Illuminate Financial Management LLP is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with an additional office in New York. The firm specializes in investments within the financial technology sector, focusing on companies that address challenges in financial services, particularly in compliance, regulation, and connectivity. Illuminate Financial targets early-stage investments, including Series A and seed financing, typically committing between $0.25 million and $3 million for a stake of 5% to 20% in its portfolio companies. While the firm invests globally, it places a significant emphasis on opportunities within the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. With deep domain expertise and a robust industry network, Illuminate Financial serves as a trusted partner, guiding its portfolio companies through the complexities of their early development phases.
NextRNA Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2020. The company focuses on developing targeted therapeutics by discovering novel non-coding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs) linked to various diseases. Utilizing an innovative discovery platform, NextRNA identifies and modulates RNA-binding proteins associated with disease functions of ncRNAs. This approach aims to disrupt the interactions between disease-related ncRNAs and their protein partners, thereby enabling medical practitioners to address and potentially cure a range of diseases.
Superpedestrian, Inc. is a transportation robotics company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that specializes in the development of lightweight electric vehicles, particularly electric scooters and bikes. Founded as a spin-off from MIT, the company has invested over five years in creating its proprietary Vehicle Intelligence system, which enhances the safety, reliability, and performance of its products. The flagship product, the Copenhagen Wheel, serves as a platform for developers to create various applications, while the LINK scooter, designed for shared fleets, employs this advanced technology to autonomously monitor and address potential malfunctions. This system allows the scooters to detect issues like battery fires and brake failures in real-time, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidents and operational downtime. By automatically disabling scooters that cannot self-protect and generating detailed service tickets, Superpedestrian improves rider safety and reduces maintenance costs for fleet operators. The company sells its products through retailers and online, operating in multiple markets across the U.S. and Europe.
Entrinsic Bioscience, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in Norwood, Massachusetts, with an additional facility in Newberry, Florida. Established in 2016, the company specializes in modulating epithelial transport membrane proteins through the use of functional amino acids. Its primary product, enterade, is an oncology formula designed to alleviate side effects associated with cancer treatments. The company aims to enhance global health by addressing critical issues related to digestion and hydration for both humans and animals. Leveraging advanced scientific research, Entrinsic Bioscience works to develop innovative solutions in pharmaceuticals, consumer health, and beverages, focusing on the body's natural protein regulation systems to provide effective relief from treatment-related discomfort.
Petal Card, Inc. is a credit card company focused on providing financial access to individuals without traditional credit histories, such as students and immigrants. Founded in 2015 and based in New York, the company utilizes machine learning to analyze users' digital financial records, allowing for cash flow underwriting as an alternative to conventional credit scoring. This innovative approach enables Petal to offer higher credit limits and lower rates compared to competing credit cards. The company's flagship product, the Petal Visa, is designed to promote responsible spending and credit-building, accompanied by a user-friendly digital application for managing payments. Petal aims to make credit more honest, simple, and accessible, fostering a financial environment that encourages users to succeed.
Figure Technologies, Inc. is a fintech company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing consumer financial solutions primarily focused on home equity products. Incorporated in 2018, the company offers services such as home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, and home buy-lease back options, facilitating access to capital for customers in as little as five days. Figure leverages blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to enhance its offerings, enabling customers to effectively manage their financial needs, including debt consolidation and retirement planning. Additionally, Figure has developed Provenance, a blockchain platform designed for businesses to manage digital assets and execute financial transactions efficiently.
dv01, Inc. provides data and real-time insights for institutional investors, banks, and lenders in the financial lending markets. The company offers dv01 LOANS, a cloud-based portfolio management solution that compares and analyzes the lenders data for institutional investors; and dv01 BONDS, a loan data agent service for securitizations. It also offers Securitization Explorer, a web portal to provide investors with insights into securitizations of consumer loans; and a cash flow engine for securitizations. dv01, Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Ualá is a fintech platform that offers a prepaid MasterCard card to help users keep track of spending, complete transfers, and more. Its native apps link with a Mastercard that allows users to conduct financial transactions such as online or offline purchases, free P2P and top-ups, as well as other payments, both in Argentina and abroad. The platform's technology and proprietary integrations allow for live transactionality, the first and only PFM solution in the market, and secure instant transfers, among others. Uala also allows users to track expenses through an analysis tool. Some selected users can also request a loan through the app. Ualá is available in Argentina for Android and iOS.
