Technology

BeCause Closes Seed Round with Tail-End Investment From Curiosity VC

Published

10 months ago

February 22, 2024

The AI-focused Firm Brings BeCause’s Total Seed Funding to $2.5M to Support the Sustainability Data Technology Company’s Growth

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Feb. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — BeCause, the Danish start-up transforming how the global hospitality, travel, and tourism industries manage their sustainability data, has secured a $600,000 (€556K) tail-end investment from Dutch investor Curiosity VC to close their seed round. This latest investment brings the company’s total seed funding to $2.5 million (€2.32M), including the $1.9 million (€1.76M) seed raised in November from Denmark’s Ugly Duckling Ventures, Estonia’s Superangel.io and other investors.

“We reserved some space at the end of our round for a strategic investor to join on equal terms and are thrilled to have found that partner in Curiosity VC. As an AI-focused fund, Curiosity brings key competencies and an international network to the table that will prove invaluable to us as we continue to unfold how artificial intelligence can enable more sustainability-focused operations in hospitality and tourism and across our growing set of solutions,” says BeCause co-founder and CEO Frederik Steensgaard.

Mission-Driven Growth

Using BeCause, hotels can fully automate the collection, analysis, and communication of their sustainability efforts through a centralized hub, making it much easier for properties to qualify for industry certifications like GreenKey and ensure regulatory compliance based on local frameworks. BeCause dramatically reduces the cost of repetitive and manual tasks by up to 60%, compared to the error-prone processes still widely used within the industry to manage sustainability data. This increase in efficiency and trust significantly improves operational effectiveness.

Hotels also gain critical insights into the types of sustainability investments that might be most valuable for their business and the planet while enabling them to leverage the growing consumer demand for sustainability-focused accommodations. Simultaneously/Finally, the platform allows travel marketplaces, like Booking.com, to get real-time information from green certification labels about a hotel’s sustainability status, which they can use to help travelers and customers make informed choices about their travel plans.

BeCause currently has over 20,000 hotels worldwide streaming sustainability data via its platform and counts more than 50 certifiers and 15 travel booking marketplaces amongst its users.

“What attracted us to BeCause is that they have a clear goal and a true passion for the problem at hand. Their advanced AI capabilities further enhance their ability to drive innovation, address complex challenges, and revolutionize sustainability efforts across sectors. Looking at how far they’ve already come, their execution powers are undeniable,” says Herman Kienhuis, Managing Partner at Curiosity VC. “They have a solid growth strategy in place and are perfectly positioned to solve the needs of stakeholders in hospitality, acting not just as a compliance tool, but as a strategic asset that opens improvement opportunities and aligns the industry with the evolving priorities of a more environmentally aware society.”

The now-completed seed round will enable BeCause to push ahead with its solution developed to support the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), a pioneering regulation that strengthens the rules concerning ESG reporting for any company operating in the zone. Funding will also support the company’s accelerated growth rate to meet demand from global enterprise customers, such as Booking.com, easyJet, Google, Radisson Hotel Group, and other global marquee brands across the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

“CSRD will transform how companies report on their sustainability. BeCause has a major role to play in ensuring hotels and tourism companies can seamlessly communicate their impact on people and the environment to their investors, governments, and the world,” Steensgaard adds. “We are grateful to our VC partners for believing in our vision and enabling us to meet the diverse needs of all our clients. Now it’s time to accelerate the future of sustainable tourism and hospitality.”

For more information about BeCause or to speak with CEO and Co-founder Frederik Steensgaard, please contact Vanessa Horwell at vhorwell@thinkinkpr.com.

About BeCause
BeCause is an enterprise software company that streamlines the flow of sustainability data and creates synergies between different stakeholders in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, empowering them to make decisions that result in positive, responsible change for people, the planet, and their profits. BeCause works with over 20,000 hotels, including brands like Radisson, certification entities like GreenKey, industry partners like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and marketplaces like Booking.com. For more information, visit because.eco.

About Curiosity
Curiosity is an Amsterdam-based venture capital fund focused on early-stage investments in ambitious, diverse teams based in the Benelux, Nordics, and Baltics. The fund invests in AI-first software companies that create value for businesses and society. Curiosity is led by two experienced operator-investors, Herman Kienhuis and Maurice Beckand Verwee, supported by a community of expert advisors and portfolio company founders who all become co-owners of the fund. For more information, visit https://www.curiosityvc.com or email: hello@curiosityvc.com.

