Lifestyle
This function is exclusive for Premium subscribers
-
DATABASE (129)
-
ARTICLES (106)
Founded in 2016, Wave Ventures is a student-run Nordic investor supported by VC partners, angel investors and tech founders as advisors. Based in Helsinki, the VC provides pre-seed and early-stage funding to promote startup innovations for future generations. Its current portfolio of 17 startups includes participation in the SEK 2m pre-seed round of Swedish power-bank sharing startup Brick Technology in March 2021 and seed funding of German co-working space proprietor Twostay in January 2021.
Founded in 2016, Wave Ventures is a student-run Nordic investor supported by VC partners, angel investors and tech founders as advisors. Based in Helsinki, the VC provides pre-seed and early-stage funding to promote startup innovations for future generations. Its current portfolio of 17 startups includes participation in the SEK 2m pre-seed round of Swedish power-bank sharing startup Brick Technology in March 2021 and seed funding of German co-working space proprietor Twostay in January 2021.
KEEN Growth Capital is an impact VC focusing on early-stage investments in companies that generate revenues of $200,000–$2m in the F&B, health or wellness sectors with an addressable market size above $300m. Investments in food segments include clean snacking, healthy eating and science tech-driven health products.Since 2017, the VC has been managing two capital funds. The KGC Fund I has yielded exits and late-stage valuations with returns of six to 75 times. The $40m KGC Fund II is directed at companies with a social and environmental impact in nutritional well-being, disease mitigation and life science technologies.
KEEN Growth Capital is an impact VC focusing on early-stage investments in companies that generate revenues of $200,000–$2m in the F&B, health or wellness sectors with an addressable market size above $300m. Investments in food segments include clean snacking, healthy eating and science tech-driven health products.Since 2017, the VC has been managing two capital funds. The KGC Fund I has yielded exits and late-stage valuations with returns of six to 75 times. The $40m KGC Fund II is directed at companies with a social and environmental impact in nutritional well-being, disease mitigation and life science technologies.
Founded in 2015 in Guatemala City, the Invariantes Fund invests in technology startups based in the US and Latin America, across different market segments. It is the only VC based in Guatamala, and bills itself as the country’s first early-stage VC firm. As of June 2021, its portfolio includes 24 startups. Invariantes’ most recent investments include participation in the $21m Series A round of US edtech player Reforge, as well in the $130m Series B round of US-based Axiom Space, which is building the first international commercial space station. Both investments were in February 2021.
Founded in 2015 in Guatemala City, the Invariantes Fund invests in technology startups based in the US and Latin America, across different market segments. It is the only VC based in Guatamala, and bills itself as the country’s first early-stage VC firm. As of June 2021, its portfolio includes 24 startups. Invariantes’ most recent investments include participation in the $21m Series A round of US edtech player Reforge, as well in the $130m Series B round of US-based Axiom Space, which is building the first international commercial space station. Both investments were in February 2021.
H&M Foundation is a non-profit foundation established in 2013. It is privately funded by the Stefan Persson family, the founders and major shareholders of the H&M Group, who have donated SEK 1.5 billion to it to date. The foundation aims to help accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, by developing, funding and sharing solutions to address the world’s most urgent issues. It has a particular focus on promoting a planet-positive fashion industry and on building inclusive societies.Tackling mostly challenges associated with the fast fashion industry and its supply chain, H&M Foundation advocates for more sustainable practices across the fashion value chain and more inclusive business practices. The foundation is also actively involved in providing emergency relief for natural disasters or pandemics. It also aims to encourage innovation that promotes social change and sustainability. To this end, it provides startups support in accelerating and scale new technologies. It also runs the Global Change Award. Dubbed the Nobel Prize of fashion, this aims to recognise disruptive innovations that have the potential to make fashion more sustainable, and transform the way garments are designed, produced, shipped, bought, used and recycled.
H&M Foundation is a non-profit foundation established in 2013. It is privately funded by the Stefan Persson family, the founders and major shareholders of the H&M Group, who have donated SEK 1.5 billion to it to date. The foundation aims to help accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, by developing, funding and sharing solutions to address the world’s most urgent issues. It has a particular focus on promoting a planet-positive fashion industry and on building inclusive societies.Tackling mostly challenges associated with the fast fashion industry and its supply chain, H&M Foundation advocates for more sustainable practices across the fashion value chain and more inclusive business practices. The foundation is also actively involved in providing emergency relief for natural disasters or pandemics. It also aims to encourage innovation that promotes social change and sustainability. To this end, it provides startups support in accelerating and scale new technologies. It also runs the Global Change Award. Dubbed the Nobel Prize of fashion, this aims to recognise disruptive innovations that have the potential to make fashion more sustainable, and transform the way garments are designed, produced, shipped, bought, used and recycled.
