Latest news with #ChrisPayne
Cision Canada
15 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
4AG Robotics Raises $40 Million Series B to Accelerate Global Adoption of Autonomous Mushroom Harvesting
, July 29, 2025 /CNW/ - 4AG Robotics, the global pioneer in fully autonomous mushroom harvesting, today announced the close of its $40 million CAD Series B financing, led by Astanor and Cibus Capital, with support from new investor Voyager Capital and existing investors InBC, Emmertech, BDC Industrial Innovation Fund, Jim Richardson Family Office, Stray Dog Capital and Seraph Group. This round follows a $17.5 million round in 2023, bringing total capital raised to $57.5 million in the past two years. The funding positions 4AG to meet surging global demand for its robotic harvesting platform, already in use across Canada, Ireland, and Australia, with new deployments soon to be underway in the Netherlands and the United States. "This funding helps us leap from a start-up proving our product works to a scale-up manufacturer trying to keep pace with demand," said Sean O'Connor, CEO of 4AG Robotics. "In just two and a half years, we've gone from asking farms to trial our technology to having deposits for over 40 additional robots. As one of the first companies to fully automate the human hand in produce harvesting, we're ushering in a new era for mushroom farming." 4AG's system uses AI-powered computer vision, precision suction grippers, and advanced motion control to autonomously harvest, trim, and pack mushrooms 24/7—without manual labor. Designed to retrofit into existing Dutch-rack infrastructure, the robots enable consistent quality, reduced labour costs, and real-time operational data for growers. "What sets us apart is we are not just a theoretical robotics project that works in a controlled lab environment—it's the real world experience and the systems thinking that is critical to working with the complexity of real farm environments, and being able to deliver commercially successful automation into those environments" said Chris Payne, COO of 4AG Robotics. The investment marks Astanor's entry as a major partner to 4AG Robotics. "We believe that, of all the agricultural sectors, mushrooms are the most poised for robotic solutions—and we believe that 4AG is not only the clear global leader today, but also has the potential, thanks to AI advances and their rich image data, to drive up yields and reduce inputs across the industry. 4AG could be at the forefront of the transformation of agriculture through AI and robotics," said Harry Briggs, Partner at Astanor Ventures. Cibus Capital, a leading agri-food tech investor based in the UK, also joined the round to support 4AG's continued expansion into Europe and beyond. "We are very excited to partner with 4AG, the global leader in agricultural harvesting robotics. Mushroom farming presents an enormous opportunity to utilise robotics and AI to drive labour optimisation together with higher yields and improved quality," said Archie Burgess, Investment Director at Cibus Capital. "The impressive 4AG team has already developed a fleet of robots that pick up to 1 million mushrooms per week. We look forward to supporting them in accelerating this trajectory." The global mushroom sector—expected to surpass $70 billion by 2030—continues to face labour shortages and margin pressure. In western markets, harvesting accounts for up to 50% of production costs. These challenges are amplified by the constant need of harvesting, with mushrooms doubling in size every 24 hours, and farms needing to harvest their crops everyday of the year. 4AG's plug-and-play robotic fleet offers growers a path to long-term competitiveness without reconfiguring their entire operation. "We're not just building robots—we're building a new operating system for the mushroom industry," said Michelle Lim, VP of Growth at 4AG Robotics. "Growers want tech that works out of the box, delivers ROI in under three years, and scales globally. That's what we've built. And this funding gives us the fuel to move even faster." With this capital, 4AG Robotics will: Expand its manufacturing footprint in Salmon Arm, BC Grow its field service and customer success teams Accelerate development of next-gen features like punnet packing, disease detection, and AI-driven yield optimization About Astanor Astanor is a leading impact investor transforming the agrifood sector, "from soil to gut" by backing ambitious entrepreneurs building scalable solutions for a regenerative, climate-positive