Latest news with #TomDavis
Cision Canada
03-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
FISPAN Raises $30M Series B to Accelerate Embedded Banking Innovation for Mid-Market Businesses
Canapi Ventures leads investment round to accelerate FISPAN's growth VANCOUVER, BC, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - FISPAN, the industry leader in embedded ERP banking solutions, announced today that it has closed $30 million USD in Series B funding led by fintech and enterprise software investment firm Canapi Ventures. This new capital will accelerate FISPAN's mission of seamlessly integrating banking services directly into businesses' enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and accounting software. Bridging the Gap Between Banks and Businesses For many years banks have invested in host-to-host and API platforms, enabling large enterprises to reap the productivity benefits of connecting to their financial institutions directly. FISPAN packages those connectivity capabilities and enables banks to distribute their treasury products to mid-market and smaller businesses via an easy to install, out-of-the-box, in-ERP plugin. Trusted by the world's largest banks and nearly 5,000 businesses across North America, FISPAN enables banks to deliver modern, integrated client experiences by embedding key financial and banking capabilities directly into their existing ERP system or accounting software. For businesses, this means: Centralized Financial Workflows: Integrating financial transactions and operational workflows into a single system, eliminating inefficiencies and disconnected processes Automated Processes: Built-in automation streamlines routine tasks like payment initiation and approval processes – saving time and lowering costs Fewer Manual Errors: Direct ERP integrations minimize manual uploads and data entry, improving accuracy and minimizing operational risk Through seamless API integration with systems like Oracle NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, banks can offer contextual solutions that streamline payables, cash management, and reconciliation. "This Series B funding is a pivotal moment for FISPAN, empowering us to significantly scale our innovation and market reach," said Lisa Shields, CEO & Founder at FISPAN. "Canapi quickly distinguished themselves through their understanding of the embedded ERP banking landscape and our unique opportunity within it. With an LP network of over 75 financial institutions—and partners with banktech operating expertise — Canapi is a natural partner for our next chapter. We're excited to work with Canapi to help more treasury teams optimize their operations." Driving the Next Phase of FISPAN's Expansion In conjunction with the investment, Tom Davis from Canapi Ventures will join FISPAN's board of directors. This new capital will fuel several key growth opportunities: Accelerated Product Development: Deepen AI capabilities, expand ERP and accounting system integrations, and enhance platform capabilities to support full-stack treasury solutions Expanded Market Reach: Scale go-to-market efforts in key regions and significantly grow banking and channel partner networks Strategic Talent Acquisition: Expand FISPAN's world-class team with top-tier talent to accelerate product leadership and customer experience "FISPAN is at the forefront of a fundamental shift in how businesses interact with their banks," said Tom Davis, General Partner at Canapi. "Their proven ability to deliver highly sought-after embedded finance solutions positions them for tremendous growth. Our investment reflects our confidence in their visionary team and their capacity to build a leading platform that drives efficiency and value for both financial institutions and their corporate clients." About FISPAN FISPAN is a leading fintech company that seamlessly integrates banks with their clients' enterprise resource planning (ERP) and accounting systems. Founded in 2016, FISPAN provides innovative ERP banking solutions that eliminate the complexities and frustrations of traditional banking services. By embedding banking services directly into ERP and accounting software, FISPAN streamlines financial workflows, reduces costs, minimizes manual errors, and enhances efficiency for businesses of all sizes. For more information, head to the United States – Canapi brings unmatched sector experience and best-in-class knowledge, connections, and credibility to founders. For more information, visit
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The One Show host has brutal two-word response as Romesh Ranganathan leaves Natalie Portman 'very embarrassed' during live interview
