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The Bicester Collection announces the winners of the Unlock Her Future Prize 2024 LATAM Edition

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The start-up competition for women social entrepreneurs empowering positive impact in Latin America has awarded the prize to Thamires Pontes (Brazil), Valentina Agudelo (Colombia), Annie Rosas (Mexico) and Leydi Cruz (Bolivia), which includes individual grants of up to US$100,000.

MADRID, June 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Bicester Collection, a family of 12 distinctive shopping destinations across Europe, China and soon the US, in partnership with Tecnológico de Monterrey and Ashoka Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, announced the winners of the Unlock Her Future Prize 2024 LATAM Edition during a prize-giving ceremony in Madrid’s Galería de Cristal.

The Unlock Her Future Prize, which launched its first edition in the MENA region in 2023, is a cornerstone of The Bicester Collection’s philanthropic programme, DO GOOD, unified by the shared mission to empower women and children across the globe. With the support of key regional partners, Tecnológico de Monterrey and Ashoka Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, the 2024 edition of the Unlock Her Future Prize identifies and supports women social entrepreneurs across Latin America – regardless of age – who possess inspiring, early-stage start-up ideas (less than three years in operation) that drive positive social, cultural or environmental impact, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

From an outstanding talent pool of 954 applicants embodying the entrepreneurial drive of the LATAM region, an International Selection Committee identified eight finalists who embarked on an intensive skills accelerator with Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico City before travelling to Sao Paulo to pitch their start-ups to a panel of distinguished judges. The panel included Elena Foguet, Business Director at The Bicester Collection; Maria-Noel Vaeza, Regional Director for the Americas and Caribbean at UN Women; Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Chief Strategy Officer and CEO Orient Express at Accor S.A; Mireya Cisneros, Philanthropist and Businesswoman; Paola Rojas, journalist and television news anchor; and Luiza Helena Trajano, Chair of the Board at Magazine Luiza.

At the prize-giving ceremony in Madrid’s glistening Galería de Cristal, Paola Rojas – the evening’s Master of Ceremonies and Prize judge – announced the winners of the Unlock Her Future Prize 2024 LATAM Edition, recognising the exceptional talent of:

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Thamires Pontes, Brazil
PHYCOLABS: Develops products and technologies, harnessing the potential of seaweed as an alternative to replace petrochemical materials.

Valentina Agudelo, Colombia
SALVA HEALTH: Develops portable devices with AI to analyse breast tissue, helping detect breast cancer early and making it accessible to women in remote areas.

While there are three prizes on offer, the judges, inspired by the talent and innovation displayed by the finalists, unanimously agreed to split the third prize between two impressive candidates. This prize, which is sponsored by Grupo Financiro Banorte, will be shared by:

Annie Rosas, Mexico
BLUEKALI: A social enterprise utilising technology to clean oceans and rivers, addressing challenges in recycling plant material collection and uplifting scavenger jobs.

Leydi Cruz, Bolivia
AGRIMET: Aids climate resilience for small farmers through a specialised data subscription and consultancy service, enabling them to improve their agricultural practices in irrigation management and generate higher yields.

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Each winner will receive a grant of up to US US$100,000, accompanied by a programme of expert mentorship and ongoing education to nurture their entrepreneurial skills and accelerate the successful launch and growth of their start-up ventures. The programme is presented with the generous support of Grupo Financiero Banorte and Creel, García-Cuellar, Aiza y Enriquez and UN Women.

Additionally, Kristal de Valle, 17 from Guatemala, was recognised as the Unlock Her Future Prize Young Game Changer for MINDVERSE, her mission to empower students to discover and develop their full potential through personalised education. Supported by a virtual avatar tutor powered by artificial intelligence, it aims to offer 24/7 access to education beyond the classroom and embrace the diverse skills and needs of students.

Chantal Khoueiry, Chief Culture Officer at The Bicester Collection, commented: “Empowering these visionary women is about more than celebrating their individual successes; it’s about fostering ecosystems of innovation and resilience that can transform societies. Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the four Latin American women who have won the Unlock Her Future Prize 2024 LATAM Edition. They are architects of a brighter future, inspiring us all with their unique visions for sustainable, equitable and inclusive growth.”

The winners were joined by the additional four finalists of the Unlock Her Future Prize 2024 LATAM Edition:

Andrea Nunes, Venezuela
EASY CLEAN WATER: Provides drinking water to Latin American communities through solar purification systems, promoting health, local development and environmental preservation.

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Florencia Sosa, Argentina
ANDINA: Empowers women who work with vicuña wool in the Puna de Catamarca, combining ancient craft techniques with modern technology. Each piece tells a story, enhanced through Web 3.0, a triple-impact enterprise that reinvests profits in community training.

Gabriela de Sá, Brazil
COLORAR: A mobile application supporting women in Brazil and Latin America facing domestic violence, offering comprehensive assistance from reporting to education, to achieving financial independence.

Shirley Matos, Panama
INFONIMADOS: Transforms education into an entertaining experience through the creation of animated content for people of all ages, bridging the gap between learning and entertainment.

