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Pet Owners Are Spending More And More On Vet Visits, Meds And Higher Quality Pet Food – Here Are The Key Trends Investors Should Watch

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga Pet ownership is on the rise in the United States, with an estimated five million more pets today than there were before the pandemic. But this isn’t just a pandemic boom that’s doomed to fade. The number of homes with pets has been trending upward for decades. As the number of pets grows, so, too, does the demand for supplies and services to care for them. According to Morgan Stanley, the pet services industry is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% over 2022-2030, reaching a projected total of $277 billion. Here are some of the key trends to watch in the booming pet services industry. More Pets And More Spending On Those Pets Is Creating A Surge In Demand Morgan Stanley pegs that 8% CAGR not just to the rise in the number of pets but to the rise in how much owners are willing to spend on them. The annual spend per pet is expected to increase from $980 million in 2020 to $1.9 billion in 2030 as owners take pet health and wellness more and more seriously. In addition to the increased spending, that piece of the household budget is becoming increasingly inelastic. Nearly half of pet owners in a recent Ally Consumer Research survey said they would cut spending on themselves or take on debt before cutting their pet budget. That increased pet spend isn’t just going to higher quality food or dog sweaters. It’s going toward more frequent visits to the vet, increased spending on prescription medications, pet insurance premiums and a more proactive routine of preventative and surgical care for pets. These trends have sparked a wave of new companies entering the space or expanding their reach. In April, PetMed Express (NASDAQ: PETS) acquired PetCareRX for $36 million in a bid to add new health and wellness verticals to its business. The online pet pharmacy will now add PetCareRX’s marketplace of pet wellness supplements and nutritious food to its portfolio. In September, Walmart (NYSE: WMRT) opened its very first pet services center, providing both veterinary care and grooming services to Walmart customers. The Dallas, Georgia location is Walmart’s pilot initiative, but the company says it plans to expand it to other locations in the future. In August, Wag! Group Co. (NASDAQ: PET) expanded its online platform for comparing and buying pet insurance, finding dog walkers or sitters, and getting one-on-one training into Canada as the company eyes global expansion. That same month, the vet services segment saw its first publicly traded company enter the market with the closing of Inspire Veterinary Partners Inc.’s (NASDAQ: IVP) $6.4 million IPO. The owner and operator of vet hospitals is strategically building a nationwide network of hospitals and clinics, with 13 locations across nine states so far. The fast-growing company plans to acquire 10 locations per year while also expanding into related services like emergency care, pet boarding, lab testing, and more. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 25, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Global Content Industry Professionals Gather in Taipei for TCCF 2023

