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How Safe Is A Gold Investment In 2024?

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga The past few years have been marked by high inflation and unstable markets. As we go into an election year – which is an economic environment known to be notoriously volatile – it's important to once again revisit what type of investments are relatively safe from market turbulence. Historically, commodities and metals have always been investors’ preferred stores of value because they help hedge against inflation. But the question remains: as the world becomes more digitized and currencies like Bitcoin take off, are commodities like gold still a worthwhile investment? According to many respected experts, the answer is yes. Gold has consistently proven itself a reliable investment option, especially during uncertain times. One such example was seen in 2020 when the global pandemic led to market pessimism and caused the price of gold to reach a historic high of $2,074 per ounce. Similarly, in 2022, Russia's invasion of Ukraine in late February drove the yellow metal's value above $2,000 once again. Following the pandemic, the gold market narrative has primarily revolved around two contrasting factors: persistently high inflation and the actions of central banks, with particular emphasis on the U.S. Federal Reserve. Central banks, like the Fed, have been raising interest rates in response to soaring consumer prices. While no investment is truly safe, this dynamic has further solidified gold's reputation as a safer investment choice for those seeking stability in uncertain economic environments. Gold has historically been considered a hedge against inflation, as it tends to retain its value or even appreciate during periods of rising prices. Analysts at UK-based Standard Chartered shared that they expect “to see gold as a core holding and a key portfolio diversifier… we expect the physical market to pick up the baton from here as we enter the seasonally strong period for consumption. The recent escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is one example of a geo-political factor likely to drive safe-haven flows to gold. On a 12-month horizon, we believe gold will move higher as bond yields moderate and the USD rolls over.” When considering investing in physical precious metals, investors typically go one of two routes: investing in a Gold IRA or investing in physical gold and silver bars and coins. A Gold IRA is a type of self-directed retirement account where the holder invests in physical gold instead of conventional assets such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds. It is becoming increasingly popular as a method to prepare for retirement and help protect savings. If you are seeking additional information or ready to get started, here’s what you can do: You can rollover an existing account or open a Gold IRA account with Preserve Gold, a leading U.S.-based precious metals firm. They have 0 BBB complaints – which would seem to be notable by industry standards – and excellent reviews. The company specializes in helping individuals and families diversify and protect their wealth through tangible precious metals. Preserve Gold distinguishes itself through its focus on three core principles: integrity, transparency and consistency. These principles serve as the company’s foundation for long-lasting customer relationships and reinforce the company's commitment to providing trustworthy and reliable services. To ensure a smooth and secure purchasing process, Preserve Gold offers an informed and easy way to acquire precious metals. The company's knowledgeable team assists clients in making educated purchasing decisions while prioritizing security and ease of transaction. If you’re someone who is considering investing in gold, adding a Gold IRA to your retirement portfolio can prove to be a valuable asset. It presents a range of advantages that not only help to keep your savings afloat but could also contribute to its growth in the long run. When deciding to invest in a Gold IRA, having a trusted partner like Preserve Gold can be key to achieving your financial goals. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 13, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Tiziana to Announce Six-Month Human Safety and Biomarker Data at the ECTRIMS Annual Congress, Following-Up from Positive Outcomes Data Presented in June

