The Withanage family office, led by Rahula Withanage, is investing $40 million into new FinTech platforms focused on the tokenisation of real world assets. The first platforms will focus on unlocking the intrinsic value of cultural and environmental assets, enabling a means for long term conservation. The announcement comes in advance of a $500 million investment vehicle, led by the Withanage family office, into new platforms which are due to be announced in 2025.

Rayo Withanage

Tokenisation has vastly increased the possibilities for ownership and investment beyond traditional models. The ability to tokenise real world assets enables easier entry into the market for owners, increased liquidity, fractional ownership, and greater transparency. Real world assets with the potential to harness the immense benefits of tokenisation include real estate, art, intellectual property, and commodities. The new Withanage-led platforms hope to capitalise on these advantages to unlock powerful stores of value held in illiquid real world assets, and to secure the preservation of cultural and environmental assets.

The Withanage-backed FinTech platforms will be able to draw from the family office’s considerable experience in finance. The Withanage family office is the group behind the founding of BMB Group in the early 2000s, and Scepter Partners in 2014. Both became highly successful investment platforms, trusted by sovereign investors across the Middle East and Asia. The BMB Group became one of the leading asset management vehicles to unify some of the largest family offices from the Middle East & Asia, across diversified holdings. Scepter Partners is a principal investment firm and capital syndicate of sovereign investors, headquartered in Bermuda. The family office is led by Rahula Withanage, an accomplished financier with over 20 years of experience leading a multi-family office. Rahula Withanage led the acquisition of EMP Global, which was one of the leading players in emerging markets private equity. The Withanage family office is currently focused on impact media and technology businesses, starting with artificial intelligence, gamification, and tokenisation.

Rahula Withanage’s son, Rayo Withanage, is a well-known entrepreneur and financier. He recently began a sabbatical from finance, and is currently working solely in the non-profit sector, as Program Coordinator for the Withanage Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Withanage family office. Trained as an M&A lawyer in New Zealand, Rayo Withanage was the co-founder of the BMB Group and Scepter Partners, and in 2017, he purchased the famed Château de Vie estate, Pablo Picasso’s final home in the South of France. Château de Vie is one of the most important art production estates in the world, where Picasso produced artworks worth over $4 billion. The house has an iconic history in the arts and culture, hosting notable 20th century greats such as Winston Churchill, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Henri Matisse, Man Ray, Salvador Dali, Charlie Chaplin, Édith Piaf and the Rolling Stones. The estate has since been transferred to a new investment consortium.

Rahula Withanage, head of the Withanage family office

As London grapples with the complexities of fostering entrepreneurship in an era of economic uncertainty, the unassuming city of Fort Myers, Florida, offers a surprising blueprint for cultivating a thriving start-up ecosystem. Through a unique combination of affordable living, targeted investments, and community-driven initiatives, Fort Myers has emerged as a dark horse in the race for innovation—a city whose approach even the UK capital might learn from.

A Fertile Ground for Entrepreneurship

Fort Myers, once known primarily as a haven for retirees and a tourist destination, is witnessing a quiet transformation into a burgeoning hub for start-ups. The city’s charm lies in its affordability and quality of life—two factors often overlooked in discussions about fostering innovation. While the average office rent in London’s prime areas hovers around £800 per square meter annually, Fort Myers offers coworking spaces for a fraction of the cost, enabling nascent businesses to channel resources into growth rather than overheads.

This affordability extends to housing, with the median home price in Fort Myers standing at approximately $400,000 (£316,000), significantly lower than London’s staggering £600,000. For entrepreneurs in the UK capital grappling with the weight of exorbitant rents and living costs, the contrast is stark. Lower personal expenses in Fort Myers mean entrepreneurs face reduced financial risk when launching ventures, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic start-up ecosystem.

The Economics of Collaboration

The Fort Myers start-up scene has leveraged the power of collaboration, with initiatives like Collaboratory, a nonprofit community foundation that doubles as an incubator for budding enterprises. By pooling resources and expertise, Collaboratory supports a wide array of ventures, from tech-based start-ups to social enterprises tackling local challenges.

London, by contrast, often relies on competitive grant funding and individual mentorship programs that cater predominantly to high-growth, high-reward sectors like fintech and artificial intelligence. While these efforts yield significant returns, they can inadvertently marginalize smaller, community-focused ventures that form the backbone of Fort Myers’ entrepreneurial surge.

Fort Myers’ incubators also benefit from regional universities such as Florida Gulf Coast University, which has tailored programs to integrate students and researchers into the local business fabric. This symbiosis strengthens the ecosystem and creates a steady pipeline of talent—a strategy that London’s sprawling academic institutions could emulate by fostering tighter connections with local businesses.

