
Fantasy Sports Market , 37% of Growth to Originate from North America, TechnavioPioneering model Dayle Haddon dies after suspected carbon monoxide leakThis week, the United States Department of the Treasury is imposing sanctions on four entities and three vessels involved in the trade of Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals, which generate billions of dollars’ worth of revenue for the Iranian regime. This revenue supports Iran’s nuclear program, its development and proliferation of provocative ballistic missiles, and financing of terrorist proxy groups such as Hizballah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Vessels transporting Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals frequently use methods of obfuscation and deception to mask this trade, posing a significant danger to the maritime industry. Concurrently, the U.S. Department of State is taking action against four entities in multiple jurisdictions involved in the movement of Iranian petroleum. “Iran’s continues to rely on its shadowy network of vessels, companies, and facilitators to finance the development of its nuclear program, the proliferation of its weapons systems, and support to its proxies,” said Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. “The United States is committed to targeting Iran’s key revenue streams that fund its destabilizing activities.” Today’s action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13902, which provides authority to the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to identify and impose sanctions on key sectors of Iran’s economy. On October 11, 2024, the Secretary of the Treasury identified the petroleum and petrochemical sectors of the Iranian economy as subject to sanctions pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 13902. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has released sanctions guidance for the maritime industry to aid in identifying new or common fact patterns that may be indicative of sanctions evasion, addressing common counterparty due diligence issues, and implementing best practices to promote sanctions compliance. The Iranian petroleum sector relies on various maritime industry partners to support its illicit oil trade, which generates financial resources used to support its malign activities, including missile development, financing of terrorist proxy networks, and its nuclear program. The dark fleet transporting Iranian oil tends to consist of older, poorly maintained vessels operating outside of standard maritime regulations which, when combined with other deceptive shipping practices, also creates a dangerous operating environment that can pose serious risk to other shipping activities. Marshall Islands-registered Journey Investment Company is the registered owner of the Djibouti-flagged crude oil tanker MS ENOLA (IMO: 9251951), which has been involved in the illicit transfer of Iranian oil for several years. The MS ENOLA recently received millions of barrels of Iranian oil in a ship-to-ship transfer from sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company tanker DINO I (IMO: 9569671), formerly known as the INFINITY. The MS ENOLA has continued to use deceptive practices to help obfuscate its illicit activity, including turning off its automated identification system (AIS). Liberia- and Greece-registered Rose Shipping Limited is the manager and operator of the MS ENOLA, the San Marino-flagged MS ANGIA(IMO: 9246281), and the Panama-flagged MS MELENIA (IMO: 9302023). Like the MS ENOLA, the MS ANGIA has been involved in illicit Iranian oil shipments dating back several years. Marshall Islands-registered Passada Maritime Limitedis the registered owner of the MS ANGIA. Journey Investment Company, Rose Shipping Limited, and Passada Maritime Limited are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the petroleum sector of the Iranian economy. The MS ENOLA is being identified as property in which Journey Investment Company has an interest. The MS ANGIA and the MS MELENIA are being identified as property in which Rose Shipping Limited has an interest. In early 2024, Hong Kong-based Master Joint Co., Limited was used by U.S.