Fintech Spotlight

Tag: series b funding

  • Loft Dynamics raises $24M to scale VR flight training

    Loft Dynamics raises $24M to scale VR flight training

    Loft Dynamics has completed a $24 million Series B funding round to accelerate the adoption of virtual reality technology in commercial aviation training. The Swiss-based company, which developed the world’s first regulatory-approved VR helicopter simulator, now plans to transform how airlines train their pilots.

    The funding round was led by The Friedkin Group, with participation from Alaska Airlines through its venture capital arm, alongside existing investors Sky Dayton, Craft Ventures, and UP.Partners. This latest investment brings the company’s total funding to $60 million and signals growing industry confidence in VR-based training solutions.

    From Helicopters to Commercial Aviation

    Loft Dynamics initially gained recognition for creating VR helicopter simulators that earned both FAA and EASA certification. These systems are currently used by major operators including Airbus Helicopters, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and Air Greenland. The regulatory approval represents a significant milestone in establishing VR as a credible training platform.

    The company now aims to apply this expertise to commercial airline training, addressing what CEO Fabi Riesen describes as an outdated training infrastructure. “We’re still sending trainees across the country to sit in $10-$20 million, warehouse-sized domes—technology that hasn’t evolved in decades” Riesen explained.

    Next-Generation Training Systems

    The Series B funding will support development of cloud-connected training systems that integrate hardware and software components. The company plans to launch VR simulators for Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft, which will be significantly more compact and cost-effective than traditional full-flight simulators.

    These new systems will feature multi-crew replica cockpits with haptic feedback, body and eye tracking capabilities, and artificial intelligence-powered performance analysis. A key innovation called LofTWIN will allow instructors to record immersive training sessions that pilots can access repeatedly.

    The technology enables training for rare emergency scenarios and historical aviation incidents that would be impossible or dangerous to practice in real aircraft. This capability addresses a critical gap in current training programs, where pilots may never experience certain high-risk situations until they occur in actual flight.

    Strategic Investment Partners

    Dan Friedkin, chairman and CEO of Friedkin, will join Loft Dynamics’ board of directors as part of the investment. Friedkin brings extensive aviation experience as both a pilot and business leader across multiple industries including automotive, hospitality, and entertainment.

    “Loft Dynamics is defining the next era of aviation training,” Friedkin stated, highlighting the company’s potential to address urgent industry needs while improving safety standards.

    Alaska Airlines’ participation through Alaska Star Ventures reflects the airline industry’s direct interest in advanced training solutions. “We are excited to support Loft Dynamics in bringing FAA-qualified VR technology to commercial airline training” said Pasha Saleh, corporate development director at Alaska Airlines.

    Home Training Innovation

    Beyond traditional simulator facilities, Loft Dynamics is developing spatial computing-powered home training kits. These systems would allow pilots to review training sessions and access immersive content remotely, potentially transforming how ongoing pilot education is delivered.

    This approach could significantly reduce training costs and increase accessibility, particularly important given current pilot shortage challenges facing the aviation industry. The ability to conduct certain training elements at home could also improve work-life balance for pilots while maintaining high safety standards.

    Industry Impact and Future Outlook

    The aviation training market has remained largely unchanged for decades, relying on expensive, facility-based simulators that require significant capital investment. Loft Dynamics’ approach promises to reduce both the physical footprint and financial barriers to advanced pilot training.

    The company’s systems are reported to be up to 12 times smaller than conventional simulators while delivering comparable or superior training effectiveness. This size reduction could enable training facilities to operate in more locations, bringing advanced simulation closer to pilot bases.

    “High-quality, regular training leads to better pilots. And better pilots mean safer skies” Riesen emphasized, connecting the technology advancement to fundamental safety outcomes.

    The timing of this investment coincides with increasing demand for pilot training solutions as air travel recovers and new aviation technologies like electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft enter commercial service. Loft Dynamics positions itself to serve this expanding market with its proven regulatory compliance and technological capabilities.

    As the company scales its operations with the new funding, industry observers will monitor whether VR-based training can deliver on its promise to make pilot education more accessible, effective, and economical than traditional methods.

  • Gathern closes $72M series B to fuel Saudi hospitality growth

    Gathern closes $72M series B to fuel Saudi hospitality growth

    Saudi Arabia’s leading short-term rental platform Gathern has secured SAR 270 million ($72 million) in Series B funding, marking a pivotal moment for the kingdom’s alternative hospitality sector. The investment round, spearheaded by Sanabil Investments—a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund—attracted participation from notable investors including STV, Nuwa Capital, Endeavor Catalyst, and Pinnacle Capital.

