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Ascend Money secured investment from MUFG to accelerate digital financial inclusion in Thailand

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BANGKOK, June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ascend Money, Southeast Asia’s homegrown fintech company, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG), have announced that MUFG’s consolidated subsidiary, MUFG Bank, Ltd., as a lead investor, together with the Finnoventure Private Equity Trust I fund managed by Krungsri Finnovate Co., Ltd. have made a combined investment of USD 195 million in Ascend Money Co, Ltd.

This strategic investment signifies a strong commitment from both organizations to drive the growth of digital finance in Thailand. By combining MUFG’s global financial footprint with Ascend Money’s deep local market knowledge and innovative digital financial solutions, the investment will help Ascend Money accelerate its plan to provide inclusive financial services for underserved consumers and SMEs, fostering equitable economic growth and financial well-being in Thailand.

Ascend Money, Southeast Asia’s leading fintech company and the fintech arm of Charoen Pokphand Group (C.P. Group), which is its major shareholder, became Thailand’s first fintech unicorn in 2021. Ascend Money, Thailand’s largest digital financial services provider, has a strong presence in 7 countries across Southeast Asia. Its TrueMoney platform offers a wide range of financial solutions, including e-payment, lending, BNPL, investment and insurance. With 30 million active users[1] in Thailand, it serves a broad customer base through an extensive network and strategic partnerships with leading corporations, businesses, and merchants in both online and offline landscapes. This robust ecosystem positions Ascend Money to capitalize on the growing trend of digital finance adoption in Thailand and the region.

Yasushi Itagaki, Senior Managing Corporate Executive, Head of Global Commercial Banking Business Group at MUFG said “MUFG considers the Asia Pacific its second home market, and as part of our commitment to this region, we have been making  strategic investments in leading digital finance players in the region. Ascend Money is a promising fintech player in Thailand with widespread penetration in the country’s consumer segment and deep understanding of their daily payments and financial requirements. With this investment,  we are making a significant contribution to the ongoing development of Thailand’s digital economy and financial inclusion, further underscoring MUFG’s commitment to the sustainable development of the country and the broader region as a whole.”

“We are delighted to welcome MUFG’s joint investment in Ascend Money alongside existing investors C.P. Group, ANT Group, and Bow Wave Capital Management. This is a significant milestone for Ascend Money, which not only validates our commitment to innovation and financial inclusion in Thailand but also demonstrates a growing interest and confidence in Ascend Money’s potential,” said Suphachai Chearavanont, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Ascend Money.  “We are confident that Ascend Money’s strong growth trajectory, combined with MUFG’s expertise and network, will enable us to create a more inclusive and vibrant financial ecosystem to accelerate both regional and local digital transformation, benefiting millions of people and contributing to the country’s economic development.”

[1] Annual Active Users as of 31 December 2023

About Ascend Money

Ascend Money is a leading Southeast Asian fintech company providing innovative payment and financial services across 7 countries (Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia). The company is under Ascend Group, a digital technology business conglomerate providing digital financial, e-commerce, data & cloud services. Established in 2013, Ascend Money became Thailand’s first fintech unicorn in 2021. Its flagship service TrueMoney today has become the most popular digital financial application that enables ease of payments and convenient financial lifestyle. TrueMoney’s extensive agent network as well as offline and online payment services also enable millions of users across the region to access innovative financial services, leading them to better lives. For more information, please visit www.ascendmoneygroup.com

About MUFG

MUFG Bank, Ltd. is Japan’s premier bank, with a global network spanning around 40 countries. Outside of Japan, the bank offers an extensive scope of commercial and investment banking products and services to businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. MUFG Bank’s parent, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one of the world’s leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with approximately 2,000 locations in more than 40 countries. The Group has about 120,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing. The Group aims to “be the world’s most trusted financial group” through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges. For more information, visit https://www.mufg.jp/english.

