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Crypto Entrepreneur Julian Hosp Has Again Troubles With A Partner!

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The Austrian blockchain entrepreneur Julian Hosp is facing new challenges with his latest venture, Cake Group, FinTelegram reports. Hosp, who has gained notoriety in the blockchain industry, especially after his involvement in the now-defunct TenX, is again in the spotlight for alleged financial mismanagement. TenX, which raised $80 million in an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) during the 2017 cryptocurrency boom, was regarded as an exit scam by the industry.

The Cake Group Battle

The crypto venture TenX raised $80 million from some 4,000 investors in its ICO amid the crypto hype in 2017. The scheme later collapsed and is regarded as an exit scam. The recent developments at Cake Group, where Hosp is a co-founder and CEO, have raised similar concerns. Cake Group, known for its cryptocurrency investment platform, is undergoing a legal battle initiated by its co-founder, Chua U-Zyn. Chua, also the CTO and shareholder, filed for the winding-up of the company, citing a shareholder dispute.

This application was filed with the High Court on December 1, as reported by The Straits Times, with a hearing scheduled for December 22.

Hosp announced in a blog post on November 14 that Cake DeFi, a part of Cake Group, would be reducing its workforce by 30%, impacting 52 employees in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This decision was supposedly made without the consensus of Chua, who opposed the layoffs and criticized the lack of transparency and clear intention behind the move.

Responding to the legal challenge, Hosp claimed that Cake Group is financially stable and solvent, with ongoing business operations and assets exceeding liabilities. He emphasized that the winding-up application is based on internal disagreements rather than financial incapacity.

The Shabby Past

Cake founder Julian Hosp (LinkedIn) is a notorious crypto entrepreneur and speaker. He craves being in the spotlight and being admired. However, in all his published resumes and biographies on LinkedIn, Hosp conceals a dark part of his past – working for MLM scheme Lyoness.

Hosp comes from the MLM field and has worked for the infamous Lyoness MLM scheme, where he was one of the top leaders with 25,000 people in his downline. Victims brought numerous criminal charges against Lyoness, prosecutors in different jurisdictions investigated, and penalties and bans were issued.

Tech Billionaires: Meet The Bearded Visionary Jack Dorsey!

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Jack Dorsey, born on November 19, 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri, is a renowned American entrepreneur, programmer, and philanthropist widely recognized as the co-founder and former CEO of Twitter. He is currently the head of Block, a payment company he co-founded, and is also developing Bluesky Social, a decentralized social networking platform.

Dorsey attended New York University but dropped out just before completing his degree. His career took a significant turn when he, along with Biz Stone and Evan Williams, co-founded Twitter in 2006. Initially known for its 140-character limit, Twitter rapidly grew into a popular social media platform. Dorsey served as CEO until October 2008, later returning to the role in October 2015.

In addition to Twitter, Dorsey founded Square, now known as Block, in 2009. Square, a mobile payments venture, was innovative in allowing small business owners to accept credit card payments through mobile devices. Dorsey’s interest in blockchain technology led to the rebranding of Square to Block in 2021, reflecting a broader focus beyond just payment services.

As of 2023, Jack Dorsey‘s net worth is estimated to be around $5 billion, with a significant portion coming from his ownership stock in Block. He is known for his philanthropic efforts, including funding numerous educational projects, supporting COVID-19 relief efforts, and advocating for universal basic income.

Dorsey is also noted for his unique lifestyle choices, including his practice of yoga and meditation, his eating habits, and his past interest in fashion design. Despite his immense success, Dorsey has faced criticism over various aspects of his leadership and decisions, particularly during his tenure at Twitter.

Jack Dorsey‘s life and career journey reflect a blend of technological innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to social causes, making him a significant figure in the tech industry​

Elon Musk’s X Confronted With Collapsing Ad Revenue!

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The Cyber Voice has learned that X, formerly known as Twitter, is experiencing a downturn in advertising revenue this year. According to a Bloomberg report on December 12, the social media giant’s ad revenue has dropped to approximately $600 million per quarter in 2023, a significant decline from the over $1 billion per quarter it reported in 2022.

