Following a marathon of pitches, 41 startups from 13 countries, including Germany, Austria, Singapore, USA, UK, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Israel, Spain, and Estonia were selected for the 8th Kickstart Innovation program. Over 170 experts participated as jurors to select these startups out of 1000 applications coming from more than 60 countries in just six weeks.. These 41 finalists will work in Switzerland with companies, organizations, cities, foundations, and universities over the 11 week program to further advance partnerships and deep-tech and sustainable innovation. "A clearly emerging trend is the application of artificial intelligence and circular economy as a competitive advantage," explains Katka Letzing, CEO and Co-Founder of Kickstart, one of the largest open innovation platforms in Europe. "This includes, for example, the digital account manager from Swiss startup Aixa or Kloten-based Calvin Risk with the first platform for AI governance, risk management, and compliance." Leading organizations and companies such as AXA, Canton de Vaud, City of Zurich, Coop, la Mobilière, PostFinance, Sanitas, CSEM, MSD and others have been engaging in the Kickstart program to identify new trends and developments with a focus on technological innovation and the circular economy. "While established companies have many advantages over startups in terms of customer and process structure, there is also a risk of sleeping through new trends using AI and other technologies." reports Ralph Rimet, Head of strategic projects and innovation at la Mobiliére. "That's why we're joining the Kickstart program again this year to enter into collaborative innovation partnerships and commercial deals." Since 2016, Kickstart has supported more than 400 startups and delivered more than 270 deals in the form of pilots and commercial projects from over 80 countries, raising more than CHF 2.5 billion in investment to date, including Planted, Neustark, Unsupervised and AAAcell.

Energy efficiency dominates Smart Cities

In five verticals (New Work & Learning, Finance & Insurance, Food & Retail, Health & Wellbeing and Smart Cities), the startups presented their business models and ideas for the future. In the Food & Retail area, many ideas came from Israel, Portugal and Estonia, among others. The Swiss company Advection Engineering is working on techniques to produce whole, marbled meat substitutes for today's generation. The British company Nukoko is producing chocolate without cocoa to be more environmentally friendly and less harmful to health.

With the increasing energy prices and the energy crisis, projects in the field of smart cities are focusing on energy efficiency. Enerdrape from Lausanne, for example, transforms underground spaces such as tunnels and underground garages into renewable energy sources for the heating and cooling needs of buildings. Urbio is a generative AI design software that accelerates the decarbonization of buildings. 20-40% of energy in buildings can be saved by creating connections through smart thermostats and incorporating learning information about the thermal behavior of buildings.

In addition, AI is the dominant technology in New Work & Learning as well as in Health & Wellbeing solutions. The Austrian start-up Ada Growth supports companies in attracting, retaining and promoting female talent. For this purpose, a professional learning tool was developed specifically for women. Traditional corporate learning tools such as conferences and volume-oriented LMS offerings lack personalization. The future of learning lies in flexible, individualized microlearning apps that use an AI content production cycle to quickly scale to each member of the organization.

In today's competitive business world, organizations must be able to navigate professional interactions with grace and professionalism. Business etiquette and professionalism play a crucial role in shaping one's reputation, building solid relationships, and achieving success in the workplace. This article will explore the significance of business etiquette and professionalism, focusing on the role of a leadership development program in developing these essential qualities. By emphasizing the importance of business etiquette and professionalism, individuals can enhance their professional image, foster positive relationships, and contribute to a thriving work environment.

Understanding Business Etiquette:

Business etiquette encompasses a set of expected behaviours and norms that govern professional interactions. It encompasses communication, appearance, networking, and workplace conduct. Proper business etiquette is vital for making positive impressions, establishing credibility, and building successful professional relationships. Key aspects of business etiquette include maintaining eye contact, using polite language, respecting others' time, actively listening, and being punctual for meetings and appointments. Effective communication and attention to personal appearance are essential for projecting a professional image.

Professionalism in the Workplace:

Professionalism extends beyond basic etiquette and encompasses one's attitude, conduct, and work ethic. It involves demonstrating integrity, accountability, reliability, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of work. Professionals display a positive attitude, strong work ethic and consistently deliver high-quality results. They are punctual, dress appropriately, and exhibit a respectful attitude toward colleagues and superiors. Taking ownership of responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and communicating effectively are integral to professionalism. Upholding confidentiality and ethical standards further exemplifies professional behaviour.

