LONDON, Sept. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Survivors, experts and advocates from around the world are launching a global effort to tackle the shocking issue of violence against children.
They have today [17 September] released an open letter demanding urgent action from world leaders ahead of the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, taking place in Colombia this November.
Public figures including actors, creators and authors Calle & Poché, Forest Whitaker, Gillian Anderson, Shudu Musida and Will Poulter have added their names to the letter, which has been coordinated by Project Everyone and is backed by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF.
According to World Health Organization figures, one in two of all children globally – over 1 billion – experience violence each year, from sexual abuse and gang violence to child marriage and child labour.
A number of survivors of childhood violence have joined the high-profile advocates, alongside leading experts like trauma specialist Bessel van der Kolk, child rights activists Hina Jilani and Princess Mabel van Oranje, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr Denis Mukwege.
By raising awareness, the letter seeks to inspire urgent action and drive change at both local and global levels. The group is calling on world leaders to use the upcoming Ministerial Conference to focus on critical strategies and to ensure response and support services are universally accessible to every child in need.
The powerful open letter calls on world leaders to attend the Colombia conference and commit concrete, innovative pledges that match the scale and severity of the crisis.
Evidence shows that with the right approaches, violence against children can be significantly reduced. Countries implementing evidence-based strategies can see reductions by up to 50%.
Dr. Etienne Krug, Director of the Department of Social Determinants of Health at the World Health Organization, said:
“Half of all children are subject to cruel acts of violence every year, yet the issue does not receive the attention, funding, or political prioritisation it deserves. Evidence Demonstrates that violence against children can be prevented. Governments worldwide must now seize this crucial opportunity to make that change a reality for the 1 billion children on this planet who experience harm every year.”
SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Zoom announced that The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP®) Joint Authorization Board (JAB) authorized Zoom AI Companion as a JAB Moderate system, adding to Zoom for Government’s growing list of authorized products, solidifying the company’s commitment to the U.S. government space. Most recently, Zoom Contact Center also received FedRAMP® JAB certification as part of the Zoom for Government platform, in June of 2024.
Now, U.S. federal agencies, state and local municipalities, and approved businesses and organizations that support U.S. government missions with paid Zoom accounts will have a FedRAMP-authorized, secure AI offering available to them, all within the familiar Zoom experience. Zoom for Government was initially FedRAMP authorized in March of 2019 and received collective JAB approval in July of 2023.
Zoom AI Companion is built on a foundation of trust, security, and responsible AI, which is of the utmost importance to government agencies. AI Companion integrates into the work day seamlessly, enabling users to simplify their day by streamlining tasks through information synthesis, enhancing and optimizing capabilities, and improving team effectiveness and efficiency.
“At Zoom, we are dedicated to bringing quick availability to Zoom products to market by first and foremost understanding our customers’ needs for specific industry solutions,” said Matt Mandrgoc, head of U.S. public sector at Zoom. “We received this certification on an expeditious timeframe, which further demonstrates our continued commitment to our U.S. government customers and we look forward to continuing to add new customer-focused solutions to the Zoom for Government platform in the future.”
What is FedRAMP?
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP®) provides a standardized approach to security authorizations for Cloud Service Offerings. FedRAMP establishes a public-private partnership to promote innovation and advance more secure information technologies.
What is JAB?
JAB is composed of CIOs and Authorizing Officials from the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and General Services Administration (GSA). The JAB selects approximately 12 cloud products a year to work with for a JAB Provisional Authority to Operate (P-ATO). A JAB P-ATO represents a “high water mark” from the assessment perspective. Zoom for Government received its JAB accreditation on July 28, 2023.
Zoom for Government
The JAB P-ATO certification extends beyond Zoom AI Companion and covers the entire Zoom for Government platform, providing limitless human connection for government agencies and contractors. The secure all-in-one Zoom for Government platform helps customers save time, reduce costs, increase productivity, and make teamwork more meaningful. With solutions like Zoom Rooms, organizations can turn offices into modern, easy-to-use, and powerful collaborative workspaces. The Zoom API enables the integration of agency-specific applications with the Zoom for Government platform, supporting seamless workflows. And, with Zoom’s feature-rich cloud Zoom Phone system, agencies have the opportunity to consolidate their communications infrastructure right in the Zoom for Government platform.