Ualá is a fintech platform that offers a prepaid MasterCard card to help users keep track of spending, complete transfers, and more. Its native apps link with a Mastercard that allows users to conduct financial transactions such as online or offline purchases, free P2P and top-ups, as well as other payments, both in Argentina and abroad. The platform's technology and proprietary integrations allow for live transactionality, the first and only PFM solution in the market, and secure instant transfers, among others. Uala also allows users to track expenses through an analysis tool. Some selected users can also request a loan through the app. Ualá is available in Argentina for Android and iOS.
Petal Card, Inc. is a credit card company focused on providing financial access to individuals without traditional credit histories, such as students and immigrants. Founded in 2015 and based in New York, the company utilizes machine learning to analyze users' digital financial records, allowing for cash flow underwriting as an alternative to conventional credit scoring. This innovative approach enables Petal to offer higher credit limits and lower rates compared to competing credit cards. The company's flagship product, the Petal Visa, is designed to promote responsible spending and credit-building, accompanied by a user-friendly digital application for managing payments. Petal aims to make credit more honest, simple, and accessible, fostering a financial environment that encourages users to succeed.
CloudMargin Ltd. offers a cloud-based collateral and margin management platform designed for financial institutions of various sizes, including brokerage firms, banks, asset managers, pension funds, and insurance companies. Established in 2014 and headquartered in London, the company utilizes a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model to assist clients in meeting regulatory deadlines while minimizing collateral management costs. The founding team, with extensive experience in collateral management, OTC derivatives, and capital markets, sought to improve existing solutions that were often perceived as overpriced and inefficient. CloudMargin aims to provide effective collateral management solutions accessible to all market participants, regardless of their size or status, earning the trust of clients through its industry expertise and commitment to innovation.
Ualá is a fintech platform that offers a prepaid MasterCard card to help users keep track of spending, complete transfers, and more. Its native apps link with a Mastercard that allows users to conduct financial transactions such as online or offline purchases, free P2P and top-ups, as well as other payments, both in Argentina and abroad. The platform's technology and proprietary integrations allow for live transactionality, the first and only PFM solution in the market, and secure instant transfers, among others. Uala also allows users to track expenses through an analysis tool. Some selected users can also request a loan through the app. Ualá is available in Argentina for Android and iOS.
Abeona Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing gene and cell therapies for severe, life-threatening rare genetic diseases. The company's primary programs include EB-101, an autologous cell therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, and AAV-based gene therapies for Sanfilippo syndrome types A and B, designated as ABO-102 and ABO-101, respectively. Additionally, Abeona is advancing therapies for Batten disease with ABO-201 and ABO-202, and exploring treatments for cystic fibrosis and genetic eye disorders. The company has a strategic partnership for the development of gene therapies targeting MPS III and other conditions. Abeona also operates a fully-functional manufacturing facility to support its clinical and preclinical endeavors and is developing the AIM Vector Platform, which includes over 100 next-generation AAV capsids designed for efficient gene delivery. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in New York, Abeona Therapeutics is committed to addressing unmet medical needs in rare diseases.
Ualá is a fintech platform that offers a prepaid MasterCard card to help users keep track of spending, complete transfers, and more. Its native apps link with a Mastercard that allows users to conduct financial transactions such as online or offline purchases, free P2P and top-ups, as well as other payments, both in Argentina and abroad. The platform's technology and proprietary integrations allow for live transactionality, the first and only PFM solution in the market, and secure instant transfers, among others. Uala also allows users to track expenses through an analysis tool. Some selected users can also request a loan through the app. Ualá is available in Argentina for Android and iOS.
Bond Street is a startup focused on transforming small business lending through technology, data, and design. Small business owners are the foundation for growth in the economy, and yet today’s banking system has left them behind. It is building a better future where access to financing is simple, transparent, and fair. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Ualá is a fintech platform that offers a prepaid MasterCard card to help users keep track of spending, complete transfers, and more. Its native apps link with a Mastercard that allows users to conduct financial transactions such as online or offline purchases, free P2P and top-ups, as well as other payments, both in Argentina and abroad. The platform's technology and proprietary integrations allow for live transactionality, the first and only PFM solution in the market, and secure instant transfers, among others. Uala also allows users to track expenses through an analysis tool. Some selected users can also request a loan through the app. Ualá is available in Argentina for Android and iOS.
