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Vinyl Equity Raises $11.5M Seed from Index Ventures and Spark Capital to Transform Transfer Agents

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Former JP Morgan Vice President Joe Conte joins the company as Head of Partnerships, rounding out the executive team

CHICAGO, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Vinyl Equity, a trusted transfer agent for public companies, today announced that it has raised $11.5 million in seed funding. The round was co-led by Index Ventures and Spark Capital with participation from Infinity Ventures, Cambrian Fintech, and other strategic angels. The company also announced that industry veteran Silvio “Joe” Conte has been named as Head of Partnerships, further strengthening the company’s leadership team.

Funding comes as Vinyl leads the transformation of antiquated systems that have not kept pace with innovation in capital markets. Most transfer agents still rely on faxes, PDFs, and manual processes, which is frustrating, slow, and error-prone. Vinyl has built the first cloud-native, API-first transfer agent with automation, real-time visibility, and tools that actually work for modern companies

“Register management has been marred by inefficiencies for far too long, disproportionately impacting the people largely responsible for the company’s success,” said Rob Schoder, Co-founder and CEO of Vinyl Equity. “Vinyl streamlines these processes with real-time visibility and automation, empowering businesses to focus on growth and offering a seamless experience for all stakeholders.”

“Vinyl Equity elevates the entire transfer agent industry that has been burdened by stagnation tied to legacy systems,” said Sofia Dolfe, Partner at Index Ventures. “Transparency and efficiency are critical for shareholder registry, and it’s clear Rob and the Vinyl team are committed to bringing much-needed automation to an antiquated system.”

A Smarter, Seamless Approach

Vinyl is a purpose-built, cloud-native platform designed specifically for the financial services industry. It brings together modern infrastructure and AI-powered automation to streamline critical administrative tasks—everything from document handling and data verification to maintaining accurate shareholder records. By bridging the gaps between traditionally disconnected stakeholders and integrating directly with share plan administrators, Vinyl replaces outdated practices with a more efficient, digital-first experience.

“The time for Vinyl is now,” said Poornaprajna Udupi, Chief Technology Officer at Vinyl Equity. “By integrating cloud-native fintech and AI, we’ve built a vertical platform that proactively ensures compliance and automates tasks across the partner ecosystem to replace outdated, manual processes. The Vinyl copilot presents timely actions, processes data in real-time, and performs reconciliations automatically, saving issuers time and money, eliminating compliance risks, and delivering a seamless, modern experience.”

Vinyl offers solutions to longstanding industry challenges, empowering publicly traded companies and those preparing to IPO with streamlined operations, better information access, and enhanced compliance guardrails.

The digital platform is already improving the transfer agent experience for issuers, shareholders, and stakeholders. More than 70,000 shareholders and customers, including companies like Talkspace, are using the solution.

“Issuers, shareholders, and their stakeholders have long needed a solution to improve the inefficiencies of transfer agency,” said Naz Sarkar, former CEO of Computershare Global Issuer Services. “Vinyl Equity’s technology-driven platform simplifies equity management, digitizes previously manual workflows, and delivers real-time solutions that empower all stakeholders to be more efficient and cost-effective in today’s markets.”

First-of-its-Kind Offering Attracts Top Talent

Lending further credibility to Vinyl’s approach and technology, Joe Conte joined the team as Head of Partnerships. Conte, well known on Wall Street, most recently served as Vice President within the ADR Department at JPMorgan. Before that, he was the head of corporate actions products as a Vice President at Equiniti Trust Company in the U.S. There, Conte oversaw the introduction of new products and services that enhanced EQ’s corporate actions offerings. He also co-managed the capital markets and private M&A initiatives in the U.S.

Prior to joining EQ, Conte was the head of corporate actions as a Director at the New York Stock Exchange, where he oversaw all corporate actions and dividend announcements issued by the Exchange. In addition, Conte advised on best practices while keeping to the established rules of the Exchange, assisted issuers and their counsel on the early structuring of complex corporate actions, and helped management in pitching new business related to corporate actions and IPO/ECM activity.

