Technology

NY Fund Plans to Pioneer AI-Assisted Mini Venture Capital for Small Businesses, Targets $1B in Multi-Series Fund Launch

Published

2 months ago

October 1, 2024

Launching this year, Vector Capital’s Mini VC aims to mobilize $1B for 100,000 mom-and-pops, revolutionizing funding with a historic first.

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Vector Capital Solutions, a leader in AI-powered financial solutions, announces its upcoming Mini Venture Capital Program, an innovative funding model designed to tackle the systemic inefficiencies in capital markets and provide sustainable growth opportunities for small businesses. The program introduces equity funding with initial investments starting at $10,000, specifically targeting small businesses historically left out of venture capital opportunities. The firm also plans to raise $1 billion in multiple private equity funds, with the first round beginning in October 2024 and a target completion date by June 30, 2025.

The 400-Year-Old Problem: Capital Market Inefficiencies

“Traditional capital markets, while over 400 years old, have largely remained stagnant,” says Levy Alexandre, CEO of Vector Capital Solutions. “The only significant reform, which was reactionary, came in 1930, following the Great Depression. Since then, the system has operated with inefficiencies that continue to disenfranchise the little guy—small businesses and micro entrepreneurs. While large corporations may still feel some impact at the macro level, it’s Main Street that shoulders the brunt of these inefficiencies, left to pick up the tab while being excluded from meaningful access to capital.”

Many small businesses struggle with cash flow, compounded by capital markets that operate in silos and favor large players. “The problem isn’t just about access to capital; it’s also about how capital is managed,” adds Levy Alexandre. “Main Street businesses tend to treat cash as an asset rather than a tool to manage underlying value of other assets. This creates short-term decisions and leaves them exposed to unsustainable financial models.”

The Solution: Mini Venture Capital Program

The Mini Venture Capital Program is a revolutionary model that addresses these systemic issues. With a focus on providing equity investments starting much lower than current industry standards, the program aims to offer a low entry barrier for small businesses that otherwise struggle to gain access to traditional venture capital. The firm’s AI-powered platform will allow businesses to better manage their cash flow, make data-driven decisions, and position themselves for long-term growth.

Key innovations of the program include:

Low Entry Barrier: With initial capital requirements starting at $10,000, the program offers a new path to funding for businesses traditionally overlooked by large VC firms.

AI-Assisted Management: Entrepreneurs will have access to a platform powered by AI, which provides real-time insights on cash flow management, operations, and strategic planning.

Industry-Agnostic Approach: The Mini VC program evaluates businesses not just on their current financial standing but on their growth potential, no matter the industry.

Long-Term Focus: Unlike traditional VCs that often prioritize quick exits, Vector Capital Solutions is focused on sustainable, long-term growth, ensuring businesses can thrive over time.

Self-Sustaining Fund Cycle

A key innovation of the Mini VC model is its cyclical funding process. The firm plans to create a self-sustaining fund, where early investors can exit as new investors enter, allowing the business to evolve organically. “Our funds will be cyclical and self-generating, ensuring that the capital flow remains constant and the project continues through various phases of growth,” says Levy Alexandre.

A Comprehensive Ecosystem for Success

In addition to the novel Mini VC program, Vector Capital Solutions plans to integrate educational and operational support through its sister companies. Noikademy will offer ongoing business education, while Sir Levy Consulting will provide comprehensive management and strategic support. This approach ensures businesses not only receive the funding they need but are equipped with the tools and expertise to grow sustainably.

“Our system is about more than just funding,” explains Levy Alexandre. “It’s about empowering businesses to thrive in a constantly evolving financial landscape.”

A Glimpse into the Future

As part of its broader strategy, the firm will launch VectorCaps in November 2024. This AI-assisted Business Capital placement app will allow business owners to receive instant funding decisions and connect to a lending marketplace from their mobile devices. Additionally, Vector Capital Solutions plans to consolidate its six entities under a single holding company by mid-2025 to streamline operations and maximize synergies.

