Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1276031
2 NEWS 06.08.2020 'GO Ventures a perfect investor for Mindbeat' FROM PAGE 1 "Despite the uncertainty of the past few months, GO re- mains committed to invest- ing in ideas and technology in the digital domain," GO CEO Nikhil Patil said on the an- nouncement of the deal. "Last year we set up GO Ven- tures to help us deliver on this commitment. e primary aim of this fully owned subsidiary is that of identifying and invest- ing in tech-based start-ups. It is a sign of our ambition that GO Ventures has been ramping up its activities during a global pandemic." "Mindbeat is a perfect example of the kind of idea that we are ea- ger to get behind," Patil said. "A Maltese entrepreneur and her team have developed an exceptional digitally-based solution to a real-life problem that is limiting millions around the world from expressing their full potential. is is a compa- ny that definitely has the ca- pacity to make a wide-reaching impact and we are now com- mitted to making this idea as successful as possible." On her part, Mindbeat Ltd founder, and CEO Elisa Krantz sees this investment as being a momentous milestone for the company. "We are thrilled to be partnering with GO and GO Ventures on the road ahead - we see strong alignment in our vision for growth, as well as a deep shared passion for in- vesting in a digital and globally connected Malta." "We approached investors with three key criteria in mind - we wanted 'smart equity' meaning investors who would bring unique talent to our Board, challenging and stretch- ing us to grow faster and bet- ter; we wanted investors who are aligned with our vision and values; and lastly investors who aligned with our funding goals," she said. e Mindbeat platform launched in 2019 has so far built a global community of 150 coaches who can offer high impact 1:1 coaching in 22 lan- guages across all time zones. Initial results have been highly encouraging with a wide range of clients – ranging from SMEs and high growth start-ups to global corporations – already signed up including Specsav- ers, Refinitiv, e Body Shop and Game Lounge. "Our track record proves that we know how to grow business- es. We will be devoting time and energy so that Mindbeat can benefit from that experience. It is why we feel that for start-ups with the right ideas and ambi- tion, GO Ventures can be the ideal partner," Patil said. More information about GO's investment in start-ups can be found at www.goventures.com. mt Mindbeat combines virtual coaching through a video-based portal, with access to analytics and bite sized learning THERESE Comodini Cachia has de- clared she will definitely be contesting the upcoming National Party leader- ship race, BusinessToday has learned. She is the only prospective candidate thus far to have committed herself to taking on Adrian Delia in the election. Comodini Cachia was chosen by her colleagues to replace Delia as Opposi- tion leader in a bid that was thwarted by the President and has represented the rebel MPs over the past couple of weeks. She has publicly said that she wants to remain a "catalyst" of change with- in the PN, stopping short of declaring a leadership bid. But sources within the party said she was miffed after her apparent side-lining by the same MPs who pushed her forward. Those MPs appear intent on putting forward one candidate to run against Adrian Delia in the leadership race, but have yet to receive a solid commitment from any of the candidates considered. "The rebel MPs want someone who can win the race against Delia, unite the party and give the PN a fighting chance in the next election, which is why they are trying to rally around one candi- date," the sources said. Negotiations have been ongoing with the possible contenders, that include Bernard Grech, Roberta Metsola and Mark Anthony Sammut. e parliamentary group is arguing that the emphasis should be on the vi- sion for the leadership. But insiders have told BusinessToday that the debate between the contenders has been difficult and no one is willing to budge or commit other than Co- modini Cachia. Delia will be contesting the leadership election that will be decided by party members. His detractors want to avoid a bruising multi-horse race that will have to be whittled down to two by the party councillors first. Delia enjoys the support of 44% of councillors, which can assure him a place in the run-off. "The rebel MPs know that having too many candidates will split the an- ti-Delia vote and this could weaken the strongest prospects, which is why they are trying to push one candidate and convince the rest to step aside," the sources said. PN MEP Roberta Metsola and lawyer Bernard Grech appear to be the front runners in this exercise with MPs be- lieving both can tick the respective boxes. Neither of the two prospective can- didates have committed themselves as more talks are expected over the com- ing days. But the exercise may prove harder than expected because it means that candidates who have shown an interest in contesting have to be convinced to put their ambitions on hold. "One other consideration the pro- spective candidates are making is the possibility of a general election within the next six months that will not give the new leader a chance to start healing internal divisions," the sources said. The PN's electoral commission on Tuesday issued a call for expressions of interest in the leadership post. The call, which is open to all PN members, closes on Monday. The call forms part of the screening process that has to take place before candidates are given the go ahead to formally submit their leadership nom- ination. Anybody who fails the due dil- igence exercise will not be allowed to run. The screening process can also prove tricky as some of the rebel MPs believe Delia should fail the due diligence exer- cise. The incumbent is the subject of a magisterial inquiry on allegations that he received funds from murder suspect Yorgen Fenech to frustrate David Ca- sa's European election bid. Delia has denied the allegations, in- sisting he was never offered money, let alone received it. However, others within the party fear that any attempt to prevent Delia from contesting the leadership race would anger his supporters and create further division within the party. Comodoni Cachia to contest PN leadership election Could Therese Comodini Cachia beat Adrian Delia?