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Vector Innovation Fund Announces Launch of First Advanced Technology Focused Sub-fund for Pandemic Protection

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the Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs)

Vector Innovation Fund Announces Launch of First Advanced Technology Focused Sub-fund for Pandemic Protection

Vector Innovation Fund GP S.à.r.l. (VIF) has now launched an expected $300 million pandemic protection sub-fund 1. This first sub-fund aims to invest in technologies for pandemic protection and future healthcare, aiding and supporting precision medicine, highly advanced point of care and AI technologies to support the global economy, sustainable healthcare, and life longevity. This first sub-fund’s objective is to target commitments totalling $300m due to a strong deal flow, with an expected first close of $120m and a final close expected within 19 months.

The General Partners have an excellent track record in industry, healthcare, technology and investment, with 21 exits and a total value creation of $2.4billion, including two successful IPOs.

VIF is a Reserved Alternative Investment Fund based in Luxembourg has just been incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as a corporate partnership limited by shares (société en commandite par actions) qualifying as an investment company with variable capital – reserved alternative investment fund (société d’investissement à capital variable – fonds d’investissement alternatif réservé) under the RAIF Law.

VIF has been set up as an umbrella structure with sub-fund Vector Innovation Fund – Pandemic Protection Fund 1 at incorporation date. The General Partner might, at its discretion, launch additional sub-funds (which may be open-ended or close-ended) each of which is represented by one or more Classes of Shares. The fund qualifies as an AIF within the meaning of the AIFM Law.

Each sub-fund shall constitute a distinct and segregated part of the assets and liabilities of VIF’s umbrella structure.

Economic forecasters say fallout from COVID-19 is driving huge investment within AI and Nanotechnology as healthcare investment is expected to grow at a rate of nearly 50% extra a year towards a market set to be worth $1.333 trillion by 2027, according to Precedence Research 2020.

The Pandemic Protection sub-fund 1 plans to invest in sophisticated biotech and nanotechnology-based diagnostics, biomarkers, vaccines, novel therapies, highly targeted nanomedicines, and AI, allowing us to move to a more sustainable, digitised, decentralised and democratised point-of-care environment.  The world cannot afford another pandemic, the ongoing impact of long Covid symptoms will have a profound effect on healthcare provision for the next five to ten years. The world of investment, industry and governments are gearing up to be better prepared and are funding future the proof technologies for global health.

These dynamic investments will help to potentially free up our economies and future-proof us from infectious diseases as well as develop solutions to antibiotic resistance, another global healthcare challenge that only technology can solve.

VIF, represented by its managing general partner Vector Innovation GP, has also appointed Fuchs Asset Management S.A., led by CEO Timothe Fuchs. Fuchs Asset Management S.A. is a public limited liability company based in Luxembourg, as the qualified Fund Manager (AIFM) governed under Luxembourg law for reserved alternative investment funds under RAIF Law 2016.

The appointed investment advisor for the fund is Enabling Tech Investment Advisors S.À R.L. who is also based and incorporated in Luxembourg under Luxembourg law. VIF’s depository bank is Banque de Luxembourg. Other international service providers include Maitland, Ashurst, The World Nano Foundation and World Science Aid.

The fund has brought together some of the world’s leading figures in biomedicine, advanced diagnostics, nano biomarkers, telemedicine, AI and machine learning to accelerate these transformational technologies into the markets, backed by sophisticated, UHNW and institutional investors creating potentially one of the most dynamic international investment structures.

VIF’s fund investment strategy looks to deliver 25-30% estimated gross IRR, 4x MOIC over the life of the fund with an estimate of 10-12 diversified investments per sub-fund.

Each prospect company seeking investment from VIF must demonstrate to our investment advisors, our global advisory board, investment committee and fund managers, their ability to commercialise highly disruptive technology globally. For this, VIF uses its unique proprietary rating system for strategy implementation, using world-class benchmark modelling for technology and healthcare investment.

The Fund’s Enabling Technology Investment Advisors and global advisory board are international leaders in these fields of expertise. This has been demonstrated via previous start ups that have gone on to become ‘unicorns’, as well as our team’s wider experience with large conglomerates in terms of advising and supporting them on strategy, scaling or commercialising disruptive innovations in international markets.

