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Comcast RISE, National Initiative to Support Small Businesses, Awards Another 100 Twin Cities Businesses with $10,000 Grants

Comcast Twin Cities

Comcast today announced it will award an additional $1 million in total grants as well as technology and marketing resources to more than 100 Twin Cities small businesses owned by women and people of color, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian American owners, among others. The recipients are among more than 9,500 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected through the Comcast RISE program, which provides marketing, technology, and capital support to small business owners. Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund initially launched in 2020 as a response to help small business owners of color who were hardest hit by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2021, Comcast announced a major expansion to eligibility, enabling all women-owned small businesses nationwide to apply. This expansion built on the program’s success and aims to help address the persistent inequities women continue to face in accessing the resources and funding that are critical to success. With today’s announcement, 100 selected businesses will each receive a $10,000 grant, bringing the total to $2 million in grants awarded to Twin Cities small businesses since the program’s inception. An additional 48 small businesses will receive marketing or technology support such as a TV campaign, production of a TV commercial or consulting services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or computer equipment, internet, voice or cybersecurity services from Comcast Business. Twin Cities grant recipients include: Ambiance Spa and Salon, Burnsville Hijab Shack, Maple Grove Mad Clean, Champlin Primitiva LLC, Minneapolis ROMI LLC, St. Paul A full list of Comcast RISE recipients from the Twin Cities can be found here. “I am so thankful to be a recipient of the Comcast RISE Investment grant,” said Amy Wagner, owner of Mad Clean in Champlain. “The $10,000 will help me tremendously as I grow my business. It will help me hire employees as my business expands and to put a down payment on a more reliable work vehicle. At the moment, I am only able to take on so much work on my own. Being able to hire someone will allow me to take on more clients in the community and expand my business to more commercial clients.” “As we continue to rebuild from the effects of the pandemic, small businesses still need our support. They are the backbone of our local communities, and we must take every opportunity to help them not only survive, but to thrive,” said Kalyn Hove, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast Twin Cities. “When we launched Comcast RISE in 2020, we knew a profound need existed in many of the communities we serve, and we have now seen firsthand how the resources from Comcast RISE are continuing to benefit small businesses two and a half years since the program’s inception.” To date, Comcast RISE has awarded more than $16 million in grants and $75 million in in-kind support for marketing and technology services, impacting more than 9,500 entrepreneurs in 704 cities across 37 states. By the end of 2022, 13,000 businesses across the country are expected to benefit from the Comcast RISE initiative, either through the grant program or from the resources provided through Effectv, the advertising division of Comcast Cable, and Comcast Business. In addition to the financial and business support services provided, a key part of the program is ensuring the long-term sustainability of businesses. To help address this, Comcast invests in and partners with organizations such as Ureeka to provide ongoing mentorship and resources to help small businesses succeed over the long term. Comcast RISE stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment and is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. More information and the applications to apply for either the grant program or marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers a suite of Connectivity, Communications, Networking, Cybersecurity, Wireless, and Managed Solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. About Effectv Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, helps local, regional and national advertisers use the best of digital with the power of TV to grow their business. It provides multi-screen marketing solutions to make advertising campaigns more effective and easier to execute. Headquartered in New York with offices throughout the country, Effectv has a presence in 66 markets with nearly 35 million owned and represented subscribers. For more information, visit www.effectv.com. Contact Details Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Company Website https://twincities.comcast.com/

