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Rider takes off with $3.1M seed round to courier Pakistan businesses in to 21st century

Rider

Rider, Pakistan’s first ever logistics start-up to be backed by YC, is building modern logistics for online sellers across the country. In doing so, the start-up has attracted the attention of investors and is today announcing a $3.1M funding with participation from YCombinator and new investors i2i Ventures, Flexport, Soma Capital and Rebel Fund. Existing investors Global Founders Capital, Fatima Gobi Ventures (FGV) and TPL E-ventures also joined the round which included notable angel Arash Ferdowsi (Dropbox Co-Founder). With this seed round, Rider has now raised a total of $5.4m since September 2021. Founded in 2019, Rider has been building a network of sorting hubs, urban delivery centers and a digitized fleet, offering online sellers in Pakistan a next-day ‘Amazon-like’ delivery service. The Rider platform offers route optimisation for delivery agents, live tracking and scheduling for buyers, and a highly digitized warehousing function for sellers. Rider is led by Salman Allana, a former UPS Pakistan exec and the core team consists of former Alibaba, Delivery Hero and Jumo executives. Since their pre-seed investment round in September 2021, monthly revenues have grown 110% and they have doubled the customer base to 650 online sellers. Rider has now successfully completed the delivery of over 3M parcels across 60 cities in Pakistan. Salman Allana, founder and CEO of Rider commented: “We set up Rider because we knew the traditional courier companies in Pakistan were not set up to service the e-commerce market and were failing to capture the online buying trend. The problem is huge, circa $1bn GMV is lost annually due to failed and slow deliveries, but the opportunity is even bigger than that - Pakistan is the 5th most populous country in the world with 70% smart phone enablement yet only 3% of retail sales are currently made online. We’re really excited about the market potential and the impact Rider is already having in supporting business growth across the country.” Rider has plans to enhance the ecommerce marketplace in Pakistan with solutions and infrastructure beyond logistics. Salman Allana added: “Retail is north of a $150B industry. Yet it is stuck in bricks and mortar. Through our platform, one mile at a time, we are enabling the industry to transform and get online and we will offer more in time to come. Moreover, we are opening the industry to more participants and changing the face of it. We are fully behind the mission to enable more than 1 million - primarily female-owned - Instagram/Facebook sellers to trade.” “Pakistan’s payment infrastructure is chasing the growth of ecommerce and logistics capabilities. Well over 95% of all ecommerce orders are cash-on-delivery (COD) which creates operational challenges for last mile and retailers. Rider is addressing this piece of the puzzle with our payment wallet through which we can reconcile work quickly and ensure sellers are reimbursed within hours”. On joining the investment round Kalsoom Lakhani, GP i2i Ventures said: "We are honored to be on this journey with Rider. As the e-commerce industry in Pakistan grows, so will the need for a next generation 3PL player that understands the Pakistani market realities and knows how to build both aggressively but also efficiently. We believe that this player is Rider and have so much conviction in Salman and his vision." Meanwhile, new investor Jared Heyman, Managing Partner, Rebel Fund commented: “Rider is Rebel Fund’s first investment in Pakistan and we’re excited to support their further growth. The company’s founding team and traction to date are impressive, and we believe the Pakistan market desperately needs a sophisticated technology-driven delivery service like Rider.” FGV’s General Partner Ali Mukhtar commented: “There is strong momentum in the ecommerce space in Pakistan, largely driven by the shift in consumer behavior with the increase in 3G/4G penetration across the country. With that, there is immense growth potential for last-mile champions such as Rider who are building the required infrastructure to enable growth in the ecommerce space. We believe in the Company’s tech-first approach and we’re excited to once again support Salman and his team at Rider.” Willem van den Bosch, Investor at SOMA Capital remarked: “We think Rider is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the expansion of eCommerce in Pakistan. Rider's core tech-forward product offering fixes legacy pitfalls that exist in the last-mile fulfillment market today - Rider's B2B2C offering fixes issues with delivery failures, lateness, and broken communication which have hampered expansion of eCommerce previously. We're extremely supportive of the Rider team's ability to execute and expand deeper into the full logistics product stack and continuing to enable eCommerce fulfillment in Pakistan and beyond” About Rider Founded in Karachi in 2019, Rider is a B2B2C service that delivers e-commerce products from online stores and marketplaces to the customers’ doorstep. Operational innovation is core to the team’s mission. Rider exists to continuously reimagine, redesign and rebuild operations that work for emerging markets. For more information please visit https://withrider.com/ or follow the company on: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram. Contact Details Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://withrider.com/

