Blockchain Press Releases
Homely Secures Investment from UST to Launch Innovative Homebuyer Platform
LONDON, Aug, 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Homely, the free-to-access digital platform which aims to create a fairer property market for homebuyers and renters, has received its first strategic pre-seed investment, at a valuation in the double-digit millions, from UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company.
Founded in 2021, Homely harnesses technology and partnerships to support people’s homeownership journey by improving their financial position and connecting them to tailored guidance, support, and products.
Homely partners with landlords, renters, and financial institutions to increase transparency and accountability during the rental and buying process, as well as providing incentives and rewards through its brand partners.
The funding will help Homely complete the development of its tech platform and launch its innovative proposition to the market, including activating a number of partnerships with established and trusted brands. This includes the likes of insurance giant Aviva, with both parties currently exploring a partnership.
Homely’s launch proposition includes a new way of buying property that allows immediate access to the housing ladder via Homely Flexible Ownership products which connect prospective homeowners to flexible, institutional, capital.
As a leading global provider of technology and digital transformation services, UST has an established track record of investing in innovative businesses across a broad range of market sectors. UST has helped guide digital transformation journeys for prominent companies including Fortune 500 and Global 2000 clients across financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, semiconductor, and technology.
UST will be an integral strategic partner for Homely as the team navigates the UK property market and delivers innovative solutions for renters and homeowners.
Homely benefits from an experienced senior leadership team made up of:
- Lewis Scott, Founder and CEO – Lewis is also VP & Managing Director of Scott Brothers Group, where he has worked with global technology and lower-to-mid-market growth companies on M&A, capital raising, secondary share sales and corporate development.
- Steven Ward, Chief investment Officer – Steven was previously the CEO of HSBC Alternative investment Limited.
- Paul Birkin, Chief Technology Officer – Paul is the former CTO of Global Workplace Solutions at CBRE and former CIO of Experian EMEA.
- Ellis Scott, Head of Mortgages – Ellis is a qualified mortgage adviser and is also Head Mortgage and Protection Adviser at Scottsdale Lifetime Partners.
As well as the core day-to-day team, Homely also has support from a number of advisors with a wealth of industry and business expertise, putting Homely in a strong position to navigate current market challenges and provide industry leading technology solutions.
Lewis Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Homely, said, “UST’s renowned presence as leading providers of digital technology and transformation services, and the depth of knowledge of its experts, aligns particularly well with Homely. As a business we want to offer innovative, data-led solutions to the current issues facing the property market.”
“At such a crucial moment for the property market, this first round capital raise will allow Homely to help more people on their journey to homeownership. When it feels like buying a home, or qualifying for a mortgage, is moving further and further out of reach, Homely is committed to providing innovative solutions, underpinned by technology.”
“As we expand and evolve moving forward, there will be further opportunities on the horizon for investors to work with us and be part of an important journey to help more people become HomeReady. We look forward to working closely with UST and driving forward better outcomes for the UK property market.”
Praveen Prabhakaran, Chief Delivery Officer, UST, said, “We are pleased to join forces with Homely, a truly innovative brand that is using technology to offer modern solutions to longstanding problems within the UK property market. This is truly aligned to our core mission of Transforming Lives and we look forward to playing a significant role in enriching and enabling the homeownership journey.”
Homely’s digital platform will be live and available for consumers to access by the end of 2023.
Founded in 2021, Homely is a free-to-access digital platform which leverages technology and partnerships to help homebuyers and renters to find a home.
Whether you are searching for a rental property or setting out to buy your first home, Homely enhances opportunities and empowers each individual to embark on their journey to home ownership.
Homely believes in making the path to homeownership more accessible and is working with individuals to make this a reality. Homely partners with landlords, renters, and financial institutions to increase transparency and accountability during the rental and buying process as well as provide rewards and incentives through its brand partners.
Bold change requires bold action, enter: Homely.
The Homely offering:
- Rental Journey Progress Feature: Helping renters to track their progress while renting towards home ownership. From pre-renters and students to room renters, low-end rental, mid-end rental and high-end rental, Homely wants to be with you on the journey all the way
- Reporting maintenance issues: The Homely platform allows renters to quickly report any issues with a property directly to the landlord in order for improvements to be made and any issues to be addressed
- Homely’s Flexible Ownership offering: Once in a flexible ownership arrangement with Homely, the individual will have the right to purchase further portions of their property on periodic dates in the future for a small fee at prevailing market value. In the event an individual needs to raise liquidity, there may also be the ability to sell some or all of their holding to Homely, subject to availability. This will also provide landlords with the opportunity to sell their properties to incumbent renters.
