Latest news with #Elevate
ABC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
You Need To Hear: Tjaka - 'Elevate'
What do you get when you mix funk-heavy grooves, venomous hip-hop, frenetic beats, grooving breakdowns and fast-paced didgeridoo? Tjaka, that's what. The genre-transcending sound is on full display in 'Elevate', which has the trio in full flight. For fans of: bush doofs bush doofs watching sunrises watching sunrises delicious combos delicious combos sending it
NZ Herald
15-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Icehouse Ventures boss says venture capital market is hot again as new fund feeds on golden visas
Paul says things are heating up. 'I'll be the first one to call it – and maybe I'll be wrong – but it's hot right now. There's some really large raises happening. Rocket Lab is is surging. Funds are raising more money. Is it ′21? No, but it's a heck of a lot more vibrant than the last couple of years.' Paul says part of the renaissance is down to 'investor migrants flooding in' on the back of the new Active Investor Plus (AIP) or 'golden visa' programme introduced in April. Of the $16m raised for Seed Fund IV so far, $4m is from immigrant investors, Paul says. There have been 'dozens of queries' from the new arrivals, which Icehouse is working through. Paul says most are under the growth category, which requires total investments of $5m. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said in June that more than 100 applicants have been approved in principle. Late last week, she said a total of 215 applications have now been received, with total indicated investments topping $1 billion (or $1.3b, including a number of people who had applications under the old system converted to the golden visa programme – which promises to process 80% of applications within four months. The application fee: $27,470). WNT Ventures managing partner Carl Jones also told the Herald that the golden visa push had revved up interest, generating multiple approaches. There is no public list of AIP applicants, Jones said, but immigration agents often steer interested investors toward specific venture capital firms – and New Zealand is a small town. High-net-worth Kiwis returning to New Zealand have also helped, Paul says. The Government has just topped up the Crown-backed Elevate fund-of-fund, which co-invests with venture capital firms – but that's at the Series A level, one step up the food chain from the 'seed' level (usually about $3m investments) where Icehouse Ventures' new fund sits. Hits and heartbreaks Most start-ups fail. Venture capital firms work on the hope that a few big hits will outweigh the many misses. Paul says there have been 14 failures, including the likes of Upside Bio, which sought to cultivate lab-grown skin for burn victims (from a graft taken from a patient) and Chicken-free chicken maker Sunfed Meats. There were also the ones that got away, or the 'heartbreaks' as Paul calls them. Icehouse trailed and failed to access two of hot retail crime reporting firm Auror's early raises. Education startup Kami - sold to US private equity last year for $300m - also slipped through his grasp. But then there are the hits. Fund I invested in now unicorn Halter, Tradie software Tradify, which sold last year to a UK buyer at a 23x multiple on Icehouse's initial investment, Dawn Aerospace, which recently sold its first spaceplane in a US$17m deal, and Sharesies. Fund II followed in 2018 and invested in e-waste recycler Mint Innovation, electric boat maker Vessev, Partly, Basis and nuclear fusion moon-shot Open Star. 'Of the 360 companies we've funded, Tracksuit has been fastest to $1m, fastest to $10m, and fastest to $20m revenue," Icehouse Ventures' Robbie Paul says. Pictured: Tracksuit cofounder Connor Archbold. Photo / Dean Purcell Most recently, Seed Fund III was among the first investors in New Zealand's fastest growing start-up, Tracksuit (the brand-tracking firm that Paul says was the fastest investment to reach $20m in annual revenue), Sean Molloy and Sean Simpson's stealth energy start-up Ternary Kinetics, Watchful (smart security cams, started by ex-cop Josh Pasrsons), Ideally (AI-driven customer intelligence) Starboard (marine intelligence) and Zincovery. First Seed Fund IV investment Seed Fund IV's first investment has been named as Harth, an artificial intelligence-powered platform for collaborative building design, co-founded by Scott Barrington, founder of Modlar, a building design tool used by 95% of the world's top 100 architecture firms, and Tom Batterbury, co-founder of Auror and New Zealand EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022 (with Auror co-founders Phil Thomson and James Corbett). Coming out ahead The funds' performance is overlapping. Icehouse has made follow-up investments from its later-stage