-sanctioned Iranian trader Triliance Petrochemical Company to coordinate the sale of Iranian petrochemicals. Master Joint Co., Limited is being designated for operating in the petroleum and petrochemical sectors of the Iranian economy. Triliance Petrochemical Company was designated pursuant to E.O 13846 on January 23, 2020, for, on or after November 5, 2018, having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of, the National Iranian Oil Company. The U.S. Department of State is also taking action against a number of entities in multiple jurisdictions involved in the illicit movement of Iranian petroleum. Seychelles-based Shiny Sails Shipping Ltd, India-based Atlantic Navigation OPC Private Limited, Suriname-based Galaxy Management NV, and Hong Kong-based Brecalin Hong Kong Co Ltd are all being designated pursuant to E.O. 13846 for having knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran. The Cameroon-flagged vessel AVITAL (IMO: 9246279) is being identified as property in which Shiny Sails Shipping Ltd has an interest. The Panama-flagged vessel VIGOR (IMO: 9262156) is being identified as property in which Galaxy Management NV has an interest. The Barbados-flagged vessels PROGRESS V (IMO: 9316701) and SCORPIUS (IMO: 9264893), along with the Panama-flagged vessels TASCA (IMO: 9313149) and ELIZA II (IMO: 9418078) are being identified as property in which Brecalin Hong Kong Ltd has an interest. As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. U.S. persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violations of E.O. 13902. In addition, persons that engage in certain transactions with the individuals and entities designated today may themselves be exposed to sanctions or subject to an enforcement action. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. Source: US Department of Treasury
Nvidia shares decline 3.5%, hit 3-week low as rotation into cyclicals continueKLING AI Releases its Latest 1.6 Model: A New Leap in Video Generation
Smart Helmets Market to Reach $2.3 Billion by 2031- Exclusive Report by Meticulous Research®TLTI to hold public meeting on tower proposalOsage captured the 2024 Independence Girls’ Wrestling Invitational Saturday with 369.5 points. The Green Devils outdistanced a strong field with Cedar Rapids Prairie, East Buchanan of Winthrop and Waverly-Shell Rock finishing 2-3-4. Osage got titles from Ainsley Hemann and Gabel Hemann at 100 and 115, respectively. Ainsley Hemann beat Piper Phillips of Mason City by fall in the title match in 1 minute and 13 seconds, while Gable Hemann, in a battle of returning state medalists, topped Linn-Mar’s Kate Seery, 11-3, at 115. Alexis Kolbet was second at 110, falling to McKenna Rogers of Solon in the finals. Madison Swenson was third at 125, Emma Evens fifth at 130, Aubrey Chapman fifth at 145 and Emma Schipper third at 235. Waverly-Shell Rock produced three champions – Camille Schult at 125, Lilly Stough at 135 and Amalia Djoumessi at 155. Schult scored a technical fall over Anna O’Rear of West Delaware, 19-4, in the finals, while Stough beat Destiney Krum of Weast Buchanan, 7-1, and Djoumessi pinned Jamie Jones of Sumner-Fredericksburg in 1:34. The Go-Hawks also saw Makana Miller (140) and Kasey Stone (170) take second. Waterloo West had three strong performances. Kammie Gleiter was sixth at 110 and Elizabeth Roberts was eighth at 135. Libby Stocks won three straight consolation matches after an early loss to finish 6-1 on the day and take ninth at 115. In the Central Iowa Kickoff, Saint Ansgar’s Mariah Michels dec. Jackee Rodriquez-Acosta of Southeast Polk, 4-0, to win the 115-pound title for the Saints. Clear Lake’s Piper Lester finished fourth in the 130-pound division while Saint Ansgar’s Amelia Walk finished fifth. Clear Lake’s Alexa Heflin finished 4 in the 145-pound division while her teammate Kayma Burleson took 3 place at 170 after defeating Emma Walker of Panorama in the third-place match. Zoe Koontz of Clear Lake took sixth place at 190. CHAMPIONSHIP – Ainsley Hemann (Osage) pinned Piper Phillips (Mason City), 1:13. THIRD PLACE – Elizabeth Burns (CRP) dec. Addison Schulte (West Delaware), 17-15. CHAMPIONSHIP – Kara VeDepo (Solon) pinned Lila Sheehan (Mason City), 3:02. THIRD PLACE – Marie Burns (CRP) dec. Elizabeth Renshaw (CR Kennedy), 6-1. CHAMPIONSHIP – McKenna Rogers (Solon) pinned Alexis Kolbet (Osage), :49. THIRD PLACE – Madeline Cornish (Mason City) pinned Kaelynn Roster (Vinton-Shellsburg), 4:49. CHAMPIONSHIP – Gable Hemann (Osage) dec. Kate Seery (Linn-Mar), 11-3. THIRD PLACE – Juliana Burds (Alburnett) dec. Ellie Weets (Vinton-Shellsburg), 9-0. CHAMPIONSHIP – Silvia Garcia-Vasquez (West Liberty) pinned Olivia Hallam (CR Kennedy), 1:59. THIRD PLACE – Morgan Krall (Independence) dec. Ally Jelinek (Linn-Mar), 13-6. CHAMPIONSHIP – Camille Schult (Waverly-Shell Rock) technical fall over Anna O’Rear (West Delaware), 19-4, 4:17. THIRD PLACE – Madison Swenson (Osage) mff over Aileen Aragon (West Liberty). CHAMPIONSHIP – Mackenzie Childers (CR Prairie) pinned Kylee Shoop (West Delaware), :46. THIRD PLACE – Josie Logan (Marion) pinned Isabel Christensen (Sumner-Fredericksburg), 1:59. CHAMPIONSHIP – Lilly Stough (WSR) dec. Destiny Krum (East Buchanan), 7-1. THIRD PLACE – Brielle Parke (Linn-Mar) pinned Sophie Glaser (New Hampton-TV), :43. CHAMPIONSHIP – Meredith Kaump (CR Kennedy) pinned Makana Miller (WSR), 1:16. THIRD PLACE – Damiyah Williams (Mason City) pinned Claire Hynek (CRP), 2:12. CHAMPIONSHIP – Chloe Sanders (Vinton-Shellsburg) dec. Tayla Stiefel (East Buchanan), 11-4. THIRD PLACE – Luisa Meade (CR Prairie) pinned Kelly Throndson (NHTV), 1:45. CHAMPIONSHIP – Amalia Djoumessi (WSR) pinned Jamie Jones (Sumner-Fredericksburg), 1:34. THIRD PLACE – Miley Walz (East Buchanan) pinned Isabelle Gasper (CR Kennedy), 1:41. CHAMPIONSHIP – Ava Pfab (Western Dubuque) pinned Kasey Stone (WSR), 4:24. THIRD PLACE – Jordan Hunt (Clear Creek-Amana) pinned Sadie Burke (Vinton-Shellsburg), 1:39. CHAMPIONSHIP – Brooklyn Graham (East Buchanan) pinned Joscelyn Stricker (CR Kennedy), 4:14. THIRD PLACE – Aliya Phillips (CR Prairie) pinned Deanna Varela (IC West), 4:42. CHAMPIONSHIP – Ella Brown (CR Kennedy) pinned Sage Dzeladini (North Scott), :45. THIRD PLACE – Emma Schipper (Osage) pinned Emelia Reyes (CR Prairie), 1:56. CHAMPIONSHIP – Chloe Sheffield (Decorah) dec. Sophia Calpito (Charles City), 6-2. THIRD PLACE – Natalie Blake (Cedar Falls) pinned Kennedy Bachman (MFL), 2:30. CHAMPIONSHIP – Kara Kennedy (Crestwood) pinned Sloane Foss (Cedar Falls), 2:16. THIRD PLACE – Macy Rose (North Fayette-Valley) pinned Lexie McCallum (Cedar Falls), 3:32. CHAMPIONSHIP – Isabelle Stumbo (Cedar Falls) pinned Brielle Starkweather (NFV), 1:33. THIRD PLACE – Emma Schmitt (Charles City) pinned Addison Donahue (Waukon), :54. CHAMPIONSHIP – Lauren Whitt (Cedar Falls) pinned Lyida Bollman (Crestwood), 1:48. THIRD PLACE – Alexuz Ohlendorf (Charles City) technical fall over Laylah Ingledue (Lake Mills), 17-1, 2:52. CHAMPIONSHIP – Grace Storjohann (Aplington-Parkersburg) pinned Isla Schemmel (Crestwood), 1:53. THIRD PLACE – Lana Schafer (Cedar Falls) pinned Anna Stene (Lake Mills), 1:42. CHAMPIONSHIP – Apryl Halsor (Cedar Falls) pinned Mackenzie Bachman (MFL), 1:32. THIRD PLACE – Sophia Salinas (Postville) pinned Simone Downing (Decorah), :30. CHAMPIONSHIP – Jobie Conway (Cedar Falls) pinned Kylie Blunt (Charles City), :58. THIRD PLACE – Jessika Ausborn (Northwood-Kensett) pinned Mackenzie Shultz (North Butler/Clarksville), 2:29. CHAMPIONSHIP – Lainey Schreck (Cedar Falls) pinned Gracie Walz (South Winneshiek), :13. THIRD PLACE – Bristol Parker (Decorah) pinned Isabelle White (Postville), 1:05. CHAMPIONSHIP – McKenzie Tollefson (Decorah) pinned Destiney Hoeppner (Cedar Falls), 1:28. THIRD PLACE – Amelia Wadsworth (Decorah) pinned Jorja Johnson (Waukon), 2:36. CHAMPIONSHIP – Anastasia Simon (Decorah) pinned Alanna Schatz (Crestwood), 1:30. THIRD PLACE – Mia Ahrendsen (Cedar Falls) pinned Maya Swarts (Cedar Falls), 1:17. CHAMPIONSHIP – Lauren Luzum (Decorah) pinned Zoey Uhlenhopp (Aplington-Parkersburg), 1:21. THIRD PLACE – Afton Dean (Lake Mills) pinned Nevaeh Bloker (Nashua-Plainfield), 3:10. CHAMPIONSHIP – Anna Johnson (Cedar Falls) pinned Ariana Menne (Postville), 1:53. THIRD PLACE – Kaydince Newman (Cedar Falls) pinned Isabella Scheidel (Crestwood), :55 CHAMPIONSHIP – Leah Stewart (Charles City) dec. Briar Ludeman (Cedar Falls), 3-2. THIRD PLACE – Rose Niewoehner (Crestwood) pinned Maliyah Liddle (North Butler/Clarksville), :21. CHAMPIONSHIP – Elizabeth Mills (Cedar Falls) pinned Finley Larson (Cedar Falls), 1:34. THIRD PLACE – Nevaeh Dutcher (Lake Mills) pinned Madilyn Metz (Cedar Falls), 2:54. Get local news delivered to your inbox! {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Workforce Management Software Market size to increase by USD 3.08 Billion between 2023 to 2028, Market