Energy Elephant

Energy Elephant is an Irish start-up dedicated to combatting the effects of climate change and adhering to sustainable practices through its energy management solutions.  They offer an all-in-one energy and sustainability management platform that helps organizations around the world to improve sustainability, reduce costs, and save time. By helping businesses to monitor and reduce their energy consumption, they are helping to lower carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change.

Energy Elephant is also committed to operating as a sustainable company. They have implemented sustainable practices in their office, such as recycling and reducing energy usage, and have offset their carbon emissions through the purchase of carbon credits. In 2022 they won a 2nd place award for Finnovating Most Sustainable Startup.

PURE Clothing

Based in the West of Ireland, PURE Clothing is another Irish start-up dedicated to combating the effects of climate change through its promotion of sustainable and ethical practices within the fashion industry. Fast fashion poses a major threat to the environment and refers to the rapid production and consumption of inexpensive clothing, which is often quickly discarded and replaced. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the negative impacts of fast fashion, and consumers are increasingly seeking out sustainable and ethical clothing options.

PURE Clothing has a strong commitment to reducing its environmental impact, ensuring its clothing is produced in a responsible and sustainable manner. Using only eco-friendly materials and organic cotton within their production processes, their products are made to last. PURE Clothing’s efforts in sustainability saw them awarded the best project in Natural Environment at the Business Spirit Awards in 2020, which focuses on responsible innovation.

Native Events

Native Events is an Irish startup, which was established in 2017 in response to the lack of sustainable solutions available in the events and cultural sector in Ireland. The company is committed to combating the effects of climate change and adhering to sustainable practices by working with an expanding community of partners, including events, festivals, and cultural organizations, to ensure a systems-wide transition to sustainability and regeneration. 

Native Events believes that transitioning the sector to a more sustainable and circular model is the pathway towards a more balanced way of being, thriving inside planetary boundaries. They offer a range of sustainable solutions, including solar-powered sound systems, small and large-capacity batteries, temporary solar solutions for outdoor events, sustainable and circular signage, reusable cups, and upcycled furniture and decor. Native Events is dedicated to providing sustainable and innovative solutions to power events, productions, and projects while minimizing their environmental impact.

YourRetrofit.ie

YourRetrofit.ie is a new technology start-up headquartered in Dublin, helping reduce the carbon footprint of homes and CO2 emissions by outlining solutions to improve your home’s energy performance. The carbon footprint of housing already represents around 20% of all global CO2 emissions. The residential sector, however, intends to become the most prominent electricity consumer by 2050. With the worsening energy crisis affecting consumers globally, utility bills are expected to soar further in the coming years. 

YourRetrofit.ie is a free-to-use, unbiased, platform which identifies the specific energy deficiencies of your home based on the contents of your BER data. The platform condenses this complex information into simple-to-understand, tailor-made advice regarding the upgrade options suitable for your home and your budget. It presents unbiased options and empowers homeowners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions which best suit their circumstances. As an added bonus, the platform partners with a number of businesses which can support individuals through their retrofit journey, offering valuable savings that can maximise the benefits of the retrofit.

Shieldescrow

Shieldescrow is helping to combat problems of fast fashion, overconsumption, excess waste and increasing GHG emissions by facilitating products in a second life cycle. Founded by Conor Lyden in Cork in 2017, Shieldescrow offers a secure payment gateway for people to buy and sell second-hand items. Through their partnerships with preloved.co.uk in the United Kingdom and Malaysia’s largest classified marketplace, Mudah.my, Shieldescrow is gradually becoming the desired payment solution for pre-owned products. Shieldescrow additionally offers a peer-to-peer payment application, facilitating individuals in private exchanges, making it easy and safe for people to embrace the second-hand reselling market. 

While speaking about his developed product, founder & CEO, Conor Lyden stated that “the current systems in place are linear and based on a throwaway culture, meaning that items are discarded at a rapid rate. Our payment gateway has helped accelerate growth within the classified marketplace space and is helping reshape the industry so that consumer-to-consumer purchases become more accessible to all”.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the negative impacts of fast fashion and overconsumption. Online resale platforms such as Depop and Facebook marketplace are continually rising in popularity, indicating a repositioning in consumer trends to seek alternative sustainable and ethical options. By promoting the use of second-hand products, Shieldescrow is helping to combat the effects of environmental degradation. Using these eco-friendly applications is not a complete solution in the fight towards sustainability. Nonetheless, it’s a step forward in the right direction towards a greener, more circular economy. 