future. Learn more at About Cibus Capital Cibus Capital is a London-based sustainable food and agriculture investment firm advising over USD 1 billion. Founded in 2016, the Cibus funds invest in companies transforming the food and agriculture value chain towards commercial viability, sustainability and resilience. Learn more at About 4AG Robotics 4AG Robotics builds fully autonomous harvesting systems that replace manual labour in commercial mushroom farms. Its AI-powered robots pick, trim, and pack mushrooms directly from existing infrastructure—around the clock, with precision and consistency. Founded in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, 4AG is active across five countries and backed by leading global investors. Learn more at
Wales Online
22-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
ATOL protection - what to do if your travel company goes bust
ATOL protection - what to do if your travel company goes bust There are various measures in place to protect consumers Things can go wrong (Image: Liam McBurney/PA ) Berkshire-based travel company Great Little Escapes collapsed earlier this week, leaving thousands of holidaymakers in limbo. When a travel company goes bust, suddenly people who were looking forward to their escape abroad are left facing a confusing and stressful situation. When booking a holiday, the last thing on your mind is the possibility that your airline, hotel, or cruise company could collapse. Unfortunately, it happens - and when it does, the result can be both stressful and expensive. This is where end supplier failure comes into play. What happens when a travel company goes bust - end supplier failure Chris Payne, compliance expert at Total Travel Protection, explained: 'End supplier failure refers to the insolvency or financial collapse of a travel service provider - such as an airline, hotel, ferry operator, car hire company, or cruise line - that was supposed to deliver a part of your travel plans. If they cease trading, you may be left without the service you paid for." What to do if your travel firm goes bust The first thing you should do is check if you booked a package holiday - known as ATOL Protected. If you booked a package holiday through a UK travel company and received an ATOL certificate, you're in luck. The ATOL scheme, run by the Civil Aviation Authority, protects you if the travel company or one of its suppliers goes bust. Did it happen before travel? You should get a refund. Already abroad? ATOL will arrange for you to return home. ATOL only applies to air travel packages sold in the UK. Article continues below Did you pay by credit card? Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, if you paid £100–£30,000 using a UK credit card, the card provider is jointly liable for the failure of the supplier - even if you booked through an intermediary. You can claim a full refund from your card issuer if the service isn't provided due to insolvency. Look for ABTA protection. If you booked land- or sea-based travel (e.g., coach tours, cruises, rail), and the company is an ABTA member, you may be entitled to refunds or alternative arrangements under their protection scheme. ABTA does not cover flight-only bookings. Contact the insolvency practitioner. In cases where ATOL, ABTA, or the Consumer Credit Act doesn't apply, you can contact the administrator or liquidator handling the collapsed supplier's insolvency. They may be organising limited refunds or arrangements. Article continues below What if you're already abroad? Chris said: 'If your end supplier fails while you're away, you should reach out to ATOL or ABTA if applicable. Contact the UK consulate or embassy if you're stranded with no support.' More help and advice can be found at:
Scoop
11-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealand Film Commission Initiates Next Phase Of Strategic Global Trade Mission In France And Ireland
