KKCG Group

🤖 As Artificial Intelligence continues to evolve, becoming a pillar of innovation and transformation across industries, it is redefining what is possible and driving change through autonomous systems, sustainable technologies, and immersive experiences. A recent article by Avenga and Qinshift, with our Technology pillar, highlights the key AI trends shaping the future, including the rise of AI agents capable of independently executing tasks, advances in energy-efficient computing for a greener future, and the transformative potential of spatial computing in fields such as healthcare, gaming, and education. These developments demonstrate how AI is no longer just a supporting tool but a driving force for innovation.

🔋 MND, a key player in KKCG's energy portfolio, is set to make a significant advance in sustainable energy solutions with the construction of a 12 MW battery storage facility in Břeclav, boasting a capacity exceeding 30 MWh. This initiative represents MND's strategic entry into the rapidly evolving battery storage sector, which is pivotal for enhancing grid stability and integrating renewable energy sources. The Břeclav project is the first of several planned investments in battery storage, with additional projects underway both within the Czech Republic and internationally, including in Germany. These developments align with MND's commitment to innovation and its role as a leader in the energy transition within Central Europe.  💡 The facility is scheduled to commence operations in early 2026, reinforcing MND's dedication to adopting modern technologies that contribute to a sustainable energy future.

📈 Allwyn, part of our Entertainment pillar, is growing fast and has plenty more opportunities to expand. Investments in innovation and digital transformation have helped grow the player base for the Illinois State Lottery to two-thirds of the adult population, and online revenues from $40 million to nearly $700 million annually. As Wayne Pickup, CEO of Allwyn North America, explains in an interview for the Czech newspaper, Hospodářské noviny he expects these bold strategies to drive significant growth: "We aim to double our revenue in the U.S. over the next few years. The opportunity will undoubtedly be in the area of technology and game provision, as more and more states are working to implement online lottery options and enhance the player experience online."

🎶 The Pianos for Schools initiative has been instrumental in helping numerous elementary schools acquire new instruments, bringing joy and inspiration to students and teachers alike. In its third year, it has already raised nearly eight million Czech crowns, thanks to the donors and partners of the Karel Komárek Family Foundation. Thank you to everyone who has supported this meaningful project!

SAZKA a.s., part of our Entertainment pillar, has long supported the Czech Tour. Robert Kolář, President of Czech Tour and a member of KKCG's Supervisory Board, recently shared his inspiring vision for the future of Czech cycling in an interview with Jan Prokeš for Hospodářské noviny. 🚴 Under his leadership, Czech Tour has grown significantly, attracting world-class talent such as Chris Froome and Julian Alaphilippe. Kolář expressed ambitions to attract more elite teams, enter the prestigious Pro Tour category, and potentially host a Tour de France stage in the Czech Republic by 2029. All this, alongside youth programmes to develop a sustainable future for Czech cycling. Kolář stressed the need for government support and private sector partnerships to realize this vision, positioning the Czech Republic as a top-tier destination for global cycling events. 

Our Head of Group ESG, Zuzana Filipova, participated in a panel discussion on sustainability priorities and the impact of current geopolitical changes. The event, organized by Týdeník Euro as part of the [ta] Udržitelnost project, brought together industry leaders to discuss the future of sustainability in Europe. 🗫 The panel featured notable speakers, including Soňa Klepek Jonášová, Founder of the Institute of Circular Economy (INCIEN | Institut Cirkulární Ekonomiky), and Roman Grametbauer, Sustainability Manager at Philip Morris. The discussion addressed the effects of legislative and reporting obligations on businesses, with participants sharing opportunities, challenges and practical examples for integrating sustainability into company operations. The event also included insights from the Czech Minister of Industry and Trade (Ministerstvo průmyslu a obchodu České republiky), Lukáš Vlček and Josef Schwarz, Economic Advisor at the Representation of the European Commission in the Czech Republic, highlighting the importance of aligning business practices with evolving sustainability standards. 

🔎 Jiri Jecmen, CEO of MND Group and Robert Chvatal, CEO of Allwyn, shared their perspectives on the year ahead in the articles for Czech online news site, Seznam Zprávy, a.s..   From a defined growth strategy to tracking consumer demand, KKCG's commitment to resilience and adaptability across our technology, energy, real estate and entertainment pillars remains unwavering and will guide our businesses through the year ahead, however complex and fast evolving.

🛡️ Penetration testing by Aricoma, part of KKCG’s technology pillar, consistently uncovers thousands of vulnerabilities in organizational systems. A significant portion of these findings are critical or high-severity issues, posing immediate risks to data, operations, and reputations. Cyberattacks are no longer limited to large corporations. Increasingly, small and medium-sized enterprises are becoming the targets of sophisticated, targeted attacks. These businesses, often the backbone of the economy, face significant challenges in securing their digital perimeters against advanced threats, including those leveraging AI technologies. Aricoma provides advanced cybersecurity solutions, including penetration testing and Red Teaming operations. By simulating real-world scenarios, the vulnerabilities across systems, networks, and human interactions are identified and addressed.  The goal is to ensure businesses are prepared to withstand even the most complex threats, securing their assets and maintaining resilience in today’s digital landscape. Learn more about recent Aricoma risk analysis, and how it protects businesses and enhances #cybersecurity at: https://lnkd.in/em7xZbsP 

Congratulations to the entire team at ThreatMark, a leading behavior-based fraud prevention specialist, for successfully closing a $23 million investment round. Springtide Ventures s.r.o., a KKCG investment vehicle, has supported ThreatMark since an initial investment in 2017 through to this latest funding round, which was led by Octopus Ventures from London and the U.S.-based Riverside Acceleration Capital. 🤝 ThreatMark safeguards financial institutions against sophisticated online fraud schemes by harnessing advanced AI-driven technologies, helping them to combat some of the most complex digital threats. As online banking fraud has continued to surge, ThreatMark has grown its Annual Recurring Revenue by 75%, serving clients across Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia. The new funding, ThreatMark will accelerate its market expansion, enhance research and development, and grow its team with specialists in large-scale data processing and high-performance computing.

⚡ In our energy pillar, MND is integrating AI into its operations, revolutionizing workflows, enhancing efficiency, improving customer interactions, and refining decision-making processes.  At KKCG, we are committed to driving #innovation across all sectors by fostering collaboration and leveraging collective expertise. By connecting teams and sharing best practices, we fully unlock the potential of cutting-edge technologies. 💡 From advancing energy strategies, informing sustainable solutions, to optimizing trading operations, discover how these AI-driven innovations are already delivering tangible results for MND.