About Finnoventure Private Equity Trust I Fund

Finnoventure Private Equity Trust I Fund, launched by Krungsri Finnovate, is Thailand’s first startup private equity trust fund. It targets ultra-high net worth individuals and institutional investors, providing unique investment opportunities in rising ASEAN startups. With a focus on fintech, e-commerce, and automotive sectors, the fund aims to drive innovation and strategic growth. Investors benefit from partnerships with startups to co-develop innovative products and services, ensuring impactful and sustainable returns. For more information, please visit https://www.krungsrifinnovate.com/en/Home/

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SOURCE Ascend Money

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QKS Group’s ROI Benchmark Report Turning Tech Investments into Strategic Wins

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Capturing true product impact through customer-driven research, cost-benefit mapping, and strategic ROI analysis

MIDDLETON, Mass., April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a market where every technology investment must be justified with hard data, QKS Group is raising the bar with its newly launched ROI Benchmark Report – a proprietary, four-step methodology designed to help both technology vendors and enterprise buyers cut through marketing clutter and uncover real product impact.

Built entirely on direct customer input, strategic cost-benefit analysis, and ROI-focused metrics, the benchmark offers an impartial, in-depth view of how technology performs in real-world business environments.

What Sets the QKS ROI Benchmark Apart?

The ROI Benchmark Report uses a rigorous, four-step methodology that fuses quantitative rigor with qualitative depth, delivering powerful, data-backed stories of value:

Customer-Driven Research – QKS Analysts design custom questionnaires and conduct in-depth interviews with 20–25 actual customers from the vendor’s target segment, ensuring authenticity and relevance.Target Profile Creation – A composite profile is developed from the findings to understand the economic and operational realities of the customer base.Benefit-Cost Mapping – Strategic and financial gains are clearly mapped, while the cost profile accounts for total ownership, deployment challenges, and business risk.ROI & Payback Calculation – Final report delivers sharp metrics including ROI, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), payback period, and risk-adjusted value analysis.

Become a client and Explore the Opportunities: https://qksgroup.com/become-client

Why It Matters?

For Vendors:

A third-party proof point to demonstrate real product valueStrengthens investor trust and accelerates sales cyclesConverts customer success stories into market momentum

For Buyers:

Clear, data-driven insights for confident, high-impact decisionsCuts through vendor marketing fluff to reveal real-world impactAligns tech investments with both short-term wins and long-term goals

A New Standard in ROI Evaluation

Unlike traditional ROI models built on assumptions or generic templates, QKS Group’s benchmark is grounded in customer reality. It is vendor-neutral, research-backed, and built to empower smart decisions from boardroom to budget meeting.

Whether you’re a vendor looking to show results or a buyer looking to invest wisely, the ROI Benchmark Study is designed to guide you with clarity, confidence, and evidence.

At QKS Group, we are committed to advancing evidence-based decision-making in enterprise technology investments. Our ROI Benchmark Report is a product of rigorous methodology and direct customer engagement, providing a reliable foundation for evaluating true product value. In an environment where accountability and clarity are paramount, this benchmark offers both vendors and buyers the data-driven insights they need driver smarter decisions. –Divya Barnwal, VP and Principal Analyst.

Conclusion:

With the ROI Benchmark, QKS Group is setting a new gold standard in tech evaluation, one that prioritizes truth over tactics, insight over assumptions, and outcomes over optics. In an era of economic scrutiny, it’s the clarity both buyers and vendors have been waiting for.

Trusted insights. Strategic clarity. The power to make bold, confident decisions that shape the future.

Contact:
Shraddha Roy 
PR & Media Relations
QKS Group
Regus Business Center
35 Village Road, Suite 100,
Middleton Massachusetts 01949
United States
Email: shraddha.r@qksgroup.com 
Content Source: https://qksgroup.com/newsroom/qks-group-s-roi-benchmark-report-turning-tech-investments-into-strategic-wins-1136
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qksgroup

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501519/QKS_Group_Logo.jpg

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/qks-groups-roi-benchmark-report-turning-tech-investments-into-strategic-wins-302438421.html

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InventHelp Inventor Develops New Set of Audio Accessories (SDK-167)

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PITTSBURGH, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — “I wanted to create a set of electronic accessories that would give the user the option of listening to music privately and without disturbing others, or enjoying open-air listening in an ambient atmosphere,” said an inventor, from Seattle, Wash., “so I invented the THUMPERZ. My design would make listening a more enjoyable and pleasurable experience.”