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga Tiziana (Nasdaq: TLSA) is following-up with anticipated human data and announced the acceptance of a late-breaking poster at the 39th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research of Multiple Sclerosis ( ECTRIMS ) being held in Milan, Italy, October 11-13, 2023. The company will present a poster titled, “Treatment Of Six Non-Active Secondary Progressive MS With Nasal Anti-CD3 Monoclonal Antibody (Foralumab): Safety, Biomarker, And Disability Outcomes”, which is a follow-up from the positive data presented in June on 5 out of 6 patients. The key takeaway is that Tiziana’s research through its FDA authorized Expanded Access program has shown continued improvement in SPMS patients over time treated with foralumab, the Company’s intranasally administered anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. In June, Tiziana announced a reduction in microglial activation as seen in 3-month Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans in a total of 5 of 6 patients treated. The safety and biomarker data presented at ECTRIMS will include a clinical update on all 6 patients and will include six-month of follow-up with a PET scan. Activated microglia are believed to play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A reduction in microglial activation is associated with lowered inflammation in the brain. Inflammation in the brain drives the disease pathology in multiple sclerosis. In SPMS, inflammation in the brain occurs in microglia, the brain’s immune cells, which drive the neurodegeneration of brain cells. During the inflammatory process associated with SPMS, microglia are involved in the destruction of myelin, the protective sheath covering of nerve fibers, and contribute to the formation of MS lesions. The Company announced in September advancing site selection for the SPMS phase 2a trial, which will have up to ten new clinical sites across the US. The news followed an Investigator's Meeting with principal investigators at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of Mass General Brigham Healthcare System, to begin site initiation. Matthew W. Davis, M.D., RPh, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Tiziana Life Sciences, stated in the press release, "As planned for this quarter, we are on track and have begun site initiation visits so patient enrollment begins in this critical clinical trial. Advancing our lead anti-CD3 therapeutic, foralumab, in na-SPMS into Phase 2a will enable Tiziana to define novel endpoints, such as PET imaging, a similar target endpoint in our Expanded Access program (EAP). We are encouraged as five out of six patients in our open-label EAP have improved by qualitative analysis in their PET scans (3 months of treatment) compared to baseline. Phase 2a na-SPMS study assesses the same outcome measure, but now, and for the first time for this novel therapeutic, in a double-blind, randomized placebo control, a multi-center trial is now underway.” This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 13, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

QYOU Media and Bollywood Hungama Unite Forces To Launch New Bollywood Movie and Entertainment Channel On Connected TVs

QYOU Media

Contact Details Doug Barker +1 437-992-4814 shareholder@qyoutv.com Company Website https://www.valuethemarkets.com

October 13, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Fall & Holiday Finds

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

October 12, 2023 01:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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SIGMA America Announces Results of its 4th Annual “Focused On The Fight” Charitable Giving Campaign Supporting Local Community Education

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, a leading camera and lens manufacturer for both photography and cinema applications, announced today the results of its 4th Annual “Focused on the Fight” Charitable Giving Campaign. The initiative kicked off the new academic school year with a $50,000 contribution to schools selected by participating SIGMA dealers through DonorsChoose, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting teachers and students by funding educational projects that go beyond traditional school budgets. While this year’s charitable giving program is expected to cover 90% of U.S. states once fully funded later this month, SIGMA America’s long-term goal is to fund school projects in every state. To date, SIGMA dealers have donated to 68 schools and funded 70 school projects and will continue to grow as more projects are funded. Participating dealers are: Bedford Camera & Video, numerous locations in AK, OK, MO F32 Photo, Knoxville, TN Garland Camera Repair & Photo Imaging, Garland, TX Glazer’s, Seattle, WA Hot Rod Cameras, Burbank, CA Houston Camera Exchange, Houston, TX Nuzira, Scottsdale, AZ Pixel Connection, Avon, OH and Nashville, TN PROCAM, Detroit, MI; Chicago, IL; and Cincinnati, OH SIGMA America is grateful for and dedicated to the Long Island community which has supported its headquarters for nearly 40 years, and to the Los Angeles community that welcomed its Burbank office and showroom in 2018. As part of this charitable giving campaign, SIGMA served a total of 44 schools and funded a total of 46 projects, including the following in the Long Island and Los Angeles communities: East Islip High School, Islip, NY, “Strobe Lighting for Photography Students” project Martin Luther King Junior Elementary, Wyandanch, NY, “Strike a Pose It’s Camera Time” project Sotomayar Arts and Science Magnet School, Los Angeles, CA, “Empowering Student Filmmakers” project Logan Academy of Global Ecology, Los Angeles, CA, “Make a Statement without Saying a Word” project "We strongly believe that Sigma’s ‘picture’ – or actions – must match our words," says Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of SIGMA America. "Photography, by its creative nature, promotes awareness, compassion, and empathy; it is the heart of all we do as photographers. Nurturing and cultivating the next generation of creatives starts in the school, and it’s often the creative programs that are the first to fall victim to underfunding. We look forward to the impact this initiative will have on our communities now, and in the years to come." For the full list of funded projects and participating partners, please visit: https://www.sigmaphoto.com/focused-on-the-fight-23 SIGMA’s “Focused On the Fight” Charitable Giving Campaign was started in 2020 to assist in alleviating and eradicating Covid-19 after-effects, and in 2022 turned its focused to supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Since its inception, a generous $343,000 has been donated to charities in the United States and Ukraine, including local charities selected by 53 SIGMA participating dealers. About SIGMA Corporation of America SIGMA Corporation of America, founded in 1984, is the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation, a family-owned manufacturer of lenses, cameras and photo accessories. Headquartered in Ronkonkoma, NY, SIGMA America expanded its US operations in 2018 with the opening of SIGMA Burbank, a multifunctional showroom, event space and repairs/distribution facility located in the heart of the Los Angeles entertainment industry. Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Leica, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA Cine lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA Cine lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with over 35 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more users can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. ### For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products. Follow SIGMA America on social media! SIGMA Photo: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram SIGMA Cine: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Contact Details SIGMA +1 631-207-7381 SIGMA.PR@sigmaphoto.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

