360hyper angaria 750 mil euros para expandir entregas de super ao país. Está a contratar 

Presente em nove zonas do país, o "marketplace" de compras de supermercado pretende com esta ronda "seed" expandir ao país e estar presente em 175 lojas "nos próximos meses".

A 360hyper anunciou uma ronda de investimento (seed) de 750 mil euros para expandir entregas de principais supermercados a todo o país. A ronda foi liderada pela Indico Capital Partners e pela Lince Capital. A startup quer triplicar a equipa até ao final do próximo ano — de 10 para 30 colaboradores — estando a contratar para as áreas de TI, produto, vendas e marketing.

“Acreditamos que a experiência, know-how e rede de contactos destes parceiros irão reforçar e preparar a 360hyper para um mercado altamente competitivo. Com o fecho desta ronda, estamos confiantes de que seremos capazes de atingir o próximo nível”, sublinha Nuno Serradas Duarte, CEO da 360hyper, citado em comunicado, o líder, juntamente com Filipe Nery (CCO) e Diogo Silva (CTO), do marketplace de compras de supermercado.

Surgido em abril do ano passado, o 360hyper já gerou 1,65 milhões de euros de faturação, tendo mais de 25 mil produtos e estando presente em mais de 47 lojas, entre as quais cadeias como Recheio, Makro e Minipreço. O marketplace está em nove localizações — Grande Lisboa, Grande Porto, Coimbra, Leiria, Faro, Albufeira, Aveiro, Viseu e Santa Maria da Feira — e pretende, com esta ronda de financiamento, continuar a crescer e atingindo 175 lojas disponíveis nos próximos meses, segundo informa.

“Há um fenómeno sem precedentes a acontecer em todo o mundo. A crise provocada pela pandemia da Covid-19 alterou drasticamente o comportamento associado ao consumo por parte de pessoas e empresas. A procura de compras online cresceu e está aqui para ficar. A posição da 360hyper é única no mercado, trabalhando em parceria – e não contra – todas as grandes marcas de retalho alimentar do país”, acredita Stephan Morais, managing partner da Indico, citado em comunicado.

“Os supermercados representam a maior categoria de retalho, e a Covid-19 acelerou a sua transformação digital. Acreditamos verdadeiramente que a 360hyper está muito bem posicionada para penetrar neste mercado em rápido crescimento através do seu posicionamento estratégico, lado a lado com os retalhistas”, reforça Vasco Pereira Coutinho, CEO da Lince Capital, em comunicado.

Fonte: 360hyper angaria 750 mil euros para expandir entregas de super ao país. Está a contratar – ECO (sapo.pt)

A Huub, uma startup tecnológica portuguesa que opera na área da logística para a indústria da moda, foi adquirida pela multinacional de logística Maersk."Com a aquisição da Huub, o objetivo da Maersk passa por tornar Portugal um centro tecnológico estratégico, com o objetivo de atrair talento nacional e competir com várias outras empresas que instalaram as suas divisões tecnológicas no nosso país", explica a empresa portuguesa, num comunicado à imprensa.

Por cá, o CEO (presidente executivo) da Huub, Tiago Paiva, mantém-se na liderança desta nova unidade de negócio do grupo Maersk, juntamente com os restantes fundadores. Tiago Paiva assinala que "a Huub tem dois grandes propósitos: disrupção e escala" e "o caminho conjunto com a Maersk representa ambos".

Apesar de não serem revelados valores para a operação, é avançado que no conjunto das três aquisições que a Maersk fez recentemente no setor - a Huub e outras duas empresas - a gigante de logística investiu cerca de mil milhões de dólares. A compra da startup portuguesa insere-se, desta forma, nos planos desta multinacional de investir na logística associada ao comércio eletrónico.

"Com esta aquisição dotamos a organização de talento tecnológico de classe mundial. Além disso, a excecional plataforma desenvolvida pela Huub para os vários canais de venda vai permitir aos nossos clientes um maior foco no seu negócio e uma excelente experiência para o consumidor final”, afirma o vice-presidente executivo da Maersk, Vincent Clerc, na mesma nota à imprensa.

Fonte: https://expresso.pt/economia/2021-09-15-Startup-portuguesa-Huub-comprada-por-gigante-da-logistica-Maersk-3875bdb0

Bizay raises €32 million Series C to accelerate growth and international expansion

Series C financing round co-led by new investors Indico Capital and the European Investment Bank with support from Iberis Capital and existing investors LeadX, Omnes and Pathena;

Funding will help accelerate the development of new products and services and consolidate Bizay’s position in international markets;

Bizay, the leading customized products marketplace for SMBs, announced today it has successfully raised a €32 million Series C financing round, which will serve to accelerate growth and consolidate its position in international markets.