June 20, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tips for the Perfect Summer Grilling with Lodge’s Sportsman’s Pro Cast Iron Gril

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/238pxthgyoc Calling all grill masters! Summer is here and as the weather heats up and days get longer, many of us are heading outside, uncovering the grill, and starting to prep for our next backyard grill-out. Few things say summertime like a grilling party, but before we send out the invites, there are a couple things aspiring grill masters should be doing to set themselves up for success. One tip? Making sure your grill is up to the task. Lodge’s Sportsman’s Pro Cast Iron Grill is a rugged, hibachi-style grill that can take your cooking to the next level, whether grilling in the backyard, on the road, or at a tailgate party. From smoking your favorite meat to charring up seasonal veggies on the grill, the Sportsman’s Pro Grill can be used to create a variety of flavors with a pre-seasoned grate for an easy-release finish that improves with use. For more than 125 years,Lodge has manufactured heirloom-quality cast iron cookware at its foundries in South Pittsburg, TN. Whether grilling up vegetables or making juicy smash burgers, Lodge’s long-lasting products are an indispensable part of daily life. Key Features & Benefits of the Lodge’s Sportsman’s Pro Cast Iron Grill · Easy Assembly & Clean-Up: The Sportsman’s Pro has a removable grill grate that makes adding coals quick and easy. It’s inclusive of a slide-out ash drawer that allows you to easily control heat and airflow and remove ashes after cooking, cutting down on clean-up time. · Durability: There are few things in life that compare to cooking over an open fire or grilling that perfect sear. Lodge's Sportsman Pro Grill is made with expert quality and superior strength that lasts season over season, allowing you to create flavorful and memorable moments for years to come · Versatility: From smoking your favorite meat to charring up seasonal veggies on the grill, the Sportsman’s Pro Grill can be used to create a variety of flavors with a pre-seasoned grate for an easy-release finish that improves with use. · Seamless Maneuvering: Equipped with a set of steel Hook & Carry Handles, maneuvering the Sportsman Pro Cast Iron Grill remains secure and safe. · Expert Craftsmanship: All Lodge cast iron products have been proudly made in South Pittsburg, Tennessee since 1896, giving you 125 years of cast iron expertise at your fingertips. For more information, visit LODGECASTIRON.COM Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 17, 2022 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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No. 1? What Is Making This Grocery Delivery App A Preferred Choice In Southeast Asia?

