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Fuze Fund Launches $30M Venture Capital Fund to Empower Underrepresented Entrepreneurs

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Platform Aims to Provide Capital, Strategic Support, and Resources to Propel Minority, Veteran, and Women-Led Startups

RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Fuze Fund is thrilled to announce the launch of Fuze Venture Growth Fund I, LP, a $30 million Reg-D 506(c) fund designed to bridge the equity gap in venture capital. Recently approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the fund aims to raise and deploy capital to support minority, women, and veteran founders. Now in its subscription phase, Fuze Fund is inviting accredited investors to become part of this journey—not just by providing capital, but by contributing to an ecosystem that nurtures founders with resources, mentorship, and the strategic support they need for long-term success.

“We’re building more than just a fund. We’re building a community that ensures talented, underrepresented founders have a real shot at success.”

“At Fuze Fund, we’re driven by the belief that innovation knows no boundaries. Yet, we’ve seen far too many talented founders from underrepresented communities being sidelined due to a lack of access to funding,” says Dr. T.J. Breeden, Managing Partner of Fuze Fund. “Our goal is simple: to ignite potential. We’re not just backing startups—we’re investing in people, in communities, and in the next generation of game-changing ideas.”

HOW IT STARTED:

Dr. Breeden’s inspiration for launching Fuze Fund was deeply rooted in his experience leading Emerging Entrepreneurs, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to providing startup training to untapped communities, particularly veterans and minority populations. “While leading Emerging Entrepreneurs, Inc., I saw firsthand how difficult it was for underrepresented founders to access the funding and support they needed to succeed,” Dr. Breeden explains. “It became clear to me that the Venture Capital space was not fully supporting these communities.” This realization grew into a larger vision during Dr. Breeden’s MBA studies at Syracuse University, where a group capstone project merged with research from the university’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families. “The concept of launching a fund that focused on empowering veteran, minority, and women-led projects took shape during my time at Syracuse,” he continues. “Though a few years passed and I went on to complete my doctoral studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the hope of one day launching a fund never left me. Less than 4 months after defending my dissertation, in the fall of 2021 and in the midst of the pandemic, Fuze Fund and its flagship venture fund were formed.”

The statistics are telling: in 2022, minority founders received only 1.1% of venture capital funding, despite their growing presence in the startup ecosystem. Investment declined to less than 1% in 2023. Fuze Fund is committed to changing this by channeling institutional capital into promising early-stage ventures across industries like technology, education, and financial services. But Fuze Fund’s commitment goes beyond just financial investment; it provides founders with a strong network of partnerships, including institutions, non-profits, and industry leaders—all working together to fuel sustainable growth. “We understand that capital alone doesn’t drive success—it’s about the support and resources that surround it,” Dr. Breeden continues. “That’s why we’re building an ecosystem that connects founders with the right people and tools, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and scale with confidence.”

While the firm’s flagship fund, Fuze Venture Growth Fund I, will focus on ventures led by diverse leadership teams with innovative business models, particularly in areas like EdTech, AI & Robotics, Consumer Packaged Goods, Fintech, and Digital Services, Fuze Fund is also exploring adjacent industries that leverage technology to drive innovation and create transformative change.

FUZE FUND EXPANDS SUPPORT THROUGH CONSULTING PLATFORM:

In addition to its venture capital initiatives, Fuze Fund offers a robust range of management consulting services tailored to the needs of institutions, startup communities, and founders. From fund structuring and compliance to capital raising and ecosystem development, the Fuze Fund consulting team provides hands-on expertise to guide emerging ventures. These services ensure that founders and institutions have a clear path to success in an increasingly competitive market. “We’re eager to connect with firms, institutions, and agencies who believe in the power of collective investment, knowledge sharing, and strategic collaboration,” says Breeden. “Impact isn’t restricted to wiring funds. Rather, creating real, lasting impact is a holistic endeavor that requires a range of inputs, from raising capital to building connections to leveraging data and insights to make more informed business decisions.”