Importance of Business Etiquette and Professionalism:

Business etiquette and professionalism significantly contribute to individual and organizational success. Good business etiquette creates positive impressions, enhances credibility, and fosters trust among colleagues, clients, and business partners. Professionalism, in turn, promotes a positive work culture, boosts productivity, and strengthens team dynamics. By adhering to business etiquette and professionalism, individuals can develop strong relationships, establish a reputable personal brand, and open doors to new opportunities. Employers value these qualities as they contribute to career advancement and long-term success.

Leadership Training:

Leadership training plays a vital role in developing business etiquette and professionalism within individuals. Influential leaders set the tone for the organization, modelling desired behaviours and guiding others to follow suit. Leadership training programs often include modules on cultivating professionalism, effective communication, and building relationships. By honing leadership skills, individuals can lead by example, handle conflicts diplomatically, and foster a positive work environment. Leadership training emphasizes the importance of ethical behaviour, integrity, and respect in all interactions. It equips individuals to inspire and influence others, encouraging professionalism and adherence to business etiquette.

Continuous Growth and Development:

Business etiquette and professionalism require continuous growth and development. Professionals should seek opportunities for self-improvement, stay updated with industry trends, and adapt to changing workplace dynamics. Steady growth can be achieved through ongoing learning, workshops and seminars, reading professional literature, and seeking feedback from mentors and colleagues. Embracing new technologies, cultivating emotional intelligence, and honing communication skills are essential for maintaining professionalism and adapting to evolving business environments. Professionals should remain adaptable, open to new ideas, and proactive in seeking challenges and feedback. Developing a growth mindset enables individuals to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement, promoting resilience and professionalism in the face of change and uncertainty.

The Impact of Business Etiquette and Professionalism on Customer Relations

Business etiquette and professionalism not only play a significant role in internal workplace dynamics but also have a direct impact on customer relations. When employees exhibit professionalism and adhere to proper business etiquette, they create a positive and professional image for the organization. This, in turn, enhances the customer's perception of the company, instils confidence in its services or products, and fosters trust. Customers are likely to engage in long-term relationships with businesses prioritizing professionalism, respect, and effective communication. By emphasizing the importance of business etiquette and professionalism, organizations can enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and, ultimately, their bottom line.

The Role of Technology

In today's digital age, technology plays a significant role in how business etiquette and professionalism are practised. With the increasing reliance on digital communication platforms, it becomes essential for professionals to master the art of digital etiquette. This includes being mindful of email etiquette, using proper language and tone in virtual communications, and respecting online privacy and security protocols. Professionals must also understand the appropriate use of social media and other online platforms, ensuring their online presence aligns with their professional image. By embracing technology with proper etiquette and professionalism, individuals can effectively navigate the digital landscape while maintaining strong professional relationships and reputations.

With the evolving nature of technology, organizations should also provide training and guidelines on digital etiquette as part of their leadership development programs. This equips employees with the skills to leverage technology effectively and responsibly, ensuring that professionalism extends to the digital realm. By staying updated on the latest digital etiquette practices, professionals can adapt to changing communication norms and successfully represent their organizations online.

Incorporating these additional points will further enrich the article by highlighting the impact of business etiquette and professionalism on customer relations and emphasizing the role of technology in today's professional landscape.

Conclusion:

Mastering business etiquette and professionalism is essential for success in the workplace. Proper business etiquette helps individuals build strong professional relationships, establish credibility, and make positive impressions. Demonstrating professionalism encompasses work ethics, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. A well-designed leadership development program is crucial in nurturing business etiquette and professionalism by providing individuals with the necessary training and support. By prioritizing business etiquette and professionalism and participating in a leadership development program, individuals can enhance their professional image, foster positive relationships, and contribute to a thriving work environment. As professionals strive to excel in their roles, cultivating business etiquette and professionalism remains vital in achieving long-term success and career growth.

GoLogiq, Inc., a U.S.-based global provider of fintech and consumer data analytics, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Symplefy, a provider of innovative payroll and end-to-end human resource (HR) management solutions based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The all-stock transaction is valued at up to $30 million, dependent on performance-based earnouts.

Following the close of the transaction, Symplefy’s co-founder and CEO, Stephen R. Jones, was appointed to the open position of CFO of GoLogiq. He will also continue to serve as CEO of Symplefy as a wholly owned subsidiary of GoLogiq.

Focused on businesses in the fast-growing economies of Southeast Asia, Symplefy is revolutionizing the way corporations manage their workforce by simplifying HR processes and streamlining payroll processes through its innovative cloud-based software management tools, enhancing workforce efficiency and simplifying complex regulatory compliance.

