500 Global and Creators HQ Partner to Incubate the Next Generation of Creator-Led Startups

 DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (BUSINESS WIRE)--500 Global, one of the world’s most active venture capital firms1, and Creators HQ, the first content creator hub in the UAE and the Middle East and part of Visioneers, today announced a strategic partnership to launch the Creators Ventures Accelerator, which identifies and incubates the most promising creator-led startups worldwide.

Focusing on supporting the creator economy - an industry projected to grow to $480 billion by 2027 - the inaugural cohort of the Creators Ventures Accelerator will include up to 20 high-potential creators and creator-enablers, who are ready to transform their ideas and influence into thriving, scalable ventures.

"Creators are uniquely positioned to disrupt industries—they have the influence, distribution, and community trust that most startups spend years building. By joining forces with Creators HQ, we look to provide infrastructure for these visionaries to evolve into founders who can scale global businesses," said Courtney Powell, COO & Managing Partner, 500 Global.

Over the course of 10 weeks, participants will take part in a hybrid business-building and acceleration program that combines the strengths of both 500 Global’s venture-building expertise and Creators HQ’s deep creator economy network, resources, and expertise. Creators Ventures Accelerator aims to equip participants with the skills, tools, and support they need to build, scale and grow enduring businesses at the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship.

"At Creators HQ, we believe creators are more than just content-makers—they are entrepreneurs. This partnership with 500 Global enables us to provide creators with the knowledge, mentorship, and network they need to shape the next generation of industry-defining companies," said Her Excellency Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit.

Over the past 15 years, 500 Global has delivered more than 190 programs across 21 markets, accelerating 4,000+ startups and mentoring over 6,000 founders worldwide2. Having been deeply embedded in the MENA region since 2012, 500 Global brings unparalleled experience in connecting the local ecosystem to global capital and markets. This partnership with Creators HQ builds on that legacy, positioning creators at the center of a fast-growing global opportunity within the region. The inaugural cohort of the Creators Ventures Accelerator will culminate at the 1 Billion Followers Summit (January 9–11, 2026), where participants will showcase their ventures to an audience of international investors, VCs, industry leaders, and corporate partners. Confirmed headline speakers include Jay Shetty, Supercar Blondie, and Marina Mogilko.

Applications to join the Creators Ventures Accelerator are open now. Creators can learn more and apply here.

About 500 Global

500 Global is a multi-stage venture capital firm with $2.1B in assets under management3 that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth and development. We work closely with key stakeholders and advise governments on how best to support entrepreneurial ecosystems and economic development in emerging markets. 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 3,000 companies operating in 80+ countries. We have invested in more than 35+ companies valued at over $1 billion and 150+ companies valued at over $100 million (including private, public, and exited companies). Our 175+ team members are located in more than 25 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the world’s leading technology companies.

About Creators HQ

Creators HQ is a Dubai-based, government-backed initiative and creative ecosystem designed to serve as a global hub for content creators, driving their professional growth and supporting the expansion of the digital content economy. Launched under the Content Creators Support Fund—an initiative announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during the second edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit in 2024—Creators HQ provides a foundation for creators, innovators, and creative initiatives to thrive.

Offering state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, workshops, and relocation and business setup support—including pathways to the coveted UAE Golden Visa—Creators HQ aims to attract and house 10,000 influencers, fostering a diverse and collaborative global community that strengthens the UAE’s position as a leading force in the digital media landscape.

In just six months of operation, Creators HQ has welcomed 2,415 active members from 147 countries, including top creators who collectively reach an audience of over 2.45 billion followers across digital platforms. The platform has also attracted 78 international companies from 24 countries, relocating their operations to the UAE. The strongest participation has come from the United Kingdom, the United States, India, France, and Germany.

For more information, please visit: www.creatorshq.com

THE CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. 500 GLOBAL MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS AS TO THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND WHILE 500 GLOBAL HAS TAKEN REASONABLE STEPS TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE, NO LIABILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERROR OR OMISSIONS.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY OF THE CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL, TAX OR INVESTMENT ADVICE FROM 500 GLOBAL OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES. 500 GLOBAL DOES NOT GUARANTEE ANY FUTURE RESULTS FOR ANY DECISIONS MADE BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON THE CONTENT OR INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ALL READERS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL, ACCOUNTANT OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS BEFORE TAKING ANY ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PRESS RELEASE.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY INFORMATION OR CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE, BE CONSIDERED AS AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF INTEREST TO PURCHASE ANY SECURITIES ADVISED BY 500 GLOBAL OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES. FURTHER, NO CONTENT OR INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE IS OR IS INTENDED AS AN OFFER TO PROVIDE ANY INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OR FINANCIAL ADVICE BY 500 GLOBAL. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYTHING HEREIN BE CONSTRUED AS FUND MARKETING MATERIALS BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT INTO ANY 500 GLOBAL INVESTMENT FUND. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY CONTENT BE INTERPRETED AS TESTIMONIALS OR ENDORSEMENT OF THE INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE OF ANY 500 GLOBAL FUND BY A PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT INTO ANY 500 GLOBAL INVESTMENT FUND.

