The list honors the exceptional accomplishments of emerging venture capital professionals at the pre-partner level, highlighting their diverse expertise and impactful contributions to the industry.

NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At Alpha Partners, we believe that relationships drive success in the venture capital industry. The 2024 Rising Star Pre-Partner Venture Investor list celebrates the next generation of venture talent that’s driving success by fostering deeper collaboration, developing bold strategies and fresh perspectives. This initiative is completely community driven and the people below were all recognized by one or more of their peers.

The 2024 selection process built upon prior years’ successes and further expanded Alpha Partners’ network of nominators. This year, over 300 VCs from around the world were invited to nominate pre-partner peers from other funds who they believe represent the future of venture capital. The response was remarkable, with over 175 votes for 130 junior VCs from 120 different VC firms.

All nominations reflected the thoughtful recognition of pre-partner VCs whose behind-the-scenes work is pivotal to the success of their firms and their portfolio companies. Their efforts are instrumental in shaping the future of venture capital while often remaining under the radar.

“We’re thrilled to recognize this year’s Rising Stars—not just for their incredible talents, but for the way they embody the collaborative spirit that makes venture capital such a rewarding space,” said Steve Brotman, Founder and Managing Partner at Alpha Partners. “At Alpha, we’re fortunate to work with so many incredible investors, and this initiative is a small way to celebrate their contributions.”

This initiative underscores Alpha Partners’ commitment to building a collaborative and inclusive venture ecosystem. By spotlighting the up-and-coming talent, we aim to strengthen connections and celebrate the individuals who are crucial to shaping the next great companies. Alpha Partners is proud to co-invest with our fellow investors into growth stage rounds to maximize their investment upside while celebrating the talent that drives their success.

Alpha Partners extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the nomination process. Your insights and engagement play a crucial role in spotlighting the next generation of VC leaders.

Looking ahead, we invite the venture community to join us in recognizing the industry’s future leaders by contributing nominations for the 2025 list. Nominations can be submitted by emailing the Alpha Partners team at risingstars@alphapartners.com or by completing this form. Together, we can celebrate the individuals whose work is driving the venture ecosystem forward.

And now, without further ado, we are excited to announce this year’s rising star investors.

Congratulations to you all.

The following nominees were recognized by more than one investor for their outstanding contributions to the venture capital community:

Zach Jaffe, Glasswing VenturesSakib Jamal, Crossbeam VenturesDaniel Paredes, Sierra VenturesAlexandra Burbey, Sound VenturesAndie Steinberg, Town Hall VenturesBo Berluti, RTP GlobalCarter Bourassa, Moneta VenturesMax Harrison, Remarkable VenturesRyan Peslis, Sidekick PartnersSpencer Henry, White Star CapitalTamar Vidra, Red Sea VenturesValentina Pidgaina, Vibranium

For the full list of 2024 nominees and contributing funds, find it here.

About Alpha Partners
At Alpha Partners, initiatives like the Rising Stars list are just one way we aim to support the venture community. Whether through providing resources for early-stage VCs to capitalize on their pro-rata rights, or fostering connections across our network of 1,000+ funds, Alpha Partners is dedicated to building a more inclusive and prosperous ecosystem for all.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alpha-partners-releases-third-annual-list-of-rising-stars-in-venture-for-2024-302343379.html

SOURCE Alpha Partners

NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Magma Power, LLC, the global innovator of low-cost baseload renewable energy production technology, proudly announces that it has been granted its 16th patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). 

This patent cements Magma Power’s leadership in harnessing magma-driven energy to produce green hydrogen and green synthetic hydrocarbon fuels far more efficiently and cost-effectively than other baseload power sources like nuclear power.

The patent covers Magma Power’s innovations related to the use of magma-powered thermochemical water splitting to produce green hydrogen, a key feedstock for synthetic green gasoline, green kerosene, and other green hydrocarbons.

