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Accel-backed Jetapult takes major stake in KSA-based UMX for $4.5mn in an all-cash deal

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Marks a significant investment by a Global strategic investor in one of MENA’s pioneering game development studios

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Accel-backed Jetapult, a global strategic investment company in the gaming landscape, takes a major stake in UMX Studio, one of the first homegrown game development studios in Saudi Arabia. The company invested $4.5mn in an all cash transaction.

In addition to capital, UMX Studio will get help to support the expansion of their existing portfolio, expand their audiences across global markets, and build games in new genres.

UMX Studio founded by Mr. Ali Alharbi in 2014, develops high-quality mobile games featuring stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and suitability for all ages. Their games have garnered over 70 million downloads till date, showcasing their competence in developing high-resonance Arabic content that reflects their culture and values.

This is Jetapult’s first investment in the MENA region, with further investments planned in markets like South East Asia and Europe.

Speaking on the occasion, Sharan Tulsiani, the Co-Founder and CEO of Jetapult, said, “Jetapult’s investment in UMX goes beyond providing capital; we bring a wealth of proven gaming expertise and cutting-edge technology to this partnership.

Sharing a unified vision with Ali, this collaboration will not only unlock UMX’s global potential but also contribute to the growth of local talent and enhance gaming experiences across the Middle East’s vibrant development ecosystem”

The investment comes in the context of the exponential growth of the gaming and e-sports sector in the MENA region, and with the Saudi National Gaming and Esports entity aiming to make the country a global gaming hub by 2030. In 2023, gaming revenues in the MENA were approximately $7.2 billion, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a key growth player and is home to 23.5 million gaming enthusiasts.*

Mr. Ali Alharbi, Founder UMX, stated, “This significant investment from Jetapult not only marks a milestone for UMX Studio but also heralds a new era for the Saudi Arabian gaming industry. We are thrilled to partner with a globally recognized leader in the gaming investments space. This collaboration will not only accelerate our expansion but also empower us with advanced tools and expertise. In partnership with Jetapult we are committed to setting new benchmarks and establishing a solid foundation for nurturing and expanding Saudi Arabia’s gaming talent.”

Jetapult, co-founded by Sharan Tulsiani and Yash Baid, is backed by Accel Partners, Fireside, JetSynthesys, amongst others. The company aims to support game studios with a scientific approach to sustainable growth in markets such as Southeast Asia, MENA, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, through a $100 million commitment over the next five years. Jetapult employs a pioneering “Invest & Operate” (I&O) model, which combines strategic capital with hands-on operational support.

UMX has shown consistent year-over-year growth in profitability, driven by a portfolio of games that consistently top the Apple and Google charts in the region.

Jetapult is committed to UMX’s vision of fostering the Saudi Arabian market to become a hub for game development by harnessing Jetapult’s strategic expertise and UMX’s local talent and cultural nuance.

Mr. Barath Shankar Subramanian, Partner, Accel, stated, “Jetapult’s investment in UMX Studio marks a significant milestone in expanding its presence in emerging markets like MENA, where gaming and game development is rapidly gaining momentum. Jetapult’s unique ‘Invest & Operate’ model, which was the core of our investment thesis, has the potential to transform the global gaming ecosystem, enabling growth for gaming studios and the exploration of new gaming genres.”

*As per PWC in 2024

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TÜV Rheinland Launches Innovative “H2-Ready” Certification Program

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ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — TÜV Rheinland has launched an innovative certification program that qualifies materials for the emerging hydrogen economy. The “H2-Ready” Certification confirms that materials used in critical applications such as piping and pressure vessels in large industrial plants are suitable for use with pressurized hydrogen. The “H2-Ready” test mark confirms technical suitability of components for handling pressurized hydrogen.

Gunther Sproesser, Materials Expert at TÜV Rheinland, explains: “Our new ‘H2.23’ Standard combines the latest technology with global expertise to test materials for hydrogen compatibility.” The challenge: Hydrogen can penetrate materials, making them brittle and damaging them to the point of component failure. Upon successful certification, manufacturers can receive the “H2-Ready” test mark to demonstrate to customers that their materials can safely handle compressed hydrogen. The H2-Ready test mark is only awarded to materials that meet strict criteria. The mark also requires regular monitoring of production.

“There is a lack of recognized regulations for the long-term and safe use of components with pressurized hydrogen. We are filling this gap with the ‘H2-Ready’ Certification. In doing so, we are ensuring greater safety and confidence in the rapidly growing hydrogen industry,” says Sproesser. TÜV Rheinland has already certified several materials from “Busch + Kunz”, the leading European manufacturer of weld fittings, in accordance with the “H2-Ready” Standard.

