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• OK Mobility’s Deputy CEO will move to the OK Group and take on the responsibilities of the corporate holding company’s business areas owned by Othman Ktiri
• The President of OK Group and CEO of OK Mobility, Othman Ktiri, highlights the key figure of Meléndez, who up until now has been OK Mobility Deputy CEO in the consolidation and current positioning of the global mobility platform

The OK Group Founder and Chairman, Othman Ktiri, has announced the appointment of Iván Meléndez as Business CEO of his corporate holding company, OK Group. After an exemplary career spanning more than 15 years, where he has held various responsibilities until his appointment as Deputy CEO of the global mobility platform, Iván Meléndez now assumes the leadership of the other OK Group business lines and industrial subsidiaries.

This new appointment reflects the OK Group’s firm and determined commitment to enhancing both its current activities and entering new industrial sectors within the corporate holding. In addition to the OK Group’s financial and real estate initiatives, carried out through other companies including OK Ventures, OK Financial, OK Properties Socimi, led by Joaquim Monclús, Chief Investment Officer of the Family Office of Othman Ktiri, the President’s entrepreneurial restlessness encourages him to explore and  develop new industrial activities.

As Business CEO, Meléndez will continue to develop and grow the group’s current companies and subsidiaries in various sectors including logistics (Logic Auto), shipbuilding (Nauta Morgau), nautical (OK Yachts) and, more recently, catering (El Sótano). He will also analyse the feasibility of new projects that the OK Group is currently discussing. Meléndez will continue to be linked to OK Mobility as an advisor to the group’s global mobility platform.

Ktiri has the upmost confidence in Meléndez, who has been a key figure in OK Mobility’s geographical expansion and current positioning, resulting in the company being present today in 15 countries. It has more than 70 OK Stores, consolidating its position in the global development of the mobility sector.

OK Group Chairman Othman Ktiri said: “This appointment has been planned for a long time. However, for me it was essential that Ivan accompanied me in the professionalization of OK Mobility before he took on these new responsibilities. Now that we have reached these structural and organizational milestones, we can start this new and exciting stage within OK Group,” says Ktiri with great excitement. “His know-how and expertise in project leadership, backed by his impeccable track record in OK Mobility, are undoubtedly the best guarantee for Ivan as he assumes leadership of the OK Group Business area from now on“.

The Founder and President of OK Group and CEO of OK Mobility, Othman Ktiri’s has been recognized by the Forbes “How I Did It” Awards for his professional career.

Organized by Forbes Spain, in collaboration with Deutsche Bank Spain, Ktiri has been recognized for his role as a successful entrepreneur. According to the organization, these awards “aim to identify the most outstanding projects led by medium and large Spanish companies in various categories and acknowledge the positive impact they have on society.”

Othman Ktiri, Founder and Chairman of OK Group, has been awarded the El Confidencial and Herbert Smith Freehills 2023 Influencer Prize in the Entrepreneur category.

The organization says that this award is given to recognize Spain’s professionals and institutions that have contributed towards enhancing the country’s image within and outside its borders through their work and dedication, to promote well-being and progress in society and to work towards creating a fairer, more sustainable world.

Antonio Brufau, Jaume Plensa, Elena García Armada, Spanish Federation of Food Banks (FESBAL), Madrid Futuro, Spanish Basketball Federation, Mutua Madrileña and Unilever Spain were among the #people and #entities selected by the panel to receive the #InfluencerAwards2023 in this sixth edition.

• Divided into restaurant and rooftop to offer two different dining experiences, the new space is located on Palma’s Calle Joan Miró 250, opposite the Royal Palace of Marivent

El  Sótano by Folies opened its doors opposite Palma’s Royal Palace of Marivent. The new dining spot is managed by El Sótano S.L., a joint venture between the prestigious restaurant group Folies and the OK Group, who own the premises through OK Properties Socimi.

The new space, located on Palma’s Calle Joan Miró 250 in the Balearic capital, next to the Belle Marivent Mediterranean Petit Hotel, offers hotel guests and the general public two exceptional environments: a carefully designed restaurant and a rooftop with a pool with stunning views over Palma Bay and the Marivent Palace gardens.

On the one hand, El Sótano Restaurante by Folies has been meticulously designed to offer a unique dining experience. The restaurant boasts a modern, welcoming design, blending perfectly with the exceptional quality of its cuisine. Grupo Folies Head Chef, Alex Arquero, has prepared an exquisite menu based on modern Mediterranean cuisine, incorporating touches of world cuisine, such as dishes from Asia and South America, without losing its Mediterranean essence. The breakfast and dinner service guarantee an unforgettable dining experience.

On the other hand, el Sótano Rooftop by Folies offers a more relaxed atmosphere and captivating panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of creative cocktails and delicious snacks. From reinvented classics to innovative creations, every beverage is prepared with precision and passion, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The cocktail area is sophisticated and welcoming, perfect for relaxing, meeting friends, celebrating special occasions or even holding business meetings.