A host on The One Show had a brutal two-word response after Romesh Ranganathan left Natalie Portman 'very embarrassed' during a live interview. Co-presenter Clara Amfo 's quick-thinking reply came on last night's episode of the BBC chat show, which she co-hosted with Alex Jones. The pair welcomed American actress Natalie, comedian Romesh, Doctor Who star Millie Gibson and actor and funny man Tom Davis on to the red sofa. Alex immediately brought up that Romesh and Tom, co-hosts of chatty podcast Wolf and Hall, were starstruck to meet Natalie, the Academy Award-winning star of Black Swan, Thor and Jackie. She opened: 'You were talking about Natalie's films and you couldn't really decide on which was your favourite. So, you've got different opinions. Romesh, let's hear yours.' Romesh turned to Natalie, who played love interest Jane Foster - and later the superhero Mighty Thor - in the Marvel film trilogy Thor, released between 2011 and 2022. But Clara made sure he was kept in check. He said: 'Well, listen, I loved your work in the Thor movies, I thought it was exceptional. I'm a big fan.' The actress thanked him for his kind words but seemed slightly shy about the attention being on her. She replied: 'Thank you, thank you, this is very embarrassing!' Romesh stuck to his guns, continuing: 'Well, no, it was just great!', as Natalie added, joking: 'It's like live reviews!' But the comedian did not stop there, adding: 'But the thing is, those films, on the face of it, are comic book movies but I thought you brought a depth to your character, I thought the work you did in it, it elevated the film, so thank you very much for that.' Natalie responded: 'I appreciate that, thank you. They were all very fun to make.' Romesh's fellow comedian Tom then also weighed in on the actress' filmography, saying his favourite was Black Swan: 'I'm a bit more arthouse I think... it was a beautiful movie, incredible piece of work.' The 2010 psychological horror film stars Natalie as young New York City Ballet dancer Nina, going slowly mad as she competes for the lead role in a production of Swan Lake with a dark counterpart called Lily, played by Mila Kunis. The guests all laughed as co-host Clara stepped in to deliver her quippy two-word response to swiftly take the conversation in a new direction: 'Moving on!' The One Show co-hosts then went down the sofa to Millie, who has played Doctor Who's companion Ruby Sunday since 2023, to ask her thoughts on the discussion. Millie, left with the deciding vote, ultimately came down on the side of Black Swan - but confessed she also loves Leon: The Professional, a 1994 English-language French film which features Natalie's film debut, as a hitman's apprentice. Romesh then cheekily weighed in: 'Natalie, what's your favourite thing I've done?' The guests all laughed as co-host Clara stepped in to deliver her quippy two-word response to swiftly take the conversation in a new direction: 'Moving on!' Elsewhere in yesterday evening's episode, Millie mentioned One Show co-host Alex's cameo as herself, presenting the One Show, in the most recent episode of Doctor Who. In the episode titled Lucky Day, released last Saturday, she interviewed the instalment's main antagonist Conrad Clark (Jonah Hauer-King), the leader of a conspiracy theorist thinktank determined to expose UNIT and the Doctor. Millie said to Alex: 'You were amazing in it!' After they watched a short clip of her appearance in the sci-fi series, Alex quipped: 'I was just like me, it's unbelievable! I mean, it's just lovely to be in it, isn't it?' The co-host found herself welling up (pictured) during the hour-long special in honour of the 80th anniversary of VE Day tomorrow The Doctor Who actress responded: 'It's a really fun atmosphere but honestly, I was like, "I'm going to have to congratulate you on your performance when I'm here".' Clara's quick redirection of the conversation came after Alex had her own notable moment on Monday night's episode of the BBC chat show. The co-host found herself welling up during the hour-long special in honour of the 80th anniversary of VE Day tomorrow. One segment of the programme commemorating the end of World War Two saw Alex and co-presenter Roman Kemp welcome a woman named Eirwen into the studio. While Eirwen's mother was pregnant with her in 1944, her father Lloyd was serving in the Royal Artillery. At the time, Lloyd wrote a heartbreaking letter to his wife in case he passed away at war - and Eirwen read out live on-air his devastating words, around 80 years later. Alex was left nearly in tears by the emotional letter and reached out to give Eirwen a comforting touch on the knee. The presenter said: 'Thank you, thank you for sharing that, that was... I mean, it's so moving, isn't it?' The One Show is available to watch on weekdays at 7pm on BBC One and to stream on iPlayer.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Outages impacting region, 911 center; barn destroyed in Munster Township
