Latest news with #Allegro
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tech firms in Central and Eastern Europe seek to catch up with the West
The first three places in this year's ranking of the largest technology companies in Central and Eastern Europe were taken by Estonian fintech Wise, as well as two Polish companies: InPost and Allegro. The report shows that the value of 32 companies in the region exceeds $1 billion, while another 50 boast valuations above $250 million. The largest number of companies on the list come from Poland — the region's biggest economy — with 39 technology firms from the country having a combined valuation of over $43bn. Meanwhile, Estonia and the Czech Republic each have 13 companies among the CEE digital champions, with the value of Estonian firms being nearly twice as high as that of Czech firms — $21.7bn versus $12.2bn. Lithuania (7 companies) and Romania (6 companies) rank further down the list. "Poland has become fertile ground for building digital companies, and local VC and PE funds play an increasingly important role in driving their growth. It is worth noting that companies that have leveraged such financing often not only gain a strong position in the domestic and regional markets but also make significant progress on the global stage. InPost, Booksy, and ICEYE are the best examples — technology companies whose products and services have gained international reach far beyond Poland and the CEE region," said Rozalia Urbanek, Investment Director at PFR Ventures. ICEYE is a Finnish company that was co-founded by Poland's Rafal Modrzewski, and it also has significant operations in Poland. Although the largest number of companies in the top 100 ranking come from Poland, the Baltic countries remain the undisputed leaders of the technology sector in the region. The 23 companies from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia included in the ranking account for over 30% of the total valuation of all companies on the list, while these countries are home to only about 4% of the CEE region's population. As the report points out, the technology sector in Central and Eastern Europe performs exceptionally well compared to the overall economy of the region's countries. Technology companies from CEE countries account for more than 8% of the European digital economy, with a combined value of €3 trillion. Importantly, over the past decade, the value of companies here has grown two to three times faster than similar firms in Western Europe. 'Technology companies from the CEE region have enormous potential and consistently prove that they are on par with competitors from other parts of the world. However, it's important to emphasise that these companies must have an international outlook, as only that allows them to fully realise their potential. Developing technology in Central and Eastern Europe also has a significant advantage — the region offers excellent IT talent while enabling businesses to operate at reasonable costs,' said Filip Kaczmarzyk, Management Board Member at XTB, in an interview with Euronews. Representatives of technology companies, however, point to numerous growth barriers. Marcin Kuśmierz, CEO of e-commerce company Allegro, highlights issues such as complex EU regulations, a lack of synchronisation in their implementation across member states, and unfair competition from outside the EU. 'We believe that these burdens are disproportionately greater for European companies compared to their non-European competitors. In our dialogue with national and EU authorities, we consistently call for a level playing field for all entities operating in the EU market, regardless of their size or origin, as this is the best way to foster healthy competition and innovation, as well as to protect consumer interests,' Marcin Kuśmierz told Euronews. Related Business funding: Where is venture capital flowing in Europe? How do you grow a unicorn? What Europe can do to support its start-ups One of the biggest challenges for technology companies in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region is limited access to capital. 'Although many companies have innovative ideas and the potential to expand into foreign markets, they often lack sufficient capital to successfully execute their plans. Accessing external sources of financing, such as venture capital funds, could provide crucial support for companies in the CEE region. A similar situation applies to IPOs — few companies choose this route, considering it too complex or risky,' said Szymon Wałach, Vice President of Digital and Strategy at InPost. He adds, however, that investor interest in the sector is growing, as evidenced by the total value of investments in CEE tech companies in 2024, which reached €3.89bn. Poland, with €592.1 million, ranked second — just behind Turkey. A survey conducted by The Recursive in early 2025 showed that 62% of venture capitalists in the CEE region expect a more favourable investment climate in 2025 compared to the previous year. Investors are particularly optimistic about long-term growth opportunities in the artificial intelligence, cyber security and deep technology sectors. 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
