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EBC Financial Group and the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics Renew Partnership on Public Economic Education

Three-year collaboration to broaden access to economic research through the What Economists Really Do webinar series

LONDON, June 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EBC Financial Group (EBC) has renewed its strategic partnership with the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford for a further three years, extending a collaboration that helps bring economic research to wider public audiences around the world.

As part of the renewed partnership, EBC will sponsor one annual edition of the Department’s What Economists Really Do webinar series, helping to share economic research and insights with students, researchers, alumni and wider public audiences. To help extend the reach of the webinar, selected insights and discussion points will also be adapted into short social media videos, offering accessible summaries of key ideas for wider online audiences.

Since the partnership began, EBC-sponsored editions of What Economists Really Do have explored a range of pressing global issues, including tax evasion, climate change, and financial literacy. Each webinar typically attracts around 200 live attendees. Together, the recorded sessions have generated more than 3,600 views and generated over 270 hours of watch time, demonstrating sustained audience engagement beyond the live events themselves.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to widening access to economic knowledge and supporting informed public engagement with economic issues, while fostering informed discussion on topics ranging from macroeconomic policy and financial markets to regulation and global economic development.

It also supports the Department’s wider commitment to public engagement by helping make academic research accessible beyond the university community.

This initiative forms part of EBC’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, focused on removing barriers to education and fostering long-term societal impact. By connecting academic excellence with real-world application, EBC continues to support wider access to economic education and public engagement.

“In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, access to reliable financial knowledge is more important than ever. Our continued partnership with the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford reflects EBC’s commitment to empowering individuals with the insights and tools needed to make informed decisions, while supporting the development of future talent that will shape the financial systems of tomorrow,” said Christopher Stiegeler, Executive Director, EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited.

Stiegeler added, “Beyond our partnership with the Department of Economics at Oxford, EBC continues to champion financial education among the next generation through on-campus initiatives, academic collaborations, and memorandums of understanding with institutions worldwide. These collaborations include the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the International University of Ulaanbaatar (IUU), Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (Tecnológico de Monterrey), Escuela Bancaria y Comercial in Mexico, and the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga (UNAB). Our teams are also actively exploring similar partnerships with additional institutions of higher learning globally.”

Professor Johannes Abeler, Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford, commented: “Public engagement and education are central to the Department’s mission. Through initiatives such as What Economists Really Do, we seek to show how economics can contribute to better policy and a deeper understanding of the issues shaping our world. We are pleased to continue our partnership with EBC Financial Group, whose support helps us broaden access to economic knowledge and extend the reach of our educational activities to new audiences around the world.”

Over the next three years, the partnership will continue to connect academic research with wider public audiences, helping ensure that economic insights remain accessible, relevant and impactful in an increasingly complex global environment.

Risk Disclaimer
Trading foreign exchange (FX) and contracts for differences (CFDs) on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed deposits. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Please consider your investment objectives and risk tolerance carefully before trading.

The University of Oxford and its Department of Economics do not endorse or recommend any commercial products or services offered by EBC Financial Group. This partnership is solely focused on educational initiatives and public outreach.

About EBC Financial Group
Founded in London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is a global brand known for its expertise in financial brokerage and asset management. Through its regulated entities operating across major financial jurisdictions—including the UK, Australia, the Cayman Islands, Mauritius, and others—EBC enables retail, professional, and institutional investors to access global markets and trading opportunities, including currencies, commodities, CFDs and more.

Trusted by investors in more than 100 countries, EBC has received industry recognition through awards including Best Trading Platform and Most Trusted Broker, as well as multiple honours from World Finance. With its strong regulatory standing and commitment to transparency, EBC is trusted by retail, professional and institutional investors worldwide for its secure and client-focused trading solutions.”

EBC’s subsidiaries are licensed and regulated within their respective jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA); EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia’s Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC); EBC Financial (MU) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission Mauritius (FSC).

