Technology
OPENLANE, Inc. Reports 2024 Financial Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
CARMEL, Ind., Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OPENLANE, Inc. (NYSE: KAR), today reported its fourth quarter and annual financial results for the period ended December 31, 2024.
“OPENLANE delivered positive fourth quarter and full-year 2024 results, driven by another strong quarter in our marketplace business,” said Peter Kelly, CEO. “The Marketplace grew year-over-year volume for the seventh straight quarter, including 15% growth in dealer volumes, and grew Adjusted EBITDA by an impressive 30%. Our customers are clearly responding to our unique offerings and our differentiated value proposition that delivers ease, speed and improved outcomes. We remain focused on our strategy – delivering the best marketplace, technology and customer experience, and are well positioned for continued growth.”
“OPENLANE’s consistent growth and financial performance clearly demonstrate the strong scalability characteristics of our asset-light, digital model,” said Brad Lakhia, Chief Financial Officer. “Our culture of innovation, growth and financial discipline increased revenue, reduced cost and delivered $293 million in Adjusted EBITDA. We will continue to lean into our marketplace go-to-market investments to drive growth while leveraging our leading, high-performing finance business.”
Fourth Quarter Highlights
Marketplace total volume YoY growth of 9%, with dealer YoY growth of 15%Consolidated revenue of $455 million, representing 12% YoY growth, driven by 18% YoY Marketplace growthConsolidated income from continuing operations of $52 million, with Marketplace contributing $26 millionConsolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $73 million, representing 18% YoY growthMarketplace Adjusted EBITDA of $31 million, representing 30% YoY growth
Full Year Highlights
Marketplace total volume YoY growth of 9%Consolidated revenue of $1,789 million, representing 5% YoY growth, driven by 8% YoY Marketplace growthConsolidated income from continuing operations of $110 million, with Marketplace contributing $2 millionConsolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $293 million, representing 8% YoY growthCash flow from operating activities of $293 millionMarketplace Adjusted EBITDA of $135 million, representing 24% YoY growthGross Merchandise Value (GMV) of approximately $27 billion, representing 12% YoY growth
2025 Guidance
Annual
Guidance
Income from continuing operations (in millions)
$100 – $114
Adjusted EBITDA (in millions)
$290 – $310
Income from continuing operations per share – diluted *
$0.38 – $0.48
Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share – diluted
$0.90 – $1.00
*
The company uses the two-class method of calculating income from continuing operations per diluted share.
Under the two-class method, income from continuing operations is adjusted for dividends and undistributed
earnings (losses) to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, and the weighted average diluted shares do
not assume conversion of the preferred shares to common shares.
The December 2024 divestiture of the company’s automotive key business is reflected in the 2025 guidance.
Earnings guidance does not contemplate future items such as business development activities, strategic developments (such as restructurings, spin-offs or dispositions of assets or investments), contingent purchase price adjustments, significant expenses related to litigation, tax adjustments, adverse changes in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, changes in applicable laws and regulations (including significant accounting and tax matters) and intangible impairments. The timing and amounts of these items are highly variable, difficult to predict, and of a potential size that could have a substantial impact on the company’s reported results for any given period. Prospective quantification of these items is generally not practicable. Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share excludes amortization expense associated with acquired intangible assets, as well as one-time charges, net of taxes. See reconciliations of the company’s guidance included below.
Earnings Conference Call Information
OPENLANE will be hosting an earnings conference call and webcast on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The call will be hosted by OPENLANE Chief Executive Officer Peter Kelly and Chief Financial Officer Brad Lakhia. The conference call may be accessed by calling 1-833-634-2155 and asking to join the OPENLANE call. A live webcast will be available at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com. Supplemental financial information for OPENLANE’s fourth quarter 2024 results is available at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com.
The archive of the webcast will be available following the call at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com for a limited time.