Press Release – New Zealand Film Commission – NZFC The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is doubling down on their global trade mission in 2025 by attending the Annecy International Animation Film Festival's business marketplace, Mifa, and solidifying its treaty partnership with Ireland. This year is the 40th edition of Mifa, the world's largest and most important animation business event, with more than 18,000 attendees from 117 countries in Annecy. Chris Payne, Head of Co-Production and Incentives, and Bevin Linkhorn, Investment and Development Executive, lead the 30-strong NZFC delegation in partnership with Screen Wellington – the largest ever New Zealand presence at Annecy. Attending for the first time since 2016, NZFC are promoting the New Zealand screen sector and its appeal as both the home of incredible stories and storytellers, and a co-production and inbound production partner of choice. 'Animation provides a major growth opportunity for New Zealand; like VFX it fits seamlessly into a digital economy. Supercharging the New Zealand animation industry involves scaling up the development and production of unique, universally resonant feature film and series animation for global audiences, while growing New Zealand's role as a key provider of animation services for the world's leading studios,' says Payne. For the first time, the NZFC is taking a booth at Mifa to promote the New Zealand animation industry, and to serve as a hub for the New Zealand delegation. The NZFC is also delivering a programme of sessions in partnership with key sister agencies and organisations such as those in Australia, Taiwan, Korea and Scotland, with the goal of developing relationships that lead to co-production and other collaborative outcomes. 'Mifa is the world's key animation market annually, attended by leading sector representatives from around the globe. This is a crucial date in the calendar for the NZFC to build on our recently announced support for the animation sector and goal to expand it. 'We're here providing a significant strategic opportunity to support local animation studios and practitioners to progress their slates of projects, secure co-production and market partners, and scale their business activities, while also attracting high value animation, post-production and visual effects work to New Zealand,' added Payne. One of the highlights of the Mifa schedule is a panel discussion involving NZFC, Screen Wellington, and New Zealand creatives from Ama Digital Studios (Auckland), Tai Huri Films (Whangārei) and 37 Degrees Studio (Wellington). A clear demonstration of New Zealand's ability to work at all levels and across the country, from internationally renowned Wētā FX to small, independent animation studios delivering unique, culturally distinctive work. Wētā FX will also be showcasing their work as part of a Studio Focus session, Story to Screen: Realizing a Filmmaker's Vision at Wētā FX delivered by Senior Animation Supervisor, Sidney Kombo-Kintombo and Animation Supervisor, Kevin Estey. Productions profiled in the session were supported by the New Zealand Government's Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) rebate. Strengthening ties with treaty partner Ireland Prior to the NZFC delegation attending Annecy/Mifa, the NZFC visited Ireland to participate in Wellington and Galway UNESCO Cities of Film activities highlighting the Te Reo Māori/Gaeilge Animation Exchange in Galway. Ireland provides a strong example of the possibilities of growth within the animation sector, having increased its impact on the Irish economy fourfold since 2009 by developing this aspect of its creative output. A highlight was a visit to TG4, the Irish-language broadcaster based in the heart of rural Connemara, which has a key role in the development and production of Irish-language film, TV and digital content. Also included on the itinerary was a networking reception co-hosted with the New Zealand Embassy in Dublin, along with Wellington and Galway UNESCO Cities of Film, which celebrated both the Exchange and strategic connections for New Zealand with Screen Ireland and key Irish production companies and industry bodies. 'Ireland and NewZealand share a rich storytelling tradition and common creative values. Both our cultures treasure the spoken and written word, passed down through generations and champion authenticity and community. Our co-production treaty has been in place for nearly 20 years, and a key part of this longevity are the deep relationships NZFC has developed with Screen Ireland and the Irish industry in that time, borne out by co-produced feature films such as Come to Daddy and Evil Dead Rise, and the TV series, The Gone which is now in its second season,' says Chris Payne. The New Zealand screen sector contributes around $3.5 billion to the national economy and supports more than 20,000 jobs. The continued growth of this industry is dependent on the expansion of international opportunities and relationships, with a keen focus on new and existing markets for New Zealand, both of which are at the heart of the NZFC's global trade mission strategy.
