
Search for missing teenage boy Luca Bennett last seen in waters at North Avoca Beach in NSWTweet Facebook Mail Two Australian teenagers and a British woman died from suspected methanol poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos. An American man and two Danes also died, though their exact causes of death have not been released. A New Zealander also has been sickened. The US State Department issued a warning to travellers to be "alert to the potential risk of methanol poisoning." But what is methanol, and how do you avoid it? READ MORE: Major heatwave to sweep millions this week Methanol can be deadly even in small doses. (Getty) What is methanol? There are three main types of alcohol: ethanol, methanol and isopropyl. Ethanol is what is found in consumer spirits and is the only one intended for consumption. Isopropanol is the main ingredient in rubbing alcohol and hand sanitisers. Methanol, commonly called wood alcohol because it is the byproduct of wood distillation, is frequently used as fuel and in products such as antifreeze and solvents. Holly Bowles (right) and her best friend Bianca Jones (left), aged 19, died in Thailand after drinking tainted alcohol. (Supplied) What happens if you consume methanol? According to the Methanol Institute, the global trade association for the industry, drinking just 25 to 90 millilitres of methanol can be fatal without proper medical treatment, but can be successfully treated if caught early. Methanol poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness and decreased consciousness including coma, seizure, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and multiple other symptoms, according to the US Centres for Disease Control. READ MORE: Police gun stolen during break-in in Queensland Six deaths have been linked to suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, Laos. (CNN) The CDC recommends seeking medical attention immediately if methanol poisoning is suspected. "Individuals vary in their response to methanol," said toxicologist Alastair Hay from Britain's University of Leeds. "Some will be able to tolerate more than others because we all have variability in the capacity of our enzymes to detox. But small quantities ... might be fatal for individuals; others may survive slightly more." Why would it be in drinks if it's not meant for consumption? Methanol is sometimes added deliberately by unscrupulous bars to mixed drinks to give them more "kick" and to save money on using higher-priced ethanol-based spirits such as vodka or rum. This practice is not specific to Laos or south-east Asia, but occurs wherever taxes on legitimate alcohol or the cost of legitimate alcohol is perceived as being too high, according to the Methanol Institute. Methanol is also a normal product of the distillation process that produces ethanol, and in home-brew distilleries without strict controls — often found in poorer countries — it can end up in the mix. Methanol spiking has come into the spotlight following the deaths of several tourists in Laos. (AP) Gang grabs $200 million worth of diamonds in just a few minutes View Gallery How do you avoid methanol poisoning? The answer is easy: don't drink it. But it's colourless, odourless and tasteless, so that can be something of a challenge. In guidance issued after the Laos poisonings, Britain's Foreign Office recommends only purchasing alcoholic beverages from licensed liquor stores, buying drinks only from licensed bars and hotels, always checking if bottle seals are intact, and checking labels for poor print quality or incorrect spellings. The Methanol Institute notes that beverages such as canned beer, cider, wine, pre-mix, and duty-free products tend to be safer and less easy to adulterate. It also urges people to be wary of homemade brews, and free drinks or drinks priced far below normal. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .Flying taxi maker Lillium lays off 1,000 workers and ceases operations
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Nigeria hosts the , with 3,360. This rapid growth makes the country a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent. This growth comes from factors like a growing population and increasing internet access. However, top venture capital firms' access to funding and investment opportunities significantly drives this success. In 2024, , accounting for nearly 13% of all funding raised by African startups. Also, after securing $110 million in a funding round. Nigeria ranks as one of the top investment destinations in Africa, attracting venture capital firms eager to support its startup ecosystem. These firms offer the funding and mentorship needed to scale your business. I’ll walk you through Nigeria's top venture capital firms in this article. You’ll discover their investment focus, the sectors they support, their key portfolios, and how to find the right venture capital firm for your startup. What are venture capital firms? Venture capital (VC) firms focus on funding startups and businesses with high growth potential. VC funding usually involves exchanging equity or partial ownership. It is often targeted at early-stage startups with innovative ideas. However, even established companies may seek funding at later stages depending on their needs and goals. Startups typically seek funding when they lack the resources to grow independently, need capital to launch a new business, or aim to expand or introduce new technologies. VC firms support tech-driven solutions, such as fintech innovations, agriculture, eCommerce, entertainment, climate, and education, by providing capital, mentorship, and access to valuable networks. Written by seasoned experts, who have over 16 years of experience in Free Zones development. . Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Nigeria’s startup ecosystem is thriving. The top cities in the country with the most vibrant ecosystems include Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Port Harcourt. . Top venture capital firms in Nigeria 1. Future Africa , founded by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, focuses on funding early-stage startups serving the African market. The firm offers founders and startups the funding, mentorship, and support they need to grow their solutions and serve their audience. Future Africa prioritizes key sectors like fintech, healthcare, education, and agriculture. 2. EchoVC Partners is a venture capital firm that funds tech-driven, early-stage startups. Their investment focuses include e-commerce, fintech, health, media, and entertainment. 3. GreenHouse Capital invests in tech companies with innovative ideas and solutions, helping founders to achieve a competitive edge. The firm also founded Venture Garden Group (VGG). Key investment areas include fintech, health, blockchain, and payments. 4. Ventures Platform is a VC firm that invests in African startups solving problems related to non-consumption, democratizing wealth, and addressing infrastructure gaps. Ventures Platform focuses on financial services, health, fintech, and the Internet, investing across seed, pre-seed, and funding rounds. 4. Microtraction funds early-stage tech startups that build globally relevant, high-growth technology businesses operating in billion-dollar markets. Their investment focus includes financial services, fintech, and software, offering pre-seed, seed, and angel funding. 5. TLcom Capital is an Africa-focused tech venture capital firm with offices in Lagos, Nairobi, and London. Their investment focus includes data services, financial services, eCommerce, health, education, energy, media, and entertainment. TLcom actively invests through its TIDE Africa Fund, targeting early- to growth-stage companies. 6. Ingressive Capital invests in early-stage startups, focusing on founders building high-growth tech companies. The firm aims to partner with entrepreneurs and provide them with the necessary resources to turn their ideas into successful businesses. Its key investment sectors include logistics and fintech. 7. Launch Africa provides funding for seed and pre-Series A startups. The firm backs startups across multiple sectors, including AI, agritech, fintech, and eCommerce. Consonance Investment managers is an early-stage and growth-stage investment firm that provides funding to founders building innovative companies across Africa. Their investment focus includes startups in financial services, insurance, food distribution, and education. 8. Chrysalis Capital focuses on early-stage technology companies in emerging markets. It has backed startups in sectors such as health and fintech. Additionally, other top venture capital firms in Nigeria include: What makes a good venture capital firm for startups? There are key factors to consider when choosing a venture capital firm for your startup; they include: Industry or sector Don’t just apply to or contact any VC firm. Instead, contact those that focus on your sector. This ensures that the firm understands your market, product, and audience. A VC firm with a different focus from yours can create conflicts of ideas and lead to misalignment. Contacting a VC firm that doesn't focus on your industry may lead to application rejection. Location Some firms only invest locally, in a particular country, while others are open to investing across a broader region, such as Africa. Despite aligning with your industry, they may be funding startups outside your geographic location or target audience. Track record, portfolio, and reputation Analyze the firm’s track record by looking at the projects they’ve partnered with previously and their success stories. Media coverage often highlights the funding and backing of companies, and if your startup is backed by a firm with a negative reputation, it could impact your business negatively. A firm with a strong track record and reputation can attract influential partners, talent, and additional funding. Value-added