Latest news with #AndrewHarkness
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fair Aim Capital Launches £30m Investment Fund to Bridge AI Transformation Gap for UK SMEs
New family-backed fund targets revenue acceleration through AI and digital marketing for mid-market businesses as 68% of UK SMEs do not use AI technologies. LONDON, July 15, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fair Aim Capital, a newly formed family-backed investment firm, today announced the launch of its £30 million fund dedicated to acquiring and transforming UK small and medium-sized enterprises through AI implementation and digital marketing optimisation. The fund addresses a critical market gap as ONS research reveals 68% of UK SMEs do not use artificial intelligence technologies, despite SMEs representing 99.8% of all UK businesses and employing 60% of private sector workers. Furthermore, 69% have no plans to do so in the next 3 months. The investment firm will target profitable UK businesses generating £1-3 million EBITDA, acquiring majority stakes and working alongside management teams to implement AI-first operating models that accelerate revenue growth. "We're witnessing a concerning divergence in the UK economy," said Andrew Harkness, CEO of Fair Aim Capital. "Large enterprises are investing heavily in AI transformation and pulling ahead, whilst the backbone of our economy, SMEs that employ three in five workers, risk being permanently left behind. This isn't about lacking ambition; it's about lacking the capital, expertise, and bandwidth to execute meaningful change." Recent data from LinkedIn shows that amongst early AI adopters, 76% report substantial time savings and 50% achieve revenue growth exceeding 10% within 24 months, gains that successful businesses are reinvesting in innovation and customer relationships rather than workforce reductions. Fair Aim Capital plans to invest in 3-5 assets over the next 3-4 years, working as transformation partners rather than traditional financial investors, with target exits in 3-5 years. "AI transformation isn't about replacing people, it's about freeing talented teams to focus on creativity, strategy, and high-value client work that drives revenue acceleration," explained Alan Lipschitz, Founder of Fair Aim Capital, who previously led marketing technology company Incubeta to global scale before its successful exit to Carlyle in 2023. "AI-enabled businesses will command premium valuations compared to traditional operations." The fund targets business services and professional services sectors where AI applications can deliver immediate improvements to customer acquisition, customer experience and operations. "The window for transformation is closing rapidly," added Harkness, who brings 15+ years of private equity-backed leadership experience. "SMEs that act decisively in the next 12-18 months will establish competitive advantages that compound for years." About Fair Aim Capital Fair Aim Capital is a family-backed investment firm focused on acquiring and transforming UK lower mid-market businesses through AI and digital marketing driven growth. Founded by serial entrepreneur Alan Lipschitz and led by CEO Andrew Harkness, the firm combines capital with hands-on operational expertise to create long-term value for all stakeholders. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Andrew Harkness, andrew@
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Fair Aim Capital Launches £30m Investment Fund to Bridge AI Transformation Gap for UK SMEs
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fair Aim Capital, a newly formed family-backed investment firm, today announced the launch of its £30 million fund dedicated to acquiring and transforming UK small and medium-sized enterprises through AI implementation and digital marketing optimisation. The fund addresses a critical market gap as ONS research reveals 68% of UK SMEs do not use artificial intelligence technologies, despite SMEs representing 99.8% of all UK businesses and employing 60% of private sector workers. Furthermore, 69% have no plans to do so in the next 3 months. Fair Aim Capital launches £30m investment fund to bridge AI transformation gap for UK SMEs as they risk being left behind. ONS research reveals 68% of UK SMEs do not use AI technologies, despite SMEs representing 99.8% of all UK businesses. Share The investment firm will target profitable UK businesses generating £1-3 million EBITDA, acquiring majority stakes and working alongside management teams to implement AI-first operating models that accelerate revenue growth. "We're witnessing a concerning divergence in the UK economy," said Andrew Harkness, CEO of Fair Aim Capital. "Large enterprises are investing heavily in AI transformation and pulling ahead, whilst the backbone of our economy, SMEs that employ three in five workers, risk being permanently left behind. This isn't about lacking ambition; it's about lacking the capital, expertise, and bandwidth to execute meaningful change." Recent data from LinkedIn shows that amongst early AI adopters, 76% report substantial time savings and 50% achieve revenue growth exceeding 10% within 24 months, gains that successful businesses are reinvesting in innovation and customer relationships rather than workforce reductions. Fair Aim Capital plans to invest in 3-5 assets over the next 3-4 years, working as transformation partners rather than traditional financial investors, with target exits in 3-5 years. "AI transformation isn't about replacing people, it's about freeing talented teams to focus on creativity, strategy, and high-value client work that drives revenue acceleration," explained Alan Lipschitz, Founder of Fair Aim Capital, who previously led marketing technology company Incubeta to global scale before its successful exit to Carlyle in 2023. "AI-enabled businesses will command premium valuations compared to traditional operations." The fund targets business services and professional services sectors where AI applications can deliver immediate improvements to customer acquisition, customer experience and operations. "The window for transformation is closing rapidly," added Harkness, who brings 15+ years of private equity-backed leadership experience. "SMEs that act decisively in the next 12-18 months will establish competitive advantages that compound for years." About Fair Aim Capital Fair Aim Capital is a family-backed investment firm focused on acquiring and transforming UK lower mid-market businesses through AI and digital marketing driven growth. Founded by serial entrepreneur Alan Lipschitz and led by CEO Andrew Harkness, the firm combines capital with hands-on operational expertise to create long-term value for all stakeholders.