1 Based on PitchBook’s 2024 Global League Tables.

2 BASED ON INTERNAL DATA AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2025.

3 ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (AUM) CALCULATIONS ARE BASED ON INTERNAL ESTIMATES AS OF MARCH 31, 2025.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904787040/en/

Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/4092025487966

Contacts

Media Contacts

Media Relations at 500 Global

press@500.co

Idemitsu Partners with Rimini Street to Support and Enable its Long-Term IT Roadmap and Strategy Built on Top of its SAP ECC 6.0 System

LAS VEGAS - Thursday, 04. September 2025

Japanese petroleum manufacturer and retailer leverage the expertise of Rimini Support™ for SAP to reimagine its ECC 6.0 investment, transforming it into a DX accelerator for competitive advantage and growth

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), a global provider of end-to-end enterprise software support, management and innovation solutions, and the leading third-party support provider for Oracle, SAP and VMware software, today announced Idemitsu Kosan, Japanese petroleum manufacturer and retailer, has selected Rimini Street as its long-term, strategic ERP support and services partner, providing expertise and extended capabilities for its core SAP ECC 6.0 system. The initial engagement with Rimini Street began in 2013 when Idemitsu selected Rimini Support™ for its Oracle EBS system, during the phase in which they were transitioning to SAP ECC 6.0.

With vendor support scheduled to end in 2030 for SAP ECC 6.0, Idemitsu executives engaged an independent research firm to review the costs and impact to the business if a move to S/4HANA were to be made. Already determined by its executives that SAP ECC 6.0 is a stable, robust ERP that serves as a mission-critical system for the business, Idemitsu decided to forgo a move to S/4HANA and instead, maximize the potential and extend the life of its SAP ECC 6.0 investment with third-party support by Rimini Street.

“The flexible nature of SAP ECC 6.0 is why we made the switch from Oracle to SAP in the first place. To accelerate innovation within the organization and improve speed and quality to our processes, our strategy is to add capabilities to the core of the system, not replace it,” said Takayoshi Sawai, deputy general manager, digital and ICT promotion department of Idemitsu. “Rimini Street allows us to prioritize business needs over vendor demands, ensuring our technology roadmap is free and clear of obstacles. Rimini Street’s expertise makes vendor-imposed end-of-support deadlines no longer a problem, giving us the ability to take full control over how we want to design our systems to best fit our vision.”

Idemitsu Reimagines its SAP ECC 6.0 to Advance its DX Vision

With five main areas of the business: petroleum, basic chemicals, functional materials, power/renewable energy, and resources, Idemitsu is reorganizing into 3 business segments for the purpose of simplification and “business portfolio transformation.”

“A key component of our IT strategy is to transform from a siloed structure which was based on manufacturing standards, to a flexible one that covers retail and service industries. As part of our medium-term application strategy, we want to be in an advantageous position by adding needed functions without the time and cost required for version upgrades,” said Sawai.

One of projects that reflect Sawai and team’s commitment to a composable, fast-adapting ERP strategy is the recent restructuring of its accounting and reporting structure. Sawai commented on the initiative, “If you try to retrofit business needs into the capabilities of a software, you will end up with a design that is restrictive. It is with this philosophy that we undid the initial design of our distributor invoicing process which combined SCM and accounting into one instance, creating gaps and delayed reporting. Now we are reimagining and adding functions to our existing SAP ECC 6.0 release supported by Rimini Street, resulting in improved data quality control and more automation. The partnership with Rimini Street helps accelerate our digital transformation initiatives without the disruption.”

Rimini Street’s SAP Expertise Strengthen Idemitsu’s Technical Skills and Knowledge

Idemitsu’s plans to build a steady roadmap to the future includes extending the life of its highly customized SAP ECC 6.0 environment, ensuring it is well-maintained and kept compliant by Rimini Street and internal resources.

“Rimini Street’s technical expertise in all things SAP has been a great resource in expanding my team’s ability to navigate our system needs,” said Sawai. “Our plans include many more years in partnership with Rimini Street, ensuring our mission-critical system is always available, and to maximize our SAP investment as we plan out the future needs of the business.”

