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Novo Holdings and EIFO invest €48 million in HealthCap IX to strengthen the Nordic life sciences ecosystem

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Novo Holdings and the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) have jointly invested €48 million in HealthCap IX, a Swedish life sciences venture fund focused on building innovative companies in areas of high unmet medical need.

Following the investment, HealthCap will establish a local presence in Copenhagen at the BioInnovation Institute (BII) to increase its focus on Nordic investment opportunities. In particular, the fund has committed to supporting early-stage companies emerging from academic and corporate research environments, with the aim of helping them progress towards further financing.

HealthCap is a longstanding and recognised venture firm with a strong presence in the Nordics. Since its founding in 1996, it has built a strong track record of supporting companies that address serious medical conditions through novel therapeutic approaches. With investments in more than 130 companies, HealthCap has played a central role in developing over 30 approved pharmaceutical products and more than 50 innovative medical technologies – benefitting millions of patients globally.

HealthCap’s focus is on precision medicine and therapies targeting areas of high unmet medical need, which aligns closely with the strategy of Novo Holdings’ Seed Investments vertical. The Seed Investments team at Novo Holdings backs early-stage biotech companies emerging from strong science, often at the point of spinout from academic institutions. HealthCap’s expertise in identifying and supporting such companies through their growth journey makes the fund a natural partner.

This marks EIFO’s first investment with HealthCap, while Novo Holdings has previously backed earlier HealthCap funds.

Mårten Steen, Managing Partner, HealthCap, said:

“We are proud to welcome two of Denmark’s most respected investors as LPs in HealthCap IX. The investments from Novo Holdings and EIFO not only enhance HealthCap’s ability to support transformative healthcare companies but also reinforce the Nordic region’s position as a global leader in life science innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Daniel Rasmussen, Principal, Seed Investments, Novo Holdings, said:

“We are pleased to continue our collaboration with HealthCap, which over many years has proven to be a strong partner in advancing the next generation of healthcare solutions. With this commitment, we aim to support high-quality scientific projects in the Nordics and ensure they have the support needed to develop into well-structured companies with clinical and commercial success.”

Rikke Michaela Greve, Investment Manager, EIFO, added:
“With its strong track record, good reputation, and well-established network in Denmark, HealthCap is a key player and a local anchor for Danish life sciences. It has the ability to attract international investment and collaboration, which is vital to securing sufficient funding for the region.”

About HealthCap
HealthCap is a leading European venture capital firm investing globally in life sciences. Since its founding in 1996, HealthCap has raised multiple funds and invested in more than 130 companies developing innovative solutions in areas of high unmet medical need. The firm focuses on precision medicine and breakthrough therapeutics, with more than 30 pharmaceutical products approved and over 50 medical technologies developed. HealthCap is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and plays an active role in supporting life sciences across the Nordic region.
www.healthcap.eu

About EIFO – Denmark’s Export and Investment Fund
EIFO is Denmark’s national promotional bank and official export credit agency. The organisation works to open doors for global business, accelerate the green transition, support innovative technologies, and contribute to Denmark’s economic security. With total commitments exceeding DKK 170 billion and activities in more than 100 countries, EIFO offers financial solutions to Danish businesses and their global partners. It is also Denmark’s largest venture investor, making 78 investments in companies and 16 in funds in 2024.
www.eifo.dk

About Novo Holdings A/S
Novo Holdings is a holding and investment company responsible for managing the assets and wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The purpose of Novo Holdings is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet by generating attractive long-term returns on the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Wholly owned by the Foundation, Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of Novo Nordisk A/S and Novonesis A/S (formerly Novozymes A/S) and manages an investment portfolio with a long-term return perspective. In addition to managing a broad portfolio of equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure, and private equity assets, Novo Holdings is a world-leading life sciences investor. Through its Seed, Venture, Growth, Asia, Planetary Health, and Principal Investments teams, Novo Holdings invests in life sciences companies at all stages of development. As of year-end 2024, Novo Holdings had total assets of EUR 142 billion.
www.novoholdings.dk

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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