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Press Release

AI Media Group launches The Deal Room – Africa’s first AI-focused, free investment matchmaking service

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The AI Media Group has launched The Deal Room, Africa’s first artificial intelligence (AI) focused, free investment matchmaking service which aims to connect African AI focused startups to interested investors and venture capitalists (VCs).

AI Media Group is the publisher of AI and Data Science quarterly magazine Synapse, the AI TV YouTube channel, as well as the curator and organiser of AI Expo Africa — Africa’s largest B2B / B2G trade-focused AI, Robotic Process Automation and Data Science conference — which has been a great success over the last three years.

The annual expo has seen AI Media Group amass a database of over 1000 companies, most of which are Africa-based tech startups, scale-ups or small and medium sized businesses. The company has regularly been asked by some of these firms to make introductions to investors and also observed the challenges faced by startups, such as access, transparency, intermediaries and fees.

Although AI Media Group has been able to connect some of these companies with investors in the past, the number of requests have been on the rise and the firm now wants to improve on this service in terms of scale, process formalisation and automation through the launch of The Deal Room.

The Deal Room will be hosted on the AI Expo Africa domain — www.aiexpoafrica.com —  which is a popular platform for Africa’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) community with over 3 million hits a year allied to a vibrant LinkedIn Group with more than 4 000 members. The Deal Room’s primary aim will be to direct 4IR, AI and smart tech companies seeking funding to investors, VCs and organisations who are interested in backing firms in this rapidly growing sector.  

The Deal Room has attracted six launch investment partners, namely; Cirrus AICape AI VenturesKnife CapitalE4E AfricaBritegaze & Intelligent Impact, with more set to join in the coming months.

Nick Bradshaw, CEO AI Media Group and co-founder of AI Expo Africa explained, “The main idea behind The Deal Room platform is to facilitate rapid matchmaking between an investor and 4IR / AI focused startups and scale-ups that align with the firm’s stage of growth. It’s often a minefield to find the right investor so we curated a group of like minded investors that are interested in this space or who have a track record of similar investments to date. This is a long awaited value add service for our community with no strings attached, no “middleman” and total transparency.”

The Deal Room’s launch investors cover a broad spectrum of the investment lifecycle and include; Cirrus AI CEO Gregg Barrett; Cape AI Ventures co-founder Pieter Boon; Knife Capital co-managing partner Andrea Bohmert; E4E Africa Ventures principal Bakang Komanyane; Britegaze CEO Reshaad Sha, and Intelligent Impact founder Aunnie Patton Power.

Sha stated, “BriteGaze Fund One’s primary purpose is to assist AI businesses to accelerate their growth in South Africa and across the African continent through the provision of growth funding and advisory services to expand into new verticals as well as new geographies.”

Boon stated, “We expect that the Deal Room could be a catalyst for startups in Africa!”

Power stated, “There is such a need for greater transparency for startups that are raising capital. We are excited to have this tool available to the market!”

Bohmert stated, “Investing in companies who solve real world problems applying deep AI capabilities is what we are looking for. We are very excited about The Deal Room and its ability to match startups with investors, embracing a partnership journey that is equally more about substance and less about the hype”. 

Komanyane stated, “The Deal Room will help us identify new 4IR-focused companies that align with our investment goals in this sector, its a great innovation for the Africa tech scene and one we are proud to be associated with”

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Barrett stated, “The Deal Room by AI Media Group will assist in the development of Africa’s AI ecosystem and is therefore an initiative that we are enthused to support and participate in.”

Bradshaw concluded, “The Deal Room’s biggest selling point is there is no complicated paperwork, costs or loss of equity for companies looking to use the platform. They simply answer a set of confidential questions on the nature of their investment needs, details about their company, products or services and the AI Media Group then passes them on to the most appropriate investor(s). Just like internet dating, our goal is to make a perfect match and speed up the process of investment capital flowing into the African 4IR tech sector. We can’t wait to see the results!”

Startups and scale-ups looking to submit their requests for funding can do so via The Deal Room online submission process HERE

Press Release

Novotel, French Global Hotel Expands Into East Africa

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Novotel Director Sales and Marketing Joesph Kimondo, PR and Marketing Manager Ivy Irungu, General Manager Fabio gonsalves, During the Media Briefing at the hotel (L-R).

Novotel, one of Accor’s flagship brands and a champion of balanced living, is proud to announce the opening of Novotel Nairobi Westlands, Kenya. 

Situated in the vibrant Westlands area, the new hotel seamlessly balances moments of adventure, relaxation, business, and pleasure, offering a truly reenergising experience just 20 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Guests can explore multiple attractions with ease such as the Nairobi National Park, modern shopping malls, entertainment spots, the Giraffe Centre, and the Maasai traditional Market. The hotel caters to business travellers and families eager to share quality moments.