The round was co-led by Indico and the European Investment Bank with strong support from Iberis Capital and existing investors including LeadX Capital Partners, Omnes Capital and Pathena.

The financing round will accelerate the development of further product expansion targeted at SMBs, with the objective of reaching 100,000 products available on Bizay’s platform. The investment will reinforce Bizay´s presence in the 21 markets in which it operates.

Bizay aims to become the 'Amazon' for fulfilling the needs of SMBs for customized products, such as merchandising, packaging and consumables, business essentials, decorations and uniforms, with professional quality at a fraction of the cost. The startup currently sells to more than one million SMBs in 21 countries across Europe and America.

Bizay´s CEO, Sérgio Vieira, says that “The current health crisis accelerated the shift to online ordering of customizable products at reduced prices. Our platform will be a key facilitator for businesses to recover at a faster pace. We are totally confident in achieving the goals that will allow us to enter a new level of global ambition”.

“We are also very pleased to have the support of new and existing investors who understand and share our vision and strategy for organic and international tech-led growth. Investor´s trust gives us the confidence to take advantage of the opportunity that lays ahead”, he added.

Stephan Morais, Managing General Partner at Indico Capital Partners, mentioned, “Bizay is entering a new growth phase and this round will consolidate their presence across Europe and enable them to capture the opportunity that stems from the shift towards online ordering of personalised products for SMBs. We are very pleased to support such a dedicated team, with so much experience and a proven track record of execution globally.”

With the financing round announced today, Bizay has already raised a total of more than €54 million. The company had previously raised a Series B financing round of €22 million from several national and international investors.

Torch Partners acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Bizay on this transaction. 

About Bizay:

Bizay, founded in 2013, is currently one of the leading Portuguese technological startups, with a unique and differentiating platform for marketing products and services for SMB and professionals. Bizay aims to become the 'Amazon' for SMBs for fulfilling the needs of these businesses for customized products, such as merchandising, packaging and consumables, business essentials, decorations and uniforms, with professional quality at a fraction of the cost. Based in Portugal, Bizay sells to more than one million SMBs in 21 countries, counting with 3 production hubs in Europe, Brazil and North America.

For more information:

www.bizay.co.uk

VORTAL has been sold to DOCU Nordic, a company owned by Stirling Square Capital Partners. This sale represents new growth opportunities for VORTAL and a strong complementarity between solutions and geographies for both companies.

The CEO Miguel Sobral highlights: “we are excited with this new growth stage for VORTAL and to become part of the DOCU Nordic group, backed by Stirling Square, as this represents an opportunity to bring the company to the next level, combining organic growth through an expanded value proposition and leading the consolidation in the Public eTendering market in Europe.”

Stefan Lindqvist, CEO of DOCU Nordic, also expressed his enthusiasm and growth prospects: “we look forward to working with the VORTAL team and continue growing the business as part of our group. We see great potential in geographic expansion of our two complementing business models, introducing the VORTAL offering in the Nordic region and bringing our offering to VORTAL’s home markets.”

Henrik Lif, partner at Stirling Square Capital Partners, added: “we are very pleased with the acquisition of VORTAL and welcome all employees to the DOCU Nordic group. We look forward to supporting VORTAL in expanding its business both in its current markets and outside.”

VORTAL is a leading player in the operation of eSourcing platforms in Private and Public Sector markets, combining buyer-oriented solutions with a B2B eMarketplace capable of discovering the most competitive and qualified suppliers. For suppliers, VORTAL delivers innovative lead generation and market intelligence tools, providing companies with additional insight to become more competitive and further increase success rates.

Over the last five years, VORTAL doubled its business activity, having expanded its operations internationally with strong focus on European and Latin American geographies, also becoming a leading player in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Strategic Sourcing Application Suites and being recognized as one of the most valuable global eSourcing and eProcurement operators.

Read the full note: https://en.vortal.biz/system/files/vortal_pressrelease_2020.08.pdf

Klinik Healthcare Solutions' Access online system helps GPs to better triage patients

The Klinik Access online system uses AI technology to assess patient flow

Up to 60,000 patients across Hull and York will now be able to enjoy better access to their GP, thanks to new cutting-edge online triage technology from Finnish-based Klinik Healthcare Solutions.

