
Inspirato partners with Sixt to boost luxury travel offerings
On Thursday, Inspirato, a members-only luxury travel vacation club that rents a network of residential properties to its subscribers, struck a partnership with Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Sixt USA, a subsidiary of Sixt SE, based outside Munich. Sixt offers luxury rental cars and chauffeuring services in over 100 countries.
Through the partnership, Inspirato members will now become Sixt platinum members — the company's second-highest status, which qualifies customers for member discounts, free upgrades, shorter wait times and priority access to some bookings.
Inspirato, which went public in 2022, has recently downsized with layoffs and changed leadership. It is rebranding itself as more luxurious while also trying to cut costs, CEO Payam Zamani said in a February conference call.
The partnership with Sixt is a way to 'deliver a new standard of luxury' to its customers, the company said.
'Inspirato is committed to elevating every part of our members' journeys,' Zamani said in a press release. 'By partnering with SIXT, we're extending that commitment to the road — offering our members a seamless blend of luxury, convenience, and best-in-class service from the moment their trip begins.'
Next year, Sixt and Inspirato also plan to debut a co-branded chauffeuring service at the 2026 Masters Tournament, a major golf competition in Augusta, Georgia. The Masters partnership will add luxury, branded transportation to and from the event for members and employees, the company said.
Inspirato will also offer U.S.-based Sixt platinum members 'a curated introduction to Inspirato's luxury vacation portfolio,' it said. Additional opportunities under consideration include increased brand presence at select Sixt airport locations and the future potential for premium vehicle delivery, the companies said.
'Providing high-touch, premium service has always been at the heart of what we do — and now, we are joining forces to elevate the entire travel experience,' said Tom Kennedy, president of Sixt North America, in the press release.
Sixt, which has locations next to Denver Union Station, in Cherry Creek and at the Denver International Airport, was also recently added as a passholder benefit for skiers and snowboarders who purchase Alterra Mountain Co.'s Ikon Pass.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Black Dragon Capital℠ Invests in Open Banking Solutions and PayOnward, FinTechs Tailored to Drive Innovation and Eliminate Obsolete Infrastructure for Credit Unions
Team of veteran FinTech leaders – including the Former Chair and CEO of Open Solutions, which created the DNA Core System, and Founder of Payveris – partner with leading credit unions to create Open Banking Solutions, a full-featured cloud-based core banking platform offering a powerful alternative to legacy infrastructure, and PayOnward, an AI-driven digital payment platform built for Credit Unions and Community-Based Financial Institutions BOCA RATON, Fla., Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Dragon Capital℠ ("Black Dragon") — a multi-phased global investment partner which focuses on advanced technology that addresses the most significant issues industries face — has invested in two financial solutions that can help credit unions drive innovation and eliminate obsolete infrastructure: Open Banking Solutions and PayOnward. The newly formed credit union limited partner advisory board has approved an investment by Black Dragon into two companies addressing the critical needs of the credit union and community based financial institution market. For too long, we believe that credit unions and other community based financial institutions were limited in their ability to execute their strategy due to outdated, inflexible and costly vendors that seem more interested in punitive contract terms, and a divisive relationship than success for credit unions. There have also seen several new entrants with little experience in enterprise processing or payments that have delivered failed conversions, severe reputational damage and event fines against well meaning institutions. These two investments are intended to put an end to this and put credit unions on their rightful path of collaboration, and success with partners who are experienced in delivering success in these critical areas. New Financial Solutions from Trusted Innovators Open Banking Solutions and PayOnward are promising companies that can give credit unions a competitive edge by allowing them to speed up innovation, get rid of vendor dependency constraints, and operate more efficiently. Open Banking Solutions is an advanced, cloud-based core and digital banking solution designed to give community-based financial institutions a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving landscape. Launched in the US, in February 2023, the platform boasts a robust cloud core processor that can streamline workflows and scale with the businesses as they grow. Joe Lockwood, the CEO of Open Banking Solutions, has spent decades empowering financial institutions through FinTech. Formerly, he was the President of COCC – the largest deployer of the DNA Core System. Lockwood is currently also an Advisor at Black Dragon Capital℠ where he specializes in FinTech. PayOnward is an AI-driven digital payment platform built for Credit Unions and Community-Based Financial Institutions. Its comprehensive, white-label suite—including accounts receivable, bill pay, peer-to-peer transfers, account-to-account payments, cross-border payments, and earned wage access—helps credit unions modernize services, keep deposits, and engage small businesses and members. The company was created by Louis Hernandez, Jr., the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Black Dragon Capital. Hernandez is the Former Chair and CEO of Open Solutions, which created the DNA Core System. He was also the Founder of the payments solution Payveris. PayOnward CEO, Cary Strange, has decades of experience in fintech, financial services, and payments. His extensive