Scoop
11-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealand Film Commission Initiates Next Phase Of Strategic Global Trade Mission In France And Ireland
Press Release – New Zealand Film Commission – NZFC Attending for the first time since 2016, NZFC are promoting the New Zealand screen sector and its appeal as both the home of incredible stories and storytellers, and a co-production and inbound production partner of choice. The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is doubling down on their global trade mission in 2025 by attending the Annecy International Animation Film Festival's business marketplace, Mifa, and solidifying its treaty partnership with Ireland. This year is the 40th edition of Mifa, the world's largest and most important animation business event, with more than 18,000 attendees from 117 countries in Annecy. Chris Payne, Head of Co-Production and Incentives, and Bevin Linkhorn, Investment and Development Executive, lead the 30-strong NZFC delegation in partnership with Screen Wellington – the largest ever New Zealand presence at Annecy. Attending for the first time since 2016, NZFC are promoting the New Zealand screen sector and its appeal as both the home of incredible stories and storytellers, and a co-production and inbound production partner of choice. 'Animation provides a major growth opportunity for New Zealand; like VFX it fits seamlessly into a digital economy. Supercharging the New Zealand animation industry involves scaling up the development and production of unique, universally resonant feature film and series animation for global audiences, while growing New Zealand's role as a key provider of animation services for the world's leading studios,' says Payne. For the first time, the NZFC is taking a booth at Mifa to promote the New Zealand animation industry, and to serve as a hub for the New Zealand delegation. The NZFC is also delivering a programme of sessions in partnership with key sister agencies and organisations such as those in Australia, Taiwan, Korea and Scotland, with the goal of developing relationships that lead to co-production and other collaborative outcomes. 'Mifa is the world's key animation market annually, attended by leading sector representatives from around the globe. This is a crucial date in the calendar for the NZFC to build on our recently announced support for the animation sector and goal to expand it. 'We're here providing a significant strategic opportunity to support local animation studios and practitioners to progress their slates of projects, secure co-production and market partners, and scale their business activities, while also attracting high value animation, post-production and visual effects work to New Zealand,' added Payne. One of the highlights of the Mifa schedule is a panel discussion involving NZFC, Screen Wellington, and New Zealand creatives from Ama Digital Studios (Auckland), Tai Huri Films (Whangārei) and 37 Degrees Studio (Wellington). A clear demonstration of New Zealand's ability to work at all levels and across the country, from internationally renowned Wētā FX to small, independent animation studios delivering unique, culturally distinctive work. Wētā FX will also be showcasing their work as part of a Studio Focus session, Story to Screen: Realizing a Filmmaker's Vision at Wētā FX delivered by Senior Animation Supervisor, Sidney Kombo-Kintombo and Animation Supervisor, Kevin Estey. Productions profiled in the session were supported by the New Zealand Government's Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) rebate. Strengthening ties with treaty partner Ireland Prior to the NZFC delegation attending Annecy/Mifa, the NZFC visited Ireland to participate in Wellington and Galway UNESCO Cities of Film activities highlighting the Te Reo Māori/Gaeilge Animation Exchange in Galway. Ireland provides a strong example of the possibilities of growth within the animation sector, having increased its impact on the Irish economy fourfold since 2009 by developing this aspect of its creative output. A highlight was a visit to TG4, the Irish-language broadcaster based in the heart of rural Connemara, which has a key role in the development and production of Irish-language film, TV and digital content. Also included on the itinerary was a networking reception co-hosted with the New Zealand Embassy in Dublin, along with Wellington and Galway UNESCO Cities of Film, which celebrated both the Exchange and strategic connections for New Zealand with Screen Ireland and key Irish production companies and industry bodies. 'Ireland and NewZealand share a rich storytelling tradition and common creative values. Both our cultures treasure the spoken and written word, passed down through generations and champion authenticity and community. Our co-production treaty has been in place for nearly 20 years, and a key part of this longevity are the deep relationships NZFC has developed with Screen Ireland and the Irish industry in that time, borne out by co-produced feature films such as Come to Daddy and Evil Dead Rise, and the TV series, The Gone which is now in its second season,' says Chris Payne. The New Zealand screen sector contributes around $3.5 billion to the national economy and supports more than 20,000 jobs. The continued growth of this industry is dependent on the expansion of international opportunities and relationships, with a keen focus on new and existing markets for New Zealand, both of which are at the heart of the NZFC's global trade mission strategy.
