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Is This the Future of Export Finance?

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StartupValley
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Atal Solutions

Atal Solutions leverages unique entrepreneurial expertise and an extensive international network to streamline and execute export finance projects, accelerating global trade of capital goods and services

Can you introduce Atal Solutions and share a bit about the team behind it?

At Atal, we leverage unique entrepreneurial expertise and an extensive international network to develop and execute projects financed by export credit. Our deep understanding of the intricate business needs of all parties, coupled with an integrated, collaborative approach, allows us to make a significant impact, resulting in the accelerated international trade of capital goods and services. Our team consists of creative dealmakers who excel in every aspect of export finance, from arranging export credit to providing compliance advice. 

As for me, with over 25 years of experience in international finance law and global banking, I founded Atal to bridge exporters and importers of capital goods on a unified global platform. By applying our expertise in export finance, corporate structuring, and compliance, Atal delivers substantial added value for exporters, importers, and related economies. Our ultimate goal is to create win-win scenarios for all involved parties.

What inspired you to start Atal Solutions, and how did you identify the need for your services in the market?

In the world of exporters, importers, and project developers, complexities often slow progress. We understand how businesses struggle to obtain export finance and secure contracts for the international trade of capital goods and services. The impact is significant, hindering business growth and overwhelming companies with the complexities of international trade.

Consequently, our goal is to streamline the process and provide solutions for navigating the complexities of cross-border trade. 

What is the core vision of Atal Solutions, and how do you plan to achieve it?

With Atal, we aim to inspire clients with export finance solutions that transform complexity into possibility, fostering new business opportunities and investment plans. We are committed to ethically and actively protecting the ecosystem while promoting sustainable cross-border economic development. Additionally, we aspire to be the global leader in revolutionising export finance structures for sustainable international projects.

We achieve this by offering a comprehensive approach to creating and facilitating export finance projects. Our customized export finance solutions, combined with extensive industry expertise, empower businesses to secure crucial funding and effectively manage the intricacies of international transactions.

Who is your primary target audience, and how do you ensure that their needs are met?

We focus on seven main industries: education, agriculture, infrastructure, water and waste management, shipping, healthcare, and green energy. For each of these sectors, Atal has accrued great knowledge and expertise in offering export finance. Consequently, we facilitate export credits, establish and manage corporate project structures, and ensure compliance with stringent standards set by governments, banks, and export credit agencies. This comprehensive approach enables us to support clients effectively in navigating complex international trade landscapes and achieving their business objectives seamlessly.

That being said, beyond overcoming challenges, our focus extends to seizing opportunities. Through our extensive global network, we forge connections that unlock new business ventures and partnerships, significantly expanding our clients’ reach and enhancing their growth potential, regardless of their industry.

What are the main challenges Atal Solutions is currently facing, and how are you addressing them?

Atal’s primary challenge lies in navigating the various policies, varying risk appetites, and lengthy credit application processes of the banks involved in export finance. To address these obstacles, we have developed our own funding solutions to support projects when obtaining bank financing proves difficult. We also focus on understanding the internal limitations of various banks and how we can collaborate with them to create funding opportunities.

With the increasing emphasis on green projects, governments supporting export finance are more willing to guarantee credit risk for such initiatives. This is reflected, for instance, by lower insurance premiums and longer credit terms for corporate export finance loans. Despite this, banks remain hesitant to extend longer credit terms within corporate finance structures.

In a competitive market, what sets Atal Solutions apart from other companies in the same field?

Unlike traditional consultancies with limited service capabilities, we leverage a global network and sustainable practices to provide comprehensive support for our clients’ projects from inception through successful implementation. As the key contact, we guide our clients through each required step, ensuring compliant and sustainable results. 

For instance, we are involved in every part of the deal, from structuring and drafting contracts to filing export finance applications and arranging the right financial solutions. Our expertise encompasses everything needed to close the deal, all under local and global export finance rules and legislation. Additionally, our global connections allow us to tap into a vast international network to find the right exporters or suppliers, ensuring the success of every transaction.

How do you see the future of export finance, and what role do you envision Atal Solutions playing in that future?

Established in 1930, export finance has long been an important tool for governments to support the export of capital goods and services from their respective countries. We believe there is substantial potential for growth in the export finance market. Our aspiration is to become the global leader in revolutionizing export finance structures for sustainable international projects.

Can you share any upcoming developments or projects that Atal Solutions is excited about?

Atal is preparing a press release for the successful closure of an affordable yet innovative hospital project in India. In addition, we will announce a project for a food processing facility in China, which is set to close in Q3 2024. Besides these projects, Atal has many more that will be closed this year. 

What has been the most rewarding moment for you since starting Atal Solutions?

Building Atal Solutions has been filled with many rewarding moments. Witnessing the company evolve with its distinct corporate culture, seeing individuals become a team, and receiving support from governments and financial institutions are daily rewards. Equally fulfilling is the impact we achieve through the projects we initiate or contribute to.

The recent closure of the BAM Shipping project stands out, as we anticipate it will have the largest positive environmental impact among all our current and past projects—a source of immense satisfaction. However, it wouldn’t be fair to overlook the other projects we have closed or are currently working on, as each of them represents impactful initiatives that we are proud of.

How do you maintain transparency in the export finance industry, and why is this important to you?

The export finance industry strives for transparency, yet the inherent complexity, alongside varying policies and risk appetites among banks and export credit agencies, often obscures clarity. Our goal is to streamline the process and offer solutions to navigate these complexities, enhancing transparency and boosting the utilization of export finance solutions for cross-border trade.  