funds in Halter, for example, as the virtual fencing firm has grown. Icehouse now has more than $80m invested in the smart cow collar/virtual fencing firm at a $200m holding value. Seed Fund I raised $11m in 2016, Seed Fund II raised $26m in 2018 and Seed Fund III raised $45m in 2022. Paul says Seed Fund III had a $30m target, but was ultimately oversubscribed. Asked about performance, Paul says: 'At a high level, anybody who put $1 into Seed Fund I has had $2 back and the remaining is worth $5.50 so everybody is playing with house money.' Seed Fund III has appreciated to $37m and Seed Fund IV to $54m but positive returns still hang in the balance with their multi-year horizons. Chris Keall is an Auckland-based member of the Herald's business team. He joined the Herald in 2018 and is the technology editor and a senior business writer.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SageSure and Auros Close $100 Million Catastrophe Bond with Broad Market Support
Eleventh Gateway Re issuance indicates strong investor support for the series and SageSure, the seventh top catastrophe bond sponsor globally JERSEY CITY, N.J., July 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SageSure, one of the largest managing general underwriters focused on catastrophe-exposed markets, and its carrier partners Auros Reciprocal Insurance Exchange ("Auros") and Elevate Reciprocal Exchange ("Elevate") announced the close of the Gateway Re Series 2025-3 catastrophe bond at $100 million in nearly half the typical placement timeline. With more than $2.1 billion in cumulative notional limit including this issuance, the SageSure-supported Gateway Re series has secured SageSure's spot as the seventh top catastrophe bond sponsor in the world as of this date in terms of total notional outstanding. Following Auros' inaugural catastrophe bond deal in April, the latest issuance achieved strong execution with lowered and narrowed price guidance, indicating investor confidence in the Gateway Re franchise. "SageSure's position as one of the leading global catastrophe bond sponsors demonstrates the strategic role of ILS markets in our carrier partners' reinsurance programs," said Terrence McLean, President and CEO of SageSure. "We are grateful for the investor support that enables greater protection against peak perils and greater capacity in the catastrophe-exposed states we serve." The Gateway Re 2025-3 Class A notes will provide protection across a single hurricane season for cedants Auros and Elevate in Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. "Auros is honored to partner with SageSure to strengthen the protection of our programs and our policyholders," said Travis Lewis, CEO of Auros Risk Management. "We are grateful for the ILS market's confidence and look forward to the responsible growth this issuance will support." Ed Konar, President of Elevate Risk Management, added, "We are excited by the positive response from the investor community to this catastrophe bond placement. Capital markets continue to enhance the resilience of our reinsurance program." As with previous Gateway Re transactions, Swiss Re Capital Markets acted as the sole structuring agent and bookrunner for the transaction. "We are proud to have partnered with SageSure, Auros, and Elevate in the successful execution of the eleventh Gateway Re catastrophe bond issuance," said Jean-Louis Monnier, CEO of Swiss Re Capital Markets Corporation. "The overwhelming support from investors for a transaction announced later in the issuance season is a testament to the trust that investors have in SageSure's differentiated approach to underwriting, claims, and risk management." About SageSureSageSure is one of the largest managing general underwriters focused on catastrophe-exposed property in the US. Dedicated to serving producers and carrier partners, SageSure provides highly differentiated residential and commercial solutions, innovative service and claims management, and market-leading buying experiences. A leader in catastrophe risk underwriting and exposure management, SageSure operates in 16 states, protects more than 850,000 policyholders, and manages more than $2.5 billion of inforce premium. For more information, visit About AurosAuros Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (Auros) creates differentiated experiences and customized solutions for coastal homeowners. Managed by a team of seasoned industry leaders who ensure alignment with policyholder interests, Auros brings competitive pricing, outstanding protection, and catastrophe risk expertise to the markets it serves, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Exclusively available through SageSure, Auros is expanding to meet the high demand for its solutions while maintaining the strong financial outlook indicated by its rating of A, Exceptional, by Demotech, Inc. To learn more, visit About ElevateElevate Reciprocal Exchange (Elevate) delivers industry-leading protection for coastal homeowners, providing customizable coverage, competitive rates, and high-quality service throughout the policy lifecycle. Exclusively distributed through Goosehead in partnership with SageSure, Elevate serves regions where reliable coverage is needed most, including Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas. Elevate is rated A, Exceptional, by Demotech, Inc., indicating the necessary financial stability to protect its policyholder members. To learn more, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Walker Sandssagesure@