Haxby Group, which manages 11 GP surgeries, has become the first in the UK to switch over to the Klinik Access online system. 

Patients across the country are increasingly finding it more difficult to get hold of their GP. And Haxby Group has addressed this trend by offering patients a simple online assessment to help streamline patient flow.

Using an innovative medical artificial algorithm, the Klinik Access solution combines an AI-infused symptom checking and urgency assessment to prioritise patient care.

“Many requests are simply too nuanced for the administrative teams to manage over the phone,” explains Dr Thomas Patel-Campbell, Haxby Group GP partner and chief clinical information officer. “For instance, paramedic and physio background members of the team are qualified to select who needs to see them, but a non-clinical receptionist can’t do that.”

The Klinik system sends these requests directly to Haxby Group’s urgent care team so they can decide the urgency of the case and how it should be treated. The system was introduced firstly for patients at two of its York surgeries and patient uptake of the service has been impressive.

Results show the weekly average of online enquiries had risen from 0.1% at the start, to 24% in under two months of the new system going live. And 86% of patients rated the new online triage system as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.

Haxby Group reception manager, Kelly Butterfield, said the system has helped her team improve communication with patients. “In many instances, patients felt we were a barrier to their GP,” she added. “Now, we can explain this new solution will put their care needs first, rather than simply working on a first-come-first-served basis.” 

We believe that tools like optimal triage systems that improve patient management and accurate data accumulation for future planning, are paramount to primary care services. The new system removes these frustrations by allowing doctors to review their patients’ enquiries and call them back that same day with a plan of care.

Available 24/7, the online service has resulted in patients feeling that they have gained contact with their own GP and are no longer taking up valuable appointments needed for others. Doctor-patient relationships are also improving and consultation times have speeded up.

And more-indepth pre-appointment information inputted into the Klinik system has resulted in medical teams being increasingly knowledgeable upon consultation, allowing patients time to make their concerns and expectations clear.

“Haxby Group, like many GP providers, faced the challenge of delivering a better patient experience and improve efficiencies” says Ben Wood, director of operations and sales for Klinik Healthcare Solutions UK. “It’s great to see our technology and service levels transferring safely and effectively from a Finnish healthcare environment to an NHS primary care setting. “The NHS has a lot of pressure on it to reduce costs and burdens on resources; and Klinik’s focus is to support GPs and the NHS in relieving some of this pressure through digital technologies.

“We believe that tools like optimal triage systems that improve patient management and accurate data accumulation for future planning, are paramount to primary care services.” Dr Patel-Campbell adds: “Unlike other, more-established companies, Klinik genuinely understood what does and doesn’t work when it comes to a working patient triage environment.  “And its capability to make the package bespoke was also a huge pull, that’s not something you often find in primary care.”

Further rollouts of the Klinik Access solution are expected in the coming months in Lancashire, Hull and the South East.

Source: https://www.buildingbetterhealthcare.com/news/article_page/AI_improves_GP_access_for_thousands_of_patients_in_Hull_and_York/162779​

More information about Klinik is available at: https://klinikhealthcaresolutions.com/

​​ebankIT solutions succeed in the Canadian Banking Ecosystem with ebankIT and Coast Capital Savings being recognized

ebankIT and its client Coast Capital Savings (the biggest Canadian credit union by number of membership) won the award of Best Fintech Partnership in Finovate NY, for Coast Capital’s recently launched omnichannel platform (https://finovate.com/drumroll-finovate-awards-winners-announced/).

Coast Capital has also just been named one of CSO50’s Security Award winners for 2020, an award which recognizes the excellence in risk & security. CSO is an affiliate of IDG communications and CSO50 awards are judged by a committee including CSOs, industry experts, and academics. Other selected winners include Microsoft, HP and PayPal. (https://www.idg.com/news/cso-honors-organizations-leveraging-world-class-security-strategies/)

New York - Thursday, 26th September 2019

ebankIT’s live-demonstration of its omnichannel banking platform at Finovate New York won Best of Show. Finovate brings together over 120 financial technology companies and 1500 representatives from financial institutions all over the world.

The live demonstration focused on ebankIT’s omnichannel platform and the company’s vision of the future of digital transformation for Financial Institutions, through an innovative digital Concierge service designed, using the state-of-the-art Open API’s, changing the paradigm of banks as mere financial service suppliers and allowing banks to integrate partners in their information systems. (https://blog.ebankit.com/news-press/finovate-fall-thank-you-for-the-handful-awards)

Porto-based HUUB allows online fashion shops to focus on fashion, not shipping. Its platform integrates with ecommerce sites, providing a full range of logistics solutions including production follow-up, picking, storage, stock management, order fulfillment, packing, and shipping. HUUB’s algorithms also analyse sales to determine replenishment strategies and prevent understocking.

