Latest news with #Sidekick
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
BlackWood Ventures Announces Final Close of Debut Fund at More Than $25 Million to Back Europe's Next Generation of Founders
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, July 28, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- BlackWood Ventures, opens new tab, a network- and technology-driven early-stage fund focused on European founders, announces today the final close of its debut $25 million (USD) fund. Since its first close in April 2023, BlackWood has made 19 investments spanning nine countries, with a plan to build a portfolio of around 30 fintech, cleantech, and Web3 companies. 'Europe is not short on talent; it's short on conviction capital. That's the gap we're here to fill,' said Bastian Larsen, founder and CEO of BlackWood Ventures. 'We built BlackWood to be truly European in scope and disciplined in approach, seeing hundreds of opportunities each month and backing founders whose ambition and focus stand out.' Investments include: Matthew Ford, founder and CEO of Sidekick: "BlackWood backed us early last year and has been fantastic to work with. They invest with conviction and it's refreshing how fast and efficient they were throughout. Their fintech-experienced team has been hands-on at every turn and supported us throughout. Whether that's in fundraising processes, helping with sales, or general support and guidance. It's been a great partnership!" BlackWood's sourcing model combines a network of over 1,000 angel investors with systematic screening of hundreds of opportunities each month, increasingly supported by tech-enabled sourcing platforms. Frequent co-investments with leading firms such as LocalGlobe, Y Combinator, Seedcamp, Northzone, Octopus Ventures, Firstminute Capital, RTP Global, Giant Ventures, Norrsken and others demonstrate the fund's ability to identify and back high-quality opportunities. 'I continue to be impressed by the clarity of the strategy and intensity of execution this team has demonstrated,' said Steffen Saltofte, a limited partner and board member at BlackWood, and CEO of Zentiva, a multinational pharmaceutical company with more than 5,000 employees. 'BlackWood has built a strong European footprint, moves quickly, and is backing companies many Nordic VCs overlook due to geographic constraints. This ambition and focused execution is exactly what we aimed for with Fund I, and I'm excited to see it continue.' About BlackWood Ventures BlackWood Ventures is a network- and technology-driven early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Copenhagen with team members across Europe. The firm backs visionary fintech, cleantech, and Web3 founders from pre-seed to seed with a disciplined, pan-European approach. For more information, visit opens new tab. Media Contact Rasmus Holtrh@ ### SOURCE: BlackWood Ventures Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire See release on EZ Newswire
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The AI Race: How Shopify Positions Itself to Win
Key Points AI is lowering the barriers for merchants, helping them do more with less. An AI-first culture is making Shopify faster, better, and stronger. AI adoption helps Shopify improve its financials. 10 stocks we like better than Shopify › Shopify (NASDAQ: SHOP) has always been a platform built to empower entrepreneurs. But as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes how businesses operate, Shopify is leaning in -- not just with new features but with a full-stack transformation. The company is reengineering its platform, product, and internal culture around it. Above all, it's positioning itself to emerge as one of the winners in this next technology cycle. 1. AI as a merchant superpower The most visible impact of AI is on the merchants themselves. Shopify is embedding AI into tools that make it dramatically easier to build, run, and scale a business -- often with fewer people and less effort. A prime example is Shopify's new AI-powered Store Builder, which can generate an entire storefront -- layout, product descriptions, and banners -- from a simple brand description. It's a game-changer for new entrepreneurs. The company also significantly expanded its AI assistant, Sidekick, which now supports all 20 languages in the Shopify admin. Sidekick offers both text and voice chat, and can generate images, run sales reports, create customer segments, and even filter orders. It's more than a chatbot -- it's a digital co-pilot for every aspect of e-commerce. Shopify also launched Shopify Magic, a suite of free AI features embedded throughout the platform, automating everything from email marketing to content generation. By making powerful tools easily accessible, Shopify helps merchants do more with less. It lowers the technical and creative barriers to entry, attracts more first-time entrepreneurs, and increases productivity for existing sellers. The result is more merchants, better retention, and a long-term expansion of Shopify's total addressable market. 2. AI-first company culture and operating model While serving customers is the priority, Shopify is also making sure that it's getting the most out of this revolutionary technology. Internally, Shopify has declared an "AI-first" mindset, making sure that AI is embedded into the company's way of doing things. For instance, founder and CEO Tobi Lütke has declared that AI literacy is now a baseline expectation across Shopify and that employees must find ways to learn AI skills. The company will add AI usage questions to its performance reviews, with employees -- including all executives -- expected to integrate AI into daily workflows. In other words, Shopify is reshaping its organizational DNA around AI, using it not just as a product feature but as a foundation for how the entire company operates. Doing so will likely lead to multiple benefits, including a leaner cost base, the ability to move and innovate faster, and, above all, continuously staying ahead of the competition. 