Society Pass Incorporated

Society Pass (NASDAQ: SOPA) E-commerce, made possible by the internet, is still booming. Businesses like Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY), and Shopify Inc. (NYSE: SHOP) are soaring, with more people ordering products online than buying them in stores. While most businesses nose-dived during the COVID-19 pandemic, movement restrictions induced by the pandemic fueled online retail sales. Online sales grew from 16% to 19% in 2020, with Southeast Asian countries significantly contributing to the growth, according to numbers in a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development report. Southeast Asia, which includes countries like Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia, is home to more than 681 million people — 47% of whom prefer online shopping, with about 144 million people regularly purchasing online. E-Grocery Boom Consumers can shop online from anywhere and choose from a wide array of products such as groceries to be delivered directly to them. Online grocery, or e-grocery, shopping has also been gaining momentum for some time. The e-grocery market is quickly expanding throughout the world, with players like Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER), Instacart, Amazon Fresh and Fresh Direct serving customers in North America and Europe. Southeast Asia is also seeing significant growth in the e-grocery market. A breakdown of the market by IGD Asia indicated: Asia, the largest regional grocery market in the world, is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% between 2018 and 2023. The grocery market will be worth $4.2 trillion by 2023, up from $3.1 trillion in 2018. Its share of global grocery spending will be 37% in 2023, adding around $1.1 trillion to the worldwide grocery market. China, India and Indonesia will be the biggest contributors to the region’s top-line growth, accounting for 74% of new sales added by 2023. A Convenient Grocery Delivery App? That level of growth could be a boon for a company like Pushkart.ph, an online grocery service started in 2017 that delivers fresh goods to consumers who use its feature-packed app. Pushkart’s platform was developed by a group of young Filipino millennials whose goal was to ensure fast, convenient and safe grocery delivery to customers’ doors. From Day One, Pushkart.ph — available on the web, Google Play Store and the Apple Store — said that in addition to serving consumers, it wants to be the platform of choice for retailers and help them sell their products quickly without learning the technicalities of running a digital platform or managing a logistics fleet. From a single flagship fulfillment center at Fisher Supermarket, which has been operating since 2017, the platform is now supported by three additional hubs: Market! Market!, Ayala Malls Feliz, and AllDay Supermarket — Global South. What Makes Pushkart.ph Say It’s Confident It Stands Out From The Rest? Consumers — The company wants to bring value to consumers by allowing them to shop for their basic needs anytime from anywhere they want while sparing them from heavy city traffic or the hassle of carrying heavy bags of groceries. Companies — The company wants to make it easy for corporate clients to purchase every office pantry supply they need from a single source and with the convenience of having flexible payment schemes. Merchants — The company plans to empower retailers to reach the online market by giving them the means to easily transform their shops to include digital sales. Society — The company wants to bring more jobs through online commerce. Pushkart.ph is a division of the Society Pass Inc. ( NASDAQ: SOPA ), a Southeast Asian acquisitions-focused e-commerce holding company. Currently operating six subsidiaries, SoPa plans to expand to more than 10 more subsidiaries in eight verticals — loyalty, merchant software, lifestyle, food and beverage delivery, travel, digital advertising and telecoms — by the end of 2022. Since its inception in 2018, SoPa has amassed over 1.6 million registered consumers and over 5,500 registered merchants and brands on its platform. Apart from Pushkart.ph, SoPa provides merchants with #HOTTAB Biz, lifestyle e-commerce through Leflair.com and Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Hanoi, Vietnam. In addition, SoPa operates Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, blockchain/web3-enabled mobile virtual network operator. About Society Pass (NASDAQ: SOPA ) As a loyalty and data marketing ecosystem, Society Pass operates multiple e-commerce platforms across its key markets in SEA. Its business model focuses on analysing user data through the expected launch of its Society Pass loyalty platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points, which seamlessly connects consumers and merchants across multiple product and service categories to foster organic loyalty. Since its inception, SoPa has amassed over 1.6 million registered consumers and over 5,500 registered merchants/brands on its platform. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture with cutting edge components to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.Society Pass provides merchants with #HOTTAB Biz and #HOTTAB POS – a specialized POS technology solution, a comprehensive system for payment, loyal customer management, user profile analytics, and convenient financial support packages for small and medium-sized enterprises.In addition, SoPa operates Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform, Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines, and Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Hanoi, Vietnam. For more information, please check out: http://thesocietypass.com/. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga.com Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website https://thesocietypass.com