What are three key pieces of advice you would give to other entrepreneurs looking to start their own business?

  • Focus on a business strategy that ignites your passion, persistently adapting and refining it until you achieve success. Just as a baby perseveres in learning to walk, despite stumbling along the way, maintain determination and never give up.
  • Recognize the importance of time for yourself and all stakeholders you collaborate with. Time goes by fast, so making a meaningful impact requires efficient use of every moment.
  • Strive to improve the lives of others and appreciate all the positive things that come your way. Enjoy and celebrate not only major successes but also the small moments that contribute to the growth and success of your business.

How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue innovating in your field?

It’s my inner drive to create impact through the projects we initiate or enable. Additionally, I enjoy building connections and relationships, which contribute to the growth of the business.

More information you will find here

Thank you Edwin Sieswerda for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

Sorbets and Fruit Ice Creams Get a Sugar Reduction Revamp

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StartupValley
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sorbets

Enzymatic technology from Better Juice reduces sugar loads in fruit sorbets by 60%

Rehovot, Israel–On a fresh mission to offer health-conscious consumers guilt-free indulgence in ice creams and sorbets, Better Juice, Ltd. expanded its innovative sugar-reduction technology to lower the sugar loads in fruit sorbets. This will grant manufacturers new opportunities to give their products a better-for-you upgrade. The foodTech start-up will showcase the reduced sugar sorbet at the IFT Expo, in Chicago, on July 15-17. 

The ingredient list of the beloved frosty scoops typically includes around 50% puréed fruit, added sugars or alternative sweeteners and water. Sorbets are generally viewed by consumers as refreshing innocent delights to cool down with in the summer, imbued with natural goodness from real fruits.

The Scoop on Lowering Sugar

The downside to sorbets is their naturally high sugar content. “Even products claiming zero added sugar still house approximately 6% to 10% percent sugar from the fruit juice concentrates alone,” explains Gali Yarom, co-founder and CEO of Better Juice. Sorbet’s glycemic index typically surpasses that of ice cream because it contains sugar from the fruits and no fat, leading to quicker absorption of sugars into the bloodstream.

To create sugar-reduced sorbets, the company successfully adapted its patent-protected technology to process fruit concentrates and purées, the core ingredient of sorbets. The start-up produced sorbets in a range of flavors, including apple, orange, and strawberry, reducing sugar content by 50% to-70% and calories by 40%.

Better Juice’s groundbreaking enzymatic technology is based on non-GMO microorganisms that naturally transform fruit juice’s composition of sucrose, glucose, and fructose into prebiotic oligosaccharides and other non-digestible fibers, without any impact on their natural complex of vitamins, fiber, and nutrients. The fruit juices are treated in continuous-flow columns that contain immobilized sugar-reducing beads.

 “We succeeded in creating delicious sorbets with as little as 2% percent sugar,” exclaims Yarom. “Our treated sorbets possess a more gentle sweetness yet retain all their characteristic fruity notes and flavor. Yet they have fewer calories and a lower glycemic index.”

According to a recent report from Innova Markets Insights, sugar reduction has been the primary focus for confectionary innovators responding to consumer demand for more nutritious formats without sacrificing flavor.

Sorbet or Ice Cream?

Better Juice will provide its technological breakthrough to ice cream chains and CPG ice cream and sorbet manufacturers via small, easy to use plug-in units that contain the patented immobilized enzymes. Manufacturers will be able to reduce the sugar content of their products, including ice creams with fruit, at desired levels of up to 80%.

Ice cream makers will alternatively have the option of sourcing reduced sugar concentrates from other B2B/C Juice manufacturers in the US holding agreements with the company to install the sugar-reduction device in their facilities.

Better Juice recently obtained self-affirmed GRAS status from the US-FDA, allowing it to sell its products in the US. The company will initially commercialise its solution for sorbet and ice cream in the US but also plans to extend its services to Europe and other regions.

“This accomplishment showcases our ability to broaden the scope of applications that our technology can apply to,” adds Eran Blachinsky, PhD, co-founder and CTO of Better Juice. “Its potential goes beyond just fruit juices to any product that contains real fruit components, such as jams and fruit roll-ups which are also in the pipeline for a Better Juice sugar reduction makeover. We deliver good news to consumers who are consciously seeking to reduce their sugar intake or with sugar sensitivities without having to give up the enjoyment of these sweet delights.”

Last January, Better Juice, announced its collaboration with Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of specialty ingredients. Ingredion Ventures, Ingredion’s venture investment arm, will lead the Series A funding round for Better Juice which will fast-track penetration of its breakthrough sugar-reduction solution into the US juice market.

Visit us at the IFT Expo in Chicago, booth #4638

Picture @ Better Juice

Source NUTRiPR

Revyve debuts egg replacer ingredient for plant-based burgers at IFT FIRST

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StartupValley
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revyve

FoodTech company revyve has cracked the code to removing animal-derived texturizers and additives from burgers and impart a meaty bite. Introducing a new world of food texture, revyve is launching its high-performance egg-replacement ingredient at IFT FIRST 2024. Revyve delivers the sensory experience that consumers expect in their foods. The clean, minimally processed egg alternative is the first to be available on a broad commercial scale.

Eggs: the “bread and butter” of texture

For generations, eggs have been staple texturizers and binders in processed foods like meat and plant-based burgers. Recently, manufacturers have been seeking to swap out eggs with more sustainable and ethical solutions. Eggs have also lost their appeal because of shifting prices, unstable supply, food safety concerns and allergy risks.