background in these industries equips him with a deep understanding of their unique needs – making his leadership invaluable as PayOnward continues to scale their solutions and drive industry adoption. Both Open Banking Solutions and PayOnward represent the next generation of innovations for credit unions, picking up where Open Solutions and Payveris left off. "When we sold Open Solutions, I never imagined creating another modern core system. Still, years passed, and I couldn't stand by and watch multiple failed attempts at this new modern core system set an industry I care about back — failing our institutions and the members they serve. We put the band back together with Rashid Desai, former CTO of Open Solutions when we launched DNA; Joe Lockwood, who was most recently the President of COCC, the largest deployer of DNA and is now CEO of Open Banking Solutions; and others, to create the next generation core system from experts who know how to create a core system that works and addresses industry issues. This time, it will be owned by credit unions for credit unions," said Louis Hernandez, Managing Partner of Black Dragon Capital FinTech CUSO Fund, and former Chair and CEO of Open Solutions including when the company created and launched DNA core system. "I've admired the impact that both Open Solutions and Payveris have made on the industry and I was delighted when Louis offered me the role of PayOnward CEO. The collaboration with leading credit union partners, and Black Dragon Capital, make this a unique and powerful partnership which can increase the role credit unions play in the digital payments ecosystem. Their experience in eCommerce, media and cybersecurity add a unique perspective to the payment platform strategy," said Cary Strange, CEO of PayOnward. Black Dragon Capital℠ continues collaborating with credit unions The firm's trusted leaders have been part of the credit union movement for decades and are committed to seeing it evolve and succeed. As a result, prominent members of the credit union community have joined forces with Black Dragon Capital℠ because of the firm's history of transforming companies. These recent investments in Open Banking Solutions and PayOnward prove Black Dragon's commitment to addressing the key challenges faced by the credit union movement today. Black Dragon Capital℠ continues establishing partnerships with credit unions with the goal of exploring advanced technologies that can empower them to serve their community better and optimize their services in a rapidly changing digital landscape. The firm has recently formed a FinTech Limited Partners Advisory Board, which includes the most innovative and sophisticated credit unions in the market, to ensure that strategic decisions are made with a thorough due diligence process that leverages insights from our partners and our team's deep domain experience. Open Banking Solutions and PayOnward are only the first in a series of technology investments with the goal of solving the industry's most important issues and creating a sustainable economic model. "This is exactly why we have created the partnerships that we did with leading credit unions. Partnering with the right technology partners, with proven success, to drive innovation, collaboration and efficiency to make our partners more competitive and allow them to serve their communities better. I'm very excited about these investments and am grateful for the insights that our credit union partners provided in these evaluations," said Benson Porter, Chair of the FinTech CUSO Fund, at Black Dragon Capital. Black Dragon Capital℠ Black Dragon Capital℠, founded over a decade ago by recognized financial technology leaders, is a multi-phased investment firm focused on disruptive technologies in high growth industry segments that strengthen economic stability within communities. The firm is led by a collaborative team with a combination of intense operating experience, community impact focus, and a proven track record of successfully transforming companies. Learn more at About the Black Dragon Capital℠ FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board The FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board (LPAB) is an organization comprised of recognized credit union and CUSO investment partners. The Advisory Board provides input on industry issues, feedback on operational and technical areas with potential and current investments, and provides strategic advice and direction on all Black Dragon Capital's investments for Fintech strategies. The Advisory Board's feedback incorporates insight from Black Dragon's Global Advisory Group, thought leadership and guidance on key events. About Open Banking Solutions Open Banking Solutions is an advanced, cloud-based core and digital banking solution designed to give community-based financial institutions a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving landscape. Launched in the US, in February 2023, the platform boasts a robust cloud core processor that can streamline workflows and scale with the businesses as they grow. Open Banking Solutions is a full featured core banking platform that includes integrated state of the art digital banking, digital account opening of all product types, workflow engine, management dashboards and reporting, loan collections, G/Land Open Banking ready APIs. It can integrate with businesses through industry shattering flexible and commercially friendly contracts. This next generation full suite of solutions is built by a team of experts with over a century of experience serving community-based financial institutions. About PayOnward PayOnward is an AI-driven digital payment platform built for Credit Unions and Community-Based Financial Institutions. Our comprehensive, white-label suite—including accounts receivable, bill pay, peer-to-peer transfers, account-to-account payments, cross-border payments, and earned wage access—helps CUs modernize services, keep deposits, and engage small businesses and members. Backed by Black Dragon Capital, PayOnward redefines community banking in the digital age. Visit Media Contact or Inquiries: Viviana LauschusMarketing Manager, Black Dragon Capitalvlauschus@ Aren WongSocial Media Manager, Black Dragon Capitalawong@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Black Dragon Capital Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


