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Zest AI Announces $200 Million Growth Investment from Insight Partners

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Leader in AI lending technology to further accelerate product innovation and take aim at high impact M&A opportunities

BURBANK, Calif., Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Zest AI, a leader in AI lending technology, announced a $200 million growth investment from global software investor Insight Partners to support the company’s next phase of transformation. The growth capital will enable Zest AI to double down on its current product portfolio, continuing to advance fraud protection and generative AI – all to build the future of lending through AI.

Zest AI transforms credit underwriting by using AI to provide more sophisticated and accurate scoring methods while also making the technology easy to use and explainable for all financial institutions. Unlike other credit scoring methods, Zest AI’s technology analyzes thousands of data variables—far surpassing traditional credit models that rely on 15–20 variables. With over 50 patents, Zest AI has developed and deployed over 500 active proprietary AI consumer credit models that help lenders make smarter lending decisions. The company’s AI-automated underwriting technology enhances the customer experience by instantly automating up to 80% of loan applications to drive operational efficiency while reducing chargeoffs by 20%, helping lenders responsibly expand credit access to more creditworthy people who desperately need it.

“Today, financial institutions are missing out on a nearly $3 trillion opportunity by sticking with antiquated traditional scoring systems. Zest AI’s technology is strengthening the financial system by leveraging more data and AI to deliver a higher fidelity view of consumer credit risk. Our customers are able to grow their lending businesses more than 25% while helping every American get a shot at equitable credit. This ultimately strengthens our customers’ balance sheets, while helping every day Americans achieve their dreams,” said Mike de Vere, Founder and CEO of Zest AI. “With advancements in AI, macroeconomic tailwinds, and the support of our investors, Zest AI is well capitalized and in prime position to accelerate our product roadmap and identify strategic M&A opportunities that bolster the pursuit of our mission.”

“Zest has been cultivating sophisticated AI and ML technology applied to credit underwriting for over a decade. The product is loved by customers, as demonstrated in best-in-class vertical market SaaS retention, because it is both powerful but approachable for financial institutions,” said Jon Rosenbaum, Managing Director at Insight Partners and Zest AI board member. “This marks our third and largest investment in the company since 2020, seeing the Zest team deliver years of compounding growth and delighted customers. We’re thrilled for the next phase of helping lenders achieve healthy growth while making access to credit more equitable for consumers. This includes doubling down on core credit underwriting while also accelerating new products in fraud and AI workflow which are already in the hands of customers.”

Since Insight Partners made their first investment in Zest AI in 2020, the company has doubled its customer count every year and has had an average compounding annual growth rate of over 50%. Today, Zest AI customers represent 110 million people and $5.5 trillion in assets under management. 

As the company focuses on its next phase of expansion, Zest AI’s M&A strategy and product roadmap center around four pillars that reinforce its position as a comprehensive lending AI technology: loan underwriting solutions, fraud protection, marketing and data intelligence capabilities. The company has had strong momentum recently announcing Zest Protect, which leverages AI models with hundreds of features, and the industry’s first generative AI lending intelligence companion called LuLu that enables financial institutions to analyze performance benchmarks and extract insights using natural language prompts. These strategic priorities align with Zest AI’s commitment to building a robust lending ecosystem that helps lenders grow their customer relationships, manage risk effectively, and combat increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts.

Lazard, Covington & Burling, PwC, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP advised on the transaction.

About Zest AI‍
Zest AI is a tech company on a mission to broaden access to equitable lending. Since 2009, we’ve worked with financial institutions to use AI lending technology to better serve their borrowers. Today, we work with all types of lenders as a catalyst for economic equity by helping them leverage AI’s potential for good. Most recently, we were named as a Deloitte Technology Fast 500 company. Learn more at Zest AI and connect with us on LinkedIn.