July 26, 2022 08:30 AM Central Daylight Time

IMA Financial Group Issues First Insurance Certificate on the Blockchain

IMA Financial

IMA Financial Group, which earlier this year launched Web3Labs, is now the first insurance broker to issue a certificate of insurance (COI) on the blockchain. The COI, completed on behalf of client Engiven, was transacted as a non-fungible token (NFT) through Web3Labs, IMA’s research and development facility in Decentraland. Founded in 2018, Engiven is the first B2B cryptocurrency donation software servicing nonprofit organizations. James Lawrence, its co-founder and CEO, sees today as a meaningful step forward in the use of distributed ledger technology in insurance. “As a company on the forefront of blockchain technology, we have often blazed our own trail,” said Lawrence. “With IMA as a partner, we can double our impact and advance the adoption of blockchain technology in insurance and across many industries.” Certificates of insurance (COIs) are documents containing essential details of an insurance policy in an easily digestible, standardized format. Despite contractual requirements to maintain the documents, particularly in the construction and oil and gas industries, COIs are rarely updated or reviewed, leaving companies at risk. The delivery of certificates as NFTs solves these maintenance issues by providing an updated, accessible, verifiable record. “The issuance of certificates is a key tactical procedure for all brokers, with hundreds of millions issued nationwide each year,” said IMA Senior Vice President and Director of Innovation and Strategy Garrett Droege. “Despite the buzz around NFTs, the tools aren’t widely used in business. COIs are the perfect utility to illustrate their value, and blockchain leader Engiven is the perfect partner.” “Web3Labs allows us to research opportunities to support our clients and lead the industry in the adoption of Web 3.0 technologies,” added IMA Senior Vice President and Web3Labs Director Justin Jacobs. “The COI process is a logical starting point as we can create usability and value for our clients and their downstream and upstream partners.” About IMA Financial Group Based in North America, IMA Financial Group Inc. is an integrated financial services company focused on protecting the assets of its widely varied client base through insurance and wealth management solutions. Because IMA is employee-owned, its 1,800-plus associates are empowered to provide customized solutions for their clients’ unique needs. About Engiven Engiven is a leading cryptocurrency donation management platform providing an end to end giving solution benefiting nonprofits and their donors. Engiven’s nonprofit clients include some of the most respected charities and ministries in the United States including The Salvation Army, US Figure Skating, Compassion International, Texas A&M, and North Point Ministries. For more information about Engiven, visit https://www.engiven.com. About IMA Financial Group IMA Financial Group is a North American insurance brokerage firm with market-leading risk management, insurance, employee benefits and wealth management practices. Among the largest independent, employee-owned brokerage in the U.S., IMA employs more than 1,350 associates with highly specialized expertise in a broad reach of growing industries. The company’s mission is to protect assets and make a difference for its clients, associates and communities. Contact Details IMA Financial Group Ruth Rohs +1 303-615-7513 ruth.rohs@imacorp.com Center Reach Communications Alexandra Campbell +1 201-790-6038 alexandra@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://imacorp.com/

July 25, 2022 01:32 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Volatus Aerospace Corp. Announces Prospectus Offering and Provides Q2 2022 Revenue Guidance of $6.5M

