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

Critical Start, a provider of Managed Detection and Response (MDR) cybersecurity solutions, has secured a $215 million strategic growth investment from Vista Equity Partners (Vista).

International insurance broker Howden has acquired SPF Private Clients (SPF), subject to regulatory approval, from private equity fund manager Cabot Square. SPF will join Howden’s UK & Ireland business to further enhance its position as the leading independent insurance distributor in the region.   SPF was formed in 2011 after a management buyout and rebrand of Savills Private Finance, the financial arm of Savills plc, before Cabot Square Capital (Cabot) acquired a majority stake in the business in 2018. 

Azzure IT, a Sheffield-based IT services provider, has been acquired by Content+Cloud, the UK arm of Nordic IT services group Advania. The deal provides an exit for NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, and which has achieved a return well in excess of 2x its initial £2 million investment.    Founded in 2011 by Craig and Sharon Such, Azzure is a leading Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provider and has previously featured in rankings such as Deloitte Tech Fast500 EMEA and the Financial Times 1000 list, which recognise

PayArc, a payments technology company formed by co-founders Zachary Martinez and Jared Ronski, has secured a strategic investment from Bregal Sagemount, a private equity firm providing capital and strategic assistance to companies in high-growth sectors. PayArc will use this first round of financing to invest in new sales and marketing channels, target strategic acquisitions, and expand its value proposition to all constituents.

Ultrahuman, a metabolic fitness platform, has acquired consumer-focused wearable company LazyCo famed for creating the Aina ring wearable. Ultrahuman is a venture-backed startup that has raised $25m to date. Their investors include Alpha Wave Incubation (AWI), which is backed by DisruptAD and managed by Falcon Edge, Steadview Capital, Nexus Venture Partners, Blume Ventures and Utsav Somani’s iSeed fund, and a range of marquee founders and angel investors including Tiger Global’s Scott Schleifer.    LazyCo will integrate with Ultrahuman’s global in-house hardware development team as they seek opportunities to enhance the user experience and help improve global metabolic health standards. Ultrahuman