June 17, 2022 08:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

New Alvarez & Marsal Beauty Survey Finds Online Pandemic Gains Holding

Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group

41% of respondents expect to make their beauty transactions online in 2022 9 out of 10 spent the same or more on skincare in 2022, up from 6 in 10 in 2020 44% tried new products because of a promotion or discount Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer Retail Retail Group (A&M CRG) today releases its second annual Beauty report, Beauty in the “No Normal,” which takes a longitudinal measure of consumer changes in the beauty space since the beginning of the pandemic. Based on a survey of almost 1,000 beauty consumers that was conducted in March 2022, the report analyzes changes in online and omnichannel beauty shopping, value and newness, and sustainability priorities, and provides guidance for beauty brands navigating the current environment. The study finds that online beauty is poised to retain much of the ground it gained during the pandemic. “As some of the trends that emerged during the pandemic become ingrained behaviors and others are discarded, beauty brands and retailers need to focus on flexibility and respond to consumer needs and wants faster than ever before,” said study co-author Patricia Hong, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer Retail Group. “Retailers should focus on providing operational excellence and ensuring an immersive and convenient experience that keeps customers coming back.” The study also found that: · 6 out of 10 survey respondents shopped Beauty across channels in 2021, while only 1 in 10 shopped digital-only · The proportion of those who tried a new beauty brand because of promotions/discounts increased in 2021 to 44%, from 25% in 2020 · 61% of respondents listed clean/organic ingredients as their top priority in Sustainable Beauty, and 7 in 10 are willing to pay more for these products “Beauty brands have expanded their channel mix, blurring the lines between mass and prestige distribution,” said Manola Soler, Senior Director at Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer Retail Group and report co-author. “Store-in-store concepts are gaining traction, a move that has expanded distribution for prestige brands and driven new traffic for retailers, including the growing area of health-first products.” The report also provides insights into key focus areas for beauty retailers and brands in the months and year ahead. As detailed in the analysis, physical retail is regaining its importance, but omnichannel investment is still paramount for beauty retailers. Brands should not lose sight of pandemic hygiene and safety or their sustainability agendas. To download the report, please visit Beauty in the “No Normal” at this link: https://alvarezandmarsal-crg.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Beauty-in-the-No-Normal-Alvarez-and-Marsal-Consumer-Retail-Group.pdf Study Methodology A&M CRG’s 2 nd annual Beauty survey was conducted in the first week of March 2022, polling almost 1,000 U.S. female beauty consumers across regions through an online panel survey. All participants have purchased makeup and/or skincare products in the last 12 months. Income and age demographics were based on U.S. Census distribution. The Alvarez and Marsal Consumer and Retail Group (CRG) is a management consulting firm that tackles the most complex challenges and advances its clients, people, and communities toward their maximum potential. CRG combines the best of A&M’s broader firm's bias toward action and practicality with deep consumer and retail industry experience. CRG partners with businesses across a wide range of categories including Food & Beverage, Beauty & Personal Care, Grocery, Mass Merchandise, and Apparel & Footwear to drive significant performance improvement. Contact Details David Schneidman dschneidman@alvarezandmarsal.com Company Website https://www.alvarezandmarsal.com/industries/retail/retail