Symplefy generates a significant amount of data, which when paired with GoLogiq’s existing Radix™ Big Data analytics platform, can provide key insights to enhance the client experience as well as provide cross selling opportunities with GoLogiq’s other fintech platforms.

The Opportunity
The global payroll and HR solutions and services market is projected to grow at a 8.4% CAGR to reach $50.4 billion by 2030. HR industry thought-leader, People Matters, points out Southeast Asia (SEA) countries represent a major global hub for manufacturing and trade, as well as one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world. While being the third-largest labor force, only behind China and India, SEA nations have outpaced the rest of the world in GDP growth per capita since the late 1970s.

To address the substantial market opportunity SEA represents, Symplefy has focused the initial launch of its fintech platform on the fast-growing economy of Vietnam. According to S&P Global, Vietnam is expected to experience rapid economic growth over the medium term as a key beneficiary of the shift in global manufacturing supply chains towards competitive SEA manufacturing hubs.

In light of the strong growth outlook, domestic and international businesses operating in Vietnam face numerous unique challenges related to payroll and human resources management regulations. Vietnamese labor laws that regulate minimum wage, overtime, social insurance contributions, and personal income tax can be intricate and subject to frequent changes.

These factors make it challenging for businesses of all sizes to stay compliant. SMBs especially face many hurdles with adopting modern payroll systems and automation, and traditional manual payroll processes are prone to errors and inefficiencies.

To address these regulatory challenges while staying competitive, businesses in Vietnam need to invest in robust payroll software, seek professional advice on compliance matters, stay updated on changing regulations, and implement effective HR practices to attract and retain skilled talent.

The Solution
Symplefy solves these problems with a highly affordable and easy to implement cloud-based system for payroll and HR management. Its HR management system automates time-tracking and employee leave management while its payroll solution generates accurate payrolls and comprehensive reports.

The platform is currently in the early stages of roll out, initially deployed with several manufacturing businesses that have 50 to 2,500 employees. Under a new marketing campaign, Symplefy intends to launch the solution across multiple industries and geographies. Through its initiatives, Symplefy expects to ramp its customer acquisition to more than 2,000 corporate clients over the next 18 months.

“We believe that every business, regardless of its scale, wants and deserves access to top-tier software that optimizes their HR functions and simplifies their payroll management,” noted Jones. “Our user-friendly interface, robust features, and seamless integration capabilities ensure that our software is both powerful and accessible.”

“Symplefy’s technology and Southeast Asia focus complements GoLogiq with a solution that inherently acquires a significant amount of customer data, such as spending, banking habits and income,” added Jones. “We plan to apply GoLogiq’s existing Radix™ Big Data analytics platform to implement data analysis that can help enhance the customer experience as well as provide cross selling opportunities with other GoLogiq fintech platforms.”

In addition to payroll and HR functions, the Symplefy platform is designed to support future opportunities for cross border transfer transactions, micro-lending, micro personal insurance, and more efficient payroll. This includes cross pollination opportunities with GoLogiq’s other fintech solutions, including credit cards, banking, and lending for underserved businesses.

According to executive chairman of GoLogiq, Brent Suen: “This acquisition is the next of several in our pipeline that strengthen the power of our fintech platform and consumer data analytics technology. After our full launch into Vietnam, we plan to expand our footprint to other Southeast Asian markets facing similar challenges.”

To learn more about Symplefy’s end-to-end HR management system and payroll solution, contact the company here.

Transaction Details
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Symplefy will become a wholly owned subsidiary of GoLogiq. GoLogiq is to issue shareholders of Symplefy common shares of GoLogiq valued at $15 million in exchange for 100% of Symplefy. Symplefy shareholders may earn up to $15 million in additional shares of GoLogiq if certain earnout targets are achieved.

GoLogiq’s recently announced a sale of its fintech assets to Recruiter.com Group (“Recruiter”), a recruiting solutions provider. If such sale is consummated prior to the closing date of GoLogiq’s business combination with Symplefy, GoLogiq intends to assign its rights in the share purchase agreement with Symplefy to Recruiter, whereupon Symplefy would become a subsidiary of Recruiter.

Additional details about the Symplefy transaction will be made available in a Form 8-K on www.sec.gov as well in the investor section of GoLogiq’s website.

Stephen R. Jones Bio
Stephen R. Jones is an international finance and operations executive with more the 15 years of experience leading global organizations in emerging markets in Asia and international, multi-cultural environments. He brings to the company broad and deep experience in starting, growing and expanding e-commerce and professional service business and financial services enterprises from pre-revenue to more than $8 billion in sales.