4. Long-term margin expansion and operating leverage Shopify's AI strategy isn't just about smarter features -- it's a lever for financial upside. AI allows the company to serve more merchants with less incremental cost, driving improved operating leverage. At the same time, by launching enterprise-grade AI tools, Shopify is extending its reach beyond SMBs and tapping into larger customers with higher lifetime value. So, its AI strategy creates a rare combination: higher growth and higher margins, two ingredients that compound into significant long-term shareholder value. Shopify's AI investments could unlock a new phase of scalable, profitable growth -- boosting free cash flow and supporting long-term valuation expansion. What it means for investors Shopify isn't just adopting AI -- it's being transformed by it. From merchant-facing features to internal operations, the company is weaving AI into everything it does. For investors, this is more than a tech upgrade. It's a strategic shift that improves customer outcomes, increases organizational agility, and enhances the company's long-term financial profile. What's more, Shopify is quietly evolving into an AI-powered commerce operating system -- and that could make it one of the most important platforms in the next era of online business. It's a company that investors should keep an eye on. Should you invest $1,000 in Shopify right now? Before you buy stock in Shopify, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Shopify wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $634,627!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,046,799!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,037% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 182% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2025 Lawrence Nga has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Shopify. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The AI Race: How Shopify Positions Itself to Win was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Shopify vs. Constellation Software?
Written by Kay Ng at The Motley Fool Canada If you're searching for the best Canadian tech stock to buy right now, Shopify (TSX:SHOP) and Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) are probably at the top of your watchlist. Both companies have trounced the broader Canadian market over the past three years, but which one offers a better opportunity today? Let's compare them side by side. Over the past three years, Shopify turned a $1,000 investment into $3,678 — an extraordinary compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 54%. Constellation Software was also amazing, growing that same investment to $2,611, for a 38% CAGR. By contrast, a comparable investment in a Canadian stock market exchange-traded fund (ETF) would have grown to just $1,557, with an annualized return of 16%. Both stocks have been exceptional performers, but the paths they've taken are very different. Shopify has become a global e-commerce powerhouse, helping millions of merchants in over 175 countries build and scale their online and offline businesses. Its platform handles everything from storefront design and payments to fulfillment and marketing — all powered by increasingly advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools. In fact, Shopify is now leading the charge in AI-driven commerce. It recently launched an AI store builder that lets users create entire storefronts using text prompts. Its enhanced Sidekick assistant uses conversational AI to help merchants analyze trends, manage operations, and personalize customer experiences — all in real time. Financially, Shopify has been growing quickly. Over the past three years, revenue rose 24.4% per year to US$8.9 billion, while operating income surged nearly 59% annually to US$1.1 billion. However, net income declined 31% to US$2 billion, and earnings per share (EPS) dropped 32% to US$1.55. Despite those earnings challenges, Shopify maintains a clean balance sheet with very little debt. Still, risks remain. Its customer base is mostly small- and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), which are sensitive to economic slowdowns. Plus, competition is fierce. Amazon, Adobe, BigCommerce, and other AI-native platforms are all fighting for market share. Constellation Software operates a completely different model. It acquires and holds vertical market software businesses — specialized companies that serve industries like healthcare, utilities, education, and government. Each acquisition remains independently operated, and this decentralized structure has earned Constellation comparisons to 'tech's Berkshire Hathaway' by The Economist. The company's growth is driven by constant acquisitions, and its track record is stunning. For example, over the past three years, revenue rose 25.4% to $10.4 billion, while net income more than doubled, growing 33% annually to $731 million. EPS has followed a similar trajectory. Gross profit margins remain strong, and the company has an investment-grade BBB credit rating from S&P. However, Constellation isn't without risk. Its business model hinges on finding and integrating new acquisitions. It also carries