“This patent isn’t just a technological milestone—it’s a game changer for global energy markets,” said Levi Conner, CEO of Magma Power. “By leveraging the immense, consistent, and virtually unlimited power of magma, we’ve unlocked a path to produce synthetic green fuels at costs that will make fossil fuels obsolete. This positions Magma Power as the clean, sustainable, and scalable alternative to nuclear energy.”

How Magma Power Stands Apart From Nuclear Energy

Magma Power’s patented green fuel production methodology positions the company as a viable and superior replacement for nuclear energy in green fuel production. Key comparisons include:

Zero Waste: Unlike nuclear energy, which generates hazardous waste requiring long-term storage, Magma Power produces no such waste.Lower Costs: With magma power costing $0.01–$0.04/kWh, Magma Power outpaces nuclear energy, which ranges from $0.07–$0.08/kWh.Environmental Impact: Magma Power achieves comparable lifecycle emissions to nuclear power but avoids the challenges of mine reclamation, waste storage, and power plant decommissioning.

“This is about more than cost savings,” said Richard McDonald, Chief Strategy Officer at Magma Power. “This patent gives us the ability to create sustainable energy solutions at a scale that can fundamentally change global energy markets. It’s not just a better solution—it’s the right solution for the planet.”

Potential For Synthetic Green Gasoline
Via Fischer-Tropsch At $2 Per Gallon

Magma Power, LLC estimates that its larger planned magma wells and related steam turbine power plants will be able to produce power at around 1 cent per kWh. Various studies have shown that at a 1 cent per kWh cost for baseload renewable energy, green synthetic gasoline can be produced at around $2 per gallon.

For example, Kannangara et al. modeled the production of green synthetic diesel and co-products (kerosene and naphtha) using Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) with hydrogen sourced from a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, where they indicated a production cost of ~$6/gal ($1.6/L) for diesel produced with an electricity cost of $30/MWh. Using the same ratio, a power cost of $10/MWh or 1 cent per kWh translates to $2 per gallon cost of green synthetic fuels.

Note that this study by Kannangara et al. was modeled using off-the-shelf PEM electrolyzers. With Magma Power’s now patented thermochemical water splitting approach available for global licensing, this production cost can be lowered even further – significantly increasing the likelihood of various production plants achieving the $2 per gallon cost for green synthetic fuels.

“Electrolyzers are an incredibly inefficient way to produce H2. Magma Power is now licensing a much better alternative: using magma-driven baseload power to drive thermochemical water splitting using a low cost iron oxide catalyst,” says McDonald.

Key Claims of Magma Power’s 16th Patent

This groundbreaking patent introduces a reaction system that uses subterranean magma reservoirs to drive the production of hydrogen and hydrocarbon fuels. The claims include:

Production of HydrocarbonsThe system injects two feed streams—carbon oxides and hydrogen—into a reaction chamber heated by magma. The result: liquid and gas hydrocarbon end-products (e.g., methane, gasoline, diesel) and water.Thermochemical Water Splitting (TWS)A novel method of hydrogen production using magma-driven heat and an iron oxide catalyst. This process eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers.Cost-Effective Green Fuel ProductionThe patent outlines how magma energy, estimated to be as low as $0.01/kWh when operating at scale, enables the production of green gasoline for $2 per gallon, disrupting the $1.3 trillion global gasoline market.Innovative Reaction Chamber DesignThe reaction chamber is housed in a wellbore extending into a magma reservoir. The chamber’s temperature and pressure are maintained entirely by magma heat.Separation of End ProductsThe intermediate product stream is injected into recovery equipment that separates liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons, and unreacted materials, all powered by magma-driven heat.SustainabilityUnlike nuclear power, Magma Power’s system produces no nuclear waste and has lifecycle CO₂ emissions of just 15 g CO₂-eq/kWh.Scalability and Job CreationThe system is scalable, capable of being implemented globally, creating jobs, and revitalizing industries while replacing fossil fuels.