In honour of the achievements of all of these remarkable women, the star-studded prize-giving ceremony in Madrid featured a keynote address from Unlock Her Future Prize judge Maria-Noel Vaeza, Regional Director for the Americas and Caribbean at UN Women, a dance performance by Spain’s Got Talent finalists, Lola’s Girls, in celebration of the cultural richness of Madrid, a reading by Mexican poet Maria Milo, and the European debut of 19-year-old Mexican singer, Lucerito Mijares.

A global initiative celebrating a different geographical region each year, The Bicester Collection has announced that, in 2025, the Unlock Her Future Prize will travel to South Asia

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To learn more about the prize, visit UnlockHerFuturePrize.com

@DoGood_TheBicesterCollection

#DoGood #UnlockHerFuture#TheBicesterCollection

 

NOTE TO EDITORS

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About The Bicester Collection

The Bicester Collection is a family of 12 distinctive shopping destinations in Europe, China and soon the US, defined by extraordinary experiences while offering remarkable value. The Collection, created and operated by Value Retail, brings together the world’s most discerning guests and the world’s most renowned brands – often for the first time – on a journey of discovery. The Villages are located close to some of Europe’s and China’s most celebrated cities: London, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Madrid, Dublin, Brussels, Munich, Frankfurt, Shanghai, Suzhou and, opening in September 2024, New York. Collectively home to more than 1,300 boutiques, The Bicester Collection offers guests an ever-evolving curation of fashion and lifestyle brands, world-famous restaurants, exciting pop-ups, and imaginative art installations throughout the year. For more than a quarter of a century since its founding, The Bicester Collection’s mission has been to make the lives of others better – from the communities it serves to its guests, brand partners and its people. Through its DO GOOD programme, The Bicester Collection aims to drive sustainable social change in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on unlocking futures for women and children, wherever they’re born. Discover more at TheBicesterCollection.com

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UK FINANCIAL MARKETS STEADY ON ELECTION DAY: CAXTON FX EXPERTS TO STAY VIGILANT

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LONDON, July 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the UK heads to the polls today, financial markets are holding steady as forecasts predict a new Labour government. The long-anticipated shift seems imminent, with Labour maintaining a consistent 20-point lead in key polls since October 2022.

Payments firm, Caxton, analyst David Stritch says that Labour’s proposed economic policies are fiscally orthodox and align closely with those of the Conservatives. “The fundamental UK outlook is left largely unchanged,” Strict explains. “We do not anticipate a Brexit-style depreciation in Sterling and could even see a modest appreciation as the uncertainty is removed.”

Despite the market’s current stability, Caxton remains vigilant. The firm’s FX desk will operate through the night, ready to assist clients in capitalising on potential Sterling gains or mitigating any losses from minor fluctuations.

For non-domiciled individuals, the upcoming changes in tax rules, effective from April 2025, signify a notable shift in the UK’s tax landscape.

Alana Parsons, Caxton’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “While these changes introduce new challenges, they also present opportunities for strategic planning. Jurisdictions like Gibraltar offer appealing alternatives for those looking to optimise their tax position while maintaining a high quality of life. We are working closely with our clients to navigate these changes effectively.”

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As the UK stands on the brink of potential political change, the fintech sector continues to adapt, demonstrating resilience and strategic foresight in the face of evolving economic policies.

About Caxton 
Caxton is an award winning fintech payments company which processes tens of millions of international and domestic transactions each year.  Website: https://www.caxton.io/cards

Media contact:
Lauren Smith
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0333 123 1815

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EQT and Kühne Holding invest in Flix, the global travel company

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  • EQT Future and Kühne Holding to acquire a 35% stake in Flix
  • Investment is part of a long-term strategic partnership built on a common vision for Flix’s next phase of profitable growth across new and existing markets and offerings
  • EQT is investing through EQT Future, its impact-driven, longer-hold fund, and will support Flix’s ambition to expand the offering of sustainable and affordable travel options

STOCKHOLM, July 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Flix SE (“Flix” or the “Company”), the global travel tech company, and EQT, the global investment organisation, together with Kühne Holding, representing one of the world’s leading logistics entrepreneurs and investors, today announce that a definitive agreement has been reached for EQT Future and Kühne Holding to acquire a 35% minority stake in Flix.

In addition to a primary investment in Flix, EQT Future and Kühne Holding will acquire shares from existing shareholders to build a long-term anchor shareholding in Flix. This investment will further strengthen Flix’s balance sheet and help accelerate the Company’s successful trajectory of profitable growth. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain customary conditions and regulatory approvals.

“We are delighted to welcome EQT Future and Kühne Holding as strong and purpose-driven investors with proven track records of building upon sustainable long-term investment strategies. Their capital and know-how will be a strong asset to our company’s overall strategic vision. We couldn’t ask for better partners to embark on the next chapter of Flix’s journey”, commented André Schwämmlein, CEO and Co-Founder of Flix.

