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

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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

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Schoolhouse Expands College Partnerships to Advance Equity in College Admissions

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Free tutoring platform, founded by Sal Khan of Khan Academy, gives all students access to application-boosting academic and volunteer opportunities

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Schoolhouse, a non-profit organization offering free peer-to-peer tutoring for high school students, has more than doubled its partnerships with colleges and universities across the United States. Up from 18 previous partnerships, 38 colleges and universities now recognize the Schoolhouse Portfolio, a comprehensive record of a student’s learning journey and tutoring contributions, as part of their admissions process.

“Our partner colleges and universities are recognizing the value of Schoolhouse’s free tutoring platform, both as a way to provide free access to high-quality learning and as a way to empower students to become volunteer tutors themselves.” – Sal Khan, Schoolhouse CEO & Founder

Schoolhouse’s free, peer-to-peer tutoring platform allows high school students to attend live, virtual tutoring sessions for academic subjects, the SAT®, and the college admissions process.

This gives all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, the ability to get personalized help from certified volunteer tutors. Students are also able to prove to colleges they’ve mastered specific subjects, regardless of the course availability at their local school.

This expanded network of partners reflects the wide diversity of American higher education, representing every region of the United States and spanning private and public institutions, state flagship universities, liberal arts colleges, and HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities).

“These partnerships showcase the incredible potential of peer-to-peer learning in making education more accessible,” says Sal Khan. “Our partner colleges and universities are recognizing the value of Schoolhouse’s free tutoring platform, both as a way to provide free access to high-quality learning and as a way to empower students to become volunteer tutors themselves. Ultimately, this collaborative approach helps create a more equitable admissions landscape for all students.”

For many partner universities, the Schoolhouse Portfolio serves as a standardized way to assess subject mastery, particularly beneficial for students with limited access to specific courses in their local schools. This approach helps admissions officers gain a more holistic view of an applicant’s academic capabilities, regardless of their educational background.

“Rural students often face barriers when exploring their college options including limited access to college prep activities. Our goal is to work directly with students, families and others in the community to highlight resources like Schoolhouse as a way to improve accessibility and college preparedness,” said University of South Carolina’s Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Dr. Elizabeth Orehovec.

Additionally, the Portfolio showcases students’ volunteer hours and credentials as Schoolhouse tutors, highlighting their commitment to community service and peer support. This aspect of the Portfolio allows universities to identify candidates who align with their institutional values and culture.

The Schoolhouse model not only aids students in their college applications but also fosters a global community of learners and educators. As the platform continues to grow, it promises to play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of education and college admissions.

Colleges interested in partnering with Schoolhouse are encouraged to email partner@schoolhouse.world for more information. Learn more about our existing partnerships here.

New College and University Partners:

Amherst CollegeAuburn UniversityBelmont UniversityDartmouth CollegeDuke UniversityFranklin & Marshall CollegeSouthern Methodist UniversitySouthern New Hampshire UniversitySpelman CollegeStanford UniversitySwarthmore CollegeThe University of Texas at AustinUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of ArkansasUniversity of California, BerkeleyUniversity of DenverUniversity of Notre DameUniversity of South CarolinaUniversity of Vermont

About Schoolhouse:

Schoolhouse.world is a non-profit organization founded by Sal Khan of Khan Academy on a mission to connect the world through free, peer-to-peer tutoring. To date, Schoolhouse has supported over 100,000 learners across the globe.

Media Contact

Drew Bent – COO / Co-Founder, Schoolhouse, 1 650-000-0000, drew@schoolhouse.world, Schoolhouse.world

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/schoolhouse-expands-college-partnerships-to-advance-equity-in-college-admissions-302264300.html

SOURCE Schoolhouse

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Food Marketing Agency Ingredient Hires Minnesota Star Tribune Digital Innovation Leader Tom Horgen As Senior Director of Content Strategy

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After Nearly Two Decades at the Publication, Horgen Joins the Agency to Drive Innovative Content Strategies for Top Food Brands

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Today, Ingredient, a Minneapolis-based marketing agency that connects food and food-adjacent brands to consumers, welcomes Tom Horgen as Senior Director of Content Strategy. He joins the company from The Minnesota Star Tribune, where he spent 19 years in various roles, most recently leading the company’s audience department. In his new role at Ingredient, Horgen will oversee the content strategy group that works with clients including Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Box Tops for Education, Gelson’s Markets, Lunds & Byerlys and more.

“Food and storytelling are lifelong passions of mine,” said Tom Horgen, senior director of content strategy at Ingredient. “I’m beyond excited to join Ingredient and deliver the type of brand experiences that people won’t forget.”

“Tom’s extensive experience in audience development and innovative content strategies will be vital in helping us deliver smart, thoughtful and creative solutions to our clients every day,” said Ken Goldman, Ingredient partner and vice president of strategy.

