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MEXICAN STARTUP CLARA RECEIVES $150 MILLION IN DEBT FINANCING FROM GOLDMAN SACHS
Clara, the leading Latin American tech startup that offers an end-to-end corporate spend management solution for companies in the region, announced today approved financing from Goldman Sachs for an initial $50 million with the option to upsize to $150 million.
“This financing will fuel our planned regional growth and will also allow us to successfully serve more companies, in more countries throughout the region, with our corporate card and spend management platform, as well as our innovative short-term liquidity solutions,”
“This new credit line will allow us to more than double our coverage in Mexico while focusing additional resources in our product and geographic expansion.”
Gerry Giacomán Colyer, CEO & co-founder, Clara.
Clara will be able to maintain the rapid expansion of its corporate card, accounts payables, and short-term financing solutions for companies in Latin America thanks to the facility. By the end of the year, the company hopes to have doubled the number of businesses it works with in Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, which presently total over 6,000.
In addition to working with Goldman Sachs, Clara announced the hiring of André Henrique Santoro who will join the team as Chief Risk Officer. Santoro brings over 15 years of risk management experience including stints at CitiBank and RappiBank Brasil.
“This deal gives Clara more capital to grow our operations and consolidate our infrastructure,”
“Goldman Sachs’ loan highlights the capital market’s belief in Clara’s business model while also showcasing our potential for further growth.”
André Henrique Santoro, Global Chief Risk Officer (CRO), Clara.
Also, the company announced that Tina Reich, former Chief Credit Officer at American Express, has been working closely with Clara in an advisory capacity.
“Clara brings a unique combination to the global fintech industry,”
“The ability to recognize underserved LATAM markets and to seamlessly scale existing operations to fulfill the demand in those new regions. Now, by working with Goldman Sachs, Clara is ready to begin an exciting new chapter, while continuing to support the growth and success of Latin American enterprise.”
Tina (Chan) Reich, Advisor, Clara.
Already supported by various well-known worldwide equity investment firms, such as Coatue, General Catalyst DST Global, monashees, and Kaszek. The business began operations in Mexico and Brazil in 2021 and declared its official expansion to Colombia in March of this year. Eight months after operations began, the company received a $70M Series B financing round in December 2021, making it the fastest company in Latin America to achieve unicorn status.
ASTROPAY EXPANDS SERVICES WITH THE LAUNCH OF GLOBAL AFFILIATES PROGRAMME
AstroPay, the preferred online payment solution for millions of customers worldwide, has introduced a flagship global Affiliate Programme to give people and companies who wish to make money online and expand their company prospects. The new programme aims to expand AstroPay’s clientele globally while supplying a reliable partner for individuals who are professionally committed to affiliate marketing.
AstroPay created the programme to give affiliate partners access to exclusive offers where they can earn money continuously for each new customer who signs up for the payment platform. The programme offers dedicated teams, knowledge of sales conversion, and revenue sharing commissions of up to 20%. The AstroPay payment platform/solutions have been tried and tested for cross-border payments, so affiliate partners can rely on multilingual assistance and local expertise for any of their needs.
A wide variety of partners, including platforms, comparison websites, and content producers in the payment sector as well as iGaming, forex trading, and many others, will be welcomed by AstroPay.
The programme will be accessible through hundreds of retailers who use AstroPay as a form of payment in countries around Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe.
“I am excited to see our new programme go live today. The Affiliate Programme is a new way of doing business with AstroPay. All those who are professionally dedicated to affiliate marketing will be very welcome and we look forward to working together and rewarding partners with a robust partnership that provides added value through an alternative way to continue growing their business.”
Leonardo Alonso, Head of Affiliates at AstroPay.
No matter what vertical industry affiliate partners are from, the programme is made to offer flexibility and agility and is compatible with any other programmes they may already be enrolled in.
