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Skuad secures Series A funding to drive global expansion in helping companies hire, manage and pay talent globally

Skuad

Numerous large companies around the world have started to adopt globally distributed and hybrid team structures as part of business growth and expansion plans. However, they are struggling to remain compliant with local employment regulations, process cross-border payroll and find high-quality talent as they hire beyond borders. Skuad, a Singapore-based company that enables global hiring and payroll, announced today that it has raised US$ 15 Mn in Series A funding to help companies like these overcome challenges around building global teams. The funding round was led by a Southeast Asian venture capital fund alongside a U.S. strategic investor specializing in staffing and two leading global payments platforms. This round also saw participation from existing investors BEENEXT, Anthemis as well other prominent angel investors. This funding follows on from the US$4 Mn seed round in December 2020, taking the total capital raised to US$19 Mn. The brainchild of Sundeep Sahi, Skuad was founded in 2020 with the singular aim of simplifying the process of finding and managing the right talent while removing the limitations of boundaries. While the pandemic-induced lockdowns and the “work from home” situation enabled the rise of distributed working models and global teams, they also created a unique set of challenges for organizations that were used to a traditional “office” set-up. Skuad enables companies to build global, distributed teams by hiring the best talent beyond borders (without setting up a legal entity). Its array of services include onboarding, payroll, benefits, taxes and local compliance (at a fraction of the usual cost and time). “The way people work and companies hire has changed,” said Sundeep Sahi, Founder and CEO of Skuad. “ Our mission is to elevate lives by democratizing opportunities and talent globally. We started Skuad because we realized that talent was everywhere but opportunities were not. With the complexities of hiring in foreign markets and cross-border payments, companies were finding it hard to discover and hire the right talent and build global teams. On the other hand, talent did not have the right discovery platform for finding remote employment that invests and helps them grow in their career rather than working for transactional short term gigs. We want to change this status quo and actively work towards enabling 1 Mn workers to discover the best opportunities globally, work anywhere in the world & get paid anytime in their currency of choice”. To further its mission, Skuad is also finalizing its acquisition of Codejudge, a data-driven talent assessment platform that automates the tech interview process. On the Codejudge acquisition, Sundeep Sahi added: “Finding the right talent is only half the battle — being able to qualitatively assess, interview and hire this talent is fundamental to the success of talent acquisition and retention strategies. The acquisition of Codejudge will strengthen Skuad’s existing hiring and onboarding capabilities with an added layer of data-driven talent assessment functionalities. Skuad will leverage Codejudge’s robust code-simulation platform and code sandboxes to further enhance its product offerings and scale its acquisition capabilities.” Commenting on the funding, Dirk Van Quaquebeke, Managing Partner, Beenext, said, “Businesses are beginning to see the advantages of having teams not constrained by borders. This not only enables them to scale teams and enter new markets quickly, but also helps them find and hire the best talent without the need to relocate. As early investors in Skuad, we’ve seen the team bridge the gap between talent shortage and surplus markets. We are excited for this next phase of growth of the business — building global, distributed teams for thousands of customers.” In the last two years, Skuad has witnessed exceptional growth — with customers across 34 countries (>50% from North America and Europe), talent in 94 countries (>80% from emerging economies) and 3X growth in ARR since January 2022. Further, given Skuad’s affordable pricing plans — starting at US$199 per employee per month for payroll and US$499 per employee per month for talent discovered through the integrated platform — their clients range from emerging and early-stage startups to larger businesses. These companies have built their global teams on Skuad’s platform and are processing over US$120 Mn in payroll and payments worldwide in over 50 currencies. Skuad has also expanded its leadership team with experienced senior hires across all verticals (Product, Sales and Operations), resulting in brand visibility and big client wins in the US and EU in a short period of time. Remote and hybrid work trends have continued in the post-COVID world leading to a greater demand for digital knowledge workers, especially from the Asia-Pacific region. Evolving digital advancements across industries and sectors has led to the need for diverse and upgraded tech skills. This has resulted in the creation of new technology hubs in the Philippines, Malaysia, India and Indonesia. According to a McKinsey Global Institute article, Asia is expected to account for almost 40% of global consumption and generate more than 50% of world GDP by 2040. Skuad is built for this new world of work. Together with the funding capital and the Codejudge acquisition, the company plans to strengthen its tech features to scale across global hiring, payments and payroll. It will also continue to build growth functions to further penetrate prime markets and expand beyond current geographies. About Skuad Skuad is a fast-growing global employment and payroll platform, which enables large enterprises and emerging start-ups to employ and pay exceptional talent anywhere in the world, compliantly. Skuad is valued and trusted by leading global companies worldwide. Skuad’s digital employment infrastructure ensures companies can hire, onboard, and pay employees and contractors in 160+ countries, without setting up local entities, on a single unified dashboard. Our legal infrastructure manages all local compliances and provides a range of amazing country-specific benefits and insurance packages. Contact Details Skuad Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.skuad.io/