At the core of EBC are a team of industry veterans with over 40 years of experience in major financial institutions. Having navigated key economic cycles from the Plaza Accord and 2015 Swiss franc crisis to the market upheavals of the COVID-19 pandemic. We foster a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor relationship is handled with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

EBC is a proud official foreign exchange partner of FC Barcelona and continues to drive impactful partnerships to empower communities – namely through the UN Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria initiative, Oxford University’s Department of Economics, and a diverse range of partners to champion initiatives in global health, economics, education, and sustainability.
https://www.ebc.com/

Media Contact:
Aldric Tinker Toyad
Global PR Lead
[email protected]

Faiz Alavi Sulaiman
Senior PR Executive
[email protected] 

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9754586

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CGTN: From the people, for the people: What the July 1 Medal honors

BEIJING, June 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CGTN has published an article exploring the values embodied by the July 1 Medal. Through the stories of this year’s recommended nominees, the article highlights how generations of the Communist Party of China (CPC) members have remained rooted among the people, dedicated themselves to public service, and carried forward the Party’s founding spirit.

When residents in Chongqing’s Guanyinqiao Subdistrict face a neighborhood dispute, many offer the same answer when asked whom to turn to: “Go to Lao Ma.”

“Lao Ma” is Ma Shanxiang, a 69-year-old Communist Party of China (CPC) member, who has spent more than three decades mediating conflicts in the community. His work has filled more than 280 notebooks, totaling over nine million Chinese characters, documenting thousands of stories of patience, understanding and reconciliation. Over the years, he has received more than 20,000 visits from residents and successfully mediated more than 2,500 disputes.

Ma is among the recommended nominees for the July 1 Medal, the CPC’s highest honor, ahead of a gathering marking the Party’s 105th founding anniversary on Wednesday (July 1). At the event, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, will confer the medal on model Party members and deliver an important speech.

One detail of the medal reflects the values it represents. Unlike China’s national medals, which are worn on metal chains, the July 1 Medal features a woven fabric ribbon – a design personally proposed by President Xi. Modest rather than ornate, it symbolizes that the Party’s highest honor belongs to those who come from the people, remain rooted among the people and devote themselves to serving them.

Rooted among the people

Xi has described July 1 Medal recipients as “everyday heroes” who “come from the people and are rooted among the people.”

The list of this year’s recommended nominees reflects that idea. Though they come from different professions, they share one defining quality: years – often decades – of quiet dedication in places where they are needed most.

Like Ma, Wu Yaqin, a community Party chief, has spent three decades in grassroots governance, resolving more than 1,000 community disputes. Rural doctor Uhas Sulayman has recorded more than 100,000 patient visits, saved thousands of critically ill patients and delivered more than 3,200 babies. Village Party secretary Li Liancheng led Xixinzhuang Village from poverty to national recognition as a model village. First-class Merit Hero Wang Yuchang quietly continued serving the people after leaving the military.

The same spirit also shines through scientific innovation. Petroleum refining expert Chen Junwu devoted his life to advancing China’s refining industry and was still reviewing carbon-emissions reports in his final days. Zhong Jue, the 89-year-old academician, has spent a lifetime helping China overcome key technological bottlenecks in aluminum manufacturing. Agricultural expert Zhao Yafu has spent more than 60 years promoting modern farming in hilly regions, helping farmers increase their incomes by more than 30 billion yuan ($4.2 billion).

Passing on the Party’s founding spirit

The July 1 Medal is not only a tribute to exemplary Party members, but also a way to inspire others to uphold the Party’s founding spirit.

Xi has called on Party members in the new era to carry forward the Party’s founding spirit, stay true to the Party’s original aspiration and founding mission, and fulfill their responsibilities with dedication.

Many recommended nominees have already turned personal commitment into a shared cause.