THE BACKBASE ENGAGEMENT BANKING PLATFORM IS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE MICROSOFT AZURE MARKETPLACE
Backbase is proud to announce that the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform is now listed in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, apps and services are offered online for use with Azure. Customers of Backbase can benefit from the reliable and effective Azure cloud platform, which has simplified setup and maintenance.
This listing is the next exciting step in bringing customer-first banking to more financial institutions and Azure customers after launching a global collaboration with Microsoft in November 2021 to re-architect banking around the customer, integrating its Engagement Banking Platform with Microsoft Cloud for Financial Services.
“This is an exciting next step in Backbase and Microsoft’s collaboration,”
“With Microsoft as the cloud platform of choice, we’re making it easier for banks and credit unions to select the Engagement Banking Platform in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, enhancing the benefit of all new Backbase and existing Microsoft customers.”
Jouk Pleiter, Backbase Founder and CEO.
The Backbase Engagement Banking Platform serves as the engagement layer and fully utilizes Azure’s underlying capabilities in the Microsoft Cloud for Financial Services, an industry-specific, integrated collection of cloud solutions. Backbase provides pre-built customer journeys as well as a powerhouse of tools to enable banks to create unique services. Through the Backbase Marketplace, banks can additionally take advantage of Backbase’s connectivity with top core banking providers and best-in-class fintech fulfillment partners.
The sophisticated cloud-based infrastructure layer is then added by Microsoft, which also makes security, compliance, and interoperability easier. This enables banks and credit unions to adopt an end-to-end cloud-based operating model quickly.
“Through Microsoft Azure Marketplace, customers around the world can easily find, buy, and deploy partner solutions they can trust, all certified and optimized to run on Azure,”
“We’re happy to welcome the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform to the growing Azure Marketplace ecosystem.”
Jake Zborowski, General Manager, Microsoft Azure Platform at Microsoft Corp.
THOMA BRAVO TO ACQUIRE PING IDENTITY FOR $2.8B
A renowned software investment firm, Thoma Bravo, has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Ping Identity, a supplier of the Intelligent Identity solution for the enterprise, for $28.50 per share in an all-cash deal with an Enterprise Value of almost $2.8 billion. The offer is valued at about 63 percent more than Ping Identity’s closing share price on August 2, 2022, the final day of trading before the announcement of the deal, and at 52 percent more than the volume-weighted average price of the stock for the 60 days preceding.
“This compelling transaction is a testament to Ping Identity’s leading enterprise identity solutions, our talented team, and our outstanding customers and partners,”
“Identity security and frictionless user experiences have become essential in the digital-first economy and Ping Identity are better positioned than ever to capitalize on the growing demand from modern enterprises for robust security solutions. We are pleased to partner with Thoma Bravo, which has a strong track record of investing in high-growth cloud software security businesses and supporting companies with initiatives to turbocharge innovation and open new markets.”
Andre Durand, Ping Identity’s Chief Executive Officer.
“A tectonic shift is occurring in intelligent identity solutions for the enterprise,”
“Ping Identity’s unique capabilities and strong position in enterprise identity security make it a great platform to deliver customer outcomes, expand into new use cases and support digital transformations. We are highly impressed with the talented Ping Identity team and look forward to working collaboratively in the years to come.”
Seth Boro, a Managing Partner at Thoma Bravo.
“Ping Identity is a leader in intelligent identity solutions for the enterprise and is well-positioned to capitalize on the significant opportunities in the$50 billion Enterprise Identity security solutions area,”
“Our shared commitment to growth and innovation, combined with Thoma Bravo’s significant security software investing and operational expertise, will enable Ping Identity to accelerate its cloud transformation and delivery of industry-leading identity security experiences for the customers, employees and partners of large enterprises worldwide.”
Chip Virnig, a Partner at Thoma Bravo.
The Ping Identity Board of Directors unanimously authorized the deal, and it is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to the usual closing requirements, such as shareholder approval and regulatory approvals. The transaction’s closing is not contingent on any financial issues. Following the sale, Ping Identity will become a privately held corporation and its common stock will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. The Company’s headquarters will continue to be in Denver, Colorado.