About OPENLANE
OPENLANE, Inc. (NYSE: KAR), provides sellers and buyers across the global wholesale used vehicle industry with innovative, technology-driven remarketing solutions. OPENLANE’s unique end-to-end platform supports whole car, financing, logistics and other ancillary and related services. Our integrated marketplaces reduce risk, improve transparency and streamline transactions for customers around the globe. Headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, OPENLANE has employees across the United States, Canada, Europe, Uruguay and the Philippines. For more information and the latest OPENLANE news, visit corporate.openlane.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this release include, and the company may make related oral, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and which are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties. In particular, statements made that are not historical facts (including but not limited to statements regarding our growth opportunities and strategies, industry outlook, competitive position, business and investment plans and initiatives, and 2025 financial guidance) may be forward-looking statements. Words such as “should,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “contemplate,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “assume,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “of the opinion,” “confident,” “is set,” “is on track,” “outlook,” “target,” “position,” “predict,” “initiative,” “goal,” “opportunity” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current assumptions, expectations and/or beliefs, are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainties and changes that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the company’s annual and quarterly periodic reports, and in the company’s other filings and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
OPENLANE, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In millions) (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Operating revenues
Auction fees
$ 112.0
$ 90.0
$ 443.8
$ 395.3
Service revenue
141.2
144.5
586.6
619.7
Purchased vehicle sales
95.6
60.2
327.0
236.7
Finance revenue
106.2
111.4
431.1
444.0
Total operating revenues
455.0
406.1
1,788.5
1,695.7
Operating expenses
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
244.5
204.8
956.3
867.6
Finance interest expense
28.3
34.0
123.5
130.6
Provision for credit losses
12.1
17.2
54.3
59.2
Selling, general and administrative
99.7
101.4
408.6
421.8
Depreciation and amortization
23.0
25.3
95.2
101.5
Gain on sale of business
(31.6)
—
(31.6)
—
Goodwill and other intangibles impairment
—
—
—
250.8
Total operating expenses
376.0
382.7
1,606.3
1,831.5
Operating profit (loss)
79.0
23.4
182.2
(135.8)
Interest expense
4.6
5.3
21.8
25.2
Other expense (income), net
5.4
(3.1)
2.5
(15.6)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
—
—
—
1.1
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
69.0
21.2
157.9
(146.5)
Income taxes
16.7
7.6
48.0
8.3
Income (loss) from continuing operations
52.3
13.6
109.9
(154.8)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
—
0.7
—
0.7
Net income (loss)
$ 52.3
$ 14.3
$ 109.9
$ (154.1)
Net income (loss) per share – basic
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$ 0.29
$ 0.02
$ 0.46
$ (1.83)
Income from discontinued operations
—
—
—
0.01
Net income (loss) per share – basic
$ 0.29
$ 0.02
$ 0.46
$ (1.82)
Net income (loss) per share – diluted
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$ 0.29
$ 0.02
$ 0.45
$ (1.83)
Income from discontinued operations
—
—
—
0.01
Net income (loss) per share – diluted
$ 0.29
$ 0.02
$ 0.45
$ (1.82)
OPENLANE, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions) (Unaudited)
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 143.0
$ 93.5
Restricted cash
40.7
65.4
Trade receivables, net of allowances
248.2
291.8
Finance receivables, net of allowances
2,322.7
2,282.0
Other current assets
96.9
109.2
Total current assets
2,851.5
2,841.9
Goodwill
1,222.9
1,271.2
Customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization
117.7
136.1
Operating lease right-of-use assets
67.1
75.9
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
149.3
169.8
Intangible and other assets
213.8
231.4
Total assets
$ 4,622.3
$ 4,726.3
Current liabilities, excluding obligations collateralized by
finance receivables and current maturities of debt
$ 682.7
$ 692.3
Obligations collateralized by finance receivables
1,660.3
1,631.9
Current maturities of debt
222.5
154.6
Total current liabilities
2,565.5
2,478.8
Long-term debt
—
202.4
Operating lease liabilities
60.4
70.4
Other non-current liabilities
41.2
35.2
Temporary equity
612.5
612.5
Stockholders’ equity
1,342.7
1,327.0
Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ equity
$ 4,622.3
$ 4,726.3
OPENLANE, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions) (Unaudited)
Year Ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Operating activities
Net income (loss)
$ 109.9
$ (154.1)