Uhas’s volunteer medical team continues to expand across China’s border regions. Wu has established a training platform for grassroots governance, mentoring nearly 30,000 community workers. Zhong, meanwhile, still works alongside younger researchers to tackle new technological challenges while mentoring students and supporting those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Ma believes his work is far from finished. After retiring, he was rehired to lead the “Lao Ma Studio,” a grassroots dispute mediation organization, nurturing a team of more than 80,000 volunteer mediators, affectionately known as the “Little Mas.”

Though nearing 70, he says the cause of people’s mediation is only beginning. Borrowing Xi’s analogy of a relay race, he sees his role today as not only running his own leg well, but helping the “Little Mas” carry the baton into the future.

When the July 1 Medals are conferred on Wednesday, the spotlight will fall on a group of “everyday heroes.” Their stories may begin in villages, neighborhoods or laboratories, but they all point to the same enduring values: staying close to the people and passing that spirit on to the next generation.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-06-29/From-the-people-for-the-people-What-the-July-1-Medal-honors-1OnonFmsDdu/p.html

CGTN Digital 
[email protected]

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Autheo Introduces the Internet Operating System: A Decentralized Coordination Layer for the Web, Blockchain, and AI

Five years in the making, Autheo is launching its decentralized operating system on Mainnet — after public testnet adoption surpassed 1.8 million wallets, nearly 1 million smart contracts, and 8.8 million transactions

SHERIDAN, Wyo., June 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Autheo today launched the Mainnet of its decentralized operating system — a coordination layer enabling the Web, Web3, AI agents, and crypto applications to interoperate natively, with post-quantum security for digital identity, tokens, smart contracts, and agentic AI.

THE COORDINATION LAYER THE INTERNET NEVER HAD

Today’s blockchain landscape is fragmented — Web2, Web3, AI agents, and crypto applications cannot interoperate natively, and cross-chain bridges operate at the bridging layer. Autheo provides a coordination and execution layer where Web services, blockchain networks, and AI agents coordinate natively on a common identity, messaging, and execution surface, anchored by an on-chain, quantum-resistant trust and identity layer for agentic AI.

“We didn’t set out to build just another network,” said Scott Bayless, Managing Director and co-founder of Autheo. “We set out to find the right relation between the ones we already have. A body has many parts. A city is many trades. The Internet today is many systems — each doing its work, none of them moving as one. With Mainnet now live, Autheo is the layer where the web, the chain, and the agent can finally work together.”

FOUNDED BY LONG-TIME COLLABORATORS

Founded in July 2021 by Todd Mortenson and Scott Bayless, Autheo was built around four architectural foundations: TheoID (W3C-compliant DID for users, services, and AI agents); PQCNet (post-quantum framework on NIST standards: ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA); a sovereign Cosmos SDK Layer 0 with native IBC interoperability; and an integrated EVM-compatible Layer 1 execution environment, operating as a Proof-of-Stake with delegated staking and licensed validators, secured by block finality through CometBFT consensus (“Proof of Autheo”). Engineering is led by CEngO Kenneth Harper, with contributors across MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Caltech. Audits: Halborn (testnet) and CertiK (Mainnet). Partners include Zeeve, InfStones, Hydrex, Halborn, CertiK, TrustSwap, Team.Finance, and Utila.

TESTNET ADOPTION HAS COMPOUNDED

Autheo’s public testnet went live in 2025 and attracted 350,000 wallets and 60,000 smart contracts over its first twelve months. Following the May 12, 2026 Mainnet Phase 1 announcement, adoption accelerated: wallet addresses grew more than 5x and smart contracts more than 15x in the 45 days since. Cumulative totals:

  • 1,812,088 wallet addresses
  • 968,502 smart contracts

(Figures per Autheo network data, June 24, 2026. Independently verifiable on the public testnet explorer: testnet-explorer.autheo.com · verified contracts.)

