NATO-Backed German Defense Startup, ARX Robotics, Raises Funds for UK Plant
Germany's HV Capital led a €31 million ($35.2 million) financing round with participation from private equity firm Omnes Capital, the Munich-based startup said on Monday. Earlier backers Project A and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's €1 billion Innovation Fund, which invested last June, also joined the current round.
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The Hill
7 minutes ago
- The Hill
NATO chief on whether Trump is at risk of rewarding Russia for invading Ukraine: ‘I don't think the risk is there'
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Sunday that he doesn't believe there is a risk that peace negotiations in Alaska with President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will reward Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. ABC News's Jonathan Karl asked Rutte on 'This Week' if he believed, like former national security adviser John Bolton does, that negotiations are sliding in Russia's favor, which could potentially reward the country for its invasion. 'No, I don't think the risk is there,' Rutte replied. 'And all my respects for John, and please send him my best regards, but I would not agree on this point with him. We have seen President Trump putting incredible pressure on Russia.' 'So, this is all clear evidence that President Trump is absolutely adamant to bring this war to an end, but also to keep maximum pressure on Putin,' Rutte later added. Rutte said the Friday meeting between to two leaders was important because it 'is testing Putin, how serious he is in this whole process, which will then have to continue after Friday, with Ukraine involved, with others involved, to bring this war to an end.' Trump and Putin are set to meet in Alaska on Friday to discuss peace negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the summit; however, the White House and the NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker said there is a possibility he will attend. Bolton, who was the national security advisor during Trump's first term, said Saturday on CNN's 'The Source' with host Kaitlan Collins, 'The only better place for Putin than Alaska would be if the summit were being held in Moscow.' 'So, the initial setup, I think, is a great victory for Putin,' he continued. On Aug. 6, Trump signed an executive order adding a 25 percent tariff on India's purchases of Russian oil, bringing the tariffs up to a total of 50 percent. The tariffs will be in effect 21 days after Trump signed the executive order. This was intended to let India negotiate with Russia; however, in the meantime, India's leader has reaffirmed its bipartisan relations with the Kremlin. 'We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year,' Narendra Modi said. The NATO chief also mentioned Trump's actions within the international organization as proof that the president is dedicated to this peace deal. 'He was the one delivering the big success at the NATO summit, the 5 percent spending commitments in June, one of the biggest foreign policy successes of the U.S. in the last couple of years,' he said. Rutte also mentioned the deal struck in July between the Trump administration and NATO countries to send more weapons to Ukraine. The meeting in Alaska will discuss territorial claims. Last week, Putin shared a ceasefire agreement with the Trump administration, which asked for control of Eastern Ukraine. Zelensky adamantly opposed the deal by posting on X, 'Any decisions that are against us, any decisions that are without Ukraine, are at the same time decisions against peace.' Rutte said the negotiations would include talks about territory as well as 'security guarantees' and 'the absolute need to acknowledge that Ukraine decides of its own future, that Ukraine has to be a sovereign nation, deciding on its own geopolitical future, of course, having no limitations to its own military troop levels, and for NATO to have no limitations on our presence on the Eastern flank in countries like Latvia, Estonia and Finland.' Whitaker reassured on Sunday that no matter what deal is struck between the parties, there will be verification that both countries are acting towards peace.
