Connect with us

Technology

ID.me Announces $275 Million Financing from Ares Management

Published

on

MCLEAN, Va., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ID.me, the market leading digital identity wallet, today announced it has closed a $275 million credit facility provided by Ares Management funds (“Ares”). Ares also plans to make a substantial equity investment in ID.me. Proceeds will fuel ID.me’s continued acceleration, as ID.me is revolutionizing the way Americans securely prove their identity online, expanding digital access while protecting privacy and preventing fraud.

This financing comes amid significant business momentum, as ID.me has signed up over 139 million users into its digital wallet, with over 65 million of these users verified to the federal standards of IAL2 consumer authentication. ID.me’s revenue has grown over 450% from 2020 through 2024, as superior results for customers and members are driving rapid growth and adoption.

ID.me is the only digital wallet that meets the federal government standards for secure login and multi-factor authentication while offering online, video chat, and in-person options for identity verification at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Identity Assurance Level 2. True to ID.me’s purpose of enabling consumer trust across the digital economy, members can use ID.me’s digital wallet to safely login and prove their identity in seconds at any government, healthcare, commercial or non-profit organization in the ID.me network.

“This credit facility provided by Ares, combined with its anticipated equity investment, provides substantial capital to accelerate our roadmap and growth strategy, scaling ID.me to the next phase of growth and sustainable profitability,” said Blake Hall, Founder and CEO of ID.me. “Coming soon after our recent secondary tender, we are pleased that esteemed institutional investors are recognizing our market-leading outcomes expanding digital access, protecting privacy, fighting fraud, and ensuring frictionless user experience.”

Ares Management, a leading global alternative investment manager with more than $464 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2024, brings decades of experience investing significant capital in high-quality software and technology opportunities.

“ID.me is a category and thought leader in the digital identity space, enabling government agency and commercial enterprise customers to navigate the demand for secure and inclusive digital access to their services while respecting end-user data privacy,” said John Clark, Principal at Ares Management. “As the world continues to be transformed by AI and vectors of fraud proliferate, we believe that ID.me’s digital identity wallets will become increasingly important in facilitating the consistent and fraud-resistant connections between these large organizations and their users. Ares is excited to work with Blake and the rest of the ID.me team, and we look forward to supporting ID.me’s next phase of growth.”

About ID.me
ID.me is the next-generation digital identity wallet that simplifies how individuals securely prove their identity online. Consumers can verify their identity with ID.me once and seamlessly login across websites without having to create a new login and verify their identity again. Over 139 million users experience streamlined login and identity verification with ID.me at 19 federal agencies, 44 state government agencies, and 66 healthcare organizations. More than 600 consumer brands use ID.me to verify communities and user segments to honor service and build more authentic relationships. ID.me’s technology meets the federal standards for consumer authentication set by the Commerce Department and is approved as a NIST 800-63-3 IAL2 / AAL2 credential service provider by the Kantara Initiative. ID.me is committed to “No Identity Left Behind” to enable all people to have a secure digital identity. To learn more, visit https://network.id.me/.

About Ares Management Corporation
Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, real estate, private equity and infrastructure asset classes. We seek to provide flexible capital to support businesses and create value for our stakeholders and within our communities. By collaborating across our investment groups, we aim to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of September 30, 2024, Ares Management Corporation’s global platform had approximately $464 billion of assets under management, with more than 3,100 employees operating across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.aresmgmt.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/idme-announces-275-million-financing-from-ares-management-302364099.html

SOURCE ID.me, Inc.

Continue Reading

Technology

Tax Tops the List as Wealthy Brits Plan Their Exit, La Vida Survey Finds

Published

on

By

Portugal is the destination of choice for almost three in four, while Brexit is a major factor for nearly two thirds.

LONDON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Taxation is the leading concern for 82.6% of wealthy UK investors considering a second residency or citizenship, according to new research from investment migration firm La Vida.

La Vida’s 2026 UK Investor Survey asked investors who have enquired with the firm about residency or citizenship by investment what is driving their interest in leaving the UK, and where they plan to go. The survey ran from 29 September to 8 October 2026.

“Tax continues to be the main concern of wealthy Brits looking to leave the UK, with over 82% of respondents citing it as a factor driving their decision making,” said Paul Williams, CEO of La Vida.

Wealth Tax the Biggest Fear

Wealth tax was the tax increase most likely to push respondents out of the UK, ahead of income tax and inheritance tax.

Political concerns (56.5%) and cost of living (52.2%) followed taxation as the top reasons for considering a move. Concern about crime and security fell sharply, from 59.3% in La Vida’s 2025 survey to 37% this year.

“The average wealth of respondents was around £9 million. That’s more than 20 times the national average, and no doubt a significant tax loss for HMRC for each one deciding to leave,” said Williams.

“The top 1% of UK income taxpayers pay around 30% of all UK income tax. The UK government needs to find a way to persuade such wealth to stay and encourage more into the UK.”