About 9.7 percent of Ping Identity’s outstanding shares are owned by Vista Equity Partners, and the company has agreed to vote its shares in favor of the deal.
“This transaction is a great outcome, and one we firmly believe maximizes value for all stakeholders,”
“We wish Andre and the entire Ping Identity team continued success and thank them for their commitment and partnership over the last six years.”
Michael Fosnaugh, Co-Head of Vista’s Flagship Fund & Senior MD, & Ping Identity’s Chairman of the Board.
REVOLUT DEEPENS DIGITAL CURRENCY FOCUS WITH 22 NEW TOKENS
Revolut, the financial super-app with 20 million customers worldwide, today announced another push to the platform’s investment offering with the release of 22 new crypto tokens.
With these latest additions, Revolut’s cryptocurrency service now supports 80+ coins, an increase of x8 when compared to the beginning of 2021.
The newly announced cryptocurrency includes the Metaverse token APE, two DeFi tokens: REQ and ETC, and a wide range of other tokens, such as CLV, FORTH, AVAX, SAND, GALA, AXS, JASMY, ENS, DASH, FLOW, IMX, CRO, IDEX, REN, SPELL, PERP, BICO, COTI, and MLN. It is also available to customers in the UK and EEA.
“This is another big year of crypto, and we’ve given a big boost to our offering while empowering people to take more control of their finances and giving them safe access to new tools and services being built in crypto the space”
Emil Urmanshin, Crypto General Manager at Revolut.
Through its financial super-app, Revolut provides a wide range of financial goods, with cryptocurrency becoming a more and more popular option. Customers can set up a stop or limit order so they don’t have to time the market or use the Recurring Buy function to average out volatility. There are many other options to buy and sell cryptocurrency on Revolut. Additionally, customers can collect spare change while out shopping and deposit it in the cryptocurrency of their choice.
Revolut consumers in Britain are becoming more interested in crypto assets, as evidenced by the fact that this year’s number of transactions performed by British clients who bought cryptocurrencies increased by 20% over that of 2021.
Users can access all crypto tokens regardless of their plan, and Standard customers can upgrade to premium plans if they’re interested in receiving cheaper commissions. Customers can invest as little as $1 in crypto tokens. Revolut has unveiled a test program enabling Bitcoin withdrawals for users in the UK who are on the Metal plan. To enable users to transmit their tokens from Revolut to external wallets and exchanges, the company is looking into ways to introduce cryptocurrency withdrawals in Europe.
Customers of Revolut are reminded that cryptocurrencies are not subject to regulation and are not covered by investor protection plans. Cryptocurrency tokens are erratic investments with swift price fluctuations. The value of cryptocurrencies has the potential to fluctuate sharply both up and down, and trading may be taxed. Revolut supports increasing access to cryptocurrencies but recognizes that not everyone is a good fit for it. As a result, the business advises users to do their research before buying or selling cryptocurrencies. When buying or selling cryptocurrency, customers should consult unbiased sources, understand the distinctions between tokens, and take their individual situations into account. Money is at risk.
SAVANA RAISES $45M IN SERIES A FUNDING
Savana, a financial software player that helps banks and fintechs go digital, has raised $45 million in a Series A funding round led by growth-stage investor Georgian.
Fiserv, a major player in the fintech industry and a reseller of Savana, participated in the round.
A bank’s technological ecosystem is supposed to be “orchestrated” by Savana’s API-first, cloud-native digital delivery platform in order to break down silos and automate service for bank teams and requests made by customers.
The company claims that its technology can enable digital distribution by integrating easily with both new Gen3 platforms and conventional core banking systems.
“This funding round will help support the growth of our digital delivery platform to enable any bank, whether new or going through the transformation of existing technology infrastructure, to speed time to market of new products and services, support continuous digital innovation, and drive significant operational efficiency.”
