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Industrial Cleaning Is Risky For Workers And Environmentally Toxic; Are Lasers The Solution?

Laser Photonics Corporation

By David Willey, Benzinga Read the latest report on Laser Photonics here. Laser Photonics ( NASDAQ: LASE) has worked for 35 years to lead the laser technology industry in producing safe and efficient lasers. One prominent application for these lasers is in the industrial cleaning industry. Manufacturers and others constantly need to clean metal surfaces of corrosion, grease, or old paint. However, old practices carry risks to the environment and workers, which is why companies are beginning to turn to laser solutions. A popular industrial cleaning method is sandblasting, where a jet of sand particles is blown at the surface to roughen or strip it down. The sandblasting industry is worth over $9 billion, but particles from the sand and surface create air and water pollutants, and sandblaster operators must protect themselves with a Hazardous Environment Protective Assembly (HEPA) suit. Silica sand and particles from the blasting can get into workers’ lungs, causing silicosis, with an estimated 1 million US workers currently at risk of silicosis. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has responded with strict regulations around the use of sandblasting and other activities that risk producing crystalline silica. Another common blasting method is dry ice blasting, where dry ice pellets are air blown at the metal surface. However, dry ice blasting risks exposure to high levels of carbon dioxide, and damage to hearing. Also, contact with the dry ice pellets – which run at -70 degrees celsius – brings the risk of severe burns. A third common cleaning method is the $14 billion chemical market, which involves noxious, and often toxic, products. However, with this method, it is difficult to safely dispose of the chemical waste, and many solvents use chemicals like trichloroethylene that bring the risk of cancer and other serious long-term side effects. Amid these concerns, companies are turning to lasers as a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative industrial cleaning solution. Lasers Are A Safer Solution Laser Photonics is an integrated laser technology company, and one of its specialties is laser cleaning systems. The company has a diverse line of CleanTech laser products that are suited to a range of industrial cleaning applications. These eco-friendly lasers carry less risk for the worker as well as for the environment. The lasers don’t create pollutants, and they are easy to use, following straightforward guidelines for laser safety awareness. The reduced risks to health and safety make these a more Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- and OSHA-friendly solution. Laser Photonics isn’t going to stop growing, however, and the company is rolling out its next-generation laser that represents a systems upgrade in maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). Laser Photonics lasers have been picked up by Fortune 500 and 1000 companies, who want to incorporate both environmentally friendly and safety-first applications for their workers. One of the most recent orders of 2000-watt CleanTech lasers came from a major truck manufacturer, which was placing its third order for Laser Photonics products. “Industry has needed a cleaner, safer surface pre-treatment solution for a very long time,” said Vincent Galiardi, CEO of a surface cleaning operation company that uses Laser Photonics’ lasers. He praised both the safety of Laser Photonics’ products and their superiority to traditional cleaning methods: “When we treat a surface with lasers, any fumes or dislodged particulate is extracted into a HEPA filter and the job is done. There is no media [sand, dry ice, chemicals] to replenish or clean up.” Lumentum Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: LITE), CyberOptics Corp. (NASDAQ: CYBE) and IPG Photonics Corp. (NASDAQ: IPGP) are other companies involved in producing industrial laser solutions. Want to learn more about how Laser Photonics provides safe and eco-friendly solutions? Visit its website. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Laser Photonics is a vertically-integrated manufacturer and R&D Center of Excellence for industrial laser technologies and systems. LPC seeks to disrupt the $46 billion, centuries old, sand and abrasives blasting markets, focusing on surface cleaning, rust removal, corrosion control, de-painting and other laser-based industrial applications. LPC's new generation of leading-edge laser blasting technologies and equipment also addresses the numerous health, safety, environmental, and regulatory issues associated with the old methods. As a result, LPC has quickly gained a reputation as an industry leader for industrial laser systems with a brand that stands for quality, technology and product innovation. Currently, world-renowned and Fortune 1000 manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, industrial, maritime, space exploration and shipbuilding industries are using LPC's "unique-to-industry" systems. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Brian Siegel, IRC®, M.B.A. Senior Managing Director Hayden IR brian@haydenir.com Company Website https://www.laserphotonics.com/

February 21, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

Chronicle raises $7.5M seed round from Accel and Square Peg to reimagine presentations