Start-Up Success Stories

Despite its modest size, Fort Myers boasts a growing roster of success stories. Tacos & Tequila Cantina, a locally founded restaurant chain, has expanded rapidly across Florida, demonstrating the scalability of businesses that start small but think big. Similarly, eSimpleIT, a cybersecurity start-up, has garnered attention for its innovative approach to protecting small businesses—a niche often overlooked by larger players.

What these ventures share is an acute awareness of their local market, coupled with the ambition to scale beyond it. In contrast, London’s entrepreneurs often face the double-edged sword of immediate global exposure. While this accelerates growth, it can dilute focus and strain resources, particularly for smaller enterprises that lack robust financial backing.

Learning from Fort Myers

The economic dynamism of Fort Myers rests on principles that London, despite its global stature, could adapt to its own start-up ecosystem. First, affordability matters. The UK government could incentivize innovation hubs outside the M25 corridor, offering financial relief to start-ups willing to operate in less saturated markets. Fort Myers demonstrates that innovation need not be confined to mega-cities; indeed, decentralization can spur regional economic growth while reducing pressure on urban infrastructure.

Second, fostering community is as critical as funding. Fort Myers has succeeded in creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that prioritizes collaboration over competition. By investing in shared spaces, networking events, and community-driven mentorship, the city has created an environment where start-ups can flourish organically. London, despite its vast resources, often struggles to replicate this grassroots approach.

Finally, the integration of education with entrepreneurship in Fort Myers serves as a model for bridging the gap between theory and practice. London’s universities, while world-class, often operate in silos. A more integrated approach could yield significant benefits for both students and the start-up ecosystem.

Conclusion: Big Lessons from a Small City

Fort Myers, with its palm-lined streets and unassuming skyline, is hardly the first place that comes to mind when discussing innovation. Yet its rise as a start-up hub underscores the importance of looking beyond the obvious. In a world where economic challenges are forcing cities to rethink their strategies for growth, the lessons from Fort Myers are clear: affordability, community, and education are as vital as capital and infrastructure.

For London—a city grappling with post-Brexit uncertainty, a housing crisis, and the pressures of global competition—the time has come to consider how lessons from smaller, more agile cities might shape its future. Fort Myers proves that size is no barrier to innovation; indeed, it may be the very key to unlocking it.

Why Should Businesses Outsource IT Support?

Technology has become the backbone of modern businesses, making efficient IT services a necessity. Outsourced IT support presents a tempting answer for businesses trying to remain competitive. London outsourced IT support has become a game-changer in busy hubs like London, where companies deal with high operational costs, since it offers expertise without significant investments.

Working with reliable companies like Sereno IT guarantees companies may concentrate on expansion while their technical requirements are competently handled. But specifically, why should businesses adopt this strategy? Let’s investigate its advantages further.

Enhanced Cost Efficiency

Outsourcing IT support eliminates the need to maintain a full-time, in-house IT team. Companies still get professional services while avoiding overhead expenses, including staff, training, and infrastructure.

Choosing outsourced IT allows companies to save up to 30% yearly, money that can be reinvested in other important areas.

Access to Expertise

Maintaining the fast-changing tech scene is no minor challenge. From cybersecurity to cloud solutions, outsourced IT companies staff experts in several fields. This guarantees that your business gains from innovative ideas and technologies without paying several consultants.

Benefits of Employing Experts

Quick issue resolution helps to minimize downtime by fast addressing issues.

Customized Solutions: Services are appropriate for your particular corporate requirements.

Continuous Training: Providers make sure their staff remain current with the most recent technology developments.

Scalability and Adaptability

Business needs for IT change with their size. Scalable solutions that fit changing needs come from outsourced IT support. Whether your business has seasonal fluctuations or fast growth, outside vendors can fast change resources to maintain seamless operations.

For example, an outsourced team can ramp up support during moments of high demand—holiday sales or new introductions—without burdening internal staff. This adaptability guarantees flawless running throughout the year.

Greater Compliance and Security

Rising data breaches and cyberattacks expose major hazards to companies. Outsourced IT companies offer strong security measures with reference to:

24-hour monitoring: proactive system surveillance.

Enhanced Encryption: Protecting private information.

Following rules like GDPR or HIPAA helps one to develop compliance expertise.

Furthermore, IT support companies provide customized security solutions that help lower vulnerabilities and guarantee adherence to local and international standards.

Pay close attention to core activities in business.

Technical problems can cause one to focus less on strategic aims. By outsourcing IT, staff members free themselves to concentrate on their main responsibilities while professionals manage technical issues.