October 20, 2022 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Comcast Boosting Speeds for Millions of California Xfinity Internet Customers

Comcast California

Millions of Xfinity households in California will soon be waking up to faster Internet, thanks to Xfinity. The country’s largest gigabit network is boosting speeds on its most popular plans beginning this week, providing customers with an even better connectivity experience as they stream the latest 4K blockbuster, game online, videoconference, and more, all at the same time. With this latest round of speed increases, Xfinity continues to provide unparalleled value compared to other providers – including significantly faster speeds and better reliability than mobile and 5G Home Internet. The announcement comes on the heels of Comcast’s launch of the nation’s largest- and fastest-ever multi-gig deployment that will reach more than 50 million homes and businesses with 2 Gbps speeds before the end of 2025. “We continue to bring California customers the fastest speeds possible by proactively investing in our advanced, high-performance network,” said Keith Turner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Xfinity. “The number of devices connected in Xfinity households has skyrocketed 12X since 2018. To keep up with today’s constantly evolving technologies, modern homes require fast Internet, wall-to-wall Wi-Fi coverage, and a way to manage the household connectivity needs.” Faster Speeds Rolling Out in California Beginning this week, new and existing customers will be able to take advantage of the following upgraded speeds*: Connect from 50 Mbps to 75 Mbps Connect More from 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps Fast from 300 Mbps to 400 Mbps Superfast from 600 Mbps to 800 Mbps Gigabit (formerly Ultrafast) from 900 Mbps to 1 Gbps Comcast will also be doubling upload speeds nationally for all Internet Essentials Plus customers, from 100/10 Mbps to 100/20 Mbps. Internet Essentials Plus includes a cable modem, access to millions of WiFi hotspots, and unlimited data for $29.95 per month; and customers who qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program can get this tier of service for free. Benefits Beyond Speed – Reliability and Security The benefits of Xfinity go beyond faster speeds. Xfinity’s comprehensive connectivity experience combines a powerful network built to deliver Internet in the home, reliably and securely, with cutting-edge hardware and software. Reliable – Next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver the most advanced WiFi technology, WiFi 6E, with 3x more bandwidth to power hundreds of devices, gigabit speeds over WiFi, and ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like playing video games or using virtual reality. xFi Pods extend that coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home, when needed. Secure – xFi Advanced Security – included free for customers who lease an Xfinity gateway – protects connected devices from malware and other threats at the gateway before they reach devices and the household members who are using them. Xfinity has stopped billions of cyber security threats since introducing the service a few years ago. A Network Built for the Future Comcast’s Xfinity Internet service is delivered using Comcast’s existing network architecture and the connections that are already in most customers’ homes – no digging up yards required. Faster speeds will be just one of the consumer benefits made possible through Comcast’s continued efforts to evolve its entire network to 10G. 10G is a next-generation technology platform supported by a global collaboration of companies in the Internet industry focused on building networks that stay ahead of consumer demand for connectivity. Recently, Comcast successfully tested the final component needed to deliver multi-gigabit symmetrical speeds – powered by 10G and DOCSIS 4.0 technology – throughout its entire network. In addition to fast speeds, 10G efforts will provide even greater network reliability, lower latency, faster troubleshooting, and increased energy efficiency. To learn more about Xfinity’s Internet and connectivity solutions for customers, click here. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on 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. Contact Details Adriana Arvizo +1 925-200-1919 Adriana_Arvizo@comcast.com

October 19, 2022 02:52 PM Pacific Daylight Time

DealMaker CEO and Co-Founder, Rebecca Kacaba, announced as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women