Business Wire
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
SageSure and Auros Close $100 Million Catastrophe Bond with Broad Market Support
JERSEY CITY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SageSure, one of the largest managing general underwriters focused on catastrophe-exposed markets, and its carrier partners Auros Reciprocal Insurance Exchange ('Auros') and Elevate Reciprocal Exchange ('Elevate') announced the close of the Gateway Re Series 2025-3 catastrophe bond at $100 million in nearly half the typical placement timeline. With more than $2.1 billion in cumulative notional limit including this issuance, the SageSure-supported Gateway Re series has secured SageSure's spot as the seventh top catastrophe bond sponsor in the world as of this date in terms of total notional outstanding. SageSure's position as one of the leading global catastrophe bond sponsors demonstrates the strategic role of ILS markets in our carrier partners' reinsurance programs. Share Following Auros' inaugural catastrophe bond deal in April, the latest issuance achieved strong execution with lowered and narrowed price guidance, indicating investor confidence in the Gateway Re franchise. 'SageSure's position as one of the leading global catastrophe bond sponsors demonstrates the strategic role of ILS markets in our carrier partners' reinsurance programs,' said Terrence McLean, President and CEO of SageSure. 'We are grateful for the investor support that enables greater protection against peak perils and greater capacity in the catastrophe-exposed states we serve.' The Gateway Re 2025-3 Class A notes will provide protection across a single hurricane season for cedants Auros and Elevate in Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. 'Auros is honored to partner with SageSure to strengthen the protection of our programs and our policyholders,' said Travis Lewis, CEO of Auros Risk Management. 'We are grateful for the ILS market's confidence and look forward to the responsible growth this issuance will support.' Ed Konar, President of Elevate Risk Management, added, 'We are excited by the positive response from the investor community to this catastrophe bond placement. Capital markets continue to enhance the resilience of our reinsurance program.' As with previous Gateway Re transactions, Swiss Re Capital Markets acted as the sole structuring agent and bookrunner for the transaction. 'We are proud to have partnered with SageSure, Auros, and Elevate in the successful execution of the eleventh Gateway Re catastrophe bond issuance,' said Jean-Louis Monnier, CEO of Swiss Re Capital Markets Corporation. 'The overwhelming support from investors for a transaction announced later in the issuance season is a testament to the trust that investors have in SageSure's differentiated approach to underwriting, claims, and risk management.' About SageSure SageSure is one of the largest managing general underwriters focused on catastrophe-exposed property in the US. Dedicated to serving producers and carrier partners, SageSure provides highly differentiated residential and commercial solutions, innovative service and claims management, and market-leading buying experiences. A leader in catastrophe risk underwriting and exposure management, SageSure operates in 16 states, protects more than 850,000 policyholders, and manages more than $2.5 billion of inforce premium. For more information, visit About Auros Auros Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (Auros) creates differentiated experiences and customized solutions for coastal homeowners. Managed by a team of seasoned industry leaders who ensure alignment with policyholder interests, Auros brings competitive pricing, outstanding protection, and catastrophe risk expertise to the markets it serves, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Exclusively available through SageSure, Auros is expanding to meet the high demand for its solutions while maintaining the strong financial outlook indicated by its rating of A, Exceptional, by Demotech, Inc. To learn more, visit About Elevate Elevate Reciprocal Exchange (Elevate) delivers industry-leading protection for coastal homeowners, providing customizable coverage, competitive rates, and high-quality service throughout the policy lifecycle. Exclusively distributed through Goosehead in partnership with SageSure, Elevate serves regions where reliable coverage is needed most, including Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas. Elevate is rated A, Exceptional, by Demotech, Inc., indicating the necessary financial stability to protect its policyholder members. To learn more, visit