New York Post
16 minutes ago
- New York Post
Top Citigroup banker Andy Sieg humiliated employees with explosive tirades, made executive cry: report
Citigroup's star wealth chief Andy Sieg is being probed after at least six managing directors accused him of humiliating employees with explosive tirades — including one outburst that reduced an executive to tears, according to a report. The New York-based megabank hired white-shoe law firm Paul Weiss to investigate CEO Jane Fraser's prized recruit following complaints he mocked and undermined one of Citigroup's most prominent female executives before she left the firm, according to Bloomberg News. Sieg, 58, who Fraser personally courted at his Connecticut home to poach from Bank of America's Merrill Lynch division, allegedly unleashed expletive-filled rants and called employees' work 'pathetic' in front of their peers, sources told Bloomberg. 7 Andy Sieg, Citigroup's embattled head of wealth, is reportedly under investigation after executives accused him of tirades, humiliations and abusive treatment. Bloomberg via Getty Images 'Some of the people also described a male managing director being reduced to tears after Sieg berated him in front of colleagues while striking a tabletop,' according to the report. At the center of the complaints was Sieg's treatment of Ida Liu, 49, who ran Citigroup's private bank for 18 years before abruptly leaving in January. Liu once held the same position Fraser occupied on her climb to CEO, making her departure particularly significant. Witnesses told investigators that Sieg openly mocked Liu in meetings, undermined her authority and made disparaging comments both to her face and behind her back. His chief operating officer, Valentin Valderrabano, allegedly ordered another managing director to cut Liu out of critical business correspondence, that executive told Bloomberg News. After Liu's exit, Sieg eliminated her position entirely and replaced her with four male regional co-heads reporting directly to him, according to the report. 7 Ida Liu, who ran Citigroup's private bank for 18 years before abruptly leaving in January, was allegedly mocked and undermined by Andy Sieg. REUTERS Senior wealth executive Kristen Bitterly also became a target of Sieg's harsh treatment, prompting multiple complaints to human resources, sources told Bloomberg News. Her predecessor, Naz Vahid, quit last year after nearly 40 years at Citigroup, partly because of concerns about how Sieg treated colleagues, people familiar with the situation told the financial news agency. 7 Kristen Bitterly, another senior executive at Citi, was reportedly on the receiving end of Sieg's ire. Linkedin/Kristen Bitterly Michell Other incidents included Sieg sarcastically ridiculing an executive to colleagues immediately after the person left the room. Human resources chief Sara Wechter ordered the outside investigation as complaints piled up from both male and female executives about Sieg's conduct since joining the bank nearly two years ago, according to the report. Board chair John Dugan also received anonymous letters detailing troubling behavior from both Sieg's current role and earlier career stints, according to correspondence reviewed by Bloomberg News. Paul Weiss investigators interviewed more than a dozen witnesses, with some questioned as recently as July, before wrapping up their probe, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News. 7 Bitterly and Sieg are pictured in Armonk, New York, earlier this month. Linkedin/Kristen Bitterly Michell The bank refused to reveal the investigation's findings. Sieg didn't respond to requests for comment. 'It is standard practice for us to engage an outside law firm to investigate allegations made against a senior member of the management team,' Citigroup spokesperson Mark Costiglio told Bloomberg News in a carefully worded statement. Fraser, 58, who became CEO in 2021, had bet big on Sieg to transform the wealth division as part of her broader push to boost profitability. 7 Liu, once seen as a rising star who held the same role Jane Fraser occupied before becoming CEO, became a central figure in complaints against Sieg. Getty Images Sieg sits on Citigroup's 18-person executive management team and is widely viewed as a potential successor to Fraser. Under his leadership, the wealth unit posted record revenue of $2.17 billion in the second quarter while shifting focus from lending to investment management. Citigroup shares have surged 33% this year, outpacing other major banks. 'Andy is a hard-charging leader who has established a strong, client-focused franchise that is delivering revenue growth and improved returns,' Costiglio insisted. 7 Citi CEO Jane Fraser personally courted Sieg at his Connecticut home to poach him from Bank of America. Getty Images Costiglio told Reuters that 'we look forward to Andy continuing to drive strong business performance.' The spokesperson noted that women comprise over 40% of Sieg's senior leadership team and praised his ability to 'attract, retain and promote industry-leading talent.' But the mass exodus of longtime executives tells a different story about life under Sieg's regime. The wealth division has undergone massive layoffs as part of Fraser's plan to eliminate 20,000 positions across the bank. 7 A spokesperson for Citi told Reuters that 'we look forward to Andy continuing to drive strong business performance.' Christopher Sadowski Senior managers grew alarmed at the intensity of complaints about Sieg's behavior during the restructuring, sources said. Whether Fraser will take action against her handpicked lieutenant or stand by him despite the damaging allegations remains unclear as the investigation's conclusions stay buried. The Post has sought comment from Sieg, Fraser, Citi, Paul Weiss and Liu.
