www.acquisition-international.com • Issue 7 2023 BlueBlox GmbH: Making International Business Easy CurveBlock: Real Estate Investments Using Blockchain
No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Editor’s Letter Rebecca Scotland, Editor Welcome to the July edition of Acquisition International Magazine, bringing you the latest news, features, and success stories from businesses all over the world. We’re already over half way through 2023, but the corporate landscape is only ramping up month by month. All businesses enterprises have to evolve with the ever-changing tides of their respective industries, and most of us know that it’s not easy. As we progress deeper into the digital age, we have a greater connection to all kinds of business which influence our lives – from anywhere in the world – and Acquisition International strives to deliver their trailblazing energy to you. Here we showcase exciting developments of various companies from mental health support to trade compliance consultancy, music platforms to business coaching, and more. Innovation, ideas, and drive would be nothing without truly following through with action, and the businesses within Acquisition International July go to show just how hardworking and dynamic they are. We hope you enjoy perusing this issue as it guides us through inner workings of our award winners, and we look forward to offering you another monthly dose of business insights in our August issue.
Contents 4 News 6 Melodie Music: Best Music Platform 2023 - Australia 7 Healthforce.Io: Affordable, Convenient, and Expert Healthcare at Your Fingertips 8 Intellihot Inc.: Water Heating Made Tankless 9 AD Business Coaching Italia srl: Best Strategic Business Coaching Company 2023 - Italy 10 CurveBlock: Real Estate Investments Using Blockchain 11 AD North Star Communications Consulting: Best Business Communications Consultancy 2023 - Northeast USA 13 Ukwazi: South Africa’s Best Specialist Mining Service Providers 14 AD EXtrance: Best AI-Enabled Real Estate Investment Management Platform 2023 - USA 15 Bloom In The Dark, Inc.: Best Christian Mental Health Support Resources 2023 – USA 16 Octagon Mediations: Qualified Arbitrators See All Sides 18 BlueBlox GmbH: Making International Business Easy 12 6 13
NEWS Backed by the British Business Bank, Mercuri will invest in exceptional startups at the intersection of media and technology Mercuri, (formerly GMG Ventures), the early stage media technology investor, has raised a second fund of £50 million from institutional investors. This includes a cornerstone investment from the British Business Bank, through its Enterprise Capital Funds (ECF) programme. Applying the team’s sector expertise at the rapidly evolving intersection of media and technology, Mercuri’s new fund will build on its track record of backing exceptional founders of UK-based startups that are reinventing traditional media models using artificial intelligence. Mercuri’s strategy is to lead seed stage investments using its knowledge of emerging trends to back technology-enabled products for the new age of enterprise and the digital lifestyle of consumers. The fund’s sector focus spans four specific areas - the creation, distribution, consumption, and monetisation of content and data, with a focus on startups that enhance the way in which we communicate and engage in a professional and personal context, using AI. Mercuri’s £42 million first fund, under its former name GMG Ventures, was anchored as a limited partner (LP) by The Scott Trust, which among other assets owns the Guardian Media Group. With its new diversified LP base, including several blue chip strategic investors - of which The Scott Trust is one - Mercuri is seeking to build on its track record to-date. The wider access to a wealth of expertise and resources will further solidify its position as an investor capable of making commercially valuable introductions for portfolio companies. The certified B Corp and co-founder of VentureESG aims to make up to eight new investments a year with substantial provision for follow-on cheques, while ensuring that portfolio companies share its commitment to robust data governance and AI safety. Alan Hudson, Founding General Partner of Mercuri commented: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our first multi-LP fund at a time when this profound progress in artificial intelligence is impacting the entire media technology ecosystem, including the creator economy, gaming, music, privacy, education, community and communication. The opportunity in the market is arguably stronger than ever right now with some complex issues facing the industry. We will endeavour to use the full breadth and depth of our network and our team’s knowledge to support the startups we invest in, to create long-lasting value.” Ken Cooper, MD of Venture Solutions at British Business Bank said: “The British Business Bank’s Enterprise Capital Fund programme is key in helping to develop and maintain effective venture capital provision in the UK, lowering the barriers to entry for emerging fund managers and for those targeting under-served areas of the market. The programme has backed more than 43 funds, representing over £2 billion of finance. Our cornerstone commitment to Mercuri builds on that success and introduces a new funding option for seed stage media-tech businesses across the UK.” GMG Ventures rebrands to Mercuri and closes a £50m fund