Chronicle

The slide format was created in the 1980s to design overhead projector slides. 40 years later, the way we work has completely transformed but we are still stuck with this slide format. Not only is it extremely time consuming and tedious to make great presentations, the affordances of this format make it extremely easy to make bad presentations. Today, Chronicle is announcing a new storytelling format to revolutionize storytelling for modern teams. Founded by Mayuresh Patole and Tejas Gawande, Chronicle believes that this problem needs to be solved with world-class information design. They are making a completely new way to make impactful, interactive presentations that are effortless to create. Creating presentations on Chronicle is completely different from hours of pixel pushing. Instead of spending hours tweaking slides, Chronicle allows users to create with ‘pre-designed blocks’. These blocks are interactive and are designed with world-class information design in mind. This radically reduces the time required to create a story that is highly impactful. Chronicle wants to deliver a dummy-proof creation experience - layouts are created much like arranging widgets on your iPhone meaning it's impossible to make a bad-looking Chronicle presentation. The founders have spent the last decade helping thousands of people make presentations while working in product, growth, and management consulting roles. Mayuresh Patole, Co-Founder and CEO at Chronicle, commented: “This started at university where I accidentally ended up teaching lecture halls full of students to build presentations because they thought I'd developed some kind of new interactive format. In reality, I was spending hours hacking Powerpoint to deliver a novel, interactive and engaging format. Today, with the explosion of social media, remote work, and a plethora of modern design tools, the world is ready for a new way to tell stories. I’m so excited that I can now bring that power to create visually stunning stories to anyone in seconds or minutes, not hours.” The founders realized big changes were happening in how people were telling stories - both in the creation and consumption experiences. Tejas Gawande added: “Social media has completely hijacked how people consume complex information. Attention spans have reduced by 33% since 2000 and have given rise to shorter formats across almost everything we consume. Today, most audiences stop paying attention to the presentation at the 10-minute mark. As younger generations have entered the workplace this feeling of ‘death by Powerpoint’ has only grown more acute.“ Simply making tools that lead to faster creation of poorly designed slides with chartjunk and bad information design only further aggravates this issue. Users are also spending hours making bad presentations. Employees spend, on average, more than a month every year writing and finessing these presentations. Mayuresh and Tejas were struck with a strong realization when they saw users move from conventional slide-based design tools to simpler formats that offer one core thing that users want - convenience. According to the founder, the problem is not that you cannot create great presentations with existing tools but rather that it is that the tools do not help in the process. Not only do existing tools and formats make it very difficult to deliver great presentations, they make it quite easy to make bad ones. Chronicle wants everyone to be able to share their story and be proud of the output they create. They also want to make storytelling a joyful experience. To do this they’re breaking the tyranny of the slide and replacing it with interactive blocks that work like magic. Mayuresh Patole added: “Our early adopters are able to use Chronicle to create some of the best decks in just 8 minutes instead of 8 hours. Eventually, we see Chronicle being the best way to anchor any meeting or discussion, in-person, remote, or asynchronous. It is a huge opportunity to impact millions of people who aren’t happy with how stories are told today and we are incredibly excited about it.” The founders used their platform to make their investor pitch deck that caught the eye of Accel’s Shekhar Kirani and it was quickly evident how much impact a simple, well-designed, interactive format could create. Shekhar Kirani, Partner at Accel, commented: “Chronicle is reimagining storytelling. The team is obsessed with fixing the problem and making the experience of crafting impactful stories not just bearable but joyful. Mayuresh and Tejas have put together a global, remote-first team that is fixated on solving the pressing issues that prevent people from delivering their best story, both sync and async. With its opinionated design and delightful experience, Chronicle has already started emerging as the choice of storytelling tool with modern ventures. We are thrilled to be a part of their mission and kick off a new generation of no-design tools.” Paul Bassat, founder at Square Peg, said, “It is rare to find a founder who has such a special connection with the problem. Mayuresh is absolutely obsessed and uniquely skilled to craft a new storytelling medium. When he showed us what he means by ‘a new format’ it was immediately clear that the opportunity is huge and they are thinking about this very differently. We are thrilled to be a part of their mission.” Over the course of their journey, the founders have attracted some of the most prominent thought leaders mapping out the future of work from organizations such as Apple, Google, Slack, Stripe, Superhuman, OnDeck, and Adobe. Chronicle is a fully remote team of 15, operating across the US, India, and Australia. They are currently in closed beta, rapidly iterating with their early adopters on the first version of their product that focuses on helping founders make pitch decks - a use case that is very close to the founders. They will soon be expanding to other internal and external storytelling use cases. About Chronicle Chronicle is a new format of presentations that lets you create impactful stories effortlessly. Chronicle is doing to presentations what Notion did to docs. We are not making a faster tool to make slides, we are fundamentally reimagining the format itself by taking away the design burden, making it interactive and engaging. Find out more and join the waitlist at Chronicle (chroniclehq.com) Chronicle is led by a strong team of storytellers, and product and information design leaders. Mayuresh Patole co-founded Chronicle after witnessing a significant void in the way stories are created and shared. After being repeatedly asked at talks and events about how he made his presentations, he ran a workshop on effective presentations which was a surprise success. He went on to join BCG where he would spend the next 5 years surrounded by presentations again. Tejas Gawande is a product geek who brings his deep expertise in customer and go-to-market from working across the US and 10 APAC countries in eCommerce and management consulting. He also writes a product newsletter for thousands of subscribers. Mayuresh and Tejas met at university (IIT Bombay) and have known each other for a decade. About Accel Accel is a global venture capital firm that aims to be the first partner to exceptional teams everywhere, from inception through all phases of private company growth. Accel has been operating in India since 2008, and its investments include companies like BookMyShow, BrowserStack, Flipkart, Freshworks, FalconX, Infra. Market, Chargebee, Clevertap, Cure Fit, Musigma, Moneyview, Mensa Brands, Myntra, Moglix, Ninjacart, Swiggy, Stanza Living, Urban Company, Zetwerk, and Zenoti, among many others.We help ambitious entrepreneurs build iconic global businesses. For more, visit www.accel.com About Square Peg Square Peg is a global investment firm on a mission to empower exceptional founders. Square Peg was founded in 2012 and has grown into a global investment firm with teams in Sydney, Melbourne, Tel Aviv, and Singapore. Square Peg invests in emerging technology companies across the internet economy. Since 2012, it has invested in over 50 companies including Canva, Fiverr, Stripe, Tomorrow, and Airwallex. For more, visit www.squarepegcap.com Contact Details Chronicle Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://chroniclehq.com/