Taiwan Creative Content Agency

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Media OutReach - 25 October 2023 - This October 25 the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) hosted a press conference at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei to announce the 2023 edition of the Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF). This year’s event will take place from November 7 to 12 bringing together content industry professionals from renowned international media companies (Warner Bros. Discovery, CJ ENM, etc.) as well as international filmmakers and creators. TCCF 2023 features a full schedule of activities divided in three main sections: PITCHING, MARKET, and INNOVATIONS. Among TCCF 2023's goals are the promotion of copyright licensing and co-production opportunities while matchmaking global IP proposals with potential investors. Additionally, the event will feature exhibitions and panels to foster the exchange of ideas and experiences among professionals in the industry, as well as connect Taiwanese talent with international resources. During the press conference TAICCA's Chairperson, Homme Tsai, highlighted that "recently announced policies by Taiwan's Ministry of Culture have greatly stimulated private investment in Taiwanese content. Yet, TAICCA's most important goal goes beyond funding, our priority is to connect corporations, businesses and other funding sources around the world with the right talents, technologies, and content." TCCF’s PITCHING has become the largest pitching event in all of Asia with 539 submitted projects from 29 regions around the world and surpassing the US$160,000 mark in prizes. For the first time, it has welcomed international projects into its Project to Screen sessions, following high-quality film and television proposals across all formats: feature films, series, animation, and documentaries. Furthermore, TCCF has announced a new Story to Screen session looking into Taiwanese IPs with potential to be adapted into audiovisual works. All prize winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on November 10. Phil Tang, president of Greener Grass Culture, the production house behind the recent Taiwanese Netflix hit such as The Killing Game, explained the criteria during the project selection: “The most important factor is the IP sustainability, IP projects with long-term development potential, which is especially valuable in the rapidly changing media landscape in Taiwan. (…) Secondly, I prefer projects that follow current society trends in Taiwan or the world, this aspect always attracts international audiences." MARKET, the B2B content marketplace, extends its duration from 3 to 4 days and, with more than 100 companies attending, breaks its participation record. International media juggernauts such as Fuji Television, TVBI or Mediacorp TV will all set up booths at TCCF. In addition, MARKET will also feature Taiwanese film commissions, innovative technology companies and, for the first time, national pavilions, with South Korea, Japan and France as the first invited countries. On the stage, Cécile Renault, head of culture, university cooperation and education of the French office in Taipei recognized that “France and Taiwan share many common values, such as democracy and freedom of speech. I have high hopes for French-Taiwanese collaboration and anticipate the creation of internationally acclaimed films and television series in the future." The third section, focused on the intersection between content and technology, INNOVATIONS, will present 21 immersive artworks including installations and MR/AR experiences. TCCF will also host a series of workshops, panels and masterclasses with trailblazers in the industry from local and international institutions such as Venice International Film Festival, Ars Electronica or KKCompany. The founder of the participating VFX company MOONSHINE Studio, Chia Chi Lin, hopes that "by gradually introducing new technologies into content creation through events like TCCF, we can expand the imagination of creators and showcase Taiwan’s cultural technology." Concurrently with the events at the three main sections, TCCF will also introduce an Industry Stage hosting keynotes, panels and spotlight presentations on diversity and future opportunities in the content industries. Among the speakers are filmmakers Adele Lim, writer of Crazy Rich Asians and director of Joy Ride, and Felipe Gálvez Haberle whose debut film, The Settlers, was awarded the FIPRESCI prize at Cannes 2023; key international players like Takeshi Natsuno, CEO of Kadokawa Corporation, and Janice Chua, vice president at Imagine International, production company founded by Ron Howard and Brian Glazer; and representatives from technology leaders such as Peter Wu, CEO of ASUS Cloud and Taiwan Web Service Corporation, and Eric Kang, senior manager, solution architect at NVIDIA. Taiwan Creative Content Fest 2023 takes place from November 7 to 12 at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and Taipei New Horizon. Professional badges are now available to purchase until October 31st at TCCF’s official website or on-site during the event. For more information on TCCF 2023 check the official press kit. Contact Details DDG - International PR & Marketing Manager Jaime Costas Nicolás +886 2 2311 7007 jaime.costas@ddg.com.tw TAICCA Representative Wengin Hsu +886 2 2745 8186 wengin.hsu@taicca.tw

October 25, 2023 07:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Southern University’s World-Famous “Human Jukebox” Marching Band Partners with SIGMA to Elevate Video Production Quality