ABOUT DR. T.J. BREEDEN, FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER:

Dr. T.J. Breeden is a nationally recognized entrepreneur and advocate for transitioning service members, underserved founders, and youth. Honored by President Obama as a “Champion of Change” as part of the former administration’s “Winning the Future” initiative, T.J. has been celebrated for his leadership in advancing economic opportunities for minority and veteran founders. He was also named the “Veterans Entrepreneurship Advocate of the Year” by the U.S. Small Business Administration, received BlackEnterprise Magazine’s “Modern Man of Distinction” award, and Radio One’s “Cathy Hughes Business Community Service” award. T.J. also serves in a Director’s role at a leading philanthropy-serving organization whose mission is to advance equitable philanthropic investment in Black communities.

Recently, Dr. Breeden was accepted into the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) “U.S. Speaker Program,” where he will be extended the opportunity to support U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to engage with leaders, officials, and subject matter experts on topics of strategic importance to the U.S., including but not limited to social entrepreneurship and the power of equitable venture investment in diverse founders. Lastly, he is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., ForbesBLK (a global community of Black entrepreneurs and leaders driving systematic change in business, culture, and society), and BLCK VC, a network committed to equipping Black investors with the resources needed to push for greater inclusivity in the venture capital industry.

THE FUND IS NOW ACCEPTING SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES:

Fuze Venture Growth Fund I is currently in its subscription phase, and while capital deployment will begin once the fund is fully subscribed, accredited investors are welcome to engage. Entrepreneurs and investors alike are invited to join the Fuze Fund network and contribute to an initiative that’s driving diversity and innovation within the venture capital landscape. “We’re building more than just a fund. We’re building a community that ensures talented, underrepresented founders have a real shot at success. This fund is about changing the status quo, and we invite like-minded investors and entrepreneurs to join us on this transformative journey!”

ABOUT FUZE FUND:

Fuze Fund is a venture management platform dedicated to empowering underrepresented founders by providing capital, strategic guidance, and resources. For more information, visit www.fuze.fund.

Media Contact

Dr. T.J. Breeden, Fuze Fund, LLC, 1 (919)627-7627, info@fuze.fund, www.fuze.fund

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/fuze-fund-launches-30m-venture-capital-fund-to-empower-underrepresented-entrepreneurs-302268757.html

SOURCE Fuze Fund, LLC

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Infosys Powers NTN Corporation’s Digital Growth with Seamless SAP Commerce Cloud Adoption

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Leveraging Infosys Cobalt, the collaboration enhances platform reliability and improves IT operations

OSAKA, Japan and BENGALURU, India, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in AI-first business consulting and technology services, today announced the successful migration of NTN Corporation‘s on-premise SAP Commerce-based e-commerce platform, e-WINGS, to SAP Commerce Cloud 2211. NTN Corporation is among the world’s leading manufacturers of precision equipment, including bearings.

Powered by Infosys’ proven methodologies, accelerators, and comprehensive SAP Commerce expertise, and leveraging Infosys Cobalt, a comprehensive set of services, solutions, and platforms that help enterprises accelerate their cloud journey, the migration of NTN’s on-premises e-commerce platform was executed swiftly, ensuring seamless business continuity. The transformation delivered tangible benefits for NTN Corporation, including streamlined maintenance by automating version control, enhanced reliability in daily operations, and improving cost efficiencies by enabling cloud adoption. With scalable, cloud-based architecture now in place, NTN is well-positioned to pursue digital growth with greater agility, modernize legacy system management, and focus on innovation and newer initiatives. This collaboration also underscores Infosys’s growing footprint in Japan and the ability to guide enterprises through complex digital transformations with agility and minimal risk.

Kenji Kitazato, Head – ICT Strategy Department, NTN Corporation, said, “This migration to SAP Commerce Cloud powered by Infosys has streamlined our IT operations, improved agility, and laid a strong foundation for future digital growth. This transformation enables us to utilize this new foundation and further promote the use of digital technology.”

Kishi Hattori, Chief Partner Officer, Partner Ecosystem Success, SAP Japan, said, “Infosys continues to demonstrate the transformative potential of SAP Commerce Cloud through its collaboration with NTN. By using SAP’s cloud features and Infosys’s strong knowledge in the field, companies like NTN can update their online shopping systems quickly, effectively, and with clear results for their business.”