NEWS years has been impressive and we believe that revenue-based financing is perfectly suited to deliver the funding they need to realize their ambitious expansion plans. We are excited to partner with the passionate and motivated team at Phyron as well as with the existing investors. Given sector dynamics and Phyron’s current development trajectory, we expect to see more opportunities to contribute towards Phyron’s financing needs as they continue to scale up.” Johan Sundstrand, Co-Founder & CEO of Phyron, also expressed his enthusiasm: “Phyron is generating triple digit growth in 2023 and this new investment means we can keep on growing and launch new products faster, like our recently launched Paid Ads ‘always on’ platform, which allows dealers and OEMs to reach new audiences with full AI video automation. The new funding means that we can invest more in our AI technology and grow our team in core areas - all with a view of adding hundreds of new customers. We can also look forward to Round2’s backing in the future thanks to the revenue-based funding model we have with them.” Investment News: Round2 Capital Invests a 7-Figure Amount in the Swedish AI-based Video Content Creation Platform Phyron to Expand its Customer Base Phyron’s AI-based video engine can create an unlimited number of studio quality videos from existing content in real-time. The easily implemented software renders, hosts, and streams all video files with no human input on all available channels - including websites, marketplaces, social media, and paid ads. Since its foundation, Phyron has rapidly expanded beyond the Nordic countries and into the rest of Europe and North America. Now, more than 2,500 car dealers use Phyron across 25 countries. Since January 2021, Phyron’s videos have been viewed more than 250 million times. Ads using videos created with Phyron can receive on average over 50% more visits and cars are sold three to five days faster. All for less than the price of a cup of coffee per car. What the involved parties say: Jan Hillered, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Round2 Capital, commented on the investment: “Phyron’s development over the past Round2 Capital adds Phyron to its portfolio, providing a revenue-based seven-figure investment. Phyron’s AI-based software enables automated generation of product videos, with a proven track record of delivering faster sales and reduced costs of content creation for customers. In a challenging environment for tech companies, Phyron will grow its revenue by three figures in 2023, and this new investment will accelerate development of its AI and automation technology, grow the team, and attract new customers.
6 | Acquisition International, Issue 7 2023 Best Music Platform 2023 – Australia Melodie Music (Melodie) provides a simple, affordable, and sustainable music licensing model for content creators in need of high-quality, safely licensed music. We spoke with one of the firm’s founders, Evan Buist, as it celebrates the recent award win. Company: Melodie Music Web Address: https://melod.ie/ In today’s digital-centric world, the amount of video content being uploaded to creator platforms is mind-boggling. In fact, YouTube alone sees over 500 hours of footage added every single minute. While creating and sharing content on social media has become second nature to many, the risks of using unlicensed music in videos are often overlooked. Uploading such content can result in copyright claims, demonetization, takedowns, and potentially expensive legal battles. Addressing these challenges is Melodie Music, an Australian company that provides a simple solution for content creators seeking to find and licence high-quality music for their projects. One of the greatest headaches for creators has always been the complexity surrounding music licensing. In the past, creators had to navigate a lengthy and intricate process to obtain the necessary rights to use music legally. This often involved multiple copyright owners, such as publishers and record labels, to clear various rights. It posed a daunting and costly obstacle, particularly for emerging creators on a limited budget. Melodie was created to simplify this age-old problem by offering a convenient “one-stop shop” where creators can easily discover and licence music in any style. Its exclusive and meticulously curated catalogue of original music is accessible through an online search platform equipped with AI-powered “reverse audio” search tools, ‘find similar’ functionality, search exclusions, and more. This makes it effortless to locate the perfect track for any project. Evan Buist, the Managing Director at Melodie, emphasises the company’s commitment to excellence, stating, “We understood from the very beginning that our success would be determined by the quality of our music. That’s why we work exclusively with an exceptionally talented team of independent artists, as well as award-winning film and television composers. Via our state-of-the-art search interface, we provide consistently high-quality music, ensuring content creators can easily find and licence outstanding tracks quickly.” Melodie’s backstory is as exceptional as its offering. Founded by composers, musicians, and sound designers who possess a profound understanding of the crucial role music plays in storytelling, the company set out with a clear objective – to create an intuitive, user-friendly music licensing platform that caters to the needs of content creators, while supporting the growth of the music creators themselves. Melodie’s dedication to fostering a sustainable and diverse community of award-winning music contributors is evidenced by their equitable distribution of revenues to composers, providing independent artists with the necessary tools and financial resources to advance their careers. Evan passionately states, “We transformed a complex and restrictive music licensing model into something quite simple: providing content creators with easy access to amazing music, whilst supporting the artists who create it.” With the recent launch of its US sync division under the leadership of industry veteran, Gary Helsinger in Los Angeles, Melodie continues to gain global recognition. Its music has already been featured in popular TV shows such as “The Amazing Race”, “Bondi Rescue”, “Armed & Dangerous”, “Real Housewives”, “Matt Wright’s Wild Territory”, “Lift the Ice”, “EVOLVE”, “Ninja Warrior”, and “Outback Car Hunters”. Melodie’s music is now heard worldwide, with over two million minutes of music broadcast on free-to-air and VOD platforms in Australia alone. Furthermore, its tech-enabled music licensing solutions now encompass the creator economy, film and TV sync, and more recently, creative technology platforms with users creating content via online video editors, podcast creation, textto-speech, etc. Platforms like Breakout Clips, Creatopy, and Pictory all integrate directly via the Melodie API, which currently handles over two million search and download requests daily. We are honoured to recognise Melodie Music as Best Music Platform 2023 – Australia, and anticipate that its rise to success has only just begun. Indeed, Melodie continues to demonstrate its commitment to independent music with its latest initiative – an investment of $25,000 per year in the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists for music licensing opportunities via the Melodie platform – to engage and support First Nations artists through the myriad of opportunities around music synchronisation and royalties, highlighting the diversity of Australian music and culture. Melodie: Bringing music to your ears. Mar23568 Evan Buist, Melodie Founder and Managing Director