Business Wire
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Wallbox and Nissan Canada Launch Nationwide Home EV Charging Partnership
BARCELONA, Spain--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wallbox (NYSE:WBX), a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging and energy management solutions, today announced a new partnership with Nissan Canada to launch a nationwide integrated home charging solution for Nissan electric vehicle owners. As part of this program, RocketEV, one of Canada's leading EV charger installers, will provide professional installation services, helping deliver a seamless, one-stop shop experience for both new and existing Nissan EV drivers. The program is designed to simplify the home charging journey and make it more accessible to a broader audience. Starting in May, Nissan EV owners across Canada will be able to purchase Wallbox's Pulsar Plus home charger and schedule installation through their local Nissan dealer or directly via the Nissan Canada website. This end-to-end solution offers a convenient, turnkey experience for EV drivers looking to charge at home with confidence. 'Our goal is to make home charging effortless and accessible for every EV driver,' said Douglas Alfaro, Chief Business Development Officer at Wallbox. 'Together with Nissan, we're helping shape a future where owning an electric vehicle is simpler, smarter, and more connected to people's everyday lives.' Pulsar Plus is Wallbox's best-selling home charger, trusted by drivers around the world for its speed, reliability, and sleek, compact design. It's designed to fit seamlessly into a variety of residential settings, including single-family homes, apartment buildings, and other multi-unit dwellings. 'As we continue our efforts to make EVs more accessible, this new partnership with Wallbox and RocketEV allows us to offer a simple solution for EV owners looking to install a home charger,' said Andrew Harkness, Director of Dealer Network Development, Electrification and Corporate Strategy at Nissan Canada Inc. 'The initiative will make it easier and more convenient for more consumers to switch to EVs.' This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to accelerating the transition to electric mobility in Canada. By combining Wallbox's cutting-edge charging technology, Nissan's legacy in EV innovation, and RocketEV's installation expertise, the initiative aims to remove barriers and deliver a more seamless ownership experience for current and future EV drivers. About Wallbox Wallbox is a global technology company, dedicated to changing the way the world uses energy. Wallbox creates advanced electric vehicle charging and energy management systems that redefine the relationship between users and the network. Wallbox goes beyond charging electric vehicles to give users the power to control their consumption, save money and live more sustainably. Wallbox offers a complete portfolio of charging and energy management solutions for residential, semi-public, and public use in more than 100 countries around the world. Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, where the company's headquarters are located, Wallbox currently has offices across Europe, Asia, and America. For more information, visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act') and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 'Exchange Act'). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding Wallbox's future operating results and financial position, long term profitability and costs optimization, business strategy and plans and market opportunity. The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'can,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'focus,' 'forecast,' 'intend,' 'likely,' 'may,' 'might,' 'plan,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' ''target,' will,' 'would' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: Wallbox's history of operating losses as an early stage company; the adoption and demand for electric vehicles including the success of alternative fuels, changes to rebates, tax credits and the impact of government incentives; Wallbox's ability to successfully manage its growth; the accuracy of Wallbox's forecasts and projections including those regarding its market opportunity; competition; risks related to losses or disruptions in Wallbox's supply or manufacturing partners; impacts resulting from geopolitical conflicts; risks related to macro-economic conditions and inflation; Wallbox's reliance on the third-parties outside of its control; risks related to Wallbox's technology, intellectual property and infrastructure; occurrence of any public health crisis or similar global events as well as the other important factors discussed under the caption 'Risk Factors' in Wallbox's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as such factors may be updated from time to time in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'), accessible on the SEC's website at and the Investors Relations section of Wallbox's website at Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates as of the date of this press release. Any forward-looking statement that Wallbox makes in this press release speaks only as of the date of such statement. Except as required by law, Wallbox disclaims any obligation to update or revise, or to publicly announce any update or revision to, any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
National Post
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- National Post
