored approach, reflecting demand for a new solution to this longstanding problem. We firmly believe that our highly experienced and scientifically knowledgeable investment team can not only help to return value to shareholders but also develop any viable residual science.“
Frequently, following a clinical or regulatory set back, publicly listed life sciences and biotech companies experience an often immediate and sharp decline in their stock price, coupled with the immediate and consequent loss of stock liquidity. This leaves cash on their balance sheet far in excess of their current market capitalisation, no commensurate growth or limited alternative near-term clinical development prospects of success, and no efficient and timely mechanism to return cash to shareholders.
These companies often hope to develop another compound or product in their pipeline or merge with a private company, thereby heavily diluting shareholder equity. These alternatives typically have a very different investment case from the original programme, but investors are left with no option but to follow the direction of management or the board, while tens of millions of dollars of investor capital remains on the balance sheet. Even when a company files for bankruptcy, this process is time consuming and expensive, and further delays the return of any cash to shareholders while failing to adequately capture any residual value in the company’s IP.
About Alis Biosciences
Alis Biosciences (“Alis”) is an investment fund focused on returning capital to investors that is currently trapped in listed, development-stage biotech companies. Alis protects the interests of acquired company shareholders by providing a mechanism to return capital and resuscitate viable science, creating a novel and much-needed market safety net that may end up boosting investment in high tech healthcare.
Significant market inefficiencies have left over USD$30 billion of capital trapped in c.300 biotechs all of which have experienced setbacks – typically a failure in clinical trials of their lead programme or unsuccessful commercial launch. Following a sharp decline in their stock price, with the concurrent reduction in liquidity, these companies are left with cash on their balance sheet far in excess of their market capitalization, no commensurate growth or limited alternative near-term clinical development prospects of success; and importantly with no efficient and timely mechanism to return cash to shareholders.
Alis has a highly experienced and scientifically knowledgeable team that works collaboratively with shareholders, management, and boards. It has a flexible approach, with different innovative structures, all adaptable, which provide a mechanism to return capital to shareholders, while also allowing stakeholders the option to further develop residual IP if enough stakeholders, in collaboration with external advisors, suggest there is potential.
Multiomic analysis will be used to validate the residual IP within companies to determine whether a positive outcome is achievable. The feedback from this work, carried out over a relatively short period of time, will then be used to determine whether a different path forward is possible for any of the residual IP left within a particular company.
For more information, please visit: www.alisbiosciences.com
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Forbes Recognizes DXC’s Consulting Excellence in 2025 World’s Best Management Consulting Firms Ranking
ASHBURN, Va., May 16, 2025 /CNW/ – DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), a leading Fortune 500 global technology services provider, has been named to the prestigious Forbes World’s Best Management Consulting Firms 2025 list for the third year in a row. Out of 955,000 consulting firms in the U.S., fewer than 0.02% made the ranking, which is based on a rigorous survey of 2,350 clients and peers across 33 categories.
“This recognition highlights DXC’s deep industry expertise and unwavering commitment to driving business transformation through consulting and engineering,” said Howard Boville, President, Consulting & Engineering Services – Powered by AI. “As enterprises accelerate their digital evolution in the era of AI, we continue to deliver intelligent, scalable and secure solutions that help our clients innovate, optimize and gain competitive advantages industries.”
The consulting sector remains one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding areas within professional services. A recent analysis by the Business Research Company projects that the global management consulting market will exceed $1.07 trillion in 2025, growing from $1.02 trillion in 2024. By 2029, the market is expected to reach approximately $1.33 trillion. To help businesses navigate this vast industry and identify top consulting partners, Forbes and Statista have collaborated to create a definitive ranking of the world’s leading management consulting firms.
DXC earned recognitions in the following categories: Automotive, Digital Transformation, IT, Technology, Telecommunications, and IT Strategy & Implementation. With a global team of 50,000+ highly skilled engineers and consultants, DXC is driving innovation across industries like financial services; healthcare and life sciences; public sector; aerospace and defense; automotive and manufacturing, and more. From improving fraud detection in banking to enhancing safety in autonomous driving, we’re helping clients transform their operations and unlock the potential of AI. The complete list of honorees can be viewed on the Forbes website.
For more information on DXC Consulting and Engineering Services – Powered by AI, visit https://dxc.com/us/en/offerings/analytics-and-engineering
Forward Looking Statements
All statements in this press release that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute “forward-looking statements.” These statements represent current expectations and beliefs, and no assurance can be given that any result, goal or plan set forth in any forward-looking statement can or will be achieved. Such statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements, many of which are outside of our control. For a written description of these factors, see the section titled “Risk Factors” in DXC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and any updating information in subsequent SEC filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements which speak only as of the date they are made. We do not undertake any obligation to update or release any revisions to any forward-looking statement or to report any events or circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
About DXC Technology
DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) helps global companies run their mission-critical systems and operations while modernizing IT, optimizing data architectures, and ensuring security and scalability across public, private and hybrid clouds. The world’s largest companies and public sector organizations trust DXC to deploy services to drive new levels of performance, competitiveness, and customer experience across their IT estates. Learn more about how we deliver excellence for our customers and colleagues at DXC.com.