Issue 7 2023, Acquisition International | 7 Affordable, Convenient, and Expert Healthcare at Your Fingertips longside its subsidiary Kena Health, Healthforce is one of Africa’s leading healthtech companies. Its mission is to serve 75 million people across Africa, the continent with the highest disease burden in the world and the lowest access to quality healthcare. Even in South Africa, the most developed nation on the continent, only 16% of the population have health insurance. Ultimately, Healthforce strives to provide these underserved customers with affordable access to quality healthcare. To do this, Healthforce aims to change the continent’s existing healthcare system. Through intelligent technology, the company transforms nurseled clinics into specialist health centres by connecting them with highly qualified doctors. It develops end-to-end technological solutions that enable multidisciplinary teams of clinicians to deliver seamless, patientcentred healthcare at the lowest possible cost. With Healthforce, nurses can capture patients’ medical history, conduct physical examinations, call a GP and send them photos, and assist with vaccinations, contraception, and basic health checks. Through Healthforce, doctors are able to provide a full set of clinical diagnoses, give medical advice, write prescriptions, provide sick notes and referral letter and can direct nurses to perform specific or extra tests. Working together, as a team, the patient gets quality healthcare at a fraction of the cost of a general practitioner visit. So far, the system has been implemented in over 500 South African clinic rooms. Supported by Healthforce, nurses have handled over 3 million consultations and completed over 185,000 telemedicine consultations with remote doctors. The staff at Healthforce are truly pivotal to the company’s success. As a business that strives to alter the way in which healthcare systems operate, it must employ individuals who care for humanity, possess an in-depth knowledge and understanding of their respective fields, and are willing to learn and collaborate in order to solve difficult problems. While many telemedicine companies allow any clinician to join their network and earn fees, Healthforce employs a closed network of highly skilled clinicians. This enables the company to maintain complete control over the customer experience. Within the network, Healthforce fosters a culture of teamwork that focuses on the needs of the patient. This ensures the highest level of service and quality for customers. As well as this, Healthforce’s tech solutions are simple and seamless to use. With industry leading NPS scores on Healthforce , its technology delivers a positive experience of its patients. In South Africa, telemedicine is rising in popularity. However, there are some barriers to its widespread adoption. Many people maintain a preference for the traditional concept of what visiting a doctor involves. This typically entails booking an appointment, seeing the doctor in person, having a physical examination, receiving diagnoses, and obtaining a prescription. Some people may be put off by the idea of consulting with a doctor remotely. However, the Covid-19 pandemic undoubtedly accelerated the world’s shift towards the adoption of technology and health tech. Out of necessity, people have been willing to try telemedicine, which has made it easier for them to access healthcare without travelling and at lower costs. This has led to a significant increase in the use of Healthforce’s services in South Africa. As a result of its outstanding healthtech solutions, which have effectively increased access to affordable but high-quality healthcare across South Africa, Healthforce has been awarded Best Telemedicine System in the AI Global Excellence Awards 2023. We congratulate the company on this exceptional achievement and look forward to seeing what it accomplishes in the years to come as it works to broaden the clinical services it offers. Contact: Saul Kornik Company: Healthforce Web Address: www.healthforce.io Aiming to offer improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction as well as lower the cost of care, Healthforce is a healthtech system that connects nurse-led clinics with a handpicked closed network of remote doctors through real-time video calling. The doctors deliver care to patients remotely with the support of a physically present nurse. Thanks to its excellent standard of customer service and patient care, the company has won Best Telemedicine System, South Africa, in the AI Global Excellence Awards 2023. A May23028