Mimicking the performance of eggs without stealth starches, emulsifiers, unfamiliar binders and E-numbers is easier said than done. And consumers are not quick to compromise on the unique texture and mouthfeel that eggs impart on burgers and other foods.

Flexitarians and foodies who care about the planet do not want to compromise on the look and feel of plant-based foods, especially burgers. They also demand cleaner food with a short list of simple, easy-to-understand ingredients.

Found: Creating a meaty bite with an animal-free solution

Revyve has developed texturizing ingredients made from upcycled brewer’s yeast that create an enticing food experience. “The science-backed ingredients revyve has pioneered produce the sensory appeal that consumers want in burgers,” says Cedric Verstraeten, CEO of revyve. “Revyve delivers the meatiness and juicy firmness that cater to consumer appetites.
These nutritious, wholesome ingredients are all-natural and non-GMO. There’s more to come in Q3 2024 when we release our gluten-free, allergen-free ingredients.” 

First came the chicken and the egg – and then came revyve

In establishing revyve, the company set its sights on shaping the innovation behind crave-worthy animal-free foods. “In the process, we discovered that we could introduce a natural and sustainable twist to mainstream products, which was a top priority for manufacturers,” continues Verstraeten. “We realized we could help consumers feel good about what they eat without compromising on the food experiences they know and love.”

The superpowers of yeast

“Yeast has been the star of the show in beer brewing, winemaking and bread baking for millennia,” explains Edgar Suarez Garcia, PhD, revyve’s Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder. “At revyve, we have taken yeast functionality to the next level. Products manufactured with revyve single-ingredient yeast proteins take on true-to-form textures. Revyve offers exceptional heat-set gelling, binding and emulsification. Burgers retain water and oil at hot and cold temperatures; they brown and sizzle on the grill and hold their shape when flipped and sandwiched in a bun.”  

Suarez Garcia adds, “When burger producers ask how revyve performs, we explain that it behaves like egg whites. When cooked in a patty mixture, revyve becomes firm yet springy, forming a binding network around the other ingredients. Revyve’s secret lies in the unique combination of functional proteins and fibers created by our patented technology. Manufacturers appreciate that when paired with other ingredients, revyve can eliminate the need for methylcellulose, which has numerous functional and labeling downsides.”

Earth-friendly practices

“Sustainability is a way of life at revyve,” says Verstraeten. “So, it only makes sense that our proprietary production method steers clear of chemicals and harsh processing. Our clean-label products help manufacturers shorten their ingredient lists, using sources that consumers recognize. To make our ingredients, we repurpose brewer’s yeast, which is a beer making co-product.” 

The single ingredient designed for straightforward substitution and formulation

Revyve is price-competitive with eggs, which is why dozens of companies are working with revyve to redesign products and formulate new ones to target emerging trends. The revyve egg replacer is manufacturing-friendly, making it easy to use with standard processing equipment and complying with all international regulatory requirements.

Abundant revyve supply means that manufacturers can manage their production plans and their budgets.

Revyve is gaining royal attention

“Last month, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands visited revyve during the Foodvalley NL delegation to the Wageningen Plus Ultra II incubator and business facility. Her Majesty was treated to a full behind-the-scenes tour, where she learned about revyve’s upcycled yeast-based ingredients and sampled several prototypes we prepared for her. Revyve was honored by Her Majesty’s “two royal thumbs up” for the hamburger she tasted and by her keen interest in the company,” concluded Verstraeten.

About revive

Revyve is the purpose-driven food-tech company committed to creating a more sustainable planet. The team of scientists and food-industry experts share a common vision of maximizing the sensory experience of food. The revyve spark was lit by the company’s founding scientists at world-renowned Wageningen University & Research (WUR). Researching how to make the most out of food-production side streams, they discovered the superpowers of upcycled yeast to mimic the power of eggs. The company’s new plant-based ingredients introduce authentic textures that help clean up product labels. Revyve has raised over $15M in funding from venture capital firms and industry leaders Anheuser-Busch InBev and Royal Cosun.

Visit revyve at IFT FIRST, July 15-17, 2024, Chicago, IL, USA, Booth#4474W — South Building, STARTUP Pavilion.

Picture @ Allesa Joseph

Source NUTRiPR

AI is Transforming Small Business Marketing: How to Use it Right Now

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StartupValley
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AI-generated images
surreal nature background

 iStock’s New Research Offers Guidance on the Effective Use of AI-Generated Images

  • Transparency Matters: Nearly 87% of British consumers want to know if an image was created with AI. 
  • Social Media Trust Crisis: 73% of those surveyed distrust social media, highlighting the challenge for small businesses to connect.
  • Authenticity is Key: 97% agree that that “authentic” images or videos are crucial for building trust.  

iStock, a leading e-commerce platform offering images, videos, and illustrations to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprises (SMEs), today unveiled new data-backed tips to help businesses of all sizes navigate the use of generative-AI in marketing to customers. 

iStock’s VisualGPS insights platform has released a new study which captured the sentiment of over 30,000adults in 25 countries to understand the impact for small businesses of using generative AI visuals in their marketing. A key finding is that people expect transparency, with nearly 87% of British respondents saying they want to know whether an image has been created using AI.

The research also revealed a significant trust gap in social media, with 73% of Brits expressing distrust in social media content. For small businesses, this distrust presents a challenge: how to connect authentically with their audience in an environment rife with skepticism.