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

Southern University’s esteemed Human Jukebox Marching Band has entered into an exciting and exclusive partnership with SIGMA Corporation of America, a leading camera and lens manufacturer for both photography and cinema applications, to enhance the quality of their video production when chronicling and producing their prestigious performances. This is the third academic year that SIGMA has sponsored the Human Jukebox. A world-famous marching band with a rich history of performances at prestigious events such as the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and college and professional football games’ halftimes, the Human Jukebox is known for its captivating shows and choreography, which includes the talented Dancing Dolls ensemble. The band's reputation plays a vital role in attracting students to Southern University and cultivating valuable partnerships, and sharply capturing their performances is of utmost importance. In 2014, Eric Johnson, the Human Jukebox’s Marketing and Brand Manager, along with Jabari Morgan (marketing) and Media Director Garrett Edgerson, embarked on a journey to develop a strong brand identity and elevate the band's presence in the world of collegiate marching bands. Their success in building an impressive online presence on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and beyond has garnered attention from notable artists such as Lizzo, Adele, 50 Cent, DJ Khaled, and Janet Jackson. The Human Jukebox's ability to capture their performances and share them with the world relies heavily on consistent high-quality video production. In 2020, the band turned to SIGMA, drawn to SIGMA's reputation for providing premium yet affordable lenses. SIGMA's dedication to customer service and a shared passion for creative excellence led to the establishment of a productive partnership. "An appreciation for art is cultivated during a person’s formative school years and is something SIGMA has always been passionately supportive of," says Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of SIGMA America. "Having the opportunity to help bring the Human Jukebox’s work to life for the past three years with crisply captured video, and to contribute to the long-term growth of this HBCU, has been an honor.” Southern University’s Media Director Garrett Edgerson, a photographer and filmmaker, heads a team of four students and three alumni responsible for creating captivating content for the Human Jukebox. To ensure top-notch video quality, Edgerson and his team have embraced SIGMA lenses as their go-to choice for capturing the band's performances. "Like many HBCUs, Southern University's marching band plays a crucial role in attracting students from all over the world," said Eric Johnson, the Human Jukebox's Marketing and Brand Manager. “SIGMA lenses have taken our production level to a whole new height with compact form factor, lighter weight, and excellent build, making it easier for the team to capture stunning footage during performances and events. Hollywood-quality video has advanced our reputation, leading to additional sponsorships and partnerships that help support students' education and band expenses.” To learn more about how the Southern University Marching Band Media team utilizes SIGMA gear for their work, please visit this behind-the-scenes piece. About SIGMA Corporation of America SIGMA Corporation of America, founded in 1984, is the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation, a family-owned manufacturer of lenses, cameras and photo accessories. With U.S. headquarters in Ronkonkoma, NY, SIGMA Corporation of America expanded with a showroom and office in Burbank, CA in 2018 to support the Hollywood filmmaking industry. Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Leica, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA Cine lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA Cine lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with over 35 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more users can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products. Follow SIGMA America on social media! SIGMA Photo: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram SIGMA Cine: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Contact Details SIGMA +1 631-201-7381 SIGMA.PR@Sigmaphoto.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

October 24, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

India's MAJOR Gaming Growth!