Arun Hoskere, EVP and Head, Infosys Japan, said, “We are proud to collaborate with NTN Corporation on this strategic transformation. Our team’s deep expertise and insight into SAP Commerce Cloud, combined with Infosys’ experience in delivering complex, enterprise-scale digital transformations, enabled us to modernize NTN’s e-commerce landscape with agility and precision. This collaboration reflects our commitment to helping clients unlock agility, operational efficiency, and long-term business value through cloud-powered innovation.”

About NTN Corporation

NTN Corporation, founded in 1918, is a precision equipment manufacturer engaged in the development, production, and sales of products such as bearings and driveshafts (constant velocity joints). Today, more than 20,000 employees conduct business activities at over 200 locations in 33 countries worldwide.

The company’s main product, bearings, are essential and highly precise components that support the rotation of machinery. They are used in all kinds of machines, including automobiles, aircraft, and railway rolling stock, thereby supporting the lives of people around the world. Among its main products, hub bearings—which support the rotation of automobile tires—and driveshafts—which transmit the power of motors and engines to the tires—both boast a high global market share.

NTN aims to contribute to solving global social issues by utilizing its bearing technologies that help save energy across a wide range of fields. The company is committed to realizing a ‘Nameraka Society’ where people can easily lead a secure and fulfilling life in harmony with nature.

NTN HP: https://www.ntnglobal.com/

About Infosys

Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY) is a global leader in AI first business consulting and technology services. Over 325,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses, and communities. As navigators of enterprise transformation, we enable businesses in 59 countries to unlock AI value at scale. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we accelerate business transformation through our AI-first value framework, deep domain expertise, and our unique ability to orchestrate innovations from our AI-native partner ecosystem. Infosys is recognized as the fastest growing IT services brand globally, committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable partner for our clients where deep talent expertise, in an inclusive workplace, help them navigate their next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release, including those concerning our future events, future growth prospects, our future financial or operating performance and our offerings and collaborations are “forward looking statements” intended to qualify for the ‘safe harbor’ under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company, our industry, economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, and certain other matters. These forward-looking statements are subject to substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as artificial intelligence, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, particularly in the United States, our Environmental, Social, Governance (“ESG”) vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity and capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, cybersecurity matters, the outcome of pending litigation and the US government investigation, and the effect of current and future tariffs. These and additional factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not conclude that the results or outcomes referred to in any of the forward-looking statements will be achieved. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/infosys-powers-ntn-corporations-digital-growth-with-seamless-sap-commerce-cloud-adoption-302835968.html

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ICAC hosts professional anti-corruption training for Saudi Arabian’s anti-corruption authority

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HONG KONG, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority of Saudi Arabia (Nazaha) arranged 60 graft fighters to Hong Kong for a 10-day professional anti-corruption course at the ICAC’s Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC). This delegation sets two ICAC’s new records in the international training arena – becoming the largest international training course in terms of participants, and the largest number of participants from a single overseas anti-corruption agency in a course.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the development programme, ICAC Commissioner, Mr Woo Ying-ming, said that the ICAC and the Nazaha are close graft-fighting partners for years, with collaboration further intensified after the two parties entered into a Memorandum of Understanding in 2024. Leveraging his practical exchange with Nazaha officials conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last year, the ICAC and the Nazaha earlier piloted a new attachment programme with two Nazaha officers attached to the ICAC for one year, enabling them to gain first-hand experience of Hong Kong’s anti-corruption practices, bringing international anti-corruption collaboration to a new phase.

“This ICAC’s largest training course is of utmost significance. I anticipate this practical programme, tailor-made for Nazaha officers, would not only connect participants to the real world of fighting corruption, but also unlock their skills and broaden their new perspectives. Participants can bring back Hong Kong’s anti-graft practices and long experience in upholding integrity in commercial field to Saudi Arabia, enhancing its graft-fighting work and reinforcing the nation’s Vision 2030 initiative,” Mr Woo added.

Mr Woo also highlighted one of the key features of the course – A study visit for all Saudi Arabian participants in Qianhai area in Shenzhen. “Shenzhen is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mainland China, and it is also a hub of technology and innovation. Through this visit, participants will gain first-hand experience of the latest anti-corruption and technology developments in our Motherland, and see how technology is being used to enhance probity and to inspire new ideas to integrity development,” Mr Woo added.