About Insight Partners

Insight Partners is a global software investor partnering with high-growth technology, software, and Internet startup and ScaleUp companies that are driving transformative change in their industries. As of June 30, 2024, the firm has over $80B in regulatory assets under management. Insight Partners has invested in more than 800 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO. Headquartered in New York City, Insight has offices in London, Tel Aviv, and the Bay Area. Insight’s mission is to find, fund, and work successfully with visionary executives, providing them with tailored, hands-on software expertise along their growth journey, from their first investment to IPO. For more information on Insight and all its investments, visit insightpartners.com or follow us on X @insightpartners.

 

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SOURCE Zest AI

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Viettel Group and Vietnam’s Government Cipher Committee Unveil Security Chip Embedding Vietnamese Cryptography in Silicon

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HANOI, Vietnam, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vietnam’s Government Cipher Committee and Viettel Group have unveiled VGC v1.0, a security chip integrating a domestically developed cryptographic algorithm directly into silicon, alongside the country’s first domestically designed secure semiconductor platform.

The project addresses concerns over potential data exposure associated with reliance on imported chips. By embedding cryptographic functions directly into hardware, Vietnam’s Government Cipher Committee and Viettel Group aim to strengthen Vietnam’s control over the design and verification of technologies used to protect sensitive information.

VGC v1.0 contains 300 million transistors in a 10 × 10 mm package and is fabricated using a 28-nanometre CMOS process. In performance tests, it performed encryption and decryption approximately 15 times faster than a software-only solution carrying out the same tasks. The first batch passed technical tests and received certification for socio-economic applications in the first quarter of 2026. Technical safeguards were also applied to protect the design before fabrication, reducing risks of information leakage and reverse engineering.

The Government Cipher Committee’s M2 unit established security requirements, developed the cryptographic algorithm and defined evaluation criteria, while Viettel Semiconductor Center designed and implemented the chip. Based on the open RISC-V instruction set architecture, the underlying platform enables Vietnamese engineers to modify processor designs and reuse established verification processes for future chip generations.

VGC v1.0 has already seen initial deployment in secure USB storage devices for Party, government and defence agencies. Planned applications include supporting Vietnam’s national digital signature certification system, which has more than two million digital certificates in circulation. Other potential uses span financial data protection, connected cameras and sensors, and critical infrastructure systems in electricity, water, oil and gas, and telecommunications. Products intended to protect state secrets would require further testing and certification under applicable standards.

“Researching, designing and developing secure semiconductor chips is a formidable challenge, requiring years of accumulated expertise, technological capabilities and highly skilled talent. Yet we believe that starting later does not mean accepting dependence on others. With the right strategy, focused resources and sustained commitment, we can steadily close the gap and move towards mastering technologies of strategic importance to our country,” said Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and CEO of Viettel Group.

At the launch, the Vietnam’s Government Cipher Committee and Viettel Group signed an agreement covering plans for volume production, multicore security chips, specialist workforce development and testing on real devices. Viettel is also building a semiconductor fabrication plant in Hoa Lac as part of broader efforts to develop domestic capabilities across chip design, manufacturing and packaging.

Beyond the initial chip, the initiative establishes a foundation for future generations of security hardware, supporting Vietnam’s long-term efforts to reduce technological dependence and strengthen control over critical digital technologies.

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SOURCE Viettel Group

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USDGO Plus SP Among First Products on OSL’s Instant Redemption

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Eligible professional investors redeeming units of USDGO Plus SP through OSL may receive redemption proceeds on the same day, subject to OSL’s eligibility criteria and applicable terms and conditions

HONG KONG, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Units of PrimePlus SPC – USDGO Plus SP held via OSL are included in the initial batch of products covered by Instant Redemption, a feature OSL Group announced on 2 November 2026 for tokenised real-world asset (RWA) products on its licensed platform.

Eligible professional investors redeeming designated products through OSL may receive their redemption proceeds on the same day, subject to OSL’s eligibility criteria, product coverage and applicable terms and conditions. Designated products may also be subscribed for and redeemed in USDGO.

USDGO Plus SP is a segregated portfolio of PrimePlus SPC, a Cayman Islands segregated portfolio company registered with CIMA as a mutual fund. Under the co-operation framework of 2WA and OSL, fund units stay in custody via OSL, 2WA does not custody client fund units, and Instant Redemption is an OSL platform feature*.