“EQT Future backs high-quality, growing companies that have the potential to be sustainability leaders in their fields. Flix is the perfect example of this. We are deeply impressed by what André and his team have built, having developed Flix from a startup into the clear global market leader, operating in 43 countries,” said Andreas Aschenbrenner, Founding Partner and Deputy Head of the EQT Future advisory team. “For us at EQT, it is always about providing more than capital. We are proud to partner with Kühne Holding, one of the leading transportation and logistics investors, and together with André and his team, we are excited to support Flix’s strategic growth agenda over the long-term. We aim to ensure Flix’s low carbon solution to long-distance travel reaches even more people across the world and believe that Flix is on a path to being the category defining player in mass ground transportation, with huge potential to become a household name in the industry and beyond.”

Dominik de Daniel, CEO Kühne Holding AG, commented: “Flix is driving the next generation of collective transport. The Kühne Holding is proud to actively support them as a strategic partner in their next phase of expansion. Over the past few months, we have established a great relationship with the colleagues of EQT Future. We have great confidence in André Schwämmlein and his team and very much look forward to supporting Flix’s future in a beneficial partnership.”

Karl Gernandt, Chairman Kühne Holding AG, added: “As one of the largest strategic investors in the transport and mobility sector, the Kühne Holding is now taking a further step into the market for collective transport by bus. With Flix’s proven asset-light operating model, we see great synergies with our other investments in the transport sector. Furthermore, we want to support the expansion strategy of their international network. We are building on the great successes that Flix has achieved in establishing the bus as the leading sustainable means of transport – for more than a decade in Europe and now also overseas.”

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Driving profitable growth

The investment comes at a time of continued significant growth momentum and strategic expansion at Flix. The company reported 30 percent total revenue growth in 2023 and thus, for the first time, reached EUR 2 billion in annual total revenue. This comes at an increased profitability with adjusted EBITDA of EUR 104 million in 2023. The strong momentum enables Flix to deliver on strategic targets such as the expansion of its global footprint, transforming the North American bus market and further scaling FlixTrain to respond to the rising demand for alternative rail services in Germany.

Expanding the global footprint

To further strengthen its geographical presence, Flix has recently entered two of the most important bus markets worldwide: Chile and India. The company’s global footprint now stretches across 43 countries worldwide. With both FlixBus and FlixTrain, the European expansion is moving forward. FlixBus is significantly expanding its services in UK, Portugal and Ukraine and has launched in Norway and Finland. Flix’s clear ambition is to reach market leadership in these markets.

Advancing the North America business

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Flix has been operating in the United States since 2018. In 2021, the company acquired Greyhound Lines, an iconic intercity bus service provider, further expanding its reach, including in Canada and Mexico. The transformation and integration of operations into the Flix platform is well underway and increasingly reflected in a growing asset-light share, driving growth and profitability in the market.

With growth comes responsibility

Flix is on a continuous mission to deliver a great travel experience while constantly reviewing the impact of its business. To underpin the Company’s commitment to a responsible business model, Flix recently published its second voluntary ESG report for 2023. With its vision to drive sustainable and affordable travel, Flix aligns strongly with EQT Future’s mission to support market leading businesses which improve our planet through the products and services they deliver, while having the potential to shape their industries.

Contacts

EQT: Press Office, [email protected]

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Flix: Lara Hesse, [email protected] 

Kühne Holding: Dominique Nadelhofer, [email protected] 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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Hainan FTP promotion & exchange activities held in Germany

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HAIKOU, China, July 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A report from Hainan International Media Center (HIMC):

From July 1-3, a delegation from Hainan Province, China, held Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) promotion and exchange activities in Germany, promoting exchange and cooperation between Hainan and Germany in the fields of energy conservation & carbon reduction, medicine & wellness, and advanced manufacturing.

During their time in Germany, the Hainan delegation held discussions and research meetings with ZEISS Medical Technology, Siemens Energy, the German Energy Agency, EUREF-Campus Düsseldorf, the Volkswagen Group, Italy’s Zambon Group, and Germany’s Hänsler Medical Group, as well as other groups in order to promote cooperation in related fields. 

According to the strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding signed by Hainan’s provincial government and Siemens Energy, the two parties plan to cooperate in R&D, manufacturing, and applications in the field of hydrogen energy.

On July 3, Hainan Province and the Bank of China jointly held the ‘Invest in China‘ Hainan Free Trade Port Europe Conference in Frankfurt, Germany. At the event, the Hainan delegation gave an introduction to the province’s free trade port policies as well as development and investment opportunities in high-tech industries available to all, welcoming European companies to invest, start businesses, and vacation in Hainan.

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During the signing ceremony, a number of Hainan companies signed cooperation agreements or letters of intent with German counterparts, and the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Germany.

Attracting more than 500 people from all walks of life, the event was well received, with representatives from companies, business associations, and government departments located across 12 European countries in attendance. Companies in many key areas including high-tech manufacturing, software engineering, finance, vehicle engineering, bio-medicine, corporate consulting, international logistics, and international trade also took part.

As a new frontier of China’s reform and opening up, the Hainan FTP will continue to explore further cooperation with European partners and promote deeper and broader ties with the continent.

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