“Rimini Street Japan is deeply dedicated to the success of our regional clients, which surpass 400 to date. We believe in restoring choice and providing agnostic guidance to business leaders worldwide on where they want to go and what systems they want to use while getting there,” said Nobutake Godo, regional CTO of Rimini Street Japan. “As the preferred third-party SAP support partner to esteemed clients such as Idemitsu and many others around the world, we are proud to deliver tangible financial and productivity results for our clients that help accelerate innovation and competitive advantage.”

Learn more about how Idemitsu is reimagining their SAP strategy to support its digital transformation native vision here.

About Rimini Street, Inc.

Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), a Russell 2000® Company, is a global provider of end-to-end enterprise software support and innovation solutions and the leading third-party support provider for Oracle, SAP and VMware software. The Company offers a comprehensive portfolio of unified solutions to run, manage, support, customize, configure, connect, protect, monitor, and optimize enterprise application, database, and technology software. The Company has signed thousands of contracts with Fortune Global 100, Fortune 500, midmarket, public sector and government organizations who selected Rimini Street as their trusted, proven mission-critical enterprise software solutions provider and achieved better operational outcomes, realized billions of US dollars in savings and funded AI and other innovation investments.

To learn more, please visit www.riministreet.com, and connect with Rimini Street on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this communication are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “currently,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “goal,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seem,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our expectations of future events, future opportunities, global expansion and other growth initiatives and our investments in such initiatives. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of management and are not predictions of actual performance, nor are these statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding Rimini Street’s business, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, litigation, agreements and Court orders involving Oracle, the wind down of support services for Oracle’s PeopleSoft software products and the impact on future period revenue and costs incurred related to these efforts; changes in the business environment in which Rimini Street operates, including the impact of macro-economic trends, geopolitical tensions and changes in foreign exchange rates, as well as general financial, economic, regulatory and political conditions affecting the industry in which we operate and the industries in which our clients operate; the evolution of the enterprise software management and support landscape and our ability to attract and retain clients and further penetrate our client base; significant competition in the software support services industry and our intentions with respect to our pricing model; customer adoption of our expanded portfolio of products and services and products and services we expect to introduce; our expectations regarding new product offerings, partnerships and alliance programs, including but not limited to our partnership with ServiceNow; our ability to grow our revenue and accurately forecast revenue, along with the results of any efforts to manage costs to align with revenue expectations and expansion of our offerings; the expected impact of reductions in our workforce during the last and current fiscal year and associated reorganization costs; estimates of our total addressable market and expectations of client savings relative to use of other providers; variability of timing in our sales cycle; risks relating to retention rates, including our ability to accurately predict retention rates; the loss of one or more members of our management team; our ability to attract and retain additional qualified personnel; our business plan and ability to grow in the future and our ability to achieve and maintain profitability; the volatility of our stock price; our need and ability to raise equity or debt financing on favorable terms and our ability to generate cash flows from operations to help fund increased investment in our growth initiatives; risks associated with global operations; our ability to prevent unauthorized access to our information technology systems and other cybersecurity threats; any deficiencies associated with generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies potentially used by us or by our third-party vendors and service providers; our ability to protect the confidential information of our employees and clients and to comply with privacy regulations; our ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting; our ability to maintain, protect and enhance our brand and intellectual property; changes in laws and regulations, including changes in tax laws or unfavorable outcomes of tax positions we take; tariff costs (including tariff relief or the ability to mitigate tariffs, in light of new or increased tariffs imposed by the United States government and the potential for retaliatory trade measures by affected countries); a failure by us to establish adequate tax reserves; adverse developments in and costs associated with defending pending litigation or any new litigation; our ability to realize benefits from our net operating losses; any negative impact of environmental, social and governance matters on our reputation or business and the exposure of our business to additional costs or risks from our reporting on such matters; our ability to maintain our good standing with the United States government and international governments and capture new contracts with governmental entities; our credit facility’s ongoing debt service obligations and financial and operational covenants on our business and related interest rate risk; the sufficiency of our cash and cash equivalents to meet our liquidity requirements; the amount and timing of repurchases, if any, under our stock repurchase program and our ability to enhance stockholder value through such program; uncertainty as to the long-term value of Rimini Street’s equity securities; catastrophic events that disrupt our business or that of our clients; and those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Rimini Street’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 31, 2025, and as updated from time to time by Rimini Street’s future Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other filings by Rimini Street with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, forward-looking statements provide Rimini Street’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Rimini Street anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Rimini Street’s assessments to change. However, while Rimini Street may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Rimini Street specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Rimini Street’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication.