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tech firms in Central and Eastern Europe seek to catch up with the West
The first three places in this year's ranking of the largest technology companies in Central and Eastern Europe were taken by Estonian fintech Wise, as well as two Polish companies: InPost and Allegro. The report shows that the value of 32 companies in the region exceeds $1 billion, while another 50 boast valuations above $250 million. The largest number of companies on the list come from Poland — the region's biggest economy — with 39 technology firms from the country having a combined valuation of over $43bn. Meanwhile, Estonia and the Czech Republic each have 13 companies among the CEE digital champions, with the value of Estonian firms being nearly twice as high as that of Czech firms — $21.7bn versus $12.2bn. Lithuania (7 companies) and Romania (6 companies) rank further down the list. "Poland has become fertile ground for building digital companies, and local VC and PE funds play an increasingly important role in driving their growth. It is worth noting that companies that have leveraged such financing often not only gain a strong position in the domestic and regional markets but also make significant progress on the global stage. InPost, Booksy, and ICEYE are the best examples — technology companies whose products and services have gained international reach far beyond Poland and the CEE region," said Rozalia Urbanek, Investment Director at PFR Ventures. ICEYE is a Finnish company that was co-founded by Poland's Rafal Modrzewski, and it also has significant operations in Poland. Although the largest number of companies in the top 100 ranking come from Poland, the Baltic countries remain the undisputed leaders of the technology sector in the region. The 23 companies from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia included in the ranking account for over 30% of the total valuation of all companies on the list, while these countries are home to only about 4% of the CEE region's population. As the report points out, the technology sector in Central and Eastern Europe performs exceptionally well compared to the overall economy of the region's countries. Technology companies from CEE countries account for more than 8% of the European digital economy, with a combined value of €3 trillion. Importantly, over the past decade, the value of companies here has grown two to three times faster than similar firms in Western Europe. 'Technology companies from the CEE region have enormous potential and consistently prove that they are on par with competitors from other parts of the world. However, it's important to emphasise that these companies must have an international outlook, as only that allows them to fully realise their potential. Developing technology in Central and Eastern Europe also has a significant advantage — the region offers excellent IT talent while enabling businesses to operate at reasonable costs,' said Filip Kaczmarzyk, Management Board Member at XTB, in an interview with Euronews. Representatives of technology companies, however, point to numerous growth barriers. Marcin Kuśmierz, CEO of e-commerce company Allegro, highlights issues such as complex EU regulations, a lack of synchronisation in their implementation across member states, and unfair competition from outside the EU. 'We believe that these burdens are disproportionately greater for European companies compared to their non-European competitors. In our dialogue with national and EU authorities, we consistently call for a level playing field for all entities operating in the EU market, regardless of their size or origin, as this is the best way to foster healthy competition and innovation, as well as to protect consumer interests,' Marcin Kuśmierz told Euronews. Related Business funding: Where is venture capital flowing in Europe? How do you grow a unicorn? What Europe can do to support its start-ups One of the biggest challenges for technology companies in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region is limited access to capital. 'Although many companies have innovative ideas and the potential to expand into foreign markets, they often lack sufficient capital to successfully execute their plans. Accessing external sources of financing, such as venture capital funds, could provide crucial support for companies in the CEE region. A similar situation applies to IPOs — few companies choose this route, considering it too complex or risky,' said Szymon Wałach, Vice President of Digital and Strategy at InPost. He adds, however, that investor interest in the sector is growing, as evidenced by the total value of investments in CEE tech companies in 2024, which reached €3.89bn. Poland, with €592.1 million, ranked second — just behind Turkey. A survey conducted by The Recursive in early 2025 showed that 62% of venture capitalists in the CEE region expect a more favourable investment climate in 2025 compared to the previous year. Investors are particularly optimistic about long-term growth opportunities in the artificial intelligence, cyber security and deep technology sectors. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