Jones previously developed highly successful, go-to-market financial strategies for several companies and managed three turnarounds. He devised the strategic and financial plans for raising nearly $57 million for two start-ups, and guided two companies through an initial public offering, raising more than $90 million. He also led the sale of three companies, realizing shareholder value of more than $400 million.

“We welcome Steve’s extraordinary record of achievement and deep software and financial experience as we further enhance our fintech and consumer data analytics platforms,” commented Suen. “We anticipate Steve playing a key role as we advance the commercial roll out of our technologies on a global scale."

He previously served as CFO of Vemanti Group, a financial technology company located in Irvine, California. Earlier he served as CFO and COO of Dreamplex, a provider of hybrid working solutions for organizations located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and currently serves on the company’s board of directors.

Prior to Dreamplex, he served as COO of HMB Inc., a service-based company that offers IT and technology solutions for medium to large companies in various industries. He also previously served as COO and CFO of Navigos Group in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Jones holds a B.A. in political science and history from Vanderbilt University, and an MBA in Finance and Accounting from University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business.

Aevi, a leading provider of innovative payment solutions, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with technology provider Bleu, bringing the convenience of tap-to-pay functionality to merchants across North America and Europe. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the way customers make payments on both iPhone and Android devices. 

As part of this agreement, Bleu will leverage Aevi’s open and cloud-based payments platform to empower payments companies throughout North America and Europe with this payment technology. This development will empower merchants to accept touchless payments seamlessly on both Android and iOS, offering a faster and more convenient checkout experience to their customers. With this partnership, Aevi and Bleu can offer our end customers a fully white-labeled end-to-end experience within any channel and any device.   

"Bleu is an extremely important partnership for Aevi, aligning perfectly with our overarching strategy of providing customers with a comprehensive suite of in-person payment solutions to accept payments in any channel, anywhere on any device. Tap-to-pay and SoftPOS technology has emerged as a significant trend in recent years, and we are committed to being at the forefront of this revolution. What sets our partnership with Bleu apart is that our mutual end customers can onboard tap-to-pay merchants through a single unified payments platform that enables seamless onboarding flows and the flexibility to deploy smart terminals using Aevi.” Alex Benjamin, Head of Global Business Development at Aevi. 

By combining Aevi's orchestration platform with Bleu's technological expertise, this partnership will deliver unmatched convenience and simplicity for both merchants and consumers. Through a single integration, Aevi enables businesses to access a comprehensive range of products and services, including tap-to-pay functionality, without the need for complex integrations or multiple systems. 

“Bleu is working with Aevi to bring touchless cloud-based payments to ISVs and businesses worldwide. From “Tap-to-Phone” to Bluetooth, this partnership future-proofs any acquirer, PSP, or ISVs in-person acceptance strategy. Cloud acceptance is the future of payments and moves beyond phones and enables payments on any POS or connected device. With one simple integration, customers have the ability to deliver any form factor or acceptance method based on the needs of their merchants.” Sesie K Bonsi, President & CEO at Bleu.  

Aevi and Bleu are committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and delivering value to their customers. This partnership is set to launch in North America, and its expansion to Europe is imminent.

iDenfy, a global RegTech company providing ID verification and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance solutions, partnered with CheckYa, a California-based financial platform dedicated to empowering creators and freelancers by offering automated invoice management and payment transfer services. iDenfy will provide identity verification services and built-in AML checks for the entrepreneur-oriented platform. 

The primary hurdle financial companies face in compliance is the expense of implementing Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. According to iDenfy, despite the costs, KYC and AML measures are crucial for verifying clients' identities and assessing financial risks. These measures also offer the advantage of maintaining a solid reputation through a zero-tolerance fraud prevention policy.

CheckYa agrees that an automated KYC process is necessary during customer onboarding, account creation, and financial transactions. In CheckYa’s case, helping its platform users accept payments without hassle wouldn’t be possible without securing data through identity verification. The financial platform emphasizes that finding the right KYC solution provider is crucial because it collects and verifies personal and financial data, including name, address, and government-issued ID document verification.

Additionally, as claimed by CheckYa, screening of user behaviour is essential to ensure continuous adherence to KYC requirements and that all customers don’t engage in fraudulent activities throughout the customer cycle. To achieve this goal, the all-in-one freelancer and creator hub implemented iDenfy’s identity verification solution, AML screening service, and adverse media checks. Starting now, iDenfy will onboard new creators onto CheckYa's network while screening them against numerous sanctions lists, global watchlists, and negative news sources. This process will guarantee full compliance with KYC/AML requirements.