October 12, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Demand for Online Writing and Content Creation Jobs Intensifies, finds Freelancer.com

FREELANCER.COM

Freelancer.com (ASX: FLN) (OTCQX: FLNCF), the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by number of users and jobs posted, today released its quarterly report revealing the most in-demand online jobs on the platform for Q3 2023. The Fast 50 Q3 2023 report, a quarterly dataset ranking the fastest growing and falling jobs on the platform, analyzed over 277,000 jobs posted by employers to Freelancer.com between July and September 2023. According to the data, the fastest growing freelance jobs by percentage growth in Q3 2023 were mostly writing, content creation and marketing related. As AI continues to advance, the need for human creativity remains strong. Employers are once again seeking freelancers to support with Creative Writing and Content Writing projects, which are up 22.4% and 19.4% respectively. A surge in demand for writing skills across the platform means there were more than 10,000 additional writing projects available in Q3 2023, which were already a trending skill evident in the previous quarter. The Q3 2023 data also indicates a consistent trend in businesses seeking freelance marketing support, with Search Engine Marketing (up 24.1%), Videography (up 17.4%) and Telemarketing (up 16.5%) seeing notable growth across the quarter. This aligns with the previous quarter's emphasis on business marketing activities. “Our Freelancer Fast 50 Report is a forward leading indicator of the skills and expertise businesses need today. Artificial Intelligence is powering a boom in content creation, particularly focusing on writing, marketing and video production skills” said Matt Barrie, Chief Executive at Freelancer. “Generative AI is superskilling freelancers and their ability to produce extremely high quality content and faster than ever before. Tools like ChatGPT and Bard have changed the game when it comes to producing and refining written content, while advances in video AI such as Runway Gen-2, HeyGen and Pika Labs means that video production and editing can be done with a click of a button.” Growth in skills like User Interface / IA (up 17.4% from 3,071 to 3,607) and UX / User Experience (up 13.9% from 1,193 to 1,359) highlight the importance of user-centric design in today's digital landscape. Data Mining (up 14.9% from 2,374 to 2,728) and Data Processing (up 10% from 11,013 to 12,115) were also amongst the top growing jobs. These skills are often associated with Sales functions and Lead Generation, which are also growing in the quarter, up 13.3% and 11.4% respectively. By leveraging freelancers to research leads, businesses can operate more efficiently and focus more on relationship building in the sales process. Design, Marketing and Video Creation Jobs Lead Year-on-Year Growth Several skills have surged in demand when comparing Q3 2022 and Q3 2023. Jobs for User Interface (UI) Design have doubled, growing by 101.9% to 3,607 from 1,786 in the same period last year. Search Engine Marketing jobs grew 80.4% (from 1,597 to 2,881) and Videography jumped by 77.1% (from 2,716 to 4,809). Fastest Falling Jobs of Q3 2023 The recent data highlights a shift in the demand for specific technical skills, which saw a significant increase last year as many tech companies laid off technical staff. There's a noticeable decline in jobs for certain established programming languages and frameworks. For instance, Matlab and Mathematica saw a 25.1% decrease (from 1,349 to 1,011 jobs). Similarly, projects requiring skills in AngularJS jobs dropped by 23.5% (from 1,722 to 1,318), while those requiring Django experts experienced a decline of 23.4% (from 1,216 to 932). C Programming, C++ Programming, and Python, which were all in-demand skills in Q3 2022, also all decreased on the platform in Q3 2023. While algorithms remain integral to many processes, there's been a reduction in specialized roles in this domain. This trend is evident in the decrease in demand for Algorithm skills, which saw a decrease of 22.5% (from 1,438 to 1,114 jobs). This might be a consequence of the advent of more intuitive tools and platforms that simplify algorithmic tasks. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fast 50 Q1 2023 - Data Analysis Writing Jobs Show No Sign Of Slowing Down The introduction of highly sophisticated and powerful generative AI tools have led many experts and commentators to predict that skills such as writing will be replaced by AI. However, the latest Fast 50 Q3 data demonstrates that writing jobs are here to stay, as content writing, creative writing, copy typing and ghostwriting jobs increase by more than 20% over the last quarter. These skills continue to flourish after reporting growth in the previous quarter on Freelancer.com, with Creative Writing ranked as the fastest growing skills in Q2 2023 (up 58%, from 1,868 to 2,961). An Increase in writing skills for two quarters in a row suggest that businesses are placing more emphasis on content creation by hiring freelancers to write articles and produce creative content. Copy Typing, the fastest growing skill for Q3’23 (up 28.7% from 6,381 to 8,213) encompasses all types of jobs from data entry to helping write e-books to transcription and typist projects. While technical projects do require degrees and past experience, most copy typing jobs can be performed by freelancers with no prior knowledge, making it a lucrative side hustle for freelancers globally. AI’s Impact on Whitecollar Jobs While writing jobs continue to flourish over the past 6 months, there is a need to understand how generative AI will impact jobs and various freelancing skills. In a longform essay titled ‘ AI know what you did last summer ’, Freelancer.com CEO Matt Barrie