Note: Global Stats

“Businesses across all industries are grappling with the integration of generative AI into their creative workflow and it’s crucial for businesses to understand both the risks and rewards here”, said Dr. Rebecca Swift, Getty Images’ Global Head of Creative Content at iStock. “Our VisualGPS insights provide small businesses with a clear understanding of consumer expectations around AI generated visual content, empowering them to confidently incorporate these tools into their marketing strategies and drive meaningful customer engagement.”

iStock’s visual content experts have identified several crucial questions that business owners should consider when incorporating AI-generated images into their marketing: 

Are AI-generated images the right assets for this project?

Consider the type of imagery (AI-generated, user generated content, stock), including the format (image or video) that best aligns with your audience, message, and goals. VisualGPS revealed, 97% of consumers agree that ‘authentic’ images and videos are pivotal in establishing trust, indicating that where building trust is the key aim, user generated content or stock content may perform better to engage your audience. 

Will AI-generated images help my business stand out?

Human creativity, when applied to prompting AI images and visual concepts, can result in endless possibilities, getting you to the image you want faster. However, high-quality images or videos crafted by expert creators may answer your content needs and save you time and money.  AI technology can also  modify existing stock imagery by adding, replacing or removing any elements to further customize the image for your project. 

When should I label AI-generated imagery?

Transparency is key, especially if authenticity is a key part of your online strategy. Use images and videos showing real people in real places to connect with your audience. Clearly label AI-generated content to avoid your audience feeling misled.

Are AI-generated images legally safe for marketing materials?

Ensure that the AI image generation tools you do use do not produce images with legally protected elements that could pose a risk to your business. Opt for commercially safe AI image generators that offer legal indemnification, such as Generative AI by iStock, to ensure your marketing materials are safe and cleared for commercial use. 

To find relevant images and videos, or a commercially-safe and legally indemnified AI image generator visit: https://www.istockphoto.com/ 

Picture Credit: iStock/Vizerskaya

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

deeploi and Kertos team up to boost compliance and IT efficiency

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StartupValley
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deeploi

deeploi and Kertos join forces to accelerate compliance and boost IT efficiency 

deeploi, a leading provider of IT-as-a-Service solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and Kertos, a pioneer in streamlined compliance and audit processes, are excited to announce their strategic partnership aimed at enhancing compliance and IT operations for businesses across Europe. 

Their collaboration brings together deeploi’s comprehensive IT management platform with Kertos’ innovative compliance solution, creating a powerful synergy that simplifies and accelerates the path to key certifications such as ISO 27001. Together, deeploi and Kertos will provide a seamless and efficient approach to compliance, enabling companies to stay focused on growth and innovation. 

Enhanced Compliance and IT Services 

In 2024, the European legislation is tightening the regulatory framework for companies in the EU as a result of the dynamically changing geopolitical landscape. New information security requirements, above all NIS2, are pushing companies of all sizes to professionalize their IT processes and take IT security seriously.  

Kertos and deeploi are the perfect partners for companies working towards compliant operations. 

Kertos’ no-code solution empowers companies to easily automate their information security and data protection processes. deeploi’s ITmanagement service provides crucial infrastructure required to fulfill mandatory and complex controls, such as remote lock and wipe capabilities, inventory management, or encryption.  

A Faster Path to Certification 

The new partnership has already helped companies to achieve ISO27001 certification.

“With deeploi & Kertos we reached our ISO27001 certification without any headaches on the first try within 10 weeks.” Janina Möllmann, Co-Founder & CEO at GAIA Technologies. 

In the future, more Kertos’ and deeploi customers will profit from the shared expertise and synchronized processes, as well as financial benefits. 

Soruce COHORT GmbH 

Is This the Future of Healthcare? Meet the Team Behind the Innovation!

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StartupValley
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0
Freed AI is transforming healthcare founder team picture

Freed AI is transforming healthcare by relieving clinicians of the burden of administrative tasks with its advanced AI-powered medical assistant.

Can you introduce your company and the people behind it?

Freed is dedicated to transforming healthcare by freeing clinicians of the burden of administrative tasks. Our team is driven by a deep passion for improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare. I am one of the co-founders of Freed AI. 

What was the inspiration for founding Freed AI?

Gabi and I met 7 years ago, just before she started med school. We had a few months to fall in love before life became kind of terrible.

I’ve watched Gabi and many of our friends chart at night, over the weekend, on vacation. I heard the sentence “I have notes to do” every day in the last 7 years.

So after 7 years, it seemed like a good idea to try and Free clinicians (wife included) from charting.

I have always been passionate about startups. My previous company, UrbanLeap helped 40+ local governments run public procurement more efficiently and intelligently. We never managed to get it to scale and decided to shut it down.

My passion for startups is that they are very simple, yet, running a startup is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, the most intense school I’ve been to, and if it works out, it’s the most impactful thing I could be spending my time on.

What is the vision for Freed AI, and what steps are you taking to achieve it?

Our vision for Freed AI is to become the ultimate AI-powered medical assistant, capable of understanding clinicians, knowing every patient, and handling all administrative tasks. We are constantly improving our transcription technology to ensure it meets the highest standards of accuracy and security, and integrating it seamlessly with existing Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. We are also expanding our features based on clinician feedback to better meet their needs.

Who is your target audience, and how do you meet their specific needs?

Our target audience consists of clinicians overwhelmed with administrative tasks. We meet their needs by providing an AI scribe that accurately transcribes and summarizes medical dialogues, significantly reducing the time spent on charting. By focusing on ease of use, clinical accuracy, and affordability, we ensure that our solution is effective and accessible to healthcare providers.

What challenges have you faced in founding and operating Freed AI, and how have you overcome them?