DealMaker

DealMaker ’s CEO and Co-Founder Rebecca Kacaba has been named winner of the BMO Entrepreneur Award, making her one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. The title is presented by the WXN (Women Executive Network) and will be featured in the National Post and Financial Post in November. View the complete list of winners HERE. Guiding DealMaker, Canada’s 3rd fastest growing company, with her unapologetic ambition, Rebecca has become a trailblazing leader at the intersection of two traditionally male-dominated sectors: FinTech and the Capital Markets. Rebecca has embodied the essence of entrepreneurial spirit and drive while leveraging her in-depth expertise as a securities lawyer and a leading expert in the capital markets. Her leadership has propelled the company forward to become the 3rd fastest growing in Canada and a leader in the equity crowdfunding FinTech space in all of North America. “It is truly an honor to be recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women” said CEO and Co-Founder of DealMaker, Rebecca Kacaba. “As a female founder, I’m passionate about opening doors for female entrepreneurs and I believe the company I built does just that. Equity crowdfunding is a powerful tool for underserved, under represented founders. It gives access to capital for those underfunded by traditional routes, and it opens pre-IPO investment opportunities to the public and not just those with Wall Street connections.” “In the over a decade I’ve known Rebecca, I have never met someone more brave, determined, and strong. She’s an unstoppable force when it comes to what she sets forth to accomplish. She has risen to the very top of her field in business law, capital markets, and now technology,” said Mat Goldstein, CSO and Co-Founder of DealMaker. “Rebecca has powered the growth and expansion of our company from an initial concept to one of Canada’s top performing technology companies growing over 5,000% since incorporation. She has redefined my entire world view on what it means to be driven. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be inspired by, and learn from, Rebecca’s exceptional dedication to excellence. ” Rebecca has been recognized by top institutions throughout her career having won Lexpert's Top 40 Under 40, named one of North America's most innovative lawyers by the Financial Times, and selected as a finalist for EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2022. Leading organizations and thought leaders in FinTech have continued to recognize DealMaker’s growth and impact in modernizing capital markets transactions. Earlier this year, DealMaker won “Best Crowdfunding Company” by FinTech BreakThrough Awards, was as a finalist for the “Fintech of the Year” at the 2nd annual US Fintech Awards and nominated for the Equity Crowdfunding Self-Hosting Technology of the Year; the winner of which will be announced during Equity Crowdfunding Week. Women's Executive Network (WXN), a member-based organization, is North America’s #1 and only organization that meaningfully propels and celebrates the advancement of professional women at all levels, in all sectors, and of all ages. WXN delivers this advancement through training, events, mentoring, networking, and award and recognition programs for members and partners. WXN operates in Canada and the U.S. To date, DealMaker has processed over $1.7B in transactions and over 650,000 investments - more than any counterparts or competitor in North America. DealMaker’s technology was deployed in eight of the 10 largest online capital raises globally in the past 14 months. DealMaker is on a mission to create the most sophisticated capital markets tools on the planet, empowering capital to flow faster. It offers a suite of primary issuance, shareholder management, and capital raising solutions that includes equity crowdfunding, investor ranking algorithms, and data/analytical tools to support all capital raise types and all securities. Its innovative technology was designed to enable organizations to own and control exempt market raises to get the money they need, faster. DealMaker works for their issuers: putting brands and founders back in control to run streamlined, successful capital raises. Its mission is to turn the process of raising capital into simple eCommerce. The company’s offices are located in Toronto, Canada, Austin, Texas and Tampa, Florida. Visit DealMaker.tech for more information. Contact Details DealMaker Natasha Jose natasha.jose@dealmaker.tech Company Website https://www.dealmaker.tech/

October 19, 2022 12:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Comcast Boosting Speeds for New Mexico Xfinity Internet Customers

Comcast Mountain West

Xfinity households throughout New Mexico will soon be waking up to faster Internet, thanks to Xfinity. The country’s largest gigabit network is boosting speeds on its most popular plans beginning this week, providing customers with an even better connectivity experience as they stream the latest 4K blockbuster, game online, videoconference, and more, all at the same time. With this latest round of speed increases, Xfinity continues to provide unparalleled value compared to other providers – including significantly faster speeds and better reliability than mobile and 5G Home Internet. The announcement comes on the heels of Comcast’s launch of the nation’s largest- and fastest-ever multi-gig deployment that will reach more than 50 million homes and businesses nationwide with 2 Gbps speeds before the end of 2025. “Our network is made for anything, so you can do anything,” said J.D. Keller, Senior Vice President Comcast Mountain West Region. “During the pandemic, we saw how vital having a fast, reliable internet connection is for all people, and demand for internet services continues to increase at a fast pace. My own kids and family are working, learning, chatting, watching movies or playing games on-line whenever we are in the house. I know others have the same experience. Comcast’s investments in our network will keep more people in New Mexico securely connected and ensure they have the technology today to meet the needs of tomorrow.” Faster Speeds Rolling Out in New Mexico: Beginning this week, new and existing customers will be able to take advantage of the following upgraded speeds*: Connect from 50 Mbps to 75 Mbps Connect More from 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps Fast from 300 Mbps to 400 Mbps Superfast from 600 Mbps to 800 Mbps Gigabit (formerly Ultrafast) from 900 Mbps to 1 Gbps Comcast will also be doubling upload speeds nationally for all Internet Essentials Plus customers, from 100/10 Mbps to 100/20 Mbps. Internet Essentials Plus includes a cable modem, access to millions of WiFi hotspots, and unlimited data for $29.95 per month; and customers who qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program can get this tier of service for free. Benefits Beyond Speed – Reliability and Security The benefits of Xfinity go beyond faster speeds. Xfinity’s comprehensive connectivity experience combines a powerful network built to deliver Internet in the home, reliably and securely, with cutting-edge hardware and software. Reliable – Next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver the most advanced WiFi technology, WiFi 6E, with 3x more bandwidth to power hundreds of devices, gigabit speeds over WiFi, and ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like playing video games or using virtual reality. xFi Pods extend that coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home, when needed. Secure – xFi Advanced Security – included free for customers who lease an Xfinity gateway – protects connected devices from malware and other threats at the gateway before they reach devices and the household members who are using them. Xfinity has stopped billions of cyber security threats since introducing the service a few years ago. A Network Built for the Future Comcast’s Xfinity Internet service is delivered using Comcast’s existing network architecture and the connections that are already in most customers’ homes – no digging up yards required. Faster speeds will be just one of the consumer benefits made possible through Comcast’s continued efforts to evolve its entire network to 10G. 10G is a next-generation technology platform supported by a global collaboration of companies in the Internet industry focused on building networks that stay ahead of consumer demand for connectivity. Recently, Comcast successfully tested the final component needed to deliver multi-gigabit symmetrical speeds – powered by 10G and DOCSIS 4.0 technology – throughout its entire network. In addition to fast speeds, 10G efforts will provide even greater network reliability, lower latency, faster troubleshooting, and increased energy efficiency. To learn more about Xfinity’s Internet and connectivity solutions for customers, click here. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 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. Contact Details Julianne Phares Julianne Phares +1 505-271-3701 Julianne_Phares@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://NewMexico.comcast.com/