At Vinyl, Conte will be responsible for managing Vinyl’s partnership ecosystem, leveraging decades of experience building relationships with service providers through his work in corporate actions. He will also help guide the team through industry changes and how to position new product offerings within the scope of these changes.

To learn more about how Vinyl is modernizing transfer agents, please visit www.vinylequity.com.

About Vinyl Equity

Vinyl Equity is a next generation, SEC-registered transfer agent building critical, modern infrastructure and services for publicly traded companies in share registry, dividend plan management, proxy voting and compliance services. Vinyl serves clients across the Nasdaq, NYSE, and OTC Markets. To learn more, please visit https://www.vinylequity.com.

Media Contact
Amber Moore, Moore Communications, 1 5039439381, amber@moorecom2.com

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Quintus Flexform™ Press Enables Sona SPEED to Deliver Flight-Critical Aerospace Components Faster

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Advanced forming technology strengthens precision manufacturing capabilities and reduces lead times for global high-performance industries

VÄSTERÅS, Sweden, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Sona SPEED Pvt. Ltd., a specialist in precision mechatronics manufacturing solutions, is investing in a Quintus Flexform™ fluid cell press to expand its capabilities in producing high-precision prototype and low-volume components for aerospace and other demanding industries. The new press will support the company’s growing role as a supplier of flight-critical components for global customers.

Quintus Technologies’ expertise in high-pressure forming solutions meets the strict standards required for aerospace applications, enabling us to deliver consistent quality, performance, and reliability to customers operating in mission-critical environments.– Sona SPEED General Manager Bart Korff

Reflecting rising demand for lightweight, high-strength structures used in aircraft, satellites, and launch systems, Sona SPEED is strengthening its advanced forming and structural assembly capabilities, according to General Manager Bart Korff.

“We are expanding our metal forming and structural assembly capabilities to support next-generation aircraft, satellite, and launch vehicle programs,” says Mr. Korff. “Quintus Technologies brings proven expertise in high-pressure forming solutions that meet the stringent standards required for aerospace applications. Their technology enables us to deliver consistent quality, performance, and reliability to customers operating in mission-critical environments.”

The investment reflects broader industry trends toward lighter, stronger materials and faster development cycles across aerospace, defense, and high-performance industrial sectors. Advanced forming technologies such as the Flexform process enable manufacturers to reduce tooling complexity, improve structural performance, and accelerate product development timelines.

Sona SPEED selected the Flexform press model QFC 1×3-800, capable of applying up to 800 bar of forming pressure across a 1000 mm × 3000 mm work area. This performance is enabled by Quintus’ proven wire-winding pre-stress technology, which allows consistent pressure distribution across large forming surfaces.

Flexform is a versatile solution for manufacturing complex sheet metal components, particularly in industries where precision, speed, and cost control are essential for maintaining global competitiveness,” explains Peter Henning, Chief Commercial Officer, Quintus Technologies.

Designed for both prototyping and low-volume production, the Flexform process offers significant advantages compared with conventional rubber pad pressing and mechanical stamping. High-pressure forming reduces tooling complexity, eliminates secondary process steps, and improves fabrication productivity. Multiple forming tools can be used in a single operation, enabling faster transitions from design to production. High-cycle systems can produce up to 120 parts per hour, supporting rapid response to customer requirements.

The user-friendly press includes advanced features such as equipment serviceability, remote system control, and a high degree of self-diagnostics. It is also equipped with state-of-the-art high pressure hydraulics and a semi-automatic service system for quick and easy service of the unique Quintus flexible rubber diaphragm.

“This investment completes Sona SPEED’s aerospace offering by enabling us to manufacture high-integrity, near-net-shape components with enhanced mechanical properties. The Quintus press integrates seamlessly into our production line, allowing the delivery of flight-critical parts with reduced lead times and improved material performance – essential for aerospace and space missions,” notes Mr. Korff.

To support long-term operational reliability, Sona SPEED has chosen to participate in the Quintus® Care Program, a customized service solution that ensures operational reliability, maximum performance, controlled annual costs, and long-term partnership.