Roger Federer, the Swiss 20-times Grand Slam tennis champion, has turned into an angel investor while planning his professional life beyond and after his tennis sports career.In 2019, he invested in On, the Swiss running shoe manufacturer for an undisclosed funding amount. Federer currently has no formal role in the company but he’s actively involved in its R&D and product development. “I feel like I can give input on any of the lines, the shoes, anything moving forward. I can give my opinion on anything and On can either take it or leave it. I feel like [with] a major brand like Nike, that's literally impossible. It just wouldn't work,” he has said.More recently, Federer participated in a Series D funding round backing the first Chilean unicorn NotCo, which sells plant-based food and beverage products across Latin America and the US.
Roger Federer, the Swiss 20-times Grand Slam tennis champion, has turned into an angel investor while planning his professional life beyond and after his tennis sports career.In 2019, he invested in On, the Swiss running shoe manufacturer for an undisclosed funding amount. Federer currently has no formal role in the company but he’s actively involved in its R&D and product development. “I feel like I can give input on any of the lines, the shoes, anything moving forward. I can give my opinion on anything and On can either take it or leave it. I feel like [with] a major brand like Nike, that's literally impossible. It just wouldn't work,” he has said.More recently, Federer participated in a Series D funding round backing the first Chilean unicorn NotCo, which sells plant-based food and beverage products across Latin America and the US.
Founded in 1994, London-based Hermes GPE is a subsidiary of NYSE-listed Federated Hermes Inc (FHI). The UK limited liability partnership (LLP) is one of the UK’s leading independent investors with $7bn pumped into 260 funds. With a network of over 300 general partners worldwide, the LLP also works with global LPs like BT Pension Scheme, Royal Bank of Scotland and Korea Teachers Credit Union.Hermes started investing in tech startups in 2002 and has provided over $3.7bn worth of co-funding to both tech and non-tech startups via 234 fundraising rounds. Managing assets worth $6bn and international offices in New York and Singapore, sustainability is at the core of its investing portfolio of over 113 startups worldwide. In 2021, recent investments include participation in the $54m Series B round of Austrian refurbished electronics goods marketplace Refurbed in August and May’s $125m Series B round of Paysend, the UK-based card-to-card pioneer and international payments platform.
Founded in 1994, London-based Hermes GPE is a subsidiary of NYSE-listed Federated Hermes Inc (FHI). The UK limited liability partnership (LLP) is one of the UK’s leading independent investors with $7bn pumped into 260 funds. With a network of over 300 general partners worldwide, the LLP also works with global LPs like BT Pension Scheme, Royal Bank of Scotland and Korea Teachers Credit Union.Hermes started investing in tech startups in 2002 and has provided over $3.7bn worth of co-funding to both tech and non-tech startups via 234 fundraising rounds. Managing assets worth $6bn and international offices in New York and Singapore, sustainability is at the core of its investing portfolio of over 113 startups worldwide. In 2021, recent investments include participation in the $54m Series B round of Austrian refurbished electronics goods marketplace Refurbed in August and May’s $125m Series B round of Paysend, the UK-based card-to-card pioneer and international payments platform.
Founded in Bayern in 2009, SevenVentures GmbH provides Media-for-Equity and Media-for-Revenue investment models to companies with a minimum turnover of €5m. The firm secures TV media coverage and cash payments for its investees, as the investment arm of German media group ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE that has a total monthly TV audience of 60m across seven free channels.In 2019, SevenVentures provided 1,000 advertising hours to 70 businesses. The firm’s media contributions are worth the equivalent of €3m–30m over a period of two to four years. SevenVentures also runs the SevenAccelerator and currently has 18 active portfolio companies. Recent investments in 2021 include the $54m Series B round of Austrian refurbished electronics goods marketplace Refurbed in August and the €35m funding round for German telemedicine platform Wellster Healthtech Group in June.
Founded in Bayern in 2009, SevenVentures GmbH provides Media-for-Equity and Media-for-Revenue investment models to companies with a minimum turnover of €5m. The firm secures TV media coverage and cash payments for its investees, as the investment arm of German media group ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE that has a total monthly TV audience of 60m across seven free channels.In 2019, SevenVentures provided 1,000 advertising hours to 70 businesses. The firm’s media contributions are worth the equivalent of €3m–30m over a period of two to four years. SevenVentures also runs the SevenAccelerator and currently has 18 active portfolio companies. Recent investments in 2021 include the $54m Series B round of Austrian refurbished electronics goods marketplace Refurbed in August and the €35m funding round for German telemedicine platform Wellster Healthtech Group in June.
H&M’s first shop was founded 74 years ago in Sweden by Erling Persson under the name “Hennes”, Swedish for "hers" since the shop was selling only women's apparel. In 1968, Persson expanded into menswear by acquiring Swedish retailer Mauritz Widforss. Hence the rebranding of the company into Hennes & Mauritz (H&M). In 1974, H&M was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Since then, H&M has expanding internationally opening its first store in London and the rest of Europe and also to the US in early 2000.In 2008, the company also moved into the home furnishings segment and launched H&M Home stores worldwide. The fashion chain can now be found across Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East. The group expanded further by acquiring fast-fashion brands like Weekday, Monki and Cheap Monday. In April 2021, H&M Group announced a collaboration with textile cleantech Infinited Fiber to launch proof-of-concept denim created wholly from regenerated textile waste as part of its commitment to use only recycled or sustainably sourced materials by 2030.