Portugal Pulls Ahead as Dubai Fades

Portugal was named as a top-two destination by 73.8% of respondents, up from 50.6% in 2025. Italy came second at 26.2% and Greece third at 19%.

Interest in the UAE fell from 13.6% to 2.4%, even though Dubai features heavily in coverage of wealthy Britons leaving the UK.

“Portugal is a top destination for many. La Vida’s clients alone have gone on to invest several hundred million euros into the Portuguese economy in the last decade through its Golden Visa program,” said Williams.

Brexit a Major Factor

Brexit is a major factor for 63% of respondents and a minor factor for a further 17%. La Vida asked about Brexit for the first time this year, after a summer of longer queues for British travellers under the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

“Brexit is the one and only reason why I would have an interest in a second residency,” said one respondent.

“I don’t regret voting for Brexit but it has rather scuppered an easy move to Portugal,” said another.

Plan B, Not Panic

A Plan B or backup option was the most common goal, named by 60.9% of respondents, ahead of tax reduction at 58.7% and visa-free travel at 54.3%.

Support for a UK Golden Visa

60% of respondents said the UK should introduce a Golden Visa program to attract investment.

The Home Office closed the UK’s Tier 1 (Investor) visa to new applicants in February 2022.

However, both the previous Conservative government and the current Labour government have indicated that they could reintroduce a Golden Visa in some form.

With Prime Minister Andy Burnham looking to draw further investment to the country, the proposal is likely to gain further support heading into this year’s Budget and into 2027.

Notably, wealthy Brits back the idea. Half of respondents said they did not know who they would vote for if a general election were held today.

“The UK is being left behind not only by its citizens but by its competitors in the race for global wealth,” said Williams.

Notes to Editors

Methodology: La Vida invited more than 5,000 investors who have enquired about residency or citizenship by investment over the last decade to take part in its 2026 UK Investor Survey. The survey ran from 29 September to 8 October 2026. Respondents: 91% of respondents hold UK citizenship, 76% live in the UK and 93%, with a weighted networth of £9.7 million.Multiple answers: Respondents could select more than one concern and goal, and up to two destinations.Data and comments available: the full dataset, further respondent comments and year-on-year comparisons with La Vida’s 2025 survey are available on request.

Contact:
Lizzie Edwards
***@goldenvisas.com
+44 0207 060 1475

Photo(s):
https://www.prlog.org/13177263

Press release distributed by PRLog

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tax-tops-the-list-as-wealthy-brits-plan-their-exit-la-vida-survey-finds-302911989.html

SOURCE La Vida

Continue Reading

Technology

Truecaller announces preliminary numbers for the third quarter 2026

Published

on

By

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Truecaller today announces its preliminary and unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2026. The interimreport will be published as planned on Tuesday the 3rd of November 2027 and will as usual be followed by a webcast.

Total net sales for the third quarter 2026 is expected to amount to SEK 464 million (468) which is estimated to be an increase of 3% in constant currencies compared to the same period last year and an increase of 18% compared to the second quarter of 2026.

Ad revenues are expected to amount to SEK 245.6 million (290.2) which is a decrease of 12% in constant currencies compared to the third quarter last year but an increase of 23% compared to the previous quarter. Premium revenues are expected to amount to SEK 127.1 million (96.4) which is an increase of 32% in constant currencies compared to the same period in 2025. Revenues from Truecaller for Business are expected to amount to SEK 85.1 million (79.9), an increase of 14% in constant currencies compared to the same period in 2025 and an increase of 15% compared to the previous quarter.

EBITDA excluding non-recurring items associated with the acquisition of TextPlus is expected to amount to SEK 147.6 million (162.5) which is a decrease of approximately 6% in constant currencies compared to the same period last year but an increase of 68% compared to the previous quarter. The preliminary EBITDA-margin is 31.8% (34.7%) and the EBITDA-margin excluding incentive costs and the non-recurring items is expected to be 37.4% (39.8%).

Average non-iOS MAU was 476.2 million in the fourth quarter which is an increase of 34.5 million users compared to the same period last year and a growth of 5.2 million users during the third quarter.

SHORT COMMENT FROM THE CEO

“During the third quarter, we saw positive momentum as all three revenue streams grew compared to the previous quarter.Total net sales is now back to growth year-over year in local currency. Profitability is now also back at a healthy level. Our user base continued to grow, albeit at a somewhat slower pace than historically. Our focus is and has to a larger extent been on improving the monetisation of the existing user base and to tap into the growing demand beyond our established markets.

Within Ads, we continued our transition toward our new proprietary ad platform and auction process and we saw a gradual revenue improvement during the quarter, while Premium delivered sustained solid revenue growth. For Truecaller for Business, message volumes for Business Messaging are now higher than a year ago following our shift to a multi-partner model and Verified Business had a stable development. Overall, we continue to strengthen our position across key areas and are positive towards continuing the revenue transition,” says Rishit Jhunjhunwalam, CEO, Truecaller.