For more information on TÜV Rheinland’s Hydrogen Services, please visit: https://rb.gy/oof4je

Safety and quality in almost all areas of business and life: That’s what TÜV Rheinland stands for. The company has been active for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s leading testing service providers. TÜV Rheinland has more than 22,000 employees in over 50 countries and generates annual sales of more than 2.4 billion euros. TÜV Rheinland’s highly qualified experts test technical systems and products around the globe, accompany innovations in technology and business, train people in numerous professions and certify management systems according to international standards. In this way, the independent experts ensure trust along global flows of goods and value chains. Since 2006, TÜV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact for more sustainability and against corruption.

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DTiQ Secures $145M Growth Investment from Bain Capital Credit

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Investment will enable DTiQ to pivot to a higher SaaS growth model, expand its AI-powered, video and data analytics business optimization solutions portfolio, accelerate expansion in new territories, and strengthen its leadership.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Oct. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DTiQ, the leading provider of SaaS-based video, analytics, and optimization solutions for operators within the Restaurant, Convenience Store and Specialty Retail industries, today announced that it has received a $145 million growth investment from Bain Capital’s Private Credit Group (“Bain Capital”). The funding will drive increased innovation in AI and Computer Vision for more actionable business insights and automation, expand its SaaS product offerings, and capture new opportunities in existing and new territories.

“DTiQ has a customer-first, outside-in innovation approach and a cloud-first, mobile forward solution set to help restaurant and retail operators solve everyday problems and grow their businesses, said JL Valente, CEO of DTiQ

DTiQ provides SaaS, video-based, business optimization solutions to the top names in QSR, Retail and C-Store, such as Subway, Dunkin, Burger King, Church’s and others. In 2022, the company expanded its addressable market with the acquisition of Australia-based Summit Innovations providing advanced Drive Thru solutions to customers and delivering ROI-enhancing solutions both inside and now outside their stores. Proving that they recognize the everyday pains of operators in the industries they serve, DTiQ has committed publicly to providing new solutions to address their challenges further including loss prevention, speed of service, peak times, operational and compliance issues, and employee/patron safety. Most recently, DTiQ has broadened its AI-powered portfolio when it rolled out In-Store and Peak Hours Speed of Service capabilities.

“DTiQ has a customer-first, outside-in innovation approach and a cloud-first, mobile forward solution set to help restaurant and retail operators solve everyday problems and grow their businesses, said JL Valente, CEO of DTiQ. “We are thrilled to be able to accelerate our already aggressive product roadmap.”

Today’s announcement with Bain Capital, one of the world’s leading private investment firms, underscores the significance, scale and quality of the DTiQ business, its market momentum, contributions to the hospitality industries and superiority of its portfolio in addressing key business issues for restaurant and convenient stores owners and operators, as well as specialty retailers.

“Our investment in DTiQ is an emblematic of our conviction in this well-established, globally-renowned business and its ability to innovate new AI-enhanced video and data solutions for the benefit of the restaurant and retail industries,” said David Healey, a Director at Bain Capital Credit. “We’re proud to support DTiQ’s exciting growth trajectory with strategic capital and our long track-record of helping SaaS businesses reach their full potential.”

“Given DTIQ’s growth plans, existing solutions, roster of customers and leadership, this investment by Bain Capital is catalytic capital for its future,” said Rick Shrotri, founder and Managing Partner of Digital Alpha Advisors, DTiQ’s Private Equity partner. “We believe DTiQ is posed for profitable growth in 2025 and beyond, and we are pleased to be partnering with Bain Capital on this investment.”

About DTiQ

DTiQ offers state-of-the art SaaS video surveillance, analytics and next gen Drive Thru solutions to improve loss prevention and operational excellence at multi-location Quick Service and Table Service Restaurants, retail, and convenience store locations. With 27 years of experience, DTiQ successfully enhances over 8 million consumer experiences daily, while delivering high ROI outcomes and protecting trillions of dollars in assets. DTiQ works with over 37,000 locations in the Americas, Europe and Australia / NZ, including brands such as Adidas, Burger King, Crocs, Dairy Queen, Dunkin, GNC, McDonald’s, Subway, Swarovski, Taco Bell, Vineyard Vines, and Yankee Candle. For more on information, please visit dtiq.com.

About Bain Capital Credit

Bain Capital Credit (www.baincapitalcredit.com) is a leading global credit specialist with approximately $45 billion in assets under management. Bain Capital Credit invests across the credit spectrum and in credit-related strategies, including leveraged loans, high-yield bonds, structured products, private middle market loans and bespoke capital solutions. Our team of more than 100 investment professionals creates value through rigorous, independent analysis of thousands of corporate issuers around the world. Bain Capital Credit’s dedicated Private Credit Group focuses on providing complete financing solutions to businesses with EBITDA between $10 million and $150 million located in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. In addition to credit, Bain Capital invests across asset classes including private equity, public equity, venture capital and real estate, and leverages the firm’s shared platform to capture opportunities in strategic areas of focus.