- HomelyBricks: A rewards based system which integrates with existing affiliate partners with loyalty and cashback schemes to support their build-up of HomelyBricks which can become benefits or proof points when getting a mortgage
- Debt Consolidation – with Monevo, Homely can help users to consolidate debt and start paying it down in preparation for saving for a deposit
- ExpansionReady: Helping landlords to expand their portfolios, source new financing or remortgage on existing BTL mortgages. Also provide real time information to inform their decision to expand their portfolio
- Mortgage & buying scheme acceptance: Working with lenders to be able to access relevant criteria for the lender to approve and accept mortgage applications in real-time
Media Contacts, Homely
Jamie Till, Libby Wallis or Georgia Turton at Instinctif Partners: [email protected] / 020 7457 2020
About UST
For more than 23 years, UST has worked side by side with the world’s best companies to make a real impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Through our nimble approach, we identify their core challenges, and craft disruptive solutions that bring their vision to life. With deep domain expertise and a future-proof philosophy, we embed innovation and agility into our clients’ organizations—delivering measurable value and lasting change across industries, and around the world. Together, with over 30,000 employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com
Media Contacts, UST:
Tinu Cherian Abraham
+1 (949) 415-9857
Merrick Laravea
+1 (949) 416-6212
Neha Misri
+91-9284726602
[email protected]
Media Contacts, U.S.:
S&C PR
+1-646.941.9139
[email protected]
Makovsky
[email protected]
Media Contacts, U.K.:
FTI Consulting
[email protected]
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Blockchain Press Releases
Bybit x Block Scholes Report: BTC Options Steady with Call-Put Parity, ETH Braces for Short-Term Volatility
DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has released its latest crypto derivatives analytics report in collaboration with Block Scholes. The report sheds light on key trends in open interest and market behavior during the significant year-end options expiration for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
Key highlights:
Open Interest Solid Amid Year-End Options Expiration
Although open interest in BTC and ETH perpetual swaps has not returned to the early December 2024 highs, it remained stable during the critical year-end options expiration. This stability suggests that traders did not heavily rely on perpetual contracts to hedge the delta of expiring options, which contributed to the muted volatility observed during this period. Trading volumes dipped during the winter holiday season, aligning with a collapse in realized volatility, which reached its lowest levels of December.
BTC Option Curve Remains Steep During Call-Put Parity
Contrary to expectations, the expiration of December’s options did not spark a surge in volatility. Instead, realized volatility declined to the lower end of its recent range. The implied volatility term structure for BTC options remains steep, with longer-dated implied volatility hovering around 57% and 1-week at-the-money options trading approximately five points lower. Most of the expired open interest has not been reinvested, maintaining a neutral call-put balance. As a result, BTC’s options market shows limited leverage compared to its position at the beginning of December 2024, reflecting a cautious sentiment.
Huge ETH Option Expiring Doesn’t Cause Volatility
Despite the substantial expiration of ETH options in late December 2024, market dynamics remained stable. A spike in realized volatility during December failed to extend into the new year, with ETH’s spot price currently showing lower volatility compared to short-tenor implied volatility. Over the past week, the implied volatility term structure for ETH options has shifted, steepening briefly before flattening again, diverging from BTC’s consistently steep profile. This pattern suggests that ETH’s options market is bracing for potential short-term volatility in spot price movements.
Interestingly, despite the expiration, call options for ETH have gained momentum at the start of 2025, dominating the market and indicating an optimistic outlook among traders.
Access the Full Report:
Gain deeper insights and explore the potential impacts on your crypto trading strategies by downloading the full Bybit x Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report.
#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BybitLearn / #BybitResearch / #BTC100K
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
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Blockchain Press Releases
KuCoin Launches KuCoin Pay, a Merchant Solution Leading the Future of Crypto Payments
VICTORIA, Seychelles, Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a significant leap forward for digital commerce, KuCoin has unveiled KuCoin Pay, a pioneering merchant solution designed to catalyze business growth by integrating crypto payments into the retail sector. This innovative system bridges the gap between traditional retail and crypto, offering contactless and borderless transactions. Leveraging KuCoin’s robust infrastructure—trusted globally and serving over 37 million+ users – KuCoin Pay is poised to open new opportunities for merchants and users to thrive in the evolving digital economy.