The fashion logistics startup has just raised €1.5 million from the Danish shipping giant Maersk, the first investment made by the Danish multinational company in a Portuguese startup. The new funding follows on a €2.5 investment from Pathena in 2018. With this new round, HUUB closes its early-stage investment cycle with a total of €4.35 million, the largest seed round raised by a Portuguese startup to date.

“We knew we were in an interesting place to negotiate a new investment before the next round – the Series A,” said Luís Roque, Co-founder & CEO of HUUB. “We were looking for “smart money”, which means we wanted to ensure that, besides having the financial capabilities, our new partner could also bring value to the company. Maersk Growth undoubtedly represents the biggest player in this industry, and we are sure that they will continue to be a fundamental partner in HUUB’s growth.”

“At Maersk Growth we are happy to join HUUB on its journey forward,” said Tobias Elmquist, Partner at Maersk Growth. “We have been following HUUB and were impressed with its solution to the supply chain for fashion brands and its fast growth both in terms of customers and revenue. Leveraging Maersk’s industry expertise and global network we look forward to supporting HUUBs plans to further accelerate business growth.”

“Ever since we lead last year’s investment round, we knew that there would be an opportunity to strengthen this seed with a relevant strategic partner,” said Vítor Dinis, Managing Partner and CFO of Pathena. “Maersk Growth is exactly that player, which not only brings financial support, but also the global structure needed to accompany HUUB’s global growth. We are very pleased with how this cycle has been closed, with values that certainly impress not only on the national context but mostly on European and global levels.”

With the funding, HUUB plans to triple the number of brands it has in its portfolio, expand its European logistics operations, and grow its team to further develop its commercial strategies and technology.

HUUB plans to close 2019 with a revenue of €3.5 million, which represents a growth of around 200% compared to 2018. The startup has also seen a 47% increase in brands in the first half of the year over 2018 as a whole. The startup plans to grow its team to 85 employees by the end of the year.

Source: https://www.eu-startups.com/2019/05/maersk-invests-e1-5-million-in-the-portuguese-fashion-logistics-startup-huub/

TNI medical AG, based in Wuerzburg, Germany, has received official clearance to sell its TNI softFlow 50 high-flow ventilator in the USA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the company clearance for the use of TNI softFlow 50 to treat all adult patients who would benefit from receiving high flow warmed and humidified respiratory gases. The clearance covers use of the devices during inpatient treatment. The devices can be put into operation in US hospitals effective immediately.

Ewald Anger, CEO of TNI medical, says: "In the USA about 12 million people are treated with high flow warmed and humidified respiratory gases each year. With the clearance of the TNI softFlow 50, we can help alleviate their breathing difficulties with our innovative high-flow respirators. So, the successful completion of the FDA clearance process is a major and important milestone in our growth strategy. Owing to its low noise level, autonomous supply of water and air, high efficiency and low weight, the TNI softFlow device is ideal for treating suitable patients inside or outside the intensive care unit. We therefore expect this to further accelerate our internationalization process. We also expect the TNI softFlow to be approved in other markets in the near future, specifically in the large Chinese market."

In many respiratory illnesses, the functioning of the lungs is considerably compromised and can no longer adequately provide for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. According to current figures from the World Health Organization (WHO), respiratory illnesses afflict hundreds of millions of people around the world and are among the commonest causes of death worldwide. Experts predict that the number of patients with respiratory diseases will continue to rise globally. The need for effective and, above all, more comfortable treatment options is therefore continuously increasing. Patients are generally averse to today's standard treatment methods, which consist of closed nose or face masks.

The ventilators in the TNI softFlow family provide respiratory patients a warm, moist air flow directly into the nose through a thin, heated and noise-optimized nasal cannula without condensation. The air flow rate and humidity can be precisely adjusted and, if necessary, oxygen can be added. This results in effective patient treatment. The products are also simple to use, as the nasal cannula is easy to put on and take off. Patients have complained of the limited comfort afforded by many conventional ventilators with closed nose and face masks. During treatment with TNI ventilators, patients can continue to perform everyday tasks such as eating, drinking, speaking or taking medication. TNI medical's novel treatment method not only achieves very good clinical results, but also provides better tolerability for patients compared to traditional mask therapy.
 