Simple, Scalable & Secure
Zoom for Government was designed to comply with the stringent requirements of the U.S. federal government. Zoom for Government runs on AWS GovCloud, a secure network that enables customers to deploy applications and data. It is managed by U.S. persons and leverages co-located data centers within the United States. Zoom for Government has received FedRAMP Moderate, DoD IL4, and StateRAMP authorizations, as well as HIPAA and CJIS attestations. For more information, please visit: https://www.zoom.com/en/industry/government/ or reach out to fedramp@zoom.us.
About Zoom
Zoom’s mission is to provide one platform that delivers limitless human connection. Reimagine teamwork with Zoom Workplace — Zoom’s open collaboration platform with AI Companion empowers teams to be more productive. Together with Zoom Workplace, Zoom’s Business Services for sales, marketing, and customer care teams, including Zoom Contact Center, strengthen customer relationships throughout the customer lifecycle. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ:ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Get more information at zoom.com.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EB5 Capital is happy to report the first I-829 petition approval in its 1900 Half Street (JF24) project, a multifamily development in Washington, DC. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues approval of the removal of conditions of residency for EB-5 investors who have completed their conditional residency period and have demonstrated that their investment has resulted in the creation of at least ten full-time jobs for qualified workers. I-829 approvals permit EB-5 investors to be lawful permanent residents of the United States.
“We’re thrilled for all the EB-5 investors involved in this project,” said Natalia Pronina, Vice President of Investor Relations at EB5 Capital. “Securing an I-829 approval is a major milestone in the EB-5 immigration process and is a true testament to a Regional Center’s experience in selecting opportunities for investors that satisfy the EB-5 program.”
Situated directly on the riverfront, JF24 was one of the first multifamily developments in Washington, DC’s Buzzard Point neighborhood. The property consists of 453 luxury apartment units, with 17,000 square feet of commercial retail space. EB5 Capital funded $44.5 million from investors representing 16 different countries. The project was completed in 2020 and generated over 1,100 EB-5 qualifying jobs for the local economy.
To date, EB5 Capital has raised foreign investor funds across over 40 EB-5 projects throughout the United States, including 18 in Washington, DC. JF24 is EB5 Capital’s 18th project to receive I-829 approval. Now that the first petitions have been approved, additional I-829 petition adjudications for this project are expected in the coming months.
About EB5 Capital
EB5 Capital provides qualified foreign investors with opportunities to invest in job-creating commercial real estate projects under the United States Immigrant Investor Program (EB-5 Visa Program). Headquartered in Washington, DC, EB5 Capital’s distinguished track record and leadership in the industry has attracted investors from over 75 countries. As one of the oldest and most active Regional Center operators in the country, the firm has raised over $1 billion of foreign capital across approximately 40 EB-5 projects. 100% of our investors’ funds are protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance prior to their deployment into our projects. Please visit www.eb5capital.com for more information.
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 11x, a pioneering AI startup transforming the modern workforce with autonomous digital workers, announced closing a $24 million Series A funding round today. The round was led by Benchmark, with participation from Quiet Capital, SV Angel, Abstract Ventures, Lux Capital, Operator Partners, Visionaries, Activant, HubSpot Ventures, Project A, 20VC, 20Growth, and 20Sales.
Founded in 2022 by CEO Hasan Sukkar, 11x simplifies Go-to-Market (GTM) operations with AI-powered digital workers, allowing teams to focus on strategic work.
“We don’t target SaaS spend; we target hiring budgets. We’re in the business of selling work,” said Guillaume Roux-Romestaing, Head of Partnerships at 11x.
11x San Francisco Team
11x team after arriving to their new HQ in San Francisco.
Addressing the GTM Challenge
Over the past two decades, the landscape of GTM tools has become increasingly fragmented. The proliferation of specialized software—from CRMs and marketing automation platforms to sales engagement tools and data enrichment services—has burdened revenue teams.
“Since Salesforce was invented in 1999, the accumulation of specialized GTM software in teams has led to fragmented systems and bloated operational costs. Each new tool often requires its own integrations, maintenance, and training, ultimately eliminating any efficiency gains these tools were supposed to provide,” explained Keith Fearon, Head of Growth at 11x.
The 11x Solution
11x is redefining the workforce by developing AI-powered digital workers that autonomously execute workflows in revenue teams. By automating roles traditionally performed by employees, these digital workers can be “hired” to handle tasks efficiently and at scale.
