Baltics
Tim Heath launches new fund within Yolo Investments
New venture capital fund Yolo Investments has launched a gaming and fin-tech sub-fund, and is now searching for investment opportunities across the gaming and financial verticals.
The main fund – Yolo Investments, launched by Tim Heath in 2020 – assumes all the assets and holdings of the previous fund, Vereeni Investments. This includes investments in more than 50 companies, split across four funds, with an AUM of more than âŹ200 million.
Yoloâs new sub-fund is focused on seed- and A-stage investment opportunities across gaming and fintech. Previous investments include casino content studios OneTouch and Green Jade Games, fintech disruptors coins.io, Credis Bank and Yeahka, and new live casino concept the Bombay Club.
Tim Heath, who until last year was CEO of the Coingaming Group, had invested the last couple of years in gradually stepping away from operationally managing the existing crypto-casino and sports betting operator he founded 10 years ago, to fully dedicating the time and effort to set up Yolo Investments as a licensed venture capital entity.
Alongside Heath, Julian Buhagiar, Steve Tsao and Ragnar Toompere will be General Partners in the Fund, whilst Jaan Lainurm and Maarja PĂ€rt will sit on the board.
Although still relatively new in the VC space, Yolo Investments recently announced its first successful exit, notably a 6x return on its investment in Estonia-based gaming operator Coolbet – which was acquired by GAN Limited in December, as well as a successful public floatation on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange of one of its fintech assets.
The IPO and exit of Yeahka – a leading payment-based technology platform in China providing payment and business services to merchants and consumers, has continued to raise awareness surrounding the increase in numerous Asia-Pacific based unicorns in the fin-tech space.
Tim Heath, GP at Yolo Investments, said: âThese new sub-funds in Yolo Investments will continue the fantastic work of Vereeni Investments over the last couple of years. We have already assembled a diverse portfolio of high-growth companies across gaming and fintech and are now looking to build specialised sub-funds to specifically focus on these verticals.
âAs well as capital, we are now in a position to provide significant upside to our investments via our network. With more than âŹ200 million AUM, we are actively searching for disruptive businesses to which we can add value and open for investment from Limited Partners.â
Baltics
Genome launches SEPA instant payments, adding another valuable feature for iGaming companies
Genome (UAB Maneuver LT) has introduced SEPA Instant Transfers for all its clients. Companies can now make instant euro payments within seconds to optimize cash flow and improve operational efficiency across the Eurozone.
Additionally, SEPA Instant Transfers can be used for batch Transfers, making mass payments even more effective for companies, particularly the iGaming businesses.
“SEPA Instant Transfers enable quick payments in the Eurozone, improving cash flow and scheduling flexibility for business partners – a very crucial feature for modern-day companies that conduct operations online,” explained Genome’s CEO, Daumantas Barauskas.
SEPA Instant Transfers will be priced the same as regular SEPA Credit Transfers, ensuring users enjoy the convenience of instant transactions without any additional costs.
The feature has gone live shortly before the SiGMA Europe conference that Genome’s team will be attending. Businesses can learn more about SEPA Instant Transfers and other iGaming services Genome provides at booth #3102 or by booking a meeting.
“SEPA Instant Transfers is not the only service Genome offers iGaming companies. For one, they can streamline their financial operations with our API for mass payouts and B2C2B payments. We are currently developing the incoming payment notifications service via API (API for pay-ins). This feature will notify iGaming companies about client pay-ins in real-time. We also provide contactless physical and virtual Visa Business cards for media buying and other corporate expenses, with the added convenience of Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Garmin Pay compatibility. Additionally, a dedicated IBAN account simplifies B2B transactions, and the Genome iOS and Android apps ensure real-time financial management anytime, anywhere,” concluded Daumantas Barauskas.
Baltics
iDenfy Partners with Confindo to Enhance Security and Prevent Loan Fraud
iDenfy, an AI-powered identity verification, compliance and fraud prevention solutions provider, has partnered with Confindo, a leading provider of IT solutions specialising in customer relationship management (CRM) tools for group companies and external partners. This collaboration will help Confindo manage third-party risks and ensure proper fraud and breach prevention while building a seamless and secure verification experience.
The rise in digital transactions has made robust security measures more critical than ever. With security challenges like forged documents and synthetic identities, particularly in the financial and lending sectors, companies increasingly seek advanced solutions to protect their customers. Spending on information security and risk management products and services is expected to grow by 14.3% this year, reaching more than $215 billion. However, many companies operating in the financial sector see fraud as a top priority on the list, where even a single breach can have significant legal and reputational consequences.
Confindo, a dominant player in the consumer lending market since 2018, recognised the importance of securing its platforms against potential threats. Brands under the âConfindoâ name, like Lenders, Bancovo, Comparar Prestamos mainly serve as intermediaries for consumer lending services. Consequently, the business is best known for representing over 20 banks and creditors in Lithuania and processing more than 10,000 inquiries monthly. As the business experienced a high volume of requests and new registrations, it required a new trusted Know Your Customer (KYC) vendor to help safeguard its operations, especially in this expansion stage across Europe.
According to Confindo, its recent operations in Latvia and upcoming launches in two new markets also showed a need for extra automation measures in its customer onboarding process. Before partnering with iDenfy, the IT and financial service provider aimed to build a conversion-optimised verification workflow that could remove the hassle around the application onboarding process. Among several identity verification providers, Confindo selected iDenfy for its reliable and efficient identification verification solution. The new software, already trusted by other platforms under Confindoâs management, stood out for its smooth integration with existing systems and provided a comprehensive global document base for more efficient scaling into new markets.
iDenfyâs ID verification solution is designed to automatically recognise, verify and extract information from over 3000 identity documents across 200 countries and territories. This comprehensive approach helps Confindo ensure that all possible safety measures are in place to prevent fraudulent loans, a key concern in the rapidly growing consumer lending sector.
