All Industries

qBeam Launches Innovative Window Ablation Laser System for Enabling Free Space Optical Communications

qBeam

qBeam, Inc. (qBeam), a leader in the development of groundbreaking optical products, today announced the general availability of its handheld laser ablation device for enabling free space optical communications (FSOC) from indoor office locations. The qBeam window ablation laser allows optical communication terminals to be installed indoors by treating the windows that otherwise block the terminal’s infrared beam. Commercial buildings utilize energy efficient windows to reduce HVAC operating costs. These windows include a low-E coating which blocks infrared (IR) wavelengths and thus limit heat from escaping to the outside. Unfortunately, the low-E coating also precludes operating optical communications equipment from indoor locations. qBeam’s handheld device uses a laser beam to create a small “opening” in the low-E coating to allow IR energy to pass through with minimal attenuation. This results in a dramatic improvement in transmission for free space optical communications. The portable laser system includes a variable focus-depth capability to accommodate most commercial windows, and can create “openings” of approximately 4” x 4” without repositioning the device. Larger openings require multiple applications. The process is permanent and can be applied in a matter of minutes. The window ablation laser device complements qBeam’s existing line for FSOC modems by enabling their installation in more locations. The qBeam FSOC modem, released in 2023, offers a lower cost alternative to fiber optic solutions for terrestrial networks when mated to a compatible optical terminal. In the past, free space optics failed to gain traction because legacy FSOC modems did not adequately account for the impact of atmospheric turbulence. The qBeam FSOC modem works differently. It includes forward error correction capabilities and a fade tolerant mode that provide end-to-end protection for transmitted data. As a result, the qBeam FSOC modem supports longer ranges and higher data rates than legacy systems, delivering unsurpassed stability, reliability, and performance. The plug-and-play qBeam FSOC modem integrates seamlessly with existing optical terminals to rapidly deliver these and other advantages to infrastructures already in place. It works with traditional gigabit Ethernet (GigE) networks, supporting both GigE and 2.5 GigE client connections via a standard RJ-45 or SFP+ interface. qBeam is actively seeking relationships with optical terminal manufacturers to make it even easier for customers to quickly deploy a more holistic FSOC solution. qBeam plans to release an optical terminal in late 2024. “For too long, optical communications have suffered from untapped potential, leaving government and commercial entities with a variety of unsatisfactory choices to best support their terrestrial and ground-space communications requirements,” said Eugene Estinto, qBeam’s President and CEO. “Our innovative FSOC modems and window ablation systems unlock that potential with a compelling and easy-to-use product that immediately provides value and changes the landscape for our customers.” Formed in 2014 and headquartered in Leesburg, VA, qBeam Inc. develops optical/laser products and simulation and modeling software for communication links. The company designs and manufactures innovative free space optical (FSO) modems, multi-spectral infrared cameras, laser etching/ablation systems, and optical range simulators. It also authored the Embed/Comm physical layer communication simulation software addon. For more information about our technology company and products, please visit www.qbeaminc.com. Contact Details qBeam Eugene Estinto eugene.estinto@qbeaminc.com Company Website https://www.qbeaminc.com

February 13, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated The Transaction Between George W. Evans & Associates, Inc And Nationwide Brokerage Solutions Insurance Agency, Inc.