“The key is to unbundle specific tasks traditionally performed by employees and to re-sell them,” noted Sarah Tavel, General Partner at Benchmark.
Investment to Accelerate the Development of AI-Powered Digital Workers and Expand Global Footprint
Earlier this year, 11x launched “Alice,” an AI-powered Sales Development Representative. Alice has gained significant traction by helping companies grow on autopilot by automating prospecting, multi-channel engagement, and personalization at scale. The recent launch of “Jordan,” an AI phone rep focused on inbound lead qualification, has already received interest from businesses aiming to streamline their “speed to lead” processes.
Investment Impact and Growth Plans
The Series A funding will accelerate 11x’s product development pipeline, expand its team, and enhance its global market presence, particularly in the US market, where the company has recently relocated its headquarters. The team continues to grow there, attracting key hires from leading tech companies such as CTO Prabhav Jain (former Head of Financial Services Engineering at Brex).
“In two years, we believe that digital workers will be a regular part of how companies around the world operate,” said Hasan Sukkar.
About 11x
11x is an AI startup founded in 2022 by Hasan Sukkar. The company specializes in developing autonomous digital workers that automate Go-to-Market (GTM) workflows, enabling organizations to increase efficiency and reduce costs. 11x focuses on automating roles in GTM teams such as Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Operations.
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 11x, a pioneering AI startup transforming the modern workforce with autonomous digital workers, announced closing a $24 million Series A funding round today. The round was led by Benchmark, with participation from Quiet Capital, SV Angel, Abstract Ventures, Lux Capital, Operator Partners, Visionaries, Activant, HubSpot Ventures, Project A, 20VC, 20Growth, and 20Sales.
Founded in 2022 by CEO Hasan Sukkar, 11x simplifies Go-to-Market (GTM) operations with AI-powered digital workers, allowing teams to focus on strategic work.
“We don’t target SaaS spend; we target hiring budgets. We’re in the business of selling work,” said Guillaume Roux-Romestaing, Head of Partnerships at 11x.
11x San Francisco Team
11x team after arriving to their new HQ in San Francisco.
Addressing the GTM Challenge
Over the past two decades, the landscape of GTM tools has become increasingly fragmented. The proliferation of specialized software—from CRMs and marketing automation platforms to sales engagement tools and data enrichment services—has burdened revenue teams.
“Since Salesforce was invented in 1999, the accumulation of specialized GTM software in teams has led to fragmented systems and bloated operational costs. Each new tool often requires its own integrations, maintenance, and training, ultimately eliminating any efficiency gains these tools were supposed to provide,” explained Keith Fearon, Head of Growth at 11x.
The 11x Solution
11x is redefining the workforce by developing AI-powered digital workers that autonomously execute workflows in revenue teams. By automating roles traditionally performed by employees, these digital workers can be “hired” to handle tasks efficiently and at scale.
“The key is to unbundle specific tasks traditionally performed by employees and to re-sell them,” noted Sarah Tavel, General Partner at Benchmark.
Investment to Accelerate the Development of AI-Powered Digital Workers and Expand Global Footprint
Earlier this year, 11x launched “Alice,” an AI-powered Sales Development Representative. Alice has gained significant traction by helping companies grow on autopilot by automating prospecting, multi-channel engagement, and personalization at scale. The recent launch of “Jordan,” an AI phone rep focused on inbound lead qualification, has already received interest from businesses aiming to streamline their “speed to lead” processes.
Investment Impact and Growth Plans
The Series A funding will accelerate 11x’s product development pipeline, expand its team, and enhance its global market presence, particularly in the US market, where the company has recently relocated its headquarters. The team continues to grow there, attracting key hires from leading tech companies such as CTO Prabhav Jain (former Head of Financial Services Engineering at Brex).
“In two years, we believe that digital workers will be a regular part of how companies around the world operate,” said Hasan Sukkar.
About 11x
11x is an AI startup founded in 2022 by Hasan Sukkar. The company specializes in developing autonomous digital workers that automate Go-to-Market (GTM) workflows, enabling organizations to increase efficiency and reduce costs. 11x focuses on automating roles in GTM teams such as Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Operations.
PARIS and LONDON and NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Akur8, the machine learning-powered insurance pricing and reserving platform, announced today that it has secured $120 million in series C funding, bringing its total raised investment to $180 million. This latest funding round was led by One Peak, a leading growth equity firm investing in software scale-ups, with participation from Partners Group, one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry acting on behalf of its clients, and historical investor Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE:GWRE). The new funding will significantly bolster Akur8’s ability to expand its product portfolio and fuel its growth in key global markets.
