VIRGIO & IIFA unite to transform the iconic Green Carpet into a celebration of Sustainable Fashion

VIRGIO & IIFA unite to transform the iconic Green Carpet into a celebration of Sustainable Fashion

 VIRGIO, the fastest-growing sustainable fashion brand, is proud to announce its partnership with International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards 2025 for its milestone 25th-anniversary edition in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This partnership is set to open up conversation on sustainable fashion and closely associate glamour and fashion with sustainability.

The collaboration had a special focus on the IIFA Green Carpet, an iconic platform that advocates various actions of preserving the environment since 2007. This partnership is a testimony to the commitment both brands carry towards promoting sustainability. This collaboration underscored the significance of eco-conscious choices, proving that sustainability is the future of fashion.

As the “Sustainable Fashion Partner”, VIRGIO unites with IIFA’s long-standing mission of raising global awareness about climate change. The GREEN CARPET has always placed environmental consciousness at the heart of its celebration, ushering in a transformative era that will be etched in the history of Indian cinema.

VIRGIO’s presence at IIFA ’25 was deeply embedded across key moments. The Green Carpet became a stage for powerful dialogue where industry icons like King Khan, Karan Johar and Kareena Kapoor; luminaries from Bollywood, South Indian cinema, and OTT platforms, alongside global dignitaries, fans, and cinema enthusiasts underscored the growing significance of sustainability in fashion and its transformative impact on the industry’s future.

As a pioneering initiative, VIRGIO extended this platform to its community members, offering them an exclusive experience on the Green Carpet. Accompanied by Amar Nagaram, Co-Founder & CEO of VIRGIO, they became part of a movement championing inclusivity in sustainable fashion. Taking its mission even further, VIRGIO shined a global spotlight on Jaipur’s revered block print artisans, placing them alongside Bollywood’s finest and celebrating India’s rich craftsmanship on an international stage.

Amar Nagaram, Co-Founder & CEO of VIRGIO, shared, “This is an incredibly proud moment for us to collaborate with IIFA, a platform that truly values purpose. As a start-up brand, we are thrilled to be recognised for our unwavering commitment to sustainability. Alongside IIFA, we aim to amplify our mission for the future of fashion. Through this platform, we hope to extend our message to Indian consumers and the global audience, while also giving local artisans and true craftsmanship the global recognition they deserve.”

Quote by Andre Timmins, Co-Founder, and IIFA, “For 25 years, IIFA has been more than just a celebration of Indian cinema — it has been a global movement advocating for meaningful change. Our Green Carpet has always stood as a powerful symbol of our commitment to sustainability, leveraging the influence of cinema to drive conversations around environmental consciousness.

This year, as we celebrate a historic milestone in Jaipur, Rajasthan, we are proud to partner with VIRGIO, the fastest-growing sustainable fashion brand, as our Sustainable Fashion Partner. Together, we are redefining fashion and glamour with purpose, proving that sustainability is not just a choice–it is the future.”

He further added, “IIFA has long been the industry’s largest celebrity advocacy platform, consistently championing social and environmental causes. With VIRGIO as our Sustainable Fashion Partner, we strengthen our mission to inspire change, ensuring that our platform continues to influence, educate, and shape a greener tomorrow for generations to come.”

VIRGIO continues to drive the dialogue around sustainability, ensuring that conscious fashion is more than a trend, it’s a movement. This collaboration with IIFA marks a pivotal step in making responsible fashion an integral part of entertainment, inspiring a new era of glamour rooted in purpose.

Website Link: https://bit.ly/4iY3cIa

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GNC India launches India’s first Whey Protein with cardio-protective formulation

GNC India launches India’s first Whey Protein with cardio-protective formulation

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: GNC, a global leader in nutritional supplements, through Guardian Healthcare Pvt. Limited (“GNC India”), GNC’s master franchisee in India has launched GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey + Nitro Surge, a groundbreaking protein supplement designed to enhance performance and support cardiovascular health. This innovative product, developed indigenously, features a unique cardio-protective formulation, combining performance-boosting ingredients with heart health benefits.