June 16, 2022 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

OPULUS BEAUTY LABS Announces Launch into Saks Fifth Avenue & Neiman Marcus

OPULUS Beauty Labs

OPULUS Beauty Labs, the pioneer in Freshly Activated Beauty™, announces the launch of its Retinol+ Starter System into Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus digital flagships, known as being premier destinations for luxury beauty, fashion, and wellness in the United States. This expansion represents the next steps in OPULUS Beauty Labs' distribution into the luxury space. “I am thrilled to partner with Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, as both partners offer best-in-class retail programs, expertly curated luxury assortments, and exceptional services and standards,” says OPULUS Beauty Labs Founder Robb Akridge, Ph.D. (aka Dr. Robb), also known for co-inventing the game-changing Clarisonic. “These partnerships enable us to meet our customers where we know they are already shopping and provide them with an elevated experience from the moment they purchase to usage at home.” OPULUS Beauty Labs invented, and manufactures, the patent-pending OPULUS Activator and a never-seen-before cosmetic format called an Opoule™ Treatment. This duo, a novel appliance and a 3-dimensional individually dosed formulation, function together as a mini at-home lab to create high-potency, fresh-made cosmetic products in 100 seconds with the push of one button. The technology is so cutting-edge that TIME Magazine selected the brand’s first market introduction, the Retinol+ Starter System, as a “Best Invention of 2021 ”. The Retinol+ regimen delivers a gentle yet potent result where the skin looks rejuvenated, calm, and restored, imparting an overall younger-looking appearance. With this system, consumers reap the benefits of retinol, while minimizing redness or dryness often associated with retinol use. “Saks & Neiman Marcus offer high-touch experiences that provide customers with access to emerging brands. Just like we are reimagining beauty, they are redefining luxury shopping through new and engaging digital-first services,” says Dr. Robb, “which is why it is the perfect step to take us beyond our direct-to-consumer channels.” OPULUS Beauty Labs Retinol+ Starter System and Ramp-Up Night Cream Regimens 1, 2, and 3, featuring increasing concentrations of retinol, are available at both retailers online starting May 2022. In support of this launch, OPULUS Beauty Labs is working with its new retail partners to roll out a robust marketing plan incorporating in-person events, seasonal trunk shows, digital promotions, and more. ABOUT OPULUS Beauty Labs OPULUS Beauty Labs was founded in 2019 by Dr. Robb, who pioneered the beauty device category with the launch of Clarisonic. The passionate power team behind OPULUS Beauty Labs has 100+ collective years of experience, marrying the freedom and imagination of a tech start-up with the wisdom and credibility of the world’s most successful beauty brands. OPULUS Beauty Labs is a vertically integrated business with in-house R&D, cosmetic manufacturing, and product assembly. The company is implementing the next stage of its business to expand distribution and provide customers with access to incredible innovations. OPULUS Beauty Labs launched in 2020 as the first and only brand on the market that delivers freshly activated skincare at the moment of application. The brand launched with its award-winning Retinol+ Starter System, containing the first handheld cosmetic appliance, the Activator, and new cosmetic format, the Opoule Treatment. The Activator (your forever cosmetic jar) transforms the Opoule into an optimally warmed, ready-to-be-absorbed cosmetic product. By modifying its ingredients, an array of never-seen-before cosmetic products are possible, from skincare to hair care, ranging in texture from serums to balms. In April 2022, OPULUS Beauty Labs demonstrated the flexibility of its technology by launching another novel treatment system, the Glow Rituals Collection. Focusing on getting radiant-looking skin for customers with different skin concerns, these three spa-worthy facial therapies are based on three different scientific processes of exfoliation: chemical peel, enzymatic activity, and mechanical action. OPULUS Beauty Labs continues to reimagine the beauty market, bringing customers exciting, cutting-edge technology with proven results in an elegant format. For more information on OPULUS Beauty Labs, its award-winning technologies, and how it minimizes its impact on the environment (no jars/no plastic), visit OpulusBeautyLabs.com or follow on Instagram or Facebook. ABOUT SAKS Saks is the premier luxury e-commerce platform, driven by a mission to help Saks Fifth Avenue customers express themselves through relevant and inspiring style. Through its website and app, Saks offers a highly personalized experience and an expertly curated assortment of fashion, as well as professional stylists and fresh editorial content. The company is redefining luxury shopping with a digital-first service model and a seamless connection to an extraordinary network of 41 Saks Fifth Avenue stores across North America. Follow @saks on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and @thesaksman on Instagram. ABOUT NEIMAN MARCUS Neiman Marcus is a Dallas-based luxury retailer, providing customers access to exclusive and emerging brands, anticipatory service, and unique experiences since 1907. Each day, Neiman Marcus connects with customers worldwide while delighting them with exceptional experiences across a 37-store presence in the U.S., the largest U.S. e-commerce luxury platform, and industry-leading remote selling and personalization technology. From delectable dining and indulgent beauty services to bespoke experiences and exclusive products, there's something for everyone. To keep up with the latest news and events at Neiman Marcus, visit neimanmarcus.com or follow the brand on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Neiman Marcus is part of the Neiman Marcus Group. We lead with love in everything we do for our customers, associates, brand partners, and communities. Our strategy of integrated luxury retail is about creating long-term relationships. It's this connection that creates emotional and high lifetime value potential with everyone we serve. Through the expertise of our 9,000 associates, we deliver across our three channels of in-store, e-commerce, and remote selling. Investments in data and technology allow us to scale a personalized luxury experience. Our brands include Neiman Marcus®, Bergdorf Goodman®, Neiman Marcus Last Call®, and Horchow®. Contact Details Rell Marketing + Communications Kaitlyn Palocsko +1 215-870-8193 kaitlyn@incommn.co Company Website https://opulusbeautylabs.com/

June 16, 2022 08:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Long-Time Indianapolis Fruit Leader Stepping Back