Akur8 secures $120 million in Series C funding
Brune de Linares, Chief Client Officer together with Samuel Falmagne, CEO of Akur8
Developed explicitly for insurers, Akur8 has been revolutionizing non-life insurance pricing with transparent AI since 2019. Its cloud-based, fully integrated platform empowers insurers to price at unprecedented speed, directly influencing financial outcomes and enhancing risk assessments. With the recent acquisition of the Arius reserving platform (read PR), Akur8 further expands its product portfolio and customer base, amplifying the value delivered to insurance carriers worldwide.
Akur8 secures $120 million in Series C funding
Akur8 closed its Series C funding round, bringing its total raised investment to $180 million
The new funding will be used to:
Fuel product innovation: Akur8 will invest in R&D to enrich its insurance pricing platform with two new modules:
(1) Optim, which enables insurers to determine the optimal insurance pricing strategy to meet their business objective, and
(2) Deploy, Akur8’s new rating engine, enabling pricing teams to seamlessly bring their rates into production.
Drive growth by leveraging Akur8’s recent acquisition of Arius: As Akur8 enters the insurance reserving sector, it will strategically target new market segments and bridge the gap between reserving and pricing. With its deep expertise in SaaS and AI, Akur8 will fast-track the product development of the Akur8 Reserving platform.
Accelerate global expansion: In addition to R&D, this funding will be instrumental in driving Akur8’s strategic expansion into key growth markets, particularly in North America. By strengthening its foothold in this region, Akur8 will penetrate new customer segments and tailor its offerings to address the unique demands of these markets.
Akur8 secures $120 million in Series C funding
Akur8 announces Series C funding backed by One Peak and Partners Group
“We look forward to collaborating closely with our new investors One Peak and Partners Group, two leading investment firms that share our vision for innovation and excellence. With their support, we are committed to accelerating our product development efforts and staying ahead of industry trends to offer an unparalleled, integrated actuarial platform for insurers globally,” stated Samuel Falmagne, CEO and Co-Founder of Akur8.
Brune de Linares, Chief Client Officer and Co-Founder of Akur8, added: “This latest round of funding will empower us to better meet our customers’ evolving needs, enhance their operational efficiency, and equip them with innovative tools to thrive in an increasingly competitive insurance landscape. We are excited about the growth opportunities and advancements this investment will unlock for our continued success.”
Humbert de Liedekerke Beaufort, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of One Peak, said: “Akur8 offers a truly unique cloud-based end-to-end actuarial platform, which leverages proprietary machine learning algorithms to inject speed and accuracy to insurers’ pricing process, whilst ensuring full transparency, auditability and control over the models created. We have been particularly impressed by Akur8’s user-friendly interface, ease of deployment, and reputation among the world’s leading insurers for its outstanding customer service. We look forward to working closely with Akur8’s seasoned executive team as they chart the next chapter of the company’s global expansion, market leadership, and innovation journey.”
Pierre Curis, Private Equity Technology, Partners Group, comments: “Akur8 has developed a differentiated, next-generation pricing platform that benefits from the increasing push for sophistication among insurers and from the growing adoption of new technologies. We are excited to support an ambitious management team committed to innovation and customer satisfaction as they embark on this next exciting phase of growth.”
Walter Billet Avocats acted as legal advisor for Akur8 in this transaction and has been advising the company since its creation. Perella Weinberg Partners served as financial advisor for Akur8 in this transaction.
About Akur8
Akur8 is transforming the non-life insurance industry with its innovative suite of pricing and reserving solutions.
Our Next Gen Pricing and Reserving Platform combines cutting-edge technology with actuarial excellence to drive business value, bringing speed, performance, transparency, and reliability to insurers of all sizes.
Akur8 serves 250+ customers across 40+ countries, including AXA, Generali, Munich Re, MAPFRE, HDI, Tokio Marine, and MS&AD. Over 3000 actuaries use Akur8 daily to build their pricing models and reserving projections across all lines of business.