Benchmark International

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of George W. Evans & Associates, Inc And Nationwide Brokerage Solutions Insurance Agency, Inc. George W. Evans & Associates, Inc., a distinguished Managing General Agent (MGA) and insurance wholesale agency is committed to delivering exceptional insurance solutions for individuals and businesses. Specializing in a wide array of individual and commercial insurance policies and providing unparalleled support for independent agents and brokers, the company stands as a beacon of excellence in the insurance industry. With a focus on innovation and client-centric approaches, George W. Evans & Associates, Inc. has carved a niche in the market for its expertise in wholesale employee benefits insurance policies and non-subscriber worker's compensation coverage. Nationwide Brokerage Solutions Insurance Agency, Inc. (NBS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, is a leading wholesale broker and managing underwriter in the insurance industry. Renowned for providing market access, underwriting expertise, product development design, and administrative services, NBS is a beacon of support for local insurance agents and carriers across the United States. The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Nationwide. By joining forces with George W. Evans & Associates, Inc. and Nationwide Brokerage Solutions Insurance Agency, Inc, the company is poised to set new standards in the insurance industry. This strategic alignment strengthens their ability to serve clients, support local agents, and drive innovation. Our client Jim was great to work with throughout this entire process. We are extremely happy to achieve a successful transaction and hope he enjoys retirement." - Tony Gumieny, Senior Deal Associate, Benchmark International Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Lawrie@BenchmarkIntl.com Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL: Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $11 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook’s Global League Tables. Contact Details Brittney Zoeller +1 813-898-2350 zoeller@benchmarkintl.com Company Website https://www.benchmarkintl.com/

February 13, 2024 08:48 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

Battery Mineral Resources Corp. Announces Agreement with Anglo-American PLC to Sell Slag Copper Concentrates Produced at the Punitaqui Plant

Battery Mineral Resources Corp.

Battery Mineral Resources Corp. ( TSXV: BMR ) ( OTCQB: BTRMF ) (“ Battery ” or “ BMR ” or the “ Company ”) is very pleased to announce the execution of an Offtake Agreement (or the “ Agreement ”) with Anglo American Sur. S.A. (“ Anglo ” or “ Anglo American ”) a division of Anglo-American PLC. Anglo’s Chagres smelter in Catemu, Chile has agreed to sell up to 240,000 Dry Metric Tonnes (“ DMT ”) of copper slags to be processed into copper concentrates at BMR’s Punitaqui copper flotation plant. Anglo has agreed to purchase all the copper concentrate to be produced from the supply of copper slags. The terms and conditions of the Agreement are benchmark for this type of concentrate. BMR anticipates the processing of copper slags will commence within approximately 90 days, subject to completing certain plant maintenance and upgrade activities. The Agreement is in addition to the agreements previously entered into between the Company and Javelin Global Commodities (“ Javelin ”), as such agreements were announced by the Company on February 12, 2024. Javelin shall not market the copper concentrates processed from copper slags and shall not be paid any commission in respect thereof. Battery CEO and director Martin Kostuik stated: “We are extremely pleased to announce this agreement, which comes at a perfect time for BMR. The Agreement provides the Company low-cost copper bearing material to be processed at our Punitaqui flotation plant while Battery begins commissioning of the plant. It allows BMR to generate cash flow from copper sales while the Cinabrio, San Andres and Dalmacia mines will be ramping up to reach full production.” Furthermore, by allowing BMR to process slags, which are a by-product of previously smelted ores, the Agreement further demonstrates the Company’s ongoing commitment to the Environmental portion of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principals. Specifically, the processing of slags does not include activities which would otherwise be undertaken by BMR when processing fresh ore from its mines, including but not limited to underground drilling, blasting and mining. BMR is pleased to have entered into an Agreement that is both economically and environmentally beneficial. About Battery Mineral Resources Corp. Battery Mineral Resources is a battery minerals company providing shareholders exposure to the global mega-trend of electrification while being focused on growth through cash-flow, exploration, and acquisitions in favourable mining jurisdictions. Battery Mineral’s mission is the discovery, acquisition, and development of battery metals (namely cobalt, lithium, graphite, and copper), in North America, South America and South Korea and to become a premier and responsible supplier of battery minerals to the electrification marketplace. BMR is currently pursuing a near-term resumption of operations of the Punitaqui Mining Complex, a past copper-gold-silver producer, in the Coquimbo region of Chile. BMR is the largest mineral claim holder in the historic Gowganda Cobalt-Silver Camp in Ontario, Canada, and continues to pursue a focused program to build on the recently announced, +1-million-pound high-grade cobalt resource at McAra. In addition, Battery Mineral owns 100% of ESI Energy Services, Inc. (including ESI’s wholly owned USA operating subsidiary, Ozzie’s, Inc.), a profitable mainline pipeline and renewable energy equipment rental and sales company with operations in Alberta, Canada and Arizona, USA. Battery Mineral Resources is based in Canada and its shares are listed on the Toronto Venture Exchange under the symbol “BMR” and on the OTCQB under the symbol “BTRMF”. Further information about BMR and its projects can be found on www.bmrcorp.com. Twitter: @BMRcorp_ Facebook: Battery Mineral Resources Corp. | Facebook LinkedIn: Battery Mineral Resources Corp.: My Company | LinkedIn Website: www.bmrcorp.com Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. About Battery Mineral Resources Corp. Forward Looking Statements: This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of the Company on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to complete exploration and development activities, the ability of the Company to secure the Advances under the Loan Agreement, timing of the completion of the Company’s audit, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the ability of the Company to meet its anticipated development schedule, government regulation and fluctuating metal prices. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Battery undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Contact Details Martin Kostuik, CEO +1 604-229-3830 info@bmrcorp.com Corporate Communications Corporate Communications IBN (InvestorBrandNetwork) +1 310-299-1717 editor@investorbrandnetwork.com Company Website https://bmrcorp.com/

