A start-up inspired by an adventurous granny and co-designed by a team of retirees has raised £1.1 million in funding to tackle the loneliness epidemic amongst older people. The Joy Club is a community-based platform designed to help retirees discover events, passions, and friendships that will enrich their lives.  Google

Global investment firm KKR is to purchase Barracuda Networks Inc, a provider of cloud-first security solutions, from Thoma Bravo, a software investment firm. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Founded in 2003, Barracuda offers a broad suite of cybersecurity solutions across email protection, application security, network security

Stephens, one of the largest, privately-held financial services firms in the US, through a wholly owned subsidiary entity, is to take a minority ownership stake in active equity investment manager CRUX Asset Management, subject to FCA approval. The proposed transaction will result in Stephens holding approximately 20% of CRUX share

SaaS company Fluid.work has secured a £2 million investment from Manchester-based venture capital investor, Praetura Ventures. The investment will allow Fluid.work to significantly grow its team, boost marketing activity and target global expansion.   Fluid.work’s aim is to improve working lives with a complete cloud-based solution, which solves the disconnect

Aite-Novarica Group (ANG), an advisory firm providing mission-critical insights on technology, regulations, markets, and operations to banks, payments providers, insurers, and securities firms, and a portfolio company of Pamlico Capital, is to merge with RBR, the leading provider of strategic research and data on banking automation, cards, payments, and retail

Newfront, a modern insurance brokerage platform, has secured a $200 million investment at a $2.2 billion valuation led by the Growth Equity business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management and B Capital with participation from existing investors including Founders Fund and Meritech Capital. Newfront plans to grow its technology teams and

eEquity, a Nordic growth investor focused on digitally-enabled businesses, has completed the eleventh and final deal in its fourth fund through an investment in the Malmö-based DTC (Direct to Consumer) company John Henric. The company focuses on the affordable luxury segment and sells men’s fashion apparel and accessories through its

Leading bar operator Arc Inspirations is set to accelerate its growth after securing significant investment from BGF for a minority stake in the Martin Wolstencroft-led business.   BGF is investing £19 million into the business, with the capital paving the way for an accelerated rollout of its three premium brands

Abry Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, has taken a substantial stake in global Oracle partner Inoapps, resulting in joint control with founder and CEO Andy Bird. The investment will accelerate both acquisition-based and organic growth, as well as continue to drive the innovation of new services and increase headcount.