“This patent represents years of innovation and problem-solving,” said KC Conner, Founder of Magma Power and inventor of the patented magma-power thermochemical water splitting system. “Our magma-driven system offers a sustainable, scalable, and efficient solution to one of the most pressing challenges of our time—eliminating reliance on fossil fuels while making green energy affordable for everyone.”

The Bigger Vision: Disrupting the Green Fuel Market

The issuance of this patent enables Magma Power and its network of global licensees to revolutionize the green fuel market. By eliminating the inefficiencies of PEM electrolyzers and leveraging thermochemical water splitting, Magma Power and its global licensees are poised to disrupt the market with green fuels priced at approximately $2 per gallon. This would allow Magma Power and its global licensees to:

Replace traditional gasoline in the $1.3 trillion global market.Reduce reliance on fossil fuels by creating affordable, sustainable alternatives.Accelerate the transition to renewable energy, helping governments meet climate goals.

Green Energy for Industry

Magma Power’s patented technology can be applied across a range of industries, offering transformative solutions for:

AI Data Centers: As AI computing power demands soar, Magma Power’s low-cost, constant energy supply is the ideal solution for powering data centers 24/7.Bitcoin Mining: Energy-intensive bitcoin mining operations will benefit from reliable, low-cost power, enabling sustainable and profitable mining at scale.Green Fuels: Magma Power enables the production of green hydrogen, ammonia, and kerosene, providing a carbon-neutral alternative for transportation and industrial sectors.

“Magma Power is designed to address the biggest challenges in energy today—providing clean, affordable, and reliable power,” said McDonald. “What we’re offering isn’t just another renewable option—it’s a fundamental change in how industries like AI and transportation can think about energy. Our goal is simple: to deliver baseload power to the world, affordably and sustainably.”

Exclusive Licensing Opportunities Available

Magma Power is offering exclusive licensing agreements for over 1,000 identified global sites where magma power can be produced. These opportunities are ideal for industries such as AI, automotive, aviation, and maritime, all of which are seeking affordable, green energy solutions.

About Magma Power LLC:

Magma Power LLC, (visit MagmaPower.com) with headquarters in Tampa, Florida, with additional offices in New York City and Houston, is a pioneering energy technology company dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions for harnessing renewable energy. Magma Power, LLC has secured sixteen worldwide patents covering all aspects of the production of green energy, energy-intensive manufacturing, green fuels, and other products using Magma Power™. Magma Power LLC has also filed an additional forty-plus global patents covering all aspects of magma power production, with over 1,000 patent claims pending related to this revolutionary new green energy source. Magma power is a virtually unlimited source of green, renewable, baseload energy that U.S. government researchers in the 1970s, including those at Sandia National Laboratories, concluded could meet the Earth’s energy needs for the next several thousand years. The work of Magma Power LLC has taken the initial insights from the Sandia Labs test and developed them into robust, patent-protected technology ready for commercial deployment. Given the inability of wind and solar to provide stable baseload renewable power, there is no long-term alternative to magma power for renewable energy. Magma Power is Inevitable. It’s not a question of if magma power will power the Earth – but when. Energy is civilization, and the next several thousand years of civilization will be driven by Magma Power™. 

For media inquiries, please contact:
Richard McDonald
Chief Strategy Officer
rmcdonald@magmapower.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/magma-powers-16th-patent-granted-by-the-uspto-positions-it-as-the-leading-replacement-for-nuclear-energy-in-green-fuel-production-302343378.html

SOURCE Magma Power

NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Report with market evolution powered by AI – The global gift card market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.1 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 14.46% during the forecast period. Growth of e-commerce sector is driving market growth, with a trend towards rise of open-loop gift cards. However, additional loss of money in using gift cards poses a challenge. Key market players include Alighieri, Blackhawk Network Holdings Inc., Card USA Inc, Duracard Plastic Cards, Fidelity National Information Services Inc., Fiserv Inc., FleetCor Technologies Inc., Givex Corp., Hennes and Mauritz AB, InComm Payments, JIFITI PRODUCTS, Kindcard Inc., PineLabs Pvt. Ltd., Plastek Card Solutions Inc., Runa Network Ltd., Square Inc., Tele Pak Inc., TransGate Solutions, Village Roadshow Ltd., and Yiftee Inc..