We face many challenges. Clinician preferences, evolving medical terms, consistency, accurately identifying who said what, AI hallucinations, never dropping important information, not including redundant information, and more.

All these challenges are solvable, and I wish that we could solve them overnight.

We generate over a million notes monthly and collect extensive feedback to continually improve our system. We follow industry best practices and have obtained third-party security certifications to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.

What makes Freed AI unique compared to other solutions in the market?

Freed AI is unique in its dedication to serving clinicians rather than clinics. We obsess over creating a product that truly frees clinicians from administrative tasks. Our solution is designed to be the simplest to use, the most clinically accurate, and the most affordable on the market. We are committed to continuously listening to our users and evolving our product based on their feedback.

Can you provide an example of the benefits or success stories your clients have experienced with Freed AI?

Clinicians using Freed AI have reported significant improvements in their work-life balance. For instance, one clinician mentioned that our solution allowed them to reduce their after-hours charting time significantly, enabling them to spend more quality time with their family. This kind of feedback validates our mission and motivates us to continue improving our product.

What future developments or innovations are you planning for Freed AI?

We are planning several exciting developments, including enhanced integration with EHR systems to further streamline the charting process. We are also expanding our AI capabilities to handle more complex administrative tasks, moving closer to our vision of becoming the ultimate medical assistant.

How do you see the role of Freed AI in the future of healthcare and patient care?

Freed AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by significantly reducing the administrative burden on clinicians, allowing them to focus more on patient care. By improving the efficiency of clinical workflows, we can enhance the quality of care and contribute to better patient outcomes.

What three pieces of advice would you give to other founders starting a company in the health tech space?

  1. Know Your Users: Build a product for users you understand deeply and care about. This ensures that you are solving real problems that matter to them.
  2. Iterate Quickly: Collect feedback constantly and use it to improve your product. Rapid iteration based on user feedback is key to staying relevant and effective.
  3. Focus on Security and Compliance: In health tech, data security and regulatory compliance are paramount. Make them a top priority from the start to build trust with your users.

How do you ensure that Freed AI continuously adapts to the evolving needs of your users?

We ensure continuous adaptation by actively seeking and incorporating feedback from our users. We collect both qualitative and quantitative feedback to guide our improvements. Additionally, we have a dedicated team focused on developing systems to prevent and identify errors, ensuring our product evolves to meet the changing needs of clinicians.

What are your long-term goals for Freed AI, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Imagine the greatest medical assistant in the world. One that understands the clinician, knows every patient and handles every administrative task for the clinicians.

We want Freed to be that assistant, and for every clinician to have one. Or two.

More information you will find here

Thank you Erez Druk for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

Is this startup the key to unlocking better battery performance?

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StartupValley
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0
breathe

Breathe Battery Technologies develops advanced battery management software that enhances performance and sustainability for electric vehicles and consumer electronics.

Why did you decide to start Breathe?

Breathe (also known as Breathe Battery Technologies) was spun out of Imperial College London in 2019 by myself, Dr Yan Zhao and Professor Greg Offer. Born on the back of a frustration around the lack of energy being put into battery system performance, we co-founded a limited entity through which we could bring together capital investment from around the world across different functions from computer engineering to modelling. 

Our focus is on building battery technology to contribute to a faster, better and more sustainable electrification of the world. We do that by providing physics-based battery management software that helps the world’s most iconic electric vehicle and consumer electronics brands do more with the power they have. 

Our embedded software products, Breathe Charge and Breathe Life, use adaptive charging to dynamically adjust the charging current across both the state of charge and state health windows, indicating the ideal current at every moment. Our products extract more performance from existing batteries to deliver faster charging, greater cycle life and zero compromise on safety.

What is the vision behind Breathe?

Our name is a wordplay on the fact that we basically breathe technology every day. With so many people now living in megacities, we see the false economy of fast tech as a major issue from both a climate perspective and an environmental perspective. 

We dream that one day everyone will breathe clean air, so we are moving fast to make batteries better so we can solve the big issues of air pollution, electronic waste, and the consumable nature of batteries.

From the idea to the start what have been the biggest challenges so far and how did you finance yourself?

As CEO, I wear many hats related to managing our growth, which brings its own rewards and challenges. Ultimately, my role is to ensure that whatever issues arise get solved efficiently while mitigating risks as we scale. 

Making the transition from the lab environment to real-world applications and driving revenue through customer deals, has been one of the most important things we’ve done. This comes with many challenges. One of which is scaling the team to allow this to happen. 

Scaling the team and ensuring adequate financing are always obstacles. Recruiting the right people is challenging. In the UK we simply aren’t producing battery engineers at the pace required to meet the regulatory drivers for electrification, so it’s an intensely competitive market for hiring. 

In 2021, we secured a £1.5 Million seed round led by Speedinvest, Europe’s largest seed stage investor by dollars of assets under management. We subsequently raised a $10 million series A with Lowercarbon Capital, one of the world’s largest climate tech investors by assets under management. In March 2024, we received additional investment from Volvo Cars Tech Fund.

How does Breathe’s solution work?

Our solutions work on two levels – the company level and the product level. 

At the company level, we’re addressing a significant gap in battery technology. When batteries leave the production line, they often underperform due to outdated control systems. If these devices were more durable, consumers would pay less for the same end-user experience that they have today.

A battery is a complicated piece of electric chemistry, but the way it’s looked after in the software application is archaic, outdated, overly simplistic, and it means there’s a lot of performance and capability locked up in that battery that consumers never get to access.