“Mainnet is live,” said Todd Mortenson, Managing Director and co-founder of Autheo. “The industry will be racing to retrofit post-quantum security ahead of NIST’s timeline — our developers won’t have to. We built PQC in from the ground up. One interface for Web services, on-chain protocols, and AI agents. One million human developers on-chain within three years. And the AI agents building alongside them? Orders of magnitude more. The coordination layer for that future is live today.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Developer access (Mainnet, live today):

The THEO token is anticipated to list on Hydrex.fi in early July 2026. Core Node, Prime Node, and Sovereign Validator (399 NFT-licensed; 275 subscribed) programs at commerce.autheo.com.

The complete press release with extended technical detail is available at autheo.com/press.

ABOUT AUTHEO

Autheo is building the Internet operating system: a decentralized coordination layer for Web, blockchain, and AI agents, anchored by PQCNet (NIST post-quantum cryptography) and W3C DIDs. Addresses the convergence of AI, blockchain, and crypto — supporting agentic AI, tokenomics, enterprise blockchain, and on-chain digital sovereignty against quantum computing. autheo.com · @Autheo_Network.

MEDIA CONTACT

Ryan Teigen, Director of Product Marketing
Email: [email protected] · [email protected] · Phone: 608-713-1028
autheo.com · X: @Autheo_Network

Forward-looking statements: Certain statements in this release, including statements regarding anticipated network growth, partnerships, and roadmap, are forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ. Autheo undertakes no obligation to update such statements except as required by law.

A video accompanying this release is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99a95dde-f8e8-42d6-8e59-72d34724b7f9

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New PROSPER Data Demonstrate Real-World Impact of Mogamulizumab on Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life in Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome

  • Clinically meaningful improvements in skin symptoms reported as early as week 4 and sustained over the 48-week study period 
  • Data presented at the 6th World Congress of Cutaneous Lymphomas meeting in Montreal, Canada

PRINCETON, N.J., June 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kyowa Kirin, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd (TSE: 4151), today announced positive results from PROSPER, a real-world observational study of mogamulizumab in adults with mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sézary syndrome (SS). In the study, patients reported clinically meaningful improvements in skin symptoms (itch, flaking, and redness) and body temperature regulation as early as week 4, with improvements in sleep and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) starting at week 12. Improvements were sustained throughout the study period, with additional gains in HRQoL reported through week 48.

“Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma can affect far more than just the skin, impacting how patients feel and function every day,” said Professor Julia Scarisbrick, Principal Investigator, Honorary Professor of Dermatology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. “These findings from the PROSPER study are encouraging because they show that in patients with MF or SS, mogamulizumab can help ease symptoms that affect everyday life, and those improvements can be long-lasting.”

Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome are two sub-types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that primarily affects the skin, presenting as patches, plaques, tumors, or reddening of the entire skin, and may be associated with severe itching. The disease may spread to lymph nodes, blood, and/or other organs in some patients.

“Clinical studies are stronger when they are shaped by the voices and lived experiences of people living with the disease,” said Susan Thornton, study author and co-CEO, Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation. “Collaboration between industry and the patient community is essential to designing studies that generate more relevant insights into symptom burden, quality of life, and the day-to-day treatment experience.”

Key PROSPER Findings

The study included 73 patients with relapsed or refractory MF or SS (n=41 MF; n=32 SS). Patient-reported outcomes were collected at baseline and throughout the study using:

  • A CTCL-specific symptom diary assessing the severity of skin itch, pain, redness, and flaking, frequency of sleep problems, and difficulty regulating body temperature
  • The MF/SS-CTCL-QoL questionnaire, which measured the impact of CTCL on daily life
  • The Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), which assessed fatigue severity and its impact on daily functioning

Mean symptom scores (mean +/- standard deviation) improved from baseline to week 48 across key skin symptoms, including itch (−2.5 ±3.4), flaking (−3.1 ±3.5), redness (−3.1 ±3.5), and pain (−1.7 ±4.4). Clinically meaningful improvements in skin itch, flaking, and redness were observed as early as week 4, and improvements in pain by week 12   (i.e., exceeding the minimum important difference (MID)). These effects were sustained through week 48.