October 19, 2022 09:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Comcast Boosting Speeds for Tucson Area Xfinity Internet Customers

Comcast Mountain West

Xfinity households throughout its Tucson service area will soon be waking up to faster Internet, thanks to Xfinity. The country’s largest gigabit network is boosting speeds on its most popular plans beginning this week, providing customers with an even better connectivity experience as they stream the latest 4K blockbuster, game online, videoconference, and more, all at the same time. With this latest round of speed increases, Xfinity continues to provide unparalleled value compared to other providers – including significantly faster speeds and better reliability than mobile and 5G Home Internet. The announcement comes on the heels of Comcast’s launch of the nation’s largest- and fastest-ever multi-gig deployment that will reach more than 50 million homes and businesses nationwide with 2 Gbps speeds before the end of 2025. “Our network is made for anything, so you can do anything,” said J.D. Keller, Senior Vice President Comcast Mountain West Region. “During the pandemic, we saw how vital having a fast, reliable internet connection is for all people, and demand for internet services continues to increase at a fast pace. My own kids and family are working, learning, chatting, watching movies or playing games on-line whenever we are in the house. I know others have the same experience. Comcast’s investments in our network will keep more people in securely connected and ensure they have the technology today to meet the needs of tomorrow.” Faster Speeds Rolling Out in Tucson: Beginning this week, new and existing customers will be able to take advantage of the following upgraded speeds*: Connect from 50 Mbps to 75 Mbps Connect More from 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps Fast from 300 Mbps to 400 Mbps Superfast from 600 Mbps to 800 Mbps Gigabit (formerly Ultrafast) from 900 Mbps to 1 Gbps Comcast will also be doubling upload speeds nationally for all Internet Essentials Plus customers, from 100/10 Mbps to 100/20 Mbps. Internet Essentials Plus includes a cable modem, access to millions of WiFi hotspots, and unlimited data for $29.95 per month; and customers who qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program can get this tier of service for free. Benefits Beyond Speed – Reliability and Security The benefits of Xfinity go beyond faster speeds. Xfinity’s comprehensive connectivity experience combines a powerful network built to deliver Internet in the home, reliably and securely, with cutting-edge hardware and software. Reliable – Next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver the most advanced WiFi technology, WiFi 6E, with 3x more bandwidth to power hundreds of devices, gigabit speeds over WiFi, and ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like playing video games or using virtual reality. xFi Pods extend that coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home, when needed. Secure – xFi Advanced Security – included free for customers who lease an Xfinity gateway – protects connected devices from malware and other threats at the gateway before they reach devices and the household members who are using them. Xfinity has stopped billions of cyber security threats since introducing the service a few years ago. A Network Built for the Future Comcast’s Xfinity Internet service is delivered using Comcast’s existing network architecture and the connections that are already in most customers’ homes – no digging up yards required. Faster speeds will be just one of the consumer benefits made possible through Comcast’s continued efforts to evolve its entire network to 10G. 10G is a next-generation technology platform supported by a global collaboration of companies in the Internet industry focused on building networks that stay ahead of consumer demand for connectivity. Recently, Comcast successfully tested the final component needed to deliver multi-gigabit symmetrical speeds – powered by 10G and DOCSIS 4.0 technology – throughout its entire network. In addition to fast speeds, 10G efforts will provide even greater network reliability, lower latency, faster troubleshooting, and increased energy efficiency. To learn more about Xfinity’s Internet and connectivity solutions for customers, click here Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 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. Contact Details Kyle Biederwolf Kyle_Biederwolf@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://arizona.comcast.com/

October 19, 2022 09:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Comcast Boosting Speeds for Utah Xfinity Internet Customers