Segmentation by End-user, Deployment, Geography, TechnavioU.S. Plans to Remove H-1B Visa Country Cap, Boosting Opportunities for Indian Workers U.S. President-elect Donald Trump appointed Indian-American venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Krishnan, who will work alongside David Sacks, former PayPal COO and Trump’s choice to lead AI and Crypto policy, is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of technology and immigration reform in the United States. Among the reforms under consideration is the removal of the per-country cap on H-1B visas, a policy that could significantly impact Indian tech professionals seeking opportunities in the U.S. The proposal to remove the per-country cap on H-1B visas has sparked widespread discussion, especially in India, where a large number of highly skilled professionals seek to work in the US tech industry. If enacted, this reform could have profound implications for both India and the US, reshaping the global talent pool and the tech landscape. The H-1B Visa System and Country Caps The H-1B visa allows US companies to hire foreign workers for specialised jobs, particularly in fields such as technology, engineering, and healthcare. Currently, there is a per-country cap, meaning that no more than 7% of the total number of H-1B visas can be allocated to workers from any single country, regardless of demand. This system has caused significant delays for applicants from high-demand countries, especially India. India, with its large pool of highly skilled workers in the tech sector, has long been affected by this cap. Indian applicants often face long waiting times—sometimes over a decade—due to the high demand for H-1B visas. In contrast, applicants from countries with smaller populations of skilled workers may have little to no waiting period. This backlog has caused frustration among many potential immigrants, who are unable to fully contribute to the US economy due to visa restrictions. Krishnan’s Advocacy and Potential Impact Sriram Krishnan’s appointment brings renewed attention to the intersection of technology, immigration, and U.S. economic policy. Krishnan has long advocated for immigration reforms that would prioritise merit and streamline the green card process, particularly for skilled workers from countries like India. He has garnered support from influential figures such as David Sacks and Elon Musk, who argue that removing country-specific caps would enable the U.S. to attract and retain global talent more effectively. If the U.S. moves forward with the removal of the H-1B cap, it could have a transformative impact on Indian professionals seeking to work and settle in the U.S. It would mean faster processing times for highly skilled workers, allowing them to transition from temporary work status to permanent residency without the years-long wait currently imposed by the per-country cap. What Happens if the Country Cap is Removed? Removing the cap would eliminate the bottleneck faced by applicants from high-demand countries like India, enabling them to compete on a level playing field. Instead of being subject to country-specific quotas, applicants would be processed based on merit, allowing the most qualified candidates to secure visas more quickly. For India, which produces a significant proportion of global tech talent, this would drastically improve the prospects for professionals seeking U.S. employment. This reform would also address the long-standing issue of job uncertainty for foreign workers. Many Indian professionals in the U.S. face difficulties in securing green cards due to the lengthy backlogs, which often affect their families as well. The change could lead to greater job security and increased contributions to the U.S. economy from skilled immigrants. Economic and Technological Implications From an economic perspective, the U.S. tech industry has long relied on skilled foreign workers to maintain its global competitiveness. Removing the country cap could accelerate the flow of talent into the U.S., particularly in the high-demand areas of artificial intelligence and machine learning, fields where Krishnan is deeply involved. This influx of global talent would help sustain U.S. innovation and ensure that the country remains at the forefront of technological advancements. For India, this reform could mean a greater outflow of highly skilled workers, but it also underscores India’s growing role as a hub for global tech talent. The positive implications of this reform would also extend to U.S.