By week 48, 30% of patients reported at least a 2-point improvement in sleep, and 37% reported better body temperature regulation. Patients also showed significant, clinically meaningful improvements in disease-specific health-related quality-of-life scores (MF/SS-CTCL-QoL) beginning at week 12, with further gains through week 48. While fatigue scores changed little among patients with MF, patients with SS showed a significant improvement in total BFI scores, reaching the MID threshold at week 48.

“Studies like PROSPER show why real-world data generation matters, particularly in rare cancers like mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome,” said Angela Williams, PhD, Global Head of Health Economics and Outcomes Research at Kyowa Kirin. “These data help broaden understanding of the lived experience of patients and care partners with mogamulizumab treatment in everyday practice, including the impact on symptoms and quality-of-life that may not be fully reflected by outcomes collected in clinical trial.”

About PROSPER

The objective of the PROSPER (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05455931) study is to gain insight into the experiences of patients with MF or SS receiving mogamulizumab in real-world clinical practice through the collection of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) data, enriched with qualitative data on disease and treatment experience. The study was designed with input from patients and caregivers to ensure patient-relevant outcomes were selected, and it was conducted in six countries across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, at 19 sites working with patients with MF or SS. Patients were followed for up to 50 weeks from study enrollment.

U.S. POTELIGEO (mogamulizumab-kpkc) Indication

POTELIGEO injection for intravenous infusion is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sézary syndrome (SS) after at least one prior systemic therapy.

Important Safety Information

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Dermatologic toxicity: Monitor patients for rash throughout the course of treatment. For patients who experienced dermatologic toxicity in Trial 1, the median time to onset was 15 weeks, with 25% of cases occurring after 31 weeks. Interrupt POTELIGEO for moderate or severe rash (Grades 2 or 3). Permanently discontinue POTELIGEO for life-threatening (Grade 4) rash or for any Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

Infusion reactions: Most infusion reactions occur during or shortly after the first infusion. Infusion reactions can also occur with subsequent infusions. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of infusion reactions and interrupt the infusion for any grade reaction and treat promptly. Permanently discontinue POTELIGEO for any life-threatening (Grade 4) infusion reaction.

Infections: Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection and treat promptly.

Autoimmune complications: Interrupt or permanently discontinue POTELIGEO as appropriate for suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions. Consider the benefit/risk of POTELIGEO in patients with a history of autoimmune disease.

Complications of allogeneic HSCT after POTELIGEO: Increased risks of transplant complications have been reported in patients who received allogeneic HSCT after POTELIGEO. Follow patients closely for early evidence of transplant-related complications.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥10% of patients) with POTELIGEO in the clinical trial were rash, including drug eruption (35%), infusion reaction (33%), fatigue (31%), diarrhea (28%), drug eruption (24%), upper respiratory tract infection (22%), musculoskeletal pain (22%), skin infection (19%), pyrexia (17%), edema (16%), nausea (16%), headache (14%), thrombocytopenia (14%), constipation (13%), anemia (12%), mucositis (12%), cough (11%), and hypertension (10%).

You are encouraged to report suspected adverse reactions to Kyowa Kirin, Inc. at 1-844-768-3544 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see additional Important Safety Information in full Prescribing Information as well as Patient Information.

About Kyowa Kirin

Kyowa Kirin aims to discover and deliver novel medicines and treatments with life-changing value. As a Japan-based Global Specialty Pharmaceutical Company, we have invested in drug discovery and biotechnology innovation for more than 70 years and are currently working to engineer the next generation of antibodies and cell and gene therapies with the potential to help patients with high unmet medical needs, such as bone & mineral, intractable hematological diseases/hemato-oncology, and rare diseases. A shared commitment to our values, to sustainable growth, and to making people smile unites us across the globe.  You can learn more about the business of Kyowa Kirin at www.kyowakirin.com.