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE U.S. NEWSWIRE OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: VOL) (OTCQB: VLTTF) (“ Volatus ” or the “ Company ”) is pleased to announce that it has filed a preliminary short form prospectus (the “ Prospectus ”) in connection with a proposed marketed public offering (the “ Offering ”) of 11,111,200 units of the Company (the “ Units ”) at a price of $0.36 per Unit (the “ Offering Price ”) for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to $4,000,032, subject to an over-allotment option as described below. Additionally, the Company wishes to provide preliminary unaudited revenue results for the quarter ending June 30, 2022 (“ Q2 2022 ”). The Offering is being led by Echelon Wealth Partners Inc., as lead agent and sole bookrunner, and a syndicate of agents, including Integral Wealth Securities Limited collectively, the “ Agents ”) to sell, by way of a marketed short form prospectus offering on a commercially reasonable best efforts agency basis, 11,111,200 Units. Financing Details The Company has filed and obtained a receipt for the Prospectus in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario (together, the “ Offering Jurisdictions ”). Each Unit of will consist of one common share (a “ Common Share ”) and one common share purchase warrant (each, a “ Warrant ”). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.50 per Common Share for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Offering. The Agents will have an option (the " Over-Allotment Option ") to offer for sale up to an additional 15% of the Units sold pursuant to the Offering on the same terms as the Offering for market stabilization purposes and to cover over-allotments. The Over-Allotment Option is exercisable in whole or in part within 30 days of the date of closing of the Offering. The Over-Allotment Option may be in the form of Units only, Common Shares only, Warrants only, or any combination thereof. The Offering is being conducted on a commercially reasonable best efforts agency basis and is subject to customary closing conditions, including, but not limited to, the entering into of an agency agreement with the Agents and the approval of the securities regulatory authorities and the TSX Venture Exchange (the “ TSXV ”). In addition, the Company is undertaking, concurrent with the Offering, a non-brokered private placement of up to 1,388,900 Units at the Offering Price for gross proceeds of up to $500,004 (the “ Concurrent Private Placement ”). The securities issuable under the Concurrent Private Placement will be subject to resale restrictions, including a Canadian four-month hold period. The closing of the Offering is not conditional upon the closing of the Concurrent Private Placement. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Offering for inventory, factory operations, warehouse improvements, equipment for services and training, technology development, acquisitions, working capital and general corporate purposes, as more particularly set out in the Prospectus. The Agent shall receive compensation comprised of cash equal to 8% of the gross proceeds and compensation warrants of the Company to purchase such number of common shares as is equal to 8% of the Units sold in the Offering (subject to a reduction, in each case, to 3% for Units sold to purchasers on a President’s List up to $500,000) upon closing of the Offering. The Offering is expected to close on or about August 16, 2022, or such other date as the Company and the Agent may agree. The Prospectus containing important information relating to the Offering has been filed with the securities commissions or similar authorities in the Offering Jurisdictions and is available under the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com. There will not be any sale or any acceptance of an offer to buy Units until a receipt for a final prospectus has been issued. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ U.S. Securities Act ”) or any applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. “United States” and “U.S. persons” shall have the meanings assigned to them in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. Corporate Update on Q2 Revenue Guidance The Company wishes to provide guidance that it expects to report revenues of approximately $6.5M for Q2 2022, representing an increase of approximately 92% compared to the Company’s reported revenue of $3.4M for the three months ended June 30, 2021 (" Q2 2021 ") and an increase of approximately 36% compared to the Company’s revenue of $4.8M for the three months ended March 31, 2022 (“ Q1 2022 ”). The Company also expects to report annual revenues of approximately $38M for the financial year ended December 31, 2022, representing an increase of approximately 138% compared to the Company’s reported revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021. The expected revenue increase is based on management's assumptions of the Company’s organic growth with new customer additions, geographic expansion in the United Kingdom and USA, and higher services and training revenue. The expected total operating costs for 2022 are in line with management’s expectations of $11.70M. Factors contributing to the expected increase in revenue include revenue from the Company’s integrated solutions segment, product diversification providing higher margins, and revenue from services and training. The Company’s drone services and training segment has experienced seasonality in the first two quarters of the 2022 fiscal year, and the Company expects the third quarter to be stronger in these segments. There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve similar revenue or margins in any subsequent quarter or annual period. Actual revenue for Q2 2022 and fiscal year 2022 may be materially different than as indicated. See the section entitled “ Risk Factors ” in the Prospectus. About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace Corp. is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions throughout Canada, the United States, Latin America and most recently in Europe. Operating a vast pilot network, Volatus serves commercial and defense markets with imaging and inspection, security and surveillance, equipment sales and support, training, and design, manufacturing, and R&D. Through its subsidiary Volatus Aviation, Volatus carries on the business of aircraft management, charter sales, and cargo services using piloted, remotely piloted, and autonomous aircraft. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Notes This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding: (i) the business plans and expectations of the Company; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial, and economic data and operating plans, strategies, or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Company, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company; the completion of the Offering; meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV; and anticipated and unanticipated costs and other factors referenced in this news release and the Prospectus, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Prospectus under the section “Risk Factors”. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. This news release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, “ FOFI ”) about the Company’s expected revenue and margins, all of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set out in the above paragraphs and set forth in the Prospectus under the section entitled “Risk Factors”. The actual financial results of the Company may vary from the amounts set out therein and such variation may be material. The Company and its management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s best estimates and judgments. However, because this information is subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such FOFI. FOFI contained in this news release were made as of the date hereof and were provided for the purpose of providing further information about the Company’s anticipated future business operations. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained in this news release should not be used for purposes other than for which it was originally disclosed herein or therein. FOFI has been prepared by the Company’s management. MS Partners LLP, the Company’s independent auditor, has not performed any audit, review or compilation procedures with respect to the prospective information and accordingly does not provide any form of assurance with respect thereto for the purpose of the Offering. Source: Volatus Aerospace Corp. TSXV: VOL Contact Details Volatus Aerospace Corp. Kate McKenna +1 604-396-9282 kate.mckenna@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