The program includes forming process and tool design support, access to Quintus Application Centers, prioritized technical assistance, and reliable availability of spare and wear parts. It also provides annual press inspections, operator training, and personnel recertification to maintain high levels of technical competence and production readiness.

“The added value of the high pressure process allows Sona SPEED to meet the quality, volume, and cost demands for sheet metal parts in major industrial sectors across the globe,” comments Johan Hjärne, CEO of Quintus Technologies. “We are pleased to be a strategic partner as they scale operations, invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, and enhance their engineering capabilities.”

The press will be installed in Sona SPEED’s 100,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Bengaluru (Bangalore), India in mid-December 2026.

About Quintus Technologies

Quintus Technologies is the global leader in high pressure technology. The company designs, manufactures, installs, and supports high pressure systems in four main areas: densification of advanced materials; sheet metal forming; battery processing; and high pressure processing for food and beverage innovation, safety, and shelf life. Quintus has delivered approximately 1900 systems to customers within industries such as energy, medical implants, space, aerospace, automotive, and food processing. The company is headquartered in Västerås, Sweden, with a presence in 45 countries worldwide. For more information, visit Quintus Technologies.

About Sona SPEED

Part of the century-old Sona Group, a premier business group in India, Sona Special Power Electronics & Electric Drives (Sona SPEED) was established in 2003 as an R&D division specializing in cutting-edge mechatronics manufacturing solutions. The company provides a comprehensive range of metal treatment solutions tailored to the specific needs of a worldwide client base across industries like aerospace, defense, heavy equipment, medical wearables, space, marine, industrial, automotive, and more. Sona SPEED’s unwavering commitment to precision and quality in metal treatments is reflected in state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology that ensure the delivery of products that excel in performance and durability, thus meeting highest standards required for the most sophisticated and mission-critical applications. To know more, go to Sona SPEED.

Media Contact

Peter Henning, Quintus Technologies, 46 736 20 24 49, peter.henning@quintusteam.com, quintustechnologies.com

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Hannover Messe 2026: Zoomlion Debuts Robot Ops, Showcasing Industrial AI and Intelligent Manufacturing Capabilities

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HANNOVER, Germany, April 22, 2026 /CNW/ — Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zoomlion” or “the Company”; 1157.HK) has made the global debut of its embodied intelligence operating system, Robot Ops, at Hannover Messe 2026, taking place from April 20 to 24. At the event, Zoomlion is showcasing the robot operating system for industrial applications, along with its industrial AI and intelligent manufacturing (IM) solutions. Through live demonstrations and themed presentations, Zoomlion is highlighting its latest advances in embodied intelligence development platforms and IM practices.

Built for the Software 3.0 era, Robot Ops is a professional embodied intelligence development platform centered on the engineering concept of “Data, Software, and Agents.” It integrates DevOps, DataOps, and AgentOps into a full-stack, engineering-grade solution, enabling coordinated development across software, data, and intelligent agents.

The platform comprises four modules: basic tools, imitation learning, reinforcement learning, and task orchestration, enabling full-lifecycle management from data collection and model training to simulation verification, application development, and deployment maintenance. Designed to be ready to use with a low barrier to adoption, Robot Ops improves closed‑loop iteration efficiency by over 50%.

It directly addresses four key industry challenges: high technical barriers, scenario migration difficulty, data bottlenecks, and lack of lifecycle management. By providing a standardized, replicable engineering path for large‑scale deployment, Robot Ops can be widely adapted to humanoid robots, industrial robots, construction machinery, and autonomous driving. As one platform empowering multiple industries, it supports a more scalable and standardized approach to embodied intelligence development.

At Hannover Messe 2026, Zoomlion is presenting live demonstrations under the unified scheduling of Robot Ops, in which a wheeled humanoid robot and a logistics mobile robot collaborate on a logistics-sorting scenario, while the first-generation mass-produced humanoid robot Z1 performs a dance routine and dynamic motion-control demonstration. The multi-robot collaborative demonstration shows how Robot Ops connects algorithms, task orchestration, and on-site execution.