The invention provides a convenient set of accessories for digital music/media consumers. In doing so, it ensures wireless headphones and speakers are available if needed. As a result, it could be used in a wide range of settings, such as while commuting, exercising, working, studying, or simply relaxing. The invention features a portable and versatile design that is easy to use so it is ideal for digital music/media consumers. Additionally, a prototype model and technical drawings are available upon request.

The original design was submitted to the Seattle sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 23-SDK-167, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp’s Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inventhelp-inventor-develops-new-set-of-audio-accessories-sdk-167-302424181.html

SOURCE InventHelp

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CICE Invests $2.46 Million in Five Women-Led Climate Tech Ventures

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Funding accelerates breakthrough solutions driving decarbonization and inclusive economic growth

VANCOUVER, BC, April 25, 2025 /CNW/ – The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is investing $2.46 million in five women-led climate tech ventures through its inaugural Women in Climate Tech Call for Innovation. This funding will support high-impact climate hard tech solutions driving decarbonization in the transportation, construction, and bio-industrial sectors.

“Solving today’s climate and energy challenges will take innovation, practical leadership, and strategic investment in technologies that can scale,” said Sarah Goodman, President and CEO of CICE. “By backing women-led climate tech ventures, we’re strengthening Canada’s economy, driving real-world solutions, and unlocking the full potential of Canadian talent.”

From 58 applicants, the following five ventures were selected for their potential to deliver scalable climate impact and economic benefit:

Agora Energy Technologies – Turning CO2 into clean power by combining capture, purification and conversion in a one step process.Ayrton Energy Inc. – Making hydrogen easy to move and store using today’s fuel infrastructure.EnviCore Inc. – Transforming industrial waste into low carbon cement alternatives.Gaia Refinery – Removing carbon at scale with a plug-and-play system for bio-industries.Seacork Studio Inc. – Creating carbon-negative building materials from seaweed.

These women-led ventures are tackling some of the toughest challenges in industrial decarbonization—while helping build a stronger climate tech ecosystem.

Climate Action with Economic Impact

The business case for advancing gender equity in climate tech is compelling. According to the MaRS Discovery District, increasing the number of women-owned SMEs by just 10% could contribute an estimated $198 billion to Canada’s GDP. By supporting women founders today, CICE is unlocking untapped potential in innovation, job creation, and economic competitiveness.

“Backing diverse founders isn’t charity—it’s how we win,” adds Goodman. “When we bring more voices to the table, we unlock better ideas, build stronger businesses, and find smarter solutions. This is especially true in climate and energy, where the challenges we face are complex and deeply connected. But Canadians know how to solve hard problem, by working together, thinking long-term, and investing in innovation that creates jobs, grows our economy, and protects what we all share.”

Catalytic Beyond Funding

CICE’s commitment to inclusive climate innovation goes beyond funding. Through initiatives like R2WS: Innovation with Impact – Women in Tech, CICE is increasing access to networks and cultivating the community women founders need to thrive—because breakthrough technologies don’t scale in isolation.

The Women in Climate Tech initiative is grounded in a simple idea: when all innovators have a fair shot, Canada is stronger for it. By investing in practical climate solutions—and the diverse talent behind them—CICE is driving economic growth, strengthening our innovation economy, and helping ensure Canada builds competitiveness in a changing world.

To date CICE has invested $39.7 million in 65 projects valued at over $264.3 million.

About the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE)

The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that funds the development, commercialization, and scaling of made-in-B.C. climate and energy solutions. We unite B.C. innovators, leading corporations, governments, investors, academia, communities, not-for-profits, and Indigenous partners to advance economic prosperity, competitiveness, and sustainability through innovation. CICE was established in 2021 through commitments from the Government of British Columbia, Shell Canada Ltd. and the Government of Canada. Since then, CICE has become a proven catalyst for early-stage investment and the scale-up of B.C.’s leading climate technologies. www.cice.ca 

SOURCE B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy

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