At The Minnesota Star Tribune, Horgen began his career as a reporter and columnist, focusing on the evolution of Minnesota’s bar and restaurant scene before expanding into broader culture coverage. He led teams dedicated to food, music, art, theater and fashion, while also guiding the newsroom to adopt a multi-platform approach to grow digital audiences. Additionally, he managed content strategies, spearheaded a major initiative to revamp the newsletter portfolio, and contributed to significant digital subscription growth, with his team driving hundreds of thousands of monthly referrals and millions of impressions across key channels.

“Food and storytelling are lifelong passions of mine,” said Tom Horgen, senior director of content strategy at Ingredient. “I’m beyond excited to join Ingredient and deliver the type of brand experiences that people won’t forget.”

Ingredient is made up of nearly 60 strategists, technical experts and developers, designers, copywriters, photographers, videographers and culinary professionals. To learn more, visit Ingredient.mn and follow @ingredientmpls on social.

About Ingredient

Ingredient is a food marketing agency inspiring connections between brands and consumers. The Minneapolis-based team is built of both marketing strategists and culinary/creative professionals to help clients create meaningful connections and drive growth. The team works collaboratively to tell unique brand stories that build lasting relationships with consumers. Since 1994, Ingredient has led marketing and content strategies for iconic food brands, including both CPG companies and grocery retailers. With a deep commitment to understanding clients, their target audiences and channels, plus an in-house production studio with chefs on staff, Ingredient is the agency partner for delivering scroll-stopping work. To learn more about Ingredient’s services and clients, visit Ingredient.mn.

Media Contact

Eliza Kjar, Palmer Public Inc., 1 7125517774, eliza@palmerpublic.com, https://palmerpublic.com/

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SOURCE Ingredient

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Dan Post Finds a Perfect Fit in Centric PLM for Digital Transformation

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Western boot company partners with Centric Software to streamline collaboration and enhance transparency

CAMPBELL, Calif., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Centric Software® is pleased to announce that iconic western boot brand Dan Post Boot Company has selected Centric PLMTM to optimize product data management, efficiency and transparency. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to plan, design, develop, source, buy, make, price, allocate, sell and replenish products such as fashion, outdoor, luxury, multi-category retail, grocery, food & beverage, cosmetics & personal care and consumer electronics to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals.

Founded in the 1960s, Dan Post boots are synonymous with superior fit and fashion-forward design. Their handcrafted method starts with the finest exotic skins and premium leathers handled by the finest designers in the world. The company produces approximately 150 new styles each year through their two brands: Dan Post and Laredo.

With an increasing amount of sampling, sourcing, materials and design data to juggle, they turned to an ‘all-in-one’ ERP and PLM solution in 2016. However, they ran into limitations and began to re-evaluate their PLM decision. Having had a positive experience with Centric Software over a decade earlier, they chose to go back to Centric PLM.

“Our old PLM solution was not web-based. We couldn’t access it from anywhere, it was slow and users would get bogged down,” explains Stephanie Greenfield, Director of Product Development at Dan Post. “User adoption was low and we went back to a more antiquated way of doing things using shared documents.”

Dan Post considered several options, but selected Centric PLM based on past experience, user-friendliness and ability to scale with the business.

“We needed to get back to a PLM that we knew would work, and that designers would like to use,” Greenfield says. “Because PLM is a primary focus for Centric, we can rely on future innovation and updates to the solution.”

Dan Post has just begun implementing Centric PLM, and the team is anticipating changes, says Greenfield.

“One of the great things about Centric is that we can easily update it when we’re on the go. Because we will have all the information in one central place we will be able to generate line sheets very quickly. Our production and sourcing teams will be able to track material usage and hold factories accountable for the time period it takes to get samples made. There are many exciting possibilities for leveraging data to make future decisions, once we get it all into one system.”

“Working with the Centric team is great,” she concludes. “The follow-through has been awesome and they are very, very thorough.”

“We are delighted to welcome Dan Post as a returning customer,” says Chris Groves, CEO of Centric Software. “Dan Post is known for attention to detail and commitment to quality, and we are equally dedicated to making sure that their PLM implementation is a perfect fit. We look forward to working with Dan Post as they streamline and scale their business.”

Learn more about https://www..centricsoftware.com/l/35842/2024-10-01/wd9dp3
See Centric AI-Powered Solutions in action at NRF 2025, Booth #6257
https://www..centricsoftware.com/l/35842/2024-10-01/wd9dp6

Dan Post Boot Company (danpostboots.com)

Since the 1960s, Dan Post has established itself as an iconic western brand known for challenging the status quo. Our name is synonymous with handcrafted cushion comfort from the first step, and it’s a legacy taken seriously. Offering superior quality and created with the most innovative, artisanal methodologies, we use only finest in exotic skins and premium leathers. Every part of our 160-step process is intentional, and stands the test of time, and you’ll feel the difference.

Media Contact

Aurore Evee, Centric Software, +16479155377, aurore.evee@centricsoftware.com, www.centricsoftware.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/dan-post-finds-a-perfect-fit-in-centric-plm-for-digital-transformation-302264278.html

SOURCE Centric Software

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