February 21, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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People Hub Puts the Employee Experience at the Heart of NAVEX One

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, the leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, today announced the launch of People Hub, a key component of the NAVEX One Governance, Risk, and Compliance Information System. People Hub combines employee-related compliance tasks into a single view for both employees and program administrators. It delivers a streamlined experience that simplifies and elevates the organization’s compliance program. As part of the NAVEX One platform, People Hub is included at no extra cost. NAVEX is the first provider of a GRC Information System that connects enhanced employee experience and automated risk and compliance processes with informed data-driven governance. NAVEX One People Hub is a single destination for all employee compliance tasks -- from onboarding new talent and reviewing the code of conduct to developing and executing more complex compliance workflows. People Hub also recognizes how work gets done today, and therefore is accessible on any device from desktop to tablets and mobile phones. “Organizations are navigating multiple macro trends impacting business risk, including increased employee expectations for greater transparency and being heard by management,” says Amy Cravens, IDC research manager, governance, risk and compliance. “Enhancing how an organization manages its risk and compliance, starting with the front-line employees, is a key element to driving operational and business success.” "Having everyone live into the organization's GRC program demands a unified, familiar user experience. NAVEX One People Hub makes this straightforward and intuitive for employees and administrators alike," said NAVEX Chief Product Officer, A.G. Lambert. "People Hub creates a central location where all compliance tasks are easily accessed and completed, allowing employees to be proactive when it comes to their compliance responsibilities. This in turn contributes to a workplace culture that delivers outcomes that matter most to the organization." Employee experience People Hub makes compliance readily understandable and more approachable by simplifying processes. It ensures team members stay up to date with their compliance-related activities while strengthening workplace culture with a more individualized and engaging experience. See unique tasks: People Hub presents new employees with a personalized onboarding experience with all their compliance tasks in a single, simple list that ensures they take prompt action and stay on track. Make a report or ask a question: Team members can file a report or incident, ask a question and follow up on their case in a safe inviting format. Review a policy or make a disclosure: People Hub makes it easy to access applicable policies and record past actions. This includes links to company policies, code of conduct and conflict-of-interest disclosure forms. Access resources from any device: From onboarding to ongoing compliance tasks, People Hub ensures resources are readily available from any device. Administrative workflows NAVEX continues to enhance its GRC Information System through the centralized management of key risk and compliance information. Distribution of all communication, training, tasks and other important information makes People Hub an intuitive employee compliance management solution. Manage compliance centrally: Create targeted compliance workflows using one centralized risk and compliance information system. Tailor workflows to titles: Quickly create or reuse compliance workflows based on different job types, departments, locations, and more. Get your message out: Easily deliver journeys (or other instructions) for onboarding and ongoing compliance-related tasks. This includes vital work-specific and regulatory attestations and training. Measure impact: See the process and status of employees' progress through assigned training, policy attestations and conflict-of-interest disclosures. Enhanced workplace culture People Hub’s customizable features allow administrators to create a familiar experience for employees that uses the organization’s branding and sets the tone for a healthy workplace culture that inspires trust. Easy access: Offers a simple URL with single sign on. Branded experience: Set the logo, colors and button shapes to match the company brand. Reinforce culture: Add a CEO message or other welcome message to reinforce and match the culture and voice of the organization. Worldwide customization: Offered in 15 standard languages with additional languages available. About NAVEX One GRC Information System NAVEX One enhances the employee experience, mitigates third-party risk, and automates risk and compliance processes for more informed, data-driven governance. As the first comprehensive GRC Information System, NAVEX One delivers shared services through an integrated data model. This provides insights across key areas of business risk generating greater operational efficiencies. NAVEX One creates a real-time view of compliance risk without silos – further bringing all governance, risk and compliance activity together into a single source of truth. To learn more about People Hub, visit https://www.navex.com/en-us/products/navex-ethics-compliance/people-hub/. Or, read our blog, “ Three ways to elevate your employee experience ” on Risk & Compliance Matters. NAVEX is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide to help them achieve the business outcomes that matter most. As the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software and services, we deliver solutions through the NAVEX One platform, the industry’s most comprehensive governance, risk and compliance (GRC) information system. For more information, visit NAVEX.com and our blog. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact Details NAVEX Scott Levesque +1 617-388-5773 scott.levesque@navex.com Company Website https://www.navex.com