Novotel Nairobi Westlands offers 347 stylish rooms and suites, all featuring the brand’s signature design concept by RF Studio, which emphasises adaptability and sustainability, creating a comfortable, modern atmosphere. For business travellers, the hotel offers 13 versatile, intuitive meeting and event spaces, including a ballroom that can host over 100 guests – ideal for conferences, corporate functions, and social gatherings. 

For guests seeking relaxation, the hotel’s state-of-the-art spa offers a range of curated signature massage therapies, designed to provide the ultimate rejuvenation experience. Each treatment is crafted to melt away stress and restore balance. For those looking to stay active, the fitness centre provides expert-led individual and group training sessions, offering a mix of tailored workout routines to suit all fitness levels.

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“We are excited to introduce Novotel to Nairobi, a city that beautifully blends rich cultural heritage with modern dynamism,” said Fabio Gonsalves, General Manager of Novotel Nairobi Westlands, Kenya. ‘’Our goal is to create a welcoming space for business travelers and families alike, where quality moments lead to a more balanced life. At Novotel Nairobi Westlands, where modern living meets the pulse of cultural fusion, we offer flexible workspaces and relaxed dining options to suit everyone. It’s a place where guests can truly unwind, connect, and leave feeling invigorated. 

The hotel’s four distinct dining concepts take guests on a culinary journey. The rooftop Trunk & Tandoor Gastro Bar offers Indian-inspired cuisine paired with breathtaking views of Nairobi’s skyline, creating the perfect setting for a relaxed evening. Gemma’s Italian Kitchen & Bar provides an all-day dining experience with rich Italian flavours in a welcoming atmosphere. Located at the heart of the lobby, the Safari themed Social Hub coffee lounge and bar adds a unique local flair, inviting guests to connect and unwind. For those seeking a more laid-back experience, the rooftop Pool Bar serves light bites and refreshing drinks, perfect for unwinding under the sun while enjoying the stunning panoramic city views.

Whether complementing a safari adventure or enjoying a family getaway, Novotel Nairobi Westlands offers travellers and locals the perfect environment to connect with family, friends, and colleagues and share quality moments.

“With the opening of Novotel Nairobi Westlands, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to Africa. The hotel offers a gateway to Nairobi’s vibrant experiences and marks a significant milestone in our growth strategy, as we continue to expand our footprint in key markets across the continent while enriching local communities.” said Paul Stevens, Chief Operating Officer Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East & Africa for Accor.

Following a longstanding commitment to support its guests’ pursuit of balance in their lives, Novotel announced a three-year agreement with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to champion the protection and restoration of the world’s oceans, the greatest source of balance for the planet’s climate, through science-based action and conservation projects.  Novotel has built a three-year Positive Impact Plan, rooted in three of the United Nations’ priority ocean-related actions, namely: reducing marine pollution and ocean acidification, particularly from land-based activities; fighting overfishing and promoting sustainable fishing models; and increasing scientific knowledge and research for ocean health. 

To celebrate the opening, Novotel Nairobi Westlands is offering rates from Kes 20,000, including breakfast. True to the Novotel Family Promise, up to two children under 16 can stay for free in their parents’ room.

Members of the brand’s ALL loyalty programme, can unlock 4X Reward Points when booking on all.com until 24/11/2024, for stays up until 12/01/2025. Guests can join the loyalty programme for free and earn points towards a number of benefits, including free hotel stays.  

Novotel Nairobi Westlands is Safe Hotels Certified, ensuring our guests peace of mind with globally recognized safety standards. This certification highlights our commitment to a secure, comfortable, and welcoming stay.

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Press Release

FOO Partners with eNovate To Further Digital Transformation In Egypt

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FOO, the award-winning B2B Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions provider, has partnered with eNovate (formerly known as eCards), Egypt’s premier provider of cutting-edge digital payment solutions, to build upon eNovate’s existing portfolio of products and services.

eNovate is an independent subsidiary of eFinance Investment Group (EFIG), Egypt’s leading investment management firm. Originally established in 2009 as EFIG’s card services division, it has since evolved to deliver comprehensive, integrated digital payment solutions for a range of clients, including fintechs and financial institutions; ministries and governmental entities; transportation authorities; and NGOs.

With more than 55 million cards issued to date, and millions of transactions processed annually for Meeza, VISA and Mastercard, eNovate continues to position itself at the forefront of Egypt’s digital payment ecosystem.