FreshEdge

Indianapolis Fruit, a member of the FreshEdge family of produce and specialty food companies shares that, effective July 4, 2022, John Cunningham will transition from COO of Indianapolis Fruit to Distribution and Retail Advisor. He will focus on deepening customer relationships, mentoring and developing the evolving executive team, and advising on strategic initiatives. “We’re excited for John to continue positively impacting our team and our customers’ business. He has a tremendous track record of elevating performance,” said Daniel Corsaro, President of Indianapolis Fruit Company. “John has been a great member of our family and has been critical to our growth and development! We are very grateful for everything he has done and look forward to the insight and great things that he will accomplish with our evolving leaders,” said Greg Corsaro, President and COO of FreshEdge, LLC, the parent company of Indianapolis Fruit. “I’m excited to announce that after 40 plus years in the produce industry and 19 with Indianapolis Fruit and the FreshEdge Team, I’ve decided to step back. I’m looking forward to enjoying my personal and professional life at a different pace. I’m eager to continue to work with Daniel Corsaro and our team to enhance our retail merchandising and education programs,” said John Cunningham, Indianapolis Fruit Company. Indianapolis Fruit will continue to be led by Daniel Corsaro, President, and the existing executive team. As part of this transition, Ross Nelson will transition from Vice President of Retail Execution to Vice President of Procurement. About Indianapolis Fruit Indianapolis Fruit, a FreshEdge company, distributes fresh produce, value-added, specialty foods, and floral to retail grocers in 20 states across the Midwest, central, and southeastern areas of the United States. Offering more than 3,500 available skus, 500 plus organic items, and a full-service fresh cut division, Indianapolis Fruit continues to deliver on what consumers want. For more information, visit www.indyfruit.com Contact Details Indianapolis Fruit Company Daniel Corsaro, President +1 317-981-3442 dccorsaro@indyfruit.com Company Website https://indyfruit.com/

June 14, 2022 10:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time

IAQG selects SAE International as global publisher of standards

International Aerospace Quality Group

The International Aerospace Quality Group® (IAQG) formally announces SAE International as the organization’s international standards publisher. The IAQG/SAE Standards Development and Publications Agreement takes effect on all new and newly revised standards moving forward. The first standard to fall under this new agreement will be the IAQG 9137 (IA9137), scheduled to be released later this year. Under the IAQG/SAE Standards Development and Publications Agreement, organizations will be able to turn to SAE or one of their many global resellers to purchase new and/or newly revised standards. This agreement is designed to streamline the development and publication process using a single, common workflow that increases the speed to market while improving global distribution management. “The IAQG/SAE Standards Development and Publications Agreement is based on a 25-year partnership between SAE and IAQG,” stated Andy Maher, IAQG president and member company representative for BAE Systems. “Their solid reputation and proven process of global standards development makes this agreement a natural evolution.” Currently, published standards will remain under the same sector-related distribution channels. In addition to having a singular, global publisher, the new and newly revised standards will have a consistent look and format. For example, the naming structure for newly developed and released standards will follow the standard naming prefix of IA (for International Aerospace). Previously released standards will transition from sector designations of AS, EN, SJAC or JISQ to the new singular designation at the time of revision. “SAE International is honored to continue and enhance the longstanding and successful partnership with IAQG in the development and publication of global quality standards for the aerospace and defense sectors,” said Sr. Director Standards David Alexander for SAE International. “SAE’s recognized consensus process and platform, coupled with worldwide distribution through direct and reseller networks will accelerate the speed and availability of the standards.” IAQG sets the standard for quality within the worldwide supply chain within the aviation, space and defense industry. IAQG currently maintains 26 active standards that establishes common/shared tools and methods for quality improvement. To learn more, visit https://iaqg.org. About the International Aerospace Quality Group: As an international non-profit association under the Belgian law with office registered in Brussels (Belgium), the IAQG sets the standard for quality within the worldwide supply chain of the aerospace industry. The organization is comprised of member companies within the aviation, space and defense industries who design, develop, manufacture and support original equipment at system or subsystem levels. The IAQG is committed to establishing commonality of quality systems and improvement standards. These standards are documented, published and applied internationally by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and circulated throughout the supply chain. To learn more, visit https://iaqg.org. About SAE International: SAE International is a global organization committed to advancing mobility knowledge and solutions for the benefit of humanity. By engaging nearly 200,000 engineers, technical experts and volunteers, we connect and educate mobility professionals to enable safe, clean, and accessible mobility solutions. We act on two priorities: encouraging a lifetime of learning for mobility engineering professionals and setting the standards for industry engineering. We strive for a better world through the work of our philanthropic SAE Foundation, including award-winning programs like A World In Motion® and the Collegiate Design Series™. More at http://www.sae.org. Contact Details Susan Matson at Atlas Marketing on behalf of IAQG susan@atlasstories.com

June 09, 2022 02:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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AAVRANI, Mission-Driven Ayurvedic Beauty Brand, Secures Series A Funding