COR-US-POT-0015 June 2026

CONTACT:

Susan Thiele
Head of Therapeutic Communications, North America
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9753764

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EMGA Secures USD 15 Million Senior Debt Facility for CDB

LONDON, June 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA) announced the successful closure of a USD 15 million senior debt facility for Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB), marking a significant milestone in strengthening Sri Lanka’s financial sector and supporting sustainable growth.

This transaction underscores EMGA’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka, while reinforcing CDB’s vision of expanding access to finance for SMEs and advancing its green portfolio. The facility was arranged in collaboration with Swedfund, Sweden’s development finance institution, which plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable economic development across emerging markets.

Commenting on the transaction, CDB’s MD/CEO Mahesh Nanayakkara stated, “This financing strengthens our ability to empower SMEs and accelerate our green initiatives, ensuring that CDB continues to play a leading role in shaping Sri Lanka’s sustainable financial future.”

Emphasising the strategic importance of the debt finance, Head of Investment Banking and Managing Director at EMGA Sajeev Chakkalakal said, “We are pleased to close this latest transaction and ensure CDB’s continued vision of supporting SMEs and its green portfolio in Sri Lanka, while simultaneously helping expand Swedfund’s ongoing operations in the region.”

Reflecting on the broader impact, Head of Operations and Managing Director at EMGA Jeremy Dobson noted: “Following several challenging years for Sri Lanka, EMGA has moved swiftly to capitalise on improving local conditions, strengthening CDB’s funding base and diversifying its sources of capital.”

Björn Areskog, Investment Director at Swedfund, said, “We invest to increase access to capital to support the ability of MSMEs to grow, create more local jobs, add tax revenues and increase affordable access to products and services.”

Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB): A leading non-bank financial institution in Sri Lanka, listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, recognised for its focus on sustainable finance, digital innovation, and SME empowerment.

Swedfund is Sweden’s development finance institution (DFI), wholly owned by the Swedish government, with a mandate to reduce poverty and promote sustainable economic development in emerging markets. Swedfund provides long-term financing in the form of equity, loans, and technical assistance, primarily targeting sectors such as financial institutions, energy, and sustainable enterprises. The organisation places strong emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, aiming to create lasting development impact while supporting responsible and inclusive business growth.

Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA), with offices in London and New York, helps financial institutions and corporates seeking new debt or equity capital. EMGA’s multinational team combines decades of experience necessary to complete transactions on behalf of its clients within the world’s emerging markets and frontier economies, including Sri Lanka, which remains a key market. With a proven track record in capital formation and strategic advisory throughout diverse economic cycles, EMGA is solidifying its position as one of the pre-eminent niche investment banks focused on emerging and frontier markets.

For further information, please contact [email protected]

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Introducing Circeus: The AI-Native Holding Company and Announcing New Equity Financing

The group behind Shop Circle launches Circeus as its holding company brand, backed by a new equity investment from the EBRD. Shop Circle continues as the group’s retail and commerce software division. The investment will accelerate the deployment of AI across the portfolio and fund the continued acquisition of the software businesses that power the everyday economy.

LONDON, June 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Circeus, the AI-native holding company for mission-critical software, today announced its launch alongside an equity investment from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with participation from other investors.

The launch introduces Circeus as the group’s holding company brand, reflecting the broader B2B software portfolio the group now operates with AI embedded throughout. The investment will help scale the group’s central AI engineering capability and support continued acquisitions.

The AI-native holding company

Circeus has completed 18 acquisitions over the last four years and serves more than 200,000 businesses worldwide. The group is scaling profitably and is adding more revenue this year than in the previous two years combined, with further acquisitions expected to complete over the coming months.

From strategy to results

Over the past three years, AI has moved from experimentation to scaled deployment across the portfolio. Today, this is visible in performance:

  • Double-digit share of net new bookings driven by AI-enabled features
  • Up to ~80% customer experience automation in several products
  • 100%+ improvements in developer productivity through AI-assisted workflows

These outcomes are consistent across multiple businesses, demonstrating a repeatable model that improves product performance, operational efficiency and post-acquisition EBITDA, rather than isolated successes.