Net income from discontinued operations
—
(0.7)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
95.2
101.5
Provision for credit losses
54.3
59.2
Deferred income taxes
1.7
(29.8)
Amortization of debt issuance costs
9.1
8.7
Stock-based compensation
14.7
16.5
Contingent consideration adjustment
—
1.3
Investment and note receivable impairment
—
10.3
Gain on sale of property
(31.6)
—
Goodwill and other intangibles impairment
—
250.8
Loss on extinguishment of debt
—
1.1
Other non-cash, net
(0.3)
1.0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Trade receivables and other assets
44.4
(66.0)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(4.6)
39.8
Payments of contingent consideration in excess of acquisition-date fair value
—
(2.6)
Net cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations
292.8
237.0
Net cash used by operating activities – discontinued operations
(1.4)
(1.6)
Investing activities
Net (increase) decrease in finance receivables held for investment
(96.7)
64.8
Acquisition of businesses (net of cash acquired)
—
(103.0)
Purchases of property, equipment and computer software
(53.0)
(52.0)
Investments in securities
(2.8)
(1.3)
Proceeds from sale of investments
0.9
—
Proceeds from note receivable
—
0.7
Proceeds from the sale of business
79.8
—
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
0.9
0.3
Net cash used by investing activities – continuing operations
(70.9)
(90.5)
Net cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations
—
7.0
Financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in book overdrafts
0.8
(2.3)
Net (repayments of) borrowings on lines of credit
(131.7)
5.9
Net increase (decrease) in obligations collateralized by finance receivables
49.5
(55.9)
Payments for debt issuance costs/amendments
(15.1)
(6.7)
Payment for early extinguishment of debt
—
(140.1)
Payments on finance leases
(0.9)
(1.9)
Payments of contingent consideration and deferred acquisition costs
—
(12.4)
Issuance of common stock under stock plans
1.4
2.7
Tax withholding payments for vested RSUs
(3.5)
(2.6)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock
(30.0)
(22.2)
Dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock
(44.4)
(44.4)
Net cash used by financing activities – continuing operations
(173.9)
(279.9)
Net cash provided by financing activities – discontinued operations
—
—
Net change in cash balances of discontinued operations
—
—
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(21.8)
9.2
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
24.8
(118.8)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
158.9
277.7
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$ 183.7
$ 158.9
Cash paid for interest
$ 140.7
$ 145.2
Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds – continuing operations
$ 36.6
$ 35.8
Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds – discontinued operations
$ (1.8)
$ 1.5
OPENLANE, Inc.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share as presented herein are supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). They are not measurements of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as substitutes for net income (loss), operating profit (loss) or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that these measures provide investors additional meaningful methods to evaluate certain aspects of the company’s results period over period and for the other reasons set forth below.
EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus interest expense net of interest income, income tax provision (benefit), depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted for the items of income and expense and expected incremental revenue and cost savings as described in our senior secured credit agreement covenant calculations. Management believes that the inclusion of supplementary adjustments to EBITDA applied in presenting Adjusted EBITDA is appropriate to provide additional information to investors about one of the principal measures of performance used by our creditors. In addition, management uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our performance.
Depreciation expense for property and equipment and amortization expense of capitalized internally developed software costs relate to ongoing capital expenditures; however, amortization expense associated with acquired intangible assets, such as customer relationships, software, tradenames and noncompete agreements are not representative of ongoing capital expenditures, but have a continuing effect on our reported results. Non-GAAP financial measures of operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share, in the opinion of the company, provide comparability of the company’s performance to other companies that may not have incurred these types of non-cash expenses or that report a similar measure. In addition, operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share may include adjustments for certain other charges.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the results as reported under GAAP. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