Advertising sales, which constitute 70% to 75% of X’s total revenue, have been impacted by advertisers’ growing concerns over the platform’s content moderation practices under the leadership of its new owner, Elon Musk.

X‘s executives had ambitiously aimed for $3 billion in revenue from advertising and subscriptions for 2023, but it seems the company is on track to miss this target. Joe Benarroch, the head of business operations at X, told Bloomberg that this portrayal offers a partial view of the company’s operations. Benarroch highlighted that X is a global enterprise with diverse revenue sources and shouldn’t be judged solely on metrics from its Twitter-era.

Under Musk’s direction, X has gradually reduced its dependence on advertising revenue. Alongside ad sales, the company also earns from its subscription service, X Premium, and through data licensing deals. However, external assessments indicate that the subscription business contributes less than $120 million annually.

Musk has expressed intentions for subscription revenues to account for half of X’s overall business. Currently, the service has just over 1 million paying subscribers. To broaden its revenue base, X is also focusing on attracting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in addition to major brand advertisers.

The decline in ad revenue poses questions about X‘s future viability. Musk himself has acknowledged the risk of the company failing due to reduced ad revenue.

On December 11, reports emerged that X is laying the groundwork to expand into money movement. The company obtained three new money transmitter licenses in the United States at the end of November, bringing its total to licenses in a dozen states. This move indicates X‘s strategic shift to diversify its revenue streams and bolster its financial footing.

#boycottzara: Shitstorm Against Fashion Company Zara Over “Tasteless” Campaign

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After a long period of silence, the Spanish fashion label blocks controversial images and speaks of a “misunderstanding”.

The US model Kristen McMenamy was seen in a white room, surrounded by mannequins wrapped in plastic and cloth and partially destroyed building materials. “The Jacket” was the name of the new Zara campaign, which has caused much outrage in recent days: the Spanish fashion label was accused of using images reminiscent of wrapped corpses in Gaza.

Some users saw associations with the current conflict between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas. The hashtag #boycottzara was created. Others accused Zara of normalizing images of war, and many called the campaign tasteless. “Using the death of innocent children and people as advertising. Disgusting, just disgusting,” wrote one user on X.

The company remained silent for nearly a week. On Tuesday, it finally responded, saying it regretted the “misunderstanding. They did not want to irritate or offend anyone. The campaign has been deleted, and the image is no longer available on the company’s official website. (red.)

Investing In Rolex Watches: A Secure Path In Times Of Crisis?

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In times of crisis, seeking secure and rewarding investment opportunities becomes paramount. While traditional assets like real estate and gold remain popular choices, luxury watches, particularly Rolex, have garnered significant attention as a lucrative investment. Rolex, the epitome of luxury watchmaking, not only boasts precision, durability, and elegance but also holds a prestigious image, making it a sought-after collector’s item.

Why Choose Rolex as an Investment?

Rolex consistently holds its position as the number one luxury watch brand globally. According to Forbes, Rolex was the sixth most popular online luxury brand in 2023, as it was in 2022. It claims the top spot among the largest and most beloved luxury watch manufacturers. The Swiss manufacturer’s products are renowned for their quality, and the prestigious image associated with Rolex watches elevates them to coveted status among collectors.

Renowned adventurers and athletes have trusted Rolex throughout history. The climbers who first conquered Mount Everest in 1953 wore Rolex, and in 1960, when Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh descended into the depths of the Mariana Trench, a specially crafted Rolex accompanied them. Such feats have contributed to Rolex’s iconic status, evidenced in the sustained enthusiasm for these timepieces and reflected in the appreciating values of various models. For instance, the value of the Rolex Daytona reportedly increased by 77% from 2017 to 2022, according to Chrono24.