A compounding model, with AI as the operating system

Circeus grows through a repeatable model: selectively acquiring software businesses and connecting them to a central AI capability, with agents and skills built once and deployed across the portfolio. Post-acquisition, Circeus embeds AI into products, automates operations, and reuses infrastructure, data, and insights across the group.

Each improvement compounds, creating a structural advantage difficult for standalone software businesses to replicate. AI is not a layer added on top of each product; it is the operating system of the group, moving software from systems of record to systems of action, and turning tasks into outcomes.

A permanent home for founders

Founders who sell to Circeus get a permanent home for their business: brands, teams, and customer relationships are preserved, while the group brings AI engineering, growth expertise, and centralised back-office support.

What they said

“As AI evolves software from passive tools into systems that act and execute, the addressable market for technology is expanding several-fold. We are building the platform to capture this shift. We were not running a fundraising process, as we are profitable and well capitalised, but we chose to make space for EBRD given their institutional standing and to lean further into a market that presents several attractive opportunities,” said Luca Cartechini, Founder and CEO of Circeus.

“Across different businesses, we have proven that evolving a product into its AI-native form can drive a step-change in the market it can address. The hard part is doing this repeatedly, and that is what we have built: a central engineering capability that turns each transformation into a foundation for the next,” said Gian Maria Gramondi, Founder and COO of Circeus.

“With more than $220m of total capital raised to date, we have substantial firepower to deploy in a highly attractive acquisition environment, with several deals expected to complete over the coming months. Deal after deal, we are proving a repeatable operating model that drives EBITDA uplift and strong returns across the assets we acquire and operate,” said Robin Hardt, CFO of Circeus.

“We are backing a team bringing AI to the essential software that businesses across our regions rely on every day, and Circeus’s compounding model aligns closely with EBRD’s long-term mandate. The market for bringing AI to the real economy is enormous, and we look forward to supporting Circeus, alongside a strong group of investors, across the journey,” said Bruno Lusic, Investor at EBRD.

EBRD’s long-term perspective aligns with Circeus’s approach to building compounding platforms over decades, not quarters. The investment brings the group’s total equity raised to more than $120m and total capital raised to more than $220m, with backing from NFX, QED Investors, Nextalia, 645 Ventures, 3VC, Endeavor Catalyst, CDP Venture Capital, alongside a $100m+ credit facility from i80 Group.

Looking ahead

Despite the pace of AI innovation, adoption across the real economy remains early. Only around one in five enterprises in Europe and the US currently report using AI. [1]

Circeus exists to help close the AI adoption gap by embedding frontier capabilities into the mission-critical software that businesses depend on. The everyday economy runs on software that moves goods, powers commerce and supports specialist industries. Circeus believes AI compounds most where domain knowledge runs deepest, making vertical software, with its proprietary workflows and data, central to the group’s portfolio.

The next generation of platforms will execute work, not just provide tools, and that shift is already underway.

About Circeus

Circeus is the AI-native holding company for mission-critical software. The group acquires and evolves vertical software businesses that power the everyday economy, embedding AI through its central engineering team to move software from systems of record to systems of action. Circeus operates from London, Milan and Sarajevo. Shop Circle, its commerce software division, serves retailers, wholesalers and brands worldwide.

About EBRD

The EBRD is one of the world’s leading multilateral development banks, with a portfolio of approximately €62 billion and more than €220 billion invested since 1991 across over 7,800 projects. The Bank also has dedicated equity capabilities, supporting private-sector growth, innovation and sustainable development across its regions.

Notes to editors

[1] Sources: Eurostat, “20% of EU enterprises use AI technologies”: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20251211-2;
US Census Bureau, “AI Use at U.S. Businesses”: https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2026/05/ai-use-businesses.html.

Both reports indicate business AI usage of approximately 20% in the EU and 17–20% in the US.

Media enquiries

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