OSL continues to provide custody and distribution for USDGO Plus SP. Instant Redemption does not change the fund’s redemption terms, registration status, offering documents, risk disclosures or investor eligibility requirements.

*Instant Redemption is only available to investors on the OSL platform who qualify as professional investors.

About 2WA

2WA is a real-world asset (RWA) and digital asset technology development company focused on expanding the utility of regulated assets. 2WA applies blockchain technology, including tokenization, to broaden how regulated assets such as fund units and listed equities are held, used and mobilized. Throughout, the underlying assets remain with licensed custodians. 2WA’s objective is to create new use cases for these assets and, in doing so, enhance their overall value for investors and institutions.

USDGO sits at the core of 2WA’s business. As an active contributor to the USDGO ecosystem, 2WA uses USDGO as the primary settlement and liquidity asset across its RWA products, and works alongside partners to broaden its adoption, deepen its liquidity and support the long-term growth of its ecosystem. For more information, visit https://2wa.io

About OSL

OSL Group (HKEX: 863) is a global stablecoin infrastructure company that strives to provide compliant and efficient digital financial infrastructure services globally, empowering enterprises, financial institutions and individuals to seamlessly exchange, pay, trade, and settle between fiat and digital currencies. Grounded in the core values of Open, Secure, and Liquid, it is committed to building a more efficient ecosystem that connects global markets and enables instant, seamless and compliant value movement worldwide. For media inquiries, please contact: media@osl.com

Media contacts

2WA: media@2wa.io
OSL: media@osl.com

Disclaimer

This press release is for information purposes only. It does not constitute an offer, solicitation, recommendation or inducement to buy, sell or otherwise deal in any digital asset, security or other financial product, and it is not financial, investment, legal, tax, accounting or other professional advice and should not be relied on as such. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official positions of OSL Group or its affiliates. Descriptions of products and services are for general reference only, and participation is subject to applicable terms, conditions and regulatory requirements. This press release may contain forward-looking or indicative information; actual outcomes may differ materially, and none of OSL Group, 2WA, PrimePlus SPC or their respective affiliates undertakes any obligation to update it.

USDGO Plus SP has not been authorised by the Securities and Futures Commission under section 104 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) (SFO), and its offering documents have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong. Interests in USDGO Plus SP may be offered in Hong Kong only to professional investors, and only on the basis of the fund’s offering documents. Investing in digital asset funds involves significant risks, including the possible loss of the entire amount invested. Market-neutral strategies do not eliminate risk, and funding rates may turn negative. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Instant Redemption is a feature of OSL’s platform. Its availability is subject to OSL’s eligibility criteria, limits and platform terms, and may be changed, suspended or withdrawn at any time. It does not amend the redemption terms of USDGO Plus SP and is not a guarantee of liquidity or of the return of any amount invested.

This press release is intended only for “professional investors” as defined in the SFO and its subsidiary legislation, must not be distributed or used in any jurisdiction where doing so would breach applicable laws, and does not constitute active marketing to the public in Hong Kong. Readers are responsible for complying with the laws of their own jurisdiction. The stablecoins referred to in this press release may be “specified stablecoins” under the Stablecoin Ordinance (Cap. 656); their issuers and OSL Digital Securities Limited (OSLDS) are not licensed under that Ordinance to conduct regulated stablecoin activities in Hong Kong. OSLDS is a permitted offeror under that Ordinance and offers such products in Hong Kong only to clients it has verified and accepted as professional investors.

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THE KOREA INDUSTRY DAILY: ROBOTWORLD 2026 to Spotlight Physical AI and AI-Driven Manufacturing With 402 Exhibitors From 17 Countries

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Rainbow Robotics, Neuromeka and Samhyun to exhibit Nov. 4–7 near Seoul; NVIDIA and Qualcomm to participate in conference

GOYANG, South Korea, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ROBOTWORLD 2026 will bring together 402 companies from 17 countries at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) Nov. 4–7. The 1,198-booth exhibition will explore how Physical AI and AI-driven manufacturing systems are being developed for industrial applications.