February 21, 2023 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

Volatus Aerospace Reports Preliminary Proforma Unaudited Revenue of Approximately C$38M for FY 2022 and Revenue Guidance of Approximately C$52M for FY 2023

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

Volatus anticipates unaudited proforma gross profit margin of approximately 31% in 2022 compared to 26% in 2021. Consequently, management is pleased to report preliminary full-year 2022 gross profit margin consistent with its original guidance. Volatus Aerospace Corp. (“ Volatus ” or “the Company ”) (TSXV:VOL) (OTCQB:VLTTF) is pleased to announce preliminary, unaudited proforma Net Revenue and Gross Profit results for the three-month period ended December 31, 2022 and year ended December 31, 2022 (“FY-2022”) and Revenue and Gross Profit guidance for the financial year ended December 31, 2023 (“FY-2023”). Volatus expects to report positive financial results underpinned by geographic and sector expansion. Based on preliminary unaudited proforma results for FY-2022 prepared by management, Volatus expects to report FY-2022 revenue of approximately C$38 million and FY-2022 Gross Profit of approximately C$11.6 million with an expected gross profit margin of approximately 31%. Additionally, Volatus is providing financial guidance targets for FY-2023. Volatus expects to report FY-2023 Revenue of approximately C$52 million and FY-2023 Gross Profit of approximately C$16.6M million with a gross profit margin of 32%. Factors contributing to the expected increases in revenue, gross profit and gross profit margin in FY-2023 include changes in product mix, conversion of existing active sales pipeline opportunities into sales, larger geographical presence, access to new markets and new products, commercialization of Volatus’ technologies such as Aerieport and ISR drones, and the scaling of operations in the defence segment. For greater clarity, the gross profit margin is derived solely by subtracting the costs of goods sold from total revenue and dividing such number by total revenue. Q4-2022 and FY-2022 Preliminary Results For the three-month period ended December 31, 2022 (“Q4-2022”) and FY-2022, on a preliminary unaudited proforma basis (as discussed in further detail below), management reports the following highlights: Q4-2022 unaudited proforma Net Revenue is expected to be between C$7 million and C$8 million. Without accounting for the proforma adjustment, Volatus expects to report unaudited revenue between C$6.5 million and C$7 million. The FY-2022 unaudited proforma Net Revenue is expected to be approximately C$38 million. Q4-2022 proforma Gross Profit is expected to be between C$2 million to C$2.5 million and FY-2022 unaudited proforma Gross Profit is expected to be approximately C$11.6 million. Organic revenue growth for FY-2022 compared to FY-2021 was approximately 45% as a result of access to new markets, entry in the defence segment, the sale of equipment, and continued growth in the service and training segment. Volatus expects to end 2023 with positive EBITDA on a run rate basis subject to maintaining the Company’s current growth, the level of investment expenditure, and the timing of its customer orders. Business Update At the end of FY-2022, Volatus has: Sold equipment and services on 3 continents. Expanded geographically in Latin America and the United Kingdom. Developed and began commercializing 4 proprietary technologies. Completed 5 acquisitions. Expanded our defence and public safety businesses. Subsequent to Q4-2022 Completed the acquisition of Empire Drone. Received a domestic service licence from the Canadian Transportation Agency to provide drone cargo services. Gross Profit Margin. The Company derives gross profit margin by subtracting costs of goods sold from total revenue and dividing such number by total revenue. “Despite macro-economic challenges and supply chain constraints, the Volatus team has continued to demonstrate strong execution in 2022. We issued a revenue guidance note of C$38M through a news release on February 16, 2022, and I am extremely proud of achieving our target,” said Abhinav Singhvi, CFO of Volatus Aerospace. “Continued geographic expansion, enhanced capabilities, accelerating industry adoption and cross-selling are expected to drive growth for the foreseeable future.” The Company cautions that the above results are preliminary in nature and unaudited, as the Company’s audit for FY-2022 has not yet been completed. Actual results for FY-2022 may differ materially from the estimates disclosed in this news release due to the completion of the Company’s financial closing procedures, final adjustments, review by the Company’s auditors and other developments that may arise between now and the time the financial results are finalized. Actual results for FY-2023 may differ materially from the estimates disclosed in this news release due to, among other things, supply chain challenges, the inability of strategic suppliers and resellers to perform their obligations, rapid changes in the industry, increased competition, regulatory changes and hurdles, and the inability to expand in different markets due to geo-political risks. These estimates are not a comprehensive statement of the Company’s financial results for Q4-2022, FY-2022 and FY-2023 and should not be viewed as a substitute for full financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and these estimates are not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved for Q4-2022, FY-2022 and FY-2023. A number of economic, market, operational and financial assumptions were made by the management of Volatus in preparing its forward guidance, including, but not limited to, the conversion ratio of the Company’s sales pipeline, success in the bidding of RFQs, the ability to change the product mix and the Company’s ability to maintain