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Cambria County's 911 Center didn't need to check its call logs to gauge the extent of the widespread issues caused by a Tuesday storm. The center was still running on a generator 16 hours later – among thousands of customers in the region still without power, Emergency Management Director Tom Davis said. "Our power went out at 6:30 p.m. (Tuesday) – and the generator has been on ever since," said Davis. "We have to be prepared for the worst ... just like everyone else." The county's propane-fueled generator system enables the county's staff to continue answering calls and dispatching incidents to local responders, without limitations – and Tuesday's storm kept them busy, with reports of widespread outages, downed trees and a steel Carrolltown cellphone that was bent in half while still planted to its foundation near Sunset Road. A Munster Township barn was also destroyed by winds, while cattle were trapped inside, Davis said. Cambria and the northernmost area of Somerset County had reports of outages – and in some cases, downed trees and wires. The region's issues weren't unique Wednesday. As of 11:15 a.m., Penelec reported 189,000 customers were still without power across a region that spread from Beaver County and Pittsburgh to Johnstown, Altoona and State College. More than 270,000 were without power after the storm swept through around 6 p.m. a day earlier. The utility company's outage map was cluttered with perhaps 1,000 individual incidents across western Pennsylvania, including at least 85 outages in the Cambria-Somerset region that crews were working to address. Penelec Spokesman Todd Meyers told The Tribune-Democrat late Tuesday that it will likely take days – not hours – for the outages to all be addressed. Because much of western Pennsylvania was struck, rather than one concentrated area, Penelec crews and their line repair subcontractors have a long list of issues to address. Indiana-based REA Energy Cooperative, which provides electricity to residents in across parts of central and northern Cambria County, indicated nearly 18,000 customers lost power Tuesday. By 9:45 a.m., that number was reduced to 15,000, the company wrote. Somerset County Emergency Management Director Joel Landis said this week's storm is the just the latest of several that have inflicted severe wind damage over the past two months. A previous storm destroyed barns in Somerset County. "We (avoided) the worst of it (Tuesday) ... but this trend is getting more and more common," Landis said. He said the public should plan ahead before traveling during or after storms and visit to look for real-time road closures that might impact their travel routes.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Outages could remain for 'days', barn destroyed in Portage area
EBENSBURG, Pa. – Cambria County's 911 Center didn't need its call logs to gauge the extent of the widespread issues caused by a Tuesday storm. Until almost noon Wednesday, the center was running on a generator – among thousands of customers in the region without power, Emergency Management Director Tom Davis said. 'We have to be prepared for the worst ... just like everyone else,' Davis said Tuesday, shortly before power was restored in parts of the Ebensburg area. The county's propane-fueled generator system enabled the county's staff to continue answering calls and dispatching incidents to local responders – and Tuesday's storm kept them busy, with widespread reports of outages, toppled trees and property damage. A steel cellphone tower was bent in half while still planted to its foundation near Sunset Road near Carrolltown. William Penn Avenue remained closed Wednesday near Conemaugh Valley High School after a large tree landed on a series of roadside power lines. A Munster Road barn north of Portage was destroyed by winds while cattle were trapped inside, Davis said. 'We must've had 10 calls – all at once,' said East Taylor fire Chief Alan Buchan said. 'There were trees on wires everywhere.' Hospital: Be 'proactive' about maintaining oxygen supplies; seek help if needed Power outages might disrupt electricity at home, but they should never stop the flow of oxygen supplies for those reliant on medical devices to thrive, Conemaugh Health System officials said. Thousands of Cambria and northern Somerset County residents weren't as lucky as the 911 center Wednesday – many of them still without power at 5 p.m. And the region's issues weren't unique. As of 9 p.m. Wednesday, Penelec reported 127,713 customers were still without power across a region that spread from Beaver County and Pittsburgh to Johnstown, Altoona and State College. More than 270,000 were without power after the storm swept through around 6 p.m. a day earlier. The utility company's online outage