Sustainable money app Zero has launched its second crowdfunding campaign via the Crowdcube platform.
Since its launch in February, Zero has registered more than 12,000 users, processed £1.1m worth of payments, and completed more than 415,000 ‘GreenScore’ transactions - helping customers understand and reduce the environmental impact of their spending.
The Cardiff-based fintech also became B Corp certified venture, joining the Tech Zero coalition with published net zero targets, and achieved operational carbon removal of 110% of its 2024 emissions.
The business was funded by the founders, secured a pre-seed round of £1.25m in September 2023 with a seed round of £1.4m in March this year. In its latest fundraise Zero has secured £417,00 from private investors to date while seeking to secure a further £333,000 through Crowdcube - where to date it has received investment of £132,000.
Richard Theo, co-founder and chief executive of Zero, said: “Our vision is a world where money is a force for the good of the planet, and never invested in activities that harm the planet.
“We’ve proved there’s strong demand for a green alternative in personal finance, and this next funding round will help us expand our reach and impact in the year ahead.”
Long-term Zero plans to become a regulatory approved bank.
Moka United
Moka United has completed the acquisition of Wrexham-based fintech Affiniture Cards following approval from regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Affiniture Cards is authorised for consumer credit and also as a payment institution. The company has owned the Ƶ franchise for the Diners Club International brand since 2012 and offers its diversified customer base innovative payment solutions and short term credit facilities.
Moka United is a fintech company providing financial solutions across every aspect of the payments ecosystem - from global enterprises and banks to SMEs and public institutions. It currently operates in six countries: Türkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Germany, and the Ƶ.
The completion of the acquisition of Affiniture Cards marks a pivotal step in Moka United’s global growth strategy and accelerates its digital banking journey under the RUUT brand.
Halim Memi, chief executive of Moka United, said: “This acquisition is more than just a regulatory checkpoint; it is a global recognition of our fintech expertise and credibility. At Moka United, our mission has always been to push the boundaries of digital banking by delivering secure, fast, and user-focused solutions. With RUUT, we are shaping a future where financial access is more open and inclusive.
“The Ƶ, with its vibrant and forward-looking fintech ecosystem, offers us not only a gateway to Europe and global markets but also a place where innovation and trust go hand in hand. It is here that we see the opportunity to scale our vision, build meaningful partnerships, and contribute to an ecosystem that inspires the future of global finance.”
Jonathan Back, chief executive of Affiniture Cards, said: "Diners Club International approved the acquisition of Affiniture Cards last September and as such, Moka United now also joins an international family of franchises with access to a unique globally recognised payment network.”
PharmaGroup
North Wales-base healthcare venture PharmaGroup has acquired one of the Ƶ’s leading hay fever and allergy relief brands HayMax.
The deal, the value of which hasn’t been disclosed, strengthens PharmaGroup’s commitment to developing and growing in the natural health and wellbeing sector.
HayMax, with its range of organic, drug-free, 100% natural allergen barrier balms, has established itself as a leading provider to airborne allergy sufferers across the Ƶ over the last 20 years.
PharmaGroup said HayMax’s approach to trapping pollen, dust, and pet allergens before they enter the body aligns with its own ethos and new product development pipeline. The business has three divisions, including its animal healthcare Pharmavet line and balms to soap brand Celtic Herbal.
Business development director at Conwy-based PharmaGroup, Mared Bunsee, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome HayMax into the PharmaGroup family“HayMax is a truly brilliant brand that has earned the loyalty of its users through its commitment to organic, natural and effective allergy relief.”
Max Wiseberg, creator and founder of Bedfordshire-based HayMax, said: “I am delighted to pass HayMax on to PharmaGroup who have already started adding value to the brand.
“Their resources and manufacturing facility will provide HayMax with greater flexibility to react to customers’ needs and I think you can all look forward to more new product development before too long.”
He added: “I am also proud and pleased that PharmaGroup have taken on board the organic message and will be getting their facilities up to organic standards as soon as possible.”
Ty Nant
Welsh premium bottled water company Ty Nant has expanded with the acquisition of Scottish brand Strathmore Water from AG Barr.
The deal, the value of which hasn’t been disclosed, enhances Ty Nant’s presence at venues and events.
Strathmore offers still and sparkling water sourced and bottled in Forfar, Scotland. It is available in gyms, hotels, events, and leisure venues throughout the Ƶ.