Zoomlion is also presenting its Industry 5.0 IM solutions, including insights into Zoomlion Smart Industrial City. The showcase highlights how digital technologies such as intelligent scheduling, industrial AI, digital twins, and end-to-end intelligent logistics are integrated into manufacturing processes.

Zoomlion is exhibiting at Booth D76 in Hall 15 and Booth D70 in Hall 11, the China Pavilion. The Company is also co-exhibiting with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and participating in the China Pavilion’s “Invest in China” launch ceremony.

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Realm Raises $4.5M to Bring the ‘Cursor Moment’ to Enterprise Sales

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HELSINKI, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Realm has raised a $4.5 million Seed round to speed up enterprise sales cycles. Its platform gives AI the structured context needed to automate deal-defining materials like RFP responses. The round was led by Frontline Ventures, with participation from HubSpot Ventures, Slack Co-founder Cal Henderson and Deel Co-founder Alex Bouaziz.

Realm CEO Mikko Mäntylä believes revenue work is next to undergo the agentic revolution that has already transformed software development.

“Tools like Cursor and Claude Code have fundamentally changed programming. Developers now manage fleets of agents, often running five to ten simultaneous tasks in different terminal windows,” Mäntylä says. “The best revenue teams are starting to replicate this approach, offloading RFP responses, security questionnaires, and other customer-facing materials to AI.”

However, the shift is still held back by a fundamental constraint. Unlike in software development, where the codebase provides structured context for AI, revenue teams work with fragmented systems and unstructured data. Critical information, such as why a deal was won, has to be pieced together from subtle, scattered signals.

Realm solves this by turning raw information into a structured representation of a company’s market, products, pipeline, and strategies. This purpose-built context graph mirrors how human sellers are onboarded and gives agents the foundation they need to contribute effectively.

“Our customers use Realm to draft their most important deliverables, from multi-million dollar bids to business cases that will make or break months of work,” Mäntylä says. “Typically, 70-80% of Realm’s work is approved as-is. Any edits feedback into Realm’s context, creating a compounding record that everyone in the organisation benefits from.”

That institutional memory extends beyond Realm’s own application. The platform integrates with Slack, CRMs, and AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT, allowing teams to leverage Realm’s context and agents wherever they already work.

“The GTM stack has been built to record and report on what has already happened,” says George Radford from Frontline Ventures. “The emerging paradigm is tools that actually do the work, and Realm is building at the forefront of this shift. The team’s exceptional execution velocity and the rate at which customers are expanding usage convinced us Realm is the right team to back.”

The company will use the fresh funding to triple its team by the end of the year and accelerate its entry into the US.

About Realm

Realm builds a structured understanding of a company’s go-to-market and turns it into execution. As a result, work like RFPs, security reviews, and deal coordination happens in the background, not at the expense of time with buyers. Founded in 2023 by former Slush leaders Mikko Mäntylä and Miika Huttunen alongside Johan Jern, Realm is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. Realm’s customers include Visma, Aiven, and Hostaway. Learn more: https://www.withrealm.com/ 

About Frontline Ventures

Frontline Ventures backs the most ambitious tech companies across the US and Europe, and positions them to win the transatlantic market. Frontline Seed backs European Seed startups when early US traction is critical to hyperscale. Frontline Growth backs US scaleups at Series B-D when European revenues are essential to IPO-readiness. Frontline Ventures’ portfolio includes companies like Navan, Lattice, and Vanta. Learn more: https://frontline.vc/ 

About HubSpot Ventures

HubSpot Ventures partners with ambitious entrepreneurs who are redefining how businesses grow and operate. The fund backs early- and growth-stage software companies building products that deliver unique value to HubSpot’s customer base, with a mission to help millions of organizations grow better. HubSpot Ventures’ portfolio includes companies like Clay, ElevenLabs, and Lovable. Learn more: https://www.hubspot.com/ventures

Media Contact
Mikko Mäntylä
CEO & Co-founder
mikko@withrealm.com 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/realm-technologies-oy/r/realm-raises–4-5m-to-bring-the–cursor-moment–to-enterprise-sales,c4338044

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SOURCE Realm Technologies Oy

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