Aug22499 8 | Acquisition International, Issue 7 2023 May23066 Water Heating Made Tankless egarded as an industry leader in innovation, Intellihot Inc. has undeniably set the standard when it comes to water heating services. Its resolute adherence to keeping its methods as sustainable as possible has allowed it to succeed in incredible ways, and it’s visible to see through the way it operates as a business. It approaches every aspect of its practises with longevity in mind, and has created products that are ‘efficient because they’re sustainable, and sustainable because they’re efficient’ as a result. What makes Intellihot Inc. stand apart from its competitors within the industry, however, is how little energy its products consume when operating. However, despite this lower energy consumption, Intellihot Inc.’s products are able to meet any commercial load, regardless of the demand. This way, companies can rely on Intellihot Inc. to provide them with fantastic products that aren’t only going to stand the test of time, but will save them from unreasonable energy costs that other water heaters may accumulate. Clearly, Intellihot has become an expert in the field of sustainability. One most recent example is its latest product, the Electron Series, which is geared to lead the charge in the electrification of water heating. Not only is it a fantastic and efficient product, but it’s a world’s first too, marking it as the very first tankless heat pump water heater to be introduced to the market. Combine this with its fantastic capability to reduce energy consumption, and you’ve got a truly innovative invention that has gone on to aid Intellihot Inc.’s clients in a myriad of ways. In addition to its Electron Series, Intellihot Inc. has also launched another product this year. The Legionator is yet another world’s first product, designed as a point-of-use disinfection system that combines heating and disinfection at sinks and faucets using ozone, which, in turn, eradicates the risk of Legionnaire’s disease. Intellihot Inc.’s patented products are beyond innovative and, in situations such as this, are at the forefront of bringing beneficial change that preserves both health and finances in one neat package. Despite its relatively new inclusion within the industry, it’s clear to see that Intellihot Inc.’s irrefutable knack for innovation is what’s led it to the overwhelming success that it sees today. It’s achieved a growth that’s virtually unheard of within the industry, and none of it would be possible without its resolute determination to concoct ideas that people need. Intellihot Inc. is a master of recognising gaps in the market, and aims to fill in these missing pieces in the most sustainable way possible. The result is a company that is truly grateful of its position. Because, thanks to its incredible growth since its inception, it has been able to develop sustainable and efficient products that are absolute gamechangers within the industry. It spreads the message of protecting the world we live in through the products it manufactures, and with such an extensive reach that aims to stretch even further across the globe, it’s no surprise that Intellihot Inc. now owns the title of Most Innovative Water Heating Solutions Company 2023. Contact: Varun Patel Company: Intellihot Inc. Web Address: https://www.intellihot.com/ Developed as a result of the pursuit of sustainability and efficiency, Intellihot Inc. has mastered the manufacturing of the tankless water heater, in addition to providing water heating services to a whole manner of clients. With a strong market presence in the US and Canada, Intellihot Inc. has already made waves within the water heating industry, and we delve into how it came to earn the award of Most Innovative Water Heating Solutions Company 2023. R
Issue 7 2023, Acquisition International | 9 - - - Veritext Legal Solutions Canada Jan23080 Best Strategic Business Coaching Company 2023 - Italy Business Coaching Italia srl www.businesscoachingitalia.com
10 | Acquisition International, Issue 7 2023 Real Estate Investments Using Blockchain CurveBlock is a financial inclusion pioneer within the real property investment sector. Following its win of Best Real Estate Investment Solution 2023 – UK, we decided to get to know a bit more about the company and its business acumen. Company: CurveBlock Web Address: https://curveblock.io/ Contact Name: Joey Jones CurveBlock works within the real estate investment sector to build energy positive, zero carbon properties that they are working to allow individuals to invest in and receive an equal share of the profits. Its aim is to allow everyone to benefit from a greener future, financially, socially, environmentally, and equitably. The values that CurveBlock upholds are to combine good quality, energy positive, carbon neutral real estate with a revolutionary investment platform. Embracing new technology has meant working practices and methodology have changed, but for the better, as the new platform model is working to allow true financial freedom and equity. In effect, CurveBlock combines two industries, those of finance and real estate construction. Both industries are fiercely exclusive and traditional in nature, but CurveBlock believes there is a better way for both to progress, one that is truly equitable and sustainable. It seeks to use the latest technology to achieve this, embracing change to create a platform that is designed both for equitable investment and for beautiful, sustainable, energy positive real estate solutions that respect the planet and support the community. CurveBlock thinks it’s this openness to new technology, and its genuine belief in its values and vision for the future, that holds it to its goals. CurveBlock is purposely a relatively small organisation who work across the UK. To be able to do this well, it celebrates its shared vision, and trust in the skills of its colleagues to effectively deliver its mission and plan. It has specialists in building and investment working together in a culture that embraces the opportunity to be ‘always learning’. It also has a leadership team that embody such values, helping to unite the company as a whole. When it comes to defining CurveBlocks USP, there are a number of aspects that are unique. The energy positive, zero carbon footprint it is incorporating alongside beautiful design is one, especially as it means that real estate has no compromises to make when it comes to the joy of living/working in its properties. The construction methods it chooses vary, but could consist of doing a full offsite construction, a traditional construction, or even a hybrid blend of the two. This allows faster construction timelines and saves many months of disruption to communities that might be expected from traditional, outdated methods. CurveBlocks