Ashutosh Taparia, Managing Director & Board Member of Guardian Healthcare Pvt. Limited, master franchisee of GNC in India stated, “As health and fitness awareness grows in India, so does the need for innovative supplements. With the rising incidence of lifestyle conditions, products that lie at the intersection of fitness and wellness are the need of the hour. GNC India, in collaboration with leading physicians, has developed this unique formulation to address needs at the intersection.”

The Nitro Surge formula incorporates bonded L-arginine silicate and L-citrulline, clinically proven ingredients that support vasodilation and sustained blood circulation. These ingredients help reduce cardiovascular stress, allowing athletes and active individuals to push their limits while promoting heart health during intense physical activity.

Balaji Uppala, CEO of GNC India, emphasized, “We are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in health and fitness. With GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey + Nitro Surge, India’s first whey protein with cardio-protective properties, we are empowering fitness enthusiasts to reach their goals while prioritizing heart health. This product reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, science-backed solutions for every fitness journey.”

Designed for all fitness levels, from beginners to elite athletes, 100% Whey + Nitro Surge enhances muscle performance and overall well-being. It addresses the increasing demand for supplements that support long-term fitness goals while also enhancing heart health.

GNC India developed this product in collaboration with Dr. Jaspreet Singh Randhawa, MBBS, MS, MCh (Neurosurgery, Gold Medalist) and Chief Neurosurgeon at Livasa Hospital, Mohali. As Principal Medical Advisor to GNC India, Dr. Randhawa provided expert guidance in the product’s formulation and research.

Speaking on the new product, Dr Randhawa commented, “There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the ingredients (L-arginine & L-citrulline) used in this formulation, when used as part of a healthy lifestyle, demonstrate vasodilatory properties & cardio-protective benefits for people engaging in regular physical activity, including high-intensity workouts.”

The product is available in 1-pound, 2-pound & 4-pound size variants & is available for sale on GNC India’s website, Amazon, Flipkart, Healthkart, Myntra, Hyugalife & select offline stores.

Try India’s First Cardio Protect Whey – GNC 100% Whey+ Nitro Surge available in super tasty chocolate flavor. Checkout now to get an exclusive discount & freebie.

About GNC:

GNC is a leading global health and wellness brand that provides customers with a wide variety of science-based products and solution services to live well. The brand touches consumers worldwide by providing its products and services through company-owned retail locations, domestic and international franchise locations, digital commerce, and strong wholesale and retail partnerships across the globe. GNC’s diversified, multi-channel business model has worldwide reach and a well-recognized, trusted brand. By combining exceptional innovation, product development capabilities, and an extensive global distribution network, GNC manages a best-in-class product portfolio.

About Guardian Healthcare Private Limited:

Guardian Healthcare Private Limited, is the master franchisee holder of GNC for India. Guardian Healthcare, with 60+ premium pharmacies across India, serves over 10 million customers. Offering 100% reliable health, wellness, and pharmaceutical products, Guardian Pharmacy prioritizes reliability, customer satisfaction, and trust.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tanya Sharma, tanya.s@oneguardian.in, +91 99991 47699

Advance Your Career with Zell Education – Your Gateway to ACCA, CFA, CMA, and More

Advance Your Career with Zell Education – Your Gateway to ACCA, CFA, CMA, and More

Quality education is something every Indian strives for. The desire to succeed in academics is propelled further by right guidance and mentorship. Often, an extremely hard-working student fails to achieve their goals because they are not many times, an extremely hard-working student fails to achieve their goals owing to not being guided well. Therefore, Teachers and institutions play a crucial role in a student’s academic development and successTeachers and institutions, therefore, play a crucial role in the academic development and success of a student. If an institution offers high-quality education and provides solid mentorship, the student will witness their career soar.