The programme highlights professional development, while experienced ICAC officers will illustrate to participants the investigation techniques and challenges in combating corruption in government, public bodies and private sector. Topics including financial investigation, forensic accounting and asset recovery will also be covered. The ICAC’s information technology experts will introduce in-depth investigation techniques in computer forensics and cryptocurrency investigation. On the preventive education front, the ICAC’s latest strategies on corruption prevention through digitalisation, as well as publicity and community education will be shared. 

The course also brings participants out of the classroom to learn about the comprehensive regulatory system in the city by visiting multiple major local agencies, including the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, gaining a deeper understanding of how anti-corruption and integrity values are well-incorporated into different fronts in the local society.

The programme also gathers expert speakers from the Department of Justice and the Hong Kong Police Force covering topics including transnational legal cooperation and upholding integrity in the Police Force respectively.

Also attending the opening ceremony were Director-General of the Department of Treaty and Law of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Counselor Zhou Qian, and Vice-Consul of the Royal Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Mushari Almudarra.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/icac-hosts-professional-anti-corruption-training-for-saudi-arabians-anti-corruption-authority-302835977.html

SOURCE The Independent Commission Against Corruption of Hong Kong, China

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Coda’s Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Solution Now Available Through Unity IAP SDK

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Unity IAP 5.4 brings direct-to-consumer commerce into the Unity Dashboard, with Coda as a payment provider, making it easier for developers to launch branded webstores and grow revenue beyond the app stores.

SINGAPORE, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Coda, a global leader in digital monetization and distribution, announced that its payment platform is now integrated with Unity’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) solution now available through Unity IAP 5.4, giving game developers a faster path to building and scaling a D2C business.

Developers can now activate Coda directly from the Unity Dashboard to:

Accept local payment methods through a single global integration with CodapayScale globally with Coda, managing payments, tax, fraud, compliance, and Merchant of Record services

With Codapay, Unity developers can accept more than 400 local and global payment methods across 80+ markets. That means reaching more paying players, improving payment access in markets where cards are not the default, and expanding into new markets without building payment integrations country by country.

This means game developers can:

Reach more paying players with the local payment methods they already use and trustGrow direct revenue across 80+ markets through a single global integrationLaunch in new markets faster without integrating and managing payment methods one by oneScale with Coda, managing payments, tax, fraud, and regulatory compliance through its Merchant of Record services

“Game studios should be able to sell to players anywhere in the world,” said Shane Happach, Chief Executive Officer of Coda. “Coda has spent more than a decade building the payment reach and local infrastructure to make that possible. Bringing Coda into Unity’s D2C commerce solution gives studios a faster way to reach more paying players, grow direct revenue, and expand into new markets.”

The launch builds on the partnership announced between Coda and Unity earlier this year, bringing Coda’s global payments infrastructure directly into the tools developers already use to manage their games.

For studios looking to grow direct revenue, payment reach matters. Players are more likely to buy when they can pay in the ways they know and use every day. With Coda, Unity developers can now reach players across some of the world’s largest and fastest-growing games markets through a simple integration.

About Coda

Coda is a global leader in monetization, distribution, and commerce, trusted by the biggest names in gaming, entertainment, and technology, including Activision, Electronic Arts, Riot Games, Ubisoft, and Moonton. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Singapore, Coda operates with 600+ employees worldwide, with core hubs in Asia and Europe. Coda combines payments, commerce, distribution, and rewards to drive global revenue growth for brands and publishers.

Coda’s products include Codapay, which provides access to 400+ payment methods across 80+ markets through a single API integration; Coda Webstore, which powers fully customized direct-to-consumer storefronts; Coda Consumer Platforms, including Codashop, Recharge.com, and Startselect.com; Coda Distribution, which extends reach through a network of commerce partners; and Giftcloud, a UK-based rewards business serving enterprise customers across Europe.

Coda is backed by Apis Partners, Insight Partners, Smash Capital, and GIC, and has been named an APAC High Growth Company (2023) by Financial Times, one of Granite Asia’s NextGenTech 30 (2024), a payments leader on Fortune’s Fintech Innovation Asia list (2024), and listed among The Straits Times Fastest Growing Fintechs (2024). For more on Coda, visit coda.co.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/codas-direct-to-consumer-commerce-solution-now-available-through-unity-iap-sdk-302835892.html

SOURCE Coda

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