The global venture capital firm has partnered with the Ministry’s Taiwan Tech Arena to raise the local ecosystem’s profile on the global stage

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 21 June 2021 – Global venture capital firm 500 Startups has partnered with Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA) under the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan. The two organizations are conducting the TTA Accelerator by 500 Startups (“Program”), which aims to accelerate the development of local and international startups in Taiwan, leading to the international growth of the startup ecosystem in the region.

The inaugural Program is part of TTA’s larger objective to further scale up Taiwan’s startup ecosystem, which has been ranked 7^th in the Asia-Pacific region and 30^th globally in terms of ecosystem strength^[1]. The Program is also designed to improve outcomes for Taiwan-based startups through capital commitment.

“As we enter a new era that prioritises greater innovation, inclusiveness and sustainability for all people and businesses, Taiwan must now harness the transformative power of technological innovation. As with Taiwan’s prior technological achievements, this can only be done by improving the synergy between local and international ecosystem stakeholders. With 500 Startups being our partner for the Program, we are poised to onboard the right talents into our country’s startup hub and subsequently raise the ability of Taiwan-based innovations to make a real difference on the global stage,” said a TTA representative.

“Given 500 Startups’ experience building technology ecosystems around the world, we will develop an accelerator program specifically designed to help local startups think and go global, and also to bring some of the world’s most innovative startups here to foster collaborative innovations that can create global impact. We are honoured to have the support of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Taiwan Tech Arena as we embark on this journey of scaling Taiwanese startups.” said Tony Wang, Managing Partner, 500 Startups.

Under the Program, 500 Startups will be running a series of workshops aimed at introducing 500 Startups’ global growth curriculum to local and international startups, and will be selecting 20 growth-stage startups to participate in an 8-week long accelerator program focusing on growth and globalisation. As is customary for 500 Startups’ programs, participating startups will enjoy ongoing access to 500 Startups’ global network of mentors, founders, and industry stakeholders. Adding to the globalization aspect of this program is the market access component, as 500 Startups and TTA intend to also select international startups that are interested in expanding in Taiwan to participate in this program.

Applications for the Program will open on 15 July 2021. Information will be shared on the website here. Startups interested in receiving an exclusive look at what it’s like to be in a 500 Startups program and tips when applying can register for the upcoming workshop series here.

About 500 Startups

500 Startups is one of the most active global early-stage venture capital firms. Since its inception in 2010, 500 Startups has invested in over 2,500 companies across 77 countries. Its 140-plus team members are located in more than 15 countries to support 500 Startups’ global portfolio. Notable investments include Credit Karma, Canva, Talkdesk, Intercom, GitLab, Grab and Bukalapak.

500 Startups also helps develop innovation ecosystems by partnering with governments and foundations to build tailored accelerator programs, and with corporations to build internal venture building capacity and to undertake external innovation partnerships with startups. 500 Startups also trains investors through educational programs. 500 Startups has run more than 50 growth and accelerator programs for over 1,500 startups worldwide.

About Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA)

Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA) is a deep tech startup ecosystem building program bringing academic/R&D talents, startups, accelerators, corporate and investors under one roof.

Located in Taipei Arena with 30,000+ sq ft co-working and event space specifically designed for tech innovation, Taiwan Tech Arena aims to cultivate deep technology entrepreneurship, foster commercialization of innovation and build a vibrant cross border deep tech startup ecosystem.

#500Startups

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 21 June 2021 – VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch has been awarded ‘Best Boutique Private Bank’ at the 9th annual WealthBriefingAsia Awards 2021. The win is testament to the bank’s long-standing expertise and commitment to its valued clients across Asia-Pacific.

Through its two strategic pillars – private banking and intermediaries, VP Bank has established a long-standing tradition and deep understanding of the needs of intermediaries and private clients in the Asian market. As a trusted wealth partner, VP Bank offers bespoke services to clients in wealth planning, asset management and strategic financial advisory.

“We are honoured to be recognised by WealthBriefingAsia as the Best Boutique Private Bank for 2021. Thank you to all our employees, clients and partners for their support and trust that contributed towards our achievement. We continue to be in a strong position to provide our clients with an integrated offering through our Singapore wealth hub, drawing on our international expertise, ecosystem of partners and long-standing experience in serving our Intermediaries and Private Banking clients in Asia,” said Thomas Rupf, Chief Executive Officer ad interim at VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch.

“After announcing the appointment of Pamela Hsu Phua as CEO of VP Bank Asia, effective 1 July 2021, we see this further award for VP Bank in Singapore as an impressive confirmation of our location strategy with its focus on Asia. In order to seize and benefit from the emerging opportunities ahead, VP Bank has geared its Strategy 2026 towards becoming an international Open Wealth Service pioneer for intermediaries and private clients,” added Paul Arni, Chief Executive Officer of VP Bank Group.

Commenting on VP Bank’s win, Stephen Harris, ClearView Financial Media’s Chief Executive Officer, and Publisher of WealthBriefing, said, “The awards recognise the very best organisations in Asia wealth management, with ‘independence’, ‘integrity’ and ‘genuine insight’ the watchwords of the judging process – such that the awards truly reflect excellence in Asia wealth management. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to VP Bank for being awarded the Best Boutique Bank for 2021.”