For example, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in London often partner with London outsourced IT support services to free up internal resources. Working together, they may focus on client happiness, innovation, and development.

Around-the-Clock Support

Many outsourced IT companies guarantee continuous service by providing round-the-clock support. Whether it’s a software bug during busy hours or a server outage at midnight, companies know they will be resolved quickly.

This ongoing support reduces downtime, which can otherwise cause financial losses and reputation damage to a business.

Affordable Access to Advanced Technology

For many businesses, buying and keeping modern equipment can be shockingly costly. Outsourced suppliers provide access to:

Solutions based on clouds: improving data storage and teamwork.

Automation Tools: Streamlining repetitive tasks.

Advanced analytics provide insightful information to support decisions.

Using these tools helps companies keep ahead of rivals without going broke.

How to Choose the Right IT Support Partner?

Selecting the ideal outsourcing partner requires careful consideration. Try to answer these questions:

• Does the provider have experience in your industry?
• Are their services scalable to match future growth?
• Do they present unambiguous pricing policies free of hidden costs?
• How strong is their reputation for customer support?

What is the primary benefit of outsourcing IT support?

It provides reasonably priced access to cutting-edge technology, specialized expertise, and round-the-clock service.

Can small businesses benefit from outsourced IT support?

Certainly! Small businesses can compete with bigger companies by acquiring resources that might otherwise be out of reach.

How can outsourcing enhance cybersecurity?

Outsourced companies constantly monitor systems to stop breaches and apply first-rate security measures.

Final Thoughts

For companies trying to survive in the digital era of today, outsourced IT support is no longer a luxury but a need. From savings to improved security, it offers a number of advantages that let businesses concentrate on what they do best—delivering value to their customers.

Expanding your business is an exciting milestone, reflecting your hard work and vision. However, growth comes with challenges that, if unaddressed, can disrupt operations and harm your brand. By planning carefully and embracing a strategic approach, you can expand successfully while avoiding the common pitfalls of scaling up.

Lay a Strong Operational Foundation

Before expanding, take the time to assess your current operations. Inefficiencies that seem minor now can grow into significant bottlenecks as your business scales. Review workflows, identify gaps, and invest in systems that streamline processes. Automation tools, cloud-based software, or even outsourcing specific tasks can free up your time and resources for core growth activities.

One common issue during expansion is managing space. Whether it’s inventory, equipment, or additional office supplies, increased storage needs can strain your existing setup. A flexible option like Stashbee self storage Leicester allows you to secure additional space without committing to long-term leases, keeping costs manageable during transitions.

Support and Develop Your Team

Your team is your most valuable asset during expansion. Rapid growth can place immense pressure on employees, leading to burnout or high turnover if not managed carefully. Start by clearly communicating your growth plans and setting realistic expectations. This helps employees feel included and valued during the process.

Invest in training programmes to upskill your existing staff so they can handle new responsibilities effectively. Strategic hiring is also crucial—focus on bringing in talent that complements your team and fills skill gaps. Building a strong, adaptable workforce ensures your business can handle the demands of growth without sacrificing productivity or morale.

Maintain Focus on Your Customers

As your business grows, don’t lose sight of your customers. Expansion often leads to a more diverse customer base, which may bring new expectations and demands. Regularly gather feedback through surveys, reviews, and social media to understand their needs. Adjust your products or services accordingly to remain relevant and competitive.

Consistency is critical during this phase. Your brand identity and customer experience must remain strong across all touchpoints, whether you’re serving long-time customers or new ones. Maintaining high standards helps preserve trust and ensures loyalty even as you scale.

Keep Finances Under Control

Growth often requires significant investment, whether in infrastructure, staff, or marketing. Without careful financial planning, you could overextend your budget and jeopardise your success. Conduct regular cash flow reviews to monitor spending and identify areas where you can save. Detailed financial forecasting helps you allocate resources wisely and prepare for unexpected expenses.

It’s also essential to maintain a financial buffer. This safety net can help you address unforeseen challenges, such as market fluctuations or operational delays, without derailing your expansion efforts.

Refine Your Strategy Continuously

Business expansion isn’t a one-time effort—it requires ongoing adjustments and monitoring. Set measurable goals for each stage of growth and track your progress. If something isn’t working, don’t hesitate to pivot or refine your approach. Flexibility and adaptability are vital for navigating the complexities of scaling.

Turning Growth into Lasting Success

Scaling your business is a rewarding journey when approached with intention and care. By strengthening operations, empowering your team, and staying customer-focused, you can achieve sustainable growth. Each step of the process offers an opportunity to refine your business and lay the groundwork for long-term success. With the right strategies in place, growth doesn’t have to mean growing pains—it can simply mean progress.