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 Maps co-founder Lars Rasmussen has invested in the round, alongside Calm/Storm Ventures, Alma Angels, and other notable angel investors. Elvie founder and CEO Tania Boler and Elvie co-founder Alexander Asseily (also founder of Jawbone and Vice Chairman at Lilium), have also backed the start-up. This pre-seed investment will allow The

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 and data protection that can be deployed and managed in both cloud and hybrid environments. The Company focuses on serving small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and has more than 200,000 customers worldwide across a variety of industries, including education, government, financial services, health care, retail, consumer goods and manufacturing.

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 capital and new Ordinary shares will be issued to support the deal. John Stephens, who is currently a Senior Vice President with Stephens’ affiliate Stephens Inc, will join the CRUX board as a Non-Executive Director once FCA approval of the transaction has been obtained   Stephens, which has a strong

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 between people, offices, processes, tools and management. The business’ team has developed a platform that creates more productive work environments by offering greater transparency and efficiency across a business’ day-to-day functions, whilst offering real-time, data-driven decision-making support.

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 technology. RBR’s global market research offerings are relied upon by leading payment networks and financial and retail technology suppliers worldwide. Joining with Aite-Novarica Group further solidifies its position as the preeminent insights and advisory firm focused on financial services. Additionally, RBR’s location and formidable reputation around the globe immediately expand

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 focus in particular on harnessing data-driven insights for clients. The company also plans to invest in specialised client resources and experts across a wide variety of industries and expand across the US.  Additional investors in the round include Y Combinator, Index Ventures, Bloomberg Beta, XYZ, Susa Ventures, Pruven, Propel, Vetamer,

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 own web shop and own physical stores.  Through the partnership with eEquity and related growth capital, John Henric will accelerate its growth journey with the intention of becoming the leading brand within men’s fashion.

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 Banyan Bar & Kitchen, BOX and Manahatta. The investment will support the company’s ambition to double the business from its current 18 venues, delivering at least four new site openings per year over the next three-to-five years.   The deal marks the first time Arc has introduced external investment to the

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. As part of the deal, previous investors BGF will exit its investment in Inoapps, having realised a 4.5x return on the investment made in 2013. The £10 million funding from BGF enabled Inoapps to increase its global presence dramatically, particularly in the US and Asia, investing in developing expertise and