a competitive position, retain and increase recurring revenue with customers, scale relationships with strategic suppliers, maintain gross margins and retain its sales force. The preliminary results provided in this press release constitute forward-looking information and future-oriented financial information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. The purpose of this future-oriented financial information is to provide readers with an understanding of the Company’s ability to scale and maintain its competitive position and such future oriented financial information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Please see the section below entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Future Oriented Financial Information”. The preliminary results have been prepared by, and are the responsibility of, management of the Company. The Company’s auditor, MS Partners, has not reviewed the preliminary results. Neither MS Partners nor any other independent accountants express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect to the preliminary results. The Company will provide additional discussion and analysis regarding its fourth quarter revenue, gross profit, and EBITDA when the Company reports it Q4-2022 and FY-2022 results on April 17, 2023 after the close of markets. Non-IFRS Measures and Other Financial Measures This news release contains references to EBITDA and gross profit margin, which are not defined under IFRS. Management believes the presentation of these metrics gives useful information to investors and shareholders, as they provide increased transparency and insight into the performance of the Company. The data presented is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Readers should not place undue reliance on non-IFRS measures and should instead view them in conjunction with the most comparable IFRS financial measures EBITDA. The Company defines EBITDA as IFRS net loss excluding interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense. EBITDA should not be construed as alternatives to comprehensive loss or income determined in accordance with IFRS. EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The Company believes that EBITDA is a meaningful financial metric as it measures cash generated from operations which the Company can use to fund working capital requirements, service future interest and principal debt repayments and fund future growth initiatives. About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace Corp. is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions throughout North America and growing into Latin America and globally. Volatus serves civil, public safety, and defense markets with imaging and inspection, security and surveillance, equipment sales and support, training, as well as R&D, design, and manufacturing. Through our subsidiary, Volatus Aviation, we are introducing green and innovative drone solutions to supplement and replace traditional aircraft and helicopters for long-linear inspections such as pipeline, energy, rail, and cargo services. Volatus is committed to carbon neutrality; the fostering of a safe, equitable and inclusive workplace; and responsible governance. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” and “future oriented financial information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating and financial performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and future oriented financial information 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 and future oriented financial information includes information regarding: (i) the Company’s expectations of net revenue, gross profit, gross profit margin and other financial projections for Q4-2022, FY-2022 and FY-2023; (ii) the business plans and expectations of the Company; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information and future oriented financial 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 and future oriented financial information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and future oriented financial 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 future oriented financial information 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. Factors that could also cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information and the future oriented financial information are described under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated June 30, 2022, which is available on SEDAR at www.SEDAR.com. 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 and future oriented financial 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 and financial oriented financial information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and future oriented financial 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. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Source: Volatus Aerospace Corp. TSXV: VOL Contact Details Abhinav Singhvi +1 514-447-7986 abhinav.singhvi@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

February 21, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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GSTechnologies sees FCA regulatory sandbox as a "unique opportunity"

GSTechnologies Ltd

GSTechnologies Ltd (LSE:GST) COO Shayne Tan and non-executive director Malcolm Groat speak to Proactive's Thomas Warner after announcing that the company has applied for admission to the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)’s Regulatory Sandbox. Tan reveals some of the benefits of the application, describing it as a "unique opportunity to test the platform that we've built." Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

February 21, 2023 05:53 AM Eastern Standard Time

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AI Captures The Attention of Consumers and Investors (GOOG, AMZN, MSFT, EPAZ, AITX)