E-tailers eye Europe to boost sales
Chinese cross-border online retailers are strengthening efforts to expand into Europe to attract new customers and bolster sales. Eyeing the growing demand for online shopping in European countries, particularly among younger shoppers, Chinese e-commerce players are providing cost-effective products to local consumers by leveraging efficient logistics and supply chain networks, according to industry experts. AliExpress, Chinese tech company Alibaba Group's cross-border e-commerce platform, recently opened its services to local merchants in Poland. Over the past year, AliExpress has appealed to a batch of well-known Polish companies, and this strategic move will further bolster the platform's business growth in the local market. AliExpress said some local merchants can enjoy benefits like zero deposit and commission-free services for the first three months, and directly sell their products to consumers from Poland and countries around the world. Data from market research company Euromonitor International showed that AliExpress and Polish online shopping platform Allegro are the two most popular e-commerce platforms in Poland, the largest e-commerce market in Central and Eastern Europe. To better support the operations of local merchants, AliExpress has partnered with more than 10 leading overseas warehouse service providers to roll out 'certified warehouses' covering the United States, Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland. The certified warehouses will provide faster deliveries and smoother shopping experiences for overseas buyers. According to global research firm Statista, the revenue of Europe's e-commerce market is expected to reach $707.9 billion (£526.88 billion) in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.95 per cent, and the figure is projected to touch $961.27 billion (£715.47 billion) by 2029. Hong Yong, an associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said European nations have high consumption capacities and efficient and convenient logistics infrastructure, while local shoppers have developed mature online shopping habits, providing an ideal market environment for the development of cross-border e-commerce. 'As European consumers have shown surging demand for online purchasing in the post-pandemic era, Chinese e-commerce platforms could further expand their footprint there by offering commodities with high cost-effectiveness and localised operation and services,' Hong said. Temu, a cross-border e-commerce app owned by Chinese online discounter PDD Holdings, is expanding its presence in European countries in an attempt to diversify its customer base. According to Consumer Edge, a data insights and market intelligence company, Temu's growth in the European Union surged more than 60 per cent year-on-year in early May, with France leading the charge at nearly 100 per cent growth. TikTok Shop, the e-commerce marketplace of popular short-video app TikTok, which is owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has made inroads into Europe with its rollout in Germany, France and Italy.
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Ten family car favourites from 70s to 90s and their value today – from iconic Ford worth THOUSANDS to budget Vauxhall
Read on to see if you have had one of these motors HIT THE ROAD Ten family car favourites from 70s to 90s and their value today – from iconic Ford worth THOUSANDS to budget Vauxhall Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SEVERAL iconic family favourite vehicles from the last three decades have a new worth today. From the Ford to Vauxhall, these cars that were once common among British families in the 1970s, '80s and '90s still have value in 2025. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 The Austin Allegro was a popular family motor in the 1970s and early '80s 9 British families also favoured a generation of the Ford Escort, like this blue Mk2 model 9 The Reliant Scimitar GTE came as a two door coupe classic motor car for the 70s Credit: Alamy Austin Allegro (1973-1982) Value today: £1,200 (Allegro 1.0 saloon) to £7,600 (Allegro Equipe, concours condition) The Allegro was one of the popular vehicle choices for car buyers with families, as well as being company vehicles for employers. In typical shades of Russet brown and Applejack green of the seventies, the Allegro brings a nostalgia. This is despite its known maladies as a vehicle in the contemporary world, and even back in the day. They have been justified to be a worthy classic car and collector item, due not only to the Austin brand, but also its unique Hydragas suspension and style. Editor of the UK Hagerty Price Guide, John Mayhead, has witnessed the steady rise in value of all Austin Allegro variants over the past decade whilst monitoring the value of classic cars in auction prices and policyholder quotes. He said: "Last year, only 7 per cent of all models in the Hagerty Price Guide rose in value." Ford Escort Mk2 - Mk4 (1974 - 1990) Value today: £600 (Mk 4 Escort L) to £93,600 (Escort Mk 2 RS1800, concours) From the late 1960s up to the 2000s, families in Britain were likely to have one of the five generations of Ford Escorts. Children could enjoy riding in the back of these vehicles, whether in the lower trimmed Mk2 or more spacious and utilitarian third and fourth generations. Classic car graveyard found in field where a 1960s classic with rare feature worth up to $150K has been left to rot The Mk3 and Mk4 had a transverse engine layout, with a hatchback style rather than saloon. Models ranged from three and five-door hatches, as well as cabrio or sport versions with the XR3, XR3i, and RS1600i variants. To this day, there's still a lot to admire about the Escort, particularly with the Fast Ford racing and performance versions. They are highly collectable with a thriving club scene, and base models can still be found for cheap at around £3,000. Reliant Scimitar (1975 - 1986) Value today: £3,300 to £9,000 (GTE SE5a) The Reliant Scimitar GTE was an attractive choice of vehicle for those wanting something more exciting than a saloon or estate, but also looking for practicality. It became a performance motor offering a four-seat layout to appear as a family car too. In addition to the layout, the GTE provides a glass hatchback and proper boot, fibreglass body more durable against rust and well-proven Ford mechanics. Cost around £2,300 in 1973, the GTE became a viable cheaper alternative to something like an Audi 100 or 3.0-litre Granada GXL. Since last year, the Scimitar GTE has seen a slight dip in value, but remained relatively stagnant since 2016. John adds that some have been restored to a very high standard: "Lots of very cheap restoration cases available, but not for the faint-hearted." Austin Montego (1984 - 1995) Value today: £800 (Montego 1.3 saloon) to £11,000 (MG Montego Turbo, concours) Montegos have been considered the "most ordinary" of vehicles, but were certainly among the most popular of its time. A solid family car by Austin that had built its reputation for decades, Specifically, as a blue saloon built in 1989, they could regularly be seen parked in driveways or out on roads. Whilst they where just about everywhere in the 1980s, they became almost extinct by the 1990s. The Montego has increased in value as a vehicle model in 2025, following a flat period. 9 2.3 million Citroen BXs were built during its 12-year history between 1982 and 1994 Credit: Getty 9 Renault Espace Mk1 was an MPV perfect for large families in the '90s Credit: Renault 9 The Volkswagen Golf Mk 2 has been a classic German car in Britain Credit: Alamy Citroen BX (1982 - 1994) Value today: £900 (S1 1.4 hatchback) to £10,100 (BX Sport, concours) This French saloon spanned the years of 1982 to 1994, with a styling that became a major success. The BX's lineup of XUD four-cylinders were among the best frugal diesels of the '80s. Whilst demand for the Citroen BX was not exceptionally high in the UK, the model reached great heights in France. A well-preserved 1992 BX 16S even sold for over €47,000 in 2021. Renault Espace Mk1 (1984 - 1991) Value today: £1,100 to £12,400 (Turbo D) Despite famously being a flop when first released for sale in 1984, the Espace soon became a European favourite as parents recognised its value. With several back seats, it was one of the easiest cars for loading kids in the back, who were able to thereby see through the vehicle's large glass windows. Families warmed up to this Renault's bold box shape, following 12 months of struggle for sales of this multi-purpose vehicle. John suggested: "Early versions of this groundbreaking vehicle are beginning to become very collectable. "Now rare in any configuration, they are not expensive cars and if you can find one, a fair runner could be under £2,000." Best used cars for family holidays £5,000 to £9,999 - Suzuki S-Cross (2013 to 2020) £10,000 to £14,999 - Toyota RAV4 (2012 to 2018) £15,000 to £19,999 - Kia XCeed (2019 to present) £20,000 to £24,999 - Hyundai Tucson (2021 to present) £25,000 to £29,999 - Citroen C5 Aircross (2018 to present) £30,000 to £34,999 - BMW X1 (2022 to present) £35,000 and upwards - Skoda Kodiaq (2024 to present) Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 (1983 - 1992) Value today: £900 (Driver) to £23,800 (GTI 16v) The VW Golf GTI Mk2 was an exciting release for car-loving families, coming with five doors and more space for practical and better riding. It was a reliable car too with its Volkswagen reputation, better fuel economy and improved comfort. It was also capable of reaching more than 130mph. John said: "For a long time, Mk 2 Golf values lagged far behind their Mk 1 predecessors, especially in the iconic GTI configuration, but in the last couple of years, they have gained ground. "There's a lot of love for this model, and although prices are down a little from their 2023 high, the general trend has been growth for the past 12 years." Ford Mondeo Mk1 (1993 - 2000) Value today: £800 (first-generation 1.6) to £8,500 (ST220) After their release in 1993, Mondeos became a common sight on roads through the mid-90s. They served as private motors, company vehicles, police cars, trade workhorses, and even appeared in the British Touring Car Championship. "Excluding motorsport variants, the Mondeo is a very affordable classic with even performance versions being available for under £5,000," John said. They are likely to become increasingly collectable as first generation cars that are more of a rarity. Rover 75 (1999 - 2005) Value today: £900 (2.0 CDTi) to £16,100 (MG ZT, concours) The Rover 75 featured a retro design both internally and externally, providing class and comfort, more than image or rock-hard suspension. Popular particularly among the older enthusiasts, the 75 has not seen a major decline in customers since first releasing in 1999. It is a car that is greatly designed for the pothole-riddled roads of Britain, known for its toughness and rarity. The model has therefore not seen much of a change to its value, holding their price as many other classics are dropping. Vauxhall Zafira A (1999 - 2005) Value today: £550 (1.6 Base) to £7000 (1.8 Elegance, concours) Sales of this smaller MPV skyrocketed after being put on the market. As a seven-seater hatchback, it was a clever car with fine driving characteristics, and based on the Astra G platform. Today, they are rare to find in good condition. 9 Austin Montegos where almost everywhere in the '80s Credit: Getty 9 The Rover 75 model took a top award as Car of the Year for 1999 Credit: PA:Press Association
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
From Lockdown to Limoncello: Allegro Restaurant and Bar Launches Summer With Four-Year Anniversary Themed Celebration
Savoring summer and second chances, Allegro invites the community to toast life's sweet moments with a vibrant gathering, lively music, refreshing limoncello and an Italian feast. SAN DIEGO, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegro Restaurant and Bar, the city's premier upscale dining venue, is set to celebrate the arrival of summer with an exclusive, themed Limoncello Summer Kick-Off Party on Thursday, June 19th from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. This elevated event promises an unforgettable evening of elegance, music, vibrant Italian-inspired flavors, and marks a heartfelt milestone: Allegro's 4-year anniversary. Tapping into the growing revival of classic Italian aperitivo culture, Allegro's summer party brings a taste of the Amalfi Coast to California. Guests will be welcomed with a yellow carpet entrance and a refreshing limoncello welcome drink, setting a radiant tone for the night. A glowing Allegro sign framed with lemons will provide the perfect backdrop for summer–worthy photos. In addition to the lively ambiance, attendees can indulge in delicious small bites thoughtfully curated to complement the limoncello theme. Music will energize the night, while exclusive giveaways (unveiled at just the right moments) will surprise and delight guests throughout the evening. The anniversary carries special meaning for General Manager Fabrizio, who opened Allegro in 2021 after losing his job at the height of the COVID–19 pandemic. In a gesture of hope and community, he chose the name Allegro, Italian for "lively" and "joyful," to signal brighter days ahead. Four years on, Allegro has become the beating heart of Little Italy—a place where neighbors gather, memories are made, and every visit feels like a celebration. "When I founded Allegro, I wanted more than just a sophisticated venue; I wanted a haven of positivity and connection," said Fabrizio, General Manager of Allegro San Diego. "Our Limoncello Summer Kick–Off stands as proof that, when we gather, shared moments reveal the true joy of life." The event is open to the public, welcoming longtime friends and first–time guests alike. Dress in your summer best (lemon hues encouraged) and raise a glass to four years of community, joy, and the bright season ahead. For more information and to RSVP visit Partiful. Media Contact:Vince DiNataleSolid State Marketingvince@ View original content: SOURCE Allegro 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