QYOU Media Inc

ValueTheMarkets News Commentary - The Indian gaming market is projected to rapidly grow in size, nearly tripling from $2.6bn to $8.6bn between 2022 and 2027 according to projections from Statista. Perhaps this is no surprise, considering the country's huge population of young consumers and rapid adoption of tech. This article will discuss the issue with reference to Alphabet Inc ( NASDAQ: GOOGL ), Tencent Holdings Ltd ( OTC: TCEHY ), Microsoft ( NASDAQ: MSFT ) and QYOU Media ( TSXV: QYOU ) ( OTCQB: QYOUF ). As this article has already shown, gaming is set for a massive uplift in India. A major part of this opportunity is the mobile gaming market, with the vast majority of gamers in the country using their smartphone to play. Indeed, 94% of gamers use their phones in India according to KPMG, compared to less than 10% using PC or consoles respectively. That's why we're looking at QYOU Media, Tencent, Microsoft and Alphabet from a largely mobile perspective. QYOU Media ( TSXV: QYOU ) ( OTCQB: QYOUF ) is an entertainment company with a focus on bringing creator-led content to the Indian market. While the business already owns a slew of successful TV channels across traditional and app-based platforms, it took the jump into the mobile gaming space at the start of this year. In January, the business acquired Maxamtech, a specialist in free-to-play mobile games and owner of the Gaming360 platform. Now, the business is moving into the real-money gaming space, taking advantage of its huge popularity in India. The business will launch a new version of its casual mobile gaming app, QGAMESMELA, which comes with 'freemium' capabilities. Players will be able to win cash prizes and awards via both free and real-money gaming engagements. With India's real-money gaming market expected to reach 60bn rupees by 2025, this looks like it could be an astute move from this rapidly evolving business. Alphabet Inc ( NASDAQ: GOOGL ) has a major opportunity in India due to the strong growth of app users in the country. Indeed, according to 42Matters, India is the top country in the world in terms of number of apps installed and used per month. The company has enjoyed huge growth in India, with its mobile play store seeing a 200% increase in active monthly users and an 80% jump in consumer spending in 2021 compared to 2019. While a large amount of app downloads are by gamers, with titles like Ludo King exceeding 500 million downloads, the company said in 2022 that it had also seen "stupendous growth" across categories like education, payments, health and entertainment. With 2022 representing the first year of declines in Google App Store revenues, the company could decide that focusing on a major potential market like India is a route to strong future growth. Tencent Holdings Ltd ( OTC: TCEHY ) is an absolute titan when it comes to mobile gaming. In India, the company owned PUBG Mobile, which WAS the top mobile gaming IP back in 2021. The company also owns Finnish videogame developer Supercell, makers of the Clash of Clans titles. This further demonstrates the Chinese multinational's tight grasp on the nation's mobile gaming space at the time. So, what's changed? September 2020 saw the Indian government banning titles like PUBG Mobile and other Chinese-owned apps, citing data privacy issues. Replacement versions of some titles have resurfaced, but the ban has damaged Tencent in the country. But Tencent is wading back into India, having launched new mobile title Undawn in the country back in June 2023. With no bans in place yet, despite noise from some interest groups, this could be the start of a new concerted push into the territory. Tech giant Microsoft ( NASDAQ: MSFT ) is another outfit which is pushing into the Indian mobile gaming market. This is largely due to the company's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which bolsters its PC and console gaming offering but also crucially offers major new inroads into the mobile gaming space. As one of the biggest markets in the world for mobile gaming, India is sure to be a target for the company. The company will already have a strong presence in the nation. Research published by Statista in 2021 indicated that Activision Blizzard's growing share of the Indian gaming market would represent more than 14% of the total in 2022. Indeed, immensely popular mobile titles like Candy Crush are already under the company's wing and offer it significant opportunity. Additionally, the clear challenges already in place for Chinese competition mean that further growth is a realistic possibility. While its clear that India presents a huge opportunity for gaming companies, this article has outlined the radically different states some of the main competitors find themselves in. Tencent is dogged by uncertainty as it attempts to bounce back from mass bans, while Microsoft has suddenly become a key player. Alphabet's platform is seeing major growth and new kid on the block QYOU Media is astutely swooping in to corner the real-money gaming opportunity. IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER PAID ADVERTISEMENT This communication is a paid advertisement. ValueTheMarkets is a trading name of Digitonic Ltd, and its owners, directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents and assigns (collectively the "Publisher") is often paid by one or more of the profiled companies or a third party to disseminate these types of communications. In this case, the Publisher has been compensated by QYOU Media Inc. to conduct investor awareness advertising and marketing and has paid the Publisher the equivalent of one hundred and twenty five thousand US dollars to produce and disseminate this and other similar articles and certain related banner advertisements. 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Other than valuethemarkets.com, the Publisher is not affiliated, connected, or associated with, and the communication is not sponsored, approved, or originated by, the trademark holders unless otherwise stated. No claim is made by the Publisher to any rights in any third-party trademarks other than valuethemarkets.com. AUTHORS: VALUETHEMARKETS valuethemarkets.com and Digitonic Ltd and our affiliates are not responsible for the content or accuracy of this article. The information included in this article is based solely on information provided by the company or companies mentioned above. This article does not provide any financial advice and is not a recommendation to deal in any securities or product. News and research are not recommendations to deal, and investments may fall in value so that you could lose some or all of your investment. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.ValueTheMarkets do not hold any position in the stock(s) and/or financial instrument(s) mentioned in the above piece. ValueTheMarkets have been paid to produce this piece by the company or companies mentioned above. Digitonic Ltd, the owner of valuethemarkets.com, has been paid for the production of this piece by the company or companies mentioned above. Contact Details ValueTheMarkets +44 141 530 4080 editor@valuethemarkets.com Company Website https://www.valuethemarkets.com