Comcast Mountain West

Xfinity households throughout Utah will soon be waking up to faster Internet, thanks to Xfinity. The country’s largest gigabit network is boosting speeds on its most popular plans beginning this week, providing customers with an even better connectivity experience as they stream the latest 4K blockbuster, game online, videoconference, and more, all at the same time. With this latest round of speed increases, Xfinity continues to provide unparalleled value compared to other providers – including significantly faster speeds and better reliability than mobile and 5G Home Internet. The announcement comes on the heels of Comcast’s launch of the nation’s largest- and fastest-ever multi-gig deployment that will reach more than 50 million homes and businesses nationwide with 2 Gbps speeds before the end of 2025. “Our network is made for anything, so you can do anything,” said J.D. Keller, Senior Vice President Comcast Mountain West Region. “During the pandemic, we saw how vital having a fast, reliable internet connection is for all people, and demand for internet services continues to increase at a fast pace. My own kids and family are working, learning, chatting, watching movies or playing games on-line whenever we are in the house. I know others have the same experience. Comcast’s investments in our network will keep more people in Utah securely connected and ensure they have the technology today to meet the needs of tomorrow.” Faster Speeds Rolling Out in Utah: Beginning this week, new and existing customers will be able to take advantage of the following upgraded speeds*: Connect from 50 Mbps to 75 Mbps Connect More from 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps Fast from 300 Mbps to 400 Mbps Superfast from 600 Mbps to 800 Mbps Gigabit (formerly Ultrafast) from 900 Mbps to 1 Gbps Comcast will also be doubling upload speeds nationally for all Internet Essentials Plus customers, from 100/10 Mbps to 100/20 Mbps. Internet Essentials Plus includes a cable modem, access to millions of WiFi hotspots, and unlimited data for $29.95 per month; and customers who qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program can get this tier of service for free. Benefits Beyond Speed – Reliability and Security The benefits of Xfinity go beyond faster speeds. Xfinity’s comprehensive connectivity experience combines a powerful network built to deliver Internet in the home, reliably and securely, with cutting-edge hardware and software. Reliable – Next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver the most advanced WiFi technology, WiFi 6E, with 3x more bandwidth to power hundreds of devices, gigabit speeds over WiFi, and ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like playing video games or using virtual reality. xFi Pods extend that coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home, when needed. Secure – xFi Advanced Security – included free for customers who lease an Xfinity gateway – protects connected devices from malware and other threats at the gateway before they reach devices and the household members who are using them. Xfinity has stopped billions of cyber security threats since introducing the service a few years ago. A Network Built for the Future Comcast’s Xfinity Internet service is delivered using Comcast’s existing network architecture and the connections that are already in most customers’ homes – no digging up yards required. Faster speeds will be just one of the consumer benefits made possible through Comcast’s continued efforts to evolve its entire network to 10G. 10G is a next-generation technology platform supported by a global collaboration of companies in the Internet industry focused on building networks that stay ahead of consumer demand for connectivity. Recently, Comcast successfully tested the final component needed to deliver multi-gigabit symmetrical speeds – powered by 10G and DOCSIS 4.0 technology – throughout its entire network. In addition to fast speeds, 10G efforts will provide even greater network reliability, lower latency, faster troubleshooting, and increased energy efficiency. To learn more about Xfinity’s Internet and connectivity solutions for customers, click here. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 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. Contact Details Deneiva Knight Deneiva_Knight@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://utah.comcast.com/

October 19, 2022 09:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time

How Asure Software (NASDAQ: ASUR) Helps Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Cut Costs and Streamline Back Office Operations