The following tables reconcile EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to income (loss) from continuing operations for the periods presented:
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
(In millions), (Unaudited)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$ 52.3
$ 13.6
$ 109.9
$ (154.8)
Add back:
Income taxes
16.7
7.6
48.0
8.3
Finance interest expense
28.3
34.0
123.5
130.6
Interest expense, net of interest income
4.1
4.9
20.2
21.7
Depreciation and amortization
23.0
25.3
95.2
101.5
EBITDA
124.4
85.4
396.8
107.3
Non-cash stock-based compensation
1.1
3.6
15.9
17.4
Loss on extinguishment of debt
—
—
—
1.1
Acquisition related costs
0.1
2.0
0.6
3.1
Securitization interest
(25.7)
(31.4)
(112.7)
(120.4)
Gain on sale of business
(31.6)
—
(31.6)
—
Severance
2.4
2.1
11.6
5.5
Foreign currency (gains)/losses
6.5
(2.1)
5.8
(2.9)
Goodwill and other intangibles impairment
—
—
—
250.8
Contingent consideration adjustment
—
—
—
1.3
(Gain) loss on investments
(0.4)
(0.4)
(0.4)
—
Professional fees related to business improvement efforts
—
2.1
1.5
6.6
Impact for newly enacted Canadian DST related to prior years
(4.6)
—
5.4
—
Other
0.5
0.5
0.5
2.2
Total addbacks/(deductions)
(51.7)
(23.6)
(103.4)
164.7
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 72.7
$ 61.8
$ 293.4
$ 272.0
Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
(Dollars in millions), (Unaudited)
Marketplace
Finance
Consolidated
Income from continuing operations
$ 25.9
$ 26.4
$ 52.3
Add back:
Income taxes
7.3
9.4
16.7
Finance interest expense
—
28.3
28.3
Interest expense, net of interest income
4.1
—
4.1
Depreciation and amortization
20.0
3.0
23.0
EBITDA
57.3
67.1
124.4
Non-cash stock-based compensation
0.9
0.2
1.1
Acquisition related costs
0.1
—
0.1
Securitization interest
—
(25.7)
(25.7)
Gain on sale of business
(31.6)
—
(31.6)
Severance
2.3
0.1
2.4
Foreign currency (gains)/losses
6.4
0.1
6.5
(Gain)/loss on investments
(0.4)
—
(0.4)
Impact for newly enacted Canadian DST related to prior years
(4.6)
—
(4.6)
Other
0.5
—
0.5
Total addbacks/(deductions)
(26.4)
(25.3)
(51.7)
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 30.9
$ 41.8
$ 72.7
Year Ended December 31, 2024
(Dollars in millions), (Unaudited)
Marketplace
Finance
Consolidated
Income from continuing operations
$ 1.7
$ 108.2
$ 109.9
Add back:
Income taxes
11.3
36.7
48.0
Finance interest expense
—
123.5
123.5
Interest expense, net of interest income
20.2
—
20.2
Depreciation and amortization
83.3
11.9
95.2
Intercompany interest
13.3
(13.3)
—
EBITDA
129.8
267.0
396.8
Non-cash stock-based compensation
12.9
3.0
15.9
Acquisition related costs
0.6
—
0.6
Securitization interest
—
(112.7)
(112.7)
Gain on sale of business
(31.6)
—
(31.6)
Severance
10.5
1.1
11.6
Foreign currency (gains)/losses
5.8
—
5.8
(Gain)/loss on investments
(0.4)
—
(0.4)
Professional fees related to business improvement efforts
1.2
0.3
1.5
Impact for newly enacted Canadian DST related to prior years
5.4
—
5.4
Other
0.3
0.2
0.5
Total addbacks/(deductions)
4.7
(108.1)
(103.4)
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 134.5
$ 158.9
$ 293.4
The following table reconciles operating adjusted net income and operating adjusted net income per diluted share to net income (loss) from continuing operations for the periods presented:
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
(In millions, except per share amounts), (Unaudited)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$ 52.3
$ 13.6
$ 109.9
$ (154.8)
Acquired amortization expense
8.3
9.5
35.7
37.8
Impact for newly enacted Canadian DST related to prior years
(4.6)
—
5.4
—
Gain on sale of business
(31.6)
—
(31.6)
—
Loss on extinguishment of debt
—
—
—
1.1
Contingent consideration adjustment
—
—
—
1.3
Goodwill and other intangibles impairment
—
—
—
250.8
Income taxes (1)
6.1
(0.1)
3.3
(32.5)
Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations
$ 30.5
$ 23.0
$ 122.7
$ 103.7
Operating adjusted net income from discontinued operations
$ —
$ 0.7
$ —
$ 0.7
Operating adjusted net income
$ 30.5
$ 23.7
$ 122.7
$ 104.4
Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per
share – diluted (2)
$ 0.21
$ 0.16
$ 0.85
$ 0.72
Operating adjusted net income from discontinued operations per
share – diluted
—
—
—
—
Operating adjusted net income per share – diluted
$ 0.21
$ 0.16
$ 0.85
$ 0.72
Weighted average diluted shares – including assumed conversion
of preferred shares
144.1
144.7
145.0
144.8
(1)
For the three months and years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, each tax deductible item was booked to the applicable statutory rate. The deferred tax benefits of $52.5 million and $6.5 million associated with the goodwill and tradename impairments in 2023, respectively, resulted in the U.S. being in a net deferred tax asset position. Due to the three-year cumulative loss related to U.S. operations, we currently have a $35.8 million valuation allowance against the U.S. net deferred tax asset.