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF

Market Driver

Gift cards have become a popular trend in both physical and digital retail spaces. Prepaid cards loaded with a specific amount of money are widely used for various payments at stores, websites, restaurants, and even for experiences like travel and OTT platforms. Consumers love the convenience of gifting without the hassle of carrying cash or tangible gifts. Businesses, retailers or brands, other businesses, and corporate clients use gift cards as rewards & incentives for customer loyalty, employee engagement, and B2B sales. Digital gifting options have gained popularity among younger generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z, who prefer cashless transactions and e-commerce activities. Impacting factors include loyalty programs, customer behavior, internet penetration, and the Demonetization and Digital India initiatives. Market participants include FinTechs, PayTechs, and mobile wallets, offering digital platforms for gifting, making the process more practical, customizable, and environmentally friendly. Strategic alliances between retailers, travel companies, and content platforms like SonyLiv, Zee5, MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Cleartrip, Thomas Cook, Ola, Starbucks, Domino’s, Chaayos, and E-Commerce Market have further boosted the trend. Gift cards serve as a marketing tool for brand owners, offering tax-advantage cards, e-gifting, M-commerce, and E-commerce options. 

An increasing trend among vendors is the launch of open-loop gift cards instead of closed-loop ones. Open-loop cards, which are not limited to a specific business and are branded with payment card processors like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, offer greater flexibility for customers. With acceptance almost everywhere, these cards have gained popularity. InComm Payments, a leading UK-based company, introduced Vanilla Go, a global open-loop gift card brand, several years ago. Continuous innovation in this segment is driving growth for vendors. 

Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution!

 Market Challenges

Gift cards have become a popular payment method for consumers during special occasions like birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations. Prepaid cards, offering an amount of money for payment at various stores, websites, restaurants, and retail establishments, have gained traction among businesses and individuals alike. For the giver, convenience is a key factor, as digital gifting options allow for instant delivery. However, challenges persist. Consumers prefer tangible gifts, and younger generations, including Millennials and Gen Z, increasingly opt for cashless transactions. Retailers and brands, other businesses, and corporate clients use gift cards as rewards & incentives, employee engagement tools, and marketing strategies. Impacting factors include loyalty programs, customer behavior, internet penetration, and the growing popularity of mobile wallets and digital platforms. In the retail sectors, travel companies, OTT platforms like SonyLiv and Zee5, and food chains such as MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Cleartrip, Ola, Starbucks, Domino’s, and Chaayos, have embraced gift cards as a strategic alliance to boost sales, cash flow, and customer loyalty. Digital services, including e-commerce marketplaces and spa services, have also seen in demand for digital gifting options. The challenges for market participants include tax-advantage cards, e-gifting, M commerce, and e-commerce, as well as the need for strategic alliances and the integration of digital cards, virtual cards, and mobile gift cards into their offerings. The impact of demetization, the Demonetization initiative, and FinTechs and PayTechs on the payment methods and customer journeys in physical retail spaces and online retail spaces continues to shape the gift card market.Gift cards offer an additional spending opportunity beyond the initial credit. However, they come with certain challenges. For instance, some cards have expiration dates, requiring users to utilize them within a specified timeframe. With busy schedules, this may result in unused funds or even the loss of the card. Additionally, gift cards are available in various denominations, leading to leftover balances after purchases. These unused amounts cannot be refunded or transferred, resulting in wasted funds. To mitigate these issues, consider digital gift cards or setting reminders for expiration dates.

Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now!