AAVRANI

AAVRANI, a pioneer in Indian-inspired beauty and modern Ayurveda, raised $7 million Series A funding. The holistic beauty brand plans to further its mission, bringing Ayurveda to the forefront of the Global Beauty Industry through both education and product expansion. “When I started AAVRANI in 2018, the average US consumer hadn’t yet caught on to the concept of the Indian Beauty approach, and many investors didn’t see the value. Now, my mission around sharing Ayurvedic Beauty with the world is clear. I am honored and humbled to be a part of this shift in perspective, as AAVRANI continues to propel Indian Beauty to the global stage,” says Rooshy Roy, AAVRANI Co-Founder and CEO. This round of fundraising is the third and largest for AAVRANI, following a $2 million seed round in 2021. After a brand refresh in 2020, AAVRANI has experienced annual sales growth of 400-percent, with product demand regularly exceeding projections and selling out. “AAVRANI is a natural fit for us because we focus on backing exceptional South Asian founders and South Asian-focused brands. We believe in the AAVRANI mission and look forward to being part of this next phase.” says Joey Mullick of Skara Ventures. Challenging quick-fix beauty solutions, AAVRANI bridges the gap between beauty and wellness by uniting ancient Indian wellness rituals with modern science. The chemical-free products embody the duality of Roy’s personal lived experiences as a first-generation American: uniting scientifically-proven, ready-to-use formulas with generations of Indian beauty secrets. Each product is intentionally crafted, starting with ancient Ayurvedic ingredients and generational knowledge. AAVRANI’s team of R&D chemists then elevate each formula by harnessing modern science and clinical trials. The rigorous hands-on process delivers Ayurveda in a way that allows India’s time-honored traditions to be compatible with more modern lifestyles in an authentic way. “We are focused on brand growth and expansion, but my main goal is to shift the consumer mindset from quick fixes to daily rituals. That’s the real difference between Ayurvedic wisdom and the Beauty Industry that we’ve come to know. Ultimately, Beauty is embedded in the choices we make and rituals we practice every day—it’s the sum of those rituals over a lifetime. AAVRANI encourages us to practice these rituals, so we will never promise a miracle in a jar. We want to celebrate and empower our community to feel beautiful as they’re intended to be, without unrealistic pressures or expectations,” adds Roy. AAVRANI has evolved as both a leading clean skincare brand and a mission-based Ayurvedic beauty brand. Continuing this growth, the brand plans to increase both distribution and production while building their internal team. Breaking into new categories can be expected over the next year, with an expanding product pipeline. ### About AAVRANI: AAVRANI is the Ayurvedic beauty brand solving common skin concerns with chemical-free formulas that are scientifically proven to work. Developed by Rooshy Roy as a way to share ancient Indian beauty secrets with the world, AAVRANI is centered around centuries’ old beauty traditions (Ayurveda), generational knowledge, and modern science. The products, rooted in self-care, form a skincare ritual. Offering a holistic approach, each product has an optional 5-minute practice for optimal skin health, which evokes its inner glow. Safe for all skin types, including those with sensitivities and women who are pregnant or nursing, all products are made without mineral oil, parabens, sulfates, irritants, synthetic fragrances, or animal cruelty. Contact Details AAVRANI Roxanne Ierino Ricketts hello@aavrani.com Company Website https://aavrani.com

June 09, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Selma Blair and GUIDE BEAUTY Partner to Advance a Culture of Inclusion in Beauty