© 2025 Rimini Street, Inc. All rights reserved. “Rimini Street” is a registered trademark of Rimini Street, Inc. in the United States and other countries, and Rimini Street, the Rimini Street logo, and combinations thereof, and other marks marked by TM are trademarks of Rimini Street, Inc. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners, and unless otherwise specified, Rimini Street claims no affiliation, endorsement, or association with any such trademark holder or other companies referenced herein.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904216204/en/

Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/0409202548791

Contacts

Janet Ravin

VP, Global Communications

Rimini Street, Inc.

+1 702 285-3532

pr@riministreet.com

IQM Quantum Computers Raises over $300 Million in Series B Funding Round Led by U.S. Investor Ten Eleven Ventures With Strong Support From Tesi

 This is the largest Series B raise ever in the quantum space, both in Europe and outside of the US1

The funding will accelerate IQM's growth trajectory in the U.S. and other global markets as quantum computing advances into wider production.

It will also advance IQM’s development roadmap towards error correction.

 

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- IQM Quantum Computers, a global leader in full-stack superconducting quantum computers, today announced that it has raised $320 Million (€275 Million) in venture capital, bringing the total funding raised to date to $600 Million.

This Series B funding round was led by cybersecurity-focused investment firm Ten Eleven Ventures, IQM's first U.S. investor, with an increased commitment level from existing Finnish venture capital and private equity company Tesi. Participation also came from several new and existing investors, including pension funds Elo Mutual Pension Insurance and Varma Mutual Pension Insurance, strategic investors companies of Schwarz Group and Winbond Electronics Corporation, and sovereign wealth funds EIC and Bayern Kapital.

“This funding round will fuel our company growth, with an accelerated tech roadmap towards error corrected systems from thousand to million qubits. We also focus on strong business expansion in the U.S. and other global markets based on our attractive on-premises offerings for quantum computers and the recently announced upgrade of our cloud offering,” said Dr. Jan Goetz, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of IQM Quantum Computers. “The addition of Ten Eleven as our first U.S.-based investor is a catalytic event for IQM and finding the right venture partner in the U.S.—one that could help us scale our technology and deliver value to our partners and customers—was essential. Ten Eleven's proven track record in guiding companies to category leadership and their alignment with our vision made this partnership an ideal match.”

With this Series B funding round, IQM will expand its commercial presence and scale its data center infrastructure and assembly lines globally. While maintaining its European leadership, this additional capital enables IQM to enhance its presence in the U.S. market and further access key global markets to serve the growing demand in IQM's products. With further investments into IQM's chip fabrication in Finland, the funding will also support research and development aimed at achieving fault-tolerant quantum computing in the near term. The advanced fab capabilities will facilitate the goal of scaling up to one million qubits, paired with quantum error reduction and correction.

"Having spent decades helping scale portfolio companies, we understand how to work with forward-thinking, global teams that are pushing the boundaries of innovation. Cybersecurity and quantum share an evolving relationship characterized by common stakeholder communities. This overlap will enable us to provide high-value counsel, capital, and connections to the IQM team,” said Alex Doll, Co-founder and Managing General Partner of Ten Eleven Ventures. “Ten Eleven's investment reflects our belief that partnering with companies at the forefront of the quantum era will be essential for the future of secure computing.” As part of the fundraise, Alex Doll joins IQM´s board of directors.

“Tesi has been an investor in IQM since the very beginning, and we have had the privilege of witnessing its journey to becoming a global leader. Over the years, IQM has made great strides on its technology roadmap, production capabilities and customer deliveries which truly sets it apart from competition. We are happy that Tesi’s revised investment strategy allowed us to significantly increase our investment to support IQM’s next stage of growth journey”, said Juha Lehtola, Director of Venture and Growth Investments at Tesi.

Goldman Sachs International acted as sole placement agent for IQM on its Series B raise.

About IQM Quantum Computers:

IQM is a global leader in superconducting quantum computers. IQM provides both on-premises full-stack quantum computers and a cloud platform to access its computers. IQM customers include the leading high-performance computing centers, research labs, universities, and enterprises that have full access to IQM's software and hardware. IQM has over 300 employees with headquarters in Finland and a global presence in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, Spain, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.

About Ten Eleven Ventures:

Ten Eleven Ventures is the original cybersecurity-focused, global, and stage-agnostic investment firm. The firm identifies, invests in, and helps grow top cybersecurity companies addressing critical digital security needs, leveraging its team, network, and experience to build successful businesses. Since its founding, Ten Eleven Ventures has raised over U.S. $1 billion and made over 60 cybersecurity investments across various stages worldwide, including KnowBe4, Darktrace, Axis Security, Twistlock, Verodin, Cylance, and Ping Identity. For more information, please visit 1011vc.com.