February 13, 2024 05:30 AM Pacific Standard Time

Türkiye’s First Direct NYSE-Listed Company, Marti Technologies, Benefits As Ride Hailing Takes Off

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Ride-hailing is taking off in Türkiye, particularly in cities from Istanbul to Izmir to Antalya, as the middle class grows, the population increases and people trade private vehicles and public transportation for on-demand rides. Marti Technologies Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN: MRT), the leading mobility app company hailing from Türkiye, is capitalizing on that growing demand. The company, which launched its app in 2019, matches riders with car and motorcycle drivers and operates a large fleet of rental e-mopeds, e-bikes and e-scooters. Marti Technologies reports that it became the number one mobility app in Turkiye in 2020, a year after its application launch, and has retained that position every year since. The company also reports that it has over 4.5 million unique riders on its application, and its ride-hailing service boasts 452,000 unique riders and 100,000 registered drivers. All of Marti’s offerings are serviced by proprietary software systems and IoT infrastructure. Trailblazing With Its U.S. Listing Another important milestone, one that's rare for a Turkish company, is a direct U.S. listing. But that’s exactly what Marti accomplished this past summer, debuting on the NYSE. Marti was able to pull off the U.S. listing by merging with Galata Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: GLTA). The deal was first announced in August of 2022, and Marti began trading about a year later. Marti reports that its NYSE debut was the first direct listing of a company in Türkiye, and it is expected to serve as a model for other companies in Türkiye and the region that want to tap the public markets in the U.S. The fact that Marti chose this pioneering financing model underscores the growth potential for ride-hailing in the country, particularly in the Turkish metropolises. Marti’s public listing was recognized as the International Equity Capital Markets Deal of the Year by Bonds, Loans, and ESG Capital Markets CEE (Central and Eastern Europe), CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) & Türkiye Awards 2023. McKinsey & Company, the consulting firm, estimates the taxi market size in Türkiye was between $9 billion to $12 billion as of 2021. By 2030, McKinsey & Co. forecasts that the ride-hailing market could grow to between $15 billion and $20 billion. Checking Off All The Boxes When the deal was first announced, Marti said the U.S. listing would help it go after the fast-growing Türkiye market, maintain its leadership position, expand its scale and reach to retain customers – and do all of it in an environmentally friendly way. “In its first four years, Marti has achieved significant traction for its mobility products, strong growth and best-in-class unit profitability,” Alper Oktem, Founder and CEO of Marti, said at the time. “We are privileged to have the support of top-tier investors and access to the U.S. capital markets following the closing of this proposed transaction, which will leave Marti well-capitalized to seek to become Türkiye’s first mobility super app by expanding into other attractive adjacencies, leveraging our growing and loyal customer base.” Since that announcement, Marti seems to have checked all those boxes and then some, showcasing growth that seems similar to ride-hailing leaders in the U.S. such as Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER). Month-over-month in December Marti saw ride-hailing riders grow 19% and registered drivers grow 11%. Both areas grew faster than the company expected, underscoring how big of an unmet need it serves. Given the growth in riders and drivers, the company expects to have more than 700,000 riders and over 120,000 registered drivers by March 31, 2024. If Uber is any evidence, those double-digit growth rates may continue as Marti establishes itself as a leader in the region. For Uber’s third quarter, which it announced in November, the ride-hailing leader posted a 31% year-over-year increase in mobility gross bookings – and that’s in saturated markets. More importantly, it was able to