GUIDE Beauty

GUIDE Beauty, a collection of makeup tools and products that has reimagined the way we apply makeup, is thrilled to announce Selma Blair as their Chief Creative Officer. Internationally acclaimed actress, author, advocate, and style and beauty icon, Blair will join GUIDE as a partner and take a leadership role in product and brand development for the multi-award-winning company. Combining forces with GUIDE’s Founder Terri Bryant, Blair will help the brand to accelerate its mission to expand inclusivity in the world of beauty through thoughtful, universally-designed products for everyone. "We are proud to welcome Selma to the family," says Bryant, Founder of GUIDE Beauty. "Her devotion to creative expression and advocacy for all people fits perfectly with GUIDE Beauty’s mission and practice of Universal Design - when we design with all people in mind, we create the best products for everyone. From the novice to somebody who has challenges with movement or strength and even the professional makeup artist on set, GUIDE’s products enhance the lives of makeup users everywhere.” In the prime of her career as a makeup artist and beauty educator, Bryant started to notice stiffness in her shoulder and a loss of dexterity in her hands. Makeup artistry that had been second nature was becoming a real struggle due to the inaccessibility of products that suited her needs. She was eventually diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Empowered by knowledge and a life-long love of makeup, she partnered with human factors designers and clean chemists to create a better and easier way and a new, more inclusive approach for the beauty industry with products designed for the broadest universe of makeup users. “As a professional makeup artist, I felt a natural ability that most of my friends, family, and clients did not share,” continues Bryant. “When that ability shifted due to the onset of Parkinson's Disease it became so clear that my needs, like so many, had not been considered in the design and development of the products I had always used, so I decided it was time to create them." “When I first held the GUIDE Wand, I immediately felt more confident than I ever had with a traditional pencil liner and found myself looking forward to doing my own makeup for the first time in a long time,” says Blair, who revealed her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2018. “Upon meeting Terri, we bonded instantly over our mutual love of makeup and its ability to transform a face and a day. I’m thrilled to join her and GUIDE to create and advocate for a more inclusive world of beauty.” GUIDE Beauty today also introduces its new makeup brush collection utilizing its patented GUIDE Ring to steady the hand and make application smooth and easy as well as its first eyeshadow palette that has been designed with Blair to showcase beautiful, easy-to-wear neutrals for everyday or a special red-carpet moment. In addition to the new launches, GUIDE’s debut collection, which launched in early 2020 and revolutionized ability-inclusivity in beauty, includes Lash Wrap Mascara and Brow Moment Brow Gel, both featuring the GUIDE Ring, and the award-winning GUIDE Eyeliner Duo. The Eyeliner Duo has become the hero SKU among customers, influencers, and media, receiving Allure ’ s Best of Beauty Breakthrough, ELLE ’ s Future of Beauty, O, The Oprah Magazine ’ s O-Ward, and Essence ’ s Best in Black Beauty, among other prestigious awards. The GUIDE Wand eyeliner applicator is celebrated for its unique, forward-thinking, ergonomically and universally-designed shape paired with the GUIDE Line pressed-cream eyeliner to make looks like tightlining, waterline application, and even winged liner a cinch. All GUIDE Beauty formulas are cruelty-free, 100% vegan, and formulated without known toxins or harsh ingredients. Blair, Bryant, and the GUIDE Beauty team are currently developing additional universally-designed makeup products to improve the lives of makeup users and are committed to advocating for inclusive and empowering beauty for all. For more information, please visit www.guidebeauty.com and @guidebeautycosmetics on social media platforms. About GUIDE BEAUTY GUIDE BEAUTY is a collection of makeup tools and products that has reimagined the way we apply makeup. Achieve a new level of skill and confidence with makeup that literally GUIDES your hand to better application. In the prime of her career as a makeup artist and beauty educator, GUIDE Beauty founder Terri Bryant started to notice stiffness in her shoulder and a loss of dexterity in her hands. Makeup artistry that had been second nature was becoming a real struggle due to the inaccessibility of products that suited her needs. She was eventually diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Empowered by knowledge and a life-long love of makeup, Terri partnered with human factors designers and clean chemists to create a better and easier way and a new, more inclusive approach for the industry. The result is an award-winning and patented collection of truly innovative and unique makeup tools and clean, vegan formulations that debuted in early 2020 and revolutionized ability-inclusivity in beauty. The addition of Selma Blair as Chief Creative Officer, who revealed her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis in 2018, will allow the company to accelerate its product development and mission to make beauty better and easier for all. GUIDE’s new makeup brush collection, which launched in the summer of 2022, features its patented GUIDE Ring to steady the hand and make application smooth and easy as well as its first eyeshadow palette that was designed with Blair. GUIDE Beauty offers a truly fresh approach to makeup that puts artistry into your hands and creates empowering beauty for all. Contact Details Elyse Koenig: Beauty & Wellness Consulting Brittany Marshak +1 516-906-9063 Brittany@elysekoenig.com Company Website https://www.guidebeauty.com

June 09, 2022 09:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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