Michael Sanchez, CEO, Savana.
GLOBAL PAYMENTS ENTERS DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE EVO PAYMENTS
Global Payments Inc., a leading worldwide provider of payment technology and software solutions, and EVO Payments, Inc., a leading global provider of payment technology integrations and acquiring solutions, today announced that Global Payments will acquire EVO in an all-cash transaction for $34.00 per share.
The deal will increase Global Payments’ target addressable markets significantly, strengthen its global leadership in integrated payments, increase its market share in existing faster-growing regions as well as new ones, and enhance its B2B software and payment solutions by incorporating accounts receivable software that is widely accepted by third parties.
“The acquisition of EVO is highly complementary to our technology-enabled strategy and provides meaningful opportunities to increase scale in our business globally,”
“Together with EVO, we are positioned to deliver an unparalleled suite of distinctive software and payment solutions to our combined 4.5 million merchant locations and more than 1,500 financial institutions worldwide.”
Cameron Bready, President and COO, Global Payments.
In addition to enhancing Global Payments’ scale in established markets including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, the purchase will increase its global footprint into desirable new geographies like Poland, Germany, Chile, and, following closure, Greece.
Along with enhancing Global Payments’ current B2B and accounts payable products, the acquisition will include industry-leading accounts receivable automation software capabilities. EVO will also introduce a number of important technological partners and proprietary connectors, including those with the most popular makers of ERP software.
“Joining EVO and Global Payments will unite highly complementary portfolios of technology-enabled products and partnerships to create an even stronger organization serving a broader customer base,”
“Over the last decade, the EVO team has worked diligently to advance our innovative solutions, strengthen the service we provide to our bank and technology-enabled partners, and grow our global footprint. This transaction is an achievement for our company, and we believe it delivers compelling value to our shareholders and accelerates our growth opportunities.”
Jim Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, EVO.
GOOGLE AND APPLE ARE BEING SCRUTINISED FOR SUSPECT CRYPTOCURRENCY APPS.
In the world of cryptocurrencies, fraudulent activity is still unchecked. Crypto trading apps are offered by organizations like Apple and Google. As thieves increasingly produce fake apps with names and logos, there has been an increase in fake apps based on these two.
Apple and Google Call for Scrutiny
Who provides this original(the logos, access to these companies, etc) information?
This is the reason why the two companies are being closely examined. The two businesses should respond to inquiries about their efforts to protect investors from fraud. They should also disclose how they keep an eye on cryptocurrency apps. How frequently they examine the procedure is also a cause for concern because it’s time to investigate the companies and see whether they’re the foundation for supporting cyber criminals.
Criminals having access to a company’s logo indicates that the company may have been involved in shady transactions. It is concerning that fraud is becoming more common even while cryptocurrency prices are falling. Cryptocurrency trading apps give users a simple way to transact, yet a lack of confidence may result in withdrawal.
The two have been questioned numerous times about the situation, but they still haven’t responded, despite having until early August to do so. It is concerning how many fraudulent apps there are in the Google and Apple stores, in addition to romance scams and other false medium exchanges. Scammers should be prevented before they cause cryptocurrency to disappear because there is still hope for the future of technology.
What Google and Apple can do?
The two businesses are able to educate investors about safe cryptocurrency app trading. Investors should be informed in some way when there are dubious apps. Reviews of trading apps should be conducted often to protect investors. This is because con artists constantly seek new tactics. The best solutions are consistently delivered by the technology developers for the advancement of crypto. In the meantime, digital currencies won’t have anything to rely on when they start to seem unreliable.
Put under examination, the two will modify their protocols for keeping an eye on crypto programs. In addition, they will outline their prior actions in relation to the situation. Examining the businesses is a significant step in the elimination of crooks since any weak inks will be exposed. The requirement for reviewing the apps has increased because Google and Apple serve as the foundation for crypto operations.