Retail Tech Matchup confirms speaker line up for June event 

Retail Tech Matchup is delighted to announce that Google, Smedvig Capital and Ometria are to present at it's quarterly investment MatchUp event. This marquee industry event is dedicated to bringing retail professionals, investors and startups together.

The Matchup event will showcase innovative retail tech start-ups looking for investment as well as talks from Pete Danks, Industry Head at Google Retail, Jon Lerner, Principal at Smedvig Capita and Ivan Mazour, co-founder of Ometria.

The event, created by Validify and Match Capital and hosted by Cooley, is taking place on Tuesday June 16th between 5.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. at Dashwood, 69 Old Broad Street, EC2M 1QS.

"I am delighted to be taking part in the next Retail Tech Matchup" commented Jon Lerner, Principal at Smedvig Capital "London is at the epicentre of retail technology innovation and is the optimum place for startups and retailers, so being part of an event that brings them together is something I am really excited about"

"As an entrepreneur and investor I can't wait to hear from new retail tech startups in London" commented Ivan Mazour co-founder of Ometria. "The chance to meet like-minded investors and other retail professionals at the next Retail Tech Matchup is something I really value."

"Investment is a fundamental part of almost all retail technology companies' life cycle, so we wanted to create a regular dedicated event where all the innovators, investors and interested parties can meet" commented Fergal O'Mullane, co-founder of Retail Tech MatchUp. "I can't wait to see what happens."

"At Match Capital our aim is to connect those seeking equity capital with those who wish to invest in retail innovation" commented Peter Walsh, Founder of Match Capital. "Retail Tech Matchup is the live version of our platform, which is why we are so excited to be part of this unique event."

"Cooley is established as a leader in representing entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies and venture capital funds.  "commented Robert Harris, Director of Marketing" Bringing these groups together by hosting Retail Tech Matchup in our recently launched London office is one of the ways in which we can illustrate our commitment to London's brightest tech innovators"

Sugru, the innovative mouldable glue, seeks investment from the crowd to support global expansion

Invented in 2003 by Irish art student, Jane ni Dhulchaointigh, Sugru is an adhesive that moulds like play dough, sticks to almost anything and turns into a strong flexible rubber overnight. Forbes described this cool British brand as "21st century Duct Tape" and it has now sold 5 million packs in over 160 countries worldwide. Over 1 million customers use it for all kinds of projects from DIY repairs at home through to making small improvements to gadgets, appliances and even toys.

The capital will be used to build consumer awareness of Sugru and support its fast-moving retail expansion in the UK, Scandinavia and the USA. An extensive roll out of the unique product is already underway across 4,000 stores at major US retailers including Lowe's Home Improvement and Target.

The rapid retail expansion has been in response to increasing demand from US consumers, who make up 50 per cent of Sugru's customer base and have previously only been able to buy the product online.Tapping into growing DIY markets around the world, the company is expected to double its retail presence by year end to 10,000 stores further helping to position the brand as an essential piece of kit for every kitchen drawer.

Jane ni Dhulchaointigh comments: "We've now got over a million users around the world who regularly get in touch to share videos and pictures of their latest triumph, however small. These people have helped us perfect the product and build the brand so it makes complete sense to let them share in the future success of Sugru."

Luke Lang, co-founder of Crowdcube adds: "With its huge community of fans, Sugru is a natural fit for crowdfunding; it's great to give these followers the chance to become shareholders and product evangelists."  

The public will have the opportunity to invest as little as £10 to stake a claim in the company's future growth. People can find more details at www.crowdcube.com/sugru.

Small World FS hits GBP10bn in transactions

Small World FS, Europe's leading international payment services provider, has today announced a milestone for the business, having processed £10bn in transactions since launching in 2006. The London-headquartered fintech business now operates the third largest payout network in the world, with a global payout network of over 250,000 locations in 188 countries.
 
This news comes after months rapid expansion, including the extension of its digital services into 14 sending markets, as well as inking deals with the MTN Group, Africa's largest mobile operator, and Nations Trust Bank, Sri Lanka's fastest growing bank.

Nick Day, CEO of Small World FS, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the Small World FS team to take a step back and celebrate all that we have achieved in the past ten years. The international payment market has certainly changed a lot in that time, but this milestone is evidence that our local approach to international payments is one that resonates with our customers around the world."

In 2013 Small World FS became a member of Tech City UK's exclusive Future Fifty programme, and earlier this year the business was named in the Tech City UK Tech Nation report.