Factors Influencing Rolex Prices

Despite Rolex’s annual production of approximately 800,000 watches, global demand consistently outpaces supply, leading to lengthy waiting lists for potential buyers. This scarcity significantly influences the prices, causing certain highly sought-after Rolex models to deviate significantly from their retail prices. Potential buyers should be prepared for possible wait times or consider purchasing pre-owned watches.

Rolex Models with Stability and Potential for Growth

Not all Rolex watches are equal in terms of investment potential. Here, we present a selection of Rolex models known for their stability and the potential for future appreciation. The information is curated from independent rankings by American Express, Chrono24, GQ, Watchmaster.com, and Watch.de. However, it is crucial to conduct thorough research before purchasing, considering factors such as the current market value, authenticity, condition, and the reputation of the seller.

1. Rolex Daytona

The Daytona stands as one of the most iconic Rolex models, attributed in part to its association with Paul Newman, a renowned actor and racing enthusiast. According to Watch.de, the Daytona series is particularly promising as an investment due to its limited availability, often leading to long waiting periods. Prices for the Rolex Daytona surged by around 77% from 2017 to 2022, as reported by Chrono24. GQ also emphasizes the stability of the Rolex Daytona, suggesting that a newly purchased Daytona at the retail price could be resold for nearly double the initial cost.

2. Rolex GMT-Master & GMT-Master II

Both the Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II are deemed worthwhile investments, according to Chrono24. The prices of the Rolex GMT-Master 1675 saw remarkable increases throughout 2022. GQ recommends the Rolex GMT-Master II, particularly highlighting the models known as “Pepsi” (Reference 126710BLRO) and “Batman” (Reference 116710BLNR), named after the colors of their bezels.

3. Rolex Submariner

Rolex stainless steel sports models, according to American Express and Watch.de, are highly sought after. Watch.de recommends the Rolex Submariner as an investment, with the “Hulk” model (Reference 116610LV) experiencing significant value appreciation since its production was discontinued in the fall of 2020.

4. Rolex Explorer II

The Rolex Explorer II, another sports model, has seen its value rise by 70% between 2017 and 2022, as reported by Chrono24. GQ particularly recommends the Explorer II with Reference 216570, while the predecessor with Reference 16570 remains in high demand, according to Chrono24. Watch.de notes that variants with a white dial are rarer and consequently more sought after than those with a black dial.

Considerations for Rolex Investments

Even with a chosen Rolex model known for stability, several considerations must be taken into account to ensure a fruitful investment. Proper care is essential to maintain the watch’s value, as scratches and other signs of wear can diminish its worth. Experts recommend servicing a Rolex every eight to ten years to ensure optimal functionality.

If the Rolex is primarily viewed as an investment rather than for daily use, storing it securely in a safe is advisable. Seeking the advice of an expert, such as a watchmaker, is also recommended. An expert can assist in identifying potential counterfeits and evaluating the quality of any replacement parts used.

In conclusion, investing in Rolex watches can indeed be a secure and rewarding endeavor during times of crisis. However, thorough research, care, and expert guidance are crucial elements to maximize the returns on such luxury investments

Russian High-Risk Payment Processor Advcash Under Scrutiny!

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Advcash is a high-risk payment processor controlled by Russians. The offshore entities Advanced Cash Limited in Belize and Second February Limited in Seychelles officially operate the service. The spin-off Adv2 is operated by Payean Finance Inc. in Canada and Payean UAB in Lithuania, catering to the crypto wallet market. According to FinTelegram, U.S. authorities are investigating the Advcash scheme over money laundering and sanctions evasion.

Beneficial Ownership

Historically, Russians Artem Abramov (Артем Абрамов) and Artem Shulepov (Артем Сергеевич Шулепов) were considered to be the beneficial owners of Advcash. Following Abramov’s alleged death, Shulepov appears to be the sole beneficial owner.

The Advcash US Connections

Advcash claims that it would not operate in the U.S. However, its connection to the U.S. national Yaacov Bitton suggests a different narrative. Public records from LinkedIn, Crunchbase, and other sources indicate Bitton’s role as the CEO of Advcash starting in 2012.