Founded by the visionary Pratham Barot, Zell Education has emerged as one of the leading and most reliable institutes providing finance and accounting courses that are recognized globally. Ever since its inception, Zell Education has remained committed to providing students high-quality education driven by the expertise of faculty members. The institute focuses on providing industry-relevant training that would enable students to make a mark in their professional lives.

“One of the sought-after courses at our institute is the ACCA. ACCA full form is Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is a globally recognized certification course focused on accounting and finance. After pursuing a course in ACCA, students can work in different spheres like audit, financial management, taxation, and consulting. ACCA professionals, apart from working in public practice, can also lend their expertise in corporate and financial services. Several students, who have done the ACCA course details from our institute, are working in reputed government agencies and private organizations”, says Barot.

Along with the structured curriculum and experienced faculty members, the high success rate of the students has contributed towards the solid reputation the institute has today. Apart from ACCA, some of the other professional courses offered by the institute are CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), Investment Banking, Financial Risk (FR) and International Financial Services (IFS).

Elaborating on what gives Zell Education an edge over other institutes, Barot states, “From the time we started, our goal has been to make things convenient and comfortable for our students. We offer flexible learning options and give our students the option to choose between offline and online learning. Our faculty members, apart from being highly experienced in the academic space, also have industry expertise. Our curriculum has been designed thoughtfully and aligns with global standards.”

For years, Zell Education has boasted of a very high passing rate. The institute provides students adequate assistance during the placement season and ensures they get professional opportunities befitting their skills, knowledge, and aptitude. Upon visiting zelleducation.com, the official website of the institute, one can get all the relevant information about the courses and certifications being offered.

Ananta Capital does a Significant Strategic investment in Bacca Bucci, a Leading D2C Sneakers brand

Ananta Capital does a Significant Strategic investment in Bacca Bucci, a Leading D2C Sneakers brand

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Ananta Capital, backed by the Mumbai-based Taparia family, has made a significant strategic investment in Bacca Bucci, one of India’s fastest-growing sneaker brands. This marks a significant milestone in Bacca Bucci’s journey, propelling its vision to enhance product innovation, strengthen its digital-first approach, expand into offline retail distribution, and drive global growth.

Founded in 2013 by Natwar Agrawal and Anuj Nevatia, Bacca Bucci has transformed from a challenger brand into a dominant player in the casual sneaker market. With a strong focus on design, comfort, and affordability, the brand has built a loyal customer base among young, fashion-conscious consumers.

“Bacca Bucci has carved a strong position in the sneakers market, demonstrating impressive growth and brand recognition,” said Ashutosh Taparia and Sanjeev Taparia, Board Members at Ananta Capital. “We see tremendous untapped potential in this segment, and we are excited to collaborate with Anuj and Natwar to help Bacca Bucci scale to new heights.”

The company is poised to sustain its robust growth trajectory in the current financial year. The newly acquired capital will be allocated towards expanding product categories to appeal to a broader spectrum of sneaker enthusiasts and enhancing its omnichannel presence to effectively engage consumers across both online and offline platforms. Additionally, the company plans to bolster visibility and foster community engagement through targeted marketing initiatives.

“Bacca Bucci was born from a desire to challenge the norm and make high-quality, trend-forward sneakers accessible to everyone,” said Natwar Agrawal and Anuj Nevatia, Co-founders of Bacca Bucci. “This investment from Ananta Capital is not just about funding–it’s about aligning with a partner that understands our vision and has the expertise to help us scale our ambitions globally.”

Ananta Capital has controlling investments in leading beauty and wellness brands such as Bellavita, Betteralt, ThriveCo, Bevzilla – all under the Guardian group. The Guardian Group also owns the Guardian Pharmacy chain and holds the India master franchise for GNC, a global nutritional supplements brand. The fund also owns majority stake in prominent home furnishing brands – Sleepycat and Springwel. Additionally, Ananta Capital has stakes in companies like Open Secret, Liquiloans, Pickrr (exited), Alivaa Hotels and Unikon.ai.