services and resources Look for VCs offering value-added services beyond money, such as mentorship, advice, connections, exposure, or market access. This means you can leverage the firm’s experience to grow your company and better use the funding you receive. Terms and conditions Thoroughly review the offer's terms and conditions. Have a professional review them before you agree to anything. Being in a cash-tight situation can cause you to overlook terms that could be detrimental to your startup’s growth, autonomy, or control. Consider the terms' flexibility and transparency, and get clear guidelines in advance so you have a point of comparison. Exit strategy Make sure their exit strategy aligns with your company’s long-term goals. Additionally, evaluate the firm’s culture and style to ensure they match your values. How to apply to a VC firm for your startup Understand your startup’s stage and sector You need to identify the stage and sector your startup belongs to since different VC firms focus on various areas. Some specialize in seed or early-stage funding, while others target growth or late-stage rounds. Most importantly, determine whether VC funding is the best option for your startup or if alternatives like grants or angel investors would be a better fit. Research and make a list Research and create a list of VC firms that meet your startup's investment criteria. Evaluate your options Evaluate each firm's suitability for your startup and the value it can bring beyond funding. Consider factors such as their expertise, track record, and network to determine if they are the right fit. Conduct due diligence Conduct due diligence on each VC firm. Find out which fund the investment will come from and the current status of that fund. Investigate how investment decisions are made and connect with founders or startups the firm has previously backed to ask questions. Once you've identified firms that align with your goals, move on to the next step. Reach out and pitch Decide how you’ll reach out to the VC firms. Some founders prefer warm introductions by building relationships first or leveraging someone connected to the firm. Others choose to send cold emails or apply directly if the firm has an open application process. Prepare a compelling pitch and other required materials to make a strong impression. Be ready to address any questions or objections the VCs may have. Negotiate and close the deal It's time to negotiate and close the deal after selecting the right VC firm and going through their evaluation or interview stages. Work closely with your lawyer to carefully review and negotiate the terms of the investment to ensure they align with your startup's goals and expectations. Key finalizing points include valuation, equity stake, exit strategy, and how the funding will be received. Once the agreement is signed, the deal is officially closed, and you’ll receive the funding. Challenges Nigerian startups face in securing venture capital Despite recent growth, 51% of startups in Nigeria still struggle to secure funding. Many startups also rely on angel investors, debt financing, and grants to stay afloat. However, in 2022, , and some states have started domesticating it. This Act aims to create an environment where you can attract investments, enjoy tax breaks, and benefit from streamlined regulations. FAQs on venture capital firms in Nigeria How does venture capital work? Venture capital works when investors, known as venture capitalists, provide funding to early or growth-stage startups in exchange for equity or ownership stakes. You pitch your business idea to VCs, who evaluate it. If they’re interested and both parties agree on terms, they fund your business, often in multiple rounds, as your company progresses through different growth stages. What are the benefits and challenges of getting venture capital funds? Venture capital offers you several benefits, including access to funding, expertise, and mentorship. However, the process is competitive and can take time. You’ll have to give up a portion of ownership and control. There are also high expectations for growth and returns, which can create significant pressure. Is venture capital right for my company? To decide, evaluate your company’s growth stage, industry, and objectives. Venture capital is ideal for high-growth startups with innovative products or services targeting large markets. If your startup cannot deliver on the terms of the fund, you may consider other alternatives. What is the role of venture capital firms in Nigeria? These firms provide funding to startups when they lack the cash to build, grow, and scale. They also offer mentorship and networking opportunities to help them succeed. How do VC firms choose which startups to invest in? VC firms have criteria such as industry focus and geography. They look at your market potential, innovative solutions, team expertise, and scalability before deciding to invest. What industries