Time Business News
2 hours ago
- Time Business News
Anonymity as Activism: How Opting Out Challenges Global Surveillance Culture
VANCOUVER, British Columbia. In an era where digital footprints are monetized, biometric data is stored indefinitely, and every online action feeds an algorithm, choosing to live anonymously has become more than a lifestyle; it has become a political act. For a growing segment of global citizens, anonymity is no longer about secrecy; it is about resistance. From the corridors of Silicon Valley to the streets of Istanbul, people are opting out of surveillance capitalism and algorithmic profiling. They are refusing to participate in data extraction economies. They are challenging the presumption that all individuals must be monitored to be secure, known to be trustworthy, or visible to be legitimate. At the forefront of this movement is Amicus International Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping clients achieve legal anonymity, financial privacy, and strategic autonomy. Through second citizenships, offshore structuring, digital self-erasure, and jurisdictional repositioning, Amicus has positioned itself not only as a facilitator of identity transformation but as a key ally in the fight against global surveillance culture. From Privacy to Protest: The Evolution of Anonymity Historically, anonymity was about hiding, dodging creditors, escaping law enforcement, or concealing embarrassing information. Today, it has evolved into a deliberate protest against systemic overreach. Consider the technologies now embedded in everyday life: Phones track location, contacts, and activity patterns Browsers log behavioral data and keystrokes Facial recognition is standard at airports, border crossings, and even shopping centers Social media monitors political sentiment, friends, and group affiliation Governments and corporations share biometric databases across borders Against this backdrop, opting out is not just personal. It is public dissent. Case Study: The Digital Designer Who Walked Away From the Feed In 2024, a Los Angeles-based UX designer deleted all of her social media, encrypted her phone, changed her legal name, and relocated to Portugal. She had grown disillusioned with designing interfaces that trap users in an infinite scroll and expose them to excessive data. She contacted Amicus with a simple directive: 'Help me live where I am not the product.' Amicus helped her secure a second citizenship through Dominica's citizenship-by-investment program, transfer her freelance business offshore to a Seychelles company, and build a digital infrastructure using only zero-knowledge encrypted tools. Today, she runs a profitable design studio for privacy-first brands, accepts payment exclusively in Monero and stablecoins, and communicates through anonymous messaging platforms. Her digital trail is minimal. Her decision, she says, was 'not about escape—it was about integrity.' Opting Out: The New Form of Civil Disobedience Nonviolent resistance has taken many forms throughout history: boycotts, hunger strikes, and tax refusal. In the 21st century, the digital equivalent is refusing to participate in systems that monetize your identity. Amicus clients who choose civil anonymity often cite: Political disenchantment with state surveillance Ethical refusal to participate in social scoring systems Fear of algorithmic discrimination in employment or finance Concern about corporate collusion with authoritarian regimes Desire for autonomy in a world that algorithmically defines 'normal' They are not criminals. They are conscientious objectors to the surveillance status quo. The Surveillance Culture: Where Data Becomes Doctrine Surveillance culture refers to a society where monitoring, tracking, and behavior prediction are embedded into governance, commerce, and social interaction. It is no longer about cameras on street corners. It is about: Predictive policing based on social affiliations Insurance premiums tied to mobile activity Visa applications requiring social media handles Border entry systems linked to biometric risk scoring Consumer profiling influences loan eligibility What began as national security has evolved into civilian normalization of surveillance. Opting out becomes a way to challenge that normalization. Tools of Anonymity as Resistance Amicus International Consulting supports clients in executing legal, effective, and robust strategies to withdraw from the surveillance matrix while maintaining legal and financial functionality. 1. Legal Identity Transformation Clients are guided through the process of securing new legal identities through second citizenship or legal name change in surveillance-neutral jurisdictions. Nations like St. Kitts and Nevis, Vanuatu, and Turkey offer legitimate programs that allow individuals to sever ties with databases that track, flag, or profile them. 2. Offshore Infrastructure Business operations, banking, and asset holdings are restructured offshore using private entities in jurisdictions that do not share data with global surveillance coalitions. These include Nevis, Panama, Belize, and the Cook Islands. 