(2)
The Series A Preferred Stock dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities have not been included in the determination of operating adjusted net income for purposes of calculating operating adjusted net income per diluted share.
The following table reconciles EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to income from continuing operations for the 2025 guidance presented:
2025 Guidance
(In millions), (Unaudited)
Low
High
Income from continuing operations
$ 100
$ 114
Add back:
Income taxes
47
53
Finance interest expense
103
103
Interest expense, net of interest income
12
12
Depreciation and amortization
95
95
EBITDA
357
377
Total addbacks/(deductions), net
(67)
(67)
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 290
$ 310
The following table reconciles operating adjusted net income from continuing operations and operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per diluted share to income from continuing operations for the 2025 guidance presented:
2025 Guidance
(In millions, except per share amounts), (Unaudited)
Low
High
Income from continuing operations
$ 100
$ 114
Total adjustments, net
31
31
Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations
$ 131
$ 145
Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share – diluted
$ 0.90
$ 1.00
Weighted average diluted shares – including assumed conversion of preferred
shares
145
145
Analyst Inquiries:
Media Inquiries:
Itunu Orelaru
Laurie Dippold
(317) 249-4559
(317) 468-3900
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/openlane-inc-reports-2024-financial-results-302380654.html
SOURCE OPENLANE, Inc.
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Firm foam reinforces all sides of both the Shield Case and the Padded Accessory Case inside it. Three-layer, foam-padded fleece lines the interior, while cushioned zipper guards help protect the headset from scratches. Each case is handcrafted in small batches using 1680-denier ballistic nylon, 15-ounce waxed canvas, or Forza, a high-performance nylon with a distinctive, two-tone basketweave. Select versions feature full-grain leather accents. Waterproof YKK zippers and custom metal hardware complete the construction.
Key Features
Custom fit: Holds the Steam Frame headset, both controllers, the included wireless adapter, and other included accessories. The headset fits with its headband extended or collapsed and with or without the eye spacer attached.Padded Accessory Case: Holds both controllers between the goggles and headband, helping stabilize the headset. Its Ultrasuede® pocket fits the wireless adapter, with room for an Arcturus Vision Camera alongside it.Additional accessory storage: A plush, padded pocket in the main Shield Case holds a power adapter, power cables and other accessories.Exterior storage: A diagonal zippered front pocket holds a USB-C cable, cleaning cloth, or other small items; a hidden pocket holds an AirTag.Impact protection: Firm foam reinforces all sides of the Shield Case and Padded Accessory Case to help protect against bumps during storage and transport.Scratch protection: Three-layer, foam-padded fleece lining, fleece-covered sides of the Padded Accessory Case, and cushioned zipper guards help protect the headset and its sensitive surfaces from scratches.Weather-resistant closure: Waterproof YKK zippers secure the main compartment and exterior pocket.Carry options: A wide padded handle allows hand carry; D-rings accommodate an optional 1-inch shoulder strap (not included).
Availability and Pricing
Shield Case for Steam Frame
Price: $169—ballistic nylon, waxed canvas, or Forza; $189—ballistic nylon or waxed canvas with full-grain leather.
Colors: Black ballistic nylon; tan waxed canvas; blue Forza; titanium Forza; black ballistic nylon with black full-grain leather; tan waxed canvas with chocolate full-grain leather.
Materials: 1680-denier ballistic nylon, 15-ounce waxed canvas, or Blue Forza basketweave nylon; full-grain leather on select versions; foam reinforcement; padded fleece lining; Ultrasuede®; waterproof YKK zippers; custom metal hardware.
Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.5 x 5 inches.
Capacity: 5 liters.
Weight: Non-leather models: 1 pound. Models with leather: 1.25 pounds.
Compatibility: Valve Steam Frame VR headset and all included accessories, with headband extended or collapsed and with or without the eye spacer.
Optional add-on: 1-inch Cam Lock Shoulder Strap — $25.