Segment Overview 

This gift card market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Type 1.1 E-gifts cards1.2 Physical gift cardsDistribution Channel2.1 Offline2.2 OnlineGeography 3.1 North America3.2 Europe3.3 APAC3.4 Middle East and Africa3.5 South America

1.1 E-gifts cards- E-gift cards have become a popular and convenient gifting solution in the retail sector, offering enhanced versatility and flexibility over traditional physical cards. These digital cards are instantly delivered via email, eliminating logistical barriers and serving as a suitable last-minute gifting option for consumers with busy lifestyles. The growth of e-gift cards is driven by the increasing digitalization of the retail industry and the convenience they offer to both senders and receivers. In the corporate sector, e-gift cards have gained traction as a preferred gifting option for employees, clients, and stakeholders, reducing the effort required to select personalized gifts. Vendors benefit from e-gift cards as they eliminate printing costs and can be easily integrated with their core products and services, increasing operational efficiencies. The launch of full-service gift card malls, such as TheGiftCardShop.com by InComm Payments, further simplifies the process of sending e-gifts. These factors are expected to fuel the growth of the e-gift card segment in the market during the forecast period.

Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics

Research Analysis

Prepaid gift cards have revolutionized the way we express love, gratitude, and appreciation. These plastic or digital cards allow the recipient to use a specific amount of money for payment at various stores, websites, restaurants, and businesses. The convenience of gift cards makes them a popular choice for consumers, especially younger generations, who prefer e-gifting, M commerce, and e-commerce. Consumer behavior trends show an increasing preference for gift cards as they offer flexibility and convenience. Retail outlets, restaurants, and businesses use gift cards as a marketing tool to boost sales and customer loyalty. Strategic alliances between brands and card issuers further expand the reach of gift cards. Digital and virtual cards add to the convenience, allowing instant delivery and easy redemption. Mobile gift cards offer contactless payment options, making them a preferred choice during the pandemic. With the rise of e-commerce and m-commerce, gift cards have become an essential component of the retail landscape.

Market Research Overview

Prepaid gift cards have revolutionized the way we express love, gratitude, and appreciation. These cards allow the giver to load an amount of money onto a card, which can be used for payment at various stores, websites, restaurants, and businesses. The recipient enjoys the convenience of making cashless transactions for their purchases, especially during special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or other celebratory events. Digital gifting options have become increasingly popular among consumers, especially younger generations such as Millennials and Gen Z. With the rise of mobile wallets and digital platforms, consumers can now send digital gift cards to their loved ones online. This trend is impacting various retail sectors, including travel companies, OTT platforms like SonyLiv and Zee5, food chains such as Starbucks, Domino’s, and Chaayos, and e-commerce marketplaces. Factors like loyalty programs, customer behavior, and internet penetration are driving the growth of the gift card market. Brands and retailers use gift cards as a marketing tool to boost sales, customer engagement, and cash flow. Other businesses, including corporates and individual users, also use gift cards for B2B sales, employee engagement, and tax-advantage cards. The convenience, customizability, and practicality of gift cards make them a preferred choice for consumers. Moreover, the growing trend of e-gifting, M commerce, and strategic alliances between digital services and physical retail spaces are further expanding the market’s reach. The impact of the Digital India initiative and demonetization on e-commerce activities have also contributed to the growth of the gift card market. FinTechs and PayTechs have entered the market, offering innovative payment methods and customer journeys, making it a dynamic and exciting space to watch.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation

TypeE-gifts CardsPhysical Gift CardsDistribution ChannelOfflineOnlineGeographyNorth AmericaEuropeAPACMiddle East And AfricaSouth America

7 Customer Landscape
8 Geographic Landscape
9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
10 Company Landscape
11 Company Analysis
12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio’s report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio’s comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research
Jesse Maida
Media & Marketing Executive
US: +1 844 364 1100
UK: +44 203 893 3200
Email: media@technavio.com
Website: www.technavio.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gift-card-market-to-grow-by-usd-1-1-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-e-commerce-growth-and-ai-redefining-the-market-landscape—technavio-302341866.html

SOURCE Technavio