blockchain backed investment app is designed to allow everyday investors to share in the profits made through its real estate construction projects. But what it’s most proud of, and what really illuminates the company’s USP, is the unification of the two aspects, bringing together a solution that solves two problems with one unique idea, extrapolated by one unique platform. CurveBlock builds real estate for many purposes. For example, it recently oversaw a large and beautiful residential property overlooking the Kent downs in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This property now makes more electricity than it uses, and has a zero-carbon footprint. This was the property CurveBlock piloted as its online system investment opportunity prototype. As well as fully respecting the wonderful landscape in which it sits. Another exciting project is happening in Scotland, where CurveBlock has just signed on to build the UK’s first energy positive, Luxury Holiday Park. This site will feature a number of energy positive luxury lodges, designed for people who want to make memories without it costing the earth. This project is predicted to provide an excellent return for investors, but it was only possible because of the shared vision of the local landowner desiring to bring income and jobs to their area without harming the environment or its inherent natural beauty. Over the next few years CurveBlock would like to see its innovative approach bring low cost and sustainable housing to the social sector in the UK. It would also like to expand its luxury family homes market, with more sustainable solutions. To do this, it is working with policy makers, local decision makers and politicians. As it develops both its app and its site work, it also plans to ensure that regulations don’t exclude the general public and non-traditional investors from gaining financial advantage from its design and business model. CurveBlock really is a fabulous company, and the best thing about it is its devotion to improve life for everyone. May23351
Issue 7 2023, Acquisition International | 11 Jan23843 - - - P Best Business Communications Consultancy 2023 - Northeast USA North Star Communications Consulting Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM www.northstarcomms.com
12 | Acquisition International, Issue 7 2023 n South Africa, mining contributes significantly towards economic growth and employment. It is also important for the sustainability of other critical sectors, such as manufacturing and energy. Ukwazi’s services ensure ongoing growth, skill development, and capacity building in the mining industry. It aims to leverage technical and industry insights and expertise in order to drive commercial success and sector development. Ukwazi focuses on three core areas. Firstly, it delivers independent technical mining advisory and onsite services, including capacity building and knowledge transfer. The company’s experienced technical teams oversee a range of solutions, varying from exploration management, engineering solutions and feasibility studies, to onsite technical services and CPR/ITR. Secondly, Ukwazi offers services related to mining operations. It outsources mining contract solutions to optimise its clients’ operations, reduce costs, enhance on-site safety, and add value to their businesses. The company’s expertise encompasses surface mining contracting, specialist contract mining, and contract management. Lastly, Ukwazi provides technical system integration services. It delivers a holistic, integrated mining system that enhances efficiencies whilst significantly decreasing the costs of operation. Using visual dashboards, integrated KPI reporting, and the assimilation of specialised mining data analytics, the company enables separate mining systems to function as a logical whole. Over the years, Ukwazi has driven change, surpassed expectations, and excelled within its sector. It delivers cohesive, bespoke solutions to its clients, which it achieves through its culture of radical collaboration, recruitment of leading sector talent, and in-depth knowledge of technical disciplines. The company is motivated by the sense of achievement experienced when a project is completed, and both the team and the client are extremely proud of the result. The key to Ukwazi’s success is in its strong, diverse, and focused team. The company believes that the best teams are led by experienced and qualified specialists. Its leaders are equipped with a deep understanding of the mining industry and its various complexities. This enables them to identify emerging opportunities and effectively navigate potential challenges. Ukwazi’s leaders are known for their strategic vision and effective, proactive decision making; they set clear goals, establish strategies, and make informed decisions to drive the company towards success. While the talents of Ukwazi’s leaders are crucial, the skills of the teams they lead are equally important. Each team member is an expert in their respective discipline, bringing their own unique skills to the table. The success of the company relies heavily upon their abilities and knowledge. For this reason, it invests in employee talent development and professional growth by providing training, mentorship programmes, and opportunities for advancement. This has not only contributed towards the growth of the company but also created loyalty and commitment amongst the team. The company believes that mutual trust and loyalty between members and leaders is pivotal. To fully utilise the abilities of its employees, Ukwazi’s leadership strives to foster a culture of innovation within the team by encouraging members to think creatively, challenge norms, and seek new opportunities. To this end, it aims to cultivate a collaborative and inclusive work environment by promoting the value of communication, mutual respect, and sharing ideas. This allows employees to leverage each other’s expertise and perspectives in order to deliver the best results for clients. With its employees constantly innovating, the company is able to maintain its position at the forefront of industry