Showcasing the best in Asia, WealthBriefingAsia awards have been designed to recognise outstanding organisations deemed to have demonstrated innovation and excellence during the last year. Winning such an award gives clients the reassurance in the solidity and sustainability of VP bank’s businesses and operating model, especially in these challenging times.

About VP Bank Group

VP Bank Ltd was founded in 1956 and, with its 990 employees (917 in full-time equivalents) at the end of 2020 ranks amongst the largest banks in Liechtenstein. VP Bank is present with offices in Vaduz, Zurich, Luxembourg, Singapore, Hong Kong and Road Town (British Virgin Islands). VP Bank Group offers comprehensive wealth management solutions for intermediaries and private individuals. VP Bank is listed on the Swiss stock exchange. It has an “A” rating from Standard & Poor’s as a well-capitalised and secure bank. It provides independent advice and access to leading investment houses through its open architecture. A standout feature of VP Bank is its strength in working with financial intermediaries and wealth managers to offer best in class solutions for clients.

About VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch

VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch is a boutique private bank with a client-centric business philosophy. With a presence in Singapore since 2008, it is the Asian branch of the Liechtenstein-based VP Bank Group.

VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch provides specialised wealth management solutions and family office services for high-net-worth clients and professional asset managers and is dedicated to the protection and growth of clients’ wealth. The bank offers a holistic suite of services in wealth management. Apart from private wealth management, VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch provides comprehensive services for asset managers and other financial intermediaries. The service offering comprises a trading platform, banking services – including e-banking and mobile banking – and operational support. Partnership arrangements with professionals include tailor-made investment advisory, discretionary management solutions, and custodian services.

VP Bank was awarded Best External Asset Manager Service Provider and Best Private Banking Regional Partnership at Greater China WealthBriefingAsia Awards for Excellence 2020 and Best Asia EAM Service Desk at Citywire Asia EAM Desk Awards 2020. In 2021, VP Bank was named Best Private Bank – Intermediary Services by Asian Private Banker as well as Best Boutique Private Bank by WealthBriefingAsia.

#VPBank

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Media OutReach – 21 June 2021 – The Digital Transformation Forum 2021 – The business landscape has changed, and it will only continue to do so. In this time of technological disruption, it is an undeniable fact that organisations must gear up towards being equipped with the necessary digital and management skills to adapt and innovate.

The virtual DTF 2021 congress is aimed at imparting knowledge on how technologies like Artificial intelligence (AI), IoT, Analytics, Blockchain, Machine Learning, Cloud & Edge Computing, and Gamification can offer immense opportunities for companies to develop resilient business models in the face of this unceasing change.

Attendees of the virtual congress will examine how to enact resilient, long-term, cloud-based digital infrastructures that drive the future-of-work, future-of-connectedness, data management, connected digital experiences and digital innovation strategies in order to help organisations in determining what digital transformation means for them.

Join IT News Africa on the 29^th of June and find out how to take control of your company’s digital transformation.

Key Topics to be covered at this year’s DTF include:

5G & Digital Transformation Go Mainstream – How will this shape enterprise Digital adoption – Marc Jadoul, Market Strategist Director at Nokia

Digital Transformations Importance for Enterprise in the Post-COVID World – James Scott, Chief Digital Officer – Wholesale – Barclays Africa Group

Hybrid Workplaces: Digital Transformation and the Future of Work – Dr Dieter Veldsman, Grp. Exec. – People Management, Momentum Metropolitan Holdings Limited

Accelerating Future Digital Transformation Initiatives for Customer Experience Success – Brett StClair, Teraflow.AI CEO & Co-Founder, Ex-Barclays Africa Digital Executive and Ex-Google Cloud African Regional Executive – DTF’s International Keynote Speaker

Confirmed speakers for DTF2021 include:

• Robin Fisher, Senior Vice President Israel, Middle East And Africa At Salesforce
• Tumi Ramonotsi m.Inst.d, Executive Partner , Emea Cee & Russia, Gartner
• James Scott, Chief Digital Officer- Wholesale, Barclays Africa Group Limited
• Sean Riley, Chief Executive Officer Of Ad Dynamo
• Brett Stclair, Teraflow.Ai CEO & Co-founder, Ex-barclays Africa Digital Executive and Ex-google Cloud African Regional Executive, International Keynote Speaker
• Marc Jadoul, Market Strategist Director at Nokia
• Michael Njenga, Regional Head Of IT Services, KPMG East Africa
• Thayendran Naidoo, Convergehealth Africa Leader | Deloitte & Touché
• Duke Mathebula, Head of IT-business Applications: Africa Saint-gobain Africa
• Dr Dieter Veldsman, Group Exec – People Management, Momentum Metropolitan Holdings Limited
• Fabio Longano, Founder And Managing Director at Touchfoundry
• Andy Jury, Group CEO Of Mukuru
• Hendrik Malan, CEO Frost & Sullivan

Attendees of #DTF2021 qualify for 5 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points from the Institute Of Chartered IT Professionals (ICITP)

For more information on the Forum and to register visit: https://itnewsafrica.com/events/event/digital-transformation-congress-webinar/

#DTF2021