    The funding round values the Riyadh-based company at over SAR 1 billion ($266 million), setting the stage for a potential public listing on the Saudi Exchange in coming months. This milestone represents one of the largest venture capital raises in the Saudi travel technology space and underscores growing investor confidence in the kingdom’s tourism transformation agenda.

    Market Leadership in Alternative Hospitality

    Since launching in 2017, Gathern has established itself as the dominant force in Saudi Arabia’s peer-to-peer accommodation market. The platform, founded by entrepreneurs Latifah Altamimi and Eman Alsuwailem, currently commands a 44% market share across the kingdom and an even stronger 53% share in the capital city of Riyadh.

    The company operates more than 35,000 accommodations spanning 280 cities, offering travelers access to traditional homes, heritage sites, and unique desert experiences managed by local hosts. Gathern holds the distinction of being the first short-term rental platform to receive official licensing from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, providing regulatory legitimacy in a rapidly evolving market.

    Impressive Growth Metrics Drive Investor Interest

    The funding success stems from remarkable growth statistics that demonstrate Gathern’s market traction. The platform has attracted over 5 million users representing 150 different nationalities, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as an international destination. More significantly, the company has facilitated SAR 2 billion in payments to local hosts, directly contributing to the kingdom’s economic diversification goals.

    Recent performance data shows exceptional momentum, with the company reporting growth exceeding 500% over the past two years. This expansion has supported more than 33,000 Saudi hosts, enabling property owners nationwide to generate sustainable income from their real estate assets while providing authentic cultural experiences to visitors.

    Strategic Expansion Plans and Technology Investment

    The fresh capital injection will primarily fuel Gathern’s domestic and international expansion strategy, with particular emphasis on attracting foreign visitors to Saudi Arabia. The company plans to strengthen its long-term accommodation offerings, addressing the growing demand for extended stays from business travelers and digital nomads.

    Technology infrastructure represents another key investment area, with funds allocated toward developing artificial intelligence-driven solutions to enhance user experiences. These improvements align with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to establish the kingdom as a global tourism and hospitality destination through digital innovation.

    Building on Previous Investment Success

    This Series B round follows Gathern’s pre-Series B funding completed in April 2022, which was led by Shurafa Real Estate Development alongside strategic partners including Al Majdia Residence, Al Ajlan Riviera, and Al Safa Real Estate Development. The progression demonstrates sustained investor appetite for Saudi hospitality technology ventures.

    Earlier this year, Gathern earned recognition through its selection as an Endeavor Entrepreneur, highlighting its trajectory toward becoming a regional hospitality leader. This endorsement from the global entrepreneurship network further validates the company’s business model and growth potential.

    Economic Impact and Future Outlook

    The platform’s contribution of over SAR 2 billion to the local economy illustrates its role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector development. By connecting international visitors with local hosts, Gathern facilitates cultural exchange while creating economic opportunities across multiple regions of the kingdom.

    As Saudi Arabia continues implementing tourism initiatives under Vision 2030, companies like Gathern serve as critical infrastructure enabling the sector’s expansion. The anticipated public listing will provide additional growth capital while offering Saudi retail investors exposure to the kingdom’s hospitality transformation.

    The successful funding round positions Gathern to capitalize on increasing international interest in Saudi Arabia as a travel destination, while its technology investments should enhance competitive advantages in the regional market. With regulatory support and strong financial backing, the platform appears well-equipped to maintain its leadership position as the Saudi hospitality sector continues evolving.

  • Pylon secures $31M series B for AI B2B support platform

    Pylon secures $31M series B for AI B2B support platform

    Pylon has closed a $31 million Series B funding round co-led by Andreessen Horowitz and Bain Capital Ventures, bringing the B2B support platform’s total capital raised to $51 million. The financing comes as the company reports serving more than 750 customers and achieving five times year-over-year revenue growth for two consecutive years.

    The San Francisco-based startup, founded in November 2022, has positioned itself as an alternative to traditional customer service platforms by focusing specifically on business-to-business support operations. General Catalyst, Y Combinator, and other existing investors participated in the latest round.

    Migration from Legacy Platforms

    More than 150 companies have switched to Pylon from established providers including Zendesk, Intercom, and Salesforce Service Cloud, according to the company. Customers include Together AI, Cognition, Temporal, and AssemblyAI.