Advaxis, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Princeton, New Jersey, focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company utilizes a unique platform based on live, attenuated bacteria engineered to deliver antigen/adjuvant fusion proteins, which aim to enhance the immune response against cancer. Advaxis is actively developing therapies for HPV-related cancers, including axalimogene filolisbac, currently in a Phase II clinical trial for head and neck cancer. Other products in development include ADXS-PSA for prostate cancer, ADXS-NEO for individualized treatment using neoantigens from a patient’s tumor, ADXS-HOT for generating robust anti-cancer immunity, and ADXS-HER2 targeting HER2-positive tumors. Advaxis has established collaborations and licensing agreements with various organizations to further advance its research and development efforts. The company was founded in 2002 and continues to progress its innovative treatments through multiple clinical trials.
dv01, Inc. provides data and real-time insights for institutional investors, banks, and lenders in the financial lending markets. The company offers dv01 LOANS, a cloud-based portfolio management solution that compares and analyzes the lenders data for institutional investors; and dv01 BONDS, a loan data agent service for securitizations. It also offers Securitization Explorer, a web portal to provide investors with insights into securitizations of consumer loans; and a cash flow engine for securitizations. dv01, Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Affirm is a financial technology company that offers installment loans to consumers at the point of sale, allowing them to make purchases from online merchants and pay for them in fixed monthly installments. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, with an additional office in Chicago, Affirm aims to provide transparent financial products that empower consumers and enhance their buying experience. Customers can select Affirm as a payment method at checkout, complete a real-time application, and choose a payment plan that aligns with their budget. The service stands out by offering upfront pricing with no hidden fees or compounding interest, unlike traditional credit options. Affirm partners with over 2,000 merchants across various sectors, including retail, travel, and electronics, to provide consumers with a flexible alternative to credit cards. Loans are facilitated through a partnership with Cross River Bank, ensuring a reliable financing option for users.
Liminal BioSciences is a biopharmaceutical corporation supplying state-of-the-art technologies for bio-separations as well as therapeutic products. It specializes in discovering, developing, and commercializing novel small molecule compounds for respiratory, liver, and renal diseases. The company focuses specifically on developing solutions for rare and orphan diseases. Liminal BioSciences was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Laval, Quebec.
Bond Street is a startup focused on transforming small business lending through technology, data, and design. Small business owners are the foundation for growth in the economy, and yet today’s banking system has left them behind. It is building a better future where access to financing is simple, transparent, and fair. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Affirm is a financial technology company that offers installment loans to consumers at the point of sale, allowing them to make purchases from online merchants and pay for them in fixed monthly installments. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, with an additional office in Chicago, Affirm aims to provide transparent financial products that empower consumers and enhance their buying experience. Customers can select Affirm as a payment method at checkout, complete a real-time application, and choose a payment plan that aligns with their budget. The service stands out by offering upfront pricing with no hidden fees or compounding interest, unlike traditional credit options. Affirm partners with over 2,000 merchants across various sectors, including retail, travel, and electronics, to provide consumers with a flexible alternative to credit cards. Loans are facilitated through a partnership with Cross River Bank, ensuring a reliable financing option for users.
Avant, LLC is an online marketplace lending platform that provides consumers access to personal loans for various purposes, including debt consolidation, medical expenses, and vacations. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Los Angeles and London, the company collaborates with banks and financial institutions to enhance its offerings. Utilizing big data and machine-learning algorithms, Avant delivers a tailored approach to streamline credit options for its users. In addition to serving individual consumers in the United States and the United Kingdom, Avant operates an institutional marketplace that allows investors to purchase loans generated through its technology platform. The company also focuses on risk and fraud verification, credit policy adherence, and analytics to support its lending processes.
Symphony Communication Services, LLC develops a secure collaboration platform tailored for financial institutions, enabling traders and portfolio managers to communicate effectively through messaging, screen sharing, and audio/video conferencing. The platform consolidates digital communications into a single application, allowing users to integrate various applications and bots into their workflows while ensuring data security and regulatory compliance. Symphony offers a range of solutions for enterprise collaboration, including tools for internal and external communication, document sharing, and application integration. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Symphony has additional offices in major global financial centers such as New York, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. The company, previously known as Perzo Inc., was rebranded in 2014 and operates as a subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
Avant, LLC is an online marketplace lending platform that provides consumers access to personal loans for various purposes, including debt consolidation, medical expenses, and vacations. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Los Angeles and London, the company collaborates with banks and financial institutions to enhance its offerings. Utilizing big data and machine-learning algorithms, Avant delivers a tailored approach to streamline credit options for its users. In addition to serving individual consumers in the United States and the United Kingdom, Avant operates an institutional marketplace that allows investors to purchase loans generated through its technology platform. The company also focuses on risk and fraud verification, credit policy adherence, and analytics to support its lending processes.