CapitalGainsReport - Market & Financial News Commentary

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most advanced and rapidly developing industries in today's economy. Investing in companies developing AI technology can be a great opportunity for investors looking to profit from the industry's rapid growth. As technology advances, demand for artificial intelligence-related services is expected to rise, potentially increasing the long-term value of stocks with an AI focus. Already, leading tech companies like Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) are all utilizing AI in various ways to advance and grow their respective industries. Amazon uses AI to make individualized product recommendations and improve the efficiency of its supply chain, and Google uses AI for speech and image recognition. Microsoft employs artificial intelligence to improve Microsoft Teams and other collaboration and productivity tools, as well as its cloud computing services. These companies use artificial intelligence for a variety of purposes, including natural language analysis, predictive analytics, and autonomous systems. Compared to investing in a major player, trading small OTC stocks can offer a number of advantages, including a higher chance of growth and the chance to join a promising new company at the very beginning. Due to its intriguing share price and promising technology, Epazz Inc. (OTC: EPAZ) presents an intriguing opportunity for investors to profit from the AI-Tech boom. EPAZ provides mission-critical metaverse solutions, blockchain cryptocurrency mobile apps, and cloud-based business software solutions. EPAZ announced last week that it had been granted a utility patent for its AI-Predictive Smart Charging Pad. The ZenaDrone Smart Charging Pad allows the ZenaDrone 1000 to land on the charger for automatic charging. Unlike other drones, which required a user to manually remove the batteries for recharging, Epazz's Smart Charging Pad allows ZenaDrone to be used in remote areas and operate autonomously. The Smart Charging Pad has built-in computer vision to understand the environment around it and select the best option for receiving energy. The Smart Charging Pad has options for solar panels or wind power. The self-charging feature is critical for a drone to be fully autonomous. This is the second patent that was issued to Epazz for ZenaDrone technology. The company has filed two other patents that are being reviewed. CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D., said, "We are building a portfolio of drone patents that not only protect our technology but creates added value which may gain the interest of larger parties in the future.” This news about the company's Zenadrone product follows a great deal of success with the company’s On-Site Remote Assist product. EPAZ has announced that the product will be expanded further in European countries. EPAZ has been concentrating their efforts on the On-Site Remote Assist product efforts in the German market, as they originated in a research project in Berlin with great success. Aiming to carry the momentum generated in the German market, EPAZ will be expanding its On-Site Remote Assist technology throughout Europe. Epazz Inc. is in the process of adding new languages to TillerStack.com and will be hiring additional personnel in their Dublin, Ireland office. This product enables field workers to complete their tasks using a real-time video stream that connects remote technicians and back-end office experts. Access to local and distributed knowledge objects, automated expert mapping, and company-specific configurations are also provided by the technology. When combined with the On-Site Remote Assist product, Epazz's metaverse technology will allow remote field workers, repair and maintenance crews, and inspection and monitoring teams to conduct on-site video calls. Crews will be able to communicate with machine experts via on-site On-Site Remote Assistance and create real-time quality assessments, live training, proof of work, and reports. EPAZ has created smart data glasses as an essential piece of accessory hardware for using the On-Site Remote Assist product. With multiple products gaining traction and an affordable entry point, EPAZ is a great alternative for investors that are looking to get into the high-tech and AI sectors. Another option on the OTC market is Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTC: AITX) is a global leader in AI-powered enterprise security and productivity solutions. AITX is a pioneer in the provision of artificial intelligence-based solutions that assist companies in gaining fresh perspectives, resolving challenging issues, and igniting innovative business ideas. Through their subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), AITX is redefining the security and guarding services industry through its lineup of AI-driven, Solutions-as-a-Service business models. AITX announced on February 16th that its wholly owned subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), has progress updates in the healthcare vertical. The physical installation of ROSA-P units at an acute care facility with more than 100 beds has been completed by RAD, making it the company's largest hospital deployment to date. This end-user is a large regional hospital group that is part of a healthcare network that includes over 600 locations. The deployment at this single location includes four ROSA-P configurations, each with two ROSA units, as well as one solo ROSA, for a total of nine ROSAs. This deployment, which has received significant attention from the dealer and healthcare provider communities, was facilitated by one of RAD's largest dealers. This deployment is the inaugural large-scale RAD Light My Way deployment. Notably, the hospital staff was given a choice of an additional armed guard or ROSAs with RAD Light My Way, and they overwhelmingly chose the latter. Disclaimers: This article contains sponsored content. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor with regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, assumptions, objectives, goals, and assumptions about future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward looking statements in this action may be identified through use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements, indicating certain actions & quotes; may, could or might occur Understand there is no guarantee past performance is indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap or growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investor's investment may be lost or due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. CaptalGainsReport 'CGR' (owned by RazorPitch Inc.) is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. CGR is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment advisor. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. CGR authors, contributors, or its agents, may be compensated for preparing research, video graphics, and editorial content. CGR has been compensated thirty-five hundred dollars by U.S. Critical Metals Corp to produce content related to USCMF. As part of that content, readers, subscribers, and webs are expected to read the full disclaimers and financial disclosure statement that can be found on our website. CapitalGainsReport.com CapitalGainsReport is a financial website and newsletter for investors seeking nanocap and microcap opportunities. Please join our free newsletter at CapitalGainsReport.com Contact Details Mark McKelvie +1 585-301-7700 markrmckelvie@gmail.com Company Website https://capitalgainsreport.com/