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eNovate has strategically partnered with FOO to enhance its portfolio by leveraging FOO’s expertise, extensive range of services, and innovative approach to product development. FOO’s modular platform, built on a customizable suite of micro-services, enables the delivery of SaaS products across the financial services spectrum – from digital onboarding to digital banking – with unparalleled levels of flexibility, scalability and security.

Through this partnership, eNovate will also deliver Fintech as a Service (FaaS) solutions. Designed to help fintechs rapidly launch and scale their operations, FOO’s advanced ‘out-of-the-box’ FaaS solution streamlines the development process. This approach drastically reduces the time and resources needed to bring fintech products to market, enabling companies to move from concept to deployment within months, rather than years. By providing a comprehensive, scalable platform, this collaboration empowers fintechs across Egypt to focus on innovation and growth, accelerating their path to success in the country’s dynamic financial sector.

Both companies share a strong commitment to driving digital transformation, both within Egypt and the broader payment ecosystem. This collaboration will build on eNovate’s success to date, to further the delivery of fully compliant, end-to-end solutions that meet the diverse needs of its clients and their customers.

This ongoing partnership between FOO and eNovate includes several key projects, the first of which is an end-to-end digital solution for universities across Egypt. Integrated with each university’s learning management system, it will enable students to complete a range of actions – from payments to identity verification – via one easy-to-use app.

Further significant projects are to be announced in due course.

Ghady Rayess, Co-founder and Managing Director at FOO, commented: “At FOO, innovation is integral to our approach. We are proud to partner with eNovate, a true industry trailblazer, to contribute to the remarkable transformation taking place in Egypt’s financial services sector. With the support of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), we are committed to delivering robust financial solutions that will not only strengthen eNovate’s position as a leading innovation hub, but also further digital transformation across Egypt.”

Nashwa Kamel, CEO at eNovate, commented: “We are delighted to be working with FOO. Their commitment to cutting-edge technology and innovation aligns with our vision for providing digital payment solutions in Egypt and across the region. This partnership represents a milestone in our mission to revolutionize the financial landscape, providing our clients and their customers with unparalleled opportunities and enhanced experiences. By combining eNovate’s expertise with FOO’s pioneering solutions, we are positioned to set new benchmarks in the industry, driving forward digital transformation and reinforcing our role as a leader in the global payment ecosystem.”

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Press Release

SME Unwind 2024: Seyi Olaniyan Brings Lagos’s First Black Friday Trade Fair to Life

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SME Unwind, led by founder Seyi Olaniyan, is excited to bring Lagos’s first Black Friday Trade Fair to Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, on November 24, 2024. This exciting event will connect small and medium-sized businesses with buyers, creating a marketplace where businesses can clear inventory and shoppers can enjoy unbeatable Black Friday deals.

Some prestigious brands showcasing their offerings include Burger King, Uncover Skincare, Oriki Spa, and Zoho, along with other local and international brands. Shoppers can explore an array of products, from food and drinks to fashion, beauty, tech and lifestyle items—all at significant discounts.

The Black Friday Trade Fair will feature:

  • Big Discounts – Shoppers can access exclusive Black Friday deals across various products and services.
  • Fun Games and Activities – Engaging games, activities, and prize giveaways will keep attendees entertained throughout the day.
  • Live Performances – A series of live shows will bring a lively atmosphere to the park.
  • Networking Opportunities – Business owners and brand representatives can connect, network, and expand their reach in a dynamic environment.

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“We’re thrilled to launch Lagos’s first Black Friday Trade Fair, giving local businesses a platform to reach a large audience while providing shoppers with exciting discounts in a lively, enjoyable environment,” says Seyi Olaniyan, Founder of YellowLyfe. “This event is about creating value for everyone involved, from exclusive deals and live entertainment to meaningful new connections.”

The Black Friday Trade Fair is a unique opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises to showcase their products, gain exposure, and build valuable connections. With a variety of brands participating, visitors will discover an extensive range of high-quality items at great prices.

Join us on November 24th at Muri Okunola Park from 2 p.m. for an unforgettable Black Friday experience! Admission is free for all shoppers. This event is brought to you by YellowLyfe and powered by Zoho Africa, with additional sponsorship from Lasavannah, Kora, Bumpa, Chowdeck, Wallure, SoMe Solutions, TraceTv, SellwithAb, and many more.

SMEUnwind was created for business owners to relax and connect, but Mega Black Friday (by YellowLyfe Hq) is designed to be different, bringing Black Friday shopping live in person with a sprinkle of experiences to connect both consumers and business owners.

For more information, press inquiries, or to register your business for the Black Friday Trade Fair www.unwindfest.com/sme

Please contact:

Call: +234 904 902 7698

Email: sme.unwind@thelyfe.co or brands@yellowlyfe.com @smeunwind across all platforms

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