3. Financial Disconnection From Domestic Systems Clients are assisted in moving assets out of countries with aggressive financial surveillance (e.g., U.S., U.K., Australia) and into accounts managed through trusts and international foundations with proper legal shielding. 4. Digital Detox Strategy Amicus privacy consultants initiate a 'digital detox' protocol: Metadata erasure across social platforms Suppression of online profiles using reverse SEO Migration to anonymous communication platforms Transition to burner devices and private browsers 5. Travel Without Data Trails Clients learn to travel using multiple passports, short-term visas, and non-biometric border crossings. Amicus curates travel plans through airports and jurisdictions known to minimize data retention. Case Study: The Journalist Escaping Algorithmic Repression A freelance journalist who covered civil unrest in multiple authoritarian countries was flagged by international border systems and banned from entering two regions in Europe. Her reporting had triggered government surveillance. She feared arrest or visa revocation. Amicus developed a new operational identity using a St. Lucia passport, a private offshore business in Dubai, and relocation to Uruguayan jurisdiction with strong constitutional privacy protections. She now works anonymously under a pseudonym, accepts payment in crypto through a foundation in Liechtenstein, and crosses borders legally without disclosing her identity as a journalist. Her anonymity allows her to continue reporting without fear. Why Anonymity Is Not Illegality Critics often conflate anonymity with illegality. Amicus firmly rejects this association. Anonymity, when lawfully constructed, is a defensive legal strategy, not an act of deception. The firm ensures that all structures comply with: CRS and FATCA reporting, where applicable Local tax residency rules and visa requirements Legal frameworks for second citizenship and name change International money movement laws and anti-money laundering guidelines Anonymity is achieved through jurisdictional arbitrage, not legal evasion. Clients remain within the law, just not within the surveillance nets of any one state or agency. The Rise of Opt-Out Culture In 2025, more people are choosing to unplug from surveillance than ever before: VPN use has doubled since 2022 Decentralized communication tools have surged in adoption Over 1 million people have obtained second citizenship through investment Prominent tech figures have publicly renounced social media and traditional finance Youth movements across Europe and South America are advocating for 'data neutrality.' The opt-out culture is no longer fringe. It is a growing response to overreach. Case Study: A Family That Left the Grid A family of five, based in Chicago, had been targeted after a controversial local school board election. Their home was vandalized, and they received online threats. They contacted Amicus seeking a way to disappear legally and safely. The strategy: Legal name changes St. Kitts citizenship by investment Relocation to the Azores via Portugal's D7 visa Banking shifted to Swiss custodial services through a Liechtenstein foundation Removal of all public digital data through takedown campaigns Today, the family lives quietly, runs a business remotely, and maintains contact with loved ones through private channels. They opted out not out of fear but out of conviction. Amicus: Where Autonomy Is a Right, Not a Risk Amicus International Consulting exists to support those who choose not to live under constant scrutiny. Its services include: Legal identity restructuring Offshore asset planning Second citizenship procurement Digital privacy transformation Strategic relocation Biometric resistance protocols Each client receives a customized plan built for their threat model, ethical priorities, and jurisdictional exposure. Conclusion: Disappearing to Be Seen Differently In today's world, disappearing isn't about hiding; it's about showing the world that you reject passive compliance with surveillance. It is a statement that privacy matters, that identity is sovereign, and that no one should be categorized by a predictive model or reduced to a biometric scan. Anonymity as activism is absolute. And it's growing. Amicus International Consulting stands ready to assist those who choose to make that stand legally, safely, and permanently. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: info@ Website: TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Upturn
3 hours ago
- Business Upturn
Decoding the Rowan Williams MiM Marketing Model