discusses the bleeding edge of AI technology and how he predicts these will go on the shape white-collar jobs. Barrie suggests that to be competitive in a world of AI, workers will need to adapt or move up the stack: “Those in white collar jobs will need to move ‘up the stack’. Illustrators become cinematographers. Writers become editors. Software developers become product managers. Grad students now run a research group.” Barrie also highlights that there is a major opportunity for freelancers, arguing that AI-powered freelancers will ultimately be the winners as they have the ability to compete against middle class workforces all around the world. AI’s impact on work productivity is evident in a recent AI study conducted by Freelancer.com which found that in a survey of over 1,300 US workers, a majority of those US workers (75%) are using generative AI tools in their work. One in three (33%) workers are using AI tools all the time in their work, while one quarter of US workers (25%) are using these tools sometimes and one sixth (16%) admit to never using AI at work. Marketing & Video Production Sustain Growth, Growing Every Quarter in 2023 Marketing and Video Production skills are one of the most in-demand skill categories on the platform, with data showing they’ve now grown every quarter since the beginning of the year. Search Engine Marketing (up 24.1%, from 2,321 to 2,881) ranked as the third fastest growing skill on the platform. Telemarketing (up 16.5%, from 1,054 to 1,228) has grown in Q3 as businesses turn towards more traditional marketing tactics. Sustained growth in different types of marketing skills means there are many opportunities for skilled freelancers to find unique projects on the platform. As for video production, not only is the skill up quarter-on-quarter, but both Video Production and Videography have almost doubled when compared to the same time last year, up 58.1% and 77.1% respectively. The surge in freelancer video production jobs can be attributed to the booming demand for online content, especially on platforms like YouTube (up 10.3%, from 1,174 to 1,295 jobs in Q3) and TikTok. As content is a staple in many marketing strategies, businesses are turning to freelancers to help them produce content, boosting this as a potential category for workers. Businesses Delegating Sales Functions to Freelancers As found in the Freelancer.com World’s Most Boring Job research, businesses often delegate research heavy tasks to on-demand freelancers. In turn, this allows businesses the ability to operate more efficiently and focus on more impact-based tasks. A unique trend uncovered in the Fast 50 Q3 2023 shows that businesses are leaning on freelancers to help with the research portion of the sales function. Sales and Lead Generation ranked as some of the fastest growing jobs in the quarter, up 13.3% and 11.4% respectively. Interestingly, Sales and Lead Generation both featured in the top 25 fastest growing jobs in Q2 2023. Growth in sales and lead generation is an example of how businesses are employing freelancers to help them streamline the sales process. ###### Freelancer Fast 50 The Freelancer Fast 50 report is the world’s largest forward indicator of trends in online jobs related to industries, technologies, products, and companies. The data is based on 277,000 jobs posted to the Freelancer.com platform between July 1 to September 30 2023. Fast 50 Q3 2022 vs Q3 2023 Fast 50 Q2 2023 vs Q3 2023 Data About Freelancer Twelve-time Webby award-winning Freelancer.com is the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by total number of users and projects posted. More than 69 million registered users have posted over 23.1 million projects and contests to date in over 2,000 areas as diverse as website development, logo design, marketing, copywriting, astrophysics, aerospace engineering and manufacturing. Freelancer owns Escrow.com, the leading provider of secure online payments and online transaction management for consumers and businesses on the Internet with over US$5 billion in transactions secured. Freelancer also owns Freightlancer & Loadshift, enterprise freight marketplaces with over 550 million kilometers of freight posted since inception. Freelancer Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker ASX:FLN and is quoted on OTCQX Best Market under the ticker FLNCF. Forward-looking statements This document contains certain "forward-looking statements". The words "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "project", "forecast", "estimate", “outlook”, “upside”, "likely", "intend", "should", "could", "may", "target", "plan" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Indications of, and guidance on, future earnings and financial position and performance, including Freelancer’s FY23 outlook, are also forward-looking statements, as are statements regarding Freelancer’s plans and strategies and the development of the market. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Freelancer, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Freelancer cannot give any assurance or guarantee that the assumptions upon which management based its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct or exhaustive beyond the date of its making, or that Freelancer's business and operations will not be affected by other factors not currently foreseeable by management or beyond its control. Such forward-looking statements only speak as at the date of this announcement and Freelancer assumes no obligation to update such information. The release, publication or distribution of this document in jurisdictions outside Australia may be restricted by law. Any failure to comply with such restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws. Contact Details Freelancer.com Marko Zitko +61 404 574 830 mzitko@freelancer.com

