BusinessInnovationStartups

Wealth Managers Push Private Assets to Mainstream Investors Amid Return Hype and Risk Concerns

Asset managers are capitalizing on new fund structures to bring private investments to wealthy retail clients. While historical returns appear attractive, analysts warn about liquidity constraints, fee structures, and potential “volatility laundering” in private market valuations.

The Private Asset Gold Rush

Wealth managers across Europe are reportedly engaged in an intense competition for investor capital, with private assets becoming their weapon of choice, according to industry reports. Asset managers see a golden opportunity to sell private equity, credit and infrastructure investments to clients who previously focused exclusively on public markets through newly designed fund structures.

BusinessStartupsTechnology

Austrian Healthtech VC Calm/Storm Secures €30M for European Digital Health Startups

Calm/Storm has finalized its €30 million second fund focused on European healthtech startups. The Vienna-based venture firm has already deployed capital into 25 companies and claims the title of Europe’s most active specialized healthtech investor.

Major Fund Closing for European Healthtech

Vienna-based venture capital firm Calm/Storm has reportedly reached final close on its €30 million second fund, according to industry reports. Sources indicate the Austrian investor has already deployed capital into 25 early-stage healthtech startups, with the majority registered within Europe at the time of investment.

BusinessSoftwareStartups

N-able CEO Outlines Strategy for Channel-First Growth and Business Outcome Focus

N-able’s chief executive detailed the company’s evolution toward becoming a fully channel-driven organization during a recent industry conference. The strategy centers on helping partners shift conversations from technical features to business outcomes for midmarket clients.

Channel Strategy Evolution

N-able CEO John Pagliuca has outlined ambitious plans to transition the company to a completely channel-based sales model, according to reports from the 2025 XChange Best of Breed conference in Atlanta. Speaking with The Channel Company Chief Content Officer Stuart Sumner, Pagliuca revealed that the company currently operates at approximately 85% channel and 15% direct midmarket sales, but sources indicate this ratio is expected to shift to 75%/25% in the medium term.

BusinessSoftwareStartups

Worldpay and Affirm Expand Partnership to Bring BNPL Options to SaaS Platforms

Worldpay for Platforms is integrating Affirm’s buy now, pay later technology into its embedded payments offering for software companies. The expanded partnership aims to provide more flexible payment options to merchants and consumers through SaaS platforms. This move comes as shoppers increasingly turn to payment flexibility amid economic pressures.

Strategic Partnership Expansion

Worldpay has integrated Affirm’s buy now, pay later technology into its embedded payments platform for software companies, according to reports from a recent press release. The expanded partnership will make Affirm’s payment solutions available to Worldpay for Platforms’ network of more than 1,000 SaaS companies and their merchant customers.

HardwareStartupsTechnology

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series May See Launch Window Shift, Reports Suggest

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series might break from its established launch pattern with a potential schedule shift. While the company has typically unveiled flagship S-series devices in late January, new leaks indicate a possible delay. Industry analysts suggest the postponement could relate to Samsung’s reported plans to reintroduce Exynos chipsets across the lineup.

Potential Schedule Shift for Samsung’s Next Flagship

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series might deviate from its established launch timetable, according to reports from industry leakers. For the past two years, Samsung has typically introduced its flagship Galaxy S devices in late January with retail availability following in early February. However, sources indicate this pattern could change for the upcoming generation.

InnovationStartupsTechnology

European PropTech Startups Revolutionize Property Discovery and Booking Experience

From AI-powered property valuations to luxury villa rentals and co-ownership models, European startups are reshaping how people find and book properties. These companies are leveraging technology to create more transparent, efficient, and personalized real estate experiences across the continent.

PropTech Innovation Sweeps European Real Estate

Property technology, commonly known as PropTech, is reportedly transforming how people interact with real estate across Europe, according to industry analysis. Sources indicate this technological revolution spans multiple sectors including property search, management, smart buildings, and real estate fintech, creating more connected and efficient experiences for both property owners and seekers.

BusinessStartupsTechnology

Refurbed Secures €50 Million Investment to Expand AI-Powered Refurbished Tech Platform

Refurbed, the Austrian online marketplace for refurbished electronics, has reportedly secured €50 million in new funding. The company plans to invest in AI-driven solutions to improve its circular economy platform while maintaining strong growth momentum.

Major Funding Round for Circular Tech Marketplace

Vienna-based online marketplace Refurbed has reportedly raised €50 million in its latest funding round, according to company announcements. The platform, which specializes in refurbished electronics, plans to use the capital to invest in artificial intelligence solutions aimed at improving operational efficiency and enhancing experiences for both customers and sellers.