Angelena Abate, Media Relations, [email protected]; Roger Sachs, CFA, Investor Relations, +1-201 259-0801, [email protected]
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/forbes-recognizes-dxcs-consulting-excellence-in-2025-worlds-best-management-consulting-firms-ranking-302457866.html
New data shows personalized, mobile-first learning is essential to retaining and engaging the newest generation of frontline workers
WATERLOO, ON, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Generation Z (Gen Z) is reshaping the workforce—and setting new expectations for how training should support their success. According to Axonify’s latest report, Polling the frontline: Gen Z’s training and skills gaps, more than three-quarters (77%) of frontline Gen Z workers have faced situations where insufficient job-specific skills and training hindered their ability to complete tasks effectively. In these moments, nearly two-thirds (62%) reported feeling overwhelmed and anxious, over half (55%) experienced embarrassment and 14% even considered quitting their jobs. This new data from Axonify, a global leader in frontline training and performance, reveals the urgent need for employers to rethink how they train and support the newest generation of frontline talent.
The report surveyed 500 U.S. Gen Z frontline workers to understand what’s working—and where training is falling flat. For many, training begins and ends at onboarding. One in three received training only when they started their role, while 37% say they don’t have enough time to learn on the job. Others describe the training they did receive as disengaging or irrelevant, with 34% reporting that the content lacked interest or practical value. These gaps have real consequences: 67% of Gen Z workers say more consistent training would help reduce burnout, and 81% believe they would stay longer in their jobs if they had better ongoing support.
For Gen Z frontline workers, it’s not just about how much training they get—it’s about how relevant and applicable it is. Many say the content they receive isn’t personalized, doesn’t reflect their day-to-day challenges or fails to build confidence. In fact, 24% of respondents said they didn’t feel more confident after completing training, highlighting deeper issues with how knowledge is being delivered and reinforced.
“These findings underscore the critical need for employers to rethink their training strategies to better support Gen Z workers,” said Dave Carter, Chief Revenue Officer at Axonify. “By providing personalized, engaging and accessible training programs, organizations can not only bridge existing skills gaps but also enhance employee confidence, productivity and retention. It’s clear that adapting to the preferences of this new generation is essential for building a resilient and effective frontline workforce.”
Gen Z workers aren’t resistant to training—they’re asking for more of it, delivered with purpose, relevance and flexibility. Half of the respondents (50%) want personalized training tailored to their roles and career goals. Meanwhile, 35% prefer short video modules that are quick and easy to understand and another 35% want the option to learn on mobile devices. The shift toward more personalized, continuous learning is reshaping how frontline organizations approach training and development—and Gen Z is shining a spotlight on what they need to succeed. When training reflects these real-life situations, workers report greater confidence (90%), productivity (82%) and job satisfaction (81%)—all of which drive better outcomes for employers.
“This generation is digitally native and eager for work,” said Carter. “When training is personalized, practical and accessible, it enables Gen Z to grow with your organization instead of out of it.”
Learn more about the state of Gen Z frontline training in full – Polling the frontline: Gen Z’s training and skills gaps
Survey methodology: Axonify surveyed 500 retail, hospitality and food and beverage frontline workers within Generation Z (age 18- 28) in the U.S. using the online insights platform Pollfish. This survey was completed in April 2025.
About Axonify
Axonify is the #1 frontline-forward training and performance platform used by companies like Walmart, Kroger and Foot Locker. Over 4M users in 160+ countries use Axonify to onboard and train in five minutes a day. With personalized, AI-powered microlearning, custom training content, embedded communication, task management and more, Axonify is revolutionizing the way frontline workers learn, connect and get things done. Axonify is headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit axonify.com.
Media Contact:
Niveen Saleh
PR and Communications Manager
[email protected]
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/axonify-uncovers-the-training-disconnect-facing-gen-z-frontline-workers-302457330.html
NEW YORK, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins.
Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on May 16th
- U.S. equities trend higher, with the S&P 500 extending its win streak and closing just 3.7% below its record high, driven by easing trade tensions with China and softer-than-expected inflation data.
- The Producer Price Index unexpectedly fell in April, and retail sales saw only a slight increase, both contributing to positive market sentiment this week.
- As the NYSE celebrates its 233rd anniversary, it highlights major milestones including the launch of NYSE Texas and the trading innovations to allow efficient processing of historic message volume across its markets.
Opening Bell
The New York Stock Exchange welcomes ALS United to the podium to recognize ALS Awareness Month.
Closing Bell
The Asian American and Pacific Islander community celebrates AAPI Heritage Month at the NYSE’s 3rd Annual AAPI Bell Celebration.
Download the NYSE TV App and Subscribe Here
Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2689434/NYSE_Market_Update_May_16.mp4
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nyse-content-advisory-pre-market-update–nyse-celebrates-233-years-forward-302457768.html
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