July 25, 2022 12:41 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Minuteman Press Million-Dollar Circle Member Michael Levy Grows Sales for Levittown and Farmingdale Franchises

Minuteman Press International Inc

Michael Levy owns Minuteman Press in Levittown, NY located at 3000 Hempstead Turnpike. In June 2021, he also purchased the original Minuteman Press franchise in Farmingdale, NY located at 324 Main St. Already a member of the Minuteman Press International President’s Million-Dollar Circle, Michael has continued his strong sales growth in the first two quarters of 2022, including record monthly gross sales in March 2022. Key Drivers of Growth When asked about the key drivers of his growth in 2022, Michael shares, “Some would say luck, I would say persistence, perseverance and simply being known to be someone who gets things done. While there have been many challenges due to supply chain issues for the past year or so, I was able to use that to my advantage.” Michael further explains how he has been able to manage and overcome supply chain issues, saying, “For example, I had a customer contact me for a job I had never done before but I had done other jobs for this customer. It was a huge job, for 150,000 each of two envelopes. Someone else, who normally does this job for them, was not able to get the stock. So, the customer called me and told me what happened and asked if I can help.” He continues, “I spent two days researching and I was able to get both items for them and deliver them when they needed. One of the suppliers was through one of the field reps at Minuteman Press International, so it was great I could leverage that connection with my franchisor. I ended up producing $25,000 worth of envelopes I had never done before, and they just recently asked me to quote their next order of 200,000 of each one.” Michael sees the wide variety of products offered by his two Minuteman Press franchises as another competitive advantage. He says, “It’s examples like that envelope order plus the other items we offer that most other printers do not, such as in-house screen printing, embroidery, dye sublimation, and stamp production, that allows us to stay busy and grow. Another key is to have enough customers ordering products that when one is slow, others are not. This is a key ingredient, especially with my larger clients.” Promoting the Return of Live Events on Long Island As more live events, concerts, ball games, and trade shows return to Long Island, Minuteman Press is well-positioned to pitch in and help promote them. Michael shares, “It is very nice to be getting orders for tickets, programs, journals, and most importantly, items for trade shows and community events. Promotional items and apparel have really picked up over the past 6 months and that is because these events are happening again. That certainly gets me excited to be able to offer such a wide range of products that cater to all of my customers.” As for what advice he would give to other Long Island business owners right now, Michael shares, “Of course, every business is different, but one thing all businesses must do is to market themselves. Marketing is a very wide-ranging word and can be done in many different forms. Simply wearing a logo polo shirt is marketing. In addition, advertising, mailings, flyers, business cards, promotional items, apparel, and anything you can put your company logo on are all forms of marketing.” He adds, “That is exactly where I, as the owner of two Minuteman Press franchises, come in and help. We can put your logo on just about anything that allows you to market your business. I always tell my customers when they ask, ‘What type of marketing should my business do?’, to try a little bit of everything and see what works best for your specific business.” To find your local Minuteman Press on Long Island, visit their brand new consumer website, https://minuteman.com. For Minuteman Press franchise opportunities on Long Island, visit https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