    The platform emerged from an observation that B2B companies were conducting customer support through modern communication channels like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Discord rather than traditional email and ticketing systems. Where others saw inefficiency, Pylon’s founders identified an opportunity for purpose-built tooling.

    B2B Support Differentiation

    Pylon argues that business-to-business customer support differs fundamentally from business-to-consumer interactions. B2B relationships involve higher-value accounts where each interaction carries greater weight in maintaining long-term partnerships.

    The problems addressed in B2B environments typically require extensive product knowledge and understanding of specific customer implementations, rather than simple troubleshooting. Support teams in business environments often span multiple functions including customer success, solutions engineering, account management, and implementation specialists.

    Account-Level Context

    Business support requires comprehensive account context including contract values, feature usage patterns, key stakeholder relationships, renewal risks, and expansion opportunities. Traditional platforms designed for consumer interactions struggle to provide this level of relationship intelligence.

    AI Integration Strategy

    Rather than building AI chatbots for customer deflection, Pylon has focused on augmenting human agents with artificial intelligence tools. The company’s AI agents reportedly reduce routine ticket work by 50 percent, while AI assistants help agents work up to three times faster through instant context and automated workflows.

    The platform’s Account Intelligence feature transforms conversational data into actionable insights, enabling teams to identify upsell opportunities, spot at-risk accounts, and understand common customer issues across their entire base. Most AI support tools fall short in B2B because they’re trying to replace human interactions instead of augmenting them.

    Market Position and Growth Plans

    The Series B funding will support product expansion, team growth, and market development. Pylon plans to hire across engineering, sales, marketing, customer success, and support functions while continuing to develop AI capabilities and expand into adjacent post-sales workflows.

    The company views itself as defining a new category rather than simply competing with incumbent providers. By positioning customer conversations as the central source of truth for post-sales operations, Pylon aims to unify what it describes as a fragmented landscape of customer success platforms, AI chatbots, knowledge bases, and outbound tools.

    Future Vision

    Pylon’s roadmap includes deeper AI sophistication leveraging its dataset of B2B customer interactions. The platform aims to become what the company calls the first AI-powered operating system for B2B support, integrating various post-sales functions onto a single platform.

    The startup’s growth trajectory reflects broader industry shifts toward conversational, AI-enhanced customer support in business environments. Companies adopting these approaches may build stronger customer relationships and achieve greater operational efficiency compared to those relying on traditional ticketing systems designed for consumer interactions.

  • Midas secures record $80M series B for Turkish fintech

    Midas secures record $80M series B for Turkish fintech

    Turkey’s investment platform Midas has closed an $80 million Series B funding round, marking the largest capital raise in Turkish fintech history. The round brings the company’s total funding to more than $140 million since its 2020 launch.

    The financing was led by QED Investors, with participation from International Finance Corporation, HSG, QuantumLight, Spice Expeditions LP, and George Rzepecki. Existing investors Spark Capital, Portage Ventures, Bek Ventures, and Nigel Morris also contributed to the round.

    Platform Growth Drives Investor Interest

    Midas currently serves 3.5 million investors through its unified platform offering access to Borsa Istanbul, U.S. stock markets, mutual funds, and cryptocurrencies. The company has fundamentally altered Turkey’s retail investment landscape by eliminating traditional barriers to market participation.

    Since inception, Midas users have collectively saved nearly $50 million in transaction fees. The platform has attracted significant first-time investors, with half of its user base beginning their investment journey through the service.

    Founder & CEO Egem Eraslan emphasized the company’s commitment to democratizing financial markets. The platform has achieved this through commission-free trading and streamlined user interfaces that simplify complex investment processes. “Making investing accessible, affordable, and seamless for everyone has been our mission from day one” Egem noted.

    Fee Structure Revolution

    The company has systematically reduced costs across its service offerings. After cutting U.S. trading fees by 90%, Midas permanently eliminated all Borsa Istanbul commissions in 2025. The platform now provides free live market data and instant, fee-free transfers.

    This aggressive pricing strategy has established new industry standards in the Turkish market. Traditional brokerages have faced pressure to match Midas’ fee structure or risk losing market share to the digital-first platform.

    Advanced Trading Tools Launch

    The Series B capital will fund expansion into sophisticated trading products. Following successful launches of margin investing, advanced analytics, and Midas Pro, the company plans to introduce derivatives trading for both Turkish and U.S. equities.