October 12, 2023 07:09 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Oncotelic Therapeutics’ (OTCQB: OTLC) Lead Immunotherapy Candidate For Treating Deadly Cancers, OT-101, Could Hold Potential Applications In Multiple Multi-Billion Dollar Markets

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Oncotelic Therapeutics (OTCQB: OTLC) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. Its primary focus is on developing innovative drugs for oncology and infectious disease and aging. OT-101 is the company’s lead immuno-oncology drug candidate, showing promise in the treatment of deadly cancers as well as acute COVID-19. It is a first-in-class anti-TGF-β RNA therapeutic that inhibits a protein called Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β). TGF-β is known to suppress the immune system, help cancer cells evade the immune system and increase the growth and spread of cancer cells. OT-101 functions by interrupting the production of TGF-β, thereby allowing the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. In preclinical trials, OT-101 demonstrated strong and selective expression of TGF-β inhibition, leading to the activation of the immune system in cancer patients. Phase 2 studies of OT-101 have shown promising results in treating pancreatic cancer, melanoma and glioblastoma, with strong efficacy and safety outcomes among treated patients. Pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, melanoma and other cancers like colorectal cancer are all highly aggressive types of cancer that can be difficult to treat. Each year, thousands of people in the United States are diagnosed with these cancers. Experts predict 97,610 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2023, while pancreatic cancer is projected to affect 64,050 people. In the case of glioblastoma, it affects 12,000 to 15,000 people in the U.S. each year. These markets are all significant in the world of immunotherapy. For example, the global market size for pancreatic cancer was $2.22 billion in 2022, and it is expected to be worth around $7.91 billion by 2032. Similarly, the global glioblastoma market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.8% from 2021 to 2028 to reach $4.2 billion by 2028. Despite the large markets, these cancer types still need more therapeutic options, especially for advanced cases or when existing treatments don't provide adequate results. Pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma, in particular, are often considered underserved areas due to limited treatment options, while melanoma and colorectal cancer have seen progress in their treatments in recent years, but there is still a need for more effective therapies. The successes of ongoing research in oncology, such as OT-101 in pancreatic cancer, bring hope that more breakthrough treatments will be available in the future. OT-101 was designed to improve existing cancer treatments, such as pembrolizumab marketed by Merck & Co’s (NYSE: MRK) as Keytruda. Pembrolizumab – is an immunotherapy used to treat various types of cancer, including lung cancer, melanoma and triple-negative breast cancer. In addition to showing promising results in treating cancer patients, OT-101 has seen success in helping combat infectious diseases. Recent phase 2 trial results have shown that OT-101 has activity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, and was safe to administer to patients with COVID-19, including severe and critical cases. This indicates that the drug has potential therapeutic benefits in treating acute COVID, as well as other respiratory viral infections. The potential benefits of OT-101 could be especially important for people suffering from long COVID. Long COVID, also known as post-COVID conditions, refers to a broad range of signs, symptoms and conditions that persist or develop after an individual has recovered from an acute COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can last for weeks, months or even years after the initial diagnosis of COVID-19. Oncotelic is also advancing other drug candidates, including CA4P and Oxi4503. These drugs utilize different mechanisms of action to target cancer cells and disrupt their growth. This diversified pipeline strategy allows Oncotelic to explore multiple approaches to cancer treatment and increase the likelihood of success in addressing different types of cancer. The company seems to have a deep understanding of the field of oncology and is actively working to provide patients with better treatment options. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 11, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Non-Dilutive Investment Is Back In Vogue

Benzinga