At the product level, Breathe Charge and Breathe Life replace these outdated charging strategies with adaptive solutions. Unlike traditional methods, our approach dynamically adjusts to the battery’s needs, ensuring longevity and optimal performance. 

We achieve this through a piece of maths that describes what’s happening electrochemically inside the battery then we wrap that up as software. Every battery is unique, so our sophisticated software analyses various factors, including battery age and temperature. We have a software engineering team in house that develops tailored solutions for each battery system, maximising its potential.

Who is the target customer for Breathe?

We work with organisations that are driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in battery performance, charging, and longevity.

In March 2024, we partnered with Volvo Cars, making them the first automotive company to gain access to our latest patented, algorithm-enabled charging software for their new generation of fully electric vehicles. This partnership will provide Volvo customers with up to 30% faster charging and an enhanced overall driving and charging experience.

We have also collaborated with Rimac to improve charging speeds, enabling 50% state of charge to be achieved 43% faster. We also work with Delta Cosworth and Varta to enhance battery performance and reduce charging times.

On the consumer electronics side we work with OPPO, a leading smartphone manufacturer. Our software is currently integrated into 27 OPPO smartphone models, doubling the cycle life of their devices.

Essentially, we love working with forward-thinking companies that strive to be at the forefront of innovation and recognise the potential of our technology to revolutionise battery performance, charging capabilities, and longevity across various industries.

How can your customers benefit from Breathe’s products?

We help our electric vehicle brand customers by providing their vehicles with faster charging speeds, extended range, and prolonged battery life through our patented, algorithm-enabled software. By collaborating with us, EV manufacturers differentiate themselves by delivering superior mobility solutions that address consumer concerns like range anxiety and charging times.

Similarly, consumer electronics companies leverage our technology to double the cycle life of their devices, such as smartphones and laptops. This aligns with consumer demands for longer-lasting battery performance, compact form factors, and environmentally friendly products.

Our software-based approach allows customers to optimise their existing battery technology cost-effectively, resulting in improved product performance, boosted revenue, and a competitive edge as sustainable and innovative organisations.

Crucially, our solution offers a relatively fast implementation compared to developing new battery chemistries or materials, making it an attractive choice for companies seeking to stay ahead of rapidly evolving battery technology while meeting customer expectations.

Where do you see yourself and the business in five years?

I’m highly optimistic about our future growth and impact in the next five years. We have a deep understanding of the industry’s needs and the evolving trends, which gives us confidence in our strategic direction.

We are well-positioned to capitalise on several regulatory tailwinds that align with our mission. For instance, the European Union’s right to repair regulations mandate minimum durability requirements for batteries. Our consumer electronics customers recognise that batteries can no longer be treated as disposable components, and the current regulatory environment supports this shift towards sustainability.

Our successful partnerships with industry leaders like Volvo Cars, OPPO, Rimac, and Cosworth further reinforce our optimism. These collaborations demonstrate our ability to enhance battery performance, charging capabilities, and longevity across various sectors, from automotive to consumer electronics. We are excited to build upon these achievements and expand our reach within these industries.

While I cannot disclose specific details, we are actively pursuing new opportunities and partnerships that will amplify our impact and solidify our position as a leading provider of innovative battery management solutions. With our cutting-edge technology and deep industry expertise, we are well-equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of battery technology and meet the growing demand for sustainable and high-performing battery solutions.

At the end: Which 3 tips would you give to future founders or business leaders?

Tip 1: Focus on developing an insanely attractive product & delighting customers above all else. These are the pre-requisites, and everything else (hiring brilliant talent, financing the business, marketing & more) follows from that.

Tip 2: Instil a company culture of celebrating revenue & align incentive structures around it. All other forms of financing are temporary and are a means to revenue.

Tip 3: Ruthlessly assess and clearly communicate what aspects of the business need to be world-class vs. what aspects need to be unique. The world-class aspects prevent customers saying “no”, while the unique aspects are the reasons they will say “yes”.

More information you will find here

Thank you Dr. Ian Campbell for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

Is This the Game-Changing Solution Every Tech Company Needs?

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StartupValley
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clevenue

Clevenue transforms revenue planning for B2B tech companies by making it more accurate, effective, and equitable

Can you introduce your company and share a bit about the founders’ backgrounds and what inspired you to start this venture?

Clevenue was built by me (Alex Handsaker), who has spent years in tech growing businesses in revenue teams, and Ste Errington, who has spent years building software and tech solutions.

Clevenue was created after we personally experienced tech layoffs, along with almost 500,000 other people since 2022 (layoffs.fyi). We discovered that many businesses designed their growth plans using simplistic spreadsheets, often found online as free templates. These spreadsheets were overly simplistic, filled with flawed assumptions and bad data. They often assumed that adding more salespeople would automatically generate more sales, despite decreasing marketing efficacy and dwindling market demand.

We recognized that as businesses committed to larger sales and revenue targets, excessive hiring wasn’t limited to purely sales teams. This growth would then branch out across the business to account for the extra customers the business was planning on bringing in through the elevated targets. Customer success, operations, development, engineering— the entirety of the business is designed around the commercial ambitions of the company. When these businesses finally realized that the targets were unattainable, it wasn’t just sales teams that lost their jobs; everyone else hired in became collateral damage to the mistakes that stemmed from the spreadsheets.

We set out to not only make sales capacity planning easier but to change the way that people modeled it, with people no longer being simply a 1 or a 0 in a spreadsheet.

What is the core vision of your company, and what steps are you taking to achieve it?