About TNI medical AG
TNI medical AG develops, produces and sells respiratory therapy devices for patients with respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For over ten years now, the Wuerzburg-based company has focused on a single goal: the consistent further development of nasal high-flow treatment to offer respiratory support with maximum efficiency and comfort to patients with respiratory insufficiency. Based on intensive research and realized through precise development work in treatment with nasal insufflation (TNI), the TNI softFlow system generation offers the highest treatment quality, both at the hospital and at home.

ebankIT and Enterprise Engineering, Inc., announce a strategic partnership for the North American market

NEW YORK, October 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – ebankIT and Enterprise Engineering, Inc. (EEI), are pleased to announce a strategic partnership for the North American market.
The partnership was signed during FinovateFall 2018, North America’s leading Fintech innovation event with more than 1,500 attendees, over 100 expert speakers, and 80+ companies presenting an intense look at the latest innovations and major trends driving the Fintech revolution.

The partnership establishes EEI as a premier ebankIT System Integrator in the North American marketplace. As a System Integrator, EEI is a well-established trusted partner with the ability to deliver world class services to Financial Institution customers. ebankIT clients in North America will have full confidence in the level of service and support they will receive through this relationship.

“This partnership is another step in ebankIT’s growth strategy for North America,” said Renato Oliveira, CEO of ebankIT. “The momentum is right as this is a turnaround moment for the digital strategy of financial institutions in the USA and Canada and ebankIT can leverage on important references for its digital banking platform. Additionally, we deeply value EEI’s experience and results and expect this partnership will help to support our growth and expand our network.”
In addition, the companies will integrate complimentary aspects of their software stacks. ebankIT’s omni-channel software will be coupled with the EEI’s software platform representing opportunity for both companies.

“This partnership represents a terrific opportunity for EEI and ebankIT. Our product sets are extremely complimentary and are best-in-class in our target markets,” said George Anderson, Founder and CEO of EEI. “Together, ebankIT and EEI can provide impossibly fast time to market and ROI for our joint customers.”

Eduardo Ramos:“Crescimento acelerou, em especial, nos EUA”

Inteligência artificial, veículos autónomos e blockchain são apostas da A-to-Be, empresa da Brisa que fornece operadores de mobilidade.
A A-to-Be, do grupo Brisa, nasceu virada para o exterior. Com foco nas várias formas que as pessoas têm de se deslocar do ponto A ao ponto B, serve o mercado internacional com soluções para sistemas inteligentes de transporte. Fornece produtos e soluções a operadores de mobilidade, como concessionárias de transporte, parques de estacionamento ou gestores de mobilidade urbana. Hoje tem contratos em cinco estados dos Estados Unidos, Holanda, Espanha e Polónia. Temos uma “irmã mais velha”, a Via Verde, nossa cliente, que nos desafia constantemente no sentido de se manter na vanguarda mundial do mobility as a service [mobilidade oferecida ao cliente como serviço]”, explica Eduardo Ramos, CEO da A-to-Be e head of business development da Brisa.

O que levou à procura de um parceiro e porquê a opção pelo fundo de investimento Pathena?
O grupo Brisa tem uma longa história de parcerias. Acreditamos no poder da combinação de esforços e de competências distintivas para atingir objetivos comuns. Não temos a arrogância de pensar que conseguimos fazer tudo sozinhos pois, de facto, existem organizações que podem estar mais bem preparadas do que nós em áreas específicas. Desde muito cedo, no início da década de 90, altura em que nasce a Via Verde, que o grupo Brisa tem tido uma elevada intensidade tecnológica no seu modelo de negócio. Foi desenvolvido e robustecido um sistema de colaboração, em inovação aberta, com universidades e centros de investigação [nacionais e internacionais] para melhorar continuamente a tecnologia que serve de suporte à cadeia de valor. Ao refletirmos sobre a possível evolução estratégica da tecnologia, enquanto negócio para fora do grupo Brisa, deparámo-nos com desafios que conhecíamos menos bem. Nesse sentido, a capital de risco Pathena [que já conhecíamos] surgiu como um parceiro natural para robustecer as competências da A-to-Be, dada a sua experiência e bons resultados na escalabilidade de empresas cujo modelo de negócio é essencialmente B2B [entre negócios] e de base tecnológica.