By John Biggs In the wake of a significant reduction in U.S. venture capital (VC) funding, which dropped from $345 billion in 2021 to $238 billion in 2022, there has been a marked shift towards non-dilutive funding among tech companies. D istinct from traditional equity funding, where companies trade ownership for capital, non-dilutive investment ensures businesses don’t lose their equity or control. Available options include revenue-based financing, debt financing, tax credits, and royalty financing. Late-stage growth companies find this method especially appealing as it spares them from personal guarantees or future revenue commitments. Liquidity Group, the largest AI-based financial asset management firm in the world, witnessed a 360% demand surge in Q2FY23. Ron Daniel, its CEO, noted, "We’ve transformed non-dilutive funding into an important alternative," a sentiment bolstered by the unstable VC equity funding environment. Benefits Of Non-Dilutive Funding Non-dilutive funding offers several advantages for businesses seeking capital without sacrificing ownership or control. One major advantage is the extended repayment periods typically associated with non-dilutive investments. This allows businesses to manage their cash flow more effectively by spreading out the repayment over a longer period. Additionally, non-dilutive funding options often do not require personal guarantees, reducing the risk for founders and executives. Instead, lenders or investors focus on the company's future revenue and growth potential to assess repayment likelihood. This makes non-dilutive funding an attractive option for businesses with predictable or steady revenue streams. By understanding these advantages and effectively negotiating with capital firms, businesses can access the capital they need while maintaining ownership and control. Types Of Non-Dilutive Funding There are several types of non-dilutive funding options available to businesses, each with its own unique advantages and requirements. One popular form of non-dilutive funding is revenue-based financing. This type of funding allows businesses to secure capital by selling a part of their future revenue to investors. Unlike traditional bank loans, revenue-based financing offers flexible repayment terms based on the company's monthly revenue, making it an attractive option for businesses in need of cash flow without the burden of fixed monthly payments. Here is a rundown of the most popular types: Revenue-based Financing: Companies pledge part of their future revenue to investors, offering more flexibility than standard loans. Tax Credits: Government-backed credits can significantly reduce a company's costs. Grants and Awards: Often provided by government bodies and foundations, these don’t require repayments or equity exchanges. Compared to traditional bank loans, non-dilutive funding options offer several advantages. Traditional loans often require personal guarantees and can come with extended repayment periods, putting personal assets at risk. Additionally, banks may require a substantial track record or collateral to secure a loan, making it difficult for businesses or early-stage companies to qualify. By leveraging non-dilutive funding options, businesses gain access to capital without incurring debt or giving up equity. This is particularly beneficial for businesses and high-growth companies seeking to maintain control over their business strategy and decision-making processes. If you're looking to grow your business while keeping full ownership intact, exploring non-dilutive investment options is a practical and attractive solution. In avoiding the downsides of traditional bank loans and maintaining control over your company's future, non-dilutive funding provides a valuable alternative for entrepreneurs seeking to maintain their vision while securing the necessary capital. Non-Dilutive Investment Appeals To VCs N on-dilutive financiers add a layer of security for VCs. They intensively assess and validate businesses, making such companies more appealing to those willing to invest further. That said, despite the advantages, non-dilutive funding also has its challenges. Accessibility can be an issue, and the need for proven revenue history may deter some. Furthermore, most non-dilutive methods still require repayments, putting future revenues under commitment. Negotiating terms in non-dilutive agreements can be intricate. Clear communication is imperative to find a mutually beneficial arrangement, focusing on interest rates, repayment terms, and other crucial factors. In conclusion, while non-dilutive funding presents itself as an attractive solution in the current financial landscape, businesses must weigh both the advantages and potential challenges before moving forward. As more and more move away from VC, however, it’s easy to say that non-dilutive investment is now the new hotness. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 11, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Inspire Veterinary Partners Continues To Expand, Announces Proposed Acquisition In Pennsylvania