Scoop
11-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealand Film Commission Initiates Next Phase Of Strategic Global Trade Mission In France And Ireland
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is doubling down on their global trade mission in 2025 by attending the Annecy International Animation Film Festival's business marketplace, Mifa, and solidifying its treaty partnership with Ireland. This year is the 40th edition of Mifa, the world's largest and most important animation business event, with more than 18,000 attendees from 117 countries in Annecy. Chris Payne, Head of Co-Production and Incentives, and Bevin Linkhorn, Investment and Development Executive, lead the 30-strong NZFC delegation in partnership with Screen Wellington – the largest ever New Zealand presence at Annecy. Attending for the first time since 2016, NZFC are promoting the New Zealand screen sector and its appeal as both the home of incredible stories and storytellers, and a co-production and inbound production partner of choice. 'Animation provides a major growth opportunity for New Zealand; like VFX it fits seamlessly into a digital economy. Supercharging the New Zealand animation industry involves scaling up the development and production of unique, universally resonant feature film and series animation for global audiences, while growing New Zealand's role as a key provider of animation services for the world's leading studios,' says Payne. For the first time, the NZFC is taking a booth at Mifa to promote the New Zealand animation industry, and to serve as a hub for the New Zealand delegation. The NZFC is also delivering a programme of sessions in partnership with key sister agencies and organisations such as those in Australia, Taiwan, Korea and Scotland, with the goal of developing relationships that lead to co-production and other collaborative outcomes. 'Mifa is the world's key animation market annually, attended by leading sector representatives from around the globe. This is a crucial date in the calendar for the NZFC to build on our recently announced support for the animation sector and goal to expand it. 'We're here providing a significant strategic opportunity to support local animation studios and practitioners to progress their slates of projects, secure co-production and market partners, and scale their business activities, while also attracting high value animation, post-production and visual effects work to New Zealand,' added Payne. One of the highlights of the Mifa schedule is a panel discussion involving NZFC, Screen Wellington, and New Zealand creatives from Ama Digital Studios (Auckland), Tai Huri Films (Whangārei) and 37 Degrees Studio (Wellington). A clear demonstration of New Zealand's ability to work at all levels and across the country, from internationally renowned Wētā FX to small, independent animation studios delivering unique, culturally distinctive work. Wētā FX will also be showcasing their work as part of a Studio Focus session, Story to Screen: Realizing a Filmmaker's Vision at Wētā FX delivered by Senior Animation Supervisor, Sidney Kombo-Kintombo and Animation Supervisor, Kevin Estey. Productions profiled in the session were supported by the New Zealand Government's Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) rebate. Strengthening ties with treaty partner Ireland Prior to the NZFC delegation attending Annecy/Mifa, the NZFC visited Ireland to participate in Wellington and Galway UNESCO Cities of Film activities highlighting the Te Reo Māori/Gaeilge Animation Exchange in Galway. Ireland provides a strong example of the possibilities of growth within the animation sector, having increased its impact on the Irish economy fourfold since 2009 by developing this aspect of its creative output. A highlight was a visit to TG4, the Irish-language broadcaster based in the heart of rural Connemara, which has a key role in the development and production of Irish-language film, TV and digital content. Also included on the itinerary was a networking reception co-hosted with the New Zealand Embassy in Dublin, along with Wellington and Galway UNESCO Cities of Film, which celebrated both the Exchange and strategic connections for New Zealand with Screen Ireland and key Irish production companies and industry bodies. 'Ireland and NewZealand share a rich storytelling tradition and common creative values. Both our cultures treasure the spoken and written word, passed down through generations and champion authenticity and community. Our co-production treaty has been in place for nearly 20 years, and a key part of this longevity are the deep relationships NZFC has developed with Screen Ireland and the Irish industry in that time, borne out by co-produced feature films such as Come to Daddy and Evil Dead Rise, and the TV series, The Gone which is now in its second season,' says Chris Payne. The New Zealand screen sector contributes around $3.5 billion to the national economy and supports more than 20,000 jobs. The continued growth of this industry is dependent on the expansion of international opportunities and relationships, with a keen focus on new and existing markets for New Zealand, both of which are at the heart of the NZFC's global trade mission strategy.