Manufacturing: Handcrafted in small batches in San Francisco.
Availability: Non-leather models ship today. Models with leather ship Nov. 12, 2026.
About WaterField Designs
Founded in 1998, WaterField Designs handcrafts premium laptop bags, backpacks, travel bags and gaming cases in San Francisco. Known for meticulous craftsmanship, premium materials and functional design, the company produces bags and accessories in small batches for professionals, travelers and technology enthusiasts worldwide. More at Our Story.
WaterField Designs, SFbags, and Shield Case for Steam Frame are trademarks of WaterField Designs. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved.
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SOURCE WaterField Designs
Technology
From Pitch to Pilot: Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition Opens Global Search for Deep Tech Urban Solutions and Sustainability focused Founders
Published
10 minutes agoon
October 29, 2026By
Finalists compete for over S$2.5 million (US$2 million) in prizes and gain a pathway to SMU’s Urban SustaInnovator accelerator and US$10 million USI Fund
SINGAPORE, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For many deep-tech start-ups tackling urban and sustainability challenges, the biggest hurdle is not developing breakthrough technologies, but finding the customers, partners and opportunities to deploy them at scale.
Addressing this challenge, the 13th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) today opened applications for university founders and recent graduates seeking to turn frontier ideas into real-world impact. Organised by Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE), LKYGBPC is one of Asia’s most globally representative deep-tech start-up competitions, spanning 12 focus areas including climate tech, energy, food and land use, urban mobility, longevity and healthtech, and sustainable materials and circularity.
Fifty finalists will be flown to Singapore 28 September to 1 October 2027 to compete for over S$2.5 million in prizes and take part in an Innovation Festival featuring investor engagement, mentorship, and connections with corporate and ecosystem partners.
Beyond the Competition: A Gateway to SMU’s Urban SustaInnovator (USI) accelerator
Selected LKYGBPC finalists can join SMU’s Urban SustaInnovator (USI) accelerator, launched in 2025, which supports start-ups through market access, pilot projects and strategic introductions across Asia. In May 2026, SMU IIE launched the USI Fund to back promising ventures as they pilot and scale.
“Founders of breakthrough technologies can create value only when they reach the people, industries, and communities they are designed to serve. SMU created LKYGBPC as a platform to help founders bring their innovative ideas to life by connecting them with the partners, markets and opportunities needed to turn innovation into real-world impact. Now, through the USI programme and USI Fund, we offer a post-competition pathway to pilot, scale, and raise capital throughout Asia,” said Rony Palathinkal, Head of the LKYGBPC and Urban SustaInnovator at SMU IIE.
One of the biggest challenges for sustainability start-ups is getting access to the right partners to validate and deploy new technologies.
SMU is uniquely positioned to help startups make these connections with its network of Overseas Centres in Bangkok, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City and Shenzhen, and its International Advisory Councils in eight countries. “SMU’s expansive network of partners from industry, government and community across Asia enables us to forge connections that enable startups to cross borders and scale their innovative solutions,” says Professor Sun Sun Lim, SMU’s Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement, and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Communication & Technology.
Singapore-based Standard Physics (formerly Inviscid AI), founded by Qiu Ziming and Kabir Jain, was a finalist in the 12th LKYGBPC before joining Y Combinator’s Winter 2026 cohort and SMU’s inaugural Urban SustaInnovator (USI) accelerator. The startup uses physics-informed AI and IoT-powered digital twins to optimise energy efficiency in buildings and data centres. Through USI, it secured a pilot with The GEAR by Japanese construction giant Kajima and is discussing three more opportunities. It has also raised US$2.3 million in seed funding led by Square Peg Capital and is preparing to launch an AI-powered agentic engineering platform. Jain credits Y Combinator’s start-up expertise and USI’s regional network for supporting its growth.
“The accelerators were very complementary. YC was good at getting us from zero to one, and then USI has been very helpful in getting us from one to 10. The USI team can make the right introductions and help you grow,” said Jain.
Singapore is strengthening its position as a global sustainability innovation hub, providing start-ups with opportunities to pilot, validate and scale technologies across Asia and beyond. This government-led ambition is backed by the S$37 billion RIE 2030 plan, including S$10.8 billion for mission-oriented research, and a S$40 million USS Translation Fund to support the development and commercialisation of urban and sustainability solutions.