“We’re excited to welcome Baccabucci to the Ananta Capital family,” said Lovkesh Kapoor, Board Member at Ananta Capital. “The brand resonates strongly with modern consumers and perfectly complements our existing portfolio, strengthening our position in the lifestyle and fashion sector. We see tremendous potential for Baccabucci to become a dominant player in the casual sneaker market worldwide.”

Deloitte India acted as an exclusive advisor to Baccabucci.

About Bacca Bucci

Founded in 2013, Bacca Bucci is a homegrown sneaker brand that blends cutting-edge design, comfort, and affordability. With a rapidly growing fan base and a strong presence in the Indian footwear market, Bacca Bucci is on a mission to revolutionize everyday fashion with bold, high- quality sneakers.

About Ananta Capital

Ananta Capital is private equity firm headquartered in Mumbai. With a diverse portfolio and a track record of successful investments, Ananta Capital is committed to partnering with visionary entrepreneurs to unlock value and drive sustainable growth. Ananta Capital’s portfolio includes Bellavita, Bevzilla, Betteralt, ThriveCo, Sleepycat Springwel Mattresses, Open Secret, Pickrr (exited), Liquiloans, Stovekraft, Alivaa Hotels, Wolfpack Labs and Unikon.a

STQC Certifies CP PLUS CCTV Cameras with ER IoTSCS Certification

STQC Certifies CP PLUS CCTV Cameras with ER IoTSCS Certification

 CP PLUS proudly announces that its range of PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) and IPC (Internet Protocol Camera) devices has achieved the prestigious ER IoTSCS STQC certification. Awarded by the Standardization Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Directorate under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), this certification underscores CP PLUS’s commitment to empowering public and private sectors with robust, reliable, and secure surveillance systems.

With ER IoTSCS STQC certification, CP PLUS’s PTZ and IPC cameras are validated for secure data handling, superior performance in diverse environments, and compliance with stringent national standards – essential attributes for critical and high-demand applications in India.

The ER IoTSCS STQC certification is a hallmark of excellence in IoT and electronic surveillance, designed to ensure that products perform reliably even in the most challenging scenarios. CP PLUS’s PTZ and IPC cameras are tested for data encryption, environmental resilience, image clarity, power efficiency, and network protocol compliance, making them ideal for critical sectors where high-security standards are paramount.

“At CP PLUS, we believe in delivering technology that not only leads the industry but also empowers our country to meet its security challenges head-on,” said Mr. Aditya Khemka, Managing Director, Aditya Infotech Limited. “Achieving the ER IoTSCS STQC certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in security technology. It assures our customers that they are investing in products that meet the highest benchmarks of performance, safety, and quality.” said Mr. Aditya Khemka, Managing Director, Aditya Infotech Limited.

With this certification, CP PLUS’s PTZ and IPC camera range is poised to offer secure, resilient, and intelligent surveillance capabilities. We believe the certification also positions CP PLUS as a trusted partner for organizations that require compliance with national standards for security technology in government, critical infrastructure, and commercial applications.

We believe the ER IoTSCS STQC certification not only reinforces CP PLUS’s reputation for quality but also assures clients and partners that these surveillance solutions stand resilient under diverse conditions, such as extreme weather, dust, and high humidity levels. Moreover, the certification signifies enhanced data security measures in CP PLUS’s IoT-enabled products, with advanced data protection protocols and efficient power management, making these cameras an ideal choice for organizations seeking reliability and long-term value in their surveillance investments.

CP PLUS is committed to leveraging this achievement to lead India’s surveillance technology industry with innovative, high-performance solutions that meet the evolving demands of the nation.

Lepton Software Showcases AI-Powered Geospatial Solutions at MWC, Driving Cost-Efficiency and Network Optimization

Lepton Software Showcases AI-Powered Geospatial Solutions at MWC, Driving Cost-Efficiency and Network Optimization

Lepton Software, a global leader in geospatial intelligence and AI-driven network solutions, is set to unveil its latest AI-powered innovations at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, demonstrating how advanced geospatial intelligence can enhance network operations, reduce costs, and improve decision-making for telecom operators and enterprises.