October 24, 2023 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Meet CenterPoint Securities, Broker To Your Favorite Traders

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Day traders like Humbled Trader, Madaz Money and Kristjan Kullamägi have an almost cult-like status among their followers even if their approaches differ. One thing they do have in common is their reliance on CenterPoint Securities to execute their trades. The brokerage, which just entered the Canadian market, is loved by many active traders, particularly those interested in complex trading strategies. Humbled Trader, for example, just ranked it best brokerage for shorting for those with large accounts (over $30,000). So what’s so great about this broker getting attention from your favorite traders? A lot, according to its fan base. A Fast And Reliable Trading Platform Take its advanced trading platform for starters. It offers active traders and investors a sophisticated trading screen that includes advanced charting, level 2 data and 30+ unique order routing options. It's a favorite with traders because of its specialized routes, smart routing technology and direct market access. It's fast, reliable and fully customizable, which is what active traders need. Large Inventory Of Hard-To-Borrow Stocks CenterPoint is designed for the serious trader. It is built from the ground up for active traders and investors, which is why its list of hard-to-borrow stocks is a big draw. These are stocks that traders want to short but find that borrowing the shares needed is difficult. It often means having a broker locate the shares which takes time and added fees. CenterPoint relies on its in-house stock loan desk along with multiple outside resources, giving traders multiple options. CenterPoint makes it easy, too. All you have to do is enter the ticker and number of shares to borrow, and the short locate tool does the work. If there are shares available, you will know how much it costs to borrow them before executing the trade. You don’t pay any fees unless you accept the locate. The hard-to-borrow list is updated daily as is its list of over 5,000 easy-to-borrow stocks. With both lists, traders have a lot of options to potentially make money. The locate tool is backed by an in-house securities lending team that’s skilled at finding hard-to-borrow stocks. CenterPoint also has over a decade of experience, which attracts active traders who want to deal with professionals. At CenterPoint, over 100 million shares are located monthly, and more than 20,000 locate orders are filled. The average order fill size is over 4,000. Experience Matters Being able to lend customers hard-to-borrow stocks is a big reason traders come, but that’s not the only reason they stay with the brokerage, which is backed by ClearStreet – the fintech with over $400 million in capital. CenterPoint has top-notch customer support that often gets accolades in reviews. The company requires only $30,000 to open an account and gives customers a 14-day free trial. You can test drive it without any upfront costs. CenterPoint may not offer commission-free trades, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t cheap. Commissions are as low as $0.001 per share. Locate fees vary by time, stock and how many shares are available. Active traders are also rewarded for trading – as trading volume increases, commission fees decrease. Every CenterPoint client is also eligible for the company’s locate discount program, with discounts of up to 30%. CenterPoint may not be for the casual trader, but active ones seem to be flocking to it thanks to its reputation for finding hard-to-borrow stocks, its advanced trading platform and competitive pricing. For those active investors looking to short a large variety of stocks, it can be just the tool they need. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 24, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Trust Stamp Has Presented A Viable Technology for The Alternative To Detention Market