However, user experience is not solely focused on end-users. CheckYa’s team also prioritized a feature-rich compliance service provider that would be user-friendly for its internal team. According to the company, iDenfy ticked all of the requirement boxes by offering a sustainable KYC credit system that will allow them to save identity verification costs and a wide range of types of AML/KYC screenings under a single platform. Additionally, iDenfy’s KYC specialists will manually review each user's KYC verification result in real-time to ensure a complete accuracy rate. 

iDenfy's identity verification software currently supports documents from more than 300 countries and territories, allowing customization to suit individual company needs based on user experience and friction level, tailored to the associated risk. The KYC service provider ensures a swift verification process completed in four easy steps, using the user's native language and taking less than a minute on average.

To meet industry standards and enhance security, CheckYa opted for iDenfy's KYC service, incorporating facial recognition technology. This feature utilizes 3D liveness detection algorithms to swiftly scan users' faces, detecting deepfakes, altered images, and other fraudulent attempts during the verification process.

“Users prefer a frictionless experience without contacting support or undergoing repeated identity verification attempts. Our goal is to help CheckYa and its users complete the process effortlessly while ensuring compliance with ever-evolving regulations.” — commented Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy.

In the dynamic world of financial technology, tales of unwavering determination, resilience, and groundbreaking innovation often captivate us, and Gala Technology's journey embodies just that. Over seven years of persistent perseverance, this visionary company, led by tenacious entrepreneur Jason Mace, has achieved remarkable success after enduring three years of intense investment, research, and development, and four years of trading. At the heart of their triumph lies the groundbreaking SOTpay, a payment technology that has transformed the landscape of card-not-present (CNP) transactions. Prepare to be inspired as we take you through an enthralling journey where challenges turned into steppingstones, ultimately revolutionising the electronic payments landscape.

Comment from CEO Jason Mace: "We embarked on a mission to tackle the growing menace of fraud in CNP transactions. Our unwavering dedication and belief in the power of innovation drove us forward. The development of SOTpay was a true labour of love, and it fills me with immense pride to witness its remarkable impact on the industry. Gala Technology's journey is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome obstacles and create positive change."

Comment from CTO Steve Biggs: "As the head of the innovation team behind SOTpay, I am humbled to be a part of this groundbreaking journey. Our passion for excellence and the pursuit of secure payment solutions fuelled our efforts every step of the way. Witnessing SOTpay receive accolades and industry recognition has been a gratifying experience. We remain committed to staying at the forefront of innovation and shaping the future of electronic transactions."

The Birth of SOTpay: A Quest for Security Gala Technology's transformation began with CEO Jason Mace's relentless quest to mitigate telephone fraud risk. Experiencing first-hand the challenges of fraudulent transactions in his own business, Mace was driven to develop a solution to combat the staggering £618 million worth of CNP fraud in the UK. This quest led to the inception of SOTpay, the game-changing pay-by-link solution that would redefine secure transactions.

The Challenges of Traditional CNP Payments In 2012, Gala Tent, Gala Technology's sister company and the UK's largest marquee and gazebo manufacturer, grappled with significant issues while processing CNP payments. Traditional methods involved customers sharing sensitive card information over the phone, raising compliance concerns with PCI DSS. Moreover, the growing problem of chargebacks due to fraud posed substantial financial losses for the company.

The Financial Impact of Concerns Fraud-induced chargebacks dealt a heavy blow to Gala Tent, leading to significant losses and customer dissatisfaction. Manual security checks were insufficient against increasingly sophisticated fraudsters. Recognising the need for innovation, Gala Technology set out to create an advanced and robust solution to safeguard revenue and protect customers.

The Birth of SOTpay and Its Remarkable Impact The relentless pursuit of a solution resulted in the birth of SOTpay, a revolutionary pay-by-link solution that eliminated the need for handling sensitive card information. SOTpay's success earned Gala Technology prestigious industry awards, including "Best International Card-Not-Present Solution" for four consecutive years.

A Trailblazer in the Industry Gala Technology's commitment to excellence and continuous innovation garnered accolades for "Payments Innovation of the Year" and "Security Innovation of the Year," cementing their position as a trailblazer in the payment industry. The recognition from the PCI Council further validated Gala Technology's role in championing secure payment solutions.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Electronic Transactions Jason Mace's journey to develop SOTpay epitomises the power of determination, turning challenges into opportunities. Gala Technology's innovative approach has reshaped the CNP payments landscape. With an unwavering commitment to secure and seamless payment experiences, Gala Technology continues to lead the evolution of card-not-present transactions, ensuring a safer and more efficient future for electronic payments.