KuCoin Pay is committed to reducing transaction fees and facilitating immediate settlement of crypto payments, simplifying the process for businesses to manage transactions efficiently. The platform supports an extensive range of cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks, significantly broadening the global reach of payments.
The process for merchants is straightforward: integrate KuCoin Pay into their payment systems, allowing customers to complete purchases through KuCoin by scanning a QR code or via the KuCoin app. This integration ensures a frictionless checkout experience, fostering greater consumer confidence and satisfaction.
Additionally, KuCoin Pay is integrated within the KuCoin app, enabling businesses to tap into KuCoin’s extensive user base while simplifying the buying process for everyday items for users. Daily requests such as gift cards and mobile top-ups can be done seamlessly, further promoting widespread crypto adoption.
KuCoin Pay represents a major milestone in driving the mainstream adoption of crypto and marks a pivotal step in KuCoin’s ongoing commitment to enriching the blockchain ecosystem. For more information on KuCoin Pay and how it can transform your business, please visit the KuCoin Pay website.
About KuCoin
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is one of the pioneering and most globally recognized technology platforms supporting digital economies, built on a robust foundation of cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, liquidity solutions, and an exceptional user experience. With a connected user base exceeding 37 million worldwide, KuCoin offers comprehensive digital asset solutions across wallets, trading, wealth management, payments, research, ventures, and AI-powered bots. KuCoin has garnered accolades such as “Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges” by Forbes and has been recognized among the “Top 50 Global Unicorns” by Hurun in 2024. These recognitions reflect its commitment to user-centric principles and core values, which include integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
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Blockchain Press Releases
KuCoin Advances the “Menstrual Equity Project”, Benefiting 4,000 Women in the Bahamas
NASSAU, Bahamas, Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On December 31, 2024, the “Menstrual Equity Project” , jointly initiated by KuCoin, Global CSR Foundation, and the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), has made new progress. The second batch of aid supplies has been successfully shipped to the Bahamas, providing urgently needed sanitary products for 4,000 local women and effectively improving their quality of life.
The “Menstrual Equity Project” aims to offer sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions to marginalized women and girls, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the oldest multi-specialty medical organization promoting women’s advancement in the medical field and improving women’s health, AMWA’s mission is in perfect alignment with KuCoin’s commitment to social responsibility.
With the support of the Office of the First Lady of Commonwealth of Bahamas H. E. Ann Marie Davis, this round of donated materials focuses on disposable menstrual pads. This decision reflects the local challenges of water scarcity and high washing costs, while also providing essential emergency supplies for women during natural disasters such as hurricanes and typhoons.
Since KuCoin made a firm commitment to social welfare initiatives during the “KuCoin Green Future Gala” at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in 2023, the company has actively fulfilled its corporate social responsibilities. The “Menstrual Equity Project” has become a key initiative under this commitment.
In March 2024, the project’s first phase was implemented, distributing 1,000 menstrual kits—each containing 10 sanitary pads and 2 menstrual cups—to Suriname, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and domestic violence shelters in New York and California.
The smooth delivery of the second batch of supplies to the Bahamas will benefit 4,000 women.
Jing Zhao Cesarone，President of Global CSR Foundation, commented:”KuCoin has set a remarkable example in addressing period poverty in underserved regions, demonstrating its enthusiasm and dedication to social responsibility.”
Nancy Cheung, KuCoin’s Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), emphasized:”As a global leader in the digital economy, KuCoin is committed to advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Looking ahead, we will continue to focus on key areas such as climate change, health, and education, driving more philanthropic initiatives to fruition. We also plan to expand the scope of the ‘Menstrual Equity Project,’ collaborating with more international organizations to improve women’s living conditions and contribute to global sustainable development.”
About KuCoin
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is one of the pioneering and most globally recognized technology platforms supporting digital economies, built on a robust foundation of cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, liquidity solutions, and an exceptional user experience. With a connected user base exceeding 37 million worldwide, KuCoin offers comprehensive digital asset solutions across wallets, trading, wealth management, payments, research, ventures, and AI-powered bots. KuCoin has garnered accolades such as “Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges” by Forbes and has been recognized among the “Top 50 Global Unicorns” by Hurun in 2024. These recognitions reflect its commitment to user-centric principles and core values, which include integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kucoin-advances-the-menstrual-equity-project-benefiting-4-000-women-in-the-bahamas-302341084.html
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