About Tesi:

Tesi (officially Finnish Industry Investment Ltd) is a state-owned, market-driven investment company that invests in venture capital and private equity funds and directly in Finnish startups and growth companies, and to new industrial scale businesses

1according to CrunchBase data

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903805636/en/

Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/0309202548769

Contacts

Media contact:

Email: press@meetiqm.com

Mobile: +358504790845

www.meetiqm.com

 

NIQ Reports: Global Technology and Durables market show resilience amid uncertainty in the first half of 2025

  NUREMBERG, Germany - Wednesday, 03. September 2025 AETOSWire  

Global consumer technology and durables market grew 4.6%, generating $403 billion in revenue.

IT sales lead growth with 11% increase in revenue driven by replacement cycles.

Consumers buy tech & durables online and prioritize brands offering value for money.

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- NielsenIQ (NIQ) (NYSE: NIQ), a leading consumer intelligence company, today announced the latest sales trends and data for the global Consumer Tech and Durables (T&D) market at IFA Berlin, 2025. From January to June 2025, the market generated $403 billion in revenue, reflecting a 4.6% increase compared to the same period last year.

NIQ anticipates this upward trend to hold, projecting stable performance, with revenue expected to grow by +2% for the full year 2025. While 2025 has been a resilient year for the consumer technology and durables market so far, inflation, tariffs and trade dynamics continue to test this resilience. Consumers are shopping smarter, spending more, and driving steady momentum in a market that’s learning to thrive under pressure.

Consumer behavior across the global Tech and Durables market continues to reflect the influence of local purchasing power and price sensitivity. In the first half of 2025, Western Europe returned to positive growth with Developed Asia still in decline. In contrast, China surged by 11.5%, the Middle East grew by 5%, and Emerging Asia and Latin America returned to growth. China’s strong performance was largely fueled by its government trade-in policy. However, consumers are impacted by global uncertainty, with 70% of global respondents stating they shopped more carefully for everyday necessities (NIQ Consumer Life Study 2025).

“Consumers are becoming more deliberate in how and when they spend,” commented Michael McLaughlin, SVP – Tech & Durables Retail, NIQ. “NIQ’s gfknewron Consumer data shows a clear trend: shoppers are timing their purchases strategically—often waiting for promotions—but when they do buy, they tend to spend more than originally planned. This behavior underscores the power of perceived value and the continued relevance of promotional events in driving sales.”

Omnichannel Momentum and Value-Driven Choices Shape Consumer Behaviour

Omnichannel retailing continues to gain traction, with 37% of global Tech and Durables sales occurring online in the first half of 2025—a 9% increase compared to the same period last year. As consumers navigate a dynamic market environment, value remains a top priority: 60% of global respondents say the most important thing about a brand is that it offers good value for money.

IT Sector Spurs Growth

In the first half of 2025, the IT sector is driving growth in the global Tech & Durables market, while several other categories are showing early signs of stabilization.

IT (Mobile PCs, monitors, etc.): plus 11%

Telecom (Smartphones, etc.): plus 4%

Small Domestic Appliances (Fryers, mixers, etc.): plus 5%

Major Domestic Appliances (Washing machines, fridges, ovens, etc.): plus 5%

Consumer Electronics (TVs, soundbars, etc.): minus 0.8%

Data Highlights:

IT

The growth in this sector is largely driven by the ongoing device replacement cycle and the end of Windows 10 support.

Laptop sales grew 13% globally, with gaming laptops up 23% and high-refresh-rate monitors (240Hz+) surging by 280%.

AI is not a key purchase driver for most end consumers despite accounting for 39 percent of the laptop market. This highlights a gap between innovation and consumer perception.

AI laptop sales via B2B channels in Europe rose by 195% according to MI Supply Chain insights. Businesses are increasingly investing in AI-capable PCs to support productivity, automation, and emerging workloads, reinforcing the role of lifecycle and performance-driven upgrades in accelerating adoption across B2B and B2C markets.

These trends underscore that lifecycle-driven upgrades and evolving use cases are accelerating the adoption of AI-capable PCs.

Consumer electronics

Television

Sales globally continued to be in decline by minus 2 percent, but China’s subsidy programs provide a significant boost.

Demand for larger screens (70”+) grew by a strong 14% and advanced display technologies beyond pure LCD saw a robust growth by 26%.

