Daily Briefing: Customers warned against making payments to Global ATC; Vulpes rolls out COVID-19 fund

And AnyMind launches a programme to help influencers kickstart their brand.

From Channel News Asia:

The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) advised people against making payments to Global ATC Holding, which claims to be acting for Asian Travel Club (ATC).

CASE received 69 complaints between 1 November 2019 and 31 May 2020 from customers claiming that Global ATC has been demanding payments for outstanding timeshare membership fees or maintenance fees allegedly owed to ATC. The payment amount on the invoices range from $320 to $23,800.

“In most cases, the consumers received demand for payment despite having formally terminated their memberships,” said CASE

Some customers have also complained that they were not informed by ATC or Global ATC on how to use their timeshare agreements and had failed to receive any services or money under such agreements.

Read more here. 

From DealStreetAsia:

Singapore-based fund manager Vulpes Investment Management is launching an undisclosed special opportunities venture fund aimed at investing in companies affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The firm has roped two senior executives to join its investment team: Jani Rautiainen, co-founder of PropertyGuru, and Hugh Bickerstaff, former chief investment officer at Australian early-stage VC firm Investible.

Rautiainen will join Vulpes as a venture partner, whilst Bickerstaff will join as an investment committee member and advisor.

The special opportunities fund will seek to make at least 10 investments in the next 12 months and has begun meeting founders. Vulpes added that it intends to co-invest with other venture investors looking for additional funding to support existing portfolio companies.

Read more here. 

From e27:

Singaporean technology solutions company AnyMind Group has launched a new initiative where it will cover startup costs for social media influencers to help them create their own branded merchandise, according to a press statement.

However, not all influencers who sign up for the initiative will be picked. The company will screen influencers based on their brand potential and audience value in return for some revenue.

On selection, AnyMind will cover costs involved in the process of ideation, planning, sourcing and procurement of suppliers through AnyFactory, along with the production of samples and the setting up of e-commerce capabilities.

Kosuke Sogo, co-founder of AnyMind Group, said, “The ways in which individuals and businesses can express themselves and their originality is evolving. With AnyMindD2C, we’re looking to become a growth partner for influencers across Asia and make it easier for anyone to create their brand and products.”

Read more here.