Techday NZ
10-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
SonicWall unveils Elevate 2025 roadshow for global partners
SonicWall has announced the launch of Elevate 2025, a global roadshow intended to foster closer relationships with its partner network while showcasing new cybersecurity developments and partnership opportunities. Elevate 2025 will bring SonicWall's leadership team, solutions, and technical roadmap to 25 cities across North America, Latin America, EMEA and APJ, providing direct engagement with local partners. In the United Kingdom, the London event is scheduled to take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in late September. Meeting partners directly The roadshow model is intended to meet partners in their local regions, facilitating access to SonicWall leaders, solutions and growth strategies. Jason Carter, Chief Revenue Officer at SonicWall, commented: "Elevate 2025 is where vision meets action. And this year, we're meeting our partners where they are bringing insights, innovation, and collaboration directly to their doorstep. Our partners are essential to everything we do and Elevate is a celebration of their role in shaping the future of cybersecurity." Executives and product experts will engage with managed service providers (MSPs), managed security service providers (MSSPs), and channel partners through interactive sessions, technical workshops, and business discussions. Technology showcase At each event, partners will receive firsthand information regarding new SonicWall technologies, including next-generation firewalls, the updated SonicWall Platform, and the Cloud Secure Edge (CSE) solution. The events will spotlight the Managed Protection Service Suite (MPSS), which SonicWall identifies as a way to simplify security operations for partners while creating recurring revenue opportunities. The CSE solution, designed to enable secure cloud migrations, will be highlighted along with SonicWall's recently introduced cyber warranty for partners. The cyber warranty is marketed as an industry-first offering meant to help partners differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive environment. Growth and collaboration SonicWall views Elevate 2025 as more than a conventional partner conference, describing it as a forum intended to empower MSPs and MSSPs with actionable information, practical strategies, and the ability to exchange real-world experiences. "Elevate is more than a conference for our partners, it's a dynamic forum designed to empower partners and MSPs/MSSPs with practical strategies, and they will get a firsthand look at SonicWall's latest innovations, including the newest generation of next-gen firewalls and the fully integrated SonicWall Platform," the company stated in its announcement. Discussions at Elevate 2025 will address broad themes of recurring revenue from managed services, the simplification of security architectures for partners, and emerging trends in the global cybersecurity landscape. Offers for new partners To encourage new participation, SonicWall is offering an exclusive package for new partners who join its SecureFirst Partner Program at an Elevate 2025 event, schedule an onboarding meeting, and complete the onboarding process. These new partnerships will receive a free TZ80 firewall and three months of Managed Protection Service Suite, including a Cloud Secure Edge licence. The offer is designed to demonstrate the potential benefits of SonicWall's security solutions and accelerate the value that new partners can access. "This exclusive package is designed to accelerate value for new partners and showcase the benefits of SonicWall's flexible, service-oriented security solutions," the announcement said. Aims and outlook Amid a rapidly evolving threat landscape, SonicWall states that it is intensifying its channel-focused strategy, seeking to bring innovations closer to partners and support them with business-building resources. The global roadshow seeks to foster direct connections, strategic alignment, and knowledge-sharing within the broader partner ecosystem. The events are positioned to equip channel partners, MSPs, and MSSPs with the tools, expertise, and engagement needed to support their clients and address cybersecurity growth opportunities.