    U.S. options trading will launch in September, featuring real-time data, competitive pricing, and intuitive interfaces. This represents Midas’ evolution from a mass-market platform to a comprehensive trading solution.

    The derivatives rollout signals Midas’ intention to capture more active traders who require advanced instruments. Options trading typically generates higher revenue per user than basic stock transactions.

    Security Infrastructure Investment

    Significant portions of the new funding will strengthen security and operational systems. The company aims to meet international infrastructure standards while maintaining service reliability.

    As trading volumes increase and product complexity grows, robust security becomes critical for user confidence. The investment reflects lessons learned from global fintech incidents where security breaches damaged company reputations.

    International Expansion Potential

    QED Investors’ involvement suggests potential regional expansion opportunities. The fund has backed successful fintech companies including Coinbase, Nubank, and Revolut, providing strategic guidance for international growth.

    Partner Yusuf Özdalga from QED Investors highlighted the platform’s role in unlocking domestic and global investment opportunities for Turkish users. “We are proud to lead Midas’ Series B round” Özdalga noted. The backing from established fintech investors validates Midas’ technology and market approach.

    The funding round’s success demonstrates international confidence in Turkey’s digital finance sector. Despite regional economic challenges, global investors recognize the opportunity presented by Midas’ user base and technology platform.

  • Keychain secures $30M series B for AI manufacturing OS

    Keychain secures $30M series B for AI manufacturing OS

    Keychain has closed a $30 million Series B funding round to accelerate the deployment of its artificial intelligence-powered operating system designed for consumer packaged goods manufacturing. Wellington Management led the investment alongside returning backer BoxGroup, bringing the company’s total capital raised to $68 million since launching 18 months ago.

    The funding coincides with the commercial release of KeychainOS, an AI-based platform that streamlines production management for manufacturers serving the consumer goods sector. This development marks Keychain’s transition from a sourcing platform into a comprehensive manufacturing management solution targeting the $1 trillion CPG production market.

    Rapid Industry Adoption Drives Growth

    Keychain’s customer base includes eight of the ten largest U.S. retailers, with notable clients including 7-Eleven and Whole Foods Market. The platform has also secured partnerships with seven of the top ten CPG brands, including General Mills, demonstrating significant market penetration across the supply chain.

    Since February 2024, the company’s sourcing platform has processed more than $1 billion in manufacturing projects monthly and connected over 20,000 brands and retailers. This rapid scaling reflects growing demand for modernized manufacturing management tools in an industry traditionally reliant on legacy systems.

    “We’ve grown quickly because the demand is clear. Manufacturers are being asked to do more with less” ~ Oisin Hanrahan, Co-founder and CEO of Keychain.

    The company recently expanded its services into beauty and personal care products, broadening its reach beyond traditional food and beverage manufacturing. This diversification strategy positions Keychain to capture additional market share across various consumer goods categories.

    KeychainOS Addresses Legacy System Limitations

    Traditional enterprise resource planning systems from providers like Oracle, QAD, and Plex typically require months or years for full implementation and often need additional software integrations to achieve basic functionality. KeychainOS differentiates itself by deploying within days and offering purpose-built capabilities for CPG manufacturing environments.

    The platform enables manufacturers to monitor safety protocols, minimize waste, predict production bottlenecks, and optimize planning processes in real-time. These capabilities address critical operational challenges that have historically required multiple software solutions and extensive customization.

    “Keychain is an ambitious new approach to connect buyers with manufacturers” ~ Tom Hermes, Vice President Sourcing & Product Development at Whole Foods Market.

    KeychainOS integrates artificial intelligence throughout its core functions, allowing manufacturers to make data-driven decisions faster than traditional systems permit. This approach reduces the complexity and cost associated with managing modern CPG production operations.

    AI-Driven Manufacturing Intelligence

    The operating system leverages machine learning algorithms to analyze production data and identify optimization opportunities. Manufacturers can access predictive insights about equipment maintenance, inventory requirements, and production scheduling through a unified interface.

    This intelligence layer helps facilities adapt to changing demand patterns and supply chain disruptions more effectively than manual planning processes. The system’s ability to process large datasets and generate actionable recommendations represents a significant advancement over spreadsheet-based planning tools still common in the industry.

    Investment Thesis and Market Opportunity

    Wellington Management’s investment reflects confidence in Keychain’s ability to modernize CPG manufacturing operations. The private equity firm specifically cited the company’s track record of rapid product development and operational scaling as key factors in their decision.