Insikt is a technology-driven Community Development Financial Institution that focuses on providing fair and affordable loans to working families in the United States. Founded in 2014 and based in San Francisco, Insikt aims to enhance the financial health of low-income communities by offering empowering financial services tailored for the underbanked and unbanked populations. The organization utilizes proprietary scoring algorithms to streamline the review and approval process for credit applications, ensuring that borrowers can access loans efficiently. Additionally, Insikt provides free credit scores and personalized expense management guidance to assist individuals in making informed financial decisions. Through its services, Insikt addresses the financial needs of working families and promotes economic stability within underserved communities.
Ablynx NV is a clinical biopharmaceutical company based in Ghent, Belgium, that specializes in the discovery and development of Nanobodies, a novel class of therapeutic proteins derived from single-domain antibody fragments. The company focuses on addressing serious human diseases, including inflammation, hematology, oncology, and respiratory conditions. Ablynx has a diverse pipeline with approximately 25 projects, featuring five Nanobodies currently in clinical development. Notable clinical programs include caplacizumab for acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, ALX-0171 for respiratory syncytial virus infection, and Vobarilizumab for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Other ongoing trials involve treatments for psoriasis, solid tumors, chronic kidney diseases, and bone-loss related disorders. Ablynx has established collaboration agreements with several major pharmaceutical companies to advance its research and development efforts. Founded in 2001, Ablynx was formerly known as MatchX and rebranded in 2002. The company operates as a subsidiary of Sanofi.
Hoare Govett
Acquisition in 2012
Hoare Govett provides corporate broking, corporate finance, and investor relations services in the United Kingdom. The company focuses on listed onshore and offshore funds with significant resources devoted to alternative investment strategies, such as hedge funds, private equity, infrastructure, credit funds, and real estate. The company executes various transactions, including equity fund raisings, mergers and acquisitions, MBOs, disposals, and IPOs.
Bonds.com Group, Inc.'s wholly-owned subsidiary Bonds.com Inc. ("BCI"), a FINRA registered Broker Dealer and ATS, offers access to live liquidity and execution through its web based electronic BondsPRO platform. BondsPRO provides professional traders over 70,000 live prices (with 65 million price updates daily) on 10,000 different issues from over 300 contributing counterparties. BondsPRO posts live, anonymous, and executable orders on a single bond or list basis, and permits price negotiation. Its all-to-all connectivity allows supply to meet demand, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing spread. BCI is a neutral counterparty to all trades, acting as a riskless principal.
Broadview Capital Partners was a principal investment firm associated with Jefferies Broadview, specializing in late-stage growth equity, management buyouts, recapitalizations, and acquisitions, primarily within the information technology, communications, and digital media sectors. The firm targeted investments in companies with enterprise values ranging from $25 million to $200 million, focusing on those with at least 100 employees and revenues exceeding $15 million in the preceding year, as well as forecasted revenues of $30 million or more. Typically, Broadview Capital preferred to invest between $8 million and $15 million, with the flexibility to engage in transactions from $5 million to $25 million. The firm aimed to take minority stakes in growth equity investments while seeking majority stakes in management buyouts and acquisitions. Founded in 1999 and based in San Francisco, California, Broadview Capital Partners also had offices in Foster City and San Mateo, California.
1-800-WEDDING is the premier wedding referral service that matches a bride's individual location and budget needs with 5-Bride Certified™ Wedding Specialists. Referrals to high-quality Wedding Specialists are always complimentary, and you can request referrals in more than 35 categories, from florists to photographers and everything in between.
THINQ Learning Solutions is the number one business to business e-commerce marketplace for skills training and professional education, with the most comprehensive selection of all brands and forms of training, including classroom, on-site, and online training, books, videos and CD-ROMs. Through a partnership-oriented strategy, THINQ Learning Solutions is making its marketplace accessible where professionals already go for career development: corporate intranets; the career sections of high-traffic Web sites; business and professional-oriented Web sites, and THINQ Learning Solutions own public Web site.
Enterworks® Enable The EnterWorks Multi-Domain Master Data Management (MDM) and Product Information Management (PIM) solutions enable companies to acquire, master, manage, govern, and transform master data and content across their value chain into a competitive advantage for organizations of all sizes – from SMBs to global enterprises. EnterWorks was acquired in 2015 by Black Dragon Capital.