February 21, 2023 05:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

OPPO to Unveil New Core Technologies and Innovations at MWC 2023

OPPO

SHENZHEN, CHINA - Media OutReach - 21 February 2023 - OPPO today announced its participation in Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023, in Barcelona from February 27 to March 2. Exhibiting under the theme of “Inspire to Believe”, OPPO will showcase a selection of flagship devices including the OPPO Find N2 Flip, new connectivity products and IoT technology, as well as its latest R&D breakthroughs in chip technology, smart health, AR, and fast charging. OPPO will also share details of its progress towards global sustainability goals and future plans to continue this momentum. OPPO will showcase its extensive exploration of smart living at MWC, with products spanning smart entertainment, smart productivity, smart learning, and smart health. Products such as the flagship foldable smartphone, OPPO Find N2 Flip, and the new generation of Assisted Reality smart glasses, OPPO Air Glass 2, will be available to experience, while OPPO’s second self-developed chip MariSilicon Y, and the OHealth H1 family health monitor concept device can also be explored further. Other innovations related to fast charging and a range of telecommunications and connectivity technologies will also highlight the breadth of OPPO’s expertise and belief in the potential of smart technology to improve people’s daily lives. As an official partner of the UEFA Champions League, OPPO will also invite UEFA Champions League Ambassador, Michael Owen and Luis Garcia, to OPPO’s booth at MWC as part of its plan to spark inspirational moments with UEFA. The OPPO booth can be found in Hall 3, section 3M10, at the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona from February 27 to March 2, 2023. For further details, please visit the OPPO MWC23 website. About OPPO OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find X and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO has footprints in more than 60 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world. Contact Details OPPO Media Contact press@oppo.com

February 21, 2023 02:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Comcast Plans Major Network Expansion in Texas

Comcast Houston

Comcast announced today it will significantly expand its next-generation network, the Xfinity 10G Network, in a major way across several southeast Texas counties in 2023. The media and technology company said it will invest more than $100 million to install at least one thousand miles of new fiber-rich highways that will reach up to 80,000 homes and businesses by the end of this year. The planned expansions add to Comcast’s ongoing $2.8 billion investment in Texas over the last three years. Network expansion efforts will begin in Kingwood, Pinehurst, Prairie View, Waller, New Caney and Conroe. Construction will continue in other communities that have ongoing network infrastructure builds in the Houston area. Construction has started in Kingwood, which will be the largest expansion of the year; it is expected to be complete by the end of 2023 and will reach nearly 24,000 Kingwood homes and businesses. These locations will have the foundational next-generation network in place to begin deploying DOCSIS 4.0, setting the stage for the introduction of new symmetrical multi-gigabit Internet options. “We will bring our fiber-rich network to twice the number of homes and businesses this year compared to the number we passed last year,” said Ralph Martinez, Senior Regional Vice President of Comcast’s Texas Region. “Southeast Texas’ rural and suburban communities have been growing fast, and we are building out our next-generation Comcast network in tandem with the growth. We will continue to expand to even more rural communities in the next few years.” Once complete, Comcast, the nation’s largest provider of 1.2 Gigabit per second speeds, will give consumers access to reliable and fast Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile service that outperforms its competitors. Comcast engineers have also developed multiple artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies that make the network faster and more reliable while delivering up to 100 Gbps for Comcast Business customers. In addition, Comcast’s next-generation technology provides multiple layers of security that automatically detect and block hundreds of thousands of cyber events every second, and a Smart Network that automates many core network functions and dramatically reduces the number of outages. “Access to reliable internet and telecommunications services is something that we cannot go without in our day-to-day activities,” said Houston Mayor Pro-Tem and Kingwood resident, Dave Martin. “Comcast and their new construction project in Kingwood is a perfect example of a business working to bridge the gap to connect more people to much-needed services while increasing accessibility to much-needed services and their dependability. I appreciate Comcast’s partnership and commitment to District E.” Comcast is also committed to addressing digital equity in communities we serve, through Project UP, the company’s $1 billion dollar commitment to help tens of millions of people connect to the internet and build futures of unlimited possibilities. Last year, Comcast Texas invested more than one million dollars to help local community organizations provide personalized digital skills training, offer workforce development/readiness workshops and other tech education to students, adults, and people with disabilities. The funding also supports ongoing efforts to build awareness about connectivity programs like Internet Essentials and the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers eligible households up to $30/month credit, or up to $75 for households on tribal lands, for home Internet. Comcast proudly participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program, and offers Internet Essentials Plus, a $29.95/month home Internet service that is effectively free for eligible households, once the ACP credit is applied. Interested customers can visit Xfinity.com/ACP or call 1-800-Xfinity to learn more about this program and find out if they qualify. For more construction details and updates, visit ComcastTexas.com/Expansion. Powered by the Xfinity 10G Network Comcast’s next-generation network and Internet experience are powering homes today and into the future: · Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect nearly 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. The Xfinity 10G Network with the next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously. · Fastest Internet: 10 million+ Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products, and Ookla rated Xfinity the fastest Internet provider at the end of 2022*. Symmetrical gig speeds to the first homes are planned for later this year. · Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful xFi Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas, with plans for an offering of increased support for in-home WiFi through a “boost guarantee” later this year. · Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network – the Xfinity 10G Network – that passes 60 million homes and business and counting. The company plans to launch a new device that is “storm-ready” with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out. · Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity 10G Network and the latest xFi Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home. For local businesses, 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. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, 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. Ookla’s SpeedtestTM Market Index report shows that Xfinity delivered the fastest median download speeds to its Internet customers in the United States for the final quarter of 2022. Contact Details Comcast Steve Campion +1 832-920-2001 Steve_Campion@Comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