-India relations , fostering deeper cooperation in technology, entrepreneurship, and trade. Challenges and Concerns Despite the clear advantages, critics remain concerned about the potential for increased competition in the U.S. job market. Some argue that the reform could disadvantage American workers by making it easier for foreign professionals to secure positions. Others point to potential abuses within the H-1B system, where companies might favour foreign workers over U.S. citizens for cost reasons. A Turning Point for U.S.-India Relations and Global Talent Mobility The potential removal of the H-1B visa country cap, particularly under the guidance of figures like Sriram Krishnan, reflects a broader shift in U.S. immigration and technology policy. For Indian tech professionals, this change could mean faster visa processing and greater opportunities to contribute to the U.S. economy. However, the proposal will undoubtedly spark a broader debate about balancing global talent attraction with domestic job protection. As the U.S. continues to refine its policies, the evolving relationship between the U.S. and India will be key in shaping the future of the global workforce. Stay updated with the latest education news on Times of India . Explore the CBSE date sheet for Class 10 and 12 across Arts , Science , and Commerce streams.NEW YORK , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global home and office paper shredders market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.42 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.06% during the forecast period. For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions,market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report Region Outlook 1. North America - APAC is estimated to contribute 43%. To the growth of the global market. The Home And Office Paper Shredders Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027. The Home and Office Paper Shredders market in North America is currently the largest market globally. This dominance is attributed to the increasing consumer awareness, well-established business infrastructure, and the presence of several key players in the region. The US is the major contributor to this market, driven by technological advancements, product innovations, and differentiation. Notable vendors, such as Fellowes Brands , ACCO Brands, Swingline, and Aurora Corp. Of America, are introducing new and innovative products, significantly contributing to the market growth in North America . For more insights on North America's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample Segmentation Overview 1.1 Commercial 1.2 Residential 2.1 Cross-cut 2.2 Micro-cut 2.3 Strip-cut 3.1 North America 3.2 APAC 3.3 Europe 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: The commercial sector's reliance on paper shredders for document security is significant. Factors such as high shredding volume and frequency, nature of confidential data, and regulatory compliance drive this demand. Paper shredders are essential equipment in offices, providing document security, workspace cleanliness, and waste disposal. Despite the increasing digitization trend, the paper shredder market is witnessing steady growth due to the importance of physical document security in the face of cyber threats. In regions like North America and Europe , where electronic products are prevalent, the paper shredder market continues to expand, ensuring the safe disposal of sensitive documents remains a priority. Research Analysis The Home and Office Paper Shredders market refers to the demand for electronic equipment designed to shred confidential documents into tiny pieces for secure disposal. With the increasing awareness of data security and environmental protection, the market for these shredding machines has seen significant growth. Bin capacity varies from small portable shredders to industrial-grade models. The shredding process helps protect sensitive data and confidential papers, including personnel records and financial information, from falling into the wrong hands. The carbon footprint of paper shredders is a concern, but advancements