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AccessPay secures £350k in first Praetura Ventures investment Manchester-based #fintech company #AccessPay has received a significant boost with a £350,000 investment from #Praetura Ventures. This marks the first investment made via the Praetura Growth VCT (Venture Capital Trust), which was launched in 2023. This strategic move aligns with Praetura Ventures’ focus on supporting regionally diverse UK startups, particularly those based in the North of England. Founded in 2012, AccessPay specializes in integrating digital banking tools into the systems of corporate clients, helping automate the complex area of banking payments. The company's impressive growth and proven market fit have made it a standout in the fintech industry. Anish Kapoor, CEO of AccessPay, leads the company with a vision to expand its international presence and enhance its product offerings to better serve clients worldwide. Praetura Ventures, a northern-focused VC firm, launched the Praetura Growth VCT targeting an initial raise of £10 million to back early-stage businesses. This investment in AccessPay underscores their commitment to fostering innovation in the North of England. The £350,000 investment will enable AccessPay to further develop its products and expand internationally, ensuring they can meet the growing needs of their global client base. This funding follows a successful £18.8 million round in March, highlighting continued investor confidence in AccessPay's potential. Sam McArthur, partner at Praetura Ventures, expressed admiration for AccessPay’s success, noting that the firm’s growth and market fit align well with their investment strategy. Anish Kapoor emphasized that the investment is a testament to the hard work of their team and the robust growth they’ve achieved. Kapoor added that the funding will help them expand their international presence and further develop their product offerings. Praetura Ventures plans to add several more companies based in the north of England to the VCT’s portfolio in the coming weeks. This investment in AccessPay is just the beginning of Praetura Ventures' strategy to support innovative businesses in the region. The article on #UKtech in the first comment. Want to stay up to date with the market? Here my newsletter: - Linkedin: https://t.ly/s541W   - Substack: https://lnkd.in/dzfGJzmW

Index Ventures Announces $2.3bn in New Funds at a Historical Inflection Point for Startups “Even though technology has transformed our daily lives, the reality is that it has so much further to go,” said Shardul Shah, partner at Index Ventures. “AI alone will revolutionize virtually every sector of the economy and open up whole industries to venture that have remained virtually untouched. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people have worked in hypergrowth startups globally and can transfer those lessons to the next generation of companies. We’re energized by the unique opportunities that this historical moment presents and excited to partner with founders to solve the world’s trickiest and most consequential problems.” https://lnkd.in/dzj2G9Y9 #fintech #finance #banking #paytech #payments #fintechnews #paymentsnews

US fintech Carta expands to Australia to support the local startup and private market ecosystem #australianfintech #fintech #fintechnews #finance #financialtechnology #usfintech #privatemarkets #startups #startupnews #australianstartups

Molten Ventures writes up Revolut stake by 20% Molten Ventures has written up the value of its stake in British fintech Revolut as the investment firm’s annual report shows the total value of its portfolio has grown to £1.38bn. Molten Ventures said it now values its stake in Revolut at £65.1m, a 20% year-over-year increase as of March 2024, but still down on the £91.3m value it ascribed to its stake in 2022. The venture capital firm also made an additional £4m investment into Revolut during its latest reporting period. The London-listed VC firm backed Revolut during its $250m (£196m) Series C round in 2018. Revolut’s last publicly shared valuation stood at $33bn in 2021. An investment trust managed by Schroders wrote up the value of its stake in Revolut by 45% in April, in a further sign that investors are once again warming to one of Britain’s biggest fintech companies. The Molten Ventures report also revealed it has slashed the value of its stake in semiconductor company Graphcore by 45%, down from £37.2m in 2023 to £20.6m. It comes amid speculation that the Bristol-based firm is in talks about being acquired. Other firms in Molten’s portfolio include quantum computing company Riverlane, fintech Thought Machine and digital training platform CoachHub. Molten Ventures invested £65m during the year ended 31 March 2024. The company said the weighted average revenue growth of its core portfolio is expected to be over 50% for the calendar year 2024. “This has been a productive year for Molten. We’ve continued to enhance our innovative platform to capture the exceptional investment opportunities available in backing high growth, disruptive, UK and European technology firms,” said CEO Martin Davis. “The underlying performance of our portfolio companies remain strong, with valuations continuing to stabilise as the macroeconomic environment shows signs of improvement.” In its last report, the VC revealed its portfolio value had dropped by nearly £200m. The firm’s current portfolio value remains around 10% less than in 2022. Subscribe for more news https://lnkd.in/d94JgWBU Source UK Tech #fintech #venturecapital #banking