February 20, 2023 10:08 AM Central Standard Time

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i2Coalition Warns of Crippling Impact in Amicus Brief filed with U.S. Supreme Court in Gonzalez v. Google LLC

i2Coalition

In advance of the oral arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court for Gonzalez v. Google LLC, the Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition) warns of the crippling impact this case could have on businesses of all sizes that build the Internet. On January 18, 2023, the i2Coalition, joined by our members cPanel, LLC; Identity Digital Inc.; Texas.net, Inc.; and Tucows Inc., filed an amicus brief calling on the Court to affirm the judgment of the Ninth Circuit and protect the foundational role Section 230 plays in ensuring the Internet's infrastructure functions efficiently and effectively. "While Section 230 may in part be responsible for protecting giant platforms that host user-generated content, it is also one of the pillars of intermediary liability law, which protects the entire ecosystem of lesser-known Internet infrastructure companies that operate the Internet at every level, down to the Internet user," said Christian Dawson, the i2Coalition's executive director. "Google may be the company listed on the case, but an adverse ruling would have far-reaching implications and cripple the ability of our member companies to ensure that the infrastructure running the Internet can continue to operate." The i2Coalition's brief demonstrates that Section 230's expressed words provide no basis for excluding the automated operation of algorithms (instructions to computer systems) from Section 230 liability protection. The coalition explains that a myriad of companies throughout the Internet ecosystem, including those providing its infrastructure, depend on algorithms to classify, organize, process, and transmit all sorts of data and that these functions do not alter Section 230(c)(1)'s protection of those companies. These include services that may seem mundane but are critically important, such as Domain Name Service (DNS) resolutions that translate domains into IP addresses. These services require stable, clear, and neutral rules that are not subject to political combat and weaponization by regulators and other actors. The extraordinary breadth of stakeholders that filed briefs last month in support of preserving Section 230, in its current form, includes private sector companies, entrepreneurs, advocacy organizations, academics, and computer scientists. Collectively, these briefs urged the Court to uphold Section 230 liability protection as courts have uniformly applied it for the past 25 years. In addition, the filings included the submission to the Court of an amicus brief from the original co-authors of the statute, former U.S. House Representative Christopher Cox and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. "With the Internet as we know it at stake, we implore the Court to uphold Section 230's protections," said Christian Dawson, the i2Coalition's executive director. "For 25 years, courts have uniformly applied the law without Congress seeking to steer the courts onto a different course. If revisions to Section 230 are warranted, Congress alone should make those changes." The full i2Coalition amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court docket can be found here. About the i2Coalition Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition) is a trade association representing the interests of businesses that construct and operate essential building blocks of the Internet. Its members include cloud providers, data center operators, domain name registrars, domain name registries, and other foundational Internet enterprises. Its mission is to preserve a free and open Internet as an engine for growth and innovation. It works with its members to advocate for sensible policies, establish and reinforce best practices, help create industry standards, and promote awareness of how the Internet works. To learn more about the i2Coalition, please visit www.i2Coalition.com. Contact Details Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0785 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://i2coalition.com/

February 20, 2023 10:35 AM Eastern Standard Time