El Sótano by Folies also offers a free valet parking service so customers do not have to worry about parking and can focus on enjoying the dining experience.

For OK Group President Othman Ktiri, “El Sótano by Folies was born with the humble purpose of adding a fresh, original alternative to Palma’s already nourished quality gastronomic offer. Every corner of both the restaurant and the rooftop has been carefully planned. Working on this project hand in hand with a partner like the Folies Group, a leader in the Balearic Beach Club sector, recognised for its high-quality catering offer in the premises that they manage, offers us almost guaranteed success, encouraging us to co-invest in this sector.”

Sandra Grau, CEO of the Folies Group, is excited about the opening of El Sótano. “We have more than 20 years of catering experience, especially in the beach club sector, and this new gastronomic space will allow us to expand our catering concept. Partnering with the OK Group, who have trusted us to invest in this project from the outset, fills us with pride and motivates us to work towards turning El Sótano into a must-visit gastronomic hotspot for Majorcan evenings.”

Bookings for El Sótano by Folies, which is already open to the public, can be made through the website: https://elsotano.myrestoo.net/es/reservar

• The Founder and President of the business holding OK Group and CEO of OK Mobility has received this honour for his impressive business career

Othman Ktiri, Founder and Executive Chairman of the holding company OK Group and CEO of its main investee, the global mobility company OK Mobility Group has been awarded the Best Moroccan Entrepreneur in the World Prize in the Moroccan World Trophies 2023.

This award recognizes Ktiri’s business career, highlighting his holding company’s significant exponential growth since he founded it in 2004. The panel said that Ktiri is a clear example of a successful entrepreneurs both in Spain, his country of residence, and in Morocco, his home country.

The awards ceremony was held on Saturday, 13 May at the Palace Es Saadi Hotel in Marrakech in what was the fifth edition of the TMM awards. These awards, promoted by the Moroccan World Trophies Foundation and BM Magazine, aim to pay tribute to and recognize the work of Moroccan citizens who live and work overseas. There are six award categories: “Art and Culture”, “Sport”, “Politics”, “Civil Society”, “Scientific Research” and “Business” (the one that Ktiri was nominated for).

After hearing the panel’s verdict Ktiri said he felt “really grateful to receive this award. Being recognized as the best entrepreneur of 2023 in my home country that I love so much and have always felt closely linked to, is a great honour for me. I am very proud to accept it, and I am aware of the responsibility that comes with it. Morocco is a land of great entrepreneurs, and this award encourages me to continue working hard to maintain excellence and uphold Morocco’s name throughout the world.”

Ktiri further stressed that “this award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of my entire team. Without their dedication and support, the company would not be where it is today.” Ktiri wanted to dedicate the award “to the OK family and to all the hardworking Moroccan entrepreneurs. Above all, I wish to dedicate this award to my family, for their understanding and unconditional support, as living with an entrepreneur is no easy feat.”

• OK Group’s venture capital has become a new shareholder of this Valencian company dedicated to manufacturing and marketing scooters and electric bicycles

OK Ventures, the venture capital belonging to the corporate holding OK Group, has become a strategic partner of SkateFlash SL after a capital increase. This company is based in Ontinyent (Valencia), constructing and marketing scooters and electric bicycles.

OK Ventures is now a new shareholder of this brand, which was founded in 2016. SkateFlash has its own factory and builds and sells a wide range of high-performance products such as scooters and e-bikes, combining the latest innovations in quality and design as well as innovation and technology.

The Valencian company controls the entire product construction cycle, from design to final sale. Their products are manufactured 100% in Spain, without depending on other markets, making them a European electric micro mobility leader.

In their early days, SkateFlash manufactured well-known products such as the self-balancing Hoverboard, achieving record online sales in Spain and other European portals, and having exclusivity of its patent in Spain and Portugal. This evolution allowed them to incorporate scooters and electric bicycles. They have now sold more than 200,000 units in 16 countries worldwide over 7 years.

SkateFlash currently manufactures 5 electric scooter and 5 e-bike models, which adapt to any user and terrain. This includes the Model Us scooter, made from recycled materials including aluminium and plastic to avoid having too much impact on the environment.

The micro mobility company has an extensive product distribution network in Spain and Europe, including large chain stores including El Corte Inglés, MediaMarkt, Carrefour, Milar, Tien21 and Euronix.

OK Ventures wanted to support and be part of this project because of their entrepreneurial and innovative nature, and also their commitment to the environment, promoting responsible electric mobility.

• OK Group’s venture capital becomes a shareholder of this Menorcan company based in Alaior, dedicated to the construction of traditional electric boats for rent and sale

OK Ventures, the venture capital belonging to the corporate holding OK Group, has become a strategic partner of SkateFlash SL after a capital increase. Based in Alaior (Menorca), this company uses recyclable materials to construct llaüts, traditional boats from the Balearic archipelago for rent and sale. These boats are 100% electric .