July 25, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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VTS Recognized on GlobeSt.’s 2022 Women of Influence List

VTS

VTS – the commercial real estate industry’s (CRE) leading leasing, marketing, asset management, and tenant experience platform – today announced that Globe St. has recognized Dana Epsten, Senior Director of Client Advisory as a 2022 Women Of Influence honoree. Epsten was selected in the ‘Innovators’ category, honoring women that have personally impacted the industry and driven it to new heights. “Dana has been an incredible asset to both VTS and our client base,” said VTS CEO Nick Romito. “As we’ve continued to roll out new products to better serve the commercial real estate industry, Dana has played an integral part in creating best practices to help customers succeed, working hand-in-hand with our clients to ensure they’re making the most of what VTS has to offer. We’re incredibly proud of her and look forward to what she will continue to accomplish as a valued member of our team.” Since joining VTS six years ago, Epsten has risen the ranks, having held positions as Account Manager, Strategic Account Manager, Principal Client Advisor, and Client Advisory Manager for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses. In 2019, Epsten helped build VTS’ client advisory team from the ground up, working closely with senior leadership to create a new division at VTS that had a sole focus on client value and retention. In her current role as Senior Director of Client Advisory, Epsten manages the team working closely with VTS’ enterprise clients who manage large national portfolios or operate on a global scale, and oversees a team of ten. Epsten’s team ensures that all VTS users are fully supported when incorporating the platform into their digital infrastructure and guides landlords and property managers through using VTS’ four core products. In addition, during the height of the pandemic, Epsten took a leading role in the creation of VTS’ COVID-19 Business Risk Dashboard, which enabled landlords to understand their existing exposure to specific industries and the rollover risk associated with each one, as well the existing risks in their pipeline as a result of the pandemic. Outside of her client work, Epsten co-manages an employee resource group for new managers at VTS to help them develop the skills it takes to lead a team, which she has run at VTS for over two years. “I am honored to be recognized by Globe St. as a Woman of Influence,” said Epsten. “It has been an incredible experience growing as a professional alongside the company as we continue to develop new products that are essential to the growth of the industry. I am looking forward to all that’s to come both for my team and the company as a whole.” Since 1983, GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum has recognized a growing number of female industry professionals for their remarkable achievements. Seeking to shine a light on the individuals that have personally impacted the market and significantly driven the industry to new heights via their outstanding successes, GlobeSt. collected nominations across various categories, spanning the entire commercial real estate spectrum. About VTS VTS is the commercial real estate industry’s leading technology platform that transforms how strategic decisions are made and executed across the asset lifecycle. In 2013, VTS revolutionized the commercial real estate industry’s leasing operations with what is now VTS Lease. Today, the VTS Platform is the largest first-party data source in the industry and delivers data insights and solutions for everyone in commercial real estate to fuel their investment and asset strategy, leasing and marketing automation, property operations, and tenant experience. With the VTS Platform, consisting of VTS Lease, VTS Rise, VTS Data, and VTS Market, every business stakeholder in commercial real estate is given the real-time market information and executional capabilities to do their job with unparalleled speed and intelligence. VTS is the global leader with more than 60% of Class A office space in the U.S., and 12 billion square feet of office, retail, and industrial space is managed through our platform globally. VTS’ user base includes over 45,000 CRE professionals and industry-leading customers such as Blackstone, Brookfield Properties, LaSalle Investment Management, Hines, BXP, Oxford Properties, JLL, and CBRE. To learn more about VTS, and to see our open roles, visit www.vts.com. Contact Details Marino PR Elise Szwajkowski +1 212-402-3495 eszwajkowski@marinopr.com Company Website https://www.vts.com/

July 25, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Huobi Group Granted MVP Provisional Approval from Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority

Huobi Group

Huobi Group (“Huobi”), one of the world’s leading financial services providers specializing in cryptocurrencies and related products, today announced that it has been granted MVP provisional approval by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) on July 15, 2022, while it undertakes the process of applying for a license, in accordance with VARA requirements. The license will enable Huobi Investment FZE, Huobi’s UAE-based entity, to offer a full suite of virtual asset exchange products and services, within the parameters set by VARA’s specialized “test-adapt-scale” model. Huobi believes that Dubai is rapidly evolving into a global hub for the virtual asset industry, particularly for professional investors. Initially, the company will target professional investors, and offer spot and Over-the-Counter (OTC) trading services to a limited subset of pre-qualified investors and professional financial service providers. Over time, Huobi may expand its reach to retail investors in the region. With the awarding of this provisional approval, Huobi is committed to establishing a regional headquarters in Dubai and to expand its workforce there. “The Dubai Government is committed to turning the Emirate into a global hub for the future digital economy, and being at the forefront of financial innovation. Huobi is optimistic about the city’s potential and the future opportunities it offers,” said Huobi Group CFO Lily Zhang. “We look forward to working with VARA and other local authorities to further invest in Dubai and foster growth of the virtual asset industry there.” Huobi considers compliance with local regulations to be one of the cornerstones of its global business. As one of the earliest cryptocurrency exchanges to offer cryptocurrency trading services worldwide, Huobi has been working towards compliant growth since 2017. As of today, Huobi Group has obtained licenses for various cryptocurrency-related services in a number of different countries and regions, including South Korea, Japan, Gibraltar, and others. About Huobi Group Founded in 2013, Huobi Group is one of the world's leading financial services providers specializing in cryptocurrency and its related products, with tens of millions of users across five continents and 160 different countries and regions. We are dedicated to empowering financial freedom and creating new global wealth, having led the cryptocurrency industry in spot, derivatives, and Bitcoin transactions for many years. Our infrastructure, operations and offerings are built on processes and standards that prioritize user safety and industry compliance, backed by strong global customer support underpinned by local expertise. It offers a unique trading environment that is truly customer-first, safe and sustainable for all users, enabling their long-term success. For more information, visit www.huobi.com. About VARA Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority [VARA] is the world's first specialised regulator for the Virtual Assets sector. Established in March 2022, following the effect of Law No.4 of 2022, VARA is responsible by decree for licensing and regulating the Virtual Asset sector in the Emirate of Dubai and its free zone territories [excluding DIFC], and oversees all licensing requirements and applications for authorisation of Virtual Asset activities under UAE law. VARA plays a central role in creating Dubai's advanced legal framework to protect investors and establish international standards for Virtual Asset industry governance, while supporting the vision for a borderless economy. Contact Details Ker Zheng +86 139 2280 3249 intlpr@huobi.com

July 22, 2022 02:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

William Tillman’s ToT Partners retained to advise first-to-market IP for dating apps

ToT Partners

ToT Partners, a holding company operated by Wall Street veteran William Tillman, today announced it has become the exclusive sell-side advisor to The Code as the company pursues a strategic business combination that would leverage its powerful technology at scale. The Code is a dating application that uses facial recognition, biometrics, and artificial intelligence to curate and suggest potential matches. The company owns intellectual property related to the use of anthropology, evolutionary biology, and neurophysiology to drive matchmaking. Charles Sankowich, a serial entrepreneur and former commodities trader, serves as founder and CEO, while Stacy Schnieder, an attorney, legal analyst, and former adtech COO, is co-founder. “The Code is first-to-market with patented technology that uses facial recognition and artificial intelligence to calculate and predict physical attraction. This powerful, innovative technology can, as either a product or a feature, further improve the user experience on the apps that millions of people use every day to spark new connections,” said Tillman. According to a forecast from Grand View Research, the size of the app-based dating market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 5.5% from 2022 to 2030, with the fastest-growing market over that period of time expected to be the Asia-Pacific region. Grand View pointed to high rates of divorce and separation among people in their 20s and 30s, the effects of the ongoing Covid 19 recovery, and overall population growth as supporting evidence for its forecast. About ToT Partners ToT Partners was founded by William Nicholas Tillman in 2022. The name of the conglomerate embodies what the founder takes pride in: Being a polymath and illuminating ambiguity through business and philanthropy ventures. Contact Details William Tillman William.tillman@totpartners.com