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga The incarceration industry capitalizes on the assumption that incarcerating people is necessary. This assumption has led to the establishment of detention facilities that sometimes prioritize financial gain over the welfare of detainees. While there may be instances where detention is necessary for national security or public safety reasons, it is important to recognize that more humane alternatives to detention exist. Trust Stamp Inc. (NASDAQ: IDAI) is working to create viable alternatives to detention facilities. The company specializes in trust and identity services used globally and has launched its new Tap-In Band TM as an alternative to detention. The Tap-In Band is a wrist-worn, tamper-resistant band that is hypoallergenic and equipped with NFC technology. This technology enables discrete check-ins and communication with people who are enrolled in community-based supervision programs. By using the GPS and NFC technology in a user's mobile phone, the Tap-In Band allows the user to verify their location and well-being. They can tap the band to their phone to gain direct access to a personalized web portal with messaging and other features. The use of the Tap-In Band also enhances facial biometric authentication, which uses the phone's camera. The band is tamper-proof, and Trust Stamp holds the patent covering multi-factor authentication using a band and biometric authentication. Unlike current ankle and wrist-worn technologies, the Tap-In Band does not have a battery. This removes concerns about battery failure and the inconvenience of charging. Additionally, the band doesn't contain GPS tracking technology, which can ease user apprehension about intrusive monitoring. If someone tries to remove the band, the band will permanently notify tampering, even if the band is competently repaired. The Tap-In Band also uses Trust Stamp's patented IT2 identity tokenization process, which allows users to biometrically authenticate without storing any biometric images or templates. Gareth N. Genner, Trust Stamp’s Chief Executive Officer shared, “The Tap-In Band is the result of three years of market discovery and development and is a game-changer. The band is battery-free and has a fitness band-styled design that provides secure authentication without imposing embarrassment or discomfort. We are not publicly releasing final images of the customizable aesthetic design but I will say that the Band is available in a variety of colors with optional design features that ensure that the underlying use-case is not obvious to an onlooker. The use of our IT 2 identity tokenization, combined with data flows that do not require any data to be received or processed by Trust Stamp or any other vendor, ensures that the legitimate privacy and safety concerns that are raised by legacy technologies are removed with the Tap-In Band. While the Tap-In Band can be used for continual monitoring programs, we believe that the highest and best use is to support programs that require scheduled or randomly triggered check-ins.” Alternative programs to detention, like Trust Stamp’s Tap-In Band, offer a more compassionate and cost-effective approach. Not only are these programs more humane, but they also provide significant savings to society. Instead of investing in expensive detention facilities, these programs offer affordable alternatives that allow individuals to remain in the community while their cases are being processed. These programs typically have a high success rate, ensuring compliance with proceedings while providing support and supervision. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 24, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Nearly A Third Of Japan’s 36 Million Seniors Are At Risk Of Aging Frailty – Could Lomecel-BTM, Longeveron’s (NASDAQ: LGVN) Cell Therapy Help?

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga Nations all over the world are getting older, but Japan is leading the charge, with nearly a third of its total population over 65 — making Japan the oldest society in the world. While longer lifespans are great news, the growing number of seniors is bringing increased attention to the issue of aging frailty and its impact on the quality of life in those lengthening golden years. As people age, it can be common for systems in the body to start declining, including a decline in muscle mass and a slowing down of the immune system. The cumulative effect of this and other age-related decline is sometimes referred to as aging frailty, and for people with aging frailty, there appears to be increased vulnerability to death or severe disability as a result of minor events like a fall or a mild infection, as well as increased risk of not surviving common surgeries that become increasingly needed as people age. Over the last few years, aging frailty has risen rapidly in Japan, from 11.5% of adults 65 and older in 2017 to over 17% today. Meanwhile, over 31% of Japanese seniors are pre-frail, meaning they meet one or more criteria for frailty and are at high risk of becoming frail in the next few years. To address this emerging crisis, Longeveron (NASDAQ: LGVN) is currently conducting clinical trials to evaluate Lomecel-B™, its off-the-shelf cell therapy candidate, as a potential treatment for aging frailty. Might Lomecel-B™ Help Target Underlying Causes Of Aging Frailty? Lomecel-B™ is made from medical signaling cells (MSCs) derived from the bone marrow of healthy adult donors. It is believed that MSCs travel to sites of damage or inflammation in the body and may promote cellular regeneration and repair. In a previous Phase 2b trial on aging frailty, a single intravenous (IV) infusion of Lomecel-B™ was shown to have improved the walking distance during a six-minute walk test after nine months. Another clinical trial is ongoing in Japan, with the first patient having been dosed in April, 2023. The trial will enroll approximately 45 patients who will be randomly split into three groups. One group will serve as the placebo-control group, while the other two will each receive either a low or high dose of Lomecel-B™ in a single infusion. If approved, Lomecel-B™ could become the first FDA-approved treatment in the United States for Aging-related Frailty on the market, filling an unmet need that appears likely to become more prevalent in the coming years. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 24, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Amid Economic Uncertainty, Businesses Are Looking For Services That Help Drive Growth – Givex Can Help