It is worth mentioning that iDenfy is ranked as the top 1 identity verification solution in customer satisfaction on G2, boasting an average of 4.9 stars and over 70 reviews in 2024. This recognition underscores iDenfyâs commitment to providing high-quality, reliable services and prioritizes online user identification security.
âWe chose iDenfy because their solution is not only trusted and tested but also perfectly aligns with our commitment to ensuring the highest level of security for our customers,â said Eitautas BartuĆĄkeviÄius, CEO of Confindo.
Domantas Ciulde, CEO of iDenfy, said: âWeâre thrilled to collaborate with Confindo in their mission to enhance security within the consumer lending space. By integrating our ID verification solution, weâre helping them create a safer, more reliable platform for their users across multiple countries.â
Baltics
Growth of Online Casinos in Latvia
The online gambling industry has seen significant growth across Europe, and Latvia is no exception. In recent years, online casinos have become increasingly popular in the country, driven by various factors, including technological advancements, evolving consumer behavior, and a regulatory environment that promotes safe gambling.
This article explores the current state of online casinos in Latvia and uses plainenglish.io as a source. The text discusses about the trends shaping the industry, the regulatory landscape, and the future outlook for this rapidly expanding market.
The Rise of Online Casinos in Latvia
Latvia, a digitally connected nation in the Baltic region, has witnessed a remarkable rise in online gambling. The widespread availability of high-speed internet, which reaches over 90% of the population, has been a crucial enabler of this growth. As internet access has become nearly universal, more Latvians are turning to online platforms for their entertainment needs, including gambling.
Technological advancements have further fueled this trend. The proliferation of smartphones and mobile technology has transformed how people engage with online casinos. Today, many Latvians prefer to play casino games on their mobile devices, enjoying the convenience of gambling anytime, anywhere. This shift towards mobile gaming has been particularly pronounced among younger generations, who are more inclined towards digital forms of entertainment.
Navigating Latviaâs Regulatory Landscape
The success of online casinos in Latvia is closely linked to the countryâs robust regulatory framework. The Latvian government, through the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection (IAUI), oversees and regulates the gambling industry, ensuring a safe and secure environment for players.
Online casinos operating in Latvia are required to obtain a license from the IAUI. This licensing process is rigorous, and designed to ensure that only operators who meet high standards of fairness, security, and responsible gambling can legally operate. This regulated environment has not only protected players but also contributed to the legitimacy and growth of the industry.
Taxation plays a significant role in the regulation of online casinos. Both operators and players are subject to taxes, with licensed operators paying taxes on their gross gaming revenue (GGR) and players being taxed on their winnings. The income generated from these taxes supports various public services and social programs, highlighting the broader societal impact of the online gambling industry.
Moreover, the Latvian government places a strong emphasis on responsible gambling. Licensed operators must implement measures to prevent problem gambling, such as self-exclusion programs and deposit limits. These measures aim to protect players from the potential harms associated with gambling, reflecting the governmentâs commitment to fostering a healthy gambling environment.
To maintain market integrity, the IAUI actively monitors and blacklists unlicensed online casino operators. These blacklisted sites are blocked from operating in Latvia, ensuring that players are not exposed to unregulated and potentially fraudulent platforms. This vigilant approach helps maintain a level playing field for licensed operators while safeguarding consumers.
Current Trends in the Latvian Online Casino Market
The online casino market in Latvia is dynamic, reflecting both local preferences and global developments. One of the most notable trends is the increasing popularity of live dealer games. These games, which feature real dealers conducting games in real time, have captured the interest of Latvian players who appreciate the social interaction and authenticity they offer. Live dealer games bridge the gap between online and physical casinos, providing a more immersive experience that resonates with many players.
Cryptocurrency gambling is another emerging trend in Latvia. As digital currencies become more widely accepted, some online casinos have started to accept cryptocurrencies as a payment method. This development is particularly appealing to tech-savvy players who value the privacy and security that cryptocurrencies offer.
Localization is also becoming a key strategy for online casinos in Latvia. Many platforms are offering content tailored specifically to the Latvian market, including games in the Latvian language and customer support services that cater to local players. This focus on localization enhances the user experience and helps operators build a loyal customer base in the region.
Furthermore, the rise of eSports has opened up new avenues for online casinos in Latvia. Many platforms now offer eSports betting, allowing players to wager on popular video game tournaments. This trend is particularly popular among younger players, who are avid eSports fans.
The Future of Online Casinos in Latvia
Looking ahead, the future of online casinos in Latvia appears promising. Innovation in game development is expected to continue, with new technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) poised to transform the online casino experience. These technologies have the potential to create more immersive and engaging games, attracting a broader audience to online gambling.
As mobile gambling continues to rise, online casinos are likely to further optimize their platforms for mobile devices. This will include the development of dedicated mobile apps and improvements in user interfaces, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience for mobile users.
On the regulatory front, the Latvian government may introduce stricter regulations as the online gambling market matures. These regulations could include more rigorous licensing requirements and enhanced responsible gambling measures, aimed at further protecting players and ensuring fair play.
The success of the Latvian online casino market has also attracted the attention of international operators. As more global brands enter the market, competition will increase, leading to better promotions, more diverse game offerings, and improved services for Latvian players.
Conclusion
Online casinos have established themselves as a popular and growing form of entertainment in Latvia. The combination of a tech-savvy population, a strong regulatory framework, and emerging industry trends has created a thriving online gambling market. As the industry continues to evolve, players in Latvia can look forward to an exciting and secure online gaming experience. However, it will be crucial for operators, regulators, and players alike to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead to ensure the sustained growth and success of the online casino industry in Latvia.
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