International exhibitors will include Taiwan’s Advantech, Japan’s FANUC and China’s Booster Robotics, PAXINI and Unitree. A Canadian delegation of 10 technology companies will participate in the exhibition and conference, while companies from India and Bangladesh will exhibit at ROBOTWORLD for the first time.

The International Robot Business Conference 2026 will extend the discussion of industrial applications through 36 sessions on Nov. 4–5. Its three tracks — Manufacturing AX (AI transformation), Humanoid with Physical AI and Mobility — will address AI adoption in production, robot intelligence and mobility across industrial and service environments. The Manufacturing AX track will feature presentations by representatives from Qualcomm and Advantech, while a speaker from NVIDIA will present in the Humanoid with Physical AI track. Qualcomm will also sponsor the exhibition.

According to the International Federation of Robotics’ World Robotics 2026 report, global industrial robot installations reached a record 603,307 units in 2025, marking an 11% increase from the previous year and surpassing 600,000 units for the first time. Asia accounted for 76% of all newly installed industrial robots, with 457,315 units installed, up 14% year-on-year. Global installations are forecast to reach 655,000 units in 2026, reflecting the continued expansion of industrial automation.

Against this industrial backdrop, the exhibition will explore Physical AI technologies that enable robots to perceive their surroundings, assess conditions and perform physical tasks. Korean exhibitors will address both task intelligence and the platforms and components that enable movement and manipulation.

Rainbow Robotics will exhibit its RBY mobile humanoid and RBQ quadruped series, while Neuromeka will present its Physical Skill Foundation (PSF) technology alongside the EIR humanoid and NAMI mobile humanoid platforms. Neuromeka describes PSF as supporting task execution involving unfamiliar objects and changing work environments. Samhyun will showcase its AXLON actuator series for robot joint actuation, torque control and linear motion, together with the BOLDUM autonomous transport robot for industrial material handling with payloads of up to 3 metric tons.

Beyond individual robots, the exhibition will examine AI-driven manufacturing through systems that combine collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), machine vision and manufacturing software. Exhibitors will demonstrate how process data and material flows can inform robot and equipment operations across production processes.

Humanoid, food-tech and healthcare pavilions will provide focused views of these technologies and their applications. The newly established humanoid pavilion will cover complete robots, actuators, reducers, sensors, controllers and AI software. The food-tech pavilion will feature cooking, serving and kitchen automation. The returning healthcare pavilion will cover surgical, rehabilitation, wearable and care robots, as well as hospital logistics.

Business programs will connect the technology presentations with opportunities for procurement, exports and investment. Export and procurement matchmaking sessions will run Nov. 4–6, with suppliers and prospective buyers matched in advance for one-to-one meetings. A seminar on entering international markets will be held on Nov.5 providing practical information on certification requirements in different countries.

Global Scale-up Day on Nov. 6 will be open to small and medium-sized enterprises as well as startups in AI and robotics seeking investment and growth capital. Conducted entirely in English, the program will bring together venture capital firms, accelerators, strategic investors and M&A specialists.

“With increased participation by global companies and the addition of national and special pavilions, we hope this year’s exhibition will showcase the capabilities of Korean robotics companies and expand opportunities for practical cooperation between Korean and international businesses,” a ROBOTWORLD representative said.

ROBOTWORLD 2026 will take place at KINTEX Exhibition Center 1, Halls 3–5, in Goyang. Information on exhibitors, conference sessions and business programs are available at https://eng.robotworld.or.kr/.

About ROBOTWORLD

ROBOTWORLD is an international robotics exhibition covering industrial and service robots, core components, AI software and manufacturing automation solutions, alongside a conference and business programs. ROBOTWORLD 2026 is hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) and jointly organized by the Korea Association of AI Robot Industry (KAR), the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement (KIRIA) and the Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems (ICROS).

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SOURCE THE KOREA INDUSTRY DAILY

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