Strathmore Water has been part of AG Barr’s portfolio since 2006. Scottish drinks company AG Barr produces cocktail purée and mixer brand Funkin and soft drink Irn-Bru.The acquisition ensure brand will still be bottled in Forfar, Scotland, and that every job at the site has been secured as part of the deal.
Raminder Sidhu, chairman and director at Ty Nant, based in Bethania in Ceredigion, said: “This is a brand with a deep legacy and a loyal following, and we are honoured to be entrusted with its next chapter.
“At the heart of Strathmore’s success is the incredible team in Forfar. Their professionalism, passion and care are a true testament to the strength of the brand and the business. We’re proud to welcome them into the Ty Nant family and excited to invest further in their future.”
He added: AG Barr has been exemplary custodians of the brand and the Forfar operation. We are grateful for their partnership and support during this transition, and for the strong platform they’ve built – both in market and on the ground.”
Ty Nant has experienced what is described ‘exceptional’ growth over the past 24 months. Last December it acquired red brands Fonthill Water and Decantae Mineral Water from the US beverage giant Primo Water Corporation.
The business now supplies some of the world’s leading hotels, retailers, and cultural institutions. By adding Strathmore to its portfolio, the company enhances both its operational scale and geographic reach.
Ty Nant returned to Ƶ ownership in 2020 when it was acquired by its current owners in entrepreneurs Mr Sidhu and Bobby Nanua from Italian firm Biscaldi Luigi Import Export, which had acquired the business, which dates back to the 1970s, in 1992.
Hal Robson-Kanu
The nutritional drinks company of former Welsh football international Hal Robson-Kanu has been majority acquired by leading beverage manufacturer AG Barr in a £15m deal.
Innate-Essence is behind the Turmeric Co and Raw Hydrate brands. Mr Robson-Kanu said he was inspired to launch the business after finding turmeric shots invaluable in recovering from a potentially career-ending knee injury.
Both parties said the initial £15m investment for a 51.1% stake will be deployed to ‘turbo charge’ global expansion, further develop the brand’s retail proposition and invest more deeply into marketing.
Growth to date has been underpinned by monthly recurring subscriptions, successful nationwide launches in Sainsbury’s and Ocado and placement in David Lloyd Clubs. It has also struck strategic partnerships with Premier League teams such as Everton and Brentford, Premiership Rugby teams Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers and British Gymnastics.
BDO and Pinsent Masons advised Innate-Essence on the investment by the Cumbernauld headquartered and London Stock Exchange listed drinks giant.
Chief executive of Innate-Essence Mr Robson-Kanu, said: “I created the brand as a convenient and great-tasting way to support wellness-conscious individuals and sportspeople like me. We’ve had a remarkable few years but with this latest milestone and such heavyweight backing, it feels like our journey is just beginning – we’ve unlocked a new level. The international potential is huge, and we can’t wait to see what we achieve next. BDO’s understanding of our sector and merger and acquisition expertise has been key to our success and getting this investment over the line.”
Lorna Hopkinson led the deal for BDO. She said: “Having worked with Thomas since his Series A investment in 2023, this latest deal is testament to the fact that with an exceptional leader, clear vision and a quality product, Ƶ consumer brands can scale – at pace. This is a significant deal in the sector and positions the brand for global success.”
Knights
Acquisitive law firm Knights is establishing its first office in Wales.
It comes as the firm has acquired Cardiff-based legal practice Le Gros Solicitors. Following the acquisition, the value of which hasn’t been disclosed, six commercial and residential property specialists from Le Gros Solicitors have joined Knights, including its former managing partner Claudia Le Gros and partner Bethan Sadler.
Knights said it will open a new permanent office in Cardiff, the location of which will be confirmed in the coming months.
Ahead of the launch of its Cardiff office, it has recruited dispute resolution specialist Will Baird, corporate lawyer Stewart Knights, tax and succession planning specialist Shaun Thomas and commercial property expert Scott Keddle.
It comes amid a period of rapid growth for Knights with recent acquisitions across the south-east of England and Thames Valley.
Chief executive of Knights, David Beech, said: “Claudia and the team bring an excellent reputation and lots of complementary expertise to Knights – and strengthen the team of specialists with experience in South Wales that we’re building.
“They are well known for great service and putting people first in their work, so they will be an excellent fit for our Ƶ-wide property team. We are confident that they will complement our existing teams in the south west and right across the country.”
Knights, which has its head office in Stoke-on-Trent , has a network of 32 offices (including its yet to open Cardiff one) . It employs 1,600, of which 1,350 are lawyers.