Smartphones

Global sales grew 4% in the first half of 2025 strongly influenced by subsidy schemes in China.

Premium models priced above $600 grew by 7%, while growth in sub-$600 models was stagnant. This reflects a dual trend: consumers are holding onto devices longer, opting for higher-end replacements, while entry-level buyers are increasingly turning to refurbished options.

Refurbished smartphones are on the rise. In France, it accounts for 41% of sales in the sub-600-euro segment (NIQ digital purchase data).

Portable Audio

Innovation is driving momentum in portable audio, with Open-Ear Headphones growing at 32% year-to-date.

This is the only subsegment showing growth across all tracked regions, fueled by new use-cases and tech upgrades.

Domestic appliances

Growth in the home appliances sector is being driven by three key consumer preferences: sustainability, simplification and AI-powered intelligence.

A-labelled energy-efficient Major Domestic Appliances product sales in Europe rose from 19% in 2023 to 31% in 2025, signaling a continued relevance of sustainability criteria during purchase journey.

However, volume growth outpaced value growth suggesting a continued focus on value-centric purchases and affordability.

Air fryers declined by 1% indicating early saturation in some markets. Despite this, it is growing with the rise of multi-basket which grew by plus 18 percent, high-capacity air fryers.

Vacuum cleaners grew by 13%, with robots growing plus 34 percent and wet-dry models also experiencing strong double-digit increases, driven by demand for convenience and automation.

As the global Tech & Durables market moves into the second half of 2025, signs point to cautious optimism. With innovation, affordability, and regional resilience driving momentum, the industry is poised to navigate uncertainty with measured confidence. To explore more about our Technology & Durables range and to meet an expert, visit here.

Methodology:

NIQ regularly collects POS (point of sales) data in more than 70 countries worldwide for the consumer electronics, photography, telecommunications, information technology, office equipment, and small and large household appliances sectors. Global Data excludes North America and Russia presented in US dollars NSP (non-subsides price), except stated otherwise. Consumer behavior data is from consumer survey-based studies like Consumer Life 2025 and gfknewron Consumer which is done quarter on quarter basis unless explicitly stated.

About NIQ

NielsenIQ (NIQ) is a leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. Our global reach spans over 90 countries covering approximately 85% of the world’s population and more than $7.2 trillion in global consumer spend. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. For more information, please visit www.niq.com.

© 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved.

NIQ-GENERAL

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding anticipated consumer behaviors, market trends, and industry developments. These statements reflect current expectations and projections based on available data, historical patterns, and various assumptions. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “believes,” “forecasts,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future outcomes and are subject to inherent uncertainties, including changes in consumer preferences, economic conditions, technological advancements, and competitive dynamics. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. While we strive to base our insights on reliable data and sound methodologies, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, except to the extent required by applicable law.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903621454/en/

Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/0309202548759

Contacts

Media Contact: media.relations@niq.com

Andersen Consulting Strengthens End-to-End Technology Capabilities Through Collaboration with FirstQA Systems

 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Andersen Consulting adds depth to its digital transformation and AI capabilities through a Collaboration Agreement with FirstQA Systems, a leading technology services provider known for its expertise in business AI, digital transformation, and cybersecurity.

Headquartered in Japan since 2011, FirstQA Systems K.K. is a consulting-led technology services firm supporting Fortune 500 companies and multinational enterprises across Asia, Europe, and North America. The firm specializes in AI, digital transformation (leveraging ServiceNow, SAP, and Salesforce platforms), and IT and OT cybersecurity. Through its group company, Himitsu Lab Limited, FirstQA Systems delivers next-generation Agentic AI solutions powered by the HIMITSU8™ Unified Development Framework (UDF)™. The company’s industry expertise spans manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and banking and financial services.

"Our collaboration with Andersen Consulting represents an exciting step forward for enterprise transformation," said Naveen MV, managing director of FirstQA Systems K.K. "Through our Venture Studio, Himitsu Lab Limited, we have pioneered Agentic AI systems built on cognitive, reasoning and contextual intelligence—designed not just to automate, but to think, adapt, and elevate decision-making across the enterprise. Collaborating with Andersen Consulting enables us to pair this technological expertise with world-class consulting, offering organizations new ways to enhance their operations and drive sustainable growth.”

"As our clients accelerate their digital agendas, the demand for precision, speed, and scalable intelligence is at an all-time high," said Mark L. Vorsatz, global chairman and CEO of Andersen. "Our collaboration with FirstQA Systems enhances our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions in industries where complexity and high availability converge. Their deep expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise cloud platforms—alongside their innovative work through venture studio Himitsu Lab—strengthens our global consulting capabilities.”