Rowan Williams, founder and Managing Director of MiM, has built a UK-based marketing agency with a structure that is surprisingly relevant for U.S. audiences. While MiM operates primarily out of the UK, its underlying business model contains transferable elements that could resonate with small businesses, startups, and even marketing students across the United States. From its service offerings to its scalability mechanisms, MiM's approach blends performance-driven strategies with human-centric client management. Here, we unpack how Rowan's business model works—and why it matters for U.S. consumers and entrepreneurs. How Rowan Williams's MiM Agency Builds Client Trust in the U.S. Context MiM places an unusual amount of emphasis on personalized onboarding sessions, where client goals are documented in granular detail. For U.S. businesses, this mirrors the high-touch consultancy style often preferred by mid-sized companies in sectors like hospitality, fitness, and retail. The agency translates abstract marketing goals into measurable KPIs, which is essential in the U.S. market where ROI accountability is non-negotiable. Transparent Performance Reporting for Accountability Instead of generic monthly summaries, MiM delivers campaign performance dashboards that clients can access 24/7. In the U.S., where marketing contracts are often contingent on visible results, this kind of transparency could significantly reduce client churn. Revenue Streams of the MiM Marketing Model for U.S. Small Businesses A large portion of MiM's revenue comes from ongoing retainer agreements rather than one-off projects. For U.S. small businesses, this model offers predictability—both for budgeting and strategic planning. Retainers also foster long-term partnerships, something U.S. agencies sometimes struggle to maintain due to a focus on quick wins. Project-Based High-Impact Campaigns For clients unwilling to commit to long-term retainers, MiM offers high-impact, short-term campaigns. U.S. seasonal businesses—like tourism outfits in Florida or ski resorts in Colorado—could benefit from this flexibility without sacrificing strategic depth. Digital Education and Templates Rowan's parallel presence on platforms like Udemy allows MiM to monetize knowledge in a scalable, passive-income format. These courses can be adapted for U.S. entrepreneurs seeking affordable, self-paced learning in digital marketing. How the MiM Agency Differentiates in Competitive U.S. Marketing Landscapes Blending Data Science With Creative Storytelling MiM's internal team structure pairs data analysts with creative copywriters from the outset of a campaign. This is particularly appealing in the U.S., where audiences respond to both emotional hooks and quantifiable results. Industry-Specific Campaign Blueprints Instead of reinventing the wheel, MiM creates reusable marketing templates tailored for industries like e-commerce, B2B services, and health/wellness. U.S. clients could plug these templates into their existing workflows with minimal localization. Scaling the MiM Business Model for U.S. Market Entry Leveraging Remote-First Operations Because MiM's model is not tied to a physical office, expansion into the U.S. wouldn't require heavy real estate investment. This lowers entry barriers and allows for agile market testing. Partnering With U.S.-Based Freelance Talent By integrating American designers, ad specialists, and content writers into campaigns, MiM could localize messaging without diluting its core methodologies. Consumer Impact of Rowan Williams's MiM Marketing Model in the U.S. Empowering Small Businesses With Enterprise-Grade Tools MiM uses advanced analytics platforms that are typically cost-prohibitive for smaller companies. Through packaged service tiers, U.S. small businesses could access these tools without the typical six-figure software investment. Reducing Marketing Burnout for Entrepreneurs By providing strategy, execution, and reporting under one roof, MiM reduces the need for U.S. entrepreneurs to juggle multiple vendors—freeing up time for core business operations. How Rowan Williams's Educational Background Shapes the MiM Model for U.S. Application Bridging Theory and Practice Through Digital Learning Rowan's experience creating online courses means his agency workflows are designed for teachability. U.S. marketing students could benefit from MiM's case studies as part of digital marketing curricula. Cultivating Cultural Adaptability His work in diverse global markets has informed a model that can adapt to regional U.S. sensibilities—whether tailoring a campaign for the tech-savvy Pacific Northwest or the tradition-driven South. The Untapped Potential: MiM as a Culturally Adaptive Marketing Template for U.S. SMEs Here's an angle few have considered: Rowan Williams's MiM model could serve as a pre-built, culturally adaptive marketing template for U.S. regional SMEs. By combining his global agency experience with digital education expertise, Rowan is positioned to offer sector-specific, plug-and-play strategies that require minimal U.S. localization. From a Chicago-based family bakery to a Los Angeles tech startup, these templates could be rolled out with tailored creative assets and data-backed campaign structures—giving smaller U.S. businesses access to marketing sophistication typically reserved for national brands. In summary: Rowan Williams's MiM marketing model is not just a UK success story. Its blend of transparent client relationships, scalable operations, and adaptable campaign structures could reshape how U.S. businesses approach marketing. For American entrepreneurs, students, and small business owners, this model offers both inspiration and a potential blueprint for sustained growth. This article is intended for informational and editorial purposes only. It does not constitute endorsement or promotion of any individual, company, or entity mentioned. Business Upturn makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided.