Building a Global Pipeline of Innovation
Established by SMU in 2002, LKYGBPC is a biennial competition open to start-ups with at least one founder currently enrolled in a university programme or who graduated within the past five years. Its 12th edition in October 2025 attracted over 1,500 entries from founders representing 1,200 universities across 91 countries. Finalists from the 9th to 12th editions have collectively raised over S$1 billion. Finalists from the 9th to 12th editions have collectively raised over S$1 billion. Finalists from the 9th to 12th editions have collectively raised over S$1 billion.
Said Shirley Wong, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at SMU IIE, Chairperson of the 13th LKYGBPC Advisory Committee, and Managing Partner of TNF Ventures: “As Asia continues to urbanise, the region presents both complex challenges and significant opportunities for innovation. LKYGBPC brings together founders worldwide and connects them with Singapore’s ecosystem of industry, investors and institutions to accelerate solutions with regional and global impact.”
Applications are open at https://iie.smu.edu.sg/lkygbpc and close on 31 March 2027.
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Technology
Dragonpass Showcases AI-Powered Travel Experiences and Member Engagement Solutions at ITB Asia 2026
Published
10 minutes agoon
October 29, 2026By
SINGAPORE, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dragonpass, a global travel and lifestyle platform and membership solutions provider, participated in ITB Asia 2026, held from 21 to 23 October at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The event provided an opportunity for Dragonpass to connect with industry stakeholders across the travel value chain and explore new partnership opportunities to deliver more connected travel and lifestyle experiences.
Under the theme “Experiences in Motion: Human-Centred Design in Travel & Tourism”, the event brought together more than 1,000 exhibiting brands and industry leaders to explore the future of travel and tourism. Dragonpass showcased its integrated travel ecosystem, highlighting how premium services, member engagement and AI-driven personalisation can create greater value for partners and travellers.
Connecting Partners Across the Travel Ecosystem
With 20 years of experience, Dragonpass demonstrated how it transforms travel benefits into long-term customer loyalty for corporate partners worldwide, bringing together airlines, airports, hotels and travel service providers to create more connected experiences across the journey.
Its integrated solutions span premium travel services, including first-class services, airport transit and flight delay assistance, alongside targeted member engagement through premium privileges, daily engagement and miles redemption. By connecting these services with partners’ existing membership programmes, Dragonpass helps make benefits more accessible and relevant to members, encouraging ongoing engagement beyond individual transactions.
Through co-branded lounges, dedicated counters and co-branded events, Dragonpass also enables partners to extend their brand presence into the airport environment and build more valuable connections with their members.
Reimagining Member Experiences for Interest-Driven Travel
As travel patterns evolve, interest-driven travel is creating new opportunities for membership programmes to move beyond benefit redemption towards more personalised, experience-led engagement.
“One of the most noticeable changes we see is that people are increasingly travelling around their interests — whether it’s flying to another city for a concert, a sporting event, a food experience or an art exhibition,” said Jane Zhu, Co-founder and CEO of Dragonpass.
“AI allows us to connect membership benefits with these real-life journeys, helping travellers discover relevant services when planning a trip and access available lounge or privileges at the airport. The opportunity is to move beyond simply offering benefits to showing members how those benefits can enrich their travel and lifestyle experiences,” she added.
As Dragonpass continues to expand its global ecosystem, the company is focused on using AI to deepen member relationships, connect more partners across the travel and lifestyle value chain, and transform membership benefits into meaningful experiences throughout the journey.
About Dragonpass
Established in 2005, Dragonpass is a leading global travel and lifestyle platform, providing premium benefits and experiences to more than 40 million members worldwide. Its growing ecosystem spans travel, health and wellness, lifestyle and entertainment, with a global network covering more than 140 countries and regions and partnerships with more than 800 enterprises.
For more information, please visit www.dragonpass.com.
Dragonpass Brand & Marketing
Email:brandmarketing@dragonpass.com
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SOURCE Dragonpass
WaterField Designs Introduces Shield Case for Steam Frame VR Headset and Accessories
From Pitch to Pilot: Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition Opens Global Search for Deep Tech Urban Solutions and Sustainability focused Founders
Dragonpass Showcases AI-Powered Travel Experiences and Member Engagement Solutions at ITB Asia 2026
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