We want to change the way that people approach revenue planning, making it more accurate, effective, and equitable for everyone involved. By helping people simulate the real-world effects of the decisions that they make, they are less likely to overhire, overspend, and ultimately repeat the layoff cycle that we have seen happen before.

You wouldn’t attempt to manage your customers in a spreadsheet; instead, you’d use a CRM like Hubspot or Salesforce. We want people to feel exactly the same way about planning and Clevenue.

Who is your target audience, and how do you identify and meet their needs effectively?

We’re aimed at revenue and leadership teams in B2B tech companies, where profitable, efficient growth is a key goal. We help to streamline the process, removing the need for technical knowledge or spreadsheet skills. Instead, just bring your data and strategy, and we can do the rest.

What major challenges has your company faced so far, and how have you managed to overcome them?

We’re trying to create a brand-new category of software within a densely populated market, all while solving a difficult technical challenge. We can’t yet say that we’ve fully overcome the challenge as we’re miles from product-market fit. However, we’re in the process of educating and showing people the future of revenue planning, and we’re confident that it’s only a matter of time and effort.

What sets your company apart from others in the industry? What is your unique selling point?

Existing revenue platforms focus on forecasting revenue based on the opportunities that they have, which ignores the effects of hiring, marketing plans, and economic changes that can all impact the effectiveness of the plan. These platforms are totally divorced from planning, which is done in spreadsheets in 95% of businesses, which take a simplistic view of revenue, relegating people to being a simple 1 or a 0 in a spreadsheet.

Clevenue works differently and starts with the people, modeling the contribution that every single person has in the business and how that all rolls upwards to the company target. Leadership can then simulate strategies and decisions which are then simulated to show the impact across generated revenue, cost, and efficiency.

Can you share your plans for the future direction of the company? Are there any upcoming developments or projects you’re excited about?

While we’re focused on helping to intelligently plan around the revenue team currently, we know that revenue is the engine behind the rest of growth, an area that the rest of the business depends on. We want to help businesses intelligently capacity plan across far more of their organization, using AI-driven suggestions based on their own data and plans.

What are some of the key milestones your company has achieved since its inception?

We worked our way through many different prototypes and stages of prototypes. The biggest key milestone for us was when we got our MVP out to our pilots and saw their reaction to it. We realized at that point that what we’re building brings huge value to businesses, and that it’s now just a case of getting it in front of people.

How do you approach innovation within your company to stay ahead in a competitive market?

As we’re bootstrapped, we know that our approach to growth is going to have to look different from the competition, and that we’re not necessarily going to have the resources to “beat them” at each turn. This means we’re focused on building to the vision, not what the competition is creating, and working to define how planning should really look.

Can you discuss a time when your company had to pivot or adapt its strategy? What did you learn from that experience?

Our strategy is a pretty agile one; however, planning isn’t yet an evergreen topic. Many businesses are still in an annual or biannual cadence, and we know that a huge part of success will be in making planning so easy that it becomes a continuous process. That involves stepping back from how people currently plan and building around what people want out of planning, and not just a more intricate plan.

How do you ensure your company culture aligns with your business goals and vision?

We’re bootstrapped, which means that we have to grow efficiently and effectively. This is where using Clevenue ourselves comes in. It helps us to not only understand what growth is possible for ourselves but closely control our appetite for growth and risk.

What role do your customers play in shaping your products and services?

Our customers acutely drive the product vision and roadmap. However, in building something that doesn’t yet exist elsewhere, we also have to be mindful of building what is possible, not just what is easiest. We’re aware of how many other tools filling different tasks exist within revenue, and so we’re mindful not to overlap without good reason.

Could you offer three pieces of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs based on your experiences?

Make sure you have a complementary founder – If you’re a techy, find someone that knows sales, marketing, and finance. If you’re someone that is that, then make sure you find a techy, and most importantly, make sure you can speak a common language when unpacking the problem.

Find a problem you care about and can understand – If it’s not a problem you care about, will you really have the perseverance, and will you really care about your customers? If you simply want to make money fast, go get a job and you’ll have a paycheck at the end of the month.

You’ve got to put in the work – The idea of a working day should go completely out the window, but it shouldn’t be a struggle. Because you’re on a problem you want to solve, work is no longer work: it’s progress. Not working then becomes not making progress.

More information you will find here

Thank you Alex Handsaker for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

STARTUP AUTOBAHN EXPO2024

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StartupValley
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STARTUP AUTOBAHN EXPO2024

STARTUP AUTOBAHN EXPO2024 showcases over 30 pilot collaborations between startups and mobility leaders

STARTUP AUTOBAHN’s flagship EXPO event returns on June 6, 2024, for its 13th edition, to showcase over 30 pilot projects jointly developed by startups and industry giants in mobility, production, enterprise, and sustainability. This one-day event in Stuttgart will unite over 1,200 in-person attendees, including board members and C-Level executives from leading automotive companies, entrepreneurs, public officials, investors, and tech experts. 

STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play is an innovation platform that unites the unrivaled tech expertise of Silicon Valley and the best of German engineering. Just like the German highway — the “Autobahn” — the only one in the world without a speed limit, STARTUP AUTOBAHN accelerates connections between industry corporations and innovative startups. The results of these collaborations are showcased at the annual EXPO, an invite-only conference showcasing technologies of the future and exposing the power of corporate-startup innovation.

This year’s EXPO2024 will gather over 1,200 guests at Im Wizemann in Stuttgart. Inspired by the motto “Innovate. Inspire. Change”, the event’s agenda has been carefully curated to address the most pressing challenges of the mobility industry: Generative AI, Transition to E-Mobility, Sustainability in Heavy Duty, the Role of Data in Circular Economy, Collaborative Innovation, the Role of AI in Sustainability, and more. 