💡 How will the rise of new venture firms shape the future of fintech innovation? The fintech landscape is buzzing with excitement as Michael Gilroy, the former head of fintech investments at Coatue, partners with tech veteran and angel investor Gokul Rajaram to launch a new venture firm. With plans to raise a staggering $400 million to $500 million for their inaugural fund early next year, this dynamic duo is positioning themselves to make a significant impact on early-stage U.S.-based fintech startups. Gilroy's expertise in high-stakes investments and Rajaram's extensive experience across multiple technology sectors present an incredible opportunity for innovative companies looking for guidance and capital. As they embark on this ambitious journey, many wonder: what fresh perspectives will they bring to an already thriving industry? For entrepreneurs seeking funding from experienced investors who understand the unique challenges of today’s rapidly evolving financial technology landscape, this could be just the starting line. The establishment of this venture firm not only indicates a growing interest in finance-driven tech solutions but also promises assistance in navigating through complex markets. The nuanced approach that both Gilroy and Rajaram plan to adopt could very well reshape how we view investing within fintech — encouraging more diverse ideas while supporting companies pushing boundaries. Will established players heed their outlook on where investment should head next? Connect with startups to drive your corporate innovation 🚀 Book a meeting! https://lnkd.in/dFYwmbHq #Fintech #VentureCapital #StartupInvesting #Innovation #AngelInvesting #FundingNews #TechInvestment #FinancialTechnology #EarlyStageFunding #Entrepreneurship Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dX9AXDY3

Elevator Ventures launches €70M fund to fuel fintech and banking Iinnovation #Elevator Ventures proudly announces the launch of EV II, a €70M Venture Capital fund aimed at propelling Series A & B stage companies into new heights of innovation and growth. The company, #VC arm of Raiffeisen Bank International AG is trying to bridge financing gaps and nurturing startups that are poised to redefine the financial landscape. Born from the success of RBI’s accelerator program Elevator Lab, has since its inception in 2018, been at the forefront of discovering and collaborating with startups that show exceptional promise. The Elevator Lab program has laid the groundwork for fruitful partnerships with groundbreaking companies like Kompany and Pisano, setting a solid foundation for Elevator Ventures to thrive. This ambitious fund saw substantial participation from Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), Raiffeisen-Holding Niederösterreich-Wien, and Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark, all of whom share a vision for fostering innovation in the fintech and beyond banking sectors. EV II is set to make waves primarily in the #Fintech sector, as well as in industries beyond traditional banking. From e-signatures and RegTech to agriculture tech and alternative banking platforms, the fund is poised to impact a wide range of fields. Elevator Ventures’ focus is particularly on startups that blend innovative business models with cutting-edge technologies, emphasizing the fast-emerging startup ecosystem in Central and Eastern Europe. The launch of EV II is a game-changer, promising to bring forth a new era of financial services that are more integrated, efficient, and accessible. By investing in startups that are at the forefront of technological shifts, Elevator Ventures is not only looking to generate financial returns but also to contribute to the strategic evolution of the banking industry. The announce on #Elevator website in the first comment. Want to stay up to date with the market? Here my newsletter: - Linkedin: https://t.ly/s541W   - Substack: https://lnkd.in/dzfGJzmW