    “Keychain has demonstrated a strong ability to bring new products to market quickly while scaling their operations effectively” ~ Molly Breiner, Sector Lead at Wellington Management.

    The CPG manufacturing sector has historically lagged other industries in adopting modern software solutions, creating opportunities for companies that can deliver industry-specific tools. Keychain’s approach of building purpose-designed systems rather than adapting generic enterprise software appears to resonate with manufacturers seeking operational efficiency gains.

    Strategic Expansion Plans

    The new funding will support Keychain’s expansion into additional CPG verticals and continued development of AI capabilities. The company plans to enhance its platform’s predictive analytics and automation features while maintaining its rapid deployment advantage over traditional ERP systems.

    Keychain’s strategy focuses on capturing market share by addressing specific pain points that generic enterprise software fails to solve effectively. This vertical-focused approach allows the company to develop deep industry expertise and build stronger relationships with CPG manufacturers and retailers.

    “KeychainOS gives manufacturers a smarter, faster way to run their facilities, and it’s already delivering real results” ~ Oisin Hanrahan, Co-founder and CEO.

    The company’s growth trajectory suggests strong market demand for modernized manufacturing management tools. As CPG companies face increasing pressure to optimize operations and respond quickly to market changes, platforms like KeychainOS may become essential infrastructure for maintaining competitiveness.

  • AND Global raises $21.4M series B for fintech expansion

    AND Global raises $21.4M series B for fintech expansion

    AND Global has completed a $21.4 million Series B funding round, marking a significant milestone as the first Mongolian company to achieve this level of institutional investment. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of The World Bank Group, led the round alongside AEON Financial Service, a Japanese financial group with operations across 11 Asian markets.

    Bridging Asia’s Financial Inclusion Gap

    The funding will accelerate AND Global’s mission to expand digital financial services across Asia-Pacific regions, targeting underserved populations and small businesses lacking traditional banking access. According to World Bank research, approximately 1.4 billion adults globally remain without financial accounts, while GSMA data indicates that 345 million of 400 million micro-enterprises in emerging markets operate informally.

    Founded initially as a small fintech operation focused on digital lending in underserved Mongolian communities, AND Global has evolved into a comprehensive solution provider for financial institutions seeking digital transformation across Asia. The company now operates through 13 subsidiaries with 250 employees spanning offices in Mongolia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan.

    Strategic Investment Partners

    IFC’s participation reflects its broader commitment to digital transformation and financial inclusion initiatives across emerging markets “Mongolia, as the most sparsely populated country, can greatly benefit from digital solutions to expand access to finance and services” said Matthieu Le Blan, IFC’s Resident Representative for Mongolia. The organization views technology entrepreneurship as essential for job creation, particularly among women and youth demographics.

    AEON Financial Service brings extensive regional expertise, having established operations across 11 Asian markets. Additional investors in the Series B round include Marubeni Corporation, a major Japanese trading conglomerate expanding its digital finance footprint, SBI Holdings, a Tokyo-based internet financial conglomerate, and Premium Group, which specializes in automotive mobility financing and services.

    AI-Powered Financial Solutions

    AND Global distinguishes itself through artificial intelligence integration, holding the distinction as one of Mongolia’s first Microsoft AI partners. The company’s technology platform enables financial institutions to digitize operations more efficiently while expanding service reach to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Southeast Asia.

    The Series B capital will fund development of new AI-driven tools specifically designed for financial institutions serving MSME clients. This focus addresses a critical market segment where traditional banking services often prove inadequate or inaccessible.

    Leadership Vision and Market Expansion

    CEO Khos-Erdene Baatarkhuu emphasized the company’s regional growth trajectory and commitment to financial inclusion “Our journey from Mongolia to the rest of Asia has been nothing short of incredible” Baatarkhuu stated “This milestone reflects our team’s hard work and passion to make finance more inclusive.”

    The funding positions AND Global to scale operations across its current 11-country footprint while potentially entering new markets. The company’s suite of services encompasses digital lending, fintech infrastructure, and specialized solutions for financial institutions seeking to modernize their offerings.

    Regional Impact and Future Outlook

    AND Global’s success represents broader trends in Asian fintech development, where traditional financial services often fail to reach rural or economically disadvantaged populations. The company’s technology-first approach enables financial institutions to extend services cost-effectively to previously underserved demographics.