Benzinga

The most recent CPI report shows that inflation “eased” back to 8.2% in September. That’s an improvement from the 9.1% reported for June, but costs are still high. That, combined with a more competitive labor market, is compressing profit margins. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are looking for ways to cut costs and make their operations more efficient. Asure Software (NASDAQ: ASUR) is addressing the problem by offering a suite of cloud-based products to automate and streamline back-office operations. Their human capital management (HCM) platform cuts down the workload on employee management, human resources, accounting, tax filings, and allocating financial capital for growth. The Dilemma: Small Businesses Surveyed See Revenues Increased, but Profits Under Pressure Let’s examine the numbers. An American Express poll released in September revealed that revenues for 550 businesses surveyed had nearly doubled between July 2021 and July 2022. The actual number was 87%. Unfortunately, in the same period, profits dropped by 4%. Increased costs for materials, labor, and supplies were major contributors to that. Interest rate hikes and stock market volatility also cut into profits in the first two quarters of 2022. Inflationary pressure was reported by 75% of the survey participants as the primary reason for lower profits, and the cost of debt financing increased as the Fed steadily raised interest rates. That has directly impacted growth for many SMBs in the United States. The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain issues resulting from it are widely viewed as the main catalysts for the economic conditions currently driving down profit margins. The US government has attempted to relieve some of that pressure by offering low-cost loans and tax breaks. Many of these are packaged into the CARES Act, including the ERC program. What is ERC and Why is it Important for SMBs? The Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act was created to encourage SMBs financially impacted by COVID-19 to keep employees on their payroll. Eligible businesses can receive a tax refund of up to $28,000 per W-2 employee on the payroll in 2020 and 2021. Independent contractors, sole proprietors, and LLCs are not eligible for ERC. It’s not that simple of course. For a business to be eligible, it must have 500 or fewer employees, and have either been closed due to a government order or experienced a revenue decline of at least 20% for any quarter during the eligibility period. Asure has expanded its tax filing capabilities to help SMBs manage ERC guidelines and demand. Tax refunds acquired through the ERC program can increase business cash flow and help offset rising costs. It’s temporary relief, but it’s timely. The Federal Reserve Bank approved several interest rate hikes this year and implemented quantitative tightening to reduce liquidity on their balance sheet. Both moves are projected to slow inflation in 2023. Asure has Automated ERC Management for CPAs and Tax Professionals Claiming the ERC refunds requires an amended filing using Form 941X (Quarterly Federal Payroll Tax Return). If the business became inoperable due to the pandemic, Form 5884-A might be required. Small business owners may not know this. CPAs should. Asure has built the guidelines and forms directly into its cloud accounting platform. The new technology is an expansion of Asure’s Payroll Tax Management engine, FlexTax, which delivers cloud-based payroll tax processing, reconciliation, and reporting functionality, as well as a 24/7 online tax portal. Automating the back-office ERC work frees business owners and company accountants up to focus on high-value client work. FlexTax works in conjunction with PrismHR’s payroll service, an Asure integration partner that services over 80,000 organizations. The roll-out of the new feature comes closely on the heels of an expansion to Asure’s 401(k) provider base. They added eighty new direct-integration partners in that space to expand retirement plan options for SMBs. Asure Trades at EV/EBITDA of 8.4, Price-to-Book Value of 0.69 Based on fundamental analysis, they show the company as a serious cash flow generator. It has a price-to-book value of 0.69 and a price-to-free-cash-flow ratio of 10. This tells us that Asure is generating strong free cash flows, but trades at a discount to its book value. For growth-at-a-reasonable-price (GARP) investors, this is an opportunity worth taking a closer look at. In addition, Asure Software trades at a steep discount compared to the overall software industry and the S&P 500, when looking at the enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) valuation. As of this writing, Asure has an EV/EBITDA of 8.40. This compares to the software industry average EV/EBITDA valuation of 48.70 and the S&P 500’s 15.70. Asure (ASUR) carries little debt and holds a cumulative analyst rating of “buy.” That’s good for investors, but the real value is in how Asure could be positioned in the age of automation and cloud services.Human capital resource software could play a major part also. Inflation is going to be with us for a while. The Fed will continue to raise interest rates until it starts to slow, so a recession is a real possibility. In many ways, our situation is unprecedented, so technical analysis of equity investments is not sufficient. Asure checks all the fundamental boxes, which are the real indicators of a company's potential profitability. Furthermore, Asure’s HCM services provide a very tangible need for SMBs right now: cost-cutting and operational streamlining. In any economic environment, SMBs will still need to manage employees, payroll, retirement offerings, tax filings, and more. Asure Software provides the framework needed for businesses to remain in a competitive stance in recruiting top talent. Overall, Asure may be an interesting company to keep an eye on for long-term investors that are looking for good GARP investments. After all, the company is continuing to generate strong top and bottom line results and yet trades at a discount to its book value. Spotlight Growth is compensated, either directly or via a third party, to provide investor relations services for its clients. Spotlight Growth creates exposure for companies through a customized marketing strategy, including design of promotional material, the drafting and editing of press releases and media placement.All information on featured companies is provided by the companies profiled, or is available from public sources. Spotlight Growth and its employees are not a Registered Investment Advisor, Broker Dealer or a member of any association for other research providers in any jurisdiction whatsoever and we are not qualified to give financial advice. The information contained herein is based on external sources that Spotlight Growth believes to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. Spotlight Growth may create reports and content that has been compensated by a company or third-parties, or for purposes of self-marketing. Spotlight Growth was compensated five thousand dollars cash for the creation and dissemination of this content by the company.This material does not represent a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company’s plans and objectives, projections, expectations and intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company’s industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management.The above communication, the attachments and external Internet links provided are intended for informational purposes only and are not to be interpreted by the recipient as a solicitation to participate in securities offerings. Investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors and may not be permissible in certain jurisdictions. Spotlight Growth and its affiliates, officers, directors, and employees may have bought or sold or may buy or sell shares in the companies discussed herein, which may be acquired prior, during or after the publication of these marketing materials. Spotlight Growth, its affiliates, officers, directors, and employees may sell the stock of said companies at any time and may profit in the event those shares rise in value. For more information on our disclosures, please visit: https://spotlightgrowth.com/disclosures/ This post contains sponsored advertising 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 19, 2022 10:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Survival 101 – How to Stay Alive In The Middle of Crypto Winter And A Bear Market