trends, effectively adapt to changing conditions in the market, and identify novel solutions to complex challenges. In the successful completion of its projects, Ukwazi’s technical experts, technical discipline leads, and their respective Superteams are key. Each Superteam is self-managed, controlling their own scope, schedule, and effort. The company’s strong project control teams and its integrated project managers, who are all primarily technical experts, add to the client experience, enabling the Superteams to focus on delivering value. As a result of the superior level of service it delivers to clients, Ukwazi has achieved great success in the AI Global Excellence Awards 2023, having been named this year’s Best Specialist Mining Advisory in South Africa. Founded in 2004, Ukwazi is a multi-disciplinary company delivering independent advisory, technical systems integration, and operational contract mining services. Since its establishment, the company has delivered value through its unwavering focus on integration, sustainability, and smart design. Ukwazi operates based on the belief that it only succeeds when its clients succeed. For this reason, it has been awarded Best Specialist Mining Advisory, South Africa, in the AI Global Excellence Awards 2023. I Ukwazi: South Africa’s Best Specialist Mining Service Providers May23208
Ukwazi is proud of its position in the mining industry; it has settled within a niche and gained the utmost respect from its clients, who choose to work with its team again and again. The company currently faces some difficult challenges, including rising prices and lengthy power outages. However, Ukwazi looks to the future with optimism. The mining industry is currently an exciting place to be, with a multitude of new opportunities to consider, including the use of renewables, digital transformation, and the need to supply green or battery metals. The company is therefore looking forward to some promising new developments in the coming years. We congratulate Ukwazi on its success in the Global Excellence Awards and look forward to seeing what the company accomplishes as it continues to grow organically and strive for global expansion. Contact: Spencer Eckstein Company: Ukwazi Web Address: www.ukwazi.com Ukwazi: South Africa’s Best Specialist Mining Service Providers
Aug22499 14 | Acquisition International, Issue 7 2023 Apr23089 Aug22499 - - - P BEST AI-ENABLED REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT PLATFORM 2023 - USA info@extrance.org https://extrance.io/
Issue 7 2023, Acquisition International | 15 Committed to delivering impactful content, Bloom In the Dark collaborates with like-minded ministry leaders to produce, publish, or film high-quality content. If you have any unique ideas but are unsure of how to turn them into reality, Bloom In the Dark can assist in your endeavours. Over the last seven years, Bloom In the Dark has delivered inspiring content and sparked conversations that continue to bring forward the power of healing to people all around the world. We are delighted to share that Bloom In The Dark now holds the title of Best Christian Mental Health Support Resources 2023 – USA. Whether it is to contribute or to benefit from its resources, head over to its website and find out more about the range of help tools available. Healing is possible and it is okay to ask for help, there is no better time to reach out than right now. Contact: Paula Wallace Company: Bloom In The Dark, Inc. Web Address: bloominthedark.org Best Christian Mental Health Support Resources 2023 – USA In life, many go through a set of events that are devastating and incredibly painful, leaving them feeling a range of emotions such as sadness, desperation, anger, self-hate, and so much more. For some, this then leads to difficult situations or addictions which numb away the combination of emotions and the loop of thoughts that take them right back to trauma that lives in their past. Being stuck in the what ifs and what was, can lead people to feel lost and stuck in self-detrimental habits that are hard to break away from. Even though there are challenges in the healing process there is still hope no matter the heaviness of your past. Bloom In The Dark’s objective is to share true stories of recovery to equip those who feel lost with the tools they need to heal. It believes that using entertainment to help people with their personal growth can be incredibly powerful. Bloom In the Dark creates a variety of resources such as books, apps, teaching series, and podcasts. These materials are designed to be engaging and thought-provoking, to serve as a guide for those struggling to navigate the emotional turmoil resulting from their past traumas. Each piece focuses on the journey of healing from brokenness, abuse, loss, and addiction, offering the opportunity to build a healthier and more fulfilling life. Led by individuals that understand the depths of hopelessness, Bloom In The Dark is an international media charity that offers a range of resources designed to uplift and inspire those struggling. In light of Bloom In The Dark’s recent recognition in the Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2023, we take a closer look at its mission to find out more. Bloom In The Dark, Inc. May23566 “Through the courageous testimonies of survivors, meaningful connections, and practical tools, we demonstrate the hope and healing that can be found in Jesus Christ. “ The content available is specially designed to be used in both group and individual settings. Bloom In The Dark’s Founder, Paula Wallace, shares, “We’re eager to assist you in finding the perfect program that aligns with the requirements of your community. By working together, we can help you establish a meaningful and impactful study group.” Dealing with trauma alone is not easy to do and your past doesn’t deserve to be the director of your future. By accessing the help available you get to witness what is also possible for you. Waking up in the morning shouldn’t just be about surviving the day but living it and being happy to do so. Bloom In The Dark can be that helping hand when you need it most.