    With backing from established institutional investors and a proven track record across multiple Asian markets, AND Global appears well-positioned to expand its impact on financial inclusion efforts throughout the region. The combination of local market knowledge, advanced AI capabilities, and substantial funding creates conditions for accelerated growth in addressing Asia’s financial access challenges.

    The investment also validates Mongolia’s emerging role in regional technology development, demonstrating that innovative companies can originate from smaller markets and achieve significant scale across larger economic zones.

    “With IFC and AEON by our side, we’re more ready than ever to scale our impact” Khos-Erdene Baatarkhuu, CEO.

  • 1Kosmos raises $57M to combat identity fraud threats

    1Kosmos raises $57M to combat identity fraud threats

    Identity verification specialist 1Kosmos has closed a $57 million Series B funding round to address mounting enterprise security concerns around impersonation attacks and credential fraud. The investment, led by Forgepoint Capital alongside Origami’s Oquirrh Ventures, brings the company’s total capital raised to more than $72 million.

    The funding package includes a $10 million credit facility from Bridge Bank, with additional participation from Craig Abod of Carahsoft, NextEra Energy Ventures, Gula Tech Adventures, and the management team. This capital injection follows 1Kosmos achieving significant federal contracts and security certifications that position the firm for expanded government and enterprise adoption.

    Addressing Modern Identity Threats

    Recent cyberattacks have highlighted vulnerabilities in traditional authentication methods, particularly through social engineering tactics targeting IT help desks. The company’s platform combines biometric verification with blockchain-secured identity storage to prevent unauthorized account access before breaches occur.

    “Identity has become the first step in the kill chain. This investment allows us to strengthen the proactive controls organizations need to prevent impersonation-based attacks—whether it’s a sophisticated hacking group or a state-sponsored developer hiding in plain sight” ~ Hemen Vimadalal, CEO of 1Kosmos.

    Federal Market Validation

    The funding announcement coincides with substantial government contract wins that validate the company’s technology approach. 1Kosmos recently secured a 10-year, $194.5 million blanket purchase agreement to provide identity verification services to Login.gov, the federal authentication platform serving multiple government agencies.

    The company has also achieved FedRAMP High authorization, the most stringent security certification for cloud services used by federal agencies. This certification enables 1Kosmos to serve government workloads requiring the highest security standards, representing a significant competitive advantage in the public sector market.

    Technology Integration Strategy

    Rather than requiring organizations to replace existing security infrastructure, the 1Kosmos platform integrates with established identity and access management systems. The company plans to deepen these integrations across IAM, CIAM, PAM, and zero trust platforms using the new funding.

    “We invested in 1Kosmos because they’ve built a rare combination: a defensible platform, strong commercial traction, and proven scalability” ~ Ron Heinz, Founder and General Partner at Oquirrh Ventures.

    Global Expansion Plans

    The Series B capital will fuel international growth initiatives across North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions. The company intends to scale both direct sales operations and channel partnerships to meet increasing demand for advanced identity verification solutions.

    Market momentum has been driven by enterprises seeking to consolidate fragmented authentication tools while improving user experience. The platform eliminates password-based vulnerabilities by combining identity proofing with passwordless authentication in a single solution.

    Investor Confidence in Identity Security

    Lead investor Forgepoint Capital emphasized the company’s consistent focus on user-controlled digital identity since inception. “The mission at 1Kosmos since its inception has stayed remarkably focused on providing individuals with a secure digital identity” said Ernie Bio, Managing Director of Forgepoint Capital.

    The investment thesis reflects broader market recognition that identity verification represents a fundamental security requirement rather than an optional enhancement. Enterprise customers increasingly view identity fraud prevention as essential infrastructure for digital operations.

  • Fountain Life secures $18M to expand longevity centers

    Fountain Life secures $18M to expand longevity centers

    Fountain Life has secured $18 million in Series B funding to expand its network of preventive health screening centers across the United States. The longevity-focused company, co-founded by Peter Diamandis and Tony Robbins, aims to make advanced early disease detection more accessible nationwide.

    The funding round, led by EOS Ventures alongside existing board investors, brings the company’s total capital raised to $108 million. This latest investment will fuel geographic expansion, with Houston scheduled to launch this year and Los Angeles and Miami planned for 2026.