At Booth Number 10, Block 5A83, Bharat Pavilion, Lepton Software will showcase innovative AI solutions that help telecom companies streamline network planning, optimize 5G deployment, and automate fiber network operations, leading to significant cost savings and operational efficiency.

How Lepton Software’s AI Solutions Improve Network Operations and Reduce Costs

-Optimized 5G and Fiber Network Planning: AI-powered predictive models enable precise coverage forecasting, helping operators maximize network performance while minimizing investment waste.

-Automated Fiber Network Management: Intelligent automation streamlines the planning and rollout of fiber networks, reducing manual errors, resource waste, and deployment time.

-Geospatial AI for Cost Reduction: AI-driven insights help telecom providers reduce redundant infrastructure costs, identify underutilized assets, and enhance network expansion strategies.

– Proactive Network Maintenance & Risk Mitigation: Predictive analytics detect potential issues before they escalate, reducing downtime, maintenance costs, and service disruptions.

– Smarter Site Selection with AI: SmartMarket Data Intelligence leverages AI to identify the most profitable locations for infrastructure expansion, reducing CAPEX and improving ROI.

“The telecom industry is evolving rapidly, and AI-driven geospatial solutions are key to achieving cost efficiency, faster deployments, and improved network resilience,” said Dr. Rajeev Saraf, Founder and CEO, Lepton Software. “At MWC, we are excited to showcase how our AI-powered solutions empower telecom operators to optimize network investments, enhance performance, and deliver superior connectivity.”

With a legacy of over 30 years in geospatial intelligence, Lepton Software is trusted by leading telecom operators, ISPs, and enterprises for its data-driven solutions that accelerate digital transformation while cutting operational expenses.

Join Lepton Software at MWC Barcelona 2025, Booth Number 10, Block 5A83, Bharat Pavilion, to explore the future of AI-powered geospatial solutions for cost-effective network operations.

Healthcare startup CureAble raised Rs 2 Crore in pre-seed to transform neurodiverse care in India

Healthcare startup CureAble raised Rs 2 Crore in pre-seed to transform neurodiverse care in India

 CureAble, a Delhi-based Healthcare startup, focusing on personalized therapies for special-needs children, has raised Rs2 crore in a pre-seed round from a US-based investment firm Brahma Tank.

Founded in July 2023 by childhood friends Krishnakant Singh, Arbob Mehmood, Atabik Fasahat, and Vikas Deep, CureAble aims to transform special-needs care for neurodivergent children through a planned, personalized, and trackable approach to their development.

The funds will be used to establish multiple therapy centers and special schools across India while growing their team. The roadmap also includes accelerating the development of specialized therapeutic tools and technologies, alongside community outreach initiatives. Founder Krishnakant Singh emphasizes that “These steps will transform the special needs care sector, bringing innovation and empathy to therapy-based services while revolutionizing how special-needs therapies are provided.”

Founder Vikas Deep, who also has more than 12 years of experience in special-needs therapy, says, “Every child is unique, yet therapy is often treated as a one-size-fits-all solution, leaving many without real progress. At CureAble, we take a deeply personal approach–understanding each child’s strengths, challenges, and needs–to provide therapy that truly works. Seeing children grow and connect in ways their families once feared impossible is what drives us every day,”

“Post-COVID, there’s been a sharp rise in learning disabilities and ADHD among children, driven by excessive screen time, reduced socialization, and fast-paced curriculum. Parental neglect, denial, and busy lifestyles have further fueled these challenges. Existing systems can’t support them. We need a personalized, transparent, and trackable framework to ensure consistent care during their crucial growth years.” says Founder Atabik Fasahat.