Benzinga

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga In a landscape riddled with economic uncertainties that don’t seem to be eased by the Federal Reserve’s aggressive monetary policy, inflation is sending shockwaves across industries, demanding adaptive business models. Various industries are grappling with the rippling effects of these economic changes, but some – due to the nature of their businesses – are better equipped to adapt than others. Amid this climate, Givex Corp.’s (OTCQX: GIVXF) (TSX: GIVX) SaaS model seems to exhibit meaningful signs of resilience, illustrating the company's ability to withstand the challenges of inflation and broader economic hardship. Givex's strength lies in its revenue stream. While inflation influences the purchasing power of money, it doesn’t necessarily alter the frequency with which businesses utilize services like the one Givex provides or the value these companies provide. But to understand this fully, we need to grasp the core of what Givex offers. The Givex Platform At A Glance Since its inception in 1999, Givex has established itself as a premier SaaS platform, concentrating on capturing intricate details of consumer-merchant transactions, be it in-store or online. This capability enables merchants to conduct business seamlessly and efficiently and provides them with invaluable insights into customer behavior. By understanding these patterns, businesses can refine their strategies, enhance offerings and ultimately, drive higher profits. Central to Givex's offerings are its omnichannel point-of-sale (POS) solution, gift card solutions, loyalty programs and more. All these services capitalize on the power of real-time data analysis. The platform's emphasis on capturing detailed customer interactions – pivotal in this data-driven era – provides businesses with a competitive edge. Additionally, Givex's robust infrastructure, backed by PCI Level 1 certification, ensures data reliability and security. The ability to seamlessly integrate with other systems further enhances its appeal to businesses seeking adaptability without sacrificing stability. Why Merchants Seem To Be Flocking To Givex Givex's success in attracting a wide array of merchants is made clear by its range of clientele and the holistic value it brings to businesses. Renowned brands like Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR), Best Western, 7-Eleven, and Wendy's Company (NASDAQ: WEN) are just a few names in a growing list of enterprises that have found value in partnering with Givex. With its comprehensive tech solutions spanning gift cards and GivexPOS to loyalty programs and payment services, Givex is a catalyst for growth across countless sectors. Givex’s ability to capture detailed transactional insights could prove invaluable in a business landscape where understanding customer behavior is critical to success. Moreover, customers aiming to stay afloat during inflationary periods may view Givex as a much-needed tool for insight-driven improvement. In the face of economic fluctuations, businesses desire partners that can drive transformative change to combat challenges like inflation. And Givex, with its comprehensive suite and a track record of reliability, emerges as that crucial partner. Givex's Revenue Streams To offer clarity on exactly how Givex generates revenue, below is the company’s multifaceted business model: Recurring Revenue Streams: Monthly and regular recurring service fees are foundational to Givex's revenue structure. Transactional components, including card production and individual transaction fees, also contribute significantly. Digital And Online Services: Revenue is generated from online ordering platforms and affiliated applications. Managed services and associated development fees further improve this segment. Hardware And Technical Solutions: Hardware sales encompass a variety of equipment, ranging from POS systems to kiosks, Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) and unattended retail units. Installation and support fees are levied for the seamless integration and upkeep of these solutions. Payments And Financial Services: Givex offers various payment and financial solutions, encompassing Merchant of Record services, GivexPay and GiftPass, each contributing to its revenue. This comprehensive approach ensures that Givex maintains a steady and diversified income stream, bolstering its financial resilience through economic rain or shine. Financial Durability Givex’s SaaS model, combined with its various revenue streams, helps to ensure a reliable cash flow. And the numbers would seem to support that – for Q2 2023, Givex showcased revenue growth of 15%, reaching $19.4 million and proving that even in inflationary climates, certain business strategies can thrive. The 20% growth in the Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) for the trailing twelve months (TTM) further solidifies Givex's position. The ARR's surge, increasing by $11.8 million to hit $71.1 million by June 2023, subtly underscores the company's ability to offer consistent value, even when the broader economy struggles. The company also reports that no single client brings in more than 2% of revenue – another indicator of resilience because it means that if one client does leave, it doesn’t have a very large impact. Furthermore, the company’s low client churn rate of less than 1% also highlights client trust and satisfaction; a trust that Givex can deliver effective solutions irrespective of economic headwinds. An Inflation-Resilient Anchor In Economic Uncertainty? In times of economic unpredictability, businesses seek stability and growth potential. Givex offers both. As inflation continues to influence various industries, Givex's SaaS model and its robust platform seem to demonstrate resilience and the promise of steady growth. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 24, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