About Digital Alpha

Digital Alpha Advisors, LLC is an investment firm focused on digital infrastructure and services required by the digital economy with total assets under management of over $1.5B. The firm has a strategic collaboration agreement with Cisco Systems, Inc. As part of this agreement, Digital Alpha has preferred access to Cisco’s pipeline of commercial opportunities requiring equity financing. In addition, Digital Alpha has cultivated strategic partnerships with other Silicon Valley technology leaders, with whom it has already executed deals. Digital Alpha believes that it is the first firm focused on making private equity investments in the significant growth opportunities required to underpin the Digital Economy, including smart cities, next-generation broadband networks, and enterprise data management and communication solutions. Digital Alpha was founded in 2017 by Rick Shrotri, former Head of the Global Infrastructure Funds (GIF) team at Cisco, and closed its latest Fund – Digital Alpha Fund II, LP – in early 2021.

Media Contact

Lisa Harris, DTiQ, 1 720-970-9228, lharris@dtiq.com, https://www.dtiq.com/

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MCH Announces Rapid Fall 2024 K-12 Educator Data Updates

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MCH Strategic Data completes its Fall 2024 K-12 educator database updates in record time, just 30 days after the start of the academic year, setting a new industry standard.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — MCH Leads the Way with Unprecedented Fall 2024 Database Updates of K-12 Educators.

“Starting communications and brand-building months ahead of competitors leads directly to better sales outcomes and stronger engagement,” said Amy Rambo, President of MCH Strategic Data.

As the new academic year kicks off, schools across the U.S. are bustling with new faces, staffing changes, and updates to their educator rosters. MCH Strategic Data is proud to announce that it has completed its comprehensive K-12 education database updates for Fall 2024, just 30 days after schools returned for the start of their 2024 – 2025 academic year. This speed and accuracy represent an industry first, setting MCH apart as leaders in providing verified educator data.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF K-12 DATA

Over the past two years, MCH has invested millions into developing proprietary data-gathering processes that ensure verified updates of educator information. Our system now runs every 30 days, validating educator contact data at over 81,000 schools. This new technology allows MCH to offer faster and more accurate updates than anyone else in the industry.

“Our commitment to providing up-to-date K-12 educator data means that businesses and organizations can connect with verified educators and decision-makers at the right time — leading to better engagement, stronger brand presence, and improved sales outcomes,” said Amy Rambo, President of MCH Strategic Data.

FALL 2024 K-12 EDUCATOR DATA HIGHLIGHTS:

Added 4,232 new schools, increasing the total number of schools in our database to 129,943.Removed 606,771 educators no longer at schools.Added 717,125 new educators to school rosters.Verified and updated 5,751,317 educator roles to ensure data accuracy.

“This level of speed and precision is unmatched in the industry. Starting communications and brand-building months ahead of competitors leads directly to better sales outcomes and better engagement,” said Rambo.

WHY FAST AND ACCURATE EDUCATOR DATA MATTERS

Every year, schools and districts across the country make most of their staffing changes just before the new academic school year begins. The process of updating these records is complex and time-consuming, often taking months to complete. By the time this information is fully updated, many sales opportunities for that academic year have been missed.

MCH’s ability to offer unmatched data updates provides a massive competitive advantage. Whether marketing educational products, software, or services, having up-to-date contact information as schools return from summer break gives MCH customers a head start. With MCH, you can build your brand and engage with educators when they are ready to make decisions—not months later.

MAXIMIZING RESULTS WITH MCH’S K-12 DATA

In addition to these rapid Fall updates, MCH will continue enhancing its education database by incorporating district updates and schools not yet included in its proprietary compilation technology. “With access to over 4,000,000 educators updated and verified every 30 days, our customers will see unprecedented results,” said Peter Long, CEO of MCH Strategic Data. “We challenge industry leaders to add our monthly update flow to their marketing mix and experience the positive ROI.”

EXPERIENCE THE MCH DIFFERENCE

To take advantage of the fastest and most accurate K-12 educator data on the market, contact MCH today to learn how our verified, up-to-date contact data can help you reach your goals and drive results.

Media Contact

Peter Long, MCH Strategic Data, 1 800-776-6373, marketing@mchdata.com, https://www.mchdata.com

Ellen McGuyer, MCH Strategic Data, 1 800-776-6373, ellenm@mchdata.com, https://www.mchdata.com

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