Benzinga

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga Inspire Veterinary Partners Inc (NASDAQ: IVP), a trailblazer in pet healthcare services, is broadening its horizons. The company recently announced a non-binding letter of intent to acquire 100% ownership of an animal hospital in Pennsylvania, marking its initial venture into the Keystone State. With 13 animal hospitals already under its umbrella, this proposed acquisition is expected to add to Inspire’s expanding network and an early indicator of the company's vigorous growth strategy. The company expects to complete the acquisition sometime in October 2023, subject to standard closing conditions. Investing In Real Estate For the Virginia-based Inspire, the move north presents a fresh market in its ongoing nationwide expansion. Some 60% of Pennsylvania households own a pet — and, by extension, demand quality pet care services. In the words of Inspire CEO Kimball Carr, the company is "excited to continue our growth nationwide and for Pennsylvania to be added to the list of states” and “look[s] forward to more anticipated growth in the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Eastern U.S." Inspire’s planned investment in Pennsylvania is also in real estate. The purchase of a pre-existing pet hospital provides the company with an asset that has tangible value and the ability to be optimized for service delivery, which aligns well with Inspire’s proven operational practices and bottom-up business model. Anticipating Future Growth Inspire’s acquisition squarely sets Pennsylvania as the latest location in its sights – but likely not the final one. The company maintains an active pipeline of potential acquisitions across the animal hospital sector. With more announcements anticipated in 2023 and 2024, it's clear that Inspire is focused on strategically broadening its reach, not simply on one-off achievements. Instead, Inspire is laying the groundwork for a series of strategic acquisitions to diversify its revenue streams and bolster its credentials as an industry leader in veterinary care. This month, investors are eagerly awaiting the culmination of this Pennsylvania deal, as well as whatever comes next in Inspire’s carefully orchestrated growth plan. The Bigger Picture It’s worth emphasizing that the letter of intent is non-binding. But this shouldn’t detract from what Inspire is laying out: a blueprint for sustained and thoughtful expansion built by and for veterinary owners and staff. With a robust pipeline of potential acquisitions lined up for 2023, Inspire is signaling that growth in its operational footprint is expected to be robust and should translate to increasing revenue and profitability in 2024. The company is focused on its long-term goal to become not just a disruptive innovator but an industry leader. Its proposed acquisition in Pennsylvania serves as a statement that it is willing to venture into new territories and continually set higher standards in the pet healthcare industry. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 11, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time