Andersen Consulting is a global consulting practice providing a comprehensive suite of services spanning corporate strategy, business, technology, and AI transformation, as well as human capital solutions. Andersen Consulting integrates with the multidimensional service model of Andersen Global, delivering world-class consulting, tax, legal, valuation, global mobility, and advisory expertise on a global platform with more than 20,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 600 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. Andersen Consulting Holdings LP is a limited partnership and provides consulting solutions through its member firms and collaborating firms around the world.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903964255/en/

Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/0309202548771

Contacts

mediainquiries@Andersen.com

DRC Pass, le système d'identité numérique de Trident, mis à l’honneur comme modèle de collaboration internationale à l’Africa Singapore Business Forum

 

plateforme nationale d'identification numérique de l’entreprise technologique basée à Singapour au service de 110 millions de citoyens de la RDC, a été saluée par la ministre Grace Fu, comme un exemple marquant du partenariat entre le Singapour et l’Afrique

SINGAPOUR, 30 août 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd. (« Trident » ou la « Société », NASDAQ : TDTH), un facilitateur majeur de la transformation numérique dans les services d’optimisation technologique et d’activation Web 3.0 basé à Singapour, a été mis en lumière lors de l'Africa Singapore Business Forum 2025, par la ministre singapourienne du Développement durable et de l'Environnement, Grace Fu, qui a salué le système d'identité numérique révolutionnaire DRC Pass développé par l'entreprise comme un excellent exemple de collaboration réussie entre Singapour et l'Afrique.

Dans son discours d'ouverture, la ministre Fu a spécifiquement reconnu le partenariat entre Trident et la République Démocratique du Congo pour la mise en œuvre d’un système d'identification numérique à l'échelle nationale qui contribuera à renforcer l'inclusion financière et améliorer la prestation des services publics pour plus de 110 millions de citoyens congolais.

« Afin d’accélérer la transformation numérique, l'entreprise technologique Trident, basée à Singapour, collabore avec la République Démocratique du Congo pour mettre en œuvre un système d'identification numérique à l'échelle nationale connu sous le nom de DRC Pass », a déclaré le ministre Fu. « Cette plateforme renforcera l'inclusion financière et améliorera la prestation des services publics pour plus de 110 millions de citoyens de la RDC. Ce projet illustre parfaitement le rôle vital que les entreprises singapouriennes peuvent jouer, en collaboration avec des partenaires africains, pour réduire la fracture numérique en Afrique et promouvoir l'inclusion financière. »

Cette reconnaissance intervient deux mois après la signature en juin 2025, de l'accord définitif de partenariat public-privé entre Trident et le gouvernement de la RDC, officialisant le lancement du système national d'identification numérique de la République et établissant Trident en tant que fournisseur exclusif de services d’identification électronique du client (e-KYC).

Le système DRC Pass représente le projet d'identité numérique Web 3.0 le plus ambitieux d'Afrique, centré sur quatre applications principales : l'enregistrement biométrique-blockchain de la carte SIM pour éliminer la fraude, un accès transparent unifié (single-sign-on) aux portails gouvernementaux et commerciaux, l'activation des paiements numériques en un clic pour un accès instantané au crédit, et la création d’un identifiant numérique centralisé pour les citoyens, qui complètera les pièces d’identités physiques.

« Nous sommes fiers de notre partenariat avec le gouvernement de la RDC et nous apprécions la reconnaissance du ministre Fu », a déclaré Soon Huat Lim, fondateur, président du conseil et chef de la direction de Trident. « Tout en poursuivant le déploiement du programme à l'échelle nationale, nous sommes convaincus que ce projet vital entre Singapour et l'Afrique ouvrira la voie à une coopération plus poussée entre les différentes nations. »

Le système s'appuie sur la plateforme d'identité basée sur la blockchain Tridentity développée par Trident. Cette technologie permet aux citoyens de télécharger l'application mobile et d'enregistrer leur DRC Pass pour un accès sécurisé aux applications et aux sites Web autorisés via une technologie avancée d’authentification unique (single sign-on).

La reconnaissance exprimée de la ministre Fu souligne l'importance stratégique des partenariats entre Singapour et l'Afrique afin d’accélérer et avancer la transformation numérique à travers le continent. Elle a encouragé les entreprises à « faire preuve d'agilité, d'audace et à être prêtes à pénétrer dans de nouveaux marchés afin de façonner l’histoire de la croissance de l'Afrique, tout en élargissant l'empreinte mondiale de Singapour ».