map was cluttered with perhaps 1,000 individual incidents across western Pennsylvania. The Cambria- Somerset region had at least 85 separate outage reports that crews were working to address. According to 9.383 customers in Cambria County were without power as of 11 p.m. Wednesday. Penelec spokesman Todd Meyers told The Tribune-Democrat late Tuesday that it will likely take days – not hours – for every outages to all be addressed. Because much of western Pennsylvania was struck, rather than one concentrated area, Penelec crews and their line repair subcontractors were forced to spread out to repair a long list of issues, he said. 2 dead as slow-moving storms flood roads across Oklahoma and Texas; outages, 3 deaths across Pa. A least two people drowned when their vehicles were caught in floodwaters in Oklahoma on Wednesday as slow-moving thunderstorms inundated roads across parts of that state and Texas. In the Pittsburgh region, at least three people were reported dead after 70 mph straight-line gusts damaged city buildings and sent live wires scattering onto roadways. The Allegheny County city's main power provider, Duquesne Light estimated 40% of the community's customers lost power – and that it may be a week before electricity was restored to some neighborhoods. 'Making the best of it' North of Johnstown, East Taylor Fire Department opened its doors for local residents Wednesday after it became clear the outage may continue through the day. Sandra Heltzel, the department's treasurer and EMS commander, said at least 10 residents stopped in at one point or another through 1:30 p.m. Some just needed a way to keep their cellphones charged, she said. One local resident needed a power supply for her portable oxygen tank. The department was also enabling residents to cook on their stove, if needed. 'We have a generator here, and we're here if people need us,' Heltzel added, noting the station will stay open Thursday, if needed. Further up Donruth Lane, John Shirk's family was taking turns using their car to charge their cellphones. But after nearly a full day without power, they weren't going to let the outage drain their outlook on the situation. 'It is what it is,' said his wife, Jennifer, as their children snacked on McDonald's cheeseburgers and played outside near the front porch. 'Fortunately, it's a nice and warm today. It's a perfect day for this.' John Shirk shrugged his shoulders in agreement. He said he planned to fire up the grill for dinner. 'You gotta make the best of it,' he said. 'More common' storm Indiana-based REA Energy Cooperative, which provides electricity to residents in across parts of central and northern Cambria County, indicated nearly 18,000 customers lost power Tuesday. By 1:50 p.m., that number was reduced to 14,900, the company wrote. Somerset County Emergency Management Director Joel Landis said this week's storm is the just the latest of several that have inflicted severe wind damage over the past two months. A previous storm destroyed barns in Somerset County. 'We (avoided) the worst of it (Tuesday) ... but this trend is getting more and more common,' Landis said. He said the public should plan ahead before traveling during or after storms and visit to look for real-time road closures that might impact their travel routes.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Senators push debate on strengthening SC's DUI laws to 2026
Senators have postponed debate on a bill to strengthen South Carolina's drunken driving laws until the 2026 session. (File photo by Getty Images) COLUMBIA — Despite the Senate's seemingly renewed focus earlier this year on curtailing drunken driving deaths, the effort is again being pushed to next year. Bi-partisan legislation that aims to close the loopholes allowing people to escape convictions for driving under the influence won't even reach the Senate floor before the 2025 session ends next month. After postponing debate on the bill at multiple meetings, the Senate Judiciary Committee decided last week to carry it over until 2026. 'It may be something that we have to make a big push for in January of '26 as opposed to May of '25,' said Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, who sits on the full Judiciary Committee but wasn't on the panel that advanced the bill in March. 'I'm frustrated by that, but I think that's where we are.' In 2022, 474 people died in South Carolina as a result of drunken driving, ranking the state fifth highest nationwide in total numbers and the worst rate by population. The tally represents a 72% increase since 2019, according to a July 2024 report by South Carolina's chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. 