About Vector Capital Solutions

Vector Capital Solutions LLC is a New York-based private equity firm that intends to leverage AI and decades of financial expertise to create revolutionary capital solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. The firm’s mission is to provide long-term sustainability through innovative financial models and comprehensive support systems.

DISCLAIMERS:

Securities offerings are reserved for consideration by Accredited Investors only.

All forward-looking statements should be considered as speculation. Readers are advised to consult a qualified advisor for any consideration.

Media Contact

Vector Capital Solutions LLC

pr@vectorcaps.com

http://www.vectorcaps.com

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SOURCE Vector Capital Solutions LLC

Technology

Carleton Launches Six New Career-Focused Programs

Published

54 minutes ago

November 20, 2024

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 20, 2024 /CNW/ – To meet the needs of a changing society, Carleton University is launching five new undergraduate programs in fall 2025 to prepare students for high-demand careers, alongside a flexible online program for multidisciplinary learning and professional advancement.

These programs demonstrate Carleton’s commitment to a focus on experiential learning and career readiness — an approach that will pay dividends for generations to come.

“I’m proud of the work that has been done to develop these new programs, which will attract a high calibre of students to our community,” says Carleton Interim President Jerry Tomberlin.

“It is especially gratifying to know that when they graduate, they will be able to step into vital careers and make immediate and important contributions to the economy, society and world.”

Highlights of the new programs include:

Condensed three-year Nursing Program: An innovative partnership with Ottawa’s Queensway Carleton Hospital accelerates Nursing education, preparing graduates to transform patient care in Ontario.Mechatronics: Prepares students to develop and maintain “smart” machines, vehicles and systems — electro-mechanical devices controlled by computers.Bachelor of Accounting: Builds on Carleton’s accounting excellence, equipping students for advanced careers and CPA designation readiness.Cybersecurity: Focuses on addressing challenges in securing information, networks and software in the digital age.Data Science: Combines mathematics, statistics, computer science and analytics to solve complex problems and responsibly translate data into actionable insights.Bachelor of Arts General Studies: A flexible, fully online (or hybrid) degree offering broad engagement with humanities, social sciences and cultural studies.

From broad ideas to specific challenges, these programs exemplify Carleton’s mission to drive real-world impact and shape a better future for all.

Looking for a Carleton expert?
Visit: https://experts.carleton.ca/

SOURCE Carleton University

Technology

Flex Completes Acquisition of Crown Technical Systems

Published

54 minutes ago

November 20, 2024

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Flex (NASDAQ: FLEX) announced today that it has completed its previously announced $325 million all-cash acquisition of Crown Technical Systems, a leader in fully integrated power distribution and protection systems.

The acquisition further increases Flex exposure to fast-growing, margin accretive end-markets, including modular data center adoption and medium voltage power distribution, and extends the company’s power portfolio into the utility power market. Additionally, the deal strengthens Flex’s critical power portfolio and supports further growth in the U.S. data center market.

“We are pleased to welcome the Crown Technical Systems team officially to Flex,” said Revathi Advaithi, CEO, Flex. “This transaction strategically strengthens our unique EMS + Products + Services data center and power portfolio and expands our presence in high growth markets to help drive long-term value for our customers and shareholders.”

Crown Technical Systems is expected to generate revenue of approximately $120 million and high-teens EBITDA margin in fiscal 2025, which ends on March 31, 2025. For reporting purposes, Crown Technical Systems will be included in the Industrial Business unit inside Flex’s Reliability Solutions segment.

About Flex
Flex (Reg. No. 199002645H) is the manufacturing partner of choice that helps a diverse customer base design and build products that improve the world. Through the collective strength of a global workforce across 30 countries and responsible, sustainable operations, Flex delivers technology innovation, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions to diverse industries and end markets.