FiscalNote (NYSE: NOTE) Unveils Enhanced Global Policy Dashboard With Comprehensive Coverage Of Over 80 Countries

Benzinga

By Jad Malaeb, Benzinga FiscalNote Holdings Inc. (NYSE: NOTE), a leading AI-driven technology provider of global policy and market intelligence, has announced an expansion of its global policy dashboard, offering unparalleled coverage and analysis of policy, regulatory and legislative developments across more than 80 nations. This enhanced Global Policy Dashboard supplements FiscalNote's array of award-winning global analysis, monitoring and reporting services and AI-driven policy platforms. It gives FiscalNote customers unprecedented access to a vast directory of global policy data, creating a comprehensive stakeholder network in key operating nations. This empowers efficient collaboration by sharing timely knowledge and actionable insights, ultimately driving effective solutions and results. The Global Policy Dashboard aggregates policies and regulations from primary international sources worldwide, enabling customers to scan the policy landscape and stay informed about global policy insights. Intuitive features, interactive maps, customizable charts and a user-friendly interface facilitate easy navigation and review of evolving policies impacting organizations. It highlights emerging trends, identifies potential risks and uncovers new opportunities. Key features of the Global Policy Dashboard include: Access to global policies curated from official international sources, encompassing a wide range of policy areas. Legislation tracking for over 80 national governments and transnational entities, including bills, amendments, votes and enactments. Comprehensive coverage of proposed and enacted regulations, with hearings, whitepapers and intergovernmental consultations. The platform offers collaborative functionality, enabling multiple team members to view information and data in a single view. Additionally, it provides human-generated policy analysis and reporting for a deeper understanding of global policy developments. Josh Resnik, President and COO of FiscalNote, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, "By expanding FiscalNote's global policy solutions with our market-leading Dashboard, we're providing decision-makers with unparalleled data and insights to monitor and act on critical policy and stakeholder information from over 80 countries, surpassing any other source. The Global Policy Dashboard is the essential tool for enterprises operating in multiple jurisdictions around the world, solidifying FiscalNote as the most comprehensive, all-in-one solution in the marketplace." FiscalNote Holdings Inc. is a leader in policy and global intelligence, offering a unique blend of data, technology and insights to empower customers in managing political and business risk. Since 2013, FiscalNote has been at the forefront of technology that provides critical insights and tools for proactive action. FiscalNote serves approximately 5,000 customers worldwide, housing industry-leading brands such as CQ, FrontierView, Oxford Analytica, and VoterVoice. With global offices across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, FiscalNote continues to set the gold standard as a comprehensive, all-encompassing solution in the marketplace. For more information about FiscalNote and its family of brands, click here. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 24, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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FiscalNote (NYSE: NOTE) Unveils Enhanced Global Policy Dashboard With Comprehensive Coverage Of Over 80 Countries