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The AI Tipping Point: Half of CFOs will axe AI investment if it doesn’t show ROI next year

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4 out of 5 organizations are set to increase AI investment, but CFOs ‘don’t know where to start’31% lack clear strategic vision for AI within the finance functionThis uncertainty is preventing 41% of finance leaders from prioritizing AI investment75% of CFOs want greater investment in AI to focus more on strategic activities such as e-invoicing compliance and regulation

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Four out of five Chief Financial Officers (78%) have expressed a desire to increase their investment in AI over the next 12 to 18 months, recognizing its value in transforming financial operations, but admit they ‘don’t know where to start’, according to a new *global survey.

While this signals growing confidence in AI, it’s accompanied by a strict demand for accountability. Half of CFOs (50%) report they will axe AI investment if it fails to deliver measurable ROI within a year, highlighting a narrow window for proving its impact.

The findings were revealed in accounts payable automation Basware’s AI to ROI Report, conducted by independent research firm Financial Times Longitude. The study surveyed 400 global CFOs and finance leaders on their attitude, priorities and challenges when it comes to AI in the finance department.

Infographic – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2555171/Basware_1.jpg

Uncertainty is Restricting Investment

The biggest priority for financial leaders when implementing finance transformation projects is cost efficiency, with one-third (32%) listing it as their primary focus.

However, any financial confidence will remain rocky with macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties continuing to swirl up until the end of the year, and beyond.

This uncertainty is directly impacting AI adoption within finance functions, making it challenging for 41% of finance leaders to prioritize AI investment.

No one is exempt from the fallout of uncertainty. Even Meta’s latest earnings saw a reduced stock-price revision worth $5.1bn to reflect concerns over the company’s capacity to mobilize AI investments and sustain growth. Meta has invested in a “significant acceleration” in AI-related infrastructure, but analysts warn that they need to prove they can continue to cover its rising AI costs and deliver ROI. For companies like Meta, a bounce-back is likely, but recoverability in the short-term isn’t achievable for all.

Unclear AI Strategy

According to the report, finance leaders want to invest more in AI to reduce manual tasks and allow their teams to focus on priorities in their business. 70% of finance leaders said that staff want AI support for administrative tasks, while 75% report that AI has enabled their workforce to focus on more strategic activities such as e-invoicing compliance.

However, the biggest barrier to finance transformation is change management and an unclear AI strategy. 40% of finance leaders state that their organization lacks change management capabilities, while 31% highlight a lack of clear strategic vision for the future of the finance function.

Infographic – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2555172/Basware_2.jpg

These factors hinder ROI for AI projects, resulting in question marks over investment without tangible financial benefits.

Perttu Nihti, Chief Product Officer at Basware, commented on the new AI study:
“The office of the CFO is tasked with overseeing a complex range of functions from regulatory compliance through to cash flow management and financial reporting. All of which are areas where AI-powered automation can help to reduce hours and relieve pressure. But the success of AI investment hangs on knowing where to start and proving impact. We’re at the AI tipping point. Focusing on high-value wins, such as AI-powered efficiency that demonstrate quantifiable ROI quickly, in areas such as compliance, error reduction and fraud detection, will help justify investment across a company’s organization.”

Turning Investment into Results

Accounts Payable is one such starting point that is already returning greater levels of ROI. The survey revealed that organizations prioritizing AI investment are realizing a return of 136% ROI, with savings exceeding $1.36 for every $1m invested over the duration of three years.

Among CFOs prioritizing AI innovation and applying it to processes in accounts payable, reducing errors, faster fraud detection, reduced operational costs and improved regulatory compliance were found to be the greatest benefits.

How One Global Company Realized AI’s ROI

One example of how AI has driven ROI for an enterprise is paper and packaging manufacturer Billerud. The accounts payable team was previously hindered by time-consuming manual invoice processing, which cost them several hours each day. To address this inefficiency, they implemented Basware’s SmartPDF AI Instant Learning solution, which uses AI and text extraction to convert PDF invoices into authentic e-invoices.

Billerud has seen a substantial reduction of invoices needing validation, dropping from 15% to 9% due to AI Instant Learning, and saving AP staff several hours each day. Now, powered by AI, over 90% of their invoices are validated automatically due to faster, more accurate data extraction.

Jesper Persson, Business Developer at Billerud, said:
“Since day one, we’ve perceived the desired values from the project. The quality of invoices has improved considerably, and the AI continues to evolve and improve with each passing day. The efficiency gains we achieved translated directly into tangible cost savings, paving the way for a rapid return on investment within just a few months.”

The findings reveal a tipping point for AI in finance. While 50% of CFOs may cut AI investments without clear ROI, those that identify specific starting points for AI implementation – such as invoice processing automation – can achieve measurable returns within months rather than years. These successes are creating a blueprint for broader AI adoption across finance functions.