    From Orthopedic Surgery to Longevity Medicine

    The company’s origins stem from Dr. William Kapp, an orthopedic surgeon who pivoted from private practice to hospital entrepreneurship. His interest in innovative health technology was ignited at a conference where he encountered visionaries including Dr. Peter Diamandis and stem-cell researcher Dr. Bob Hariri.

    Inspired by conversations about genomics and microbiomics—areas typically overlooked in conventional medicine—Kapp established the Longevity Performance Center in Naples, Florida. The facility focused on early health risk identification and proactive wellness optimization.

    This local initiative attracted attention from Diamandis and entrepreneur Tony Robbins, who were then operating a stem cell venture called Fountain Therapeutics. Recognizing shared objectives, the teams consolidated in 2020 to form what became Fountain Life, with William Kapp serving as CEO and Peter Diamandis and Tony Robbins as co-founders and board members.

    Comprehensive Health Screening Methodology

    Fountain Life operates preventive screening facilities in Naples, Orlando, Dallas, and Westchester, New York. These centers collect extensive biomarker data through quarterly blood analyses and body imaging. The assessments examine over 100 health indicators, including liver fat content and microbiome imbalances, seeking diseases and chronic conditions during their earliest, typically asymptomatic phases.

    The company’s methodology rests on three foundational elements: preventing avoidable premature death through asymptomatic issue identification, optimizing health using validated treatments, and employing cutting-edge regenerative therapies within FDA trial parameters.

    Members access Fountain Life’s AI-powered platform, Zori, which enables result tracking and medical support between screening appointments. This technology integration helps maintain continuous health monitoring and professional guidance.

    Premium Pricing and Market Positioning

    Fountain Life’s services carry premium price points—full membership costs $30,000 annually, while basic testing is available for $10,000. Despite the high cost, Dr. Kapp anticipates reduced pricing over time as the company develops training programs for external clinics and advanced diagnostics become mainstream.

    The company has documented meaningful health outcomes. One member’s concealed kidney cancer was detected and treated before symptom manifestation. Another member from the hospitality sector discovered and resolved a life-threatening brain aneurysm through the company’s diagnostic capabilities.

    Competitive Landscape and Board Composition

    The preventive health space includes competitors like Function Health, co-founded by Dr. Mark Hyman, which provides comprehensive blood testing for $500 annually with additional charges. However, Function Health lacks the full body scanning and direct physician access that Fountain Life delivers.

    Fountain Life’s board features prominent figures including Dr. Bob Hariri, Todd Wanek of Ashley Furniture, and Indian business leader B.K. Modi. This diverse leadership brings extensive experience across healthcare, business, and international markets.

    The company’s expansion strategy focuses on bringing advanced preventive care to major metropolitan areas, targeting affluent consumers willing to invest substantially in early disease detection and health optimization. As medical technology continues advancing, Fountain Life represents the premium tier of personalized preventive healthcare.

  • Naluri raises $5M series B for southeast Asia growth

    Naluri raises $5M series B for southeast Asia growth

    Digital health provider Naluri has closed a $5 million Series-B funding round led by TELUS Global Ventures, bringing the company’s total Series B capital to $14 million. The Singapore-based firm plans to achieve profitability within 12 months while expanding operations across the Philippines and Vietnam.

    TELUS Global Ventures invested through its Pollinator Fund for Good, joined by existing backers including Sumitomo Corporation Equity Asia and M Venture Partners. The funding round represents continued investor confidence in Southeast Asia’s digital healthcare sector despite challenging macroeconomic conditions.

    Strategic Partnership with TELUS Health

    Alongside the investment, TELUS Health entered a commercial partnership with Naluri to deliver Employee Assistance Programme services across eight regional markets. This arrangement demonstrates how strategic investors are seeking both financial returns and operational synergies in their portfolio companies.

    “Our investment in Naluri allows us to expand our footprint in Southeast Asia while also demonstrating TELUS’ strategic commitment to leading the evolution of workplace mental health solutions globally” said Terry Doyle, Managing Partner at TELUS Global Ventures.

    Market Leadership Across Key Regions

    Naluri has built dominant market share in employee wellbeing services across Indonesia and Malaysia, serving enterprise clients in banking, insurance, energy, mining, telecommunications, and logistics sectors. The company has since expanded into Singapore and Thailand while securing multinational client contracts.

    The platform combines mental health support, preventive behavioral interventions, and chronic disease management with health screenings, coaching services, and round-the-clock crisis support. This comprehensive approach addresses multiple aspects of employee health that traditional healthcare systems often handle separately.