Bitton is also connected with NVB Channel, a Moscow-based financial operation, and his interest in the ICO for Bitconnect. This project ultimately failed and faced legal complications.

Bitton was a director of Adv Services LLC in Washington State, founded in 2011. This company, which was granted a money transmitter license, continued its operations until its dissolution in 2020. Artem Abramov was another director of this Florida-based entity.

The European Connections

Advcash in Malta as revealed by the Paradise Papers

Advcash‘s early European footprint emerged in the Paradise Papers, with its registration in Malta in 2017, aligning with Binance‘s relocation there in 2018 for banking purposes, which had been unattainable in Japan. Advcash sustained its legal presence in Malta until 2023.

In May 2023, the launch of ADV2 marked a significant expansion. This platform is operated by Payean Finance Inc., a Canadian entity registered with FINTRAC as a Money Services Business (MSB), and Payean UAB in Lithuania, registered as a virtual currency exchange operator with the Lithuanian Financial Crime Investigation Service.

ADV2 maintains a close integration with Advcash, allowing seamless verification and card transfer for its users, hinting at possible personnel overlaps between the two systems.

ADV2 operator Payean Finance with Aleksandr Kauzov

Key individuals of Advcash’s European operations are Estonian nationals Olga Belova and Natalja Kauzova, along with Kauzova’s son, Aleksandr Kauzov. Belova and Aleksandr Kauzov serve as directors of Payean Finance Inc. in Canada, while Natalja Kauzova heads the Lithuanian counterpart, Payaen UAB, which operates the ADV2 crypto payment platform.

Olga Belova, a central figure in the Advcash network, has a decade-long history with the now-defunct NordPay Financial Ltd, a formerly FCA-regulated payment institution. Currently under investigation in Estonia for alleged money laundering facilitation, Belova has played a crucial role in Advcash’s operations and the launch of ADV2.

The collapse of NordPay Financial is attributed to Belova’s connection with Advcash.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Estonian bank accounts associated with Belova and Kauzova have been frozen.

Another significant player in the Advcash network is Norman Buhagiar from Malta, who is closely associated with Belova. He serves as a director of Finatex Malta Limited, paralleling Belova’s management role in its Estonian sister company, Finatex OÜ. Both Belova and Buhagiar are directors and beneficial owners of Kaupmehe Invest, an Estonian consulting and technology firm specializing in payment solutions.

Investigations

Sources have informed us that Advcash is currently the subject of an investigation in the United States, particularly concerning its transactional activities via Binance. Recent reports indicate that Binance is obligated to disclose approximately 100,000 transactions flagged as suspicious and is under a five-year monitoring period by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Given Advcash‘s longstanding partnership with Binance, this scrutiny appears justified and logical.

French fintech Aria raises €15 million

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French fintech Aria has recently closed a successful €15 million funding round, signaling a significant stride in its mission to reshape the landscape of business-to-business (B2B) payments within the platform economy and B2B marketplaces. The funding, led by 13books Capital and featuring prominent participation from Adevinta Ventures, Ankaa Ventures, Otium Capital, as well as angel investors such as Laurent Ritter, Mark Ransford, and former Stripe executive Guillaume Princen, will empower Aria to expand its deferred payment infrastructure and further enhance its services.

Aria’s Vision and Current Operations:

Established in 2019, Aria has been at the forefront of bridging the payment gap prevalent in the B2B sector. The fintech firm collaborates with over 100 platforms to address the discrepancy between when suppliers require payment and when buyers prefer settling their invoices. Aria’s innovative solution integrates directly into the platforms’ systems, facilitating instant direct payments to suppliers across Europe. Importantly, it grants buyers the flexibility of up to 90 days to fulfill their payment obligations for goods and services.

Impressive Growth and Market Impact:

In the past 12 months, Aria has experienced substantial growth, both in its home country of France and since its expansion into the UK. During this period, the fintech company has successfully processed over €0.5 billion in payments, benefiting more than 30,000 businesses and freelancers. The range of invoices handled by Aria spans from €500 to €20,000, demonstrating its adaptability across diverse business scales.