O que motivou a internacionalização?
A internacionalização das competências tecnológicas da Brisa Inovação e Tecnologia, a atual A-to-Be, iniciou-se na primeira metade da década de 2000 com o crescimento internacional da Brisa e em suporte ao mesmo, sem vender soluções a outros players. A expansão da internacionalização da A-to-Be surge como uma consequência lógica da ambição de crescimento assumida em 2016 para esta unidade de negócio, dadas as suas vantagens competitivas e a dimensão limitada do mercado nacional. Nos últimos dois anos temos tido uma aceleração do crescimento internacional, pois conseguimos ganhar tração orgânica, em especial nos Estados Unidos.

Hoje, quais são os mercados externos onde a empresa tem presença?
Os mercados prioritários para crescimento são os EUA. Em bom rigor, 50 mercados, porque cada Estado tem as suas características. Alguns países da Europa e da América Latina, assegurando a entrega no mercado nacional para os nossos clientes. Mantemos o foco, antecipando riscos para proteção da marca e da sustentabilidade do processo de crescimento. Hoje a A-to-Be tem contratos em cinco Estados dos Estados Unidos, Holanda, Espanha e Polónia.

O que significa ter ganho o contrato de fornecimento de uma solução de pagamento automático de portagem junto do estado de Ilinóis, nos Estados Unidos?
Estamos a falar de uma solução de pagamento semiautomático de portagens, em self-service, que tem como principal objetivo substituir os velhinhos coin baskets que ainda se veem muito pelas autoestradas americanas. Adicionalmente, permitem à concessionária ou operadora dispor de uma solução tecnológica que combina hardware e software para um melhor controlo de receita e para um melhor serviço ao cliente. Por exemplo, na solução que fornecemos para a Illinois Tollway é possível efetuar o pagamento da portagem com Apple Pay e Google Pay [sistemas de pagamento] através de um smartwatch [relógio inteligente]. Ganhar este contrato foi muito importante para a A-to-Be dada a sua dimensão e porque conseguimos bater a concorrência, que é significativamente maior do que nós, no país deles. A execução do contrato está a correr dentro do planeado, quer em termos de ritmo quer em termos de geração de caixa para a A-to-Be, com bons níveis de satisfação do nosso cliente e adoção dos clientes finais.

Qual o balanço que faz do projeto de gestão de infraestruturas rodoviárias em Washington?
Muito positivo. A costa oeste dos Estados Unidos tem um pensamento muito sofisticado no que diz respeito aos novos modelos de mobilidade. Ao mesmo tempo pensam, no médio e longo prazo, na descarbonização do setor e na sustentabilidade das finanças públicas baseadas em impostos sobre os combustíveis, quando os carros são cada vez mais eficientes nos seus consumos. Assim, desenvolvemos um projeto-piloto para o Department of Transportation [Departamento de Transportes] do estado de Washington, juntamente com um parceiro canadiano, para pagamento de mobilidade de acordo com as milhas percorridas. Ou seja, utilizando preços dinâmicos de acordo com a geolocalização da viatura e da distância percorrida, e tendo também em consideração o tipo de veículo. Este piloto, em que utilizámos a nossa solução MoveBeyond, desafiou-nos imenso e permitiu demonstrar que o modelo funciona e que poderá ser escalável. Além disso, conseguimos também ser interoperáveis entre os Estados Unidos e o Canadá, tendo sido a primeira vez que tal aconteceu no nosso setor.

Como está a decorrer o processo de internacionalização da LinkBeyond Mobile, a vossa aplicação mobile para o mercado externo que permite o pagamento em parques de estacionamento ou postos de abastecimento?
Estamos no início do processo de internacionalização da solução LinkBeyond Mobile. Os primeiros mercados que estamos a abordar são os EUA e a Europa, onde estamos a negociar algumas provas de conceito para que a solução comece a ser incorporada pelos operadores de mobilidade e disponibilizada aos seus clientes.

Que projetos a A-to-Be tem a decorrer no Brasil, na Holanda e na Polónia?
No Brasil aportámos competências tecnológicas ao nosso acionista Brisa quando este era acionista da CCR. A A-to-Be não tem tido mais oportunidades no país, mas olhamos para este mercado com interesse e com expectativa no que diz respeito à melhoria da conjuntura interna. Na Holanda fornecemos soluções tecnológicas para uma startup que desenvolve modelos inovadores de mobility as a service [mobilidade fornecida como um serviço]. Refiro-me à BNV Mobility, participada pela Brisa e pelo operador francês Egis projects. Na Polónia estamos a fornecer uma solução de video tolling para uma concessionária privada que explora a A1 [Rusocin-Czerniewice].