attract the most VC funding in Nigeria? Typically, high-growth potential industries. Fintech, healthtech, agritech, e-commerce, and climate tech, among others, attract significant VC funding in Nigeria. How can I secure funding from VC firms? To secure funding, you need an innovative solution, strong market potential, and a compelling pitch that convinces VC firms to invest in your startup. Conclusion Venture capital plays an important role in driving innovation in Nigeria by providing startups with the funding they need. Across various industries, it has fueled the growth of startups and helped them thrive.NCHR takes notice of torture of Hindu businessman Human Rights Commission of Pakistan officials sit during a one-day ‘Round-table meeting on the need for a National Commission for Minorities on January 11, 2024. — Facebook@HumanRightsCommissionofPakistan LAHORE: The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has taken suo motu notice of the alleged torture of a Hindu businessman, Rajesh Kumar, after a video of the incident surfaced on social media on December 28, 2024. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); Terming the incident a grave violation of human rights, the NCHR has intervened to ensure justice. In an official notice addressed to the IGP, Punjab, NCHR Punjab Member/Commissioner Nadeem Ashraf emphasised the commission’s mandate under the National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012, to address all forms of human rights violations. The NCHR has called for immediate action to secure the swift recovery of the abducted businessman. The commission has directed the Punjab IGP to submit a detailed report within three days, outlining the measures taken to recover Kumar and prosecute those responsible. The letter, issued by Commissioner Nadeem Ashraf, cautioned that failure to act promptly may compel the commission to escalate the matter to higher authorities. Commissioner Nadeem Ashraf reaffirmed the NCHR’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, particularly those from vulnerable communities, and stressed the urgency of addressing such violations to uphold justice.e are on the eve of the Thanksgiving weekend celebrations and the fever of Black Friday sales, when hordes of shoppers will flock to the various stores to do their Christmas shopping or simply take advantage of the best deals of the year. But part of the strategy is to arrive in the early hours of Friday morning at the various stores to find the products they are looking for in stock. Therefore, several days in advance, their full service hours for , as traditionally, Thursday is a holiday when very few establishments offer service. Here is a list of some of the major retailers and their hours for this Friday, as well as the release of deals for online sales in the 2024 season:
Ian Schieffelin came within two assists of a triple-double and Clemson handed Penn State its first loss with a 75-67 decision for the championship of the Sunshine Slam tournament Tuesday in Daytona Beach, Fla. Schieffelin finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for the Tigers (6-1), leading four players in double figures. Chase Hunter added 17 points, while Chauncey Wiggins scored 14 and reserve Del Jones chipped in 10 points. Clemson sank 9 of 19 3-pointers, converted 16 of 20 free throws and was able to limit the impact of the Nittany Lions' full-court pressure. The Tigers committed just 13 turnovers, helping them hold Penn State (6-1) to less than 85 points for the first time this year. Ace Baldwin starred in defeat with game highs of 20 points and 11 assists, while center Yanic Konan Niederhauser added 14 points. Nick Kern came off the bench to score 11 but Penn State was outscored 15-2 on the fast break and made just 4 of 18 attempts from 3-point range. Schieffelin came up big down the stretch, assisting on a 3-pointer by Jaeden Zackery with 6:04 left that made it 65-61. Then he made two foul shots and tossed in a jump hook from the lane to up the margin to 71-66 with 1:03 left. The big storyline going into this game was which team would be able to control the pace. Penn State came in averaging 96 ppg, while Clemson demonstrated its ability to enforce a slower tempo in March, advancing to a regional final in the NCAA Tournament. In the first 10 minutes of the game, the Tigers made the Nittany Lions play at a crawl, opening up a 17-10 advantage when Schieffelin converted a short hook in the lane. But Penn State answered with an 18-4 run over nearly six minutes, establishing a 28-21 lead when Kern shook free for a layup. Clemson rallied with nine straight points but the Nittany Lions had the last say as Baldwin converted a layup with 24 seconds left, cutting the Tigers' edge to 38-36 at halftime. --Field Level Media
No. 9 Alabama outlasts No. 6 Houston 85-80 in overtime at Players Era FestivalLabor has unveiled its proposed social media ban for under-16s. Here's what we know – and what we don't