'The designation of worst state in the nation for drunk driving is clear,' the report reads. Part of the problem is the state's video requirements. By law, officers must start recording as soon as they turn on their blue lights. And recordings must include the entirety of field sobriety tests, arrests, breath tests, and suspects being advised of their Miranda rights, which start with the right to remain silent. Any technicality — such as faulty audio that causes the Miranda rights not being heard, video that's too dark, or somebody's feet not being captured on camera — can lead to a case being tossed, according to proponents for changing the law, who include solicitors, sheriffs and victims' advocates. The proposal — lawmakers' latest attempt at making the roads safer — would, among other things, change state law so that the video can be less than perfect. Under the bill, evidence could be suppressed if the officer fails to 'substantially comply' with video recording requirements, to include 'reasonably' documenting officers advising suspects of their rights. Solicitors have been pushing for legislation de-emphasizing video in DUI cases for a decade. 'There are so many loopholes in our drunk driving laws that it's very difficult for solicitors to successfully prosecute those cases,' said Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, the bill's lead sponsor. Tougher DUI law meant to curb drunk driving in SC takes effect Sunday His bill could bring the biggest changes to South Carolina's DUI laws since 2008, when the Legislature passed legislation escalating penalties for higher alcohol concentrations and for multiple convictions. Passage came after then-Gov. Mark Sanford publicly accused senators of blocking the bill in a YouTube video featuring a South Carolina mom whose 5-year-old son was killed by a drunken driver. A 2014 law required repeat offenders or first-time offenders who had a blood alcohol level of more than 0.15 to install ignition interlock devices, which prevent someone who has been drinking alcohol from starting the vehicle. A 2023 law that took effect last May expanded the requirement to anyone convicted of a DUI, no matter how high their blood alcohol level. But, according to those pushing for change, getting a conviction is tough. In the past, defense attorneys have argued DUI cases aren't pleaded down or dismissed due to video technicalities nearly as often as advocates for change suggest. And no agency kept track to prove it either way. Between January 2019 and March 2024, MADD monitored the courts in seven large South Carolina counties: Berkeley, Charleston, Greenville, Horry, Lexington, Richland, and Spartanburg. In those seven counties, the conviction rate on first-offense misdemeanor DUI cases ranged from a low of 18% in Richland County to a high of 65% in Spartanburg County. Whether cases were dropped altogether or pleaded down to something else, often reckless driving, varied by county. 'Clearly, South Carolina falls behind most of the nation,' MADD concluded. 'We have got to address it and make sure we address it right,' Sen. Brian Adams, a co-sponsor of the bill, told the SC Daily Gazette. The bill would also create enhanced penalties for DUI wrecks that cause 'moderate bodily injury,' such as a bone fracture or dislocation. Under existing law, people can be charged with felony DUI only if they cause 'great bodily injury' or death. The proposal would also increase penalties for convictions and for refusing to take a breath test. 'I thought we had a good bill,' said Laura Hudson, the executive director of the South Carolina Crime Victims Council. Hudson, who has been advocating at the Statehouse for crime victims for more than four decades, said she was disappointed the bill didn't get traction this year. 'It's not like they didn't have the time,' she said, noting the Senate bill was pre-filed in December for this year's session. She's hopeful senators will keep their pledge to make it a top priority for 2026. Since this is the first of a two-year session, the bill does not need to be reintroduced. Steven Burritt, the state director for MADD, said it's a letdown that the bill he considers a game changer for DUI in South Carolina won't pass this year. If more people are held accountable, South Carolina will be a safer place to drive, he said. 'I think all these things are connected,' Burritt told the SC Daily Gazette. 'If we make the law easier to prosecute and enforce, I think we'll hold people accountable for their actions. They'll get more of the penalties that actually reduce the likelihood that it'll happen again, and I think that is a very reasonable cause and effect that should lead to safer roads.' If the Legislature truly passes a bill next year, the wait will have been worth it, he said. 'If the right bill gets passed for DUI reform, I'll gladly wait until 2026,' he said. However, he added, he's concerned the motivation will dissipate by January.