OK Venture is therefore now a shareholder of this company, founded by its current CEO Tuto Saura, Jan Hardorp and Daniel Gratacós, and other minority partners have since been incorporated.

ReBot Yachts was born during the pandemic when the founding partners, inspired by a llaüt from 1914, turned it into a 100% electric boat using recyclable materials and applying the latest technology.  After a lot of work and in record time, they began building the first model called reBot 5: 100% electric, 4.6 meters long and able to navigate for 8 hours. They are simple boats that uphold Menorca’s construction traditions, preserving its local and Mediterranean character.

The Menorcan shipyard also markets these boats available both rental and sale in the Balearic Islands, offering an eco-friendly way to enjoy the sea sustainably.

OK Ventures wanted to support and become part of this innovative nautical project, not only because of their entrepreneurial and differentiating nature, but due to their its commitment to protecting the environment by promoting responsible mobility based on clean energy, environmental sustainability and ecology.

Laminar Pharma incorporates OK Ventures and Universal Beach Hotels as new shareholders and opens a round of capital to complete its phase 3 clinical study for brain tumour treatment

• The Majorcan company incorporates the President of OK Ventures Othman Ktiri and the CEO of Universal Beach Hotels Yannik Erhart as shareholders and opens a new round of capital
• The biotechnology company, nominated in two categories of the Cepyme awards, redoubles its efforts in the fight against cancer

The biotechnology company Laminar Pharma has incorporated entrepreneurs Othman Ktiri, President of OK Ventures into its list of shareholders, venture capital belonging to the OK Group business holding thanks to the mediation of the Singular Bank Corporate Advisory Group team, and Yannik Erhart, CEO of the hotel company Universal Beach Hotels.

After raising more than 6 million euros in 2022, this new round reinforces and redoubles Laminar Pharma’s commitment and effort in the fight against cancer. After incorporating Ktiri and Erhart as shareholders, the Spanish company faces a 2023 that should go down in history thanks to the consolidation of several projects. Proof of this is the recent nomination of the biotechnology company as a finalist in two Cepyme Awards categories, due to take place on 28 March: ‘Best SME entrepreneurial project’ and ‘best SME technological innovation’.

Othman Ktiri says he is “very proud to support a Majorca-based biotechnology company in their tireless work developing medicine to treat cancer. A transformative project that generates value and has a definite positive impact on society – objectives shared by OK Ventures”. Yannik Erhart says that “Laminar Pharma is in the final sprint in the race to bring market its first drug to fight brain cancer. As Majorcan entrepreneurs, we want to support Laminar in this important step.”

New round now open

Without taking a single break in their battle to fight cancer, Laminar Pharma has opened a new round of financing to reach the estimated 15 million euros needed to achieve marketing approval of its phase 3 clinical study in 2024, through its drug LAM561, used to treat glioblastoma (the most frequent malignant brain tumour). The drug aims to extend and improve patients’ lives and it is already being tested on human patients in hospitals in Spain, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. If all goes according to plan, companies in Europe will be able to apply for conditional sales authorization within 12 months.

CFO of Laminar Pharma David Roberto states: “We appreciate the trust received from Othman Ktiri and Yannik Erhart as they become part of the 1800 + shareholders of the Laminar Pharma family. This shows the growing interest of the Balearic Islands’ investment ecosystem in science and research companies, and we greatly appreciate this”

About Laminar Pharmaceuticals

Laminar Pharmaceuticals (Laminar) is a Spanish biotechnology company created in 2006, committed to translational healthcare research, for the rational design and development of drugs to treat cancer and other pathologies in the form of synthetic fatty acids considered “First-in-class Health Solutions” and based on a novel technology, Melitherapy (MLT or Membrane Lipid Therapy). Laminar controls all processes, from the rational design of molecules to clinical trials leading to the launch of a new drug, with constant investment in R&D and high-quality standards. They are currently based in Majorca (Spain) with a subsidiary in Massachusetts (USA).

About glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumour and accounts for nearly 50 percent of all gliomas and approximately 25 percent of all primary malignancies of the brain and CNS. The incidence of GBM in Europe currently exceeds 25,000 new cases each year, rising to more than 100,000 cases annually worldwide. The prognosis of GBM patients is very poor, with a median survival of about 14.5 months despite optimal chemoradiation treatment. About 15% of patients survive two years after diagnosis and about 4% survive five or more years. In this scenario, there is a pressing need for new therapeutic alternatives offering safe and efficient clinical benefits.

About LAM561

LAM561 (2-hydroxyoleic acid) is a synthetic fatty acid and the company’s most advanced R&D product. It can be taken orally and is able to reach brain cells across the blood-brain barrier. This drug alters the plasma membrane composition of cancer cells, reducing the activity of certain membrane-associated signalling proteins known to promote tumour growth. LAM561 is nearing completion of its final phase of clinical development and has shown promising preliminary activity in the treatment of aggressive brain tumours, such as glioblastoma.