About the future of CureAble, Founder Arbob Mehmood says, “Our vision extends beyond India. In the next 5 years, we aim to impact 100 million special-needs children globally through a combination of home-based care, therapy centers, school-based programs, and technology-driven solutions like VR and app-based therapies.”

“CureAble is tackling one of the most pressing yet overlooked challenges in healthcare–ensuring that neurodivergent children receive the right support at the right time. Their data-driven and deeply personalized approach to therapy has the potential to revolutionize how therapy is delivered globally. What impressed me most is their deep commitment to both scalability and impact, ensuring that quality special-needs care is accessible across India and beyond. This investment aligns perfectly with my commitment to supporting ventures that drive social impact alongside sustainable growth.” – Gurmeet Likhari, Founder – Brahma Tank

In India, 1 in 8 children grapples with some kind of neurodivergent conditions, including millions of children with autism, ADHD, mental retardation, Down syndrome, slow learners and other developmental challenges. Shockingly, up to 80% of these children do not receive the necessary care. Globally, with over 1.2 billion people with such conditions, with global market size expected to reach USD 68.6 billion by 2028. These statistics highlight a dire need for improved special-needs care systems across the world, which CureAble, through its innovative framework, is well positioned for significant growth.

String Metaverse Ltd (Biogreen Papers Ltd, BSE 534535) Reports Strong Q1-Q3 FY25 Performance with Rs253.51 Cr Revenue and Rs22.34 Cr PAT*

String Metaverse Ltd (Biogreen Papers Ltd, BSE 534535) Reports Strong Q1-Q3 FY25 Performance with Rs253.51 Cr Revenue and Rs22.34 Cr PAT*

String Metaverse Ltd (BSE: BGPL), the first Web3.0 company to be listed on the Indian stock markets, has announced impressive financial results for the first nine months of FY25 (Q1-Q3), reporting revenue of Rs253.51 Cr and a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs22.34 Cr.

Q3 Key Highlights – Driving Growth Across the Ecosystem

– Revenue: Rs115.69 Cr

– Profit After Tax: Rs10.21 Cr

– Global User Base: Over 3 million across gaming platforms (Source: Google- Analytics)

– Expansion into Ras Al-Khaimah (UAE) for Digital Advisory & High-Frequency Trading (HFT) operations

– Introduction of In-App Purchases across the String Ecosystem

– Launch of String Arcade – A TON Blockchain gaming platform featuring retro & modern games

– Launch of String SpinWin – A Telegram-based free-to-play roulette game

Ecosystem Growth & Product Expansion – 3 Million Users & Counting

String Metaverse continues to experience rapid user adoption, driven by strategic product launches and ecosystem expansion. In Q3, the company introduced String Arcade, a gaming platform that offers classic retro games like Pac-Man and Snake, alongside modern mobile hits such as Flappy Bird and Doodle Jump–all powered by the TON blockchain. Additionally, the launch of String SpinWin, a free-to-play roulette game on Telegram, has attracted over 500,000 users in less than 60 days.

The company’s blockchain-based mobile game, IdleMine, has surpassed 1 million downloads on the Google Play Store (Source: Google Analytics), further solidifying its position in the gaming industry.

The Q3 revenue growth was significantly fueled by the successful integration of in-app purchases across all gaming platforms, enhancing monetization and driving record-breaking financial performance.

Expansion in Digital Advisory – String X Digital Advisory Platform

String Metaverse has expanded its operations in Ras Al-Khaimah (UAE) with the launch of its Digital Advisory platform. The company’s platform is currently handling $200 million in trading volume every month on centralized exchanges.

String X has integrated with the Solana blockchain and will soon integrate with Base, Ethereum, Tron, and Binance Smart Chain, expanding its capabilities in Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) and Decentralized Finance (DeFi).

With these developments, the String X Digital Advisory Platform aims to process $1 Billion USD in transactions in combined centralized and decentralized trading volume every month.