Furthermore, Aria’s impact is amplified by its strategic partnerships and the trust placed in it by investors. The fintech firm is backed by a robust €150 million debt facility, with support from notable investors like M&G Investments.

Clément Carrier, CEO and co-founder of Aria emphasized the uniqueness of Aria‘s approach in the B2B payments landscape. He stated, “While B2B payment volume is 5x the size of B2C retail payments, only 7% of B2B commerce is transacted online.Aria aims to change this by replacing outdated B2B payment methods with a seamless online experience that mirrors consumer transactions. With Aria‘s suite of tools, companies can process any payment method, offer flexible net terms financing, and receive instant payments—all within a unified online platform.

The Injection

With the recent injection of €15 million in funding, Aria seems well-positioned to continue its trajectory of reshaping B2B payments in the platform economy. The fintech firm’s success in processing substantial payment volumes and its commitment to providing a user-friendly, B2C-like experience positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of digital B2B transactions. As Aria expands its reach and refines its services, it has the potential to unlock new possibilities for businesses, freelancers, and platforms operating within the dynamic realm of the platform economy and B2B marketplaces.

The Crux of Elon Musk’s Fortune: Tesla’s China Connection and the Risk of a Domino Effect!

In an insightful essay by Linette Lopez for Business Insider, the financial saga of Elon Musk, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, is dissected, emphasizing a crucial hypothesis: Musk’s fortune, and by extension his business empire, owes much to Tesla’s success in China, which may now be a double-edged sword. FinTelegram even thinks it is possible that Musk’s empire might crash due to high-interest payments and poor cash.

The hypothesis posits that the linchpin of Musk’s wealth was the establishment of Tesla‘s Shanghai Gigafactory. This strategic move, facilitated by the Chinese government, enabled Tesla to mass-produce vehicles at lower costs, thereby boosting profits and skyrocketing Tesla’s stock value. The soaring share prices of Tesla became Musk’s financial powerhouse, allowing him to fund and leverage his other ventures like SpaceX and Twitter, either through selling shares or using them as collateral for loans.

However, this interconnected financial structure, built on the bedrock of Tesla’s success, carries inherent risks. As Musk’s wealth is heavily tied to Tesla’s stock, any faltering in Tesla’s performance, especially in the increasingly competitive EV market, could trigger a domino effect on his other businesses.

The article highlights the current challenges Musk faces, particularly with the acquisition of Twitter. The platform is burdened with debt and operational issues, creating a financial strain. Given the economic climate of rising interest rates and Musk’s significant portion of Tesla shares pledged against personal debts, there’s a growing concern about the sustainability of his empire.

The analysis also underscores the importance of Tesla‘s market position. With Tesla facing competition and a potential decrease in market share, the company’s profitability and stock value are under scrutiny. Should Tesla stumble in this competitive landscape, it could lead to a ripple effect, impacting Musk’s ability to support his other ventures.

In summary, Lopez’s essay presents the hypothesis that Elon Musk’s fortune, largely built on Tesla’s success in China, is now at a crossroads. The interdependence of Musk’s ventures on Tesla’s stock as a financial cornerstone poses a significant risk. If Tesla’s performance falters, it could potentially destabilize Musk’s entire business ecosystem, challenging the resilience of his empire in the face of shifting market dynamics.

A New Approach: Airbnb Launches Pay Over Time With Klarna In The UK 

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In a groundbreaking collaboration, Airbnb and Klarna have recently unveiled their latest venture—Pay Over Time with Klarna—a novel approach to reshaping the way guests in the UK manage the cost of their reservations. This strategic partnership is poised to make unique stays around the world more accessible, with a phased global roll-out set to extend this alternative payment method across three continents by early 2024.