H&M’s first shop was founded 74 years ago in Sweden by Erling Persson under the name “Hennes”, Swedish for "hers" since the shop was selling only women's apparel. In 1968, Persson expanded into menswear by acquiring Swedish retailer Mauritz Widforss. Hence the rebranding of the company into Hennes & Mauritz (H&M). In 1974, H&M was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Since then, H&M has expanding internationally opening its first store in London and the rest of Europe and also to the US in early 2000.In 2008, the company also moved into the home furnishings segment and launched H&M Home stores worldwide. The fashion chain can now be found across Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East. The group expanded further by acquiring fast-fashion brands like Weekday, Monki and Cheap Monday. In April 2021, H&M Group announced a collaboration with textile cleantech Infinited Fiber to launch proof-of-concept denim created wholly from regenerated textile waste as part of its commitment to use only recycled or sustainably sourced materials by 2030.
Adidas is a German multinational corporation manufacturing shoes, clothing and accessories. It is the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe, and the second-largest in the world, after Nike. The Adidas brand is part of the Adidas Group which also includes Reebok sportswear company, a 8.33% stake in football club Bayern München and also has interest in Runtastic, an Austrian fitness technology company. Total revenue exceeded €21bn in 2018.
Adidas is a German multinational corporation manufacturing shoes, clothing and accessories. It is the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe, and the second-largest in the world, after Nike. The Adidas brand is part of the Adidas Group which also includes Reebok sportswear company, a 8.33% stake in football club Bayern München and also has interest in Runtastic, an Austrian fitness technology company. Total revenue exceeded €21bn in 2018.
TheVentures founders launch Singapore VC to drive deals in Southeast Asia
The Korean Viki co-founders return to Singapore as venture builders and investors, offering South Korean partnerships and “CTO-as-a-service” in Southeast Asia
Voicemod: Voice-tweaking tech that's conquering esports and streamers
Backed by esports and gaming VC BITKRAFT Ventures, Voicemod has become a leading name in voice modification tech for gamers and livestreamers, with 2.5m MAU across 65 countries
Petit Pli: Origami-inspired clothes that still fit, even after the body has grown
Founded by a young aeronautical engineer, Petit Pli produces stylish, sustainable pleated garments made from recycled plastic that expand up to seven sizes
Indogen Capital eyes new growth fund of $100m as foreign tech investors stay keen on Indonesia
With its Japanese investment partner Striders, Indogen plans to boost growth-stage funding in Indonesia and open doors for portfolio companies to new markets in East Asia
Diamond Foundry: Growing conflict-free, eco-friendly diamonds in a lab
The world’s first lab-grown diamond producer certified carbon-neutral, Diamond Foundry became a unicorn recently with a $200m investment from Fidelity, adding to earlier funding from tech billionaires
Future Food Asia 2021: Fireside chat with Green Monday's David Yeung
For Chinese startup Green Monday, it’s important to resonate with different local audiences by adapting to local culture and dietary habits and continuously fine-tuning existing products
Plant-based meat faces backlash in China despite gaining traction
An innocuous video clip sparked debate on social media over plant-based meat, with suspicion about its nutritional value, cost-effectiveness and even the motives of foreign companies
Node: Fighting deforestation with fashionable footwear from agricultural waste
Using patented technology developed with Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Node turns farm waste and plant materials into biodegradable vegan footwear and shoe components to help fight deforestation.
The Watertree Project: Eliminating single-use plastic water bottles in Malaysia
With high-profile Malaysian corporate clients under its belt, the startup is in no hurry to raise funds, preferring to focus on raising public awareness and winning mindshare
Graviky Labs: Sustainable ink made from air pollution
Conceptualized at MIT and named among the Best Inventions of 2019 by TIME Magazine, Graviky Labs’ carbon-negative ink is made from upcycled emissions captured with a proprietary device
BetterTradeOff: Taking the pain out of financial planning
The Singapore-based startup’s user numbers rose sharply during Covid-19. It wants to raise $11.5m by year-end, is planning a launch in Australia and is eyeing the US market
Indonesian unicorn Traveloka aims for US listing via SPAC
The online travel aggregator reported revenue drops and layoffs in 2020 but became profitable late last year, led by recoveries in Vietnam and Thailand
Indonesian startup Traval goes virtual to stay afloat during pandemic
The startup is also trying to set itself apart from mainstream tourism with tours like Zero Waste Journey where travelers do not bring plastic items and even plant trees
Clear Plate: Anti-food waste AI that rewards the diners who finish their food
Taking little steps to make a big difference in fighting food waste, Clear Plate engages with digital natives to spread the message
3D printing foodtech Natural Machines joins Euronext's pre-IPO training program
With its 3D printed vegan candies and snowflake pizzas, Natural Machines already has more than 300 companies using its Foodini food printer, which it’s upgrading with laser tech for simultaneous cooking too