CEO’s Vision for Future Growth

Commenting on the company’s performance, Santosh Althuru, CEO of String Metaverse, shared his vision for the company’s expansion:

“With the rapid growth of our user base across the String ecosystem, coupled with the expansion of our blockchain infrastructure and AI-powered digital advisory services, we are confident in achieving a 100% CAGR over the next three years.”

About String Metaverse Ltd

String Metaverse Ltd (BSE: BGPL) is a pioneering Web3.0 company listed on the Indian stock markets. The company is at the forefront of blockchain technology, offering innovative gaming platforms, digital advisory services, and decentralized finance solutions. With a rapidly growing global user base, String Metaverse is committed to driving the future of digital ecosystems.

For more information, please visit: [www.stringmetaverse.com]

Canada Super 60 league set to Transform cricket in North America

Canada Super 60 league set to Transform cricket in North America

Star 333 Sports Inc., in collaboration with Cricket Canada, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Canada Super 60 League launch. This groundbreaking initiative, championed by cricketing legend Yuvraj Singh, is poised to elevate cricket in Canada to unprecedented heights. The league, scheduled to debut in July 2025 in Toronto, promises to captivate cricket fans across North America while nurturing the next generation of talent.

A Game-Changer for Canadian Cricket- The Canada Super 60 League is more than just a tournament; it is a visionary platform designed to promote cricket’s growth and popularity in Canada and the broader North American region. With a dynamic short-format structure, the league aims to attract traditional cricket enthusiasts and introduce the sport to new audiences.

A key highlight of the league is its emphasis on inclusivity, featuring both men’s and women’s leagues. The Canada Super60 League will be the first league in North America to feature both men’s and women’s competitions right from its inaugural year.

This historic milestone underscores the league’s commitment to advancing women’s cricket and providing equitable player opportunities. The women’s league will showcase exceptional talent and serve as a stepping stone for female cricketers in Canada, inspiring future generations.

The tournament will launch with eight teams, each comprising a mix of local players, international stars, and a fixed quota of players from associate nations. This structure aims to give more exposure to developing cricketing nations and showcase diverse talent. The inaugural season will take place in Toronto, with plans to expand to other cricket-loving cities of Canada. The league will bring world-class competition and excitement to Canadian grounds by featuring some of the biggest names in global cricket.

The tournament’s “The Future is Here” tagline reflects its mission to showcase emerging talent and position Canada as a rising force in the cricketing world.

Yuvraj Singh, Cricket Legend: “I am delighted to lend my leadership and vision to the Canada Super 60 League. This tournament has the potential to be a stepping stone for the future of cricket in this region. Combining local talent and international stars is a recipe for something truly special. I am excited to be part of this journey and can’t wait to see the impact this league will have on cricket in North America.”

Amjad Bajwa, President of Cricket Canada: “Cricket Canada proudly welcomes the Canada Super 60 League as a significant milestone in developing the sport in our country. Having a legend like Yuvraj Singh at the helm is an honour and an inspiration to everyone involved. His stature and deep knowledge of the game will elevate Canadian cricket and help us achieve new heights. We believe this league will be pivotal in nurturing both men’s and women’s talent in Canada.”

Abhishek Shah, Founder and MD of Star 333 Sports Inc.: “We are thrilled to bring the Canada Super 60 League to life. This league is not just about cricket; it’s about creating opportunities, fostering local and international partnerships, and showcasing the immense potential of cricket in Canada. We aim to establish a world-class league that grows the sport’s footprint in North America and provides a robust platform for talent to shine. With significant investor interest and an ambitious vision, we are confident this league will set a new benchmark for cricket in this region.”

World-Class Production and Experience – The Canada Super 60 League will feature state-of-the-art production to deliver an unparalleled experience for the fans watching live anywhere in the world or consuming content on the league’s digital platforms. The playing conditions will meet international standards, ensuring top-tier competition and entertainment. Cricket Canada and Star 333 Sports Inc. are leaving no stone unturned to create one of the most remarkable spectacles in cricket.