Overall, these Irish start-ups demonstrate how businesses can contribute sustainably to the environment. Through their innovative solutions, they are making a positive impact on the environment and encouraging others to follow suit. Their efforts are an inspiration for businesses worldwide, showing that it is possible to operate sustainably while also being successful. As we continue to face the challenges of climate change, it is crucial that more companies follow in their footsteps and work towards a more sustainable future.

The post 5 Irish Start-ups Committed to Creating a More Sustainable Future! appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.

Rental scams have been occurring for some time now and transpire throughout the year.

However, with the academic year set to commence, students returning to third level education are now desperately seeking accommodation.

Scammers often advertise rentals that do not exist or are not available to trick people into sending money.

While you may be hunting for an affordable, comfortable, well located rental, it might also be essential to ask the question; could this be a scam?

Scammers taking advantage of desperate students

Evidence indicates that targets are usually students under the age of 25. Their state of urgency to secure accommodation makes them particularly vulnerable to rental scammers.

The probability of being scammed is even higher if the student is a foreign national.

These students are more than likely to arrange everything online prior to their arrival. If they are already located within the country of their studies, these students are usually based in temporary accommodation paying high rates.

Desperate to secure a long term solution, they end up playing directly into the hands of the fraudsters.

How to Recognize a Rental Scam.

Landlord is out of the Country

Most commonly scammers will create their own listing using the imagery and property details of another genuine rental. They may alter minor details such as the price and change the contact information to their own.

When contacted about the property they will claim to be out of the country, either on business, holiday, or due to the fact they live abroad.

Therefore they are unable to show you the rental in person and will request you pay a deposit and/or first month’s rent to secure the listing.

Once paid, all contact will cease and the scammer will disappear with your money.

Scammer Rents Accommodation

Another common scenario occurs when the scammer rents a home or apartment for a short period of time. During their stay, they take multiple photos and advertise it for rent, claiming to be the property’s landlord.

They show multiple potential tenants around the property and request an immediate payment. They may even provide a set of fake keys to make the transaction appear authentic.

However, when you arrive to move into your new home, the keys do not work and the scammer has disappeared.

Application & Identity Fraud

A scammer may request you submit an application to showcase your interest in their listed rental.

They may request you to submit a copy of your photo ID and proof of address. In addition to scamming you out of your money, they can then use this information to carry out identity fraud.

This tactic can be used in conjunction with the previous two scams or on its own.

How to Avoid a Rental Scam

It can be very easy to fall victim to a rental scam especially in a time of desperation when available, affordable housing is scarce. It is therefore important to remain vigilant and follow the below recommended guidelines.

If the price of the rental seems too good to be true and lower than the surrounding listings, it’s probably a scam.

If the listing contains grammar and/or spelling mistakes, is advertised on social media or if all the communication is had via social media or WhatsApp, it is probably a scam.

You should always arrange to meet a prospective landlord in the accommodation to be rented. A good landlord will make sure to meet you prior to the rental in person or digitally. If a genuine landlord does live out of the country, they would arrange for another individual or letting agent to meet with you.

Finally, never transfer money to a landlord using methods which cannot be reversed, such as cash, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. It is recommended to pay a rental deposit using Shieldescrow.

Shieldescrow is the only platform specifically designed to protect your funds when transacting with strangers. Considering Shieldescrow securely holds your deposit until you have received the keys, you can ensure you will not be scammed.

Through Shieldescrow, renters can ensure a more secure, protected, risk-free transaction process.

Shieldescrow is an instant transactional solution for any payment, eliminating the prospect of fraud and scams.

The post Student Rental Scams on the Rise appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.

A new Phishing Scam targeting online marketplaces and selling websites is increasing in popularity. These scams concern well known reputable courier services and their apparently new, highly secure, efficient payment platform.

Courier services such as Fastway, DPD and FedEx are the latest companies to be impersonated by the fraudsters in their attempt to obtain private information.

New Courier Scams – How They Work and How to Fight Them

Individuals are targeted when they list an item for sale on an online marketplace or website and are contacted by an ‘interested buyer’.

Once a price is agreed, the buyer seeks to use the reputable courier, presenting it as an efficient way to transact with the service arranging payment, collection and delivery.

Using the company as a third-party payment system, the scammer will allegedly deposit the agreed price into the platform. After which the seller is free to create an account, uploading their bank details with the expectation that the money will be transferred.

Evidently, the seller does not receive their money, nor does the package ever get collected. Furthermore the scammer now has access to their bank account details and will attempt to extract any and all available funds.

How to Recognise a Phishing Scam & Avoid Them

It can be very easy to fall victim to a phishing scam. They are often highly convincing and well organised. It is important to stay vigilant and protect yourself by transacting exclusively in a safe environment.