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Technology

Infidigit Welcomes Pinaki Gupta as an Advisor to Foster Leadership and Drive Strategic Growth

Published

37 minutes ago

December 26, 2024

MUMBAI, India, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Infidigit, an AI-enabled digital growth partner known for delivering exceptional results in SEO, CRO, and digital growth, welcomes Pinaki Gupta as Director – Strategy and Oversight. Pinaki’s vast experience in driving business transformation and fostering innovation will be instrumental in shaping Infidigit’s strategic direction and positioning the organisation for long-term success.

With a career spanning global enterprises such as Tata Interactive Systems and MPS Interactive and as the founder of Pisarto, a prominent home decor marketplace, Pinaki has consistently driven innovation and growth. His expertise will play a pivotal role in further scaling Infidigit’s vision and helping it explore untapped opportunities in the dynamic digital marketing ecosystem.

Sharing his thoughts, Pinaki Gupta, said, “Infidigit’s rise as a leader in digital marketing has been remarkable. Kaushal and his team have built an organisation with a strong culture of innovation and performance that truly sets them apart. I am excited to join Infidigit as an Advisor to bring a new perspective and help evaluate business opportunities and accelerate their growth journey. Together, we will focus on building strategic frameworks that ensure Infidigit continues to thrive in an evolving digital-first world.”

Kaushal Thakkar, Founder and Managing Director of Infidigit, said, “Pinaki and I share a long and fruitful professional history, during which I’ve consistently been impressed by his incisive strategic mind. His knack for challenging the status quo and driving transformative change makes him an ideal fit for Infidigit’s ambitious growth trajectory. We’re excited to leverage his mentorship as we reach new heights, fortify our leadership team, and continue delivering exceptional results for our clients.”

Infidigit, under Kaushal Thakkar’s leadership, has consistently set benchmarks in SEO, CRO, and digital growth strategies. With over 100 award-winning campaigns, Infidigit has delivered measurable results across industries. Pinaki’s addition to the leadership team further strengthens its mission of combining innovation, leadership, and performance to help businesses grow sustainably.

About Infidigit:

Infidigit, an AI-enabled digital growth partner, empowers top brands to achieve impactful results through SEO, ASO, CRO, and data-driven digital strategies. At the forefront of AI innovation in marketing, Infidigit is developing a SaaS product to further simplify SEO. With a proven track record of measurable success, Infidigit partners with startups, MSMEs, and enterprises across diverse industries, enabling them to thrive in the digital-first economy. Their commitment to excellence is underscored by over 100 award-winning campaigns recognized by prestigious platforms such as the SMX, APAC Search Awards, ET BrandEquity Shark Awards, Sparkies and Exchange4Media IDMA. Infidigit continues to set new standards in digital marketing, driving sustainable growth and unparalleled success for its clients.

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Technology

AU NOMO Credit Card: A Smart Way to Leverage Fixed Deposits

Published

2 hours ago

December 26, 2024

AHMEDABAD, India, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) has unveiled its latest offering, the AU NOMO Credit Card, a groundbreaking financial product that allows individuals to access credit while still growing their savings. This innovative credit card leverages the power of Fixed Deposits (FDs) as collateral, providing cardholders with enhanced purchasing power without compromising their long-term savings goals.

The AU NOMO Credit Card enables users to use their fixed deposits to secure a credit limit, offering a unique opportunity for first-time credit card applicants or individuals wanting to build their credit scores responsibly. This solution particularly benefits those with limited documentation or a lack of traditional credit history.

Key Features of the AU NOMO Credit Card

Contactless Payments: Enjoy secure and seamless tap-and-pay transactions for daily purchases.Card Liability Protection: Safeguards user against unauthorized transactions, card skimming, and online fraud with comprehensive liability coverage.Reward Points Program: User can earn reward points on retail, utility, and insurance transactions to maximize the value of their spending.Milestone Rewards: Unlock additional rewards for meeting specific quarterly spending goals.Lounge Access Benefits: Get complimentary access to domestic airport and railway lounges, subject to meeting spending criteria.Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Save on fuel transactions within a specified range with a surcharge waiver.