a long-term debt-to-capital ratio of 49%. And with a share price near $4,959 and a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 78, the stock is priced for perfection. Both Shopify and Constellation Software are elite Canadian tech companies with impressive long-term records. Shopify offers rapid innovation and e-commerce exposure, but comes with higher volatility and more competition. Constellation, however, delivers steady returns through disciplined acquisitions and consistent profitability. According to analysts, Constellation Software offers a better margin of safety right now — especially given its more predictable earnings and proven acquisition strategy. Bottom line: If you're choosing just one, Constellation Software is likely a better stock to buy today. The post Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Shopify vs. Constellation Software? appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada. Before you buy stock in Constellation Software, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Constellation Software wasn't one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the 'eBay of Latin America' at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $24,927.94!* Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 30 percentage points since 2013*. See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 6/23/25 More reading 10 Stocks Every Canadian Should Own in 2025 [PREMIUM PICKS] Market Volatility Toolkit A Commonsense Cash Back Credit Card We Love John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Fool contributor Kay Ng has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Shopify. The Motley Fool recommends Adobe, Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and Constellation Software. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 2025
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jai Dhir releases new single velvet sky
Popular Punjabi pop artist Jai Dhir has just dropped his latest single, "Velvet Sky," a collaboration with music producer Yoki. This marks Jai's third single this year, following "Sidekick," and further expands his diverse discography, which includes hits like "Leja" and "Mirza" with Lost Stories, "Piche Piche" with Jay Sean, and his original tracks such as "Akhiyaan," "Snap," and "Mafia. " "Velvet Sky" is a romantic Punjabi pop track that beautifully combines heartfelt melodies with an upbeat energy. It tells a tender love story through simple, poetic lyrics, creating a dreamy atmosphere that captivates listeners. The song also features a fresh, contemporary edge with its fusion of deep house and drill elements, making it both soothing and vibrant. Jai Dhir is known for his heartfelt storytelling and slick production, seamlessly blending Punjabi, R&B, and pop influences to create his unique sound. His emotive lyrics, soulful vocals, and boy-next-door charm have garnered him a growing fanbase and critical acclaim, solidifying his position as one of the most exciting young voices in the Punjabi music scene. Sharing his thoughts on this release, Jai said, 'This song came straight from the heart. It is a dreamy love song about feeling a deep, unspoken connection with someone special, and captures the quiet emotions of admiring someone from a distance, like a late-night drive filled with unsaid feelings. I just wanted to keep it real and dreamy - something that feels like you're floating in a feeling. The lyrics and melody just flowed, and it all felt too natural. It's one of those songs where every word means something. I hope people connect with the vibe as much as I did while creating it.'
Finextra
17-06-2025
- Business
- Finextra
Sidekick goes live with wealth platform for six-figure earners
Sidekick has launched a new UK digital wealth platform built to serve six-figure earners who've outgrown basic financial products but don't have the millions needed to access private banks. 2 Sidekick is one of a number of entrants targeting the mass affluent market, using technology to offer products and services once reserved for the super rich. The company was co-founded by serial entrepreneur Matthew Ford (CEO) and Peter Townsend (CTO). Ford previously founded the mobile banking platform Pariti, where Townsend was CTO, which was sold to Tandem Bank in 2018. 'People in this bracket often don't realise how inefficient their finances are until it's too late,' says Ford. 'They're hit with 60% tax rates between £100,000 to £125,000 earnings, they're sitting on idle cash, or they're overexposed to their own company without even realising it.' Among Sidekick's offerings is access to private equity-style investing for just £10,000. Eligible individuals can get access to a regulated Long-Term Asset Fund, which allows clients to invest in high-growth private companies through a professionally managed fund without needing the six-figure minimums usually required. Beyond investments, users get access to an account that automatically spreads deposits across a panel of UK-regulated banks behind the scenes, enabling up to £255,000 of FSCS protection - all through a single interface. And, for higher target returns, its Smart Cash product invests short-term funds into actively managed money market instruments, designed to outperform traditional savings rates while keeping funds accessible. Says Ford: 'People earning six figures today still get offered the same tools as someone just starting out - and that's wrong. You shouldn't need a UBS account to access smarter ways to build wealth. With Sidekick, we're saying: you've worked hard, now your money should work just as hard for you.'