One international investment platform is a Pandemic Protection alternative investment fund operated by Vector Innovation Fund in Luxembourg focused on limiting the effect of long form Covid-19, insulating the world against the impact of future pandemics, whilst minimising any impact on the global economy and healthcare provision and preparedness. As well as this, the fund is committed to enhancing the development and prevalence of nanotechnology in healthcare.

The Vector Innovation Fund is a Reserved Alternative Investment Fund (RAIF) specialising in support for technology companies able to transform global markets, notably in global healthcare, sustainability and longevity. These transformational technologies come from the nanotechnology, biotech, AI and machine learning, medical devices, therapies and digital health sectors.

Is the CEO and Founder of Investors King Limited. He is a seasoned foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and other prominent platforms. With over two decades of experience in global financial markets, Olukoya is well-recognized in the industry.

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E-commerce

Nigerians To Enjoy 85% Discount On Groceries, Phones, Home Appliances, Others As Konga Begins Yakata Black Friday Sale

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Konga

Consumers in Nigeria now have opportunity to get 85 percent discount on products of their choice in this year’s yuletide as Konga, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce group, has officially commenced its highly anticipated annual Konga Yakata Black Friday sale.

The offer that was launched on Friday, November 1st, will run through November 30th, 2024.

The Konga Yakata Black Friday campaign is a unique opportunity for Nigerian consumers to access premium products at unbeatable prices, while also benefiting from Konga’s trusted logistics and payment solutions. Shoppers are encouraged to visit Konga.com to take advantage of these exceptional offers throughout November.

According to the management of the firm, this year’s Yakata sale brings unbeatable offers across all Konga subsidiaries, including Konga Online, Konga Retail, KongaPay, Konga Travel and Tours, Konga Health, and Konga Logistics.

Touted as the “Biggest Sale of the Year,” Konga Yakata Black Friday offers consumers the opportunity to enjoy up to 85% discount on a wide range of products across categories, including groceries, phones and accessories, home appliances, fashion, and beauty.

It is believed that the sale campaign will usher significant relief to shoppers as Konga moves to cushion the effect of the nation’s harsh economic realities.

As a trusted and authorized retailer of leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Konga provides shoppers with unmatched access to genuine products from renowned brands such as Starlink, L’Oreal, Apple, Samsung, Philips, Zinox, Nokia, Hisense, Oppo, Infinix, Lenovo, and HP.

It further asked consumers to expect not only the convenience of authentic goods but also a distinct pricing advantage on these premium brands.

The Yakata campaign also supports Nigerian small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) by driving consumer demand through nationwide awareness and promoting e-commerce adoption.

It indicated that Konga has invested significantly in creating awareness for Yakata, enabling more Nigerians to leverage online shopping for their essential needs and lifestyle desires.

For this year’s offer, the deals do not end on Konga.com alone as Konga, through its subsidiaries, provides exclusive deals to customers during the Yakata period:

Konga Travel and Tours affiliates and top clients were asked to watch out for perks including free weekend hotel accommodations, and a zero-service charge for corporate clients who book travel during the Yakata campaign.

Konga Health is offering exciting discounts on renowned brands like CeraVe and on your favourite beauty and health products. Customers can also use your favourite Konga Health influencer’s voucher code to unlock even more exclusive deals and freebies! Stay tuned to Konga Health’s social media pages for the latest updates and announcements.

KongaPay is offering shoppers who use KongaPay for purchases on Konga.com will receive a 10% discount, with additional benefits like 10% off on bill payments including electricity, cable TV, and data.

It added that users who maintain a savings balance of at least NGN50,000 are eligible for a 15% annual interest rate. As part of a special promotion, shoppers who use KongaPay also stand a chance to win cash prizes in a 100k giveaway. To qualify, customers simply need to download the KongaPay app and create an account in minutes.

Assuring customers of a seamless delivery system, Konga Logistics noted that it offers delivery at competitive, discounted rates. Konga Logistics assured that a seamless shopping experience with reliable and affordable delivery options for all purchases made during the Yakata season.

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MTN Nigeria Strengthens Working Capital By Raising N50bn In New Commercial Paper

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MTN

MTN Nigeria Communications PLC (MTN Nigeria) has disclosed plans to raise N50 billion through its latest issuance of commercial paper (CP) to boost its working capital.

The plan is under N250 billion Commercial Paper Issuance Programme.