We recommend when either buying or selling online to always request to transact with Shieldescrow. Considering Shieldescrow only releases the funds once the purchase has been received and inspected, no scammer is willing to conduct their payment processes through our platform.

Shieldescrow’s team of fraud analysts offer additional security, as they ensure all suspicious transactions are flagged, paused and investigated before any funds are released.

Shieldescrow considers and caters to the needs of both parties, not only protecting the buyers but additionally the sellers. Shieldescrow safeguards all sellers from fraudulent complaints and dishonest returns, mediating and resolving all disputes.

Shieldescrow is an instant transactional solution for any marketplace, eliminating the prospect of fraud and scams. Utilising Shieldescrow’s buyer protection and fraud detection features, sellers can add a whole new layer of security to their trading platforms.

The post New Phishing Scam Targeting Online Selling Websites/Marketplace Websites appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.

As a consequence, this has resulted in a large cohort of people being unable to maintain the costs and care associated with their household pets.

New owners as well as breeders, puppy farmers and scammers have made the conscious decisions to dump their lockdown animals, abandoning them or placing them within the care of a rescue centre.

The cost of caring for an Animal in 2022

Purchasing a new pet can be exciting. However, they are a big commitment. They are expensive and require plenty of exercise, a healthy diet, and a loving home.

The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals reckons a dog’s potential lifetime cost could range from anywhere between £25,000 to £30,800, varying depending on the dog’s size, breed and how long they live.

Prior to their purchase, numerous individuals fail to conduct adequate research into the costs surrounding an animal’s care and maintenance. The Covid-19 Pandemic had a large part to play in this as according to the BBC, more than 3.2 million UK households bought their first pet on impulse within March 2020.

The increasing cost of living is forcing households into financial hardship and as a result they are no longer able to afford to keep their animals.

Animal Rescue Centres are being stretched to the breaking point

As a result of this crisis, rescue centres have been placed under fierce pressure. The RSPCA reported a 29% increase in the number of pets in their care in comparison to previous years, blaming the rising cost of living and the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Hope Rescue stated they were the busiest they had been in 16 years, having received 300 dogs since January 2022, double the amount from pre-pandemic levels. The charity additionally reported 20 to 30 calls a day from owners declaring their financial situations had changed and were no longer able to afford to care for their pets.

Rescue centre’s have already accommodated more animals than they can cope with or find homes for, with cats and dogs being placed on a waiting list for a space, as they are at full capacity.

How secure selling of pets can help decrease the abandonment rates of pets

We understand the financial hardship which has been imposed on many in recent times and when it comes to animal welfare, we want your pet to be healthy and happy.

Securely rehoming and selling your pet in a safe environment can help reduce the current abandonment rates, while also ensuring the best possible outcome for your animals.

Shieldescrow is a secure payment platform which allows you to buy and sell anything without the risk of being scammed. Its Escrow style payment service and its partnership with Preloved enables you to find the perfect buyer or seller.

Preloved’s ID verification platform offers customized tools that allows them to verify your identity in a safe and trusted manner. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, verifying identity is important, especially when it comes to high-value or emotional purchases.

If you are looking to buy or sell a pet, Preloved’s partnership with Shieldescrow is the safest way to transact online.

Shieldescrow is a transactions platform that acts as an additional safety net for online payments on Preloved, helping their wonderful users transact with complete peace of mind. Shieldescrow works for both online and face-to-face transactions, allowing Preloved users to buy and sell in a safe way.

The post Abandoned Pets Increase as Owners Struggle from Rising Cost of Living in the UK & Ireland appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.

Despite the significant growth in online commerce platforms, peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions continue to be plagued by lack of trust between buyers and sellers, resulting in over $220bn of inhibited transactions annually.  Fuelled by the continued decline in cash usage post-COVID and the accelerated shift towards e-commerce and digital payments, the market opportunity is growing at over 15 percent annually.  Buyers remain reluctant to transact with sellers unknown to them, therefore preventing successful transactions. 

Shieldescrow provides the critical remedy; a transparent and secure milestone-based transaction platform for both buyers and sellers.  As a Shieldescrow Buyer, you can track the transaction across each step of the journey with funds held securely and not released until the milestones are complete and you’re happy with the purchase.  Likewise, Shieldescrow Sellers have transparency over where funds are being sent, verification of the Buyer’s identity, as well as neat features to collect and ship the item in question.  Regardless of whether you are transacting in person or online, Shieldescrow gives you peace of mind for a successful and secure transaction. 