July 20, 2022 05:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Claravine Strengthens Commitment to Data Integrity by Achieving SOC 2 Type II Compliance

Claravine

Claravine, a pioneer in data integrity with its platform, The Data Standards Cloud, announced that it has completed its SOC 2® Type II compliance examination. Achieving SOC 2 compliance is a significant milestone for Claravine, as it demonstrates the company's commitment to the industry's highest standards for managing data. Claravine successfully completed the Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type II audit and received its compliance certification just one year after the company attained its SOC 2 Type I certification. SOC 2 Type II is a step beyond SOC 2 Type I in that it describes the internal control policies an organization has in place at a single point in time and describes their suitability, as well as tests those over time, typically a 12-month period. A rigorous compliance standard developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), SOC 2 is designed to specify how organizations should manage customer data. Through the process an organization's internal controls for privacy and information security are examined, assessing compliance at a specific point in time. SOC 2 compliance certification is recognized globally for its rigor in the review of organizations’ systems and controls. It affirms that Claravine’s practices, policies, procedures and operations meet the SOC 2 standards for security and data protection. Founded in 2012, Claravine empowers a proactive approach to data by activating standards across people and technology – bridging the silos that limit speed and decisions. The company has forged successful partnerships with well-known Fortune 1000 companies such as Under Armour and Ancestry and is currently working with a quarter of the Fortune 100. With a collaborative user interface and strategic integrations with top customer experience platforms such as Adobe and Google, The Data Standards Cloud helps global organizations define, apply and connect standards across their ecosystem for faster decisions, greater agility and increased ROI. "From our start, we’ve been focused on building credibility with our clients by investing in our people and technology and holding ourselves to the highest standards in data integrity,” said Verl Allen, CEO, of Claravine. “We know that our audience relies on trusted third-party reports to supplement their own research when considering technology investments. This is why we are committed to enlisting independent testing and auditors like SOC 2 to demonstrate how our Data Standards Cloud can be fully trusted.” In addition to achieving SOC 2 Type II compliance, Claravine is having a landmark year with milestones including an additional $16 million in Series B funding, hiring an influx of new engineers and being named a “Momentum Leader” and “High Performer” in the Spring 2022 G2 Rankings. Claravine is on track to meet its ambitious growth goal of doubling its revenue this year, accelerating product development, and investing in its integrations to automate data standards across digital experiences. About Claravine Claravine is a pioneer in data integrity for the global enterprise. We empower a proactive approach to data by activating standards across people and technology, bridging the silos that limit speed and decisions across digital experiences. That’s why a quarter of the Fortune 100 use our platform, The Data Standards Cloud, to define, apply and connect standards across their ecosystem for faster decisions, greater agility, and increased ROI. For more information, visit www.claravine.com. About SOC2 Compliance Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 is an IT auditing program developed by the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) to evaluate the systems, policies and controls an organization uses to process data and to verify the suitability of this design and ensure security protocols are in place to protect the data. SOC 2 is the industry gold standard for data security and has become a requirement for vendors working with large enterprises. SOC 2 provides a means by which companies are able to certify that their vendors meet their own corporate governance and risk management requirements. Feel free to visit the AICPA website to learn more about SOC 2. Contact Details Kite Hill PR Maggie Stasko maggie@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.claravine.com/