The agenda includes inspiring keynote speeches by board members and industry leaders, panel discussions, expert roundtables, innovation walks, startup pitches, an exclusive demo of selected pilot projects, and several side events. 

The speaker lineup features the most influential voices of innovation in mobility and those at the forefront of the automotive industry:

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement; Howard Boville, Executive Vice President, General Manager of Global Applications and Artificial Intelligence at DXC Technology; Andreas Schick, Chief Operating Officer at Schaeffler; Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO at Plug and Play Tech Center; Dirk Walliser, Senior Vice President Corporate Research & Development at ZF Group; Alessandro Cremonesi, Chief Innovation Officer at STMicroelectronics; Jan-Maarten de Vries, President Fleet Management Solutions at Bridgestone Mobility Solutions; Hongquan Jiang, Partner at Robert Bosch Venture Capital; Jan Hiesserich, VP Strategy & Communications at Aleph Alpha; Lu Han, Open Innovation Program Director at Robert Bosch Venture Capital.  

At EXPO2024, STARTUP AUTOBAHN will present the Plug and Play Global Innovation Award and the STARTUP AUTOBAHN Sustainability Award. 

More about the EXPO2024 agenda, speakers, and the project showcase: expo2024.pnptc.events

Pilot Projects and Implementations 

The showcased pilot projects focus on the topics of EV Experience, AI Detection, Autonomous Driving, In-Car Experience, New Materials, Road and Traffic Data, Sustainable Materials, Data Analytics, Robotic Applications, Seamless Inspections, and many more.

Wanda Fish Unveils Cell-Cultivated Bluefin Tuna Toro Sashimi

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StartupValley
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wanda fish

Wanda Fish Unveils Its First Cell-Cultivated Bluefin Tuna Toro Sashimi

It’s out of the ocean: Proprietary fat formation and downstream tech are start-up’s key to replicating the buttery sensation of true Bluefin Toro

Ness-Ziona, Israel- Cell-based seafood maker Wanda Fish, Ltd. unveils its first cultivated bluefin tuna toro sashimi. The creation of this prototype addresses the burgeoning demand for bluefin tuna via a pollution-free, quality-consistent, and sustainable supply of the highly sought fish.

The raw toro specialty is composed of the underbelly of the fish. It has the highest fat content, with especially high omega-3 levels. This awards it a unique buttery sensation, making it the most tender and desired meat of the fish. Wanda Fish’s cell-cultivated sashimi possesses the same sensory features of wild-sourced toro sashimi and is imbued with comparable nutritional richness, especially protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Secret is in the tech’s fat formation

Wanda Fish’s cell-cultivated adaptation of the 3D filet combines the cellular mass of muscle and fat created from the Bluefin tuna’s own cells, developed together with a plant-based matrix. The company enlisted skilled chefs to bring its sashimi to culinary perfection.

Wanda Fish’s patent-pending technology to induce native fat formation in bluefin tuna cells and a whole-cut downstream manufacturing process employs a rapid, low-cost, and readily scalable production method. The fat endows the cultivated fish whole cut with not only its velvety texture but also its unique, rich flavor and essential nutrients, including omega-3s.

“A key focus in the creation of our product was achieving the same level of fat marbling as real Bluefin toro sashimi to create the same look and mouthfeel,” reveals Daphna Heffetz PhD, co-founder and CEO of Wanda Fish. “Reaching this milestone demonstrates Wanda Fish’s ability to bring to market a whole-cut bluefin tuna toro filet without harming the ocean or diminishing the population of wild fish. The product is sustainable, and of course free of microplastics, mercury, and other chemical toxins all-too-commonly found in wild catch.”

“Our prototype is unique in the cultivated food industry, as there is no cooking or panning of the product”, explains Malkiel Cohen, VP of R&D for Wanda Fish. “Using multiple bluefin tuna cells to create both muscle and fat and our plant-based 3D design, we capture the essence of a raw fish fillet without preservatives, artificial additives, or GMOs.”

Good for the fish, good for business

Bluefin tuna is considered the pinnacle of tuna species. They are no easy catch, not only because they are one of the ocean’s fastest and long-distance swimmers, making them difficult to raise in captivity, but also because they are a prized marine delicacy. Overfishing and illegal fishing have prompted governments to place caps on fishing activity by implementing strict fishing quotas, which has also contributed to its premium price.

Toro sashimi is a luxury dish served mostly in high-end restaurants across Japan but is also available in exclusive sushi outlets globally. A single 1 kilo serving can cost USD100 or more.

“Cultivated bluefin tuna is one of those rare food products that makes good business sense,” says Yaron Sfadyah, VP of Business Development & Marketing for Wanda Fish. “It is in high demand, with limited alternatives that match the taste and texture of the wild fish, and at an ideal price point and distribution model.” Alternative protein companies often contend with high manufacturing costs, coupled with the low price of animal-based products. It is a completely different story for cultivated bluefin tuna.”

“Our scalable platform for producing this premium product, raises its potential to reach price parity with traditionally raised bluefins, speed its journey to the marketplace and maximize profit margins,” adds Heffetz.

The start-up will first introduce its tuna in the high-end food service sector, with a focus on Japanese cuisine, where sushi and sashimi are traditional features. “Our focus on bluefin tuna as our first product was driven by market needs rather than technology driven,” adds Heffetz.

Picture Photographer Noam Preisman

Source NutriPR

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