About One Peak
One Peak is a leading specialist growth equity firm with $2.0 billion in assets under management that invests in technology companies in the scale-up phase. One Peak provides growth capital, operating expertise, and access to its extensive network to exceptional entrepreneurs, with a view to help transform innovative and rapidly growing businesses into lasting, category-defining leaders. In addition to Akur8, One Peak’s investments include Ardoq, Coro, Cymulate, Deepki, Docplanner, Keepit, Lucca, Neo4J, Pandadoc, Spryker, and many more. To learn more, visit www.onepeak.tech.
About Partners Group
Partners Group is one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry, with around 1,800 professionals and approximately USD 150 billion in assets under management. The firm has investment programs and custom mandates spanning private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate, and royalties. With its heritage in Switzerland and its primary presence in the Americas in Colorado, Partners Group is built differently from the rest of the industry. The firm leverages its differentiated culture and its operationally oriented approach to identify attractive investment themes and to build businesses and assets into market leaders. For more information, please visit www.partnersgroup.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Media Contacts: Akur8
Vera Buttinger
Marketing Director vera.buttinger@akur8.com
+33 7 66 31 47 58
One Peak
Lauren Sharman
Head of Platform lauren@onepeak.tech
+44 7393 569004
Innovators ages 5 to 24 have until December 8 to enter NFTE’s World Series of Innovation and win prizes valued up to $1,500
NEW YORK, NY, Sept. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Interested in solving some of the biggest challenges humanity faces? Starting today, young people ages 5 to 24 can compete for prizes in the annual World Series of Innovation (WSI), presented by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and Aramco.
Prizes range in value from $300 to $1,500 with challenges focused on advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eligible teams and individuals worldwide can sign up at innovation.nfte.com.
Each year, WSI harnesses the potential of young innovators, empowering them to unleash their creativity and drive positive change. This year, with Aramco’s support, the competition offers two distinct tracks: the WSI Imagination League (for ages 5 to 12) and the WSI Impact League (for ages 13 to 24). NFTE and Aramco have helped to expand the competition’s reach in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, and Hindi. NFTE is more committed than ever to nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset, the driving force behind transformative change. Thousands of young minds around the globe will present innovative ideas and master essential entrepreneurial and design-thinking skills, equipping them to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges with creativity and confidence.
“We are thrilled to launch this year’s NFTE World Series of Innovation, an event that consistently showcases the incredible creativity and problem-solving abilities of young people around the globe,” said Dr. J.D. LaRock, NFTE president & CEO. “Past competitions have brought forward groundbreaking ideas, such as a platform that leverages AI to connect patients with medical professionals, an innovative process that transforms discarded rice husks into clean-burning fuel, and new technology designed to improve traffic efficiency and road safety. By introducing the WSI competition to an even larger audience through expanded ages and languages, we are empowering more young visionaries to address global challenges. We look forward to seeing the remarkable innovations that this diverse group of participants will bring to the table.”
“Aramco aims to support STEM education, innovation, and entrepreneurship by equipping young people with 21st century skills through outstanding programs such as WSI,” said Hadeel Al-Eisa, Aramco Corporate Citizenship Manager. “We are excited to learn more about the great ideas to be developed during this year’s challenge. We hope these inspiring, innovative solutions will help to make meaningful impacts in global communities.”
Each fall, NFTE announces new WSI challenges leading up to Global Entrepreneurship Week. The competition concludes on December 8, with winners for the Imagination League announced on February 18, 2025, and winners for the Impact League announced on April 14, 2025.
This year’s online challenges will advance the following UN SDGs:
WSI Imagination League Challenges (ages 5-12):
SDG 6: Clean Water Challenge, Aramco
SDG 8: Youth Economic Advancement Challenge
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Challenge
WSI Impact League Challenges (ages 13-24):
SDG 6: Clean Water Challenge, Aramco
SDG 9: Solar Innovation Challenge, CBT Technology Institute
SDG 8: Youth Economic Advancement Challenge
SDG 4: Quality Education Challenge, Comerica Bank
SDG 16: Responsible AI Challenge, EY
SDG 4: Game Based Financial Learning Challenge
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Challenge
SDG 13: Climate Action Challenge, Zuora
Learn more about the latest set of NFTE WSI innovation challenges, the sponsoring organizations, and the prizes being offered at innovation.nfte.com.
For media inquiries, please contact Angelika Seaman, 603-504-8554, or Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@nfte.com.
About NFTE
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit nfte.com to learn more.
Enquiries: Chris Bull (Goodness PR) cbull@goodnesspr.co.uk / +44 7760 273 160