July 20, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

New Earnings Report from hoo.be Reveals Financial Reality of Content Creators

Full Scope PR

Link-in-bio platform hoo.be, which caters to the needs of content creators with high engagement through an exclusive invite-only model, has partnered with NeoReach, the influencer marketing software responsible for highly effective data campaigns throughout the creator economy space, to compile a 2022 Creator Earnings Report that highlights important insights into the varying aspects of a content creator’s income. Over 2,000 content creators on the hoo.be platform were surveyed for this report, with conclusive data touching on creators' various sources of revenue, the correlation of longevity as a creator and income, what social media applications generate the most revenue, how link-in-bio tools significantly increase traffic and engagement, and much more. With both companies dedicated to supporting the evolution of the creator economy, hoo.be and NeoReach have gathered vital revenue statistics in order to help content creators — both established and aspiring — identify avenues for growth in order to achieve optimal success. This report also allows the two companies to divulge concrete information regarding the creator economy to the general public, giving everyone front row access into a financial sector that most of the population actively participates in — whether they’re aware of it or not. Valuable insights from the Earnings Report include: Can Content Creation Be Your Day Job? 48.72% of content creators surveyed work as creators full-time 21% of those polled make over $50,000/year as a content creator 35% of creators have been building an audience for 4+ years A Surprising Wage Disparity Emerges: Male content creators report making 1.88X more money than their female counterparts Brand Deals Support Content Creation: Brand deals make up 68% of a content creators' annual revenue Link-in-Bio Tools Make Significant Difference in Growth: 74% of creators polled reported increased traffic/engagement once they started using a link-in-bio tool Audience Engagement & Intentional Content Are Keys to Success: Content creators value audience engagement on all social media platforms over follower count. Over 70% of content creators care more about creating quality content and connecting with their audience than building a follower count and making money. To see the full Creator Earnings Report and learn more, click here. "At hoo.be, it is our mission to not only understand what content creators need in order to succeed on a daily basis, but what the global audience needs in order to get the most value out of this incredible community,” explains hoo.be Founder and CEO, Jordan Greenfield. “With so many creators active on social media, it can be easy to overlook the dedicated work that goes into building and maintaining yourself as a creator and this report provides valuable insight into the various realities of creators and hopefully helps creators of all levels to sustain and grow their digital livelihood well into the future.” And with the future always in mind for hoo.be, the emerging data shared allows the Boston-based startup to anticipate and plan far beyond the existing needs of content creators. As this new level of commerce continues to drive the evolution of our daily lives, the question of expansion is not a matter of “What next?” but rather How far can we go? About hoo.be Hoo.be is redefining direct-to-audience engagement through the link in bios of today’s most popular online creators. From sharing content to building digital communities, hoo.be is the go-to hub for creators to connect their followers with their entire online world. Add hoo.be to all of your social channels & update from a central dashboard to make your online content more discoverable, easier to manage, & more likely to convert. hoo.be helps industry leading talent from Tom Brady to J Balvin, as well as big brands like Sports Illustrated Swimsuit & Spartan Race, to build deeper, direct, & more rewarding relationships with their followers. As an invite-only platform, hoo.be is currently reaching more than 1.5 billion people across social media and plans to further creator monetization through shareable, click-to-purchase, content paywalls for followers to discover & access from anywhere online. Apply to create your own page here - hoo.be/apply For Agencies & Talent Managers email: Dre@hoo.be About NeoReach NeoReach brings the Creator Economy mainstream by empowering creators. With NeoReach, creators turn their passion into a profession; seamlessly monetizing while staying focused on doing what they already love – creating content. NeoReach is the leader of the rapidly growing Creator Economy. The Creator Economy is changing the way people work, learn, and create. More than 50 million people around the world consider themselves creators. To date – NeoReach has helped creators earn over $50m from brands since its inception. Contact Details Full Scope PR Chad Schubert chad@fullscopepr.com Full Scope PR Pia Malihi pia@fullscopepr.com Company Website https://hoo.be

July 20, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Technology