The journey begins this July in Toronto. Cricket fans gear up for a season of exhilarating action as the Canada Super 60 League promises to redefine the future of cricket in Canada and beyond.

Website – www.super60.com

LemFi, the trusted financial services platform designed for immigrants, has secured $53M in Series B funding led by Highland Europe

LemFi, the trusted financial services platform designed for immigrants, has secured $53M in Series B funding led by Highland Europe

LemFi, the platform transforming how immigrant communities access financial services, has raised $53 million in Series B funding led by Highland Europe with participation from previous investors Left Lane Capital, Palm Drive Capital, Endeavor Catalyst and Y-Combinator. The new round brings LemFi’s total capital raised to $85 million to date.

– LemFi is transforming how immigrant communities access financial services, starting with international remittance and payments to ease financial hurdles

– The platform enables diaspora communities in Europe and North America to move money reliably and affordably to emerging markets, including China, India, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan

– Since its launch in 2021, LemFi has grown to over one million customers and recently crossed $1 billion in monthly transaction volume

Founded in 2021, LemFi is building the trusted financial services platform for immigrant communities worldwide. Starting with payments and remittances, LemFi enables users to open multi-currency accounts and send and receive money globally, reliably and at a low cost. With over one million users across Europe and North America sending money to emerging markets, including India, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan, LemFi recently crossed $1 billion in monthly transactions. This is set to increase further, with LemFi adding Asia, including China, to its platform, growing 30% month-on-month.

More than remittance

Every year, millions of people relocate abroad to start new lives, and money transfers remain an important financial support mechanism to their home countries. For emerging markets, remittances are an important source of foreign exchange and can exceed foreign direct investment in some cases. In 2023, India alone received $120 billion in remittances, and the African remittance market is on track to reach $500 billion by 2035. Yet incumbent banks and private agents, which charge high commission rates and take days for transactions to complete, still corner about 60% of the market.

LemFi has become the trusted financial partner for diaspora communities in Canada, the UK and the USA, who send money home to 20 countries. After spending four years building trust among its user base, LemFi is now in the perfect position to provide further services and features to build a full-stack financial services hub for immigrants globally.

From payments to transforming financial services

LemFi’s founders Ridwan Olalere (CEO) and Rian Cochran (CFO) met whilst working at fintech unicorn OPay, incubated by Norwegian browser provider Opera. Olalere had previously worked in software development before becoming OPay’s product lead, where he met Cochran, the company’s finance director. After Olalere left for a stint as an Uber Country Manager, the duo combined their experiences across fintech and payments to build LemFi. They now oversee a 300+ strong multicultural team across Europe, North America, Africa and Asia, drawing on their own experiences to make financial services universally accessible.

Using the new funding, LemFi will focus on growing the company in three core areas: building out the platform to extend its financial services offering, scaling its payment network licenses and partnerships to provide hyper-localised service, and hiring talent globally to support its next growth stage.

Ridwan Olalere, co-founder and CEO of LemFi, said: “When we started building LemFi, we were told remittance had already been solved. But for too many people, it is still too slow, cumbersome and expensive with customers telling us that in some instances it was cheaper to send money from the US via Canada than directly to their families back home. By targeting the communities most in need, we’ve built LemFi into the go-to remittance service for one million people, supporting them in building wealth across 20 countries. We’re not stopping there: this new funding will support us in our mission to build the financial services hub for immigrants globally from adding new features to expanding to new countries. We’re delighted to be partnering with Highland to help us scale LemFi into a fintech giant.”

Sam Brooks, Partner at Highland Europe, said: “LemFi’s mission to provide trusted, reliable access to financial services for immigrant communities has inspired an incredibly loyal customer base and has generated impressive growth over the past several years. In addition to the success in initial geographies, we are excited by LemFi’s continuing international expansion given the extent of the global problem they are solving. Ridwan and Rian are fantastic leaders, and we are thrilled to partner with them and the LemFi team to help them scale and continue their growth into new markets.”