📣 Three amazing #FinTech #Startups based in #Berlin made it to the finals of #StartupChamps, which will be part of the first international Fintech Festival: FIBE Berlin. 📣 Who they are and what they do? We asked, they answered. 💪 We are happy to introduce one of the three Berlin-based finalists: NAO How was the idea for NAO born? The idea for NAO was inspired by NAO Founder & CEO Robin Binder, who observed a gap in investment opportunities available to private investors, particularly in private market products. His background in banking and asset management, combined with his insights into the limitations faced by average investors, led him to envision a platform that democratizes access to these exclusive investment opportunities.   What do you offer? NAO offers a multi-asset investment platform that makes exclusive financial products like private equity, infrastructure funds, hedge funds and reverse convertible bonds accessible to a broader audience. Starting with a minimum investment of just €1,000, NAO empowers investors to engage in markets traditionally reserved for the wealthy or institutional investors, using a mobile-first approach to simplify the investment process. What makes NAO unique? NAO's uniqueness lies in its approach to democratizing investment opportunities by enabling investors to access private and alternative markets as easily as buying ETFs. The solution creates strong value by lowering the barriers to entry to as little as €1,000, operating through an easy-to-use app with an intuitive and broker-like UI/UX, and offering a curated selection of high-quality investments. In addition, NAO's commitment to transparency and its partnerships with leading financial institutions enhance the credibility and appeal of its offerings.   Why is Berlin the place to be? Berlin is crucial to NAO’s founding story due to its vibrant tech ecosystem and status as a FinTech hub. The city’s mix of creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and supportive community provides an ideal environment for innovation and disruption in the financial sector. Berlin's resources and networks, like Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH, offer support and opportunities for new ventures. What would you recommend to others who are considering founding a business? For those looking to start their own business, the importance of understanding the market need, checking the potential market size, and building strong networks. It’s crucial to have a clear vision and a commitment to solving real problems with outstanding potential instead of imagining a problem where no real problem is. Further, engaging with supportive networks and being located in an entrepreneurial ecosystem can provide necessary resources and guidance. Finally, founders should prepare for challenges and learn from mistakes, using them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Thank you NAO! #startupberlin #fibe #fintech #entrepreneurs

These are the 32 most exciting European fintech startups to watch in 2024, according to venture capitalists #software #funding #vc #financing #thirdparty #services #startup #it #funding

💡 How will the rise of new venture firms shape the future of fintech innovation? The fintech landscape is buzzing with excitement as Michael Gilroy, the former head of fintech investments at Coatue, partners with tech veteran and angel investor Gokul Rajaram to launch a new venture firm. With plans to raise a staggering $400 million to $500 million for their inaugural fund early next year, this dynamic duo is positioning themselves to make a significant impact on early-stage U.S.-based fintech startups. Gilroy's expertise in high-stakes investments and Rajaram's extensive experience across multiple technology sectors present an incredible opportunity for innovative companies looking for guidance and capital. As they embark on this ambitious journey, many wonder: what fresh perspectives will they bring to an already thriving industry? For entrepreneurs seeking funding from experienced investors who understand the unique challenges of today’s rapidly evolving financial technology landscape, this could be just the starting line. The establishment of this venture firm not only indicates a growing interest in finance-driven tech solutions but also promises assistance in navigating through complex markets. The nuanced approach that both Gilroy and Rajaram plan to adopt could very well reshape how we view investing within fintech — encouraging more diverse ideas while supporting companies pushing boundaries. Will established players heed their outlook on where investment should head next? Connect with startups to drive your corporate innovation 🚀 Book a meeting! https://lnkd.in/dFYwmbHq #Fintech #VentureCapital #StartupInvesting #Innovation #AngelInvesting #FundingNews #TechInvestment #FinancialTechnology #EarlyStageFunding #Entrepreneurship Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dX9AXDY3

💡 How will the rise of new venture firms shape the future of fintech innovation? The fintech landscape is buzzing with excitement as Michael Gilroy, the former head of fintech investments at Coatue, partners with tech veteran and angel investor Gokul Rajaram to launch a new venture firm. With plans to raise a staggering $400 million to $500 million for their inaugural fund early next year, this dynamic duo is positioning themselves to make a significant impact on early-stage U.S.-based fintech startups. Gilroy's expertise in high-stakes investments and Rajaram's extensive experience across multiple technology sectors present an incredible opportunity for innovative companies looking for guidance and capital. As they embark on this ambitious journey, many wonder: what fresh perspectives will they bring to an already thriving industry? For entrepreneurs seeking funding from experienced investors who understand the unique challenges of today’s rapidly evolving financial technology landscape, this could be just the starting line. The establishment of this venture firm not only indicates a growing interest in finance-driven tech solutions but also promises assistance in navigating through complex markets. The nuanced approach that both Gilroy and Rajaram plan to adopt could very well reshape how we view investing within fintech — encouraging more diverse ideas while supporting companies pushing boundaries. Will established players heed their outlook on where investment should head next? Connect with startups to drive your corporate innovation 🚀 Book a meeting! https://lnkd.in/dFYwmbHq #Fintech #VentureCapital #StartupInvesting #Innovation #AngelInvesting #FundingNews #TechInvestment #FinancialTechnology #EarlyStageFunding #Entrepreneurship Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dX9AXDY3