 

Notes to Editors
* Invoice automation company Basware and Financial Times Longitude surveyed 400 global CFOs and finance leaders

For the full report, visit here: https://www.basware.com/en/resources/from-ai-to-roi-cfos-and-the-fast-track-to-value

About Basware

Basware is how finance leaders in global enterprises can finally automate their complex, labor-intensive invoice processes and stay compliant with regulatory change. Our AP automation and invoicing platform helps you achieve a new level of efficiency – in a matter of months – while reducing errors and risks. We bring a unique combination of true automation, complete coverage, and deeper expertise to make it all just happen for our customers. That’s why the world’s most efficient AP departments at thousands of companies rely on Basware to handle over 220 million invoices per year. With Basware, Now it all just happens.™

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SOURCE Basware

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Tabono Capital Announces Strategic Partnership with Invesco to Deliver Enhanced Investment Solutions for UHNW Clients

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SINGAPORE, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tabono Capital today has announced a strategic partnership with Invesco that enhances investment solutions for ultra-high-net-worth clients.

Tabono Capital, a multi-family office based in Singapore, collaborates with Invesco, a global investment management leader with over US$1.7 trillion in assets under management. This partnership merges Invesco’s institutional-grade investment expertise, cutting-edge portfolio solutions, and comprehensive research capabilities with Tabono Capital’s strong relationships with ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families across the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions.

This collaboration enables Tabono Capital’s clients to benefit from the extensive resources and scale of Invesco’s capabilities. For Invesco, the partnership provides enhanced access to sophisticated investors in key growth markets.

Key elements of the partnership include:

Implementation and construction of model portfolios and asset allocation frameworksAccess to institutional-grade investment research and comprehensive market insights for UHNW clientsKnowledge sharing and collaboration on market intelligence and investor insights

Nirish Unni, CEO & Co-Founder of Tabono Capital, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “This partnership represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy. By leveraging Invesco’s world-class investment research and asset allocation capabilities, we can provide our clients with institutional-grade investment solutions while maintaining the personalized service they expect from a boutique multi-family office.”

Santosh Rao, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Tabono Capital, added: “Our clients increasingly seek institutional-quality investment solutions with global reach. This collaboration with Invesco allows us to deliver exactly that, while maintaining our personalised approach to client service. Together, we will create portfolios designed to capture opportunities in key global markets while effectively managing risk.”

Christopher Hamilton, Asia Pacific Head of Client Solutions for Invesco, stated: “We’re proud to partner with Tabono Capital to bring our industry-leading offerings and capabilities to Asia’s expanding family office and UHNW segment. This is a compelling platform for investors to access comprehensive strategies that can help them meet their financial goals.”

About Tabono Capital

Tabono Capital is a multi-family office headquartered in Singapore, licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to provide Fund Management services. Co-founded by industry veterans and former private wealth managers Nirish Unni and Santosh Rao, the firm caters to ultra-high-net-worth families across the Asia Pacific and MENA regions, offering comprehensive wealth management and family office solutions. For more information, visit https://tabonocapital.com

Contact: team@tabonocapital.com

About Invesco

Invesco Ltd. (NYSE: IVZ) is a global independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. With offices in more than 20 countries, our distinctive investment teams deliver a comprehensive range of active, passive and alternative investment capabilities. For more information, visit www.invesco.com/corporate.

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RedDrop Wins the $1 Million Dollar Grand Prize from Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition to Empower Period Care Innovation in Teen-Focused Wellness

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ATLANTA, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — RedDrop, a rising star in the wellness industry for its innovative period care products for tweens, is proud to announce that it won the $1 Million Dollar Grand Prize from Black Ambition.

In 2020, Pharrell Williams founded the non-profit organization Black Ambition to support Black and Hispanic Entrepreneurs to fuel future founders. This year celebrates its 4th Annual Black Ambition Demo Day, where over 250 guests gathered to hear eight finalists’ pitches and celebrate the brilliance of Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. The event was supported by Visa, Comcast, Lennar Foundation, Louis Vuitton and Adidas. The panel of four judges, which included Lisa Price, Founder of Carol’s Daughter; Pinky Cole, Founder of Slutty Vegan; Matt Story, Vice President, Global Brand Integrated Marketing at Visa; and Erik Moore, Founder & Managing Director, Base Ventures determined the top winners to an enthusiastic audience.

As one of the few brands chosen for this highly competitive program, RedDrop will benefit from Black Ambition’s extensive mentorship network, funding, and resources to amplify Black and Hispanic founders and their brands. With a focus on providing personalized wellness solutions and empowering tween girls, RedDrop is excited to partner with industry leaders to scale its impact and reach new audiences. 