Preliminary results for July-September 2026 (Q3)

SEKm

Q3 2026

Q3 2025

Y/Y %

Y/Y % in constant
currency

Ad revenues

245.6

290.2

-15 %

-12 %

Premium revenues

127.1

96.4

+32 %

+32 %

Truecaller for business
revenues

85.1

79.9

+6 %

+14 %

Other net sales

6.2

1.4

+>100%

Net sales

464

467.9

-1 %

+3 %

Other revenues

5.3

8.8

-40 %

Total revenues

469.3

476.7

-2 %

+2 %

Cost of goods sold

-133.0

-113.6

+17 %

Gross profit

331.0

354.3

-7 %

-4 %

Gross margin

71.3 %

75.7 %

Staff costs excl.

incentives

-72.3

-88.3

-18 %

Incentive costs

-26.1

-23.6

+11 %

Other expenses

-90.3

-88.6

+2 %

EBITDA and margin

147.6 / 31.8%

162.5 /34.7%

-9 %

-6 %

EBITDA and margin
excl. Incentive costs

173.7 /37.4% 

186.2/39.8%

-7 %

-3 %

EBITDA

129.6/27.9%

162.5/34.7%

-20 %

-17 %

Profit after net
financial items

108.6

148.4

-27 %

Net profit

68.8

108.5

-37 %

Average MAU, non-iOS,
millions

476.2

441.7

+8 %

Average DAU, non-iOS,
millions

411.1

379.3

+8 %

Preliminary Nature of the Information

The financial information included in this press release is preliminary and unaudited. The final reviewed financial statements for January-September 2026 are expected to be published on the 3rd of November 2026. Differences between the preliminary figures and the final results may arise.

This information is information that Truecaller is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 2026-10-19 06:15 CET.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Frid, Head of IR & Communication
+46 705 29 08 00
andreas.frid@truecaller.com

About Truecaller:

Truecaller (TRUE B) is the leading global platform for verifying contacts and blocking unwanted communication. We enable safe and relevant conversations between people and make it efficient for businesses to connect with consumers. Fraud and unwanted communication are endemic to digital economies. especially in emerging markets. We are on a mission to build trust in communication. Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for more than 500 million active users. Truecaller is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 8 October 2021. For more information please visit corporate.truecaller.com

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

https://news.cision.com/truecaller-ab/r/truecaller-announces-preliminary-numbers-for-the-third-quarter-2026,c4410331

The following files are available for download:

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/truecaller-announces-preliminary-numbers-for-the-third-quarter-2026-302912239.html

SOURCE Truecaller AB

Continue Reading

Technology

CCTV+: A Civilizational Dialogue Across 5000 Years — Liangzhu and the Origins of World Civilization, a China‑Russia Co‑produced Documentary, Premieres Globally

Published

on

By

BEIJING, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 18, 2026, the 4th Liangzhu Forum opened in Liangzhu, the sacred site that bears testimony to China’s 5,000‑year‑old civilization. On the same day, Liangzhu and the Origins of World Civilization, a documentary co-produced by Zhejiang Media Group Overseas Center (International Channel) and Russian Digital Television’s “My Planet” Channel, made its global debut. The film launches a cross‑millennia civilizational dialogue through visuals. It airs simultaneously on Zhejiang Media Group Overseas Center (International Channel), its English platform, Russia’s “My Planet” Channel, major global media outlets and the China Blue International Media Matrix.

In December 2025, during the 6th China‑Russia Media Forum in Beijing, the two sides signed a media cooperation agreement for long‑term collaboration in co‑production, promotion and cultural exchanges. This documentary stands as a signature achievement under this cooperation framework.

Shooting for the film began in Hangzhou last April. The joint Sino‑Russian crew visited iconic cultural sites including the Liangzhu Museum, the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu Ancient City, and the Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section). Combining on‑site cinematography, expert interviews, and archaeological footage, the film captures exquisite jade artifacts from the Fanshan Royal Cemetery, the grand Mojiaoshan palace foundations and the ancient water‑conservancy systems, showcasing Liangzhu’s city layout, jade craftsmanship, water‑management wisdom and rice‑farming culture.

Adopting two‑way perspectives, the film gathers insights from Chinese and Russian scholars including museum directors and young Sinologists. It helps Russian audiences understand China’s millennia‑long civilization from their own cultural context, and lets the world perceive the profound heritage of Chinese civilization.

As an innovative practice for international cultural communication, this production boosts Liangzhu’s global recognition and serves as a vivid footnote for people‑to‑people exchanges in the new era.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cctv-a-civilizational-dialogue-across-5000-years—-liangzhu-and-the-origins-of-world-civilization-a-chinarussia-coproduced-documentary-premieres-globally-302912257.html

Continue Reading

Trending