Eligibility Criteria

Here’s what one must know for eligibility criteria for AU NOMO credit card:

Age: 18 to 75 yearsCitizenship: Indian ResidentFixed Deposit: Creation and maintenance of a fixed deposit with AU Small Finance Bank

The AU NOMO Credit Card (Credit Card against FD) offers an easy and seamless application process with a digital interface, making it accessible to anyone looking to leverage their savings for immediate spending power. The card promises to meet the needs of those starting their credit journey and those seeking additional flexibility in their financial dealings.

The AU NOMO Credit Card redefines the traditional approach to credit by allowing users to continue earning interest on their Fixed Deposits while enjoying the purchasing power that comes with a credit card. Whether for essential daily expenses or significant purchases, the AU NOMO Credit Card perfectly balances saving and spending, empowering individuals to achieve their financial goals without compromise.

For more information on the AU NOMO Credit Card, visit https://www.aubank.in/personal-banking/credit-cards/nomo-credit-card

About AU Small Finance Bank

AU Small Finance Bank, one of India’s leading small finance banks, is committed to transforming banking by focusing on customer-centric services and a deep understanding of the Indian market. More details on AU Small Finance Bank and its financial products like credit cards can be found online.

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Technology

Treat Yourself to a New Christmas Experience by Self-Gifting viaim’s AI Recording Earbuds, Perfect for a More Pleasant and Efficient Workplace

Published

2 hours ago

December 26, 2024

SINGAPORE, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As Christmas approaches, the concept of self-gifting has become more popular with top business executives to help them get into the holiday mood. Especially designed for the office, a gift of AI recording true wireless earbuds launched by viaim, an AI technology hardware company deeply rooted in the smart office sector, can improve work efficiency, thereby lifting the spirits and improving quality of life for busy workplace elites ahead of the busy and stressful holiday period.

The person who understands themselves best is themselves. It is in this spirit that viaim is encouraging people to give themselves some extra love and care during this holiday season because they deserve it. The Christmas self-gifting trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years sees people pay more and more attention to creating a higher quality life for themselves in their busy work lives. Especially towards the end of the year, consumers are choosing to treat themselves with practical and pleasant gifts for Christmas. Earbuds have become a solid choice for self-gifting because of their usefulness in multiple scenarios, allowing users to enjoy a quality listening experience during work meetings and holiday relaxation time.

The amazing features of the Viaim Nano+ and Viaim Air open-ear AI recording true wireless earbuds make them the perfect choice for self-gifting this Christmas

13 language transcription and real-time translation: During the Christmas holidays, many business professionals travel internationally with friends or spend the holidays with family in countries that don’t speak their native language. viaim headphones allow users to communicate with local people around the world, jumping the language barrier and making cross-border communication smoother and the journey more interactive, fun, and memorable.VIAIM AI Smart Assistant: Generate “Summaries“ and “To-Do Lists“ with one click to help quickly complete an annual report or New Year’s business plan, allowing the festive atmosphere to be enjoyed without missing any key points.Flash Record function: Whether it is to conceive new ideas for next year’s project or suddenly think of a perfect Christmas gift list, inspiration during the holidays is often fleeting. Long press the viaim earbuds for one-click flash recording to capture ideas as soon as the spark of inspiration comes to mind.Noise reduction and a comfortable wearing experience: High-quality 45db noise reduction can provide users with a moment of quietness at Christmas parties, and the comfortable and lightweight design is suitable for long-term wear, meaning a quiet and enjoyable listening atmosphere can be enjoyed during the holidays.

Cecile from VIAIM shared: “Christmas is the time of year to relax and be grateful. It is of course a time to give gifts and be generous to others, but we also must remember to be kind to the person that knows us best – ourselves. Through our brand vision of “work smarter, not harder,” we hope to help people find their own special holiday moments in their busy work life by using our super-efficient office earbuds, so that everyone can enjoy a more productive and enjoyable life experience. I would like to personally wish all our customers, both new and old, a peaceful, relaxing, and happy Christmas.”

About VIAIM

VIAIM is an innovative technology company in the consumer-goods sector. With a focus on versatile, multimodal interactions, we strive to provide effective solutions that meet users’ specific needs. By harnessing state-of-the-art technology, we bring our visionary ideals to life, helping people embrace the incredible possibilities the Company offers.

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SOURCE VIAIM