The Evolution of Pay Over Time:

Originally introduced in North America during Airbnb‘s 2023 Summer Release, Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) a/k/a Pay Over Time provider Klarna is now extending its reach to the UK, allowing guests to conveniently spread the cost of their stay across three interest-free installments over a two-month period. This marks a significant shift in the way individuals plan and budget for their trips, offering greater flexibility and financial ease.

Seamless Booking with Klarna’s Payment Solutions:

Klarna‘s reputation for providing seamless and flexible payment solutions takes center stage in this collaboration. Whether booking a charming windmill in Wales, a treehouse retreat in Thailand, or a futuristic UFO stay in the US, guests now have an array of payment options to choose from, making the booking process more accessible than ever before.

Amanda Cupples, General Manager of Northern Europe, expressed her enthusiasm for this new payment method, stating, “We’re pleased to bring Pay Over Time with Klarna to the UK, giving guests greater flexibility to spread their payments over a number of weeks or months. Whether you’re booking a solo trip or organizing a get-together with friends, choosing the right payment plan has just become a lot easier.

Pay Over Time with Klarna has already made its mark in eight other European countries, including Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. This success is expected to pave the way for further expansion, with additional countries slated to join the roster early next year. As of today, this innovative payment solution is available to guests in the UK for reservations priced between £35 and £4,000.

Airbnb and Klarna‘s Pay Over Time represents a significant stride towards meeting the diverse needs of modern travelers. By introducing a flexible, interest-free payment option, this collaboration not only enhances the booking experience but also sets a precedent for the industry, redefining how individuals plan and pay for their dream getaways. As the phased global roll-out continues, Pay Over Time with Klarna is poised to become a game-changer, making unique stays more accessible to a global audience.

Payment Company SumUp Breaks Through Fintech Slump with €285M Fundraising And €8B Valuation!

  • British payments startup SumUp has raised €285 million ($306.6 million) in an investment led by Sixth Street Growth and Bain Capital Tech Opportunities.
  • SumUp Chief Financial Officer Hermione McKee said the fresh capital gives the company “more firepower to act on opportunities,” including acquisitions and new country launches.
  • SumUp confirmed the company is worth more than it was when it raised €590 million ($635.3 million) at an 8 billion ($8.6 billion) valuation in summer 2022.


As reported by PayRate42, British payments startup SumUp has successfully secured €285 million ($306.6 million) in its latest funding round, led by Sixth Street Growth, the growth arm of global investment firm Sixth Street. This round values SumUp at over $8.6 billion, further building on its valuation from the summer of 2022, when it was last valued at €8 billion ($8.6 billion). The company’s existing investors, including Bain Capital Tech Opportunities, Fin Capital, and Liquidity Group, also participated in the funding round.

Learn more about SumUp on PayRate42 here.

SumUp, widely recognized for its small card readers, plans to utilize the fresh capital to pursue various growth opportunities over the next two years. The company has been on an expansion spree, recently entering its 36th global market with the launch in Australia. SumUp’s CFO, Hermione McKee, emphasized the potential for further expansion in Latin America, Asia, and Africa and hinted at exploring a “buy versus build” strategy.

This funding round is considered a significant achievement, especially in the context of the challenging environment for European technology valuations. The company’s ability to secure an “up round,” where the valuation is higher than before, stands out amid declining median valuations in the European tech sector.

SumUp, a direct competitor to prominent payment companies like Square, PayPal’s iZettle, FIS’ WorldPay, Stripe, and Adyen, has diversified its business offerings. In addition to its core payment services, SumUp has entered the lending space, providing cash advances and business loans to merchants based on their card sales revenues.

Looking ahead, SumUp plans to explore merger and acquisition opportunities to fuel its global expansion. McKee stated that M&A is always on the table, and the company is open to both building an ecosystem and making strategic acquisitions.

Despite its remarkable growth and valuation, SumUp currently has no immediate plans to go public. McKee emphasized the company’s access to private pools of capital and stated that while they are constantly improving processes to meet public market standards, an IPO is not imminent or actively planned at this time. SumUp intends to leverage its current funding to maintain flexibility and capitalize on growth opportunities in the private markets.