Selon les données fournies par la GSMA Intelligence, les plus de 80 millions d'abonnés mobiles de la RDC ainsi que sa base croissante de population bancarisée, bénéficieront directement des services e-KYC sécurisés de Trident, positionnant ainsi le pays comme un leader de l'inclusion financière numérique en Afrique.

Le déploiement progressif du DRC Pass est déjà en cours, accompagné d'une vaste campagne nationale de sensibilisation du public pour garantir l’adoption généralisée du système dans les diverses régions du pays.

À propos de Trident

Trident est un facilitateur pionnier de la transformation numérique dans les secteurs de services d’optimisation numérique, services technologiques et l’activation Web 3.0 à l’échelle mondiale. Tridentity, son produit phare, est une solution d’identité innovante et hautement sécurisée basée sur la blockchain, conçue pour fournir des capacités d’authentification unique sécurisées aux systèmes tiers intégrés dans divers secteurs. Au-delà de Tridentity, la mission de Trident est de devenir le leader mondial de l’activation Web 3.0, en connectant notamment les entreprises à une plateforme technologique fiable et sécurisée, avec des expériences client sur mesure et optimisées, avec un fort accent sur l’Afrique australe et d’autres marchés à forte croissance.

Le texte du communiqué issu d’une traduction ne doit d’aucune manière être considéré comme officiel. La seule version du communiqué qui fasse foi est celle du communiqué dans sa langue d’origine. La traduction devra toujours être confrontée au texte source, qui fera jurisprudence.

 

Relations Presse :
Brad Burgess, Vice-président principal – ICR, LLC
brad.burgess@icrinc.com

TON Strategy Company Approves $250 Million Stock Repurchase Program After Ticker Change

 Open-ended stock repurchase program unanimously approved by the board

Aims to create shareholder value by growing Net Asset Value per Share (NAV/share), including in times of heightened volatility

 

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- TON Strategy Company (formerly Verb Technology Company Inc.) (Nasdaq: TONX) (the “Company”), a digital asset treasury company committed to holding Toncoin ($TON), today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $250 million of its common stock.

Under the program, repurchases may be made from time to time in open market transactions or through other means in accordance with applicable securities laws. The timing, number of shares of common stock repurchased, and price will depend on a variety of factors including liquidity, market conditions, share price, and other considerations. The program does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares of the Company’s common stock.

"We are committed to a disciplined capital allocation strategy and look to use our balance sheet to enhance shareholder value by growing NAV/share,” said Manuel Stotz, Executive Chairman of the Company. “Subject to market conditions, among other factors, if the stock trades at a premium to NAV, the company may consider issuing stock to buy $TON. Conversely, the company may consider repurchasing its own stock if it trades at a discount to NAV. The repurchase program provides us with a tool to enable us to do so.”

Formerly Verb Technology Company, TON Strategy Company began trading as TONX on the Nasdaq Capital Market on September 2, 2025, following its renaming. The name change and ticker symbol transition marked a further milestone in the Company’s shift into a dedicated digital asset treasury strategy focused on $TON.

The Company’s approach is to accumulate $TON and provide public market investors with an opportunity to strengthen and secure the TON ecosystem. TON is the only blockchain natively integrated at scale inside a global social platform, powering wallets, payments, and applications across Telegram. It also serves as a developer platform, with a growing community building apps, services, and games that benefit from Telegram’s far-reaching distribution of over 1 billion monthly active users. The Company believes that this unique integration positions TON as one of the most compelling projects at the intersection of crypto and social media, and itself as a significant infrastructure provider within the network.

About TON Strategy Company

TON Strategy Company (Nasdaq: TONX) is focused on the accumulation of Toncoin ($TON) for long-term investment, whether acquired through deployment of proceeds from capital raising transactions, staking rewards or via open market purchases. The Company aims to steadily expand its $TON treasury, stake $TON and to support the development of a tokenized economy inside Telegram’s billion-user platform.

In addition, the Company continues to operate legacy business units, including MARKET.live, a multi-vendor livestream shopping platform, and LyveCom, an AI-powered social commerce innovator that enables brands and merchants to deliver omnichannel livestream shopping experiences across websites, apps, and social platforms.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the growth of NAV/share, the Company’s stock repurchase program, its capital allocation strategy, its TON treasury strategy, and its long-term business plans. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. Important factors that may affect actual results or outcomes include, but are not limited to: risks related to Toncoin and the digital asset industry; the ability of the Company to successfully execute its share repurchase program, its broader capital allocation strategy, and other business initiatives; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, and in the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903021822/en/

Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/0309202548770

Contacts

Media Contact:

ton@sbscomms.com