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Silicon Valley startup Tensor unveils a personal ‘RoboCar'
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Tensor, a Silicon Valley-based autonomous driving startup, has unveiled a personal electric robotaxi called the 'Tensor RoboCar' that it aims to start delivering to customers in the second half of 2026, the company announced in an Aug. 13 press release. The vehicle was built from the ground up for SAE Level-4 autonomy in partnership with leading Tier 1 suppliers and electric vehicle maker VinFast. VinFast and Tensor plan to scale production at the automaker's assembly plant in Vietnam, which includes stamping, welding, painting and final assembly of the vehicle. The RoboCar will be available in select global markets in the U.S., Europe and the UAE, per the release. Dive Insight: While ride-share operators Waymo, Uber and EV maker Tesla are racing to deploy fleets of commercial robotaxis, Tensor becomes one of the first companies with plans to sell one directly to consumers for use as their personal autonomous vehicle. 'With Tensor, we're introducing the world's first personal RoboCar, ushering in the era of AI defined vehicles,' said Tensor Chief Marketing Officer Amy Luca, in the release. 'This isn't a car as we know it.' Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Great Rates and Award-Winning Service The Insurance Savings You Expect Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You The Tensor RoboCar is equipped with over 100 sensors to support Level 4 autonomous driving without human intervention. But the vehicle can still be driven as needed. The vehicle's steering wheel folds away and its pedals retract when not in use, which Tensor says is the world's first such feature. In areas where Level 4 autonomy is not supported, a driver can take the wheel or switch to 'assisted driving' mode for a smooth handoff. The RoboCar's comprehensive sensor suite includes 37 cameras, five lidars, 11 radars, 22 microphones, 10 ultrasonic sensors, 16 collision detectors, eight water-level detectors, four tire-pressure sensors, a smoke detector, triple-channel 5G network connectivity and other tech. Tensor said its RoboCar sets a benchmark in automotive sensing with the 'world's most vertically integrated Level 4 autonomy stack.' The system is powered by an onboard Nvidia processor. To further ensure safe driverless operation, the vehicle is built with a fully redundant electrical and electronic architecture across power, communications, and motion control, including its drive-by-wire system, which Tensor says ensures fail-safe operation. The robotaxi also features brake-by-wire, steer-by-wire and four-wheel steering. Level 4 autonomous driving powered by AI Tensor's approach to autonomous driving is built on what it refers to as the 'Tensor Foundation Model,' which is entirely data-driven as opposed to rule-based systems. It's based on a transformer architecture that allows the vehicle to 'learn complex patterns' based on its environment, according to the release. The technology stack includes 'dual-system AI,' which the company says 'mirrors human cognition' for decision making. All of the vehicle's AV's perception, prediction, and motion planning systems were fine-tuned using real-world and simulated datasets. One part of the dual AI system is designed to deliver quick vehicle responses through imitation learning from data collected from expert drivers. The other uses a multimodal visual language model to reason through rare edge cases, which have been known to trip up Waymo vehicles leaving them stuck. The VLM is trained on both proprietary and large-scale internet visual data, including images and videos, to help ensure the vehicle can adapt to any driving environment. Other RoboCar features designed to improve the ownership experience are vehicle self-diagnostics, automatic over-the-air software updates, autonomous parking and charging, and even protective sensor covers to protect the sensors from pollen, dust, sand, or debris while not in use. The vehicle's sensor-cleaning systems have dedicated wipers and nozzles to ensure the units remain free from dirt and road grime that could degrade their performance. To address data privacy concerns of connecting to the cloud, Tensor's RoboCar stores all user location, preferences and other data locally on the vehicle for a high level of security. But users can access their data via an encrypted smartphone app or onboard interface, making data impossible to track, extract or compromise, according to Tensor. Building software-defined vehicles at scale remains a challenge for automakers, so as a new startup, Tensor turned to industry partners to develop its RoboCar. The company said the vehicle's advanced features are a direct result of its close collaboration with Tier 1 suppliers, including Autoliv, ZF, Bosch, Continental, Veoneer and others. Tensor also partnered with chipmakers Nvidia, AMD, NXP, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm and Samsung. Tensor also said it's working with global insurance broker and risk advisor Marsh to offer customers what it calls 'the world's first insurance policy for RoboCars.' Tensor did not share any information about pricing for its RoboCar in the release. Recommended Reading Waymo, Magna to jointly build robotaxis at new Arizona factory