Wallbox and Nissan Canada Launch Nationwide Home EV Charging Partnership
Article content BARCELONA, Spain — Wallbox (NYSE:WBX), a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging and energy management solutions, today announced a new partnership with Nissan Canada to launch a nationwide integrated home charging solution for Nissan electric vehicle owners. Article content Article content As part of this program, RocketEV, one of Canada's leading EV charger installers, will provide professional installation services, helping deliver a seamless, one-stop shop experience for both new and existing Nissan EV drivers. The program is designed to simplify the home charging journey and make it more accessible to a broader audience. Article content Starting in May, Nissan EV owners across Canada will be able to purchase Wallbox's Pulsar Plus home charger and schedule installation through their local Nissan dealer or directly via the Nissan Canada website. This end-to-end solution offers a convenient, turnkey experience for EV drivers looking to charge at home with confidence. Article content 'Our goal is to make home charging effortless and accessible for every EV driver,' said Douglas Alfaro, Chief Business Development Officer at Wallbox. 'Together with Nissan, we're helping shape a future where owning an electric vehicle is simpler, smarter, and more connected to people's everyday lives.' Article content Pulsar Plus is Wallbox's best-selling home charger, trusted by drivers around the world for its speed, reliability, and sleek, compact design. It's designed to fit seamlessly into a variety of residential settings, including single-family homes, apartment buildings, and other multi-unit dwellings. Article content 'As we continue our efforts to make EVs more accessible, this new partnership with Wallbox and RocketEV allows us to offer a simple solution for EV owners looking to install a home charger,' said Andrew Harkness, Director of Dealer Network Development, Electrification and Corporate Strategy at Nissan Canada Inc. 'The initiative will make it easier and more convenient for more consumers to switch to EVs.' Article content This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to accelerating the transition to electric mobility in Canada. By combining Wallbox's cutting-edge charging technology, Nissan's legacy in EV innovation, and RocketEV's installation expertise, the initiative aims to remove barriers and deliver a more seamless ownership experience for current and future EV drivers. Article content About Wallbox Article content Wallbox is a global technology company, dedicated to changing the way the world uses energy. Wallbox creates advanced electric vehicle charging and energy management systems that redefine the relationship between users and the network. Wallbox goes beyond charging electric vehicles to give users the power to control their consumption, save money and live more sustainably. Wallbox offers a complete portfolio of charging and energy management solutions for residential, semi-public, and public use in more than 100 countries around the world. Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, where the company's headquarters are located, Wallbox currently has offices across Europe, Asia, and America. For more information, visit Article content This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act') and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 'Exchange Act'). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding Wallbox's future operating results and financial position, long term profitability and costs optimization, business strategy and plans and market opportunity. The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'can,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'focus,' 'forecast,' 'intend,' 'likely,' 'may,' 'might,' 'plan,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' ''target,' will,' 'would' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: Wallbox's history of operating losses as an early stage company; the adoption and demand for electric vehicles including the success of alternative fuels, changes to rebates, tax credits and the impact of government incentives; Wallbox's ability to successfully manage its growth; the accuracy of Wallbox's forecasts and projections including those regarding its market opportunity; competition; risks related to losses or disruptions in Wallbox's supply or manufacturing partners; impacts resulting from geopolitical conflicts; risks related to macro-economic conditions and inflation; Wallbox's reliance on the third-parties outside of its control; risks related to Wallbox's technology, intellectual property and infrastructure; occurrence of any public health crisis or similar global events as well as the other important factors discussed under the caption 'Risk Factors' in Wallbox's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as such factors may be updated from time to time in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'), accessible on the SEC's website at and the Investors Relations section of Wallbox's website at Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates as of the date of this press release. Any forward-looking statement that Wallbox makes in this press release speaks only as of the date of such statement. Except as required by law, Wallbox disclaims any obligation to update or revise, or to publicly announce any update or revision to, any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