Caleb & Brown

This educational guide “How To Protect Crypto Assets in a Bear Market” was created in conjunction with Caleb & Brown. Caleb & Brown is the world’s leading cryptocurrency brokerage. Learn more here. Something unique is happening in financial markets at large, much to the distress of investors across asset classes of every stripe. For the first time ever, the so-called crypto winter, or the cyclical downturns the cryptocurrency market experiences, is occurring at the same time as a global bear market. While bear markets occur cyclically across all asset classes, this 2-for-1 walloping may feel especially punishing to investors following 2021’s great bull market, during which many portfolios grew at mind-bending rates. In 2021, Bitcoin’s (CRYPTO: BTC) price increased to an all-time high of $69,044.77 (a 120% increase from its closing price on Jan.1), and the price of Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) skyrocketed to an all-time high of $4,868 (a 500% increase from its closing price on Jan. 1). To put that into perspective, the annual return of the Nasdaq Composite Index in 2021, from its first-day close to its yearly high, was 27%. The Nasdaq Composite Index includes almost all stocks listed on the Nasdaq Capital Markets exchange. Along with the Standard & Poor 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, it’s one of the premier benchmarks for economic performance. Despite their astronomical 2021 gains, both Bitcoin and Ethereum have nearly returned to their pre-2021 price levels. And instead of finding refuge in the equities market, investors looking to recoup their losses by diversifying from cryptocurrency or pivoting away entirely are met with more of the same decline. The bear market of 2022 has even taken down typically well performing tech stocks such as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) and Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA), with painful declines of 27%, 72% and 45%, respectively. Many experts believe a slew of macroeconomic factors have contributed to this decline, including rampant inflation, a European war, an excess increase in monetary supply and pandemic repercussions. In such hostile conditions, the main prerogative of the astute investor and trader is survival, and the first step of survival is identifying and understanding the threat. With history as a guide, investors can glean the characteristics of crypto winter and bear markets — the two big bullies of 2022 — and figure out a way to stay afloat. What, then, does history tell us? Crypto Winter Versus Traditional Bear Markets: How They Stack Up When comparing the crypto and equities markets, a clear distinction can be made in the nature of their declines. For one, crypto winters, as crypto bear markets are often called, occur at a much higher frequency, experience much larger price changes and occur much more rapidly than those of the equities market. The same holds true for crypto bull markets, which present some of the best investment opportunities in the world. Professional investors see this volatility as an opportunity, turning what some would think of as a ‘bug’ into income-generating and portfolio-hedging tools. These crypto winters are often preceded by macro events like rising inflation, country-wide crackdowns on crypto and regulatory difficulties. Macroeconomic events also spearhead crypto bull markets. In 2021, experts believed the advent of commission-free brokers, the proliferation of cryptocurrency exchanges, the explosion of online spending due to quarantine measures and the release of stimulus cheques may have provided the perfect cocktail for a great bull run in both the equities and cryptocurrency market. The argument that crypto winters are generally more volatile and quicker than those of the equities market is supported by an inspection of periods of decline in Bitcoin, which is often used as a proxy for the market. Specifically, one finds: Between Dec. 16, 2017, and Feb. 6, 2018, Bitcoin’s price dropped roughly 70% in 52 days, declining from $19,700 to $5,900. Between June 26, 2019, and March 13, 2020, Bitcoin’s price dropped roughly 70% in 261 days, declining from $12,900 to $3,900. Between April 14, 2021, and May 19, 2021, Bitcoin’s price dropped roughly 53% in 35 days, declining from $63,500 to $30,000. In the current crypto winter, Bitcoin’s price dropped roughly 74% in 227 days, declining from $67,000 to $17,500. Imagine depicting all S&P 500 declines since 1956 In comparison, according to LPL Research, the S&P 500 has experienced 15 bear markets since 1956. In that time, the average duration of a bear market is 334 days — 11 months — and the average decline is roughly 30%. While there are certain times in history where losses exceeded 30%, notably the crashes of 1957, 2000 and 2007, these are the outliers. Image depicting BTC’s declines from 2012 onwards. Taken from TradingView. Image depicting SPY’s 2018 decline of 20%. Taken from TradingView. Cryptocurrency bear markets, or crypto winters, are far sharper and more abrupt than bear markets in more traditional asset classes. The lowest decline in crypto listed above is 53%, while the shortest bear market is one month. In fact, using the arbitrary 20% threshold for a bear market with Bitcoin would have yielded a number of bear market misattributions, particularly in its early history. For example, Bitcoin’s price on Jan. 4, 2017, and Jan. 12, 2017, declined by 35% in eight days. In the equities market, this would have been astounding. With Bitcoin, this drop was completely erased in a matter of weeks and later led to a 275% ascension from the lows by May of the same year. The abrupt declines in the crypto market may scare off investors, but it’s important to note that the opposite occurs in bull runs. As demonstrated in 2021, even in great bull runs in the equities market, the bull runs in crypto tend to be more extreme. This is a characteristic of an exciting, nascent asset class that is just beginning to develop the appropriate infrastructure for mainstream adoption. In other words, it’s a characteristic of an emerging market rather than an abrasion in the asset. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the cryptocurrency market can provide some of the best investment opportunities in terms of both percentage return and time needed for that percentage to materialize. Because of its volatility, however, robust risk management is needed to tackle this class efficiently. For the layperson, this skill is best achieved through the help of professionals. What To Do In Survival Mode? It’s important to note that both Bitcoin and the S&P 500 have survived each of their “catastrophic” declines throughout history. Many investors have used dollar-cost averaging (DCA), hedging and diversification as countermeasures throughout historical bear markets, allowing them to preserve capital for when the next bull market comes knocking. Although this inspires hope, it should not inspire complacency. In his book “The Psychology of Money” Morgan Housel said, “The challenge for us [investors] is that no amount of studying or open-mindedness can genuinely recreate the power of fear and uncertainty [experienced in bear markets].” While identifying and learning about threats to your investment portfolio is crucial in creating the confidence you need to weather poor market conditions, aid from professionals often makes this process easier. Providing investors immediate support and attention is a core value at Caleb & Brown, the world’s leading cryptocurrency brokerage. Armed with deep insight into cryptocurrency markets, Caleb & Brown’s brokerage professionals offer the education and insights to help their clients make the right decisions when their wealth is on the line. Their team of experienced crypto professionals help investors combat bear market conditions, avoid catastrophic decisions and grant their clients the know-how to preserve capital. What’s more: they’re always available. With both crypto winter and a bear market knocking on investors’ doors, help from professionals has never been more important. With the pros at their backs, investors are far more likely to learn to preserve their capital, and deploy it in a timely and effective manner in preparation for the next bull market. Click here to meet the professionals. We help our clients buy, sell, swap, and safely store cryptocurrencies, with a 24/7 personal broker service.Our clients can reach their personal broker on the phone and email at any time.Our clients range from beginners needing assistance to buy their first cryptocurrency, to seasoned investors needing a professional service to make high value, complex trades.We put personalised service, education, and consumer protection at the heart of everything we do.We were founded back in 2016 and we now have over 21,000 clients in more than 100 countries, serviced by 76 staff based in our offices in Melbourne, Sydney and London. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Chris Nedelkos chris@calebandbrown.com