No futuro, como prevê o crescimento da empresa em termos de áreas de negócio e mercados externos?
A A-to-Be continuará a evoluir como fornecedor de tecnologia para mobility managers. O setor da mobilidade é de um dinamismo imenso e estamos confiantes que continuaremos a responder aos desafios que os nossos clientes nos colocam para melhor conseguirem servir as necessidades de mobilidade dos seus clientes. No que diz respeito a mercados externos, não vemos uma alteração substantiva das geografias que lhe referi anteriormente. Os Estados Unidos ainda têm muitas oportunidades para explorar, bem como alguns países da Europa e da América Latina que apresentam planos interessantes de desenvolvimento dos seus modelos de mobilidade, protagonizados por entidades públicas e privadas e que se adequam à nossa matriz de risco.

Que novos projetos estão neste momento a ser preparados?
Sem abrir demasiado o jogo, posso dizer-lhe que as nossas equipas de investigação e desenvolvimento têm estado a trabalhar bastante em inteligência artificial, veículos autónomos e blockchain, em forte ligação com os nossos parceiros académicos e científicos, bem como com a aceleradora de startups da Brisa, a Grow Mobility. Tudo isto no sentido de que os próximos lançamentos das nossas soluções e dos novos produtos, que suportarão a mobilidade do futuro, sejam cada vez melhores e mais competitivos no mercado internacional

Fonte: https://www.dinheirovivo.pt/entrevistas/eduardo-ramoscrescimento-acelerou-em-especial-nos-eua/

Coast Capital Savings has partnered with innovative digital banking platform provider ebankIT to provide the technology platform to deliver the credit union’s website, online banking and mobile banking channel.
“This move supports Coast Capital’s goal to become Canada’s premier digital credit union,” explains Bruce Schouten, Interim President and CEO, Coast Capital Savings. “The needs of our members are changing and so too must our technology.”

The decision to partner with ebankIT was made after a comprehensive market evaluation process to find the ideal service provider to help Coast Capital extend the capacity and capabilities to offer leading digital banking solutions that meet changing digital demands.

“With ebankIT’s versatile platform and award-winning digital banking experience, we will be able to offer a wide range of exciting new features to Coast Capital members in the future along, with rich security and personalization features,” said Jeff Wong, Chief Transformation Officer, Coast Capital Savings. “The ebankIT platform also has the flexibility to integrate with third-party solutions, which will enable Coast Capital to drive ongoing digital channel innovation.”
Renato Oliveira, President and CEO at ebankIT, said the company looks forward to the partnership with Coast Capital.

“Our vision at ebankIT is to help organizations like Coast Capital tap the full potential of all the fast-paced innovations available in the quickly shifting technological landscape of banking,” Oliveira added that “As we embark on our North American expansion, the ebankIT team is thrilled to support Coast Capital with a robust and scalable platform, featuring our award-winning next generation solutions, coupled with an engaging user experience.”
Under the partnership, Coast Capital’s digital banking services will transition to ebankIT over the next year.

“While our members will see some changes at the time of the transition to the new platform, minimizing any disruption will be a top priority for the project,” Wong said. “We will alert members about changes that might affect them as we get closer to the transition date.”

For further information:

https://coastcapitalsavings.com/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2018/20180730/
 

ebankIT was present in Digital Banking Austin 2018, with more than 1200 executives from financial institutions, banks and credit unions, from all over the world.
ebankIT showcased its inspirational innovation for financial services, being part of  great event both in terms of commercial contacts and strategical thinking.
 

HUUB, a Portuguese startup that manages logistics for fashion brands, has just raised an early-stage investment of €2.5 million. The round was led by the Portuguese venture capital firm Pathena.

HUUB provides product management, stocking, order fulfillment, and packing and shipping, among other services, for ecommerce fashion platforms.

“We want to be orchestrators and lead the fashion ecosystem on a sustainable-basis demanded by the industry," said Luís Roque, the CEO of HUUB. "This partnership with Pathena, which has led the biggest exits in Portugal, is another step towards our disruptive vision and establishes us as relevant players in the European supply chain scene”.

The startup plans to use the new funding to invest in marketing and sales, hire new staff, and scale its operations.

"To scale the business we need to expand our landscape of integrations, both with logistics partners specialized in markets that we are targeting and more ecommerce and marketplace platforms," added Roque, who said that HUUB intends to grow its business to represent 200 brands.

http://tech.eu/brief/huub-raises-funding/

Klinik Healthcare Solutions is a health technology company that produces clinically proven solutions and services for condition and urgency recognition, customer segmentation and patient flow management.
The series A financing round of €2.25 million was led by Pathena Fund with participation from existing investors.