16 | Acquisition International, Issue 7 2023 Qualified Arbitrators See All Sides Octagon Mediations, based in Ontario, Canada, is an organisation of qualified arbitrators, mediators, and investigators, who assist with dispute resolutions. Following its announcement as Best Mediation & Arbitration Services Provider 2023 – Ontario, we took the opportunity to take a closer look. Company: Octagon Mediations Web Address: http://octagonmediations.com/ Contact Name: Scott Tracze Octagon Mediations is known for its practical and economical approach to resolving disputes. With over 75 years of experience between the team, its qualified arbitrators, mediators, and investigators have scrutinized hundreds of disputes to bring resolution to clients in both the public and private sectors. The areas of expertise demonstrated by Octagon include alternative dispute resolution, forensic accounting, commercial mediation and dispute, and international regulation compliance. It performs investigations into workplace health and safety, harassment, human rights, and fraud. It can also be of assistance with contract negotiations, and collective bargaining. The award-winning team consists of owner and founder Scott Tracze, a qualified arbitrator, mediator, and independent investigator who specialises in employment and labour relations. He has mediated, and arbitrated over, hundreds of labour management disputes, both in the public and private sectors, and has conducted several independent, unbiased investigations into allegations of workplace misconduct. He is comfortable working in organisations of all types and sizes, and is known for his excellent provision of legal support across the board. He has identified non-compliance issues, and been able to recommend available courses of action to several companies and affiliates. With over 25 years of collective human resource experience, Scott is an expert in coordinating, analysing, drafting, negotiating, and revising agreements, policies, and programmes that govern employee relationships on a global level. He is recognised by colleagues and associates as a leading subject matter expert in complex mediation, investigation, and adjudication of employment and labour relations disputes. Alongside Scott, Kartik Gupta is a certified fraud examiner, certified valuation analyst, a chartered accountant, and an internationally trained lawyer. He has over 15 years’ experience in providing forensic and litigation related advice to clients, legal counsels and C level executives in matters relating to commercial disputes, fraud investigations, and international regulatory compliance. Kartik has extensive experience in conducting forensic investigations and investigative due diligence across various international jurisdictions including southeast Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. He also has wide experience in the area of dispute and litigation support. Given his financial expertise and legal knowledge, Kartik is often engaged in quantification of damages and economic loss claims regarding matters relating to commercial disputes, international arbitration, shareholders’ disputes, expropriation claims and matrimonial disputes. Other team members at Octagon include experienced solicitor/barrister Shuchita Gupta, community-minded consultant and dispute resolution specialist Andrew Livingston, and criminology, psychology, and human resources expert Jasmeem Sandhu. Shuchita is a high-achieving professional who has spent time working in common law jurisdiction for a Legal 500 law firm. She is resourceful, diligent, and approachable whether working with multinational clients, startups, or anything in between. Andrew Livingston is a respected educator with a lifetime of experience as a person with a disability, and nearly a decade working as a human rights investigator. Andy is frequently called on as an expert in his field by governments who want to consult on policy, legislation, and public programmes involving people with disabilities. He is a qualified mediator and arbitrator who brings a unique perspective of professional and lived experience to his work. Jasmeem helps clients and managers address conflicts, turning negative disputes into productive opportunities for more positive outcomes. She is dedicated to improving organisational attitudes and morale, increasing productivity, reducing absenteeism, and reducing the risk of litigation. Octagon Mediations is a company, and a team, with much to offer clients. Its understanding of human resource compliance issues, and quick identification of areas resolution can be reached in disputes are what makes it so valuable to clients. This, along with the highest standards of integrity and ethics, is what makes the company such a golden key. May23645
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Issue 7 2023, Acquisition International | 18 Making International Business Easy he regulatory frameworks governing international trade can be challenging, to say the least. Compliance with requirements for customs, tariffs, licences, and import and export controls is complex, made all the more difficult by the ever-changing and shifting state of foreign affairs. Non-compliance has a range of consequences from delays and disruption of the supply chain to hefty fines, legal action, and even bankruptcy for smaller businesses. Little wonder that businesses in less wealthy countries are reluctant to step onto the international stage. Understanding the intricate complexities of international trade compliance is an essential element in sustaining long-term business growth while mitigating risks. Born and raised in South Africa, Dorothy Diedericks believes that the solution to empowering poorer countries is trade, not aid. But for trade to bring about that change, it has to be compliant and sustainable. For that reason, in 2014, Dorothy founded BlueBlox. The company, based in the canton of Zug, Switzerland, is a trade compliance consulting house that enables and streamlines cross-border trade into Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Her reason for taking this route was that most entrepreneurs look for opportunities in countries with richer economic conditions. With poor and middle-class economic countries often overlooked, it was time for a change. Dorothy says, “Growing up in South Africa, witnessing pervasive injustice, unfairness and corruption motivated me to travel down the road of philanthropy. But I soon realised that along that path lies hopelessness. Aid is a problem in Africa, not a solution. And in many instances, African trade is exploitative and unhealthy. What’s needed is connection and courage. An Africa where the wisdom of the old meets the innovation