Contacts
Investors & Analysts
David A. Rubin
Vice President, Investor Relations
(408) 577-4632
David.Rubin@flex.com

Media & Press
Jessica Anderson
Director, Corporate Integrated Marketing and Communications
(408) 577-4789
Jessica.Anderson@flex.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws, including statements related to the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of Crown Technical Systems such as revenue and EBITDA generation, and general business outlook. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These risks include: the possibility that we may not fully realize the projected benefits of the acquisition in a timely manner or at all; business disruption following the acquisition; diversion of management time on acquisition- and integration-related issues; the combined operations may not be successfully integrated; the reaction of customers and other persons to the acquisition; and other events that could adversely impact the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, including industry or economic conditions outside of our control. In addition, actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to our overall business, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our subsequent filings. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on current expectations and Flex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

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SOURCE Flex

Technology

Precisely Achieves AWS Migration and Modernization Competency Status and Extends Global AWS Region Support

Published

54 minutes ago

November 20, 2024

Demonstrated technical proficiency, proven customer success, and growing demand for Precisely Data Integrity Suite strengthens collaboration with AWS

BURLINGTON, Mass., Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Precisely, the global leader in data integrity, today announced it has achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Migration and Modernization Competency status for AWS Partners. This designation recognizes that Precisely has demonstrated technical proficiency and proven customer success automating and accelerating customer application migration and modernization journeys with its Precisely Data Integrity Suite. Precisely also announced continued support of the Data Integrity Suite in global AWS regions with the addition of the UK and Australia.

AWS Migration and Modernization

AWS launched the AWS Migration and Modernization Competency to allow customers to easily and confidently engage highly specialized AWS Partners that help AWS customers modernize their applications, either before or after they are moved to AWS. The AWS Migration and Modernization Competency takes on the heavy lifting of identifying and validating industry leaders with proven customer success and technical proficiency in migration and application modernization tooling. This is the second AWS Competency that Precisely has received, having previously achieved AWS Data and Analytics Competency in December 2023.

“Achieving AWS Migration and Modernization Competency is another significant milestone in our relationship with AWS. Congratulations to all the teams involved in working closely on our combined product solutions,” said Eric Yau, Chief Operating Officer at Precisely. “Additionally, the need for fast, powerful data integrity solutions continues to drive our expansion of support for AWS regions. Precisely is committed to accelerating and scaling the performance of Precisely Data Integrity Suite for our global customers.”

AWS is enabling scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions from startups to global enterprises. To support the seamless integration and deployment of these solutions, AWS established the AWS Competency Program to help customers identify AWS Partners with deep industry experience and expertise

Together, AWS and Precisely are helping businesses leverage AWS services for reporting, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) using data from mainframe systems.

Precisely Data Integrity Suite AWS Region Expansion

Precisely Data Integrity Suite customers across North America, Europe, the UK, and Australia can now access in-country AWS data centers for enhanced performance and compliance with local data residency laws. Built from the ground up as interoperable SaaS services connected by a common foundation, the Data Integrity Suite helps organizations ensure their data is accurate, consistent, and contextual. Services include Data Integration, Data Governance, Data Quality, Data Observability, Geo Addressing, Spatial Analytics, and Data Enrichment.

Visit Precisely at AWS re:Invent in Las Vegas from December 2-6 at booth #875. Go to these pages to learn more about the partnership between AWS and Precisely and the Data Integrity Suite.

About Precisely

As a global leader in data integrity, Precisely ensures that your data is accurate, consistent, and contextual. Our portfolio, including the Precisely Data Integrity Suite, helps integrate your data, improve data quality, govern data usage, geocode and analyze location data, and enrich with complementary datasets for confident business decisions. Over 12,000 organizations in more than 100 countries, including 93 of the Fortune 100, trust Precisely software, data, and strategy services to power AI, automation, and analytics initiatives. Learn more at www.precisely.com.

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