October 19, 2022 10:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Travel Technology Association Selects Laura Chadwick as New Leader

Travel Tech

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry, announced today that following a comprehensive executive search, it has appointed Laura Chadwick as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Chadwick’s record of association leadership and public policy advocacy make her an ideal choice for the association to advance its mission of promoting marketplace competition, transparency, and advocacy for policies that deliver consumer value. Chadwick previously served as a Vice President, Industry Relations at the XRAssociation (XRA), where she launched the new organization’s membership, marketing, and development efforts. Under her leadership, XRA grew from five members to more than 40 in the span of two and a half years. Previously Chadwick led corporate member engagement and technology policy lobbying at the National Restaurant Association. She is also a veteran of the Consumer Technology Association and the Capitol Hill offices of U.S. Representatives Adam Schiff (CA-28) and Mike Thompson (CA-05). “We are delighted Laura is leading Travel Tech. Her leadership skills, combined with her technology and policy background, make her the perfect choice,” stated Emmett O’Keefe, Chairman of the Travel Tech Board of Directors. “She will be a great advocate for the industry as we continue to provide value to the travel consumer.” Chadwick will focus on solidifying the Travel Technology Association’s value to the industry, highlighting its advocacy work, and expanding its membership. “I am honored to join the Travel Technology Association as its new leader and work with some of the most innovative companies in the travel industry,” Chadwick said. “Throughout my career, I have led efforts to highlight the power of technology to benefit consumers and transform businesses. As more and more Americans make plans to travel, we have a great opportunity to highlight Travel Tech’s core principles of consumer choice, competition, and transparency and its value as an organization supporting the industry.” “Laura’s leadership is a welcome addition to the team,” stated Kelly Kolb, Travel Tech’s Board Vice Chair. “Her plans to expand the reach of the association, enhance our advocacy efforts, and showcase the benefits technology brings to travelers and the economy, will be noticed quickly throughout the industry and especially in Washington, DC.” Chadwick takes on the role of President and CEO following the transition of Interim President Stewart Alvarez. Alvarez will continue to support Travel Tech in an advisory role. “I look forward to working with Laura as she leads Travel Tech in these important times,” stated Alvarez. “Proposals from the Department of Transportation regarding ticket refunds and ancillary services, ongoing discussions in state capitals and city halls, along with the continued advocacy of a transparent marketplace, make her leadership in this space essential.” ### About Travel Tech The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) is the voice of the travel technology industry, advocating for public policy that promotes transparency and competition in the marketplace to encourage innovation and preserve consumer choice. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including global distribution systems, online travel agencies and metasearch companies, travel management companies, and short-term rental platforms. To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Dan Rene of kglobal at 202-329-8357 or daniel.rene@kglobal.com. Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.traveltech.org.

October 19, 2022 09:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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