Not only that this Series 11 and 12 CP issuance is expected to strengthen MTN Nigeria’s short-term working capital, it will also diversify its financing base.

A notification to the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public further revealed that this proposed issuance is part of MTN Nigeria’s ongoing strategy to tap the debt market as a flexible funding source to meet immediate financial needs.

It builds upon the company’s series of CP issuances in the past year as it pursues a robust approach to balance its capital structure.

The funds are expected to support the company’s operational and growth requirements as it seeks to expand its infrastructure, improve service delivery, and cater to the increasing demand for telecommunications and digital services across Nigeria.

MTN’s financial statement as of September 2024 suggests it has negative working capital of about N1.49 trillion

The cash flow is necessary in order to enable the company meet cash flow demands and service short-term debt without over-relying on long-term financing

This approach provides financial flexibility, allowing MTN Nigeria to manage interest costs and adjust its debt profile in line with operational cash flow, which is critical for a company with significant external loans.

The issuance also serves the broader purpose of diversifying MTN Nigeria’s financing sources, reducing reliance on bank loans, and maintaining a balance between short- and long-term debt.

This financial strategy not only enhances MTN’s liquidity but also positions it to better withstand the economic challenges in Nigeria’s volatile business environment.

While the company has yet to disclose specific terms of the Series 11 and 12 notes, further details are expected to be shared in the coming weeks.

 

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E-commerce

Jumia Nigeria Launches Black Friday Offers, Extends Services To Smaller Towns, Villages

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Jumia - Investors King

Jumia Nigeria has launched its Black Friday deals and offers as consumers in smaller towns and villages nationwide now have access to its shopping experiences.

The company disclosed that it is expanding e-commerce access bearing in mind that the prevalent economic downturn in the country is having its tolls on many Nigerians, especially those in rural communities.

It disclosed that the campaign will run from November 1st to November 30th, 2024 with the theme ‘No Too Calculate’.

Reiterating its commitment to creating a simpler, stress-free shopping experience for Nigerians amid economic challenges, Jumia promised to allow consumers to enjoy great savings without budgetary worries.

Disclosing that this year’s Black Friday campaign is supported by Xiaomi as the platinum partner, alongside renowned brands such as Oraimo, Nivea, Infinix, Tecno, Itel, Haier Thermocool, Binatone, Pernod Ricard, Diageo, Bacardi, Hikers, Ecoflow, Skyrun, Glamstar, Ledrop, Unilever, Macallan, LG, and others, the CEO, Jumia Nigeria, Sunil Natraj stressed that the campaign is about making e-commerce more accessible to consumers in Nigeria.

Recognising the current economic situation in the country , Natraj said Jumia has worked closely with its brand partners to offer the best possible deals to consumers during this period.

According to him, Jumia expanded its network of Pickup Stations to ensure that even more consumers, regardless of their location, can benefit from the convenience of online shopping.

Harping on the company’s priority of creating real value for both its consumers and sellers through its extensive ecosystem, the CEO said those in rural areas would easily participate in the online shopping and get their delivery seamlessly.

For the Country Manager, Xiaomi Nigeria, Xingyu Yang, everyone deserves access to the latest cutting-edge technology, noting that Jumia Black Friday is the perfect opportunity for consumers to experience Xiaomi’s nnovative products at unbeatable prices.

He said since Jumia introduced Black Friday to Nigeria in 2014, the company has continued to unlock new opportunities for both consumers and businesses, expressing confidence that Nigeria will play a pivotal role in projection that online shopping in Africa will reach $75 billion by 2025.

He added that the Black Friday campaign serves as a powerful platform for international and local brands as well as SMEs to expand their reach and boost sales.

To make the online shopping and delivery easier, Yang stated that Jumia has extended its logistics network and has partnered with hundreds of local logistics service providers that will ensure easy delivery to all corners of Nigeria, including smaller towns and rural areas.

Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 2019, Jumia is the leading e-commerce company in Africa, operating in 11 countries. The Jumia platform consists of a marketplace, which connects sellers with consumers, a logistics service, which enables the shipment and delivery of packages from sellers to consumers, and a payment service, JumiaPay, which offers a safe and easy solution to facilitate online payment transactions.

The company offers goods across a broad range of categories, such as phones and electronics, home appliances, fast-moving consumer goods, fashion and beauty.

 

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