    Financial Performance and Growth Strategy

    Company leadership emphasized their focus on sustainable unit economics throughout recent market volatility. Group CEO and Co-Founder Azran Osman-Rani highlighted the team’s ability to maintain positive financial metrics while preparing for geographic expansion.

    “I’m extremely proud of my team who stood together through the macroeconomic storms of the past couple of years, batten down the hatches to deliver consistent positive unit economics in this period” Osman-Rani stated.

    Digital Health Market Dynamics

    The funding success reflects growing corporate recognition of digital health solutions as essential tools for managing rising medical costs and improving workforce productivity. Companies increasingly view employee wellbeing programs as central to their operational strategies rather than peripheral benefits.

    Naluri’s proprietary mental health dataset and health economic models provide analytical capabilities that help employers and insurers quantify the financial value of health interventions. This data-driven approach appeals to organizations seeking measurable returns on healthcare investments.

    Regional Expansion Plans

    The new capital will support market entry strategies for the Philippines and Vietnam, two countries with large working populations and growing demand for digital healthcare services. These markets represent significant opportunities for scaling Naluri’s enterprise-focused business model.

    The company targets reaching coverage for one million individuals, marking a significant milestone in its regional expansion efforts. This growth plan builds on Naluri’s established infrastructure and proven client acquisition capabilities in existing markets.

  • Inclined secures $8M series B for insurance liquidity

    Inclined secures $8M series B for insurance liquidity

    Inclined Technologies has completed an $8 million Series B financing round to expand its digital platform that helps whole life insurance policyholders access cash value from their policies. The funding represents continued investor confidence in the company’s approach to simplifying traditionally complex financial processes.

    HSCM Ventures led the investment round, with Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures joining as a strategic participant alongside other new and returning backers. The financing values the company at a higher level than its previous $16.5 million Series A round completed in September 2022.

    Streamlining Policy Liquidity Access

    The platform addresses longstanding friction in the whole life insurance sector, where policyholders have historically faced bureaucratic hurdles when attempting to leverage their policy’s accumulated cash value. Inclined’s technology creates a digital pathway for accessing these funds through its proprietary system.

    The company partners with insurance advisors to provide policyholders with a secured revolving credit facility, known as the Inclined Line of Credit or iLOC. This product uses the policy’s cash value as collateral, allowing holders to access liquidity for various financial needs while maintaining competitive borrowing rates.

    Rapid Processing and User Experience

    The platform’s automated application system can typically complete the entire process in under 15 minutes, representing a significant improvement over traditional methods. Borrowers retain flexibility to draw funds or make repayments at their discretion, with the platform charging no fees for usage.

    According to CEO and co-founder Joshua Wyss, the company now works with thousands of whole life advisors who use the platform to serve their clients, with this number expanding on a daily basis. The fresh capital will support new product development and strengthen partnerships with Northwestern Mutual and additional carriers.

    Strategic Investment Rationale

    Northwestern Mutual’s participation through its venture arm signals alignment with the insurer’s broader digital strategy. Craig Schedler, Vice President of Venture and Corporate Development at Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, emphasized the company’s focus on helping Americans optimize their whole life insurance policy value.

    “Digital tools like Inclined’s platform provide the seamless, intuitive experience policyowners expect when managing their finances” Craig Schedler, Vice President – Venture and Corporate Development.

    The investment reflects Northwestern Mutual’s commitment to supporting both clients and financial professionals with advanced digital solutions that complement traditional insurance services.

    Market Opportunity and Growth Plans

    The whole life insurance market represents $5 trillion in total value, with $1.1 trillion currently invested in whole life policies specifically. This substantial market provides significant runway for platforms that can effectively bridge the gap between policy value and accessible liquidity.

    Inclined intends to allocate the new funding toward technology enhancements, team expansion, and broader market reach. The company plans to establish relationships with additional whole life carriers while serving more policyowners across the United States.

    Industry Impact and Future Outlook

    The financing comes at a time when digital transformation continues reshaping traditional financial services. Insurance technology companies have attracted increasing investor attention as they develop solutions for underserved market segments and modernize established processes.

    For Inclined, the Series B funding provides resources to scale operations and refine its platform capabilities. The company’s focus on advisor partnerships and carrier relationships suggests a strategy built around working within existing industry structures rather than attempting to bypass them entirely.

    As the platform continues expanding its advisor network and carrier partnerships, the company appears well-positioned to capture additional market share within the substantial whole life insurance sector.