“We’re beyond thrilled to be the grand prize winners of this year’s Black Ambition Prize Competition! Having $1 million to invest in our business is life-changing and will give us opportunities to grow and continue to impact our community,” said Dr. Monica Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of RedDrop. “And while the prize money is great, the mentorship and network provided by Black Ambition is priceless and will allow us to open doors that were previously closed and to start building our own table so we can invite others to have a seat.”

One of Black Ambition’s key initiatives is to encourage and support Black and Hispanic founders with funding, mentorship, and network support as each founder develops their footprint in their industries. Black Ambition has awarded over $2.7 million to 30 trailblazing founders across AI, Consumer Products and Services, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, and Tech. In addition to the $1 Million grand prize, RedDrop will have access to industry veterans, office hours with investors and senior leaders, exclusive invitations to retail partnership meetings, wellness and executive coaching, and more for the next six months. 

Through access to industry veterans, strategic insights, and capital support, RedDrop is poised to take its mission to new heights while promoting wellness solutions that resonate with diverse and underrepresented communities. RedDrop’s inclusion in the Black Ambition network marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to revolutionize how tween girls connect with wellness products that align with their unique needs and values.

To connect and learn more about RedDrop, please visit www.tryreddrop.com. Follow us on  Instagram (@reddrop), Facebook (@reddropco), Youtube (@tryreddrop), X (@reddrop) and TikTok (@reddropco) to stay up to date with us.

About RedDrop
RedDrop is a wellness brand committed to creating inclusive and innovative period products for tween girls to feel their best during their new stage of life. With a focus on properly sized period products and education-backed solutions, RedDrop is revolutionizing the way consumers approach health, wellness, and self-care.

Media Contact
Sterling Jones
Marketing and Communications Specialist
media@reddrop.co
www.tryreddrop.com

Photos: Getty ImagesJason MendezBlack Ambition

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Chaaat.io to Release Bookingz, a Booking Personal Assistant to Streamline Appointment Scheduling

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HONG KONG, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Chaaat.io, an emerging leader in providing user-friendly tools for customer acquisition, engagement, and retention, is excited to announce the launch of its latest feature: Bookingz.

Designed to deliver a seamless booking experience, Bookingz allows users to schedule appointments entirely through WhatsApp. This launch arrives at a time when businesses and individuals are increasingly seeking efficient ways to interact with customers on platforms they use daily, as communication channels like email are dwindling in performance. WhatsApp, with its 2 billion active users, has become a central communication hub for both individuals and businesses. Bookingz enables businesses of all sizes to offer efficient, convenient appointment booking directly through WhatsApp.

Simplifying Making Bookings

Bookingz transforms the customer journey in several key ways. Businesses that sign up with Bookingz can send a WhatsApp link to their customers, who can then experience a fully streamlined booking process that stays within WhatsApp, eliminating the friction of switching between apps or websites.

Bookingz manages the process on behalf of the business, eliminating the need for the business owner or representative to tediously go back and forth suggesting availabilities. Users can simply request availabilities and then confirm a booking, all from the safety of WhatsApp.

Bookingz also delivers a much higher click-through and booking rate than email. The platform leverages WhatsApp’s high open rates – roughly 80-90%, compared to the meager 5% standard open rates offered by email, to send reminders and follow-ups that customers are more likely to see, ensuring appointments are top-of-mind and helping avoid no-shows and last-minute cancellations.

Keeping things in one place

Beyond streamlining the booking process, Bookingz enhances customer engagement by staying within the familiar and trusted space of WhatsApp. This user experience approach increases booking rates by reducing the enormous friction that business owners will see with alternative booking solutions that force customers to download apps, sign up and/or log in.

End users can make a booking with businesses by sending a WhatsApp message, with the assistant guiding them through each step in real time. Whether booking an appointment, scheduling a consultation, or arranging a meeting, customers can request and secure bookings without leaving the app. For businesses, this user-friendly design requires no technical skills and can be launched with just a few clicks.

The Future of Customer Interaction

With the launch of Bookingz, Chaaat.io is setting a new standard for customer engagement and service. By simplifying the process of offering booking services through WhatsApp, Chaaat.io is reshaping the accessibility of booking automation. This democratization of business tools allows even the smallest companies to leverage advanced features and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

As businesses prioritize customer experience and seek personalized, convenient interactions, Chaaat.io‘s innovations are poised to influence how SMEs communicate with customers around the world. Bookingz is just one of many Chaaat.io features designed to help companies strengthen customer relationships, enhance engagement, and drive revenue growth.

In today’s evolving digital landscape, tools like Bookingz are essential for any modern, customer-focused business to keep up with modern customer behavior.

For more information or to join the wait list, contact James Hogan at support@chaaat.io

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