The investment will enable the Helsinki-based company to further expand internationally, while continuing to develop its product scope. “Series A financing is the logical step after an excellent year for Klinik. We demonstrated rapid growth across public and private healthcare sectors, consolidated our position in the Finnish market and made inroads in the Nordic countries and the UK. Pathena’s digital and healthcare networks will enable us to expand our presence further in Europe and Latin America”, says Hannu Nissinen, founder and CEO of Klinik.

According to Pathena’s CEO and managing partner, António Murta, Pathena is constantly looking for companies that positively contribute to the quality of healthcare. “Patients deserve more and better access to healthcare, while professionals also expect to seize the value of digital health. Klinik has attained a very strong and promising market position, and we are convinced that it will deliver significant added value in the coming years. This makes Klinik a compelling investment in many ways”, Murta says.

One of the earliest investors in Klinik, Kustaa Piha, CEO of Athensmed and chairman of the board at Klinik, believes that this further investment can make an important contribution to business growth. “We have definitely found a product–market fit. We have chosen Pathena from several alternatives, because we found that the Pathena team has significant experience as growth entrepreneurs and deep knowledge in internationalizing growth businesses. Earlier investors are also happy to participate in Series A”, Piha explains.”

VORTAL INVESTS 1.2 MILLION EUROS IN A NEW INNOVATION LAB AND HIRE 50 NEW EMPLOYEES

VORTAL, the leading Portuguese company in e-procurement solutions, inaugurated a new Development and Innovation Center in Lisbon investing 1.2 million euros.
The inauguration, in partnership with COTEC Portugal, was in charge of the Minister of Economy, Dr. Manuel Caldeira Cabral.

This new R&D infrastructure was designed to host a multidisciplinary team with professionals working in different fields like data science, artificial intelligence, software architecture, digital marketing, etc. The new office counts with more than 50 people and is still growing.

According to Rui Dias Ferreira, CEO of VORTAL, "this new laboratory reinforces the company's international leadership eProcurement. It represents an investment equivalent to 4% of VORTAL's annual results and is part of a sustained strategy which foresees an investment of five million euros over the next three years, just in innovation projects."

Along the years, Vortal has been a reference company regarding innovation, with two patents granted by the USPTO of the United States and dozens of others awaiting registration, with more than 80 brands, utility models, national and world copyright.

In Vortal Innovation Lab three new technology solutions were already launched in the first quarter and there are other new prototypes still under development.

Already released:
Supplier Truster is the solution for efficient management of supplier qualification and evaluation processes, saving time, effort and reducing risk in process management.
Remote Digital Signature allows you to sign documents and proposals, without software or hardware, in any browser, by entering only a code received by sms.
Experto optimizes the experience of using VORTAL solutions and streamlines customer support processes through the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Under development:
ESPDint facilitates the participation of companies in public procurement in any European country through the use of the Single European Public Procurement Document, helping to internationalize the business.
Electronic Catalogs offer the form a more efficient way to make cross-sectional awards.
Xpanded market intelligence combines a hub of all business opportunities with market intelligence and intelligence to help companies learn more about their markets, customers and competitors.

With a turnover of 12.5 million euros in 2017, VORTAL is present in Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Slovenia, Mexico and Peru, and also operates the national purchasing platforms of the governments of Colombia, Dominican Republic and Honduras.
In 2017 six million euros were awarded through VORTAL’s platforms in Europe.

ebankIT and Neadvance, two companies of Fund Pathena, joined  the Collaborative Laboratory in Digital Transformation (DTx) – Experiencing the Future.

ebankIT and Neadvance became members of DTx, along with Universities of Minho, Évora and Católica, INL and CEiiA and also other companies such as Accenture, Bosch Car Multimedia, IKEA Industry, Cachapuz-Bilanciai, Celoplás, NOS, Primavera, Simoldes Plásticos, TMG Automotive and WEDO Technologies. Moreover, the innovation centers CCG e PIEP are affiliated members and the company Embraer Portugal will soon join this new association.

The Colab DTx will have laboratories in Braga, Évora, Guimarães and Matosinhos and aims to foster collaboration between academy and industry players with the common goal of designing and developing cyber-physical system products and evolutionary systems integrating, for example, smart materials, digital manufacturing technologies and solutions based on artificial intelligence.