of the new. An Africa that’s known for producing pioneers of industry, invention and thought leadership. My mission with BlueBlox is to be part of the solution, to help raise standards, create hope and inspire dreams.” BlueBlox helps multinational manufacturers to overcome the barriers they face in importing products into developing markets. By doing so, the company helps to empower nations one project at a time. Serving multinational technology and telecommunications companies and manufacturers, BlueBlox works to reduce the gap between internationally agreed standards and local practical applications. The company offers three core Trade Compliance Consulting services: In proactive consulting, BlueBlox experts evaluate the viability of a market based on economic and political status, ease of entry, transparency and a host of other criteria. This approach enables clients to make smart decisions for the long term. Encouraging clients to take the time to fully explore a possible opportunity ensures costly mistakes are avoided. Active consulting is for businesses or entrepreneurs looking to improve on current processes and operations. Here, BlueBlox provides a comprehensive analysis of where each business is now. The company then drafts development plans and maps out the required strategy with the client. And finally, reactive consulting – a service designed for those companies in need of urgent assistance. This service helps clients to find a path to resolution assisting with such challenges as customs, valuation and classification disputes. Being able to trade effectively on the world stage offers the opportunity to build better economies, access more opportunities and create better lives. Trade compliance expert, BlueBlox GmbH, believes that international trade should be easy and accessible for all. For the achievements in the battle for compliant international trade in Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe BlueBlox receives our Best International Trade Compliance Consultancy 2023 - EMEA award. T “ Understanding the intricate complexities of international trade compliance is an essential element in sustaining long-term business growth while mitigating risks. “ The BlueBlox Importer and Exporter of Record (IOR/EOR) Advisory guides clients through the process of building an IOR or EOR framework and creating a network in their chosen trading country. BlueBlox assists with design and deployment, legislative defence, local supplier vetting, contract structuring, pricing and more. In the area of Trade Facilitation and Government Negotiation, BlueBlox understands that even thorough advice can fall short. For this reason, the company offers trade facilitation services that allow its experts to accompany clients through their challenges, helping them to solve issues (e.g., with authorities) side-by-side. May23005
Issue 7 2023, Acquisition International | 19 BlueBlox Trade Facilitation services take two distinct approaches, proactive, which prevents issues from arising in the first place, and reactive, which deals with issues and situations which have arisen outside of the client’s control. In order to keep international trade business under control, BlueBlox also offers its Trade Performance services – to optimise efficiency, identify risks and ensure sustainable operations. Most disputes can be resolved through discussion and clarification. This avoids the stress, time and costs of litigation. BlueBlox aims to develop solutions that end as a win-win for all involved. The company has developed a number of key relationships with governments, chambers of commerce, and the WTO in Geneva, which allows it to facilitate mutually beneficial, compliant solutions. Through its unique model of trade facilitation, BlueBlox has obtained significant breakthroughs on behalf of its clients in some of the world’s toughest emerging markets. Dorothy tells us, “We tailor every solution we provide according to specific client and country requirements. Our people-centred approach ensures that all stakeholders benefit from a smooth and compliant trade programme that addresses our client’s current and future goals. We’re always working on new products and services to make trade more accessible for economic operators, both big and small. This aligns with our core belief that ‘business should be easy…’.” For every economic operator, having access to genuine local expertise is critical. But finding that expertise is not easy. BlueBlox benefits from a network of expert consultants in the field equipped with local knowledge of both international and national trade. Dorothy explains, “We’ve invested in building a broad network of local experts. They are purpose-driven and engaged. We take a holistic approach to everything we do and always work towards achieving results that benefit the whole community. Our trade lawyers and consultants are experts in the area of law and operations and also understand the culture, language, and the way each specific market works.” Dorothy tells us, “I’m incredibly proud of the diverse team at BlueBlox. We’re a small, close-knit squad of Trade Ambassadors. We’ve embarked on a mission to empower people and make a big impact globally through trade compliance. And I’m excited to say that the time has come to expand our team. At the moment, our focus is on recruiting more like-minded professionals to join us on this amazing journey.” Dorothy shares, “In 2021 and 2022, two years in a row, we won the Swiss award for the best trade compliance consulting company within Switzerland, which was for projects that we ran during COVID. We were able to get massive results at that time.” Of course, it’s a team of Trade Consultants that made all of this possible. They each work hard and want to “empower Africa” and Switzerland. They want to inspire and raise the standard within the industry and have been working towards this high standard continuously. BlueBlox has also already been recognised globally for its tireless efforts in trade compliance. The rest of 2023 looks extremely bright for BlueBlox. One of the latest initiatives BlueBlox is starting this year is the BlueBlox Innovation Hub which will support the local community by providing flexible part-time employment opportunities for mothers and single parents who struggle to enter or re-enter the workforce. Moreover, the BlueBlox training programme is under construction at present, and this will inevitably change the industry for the better very soon. If you’d like to learn more, please visit the BlueBlox website today. Contact: Dorothy Diedericks Company: BlueBlox GmbH Web Address: http://www.blueblox.ch/ Making International Business Easy
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