Conor Lyden, Founder and CEO of Shieldescrow announced: “This fundraise is an important step for Shieldescrow and will enable us to leverage the network and experience of our investor base to accelerate our growth in 2022 and beyond.  Most people will be familiar with the concept of Escrow; a third-party holding funds on behalf of two other parties. We believe more than Escrow is required for a successful transaction between two unknown parties. The reality is that the money is only ever half of any transaction between two parties. The other half is usually a product that has to be delivered or a service that has to be completed. Rather than just holding the money, we manage the entire transaction from start to finish to ensure each milestone is successfully completed.” 

“We are excited to partner with Conor and his team to support Shieldescrow’s growth ambitions”, noted Patrick Pinschmidt, Co-Founder and General Partner at MiddleGame Ventures.  “The company is well positioned to play an integral role in unlocking friction around marketplace transactions by providing confidence to both sellers and buyers.  In competitive online markets with thin margins, the Shieldescrow platform differentiates itself by reducing the incidence of abandoned transactions and offering revenue opportunities from successful transactions, as well as better data tools for business customers.”

2021 saw Shieldescrow successfully partner with a number of large marketplaces around the world, securing agreements with global names such as Preloved and Mudah, the largest marketplace in Malaysia.  The partnership with Preloved unlocks access to one of the latest classified advertising sites in the UK across 500+ categories.  This new injection of funding will enable Shieldescrow to accelerate its growth with the roll out of new features and extend marketplace partnerships globally to meet increasing customer demand. 

About Shieldescrow:

Shieldescrow is headquartered in Cork, Ireland and have offices in Croatia, the UK and the US. The Shieldescrow platform is available for buyers and sellers to use on Mobile App or on Desktop. To find out more information, visit www.Shieldescrow.com 

The post Shieldescrow Raises $3.4m To Bring Confidence and Security to Online Transactions appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.

The whole point of PSD2 is to make e-Payments more secure. One of the main requirements from it, for payment service providers like Shieldescrow, is ‘Strong Customer Authentication’ (SCA). In October 2019, the European Banking Authority announced that by December 2020, SCA will be fully enforced.

What does this mean for me?

Authentication, up until now, has just been a way of proving you are who you say you are so that payment service providers are happy to let you proceed with your payment.

SCA will require authentication to use at least two of the following three elements:

– Something the customer knows e.g. Password, PIN or Security Question
– Something the customer has e.g. Mobile Phone or Laptop
– Something the customer is e.g. Facial Recognition or Fingerprint

You will be allowed to use the same device to initiate the payment and to pass authentication.

What kind of payments will require SCA?

Any ‘Customer Initiated’ payment within Europe will require SCA and the banks will reject any payments that don’t have it. Most card payments and all bank transfers fall under this category and so they will all require SCA.

Will there be any exceptions?

The only types of payments that won’t necessarily require SCA are payments that are deemed to be ‘Merchant Initiated’ like when you use your card in a shop or when recurring direct debits or subscriptions are set up. Some ‘Low-Risk’ payments will also be exempt, or if your transaction is below €30, unless it has been a while since you were last authenticated.

The post PSD2 — Strong Customer Authentication appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.

The combination of the uncertain times and lack of trust between buyers and sellers on car marketplaces has certainly had a dramatic impact on the decision to purchase a new or used vehicle.

The U.K’s figures, although substantially behind the progress of the U.S. market, are slowly beginning to recover too. Leads to dealers are already higher than February levels according to CarGurus with all signs pointing to there being an eventual growth in vehicle sales that outpace seasonal norms in the U.K.

Several marketplaces have decided to integrate Shieldescrow’s solution, which helps to eliminate this trust issue, by offering a payment solution that completely protects users from being scammed when they want to buy or sell with someone they don’t know. Implementing this directly on car marketplaces provides users with on-site protection from potential scammers and a quick and easy way to pay deposits for vehicles of interest.

The majority of Canadian car-buyers for example, over 62%, are open to making their car purchase entirely online, a 32% increase from before the pandemic. This can be achieved safely through Shieldescrow’s Milestone Payment Model, a simple four step process that combines online payments with face to face meetings allowing both the buyer and seller to have complete transparency over their transactions.

An integration brings about numerous benefits for potential partners such as data insights, qualified leads and the elimination of fraud on their site. Coupled with a quick and easy integration process, marketplaces can ensure that their users can transact with strangers with complete peace of mind.

Car marketplaces can enquire about partnership opportunities at on our Partners Page whilst users can still avail of Shieldescrow’s secure payment platform even if it’s not integrated on a particular platform.

The post Car Sales Recovering — How Shieldescrow continues to help appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.