in technology are leading to more energy-efficient models. Consumption volumes are high among government agencies, small enterprises, private groups, and individuals. The shutdown of offices and reduction of commerce due to the pandemic have led to an increase in the demand for paper shredders. Smart features and automation, such as sensor systems and volume information, are becoming increasingly popular. The market offers a range of shredding techniques, including strip cut, which ensures thorough destruction of documents. Market Overview The Home and Office Paper Shredders market refers to the demand for electronic equipment designed to shred confidential documents, sensitive data, and other paper waste. With the increasing concern for data security and environmental protection, the market for paper shredders has seen significant growth. Bin capacity varies from small portable shredders for home use to industrial-grade machines for commercial usage sectors. Paper shredders use different techniques such as Strip Cut, Cross Cut, and Micro Cut to ensure thorough destruction of documents. Consumption volumes are driven by various sectors including government agencies, small enterprises, private groups, and individuals. The market caters to various industries such as banks, financial organizations, healthcare institutions, educational institutions, retailers, customer service industry, and more. The market also includes shredders for CDs, DVDs, loyalty cards, credit cards, and magnetic tapes. With advancements in technology, smart features and automation are becoming increasingly popular, including sensor systems and volume information. The reduction of commerce due to shutdowns and the shift towards soft copy preferences have also influenced the market. The working population and retail networks, as well as online platforms, are significant consumers of paper shredders. Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
‘I hid in govt house to evade arrest’ – Kano Gov’s aide, Tofa
Feds suspend ACA marketplace access to companies accused of falsely promising ‘cash cards’Givenwell founder and chief executive Jonny Mirkin is delighted with the early success of the Dunedin-based startup. PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSON And judging by the response to Dunedin-founded startup Givenwell — which has recently launched into Australia — more employers are taking heed of that. Givenwell is a wellbeing platform launched by Jonny Mirkin in August following two years of research and development. The original idea was for employers to give their team wellbeing allowances in the form of digital tokens. Employees then accessed a marketplace, where various offerings — which had been curated and vetted — were available and they could spend their tokens confidentially on whatever they chose. Mr Mirkin said last week the response had been "amazing" and the business had now morphed into providing wellbeing for anybody that would receive benefit from it, including the likes of parents buying tokens for their children heading to boarding school or university, and a gifting option was recently launched. There was now a team of 10 based in Dunedin and a chief operating officer had been appointed and was moving south from Wellington. While global expansion was planned, the startup’s headquarters would remain in the city. In the new year, Givenwell would be looking to raise more capital and it was in a fortunate position that it could show "some pretty impressive metrics". A board of directors would also be put in place. He expected Givenwell would become a single wellbeing platform for organisations, replacing health insurance, EAP, wellbeing benefits and other wellbeing resources and apps. Rather than employers spending money via different budgets, it would only involve one budget and their teams could be empowered to go on a wellbeing journey, he said. As the founder of tech company Nomos One, which was bought earlier this year by global finance and technology firm EXA Capital, it had been "fun doing it second time round" and utilising the lessons learned from his first startup, Mr Mirkin said. The positive response had enabled Givenwell to have the early success but that was also attributable to having spent so much time on research and development prior to launch, he said. sally.rae@odt.co.nz