achieve profitability in its ride-hailing business, the largest part of its operation. While Marti is currently in a legal battle with the taxi association of Istanbul, the notoriously poor quality of service of taxis in the city clearly suggests that an alternative solution is necessary. The UEFA Champions League final, soccer's most prestigious club event globally, took place in Istanbul in 2023, and the competition's governing body UEFA advised all fans and tourists visiting the city to not use taxis for transportation. The problems endemic to the taxi sector in Turkey range from not picking up locals to charging exorbitant unmetered fees to tourists to verbal and physical violence. Future Plans And Growth Potential Marti may be focused on ride-hailing for now, but the company plans to expand into other areas of mobility and services, which will increase sales and improve its bottom line. While it's sporting a market capitalization of around $40 million as of mid-January 2024, Marti recently launched a share buyback program, and there may be a lot of potential. One only has to look at the valuations of some of Türkiye’s successful online to offline services businesses including e-commerce giant Trendyol, grocery delivery company Getir and food delivery app Yemeksepeti, for evidence. Trendyol, which is majority-owned by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE: BABA) – China’s leading e-commerce company, which is one of the country’s first decacorns with a valuation of more than $16 billion – while Getir sports a valuation of around $2.5 billion and Yemeksepeti was acquired by Delivery Hero in a $589 million deal. Türkiye is reportedly unique in that local players, not international ones, tend to lead in the market and grow organically through investments and via M&A. Over the years Alibaba has invested $1.4 billion into Türkiye and plans to invest as much as $2 billion more. Given Türkiye’s strategic location between Europe and Asia, Alibaba sees Türkiye as the perfect pit stop to fuel the e-commerce giant’s expansion in Europe. As a result, it has been investing to build up logistics and data centers in key locations in the country. It’s not just Alibaba that is eyeing Türkiye for expansion. Shein, the fast-fashion brand, recently started manufacturing in Türkiye, and in the fall, Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) opened its first logistics center. All of that could fuel the rise of the middle class in Türkiye and the need for rides in cities, which means potentially more business for Marti. The ride-hailing market seems to be taking off in Türkiye, and Marti seems well-positioned to capitalize. It's already a leading app and has the name recognition of a U.S. listing and the backing of investors in U.S. markets. It doesn’t yet boast the market valuation of its larger rivals in the U.S. and can’t claim decacorn status in Türkiye, but that also indicates room to grow. Marti has the pedal to the metal and plans to stay in the lane for the years to come. Featured photo by Anna Berdnik on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. 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

February 13, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

Investing Lessons From Warren Buffett And Bill Gates: Profiting While Making A Positive Impact

Benzinga

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga Explore the potential of making a change while generating profit with DLP Capital’s real estate funds. While making money and doing good for the world are often seen as mutually exclusive goals, this is not necessarily the truth. Many ventures in the world of finance are primarily profit-driven, but there are plenty of investment opportunities that have the potential to meaningfully impact the world in a positive way. Prime examples of this in action can be found in none other than renowned investor Warren Buffett and the former tech magnate Bill Gates. These titans of industry have not only amassed billions of dollars in wealth, but they have also redirected huge sums of that wealth toward charitable causes. In the spirit of that philosophy, companies like DLP Capital are showing how investing in real estate can be both profitable and socially responsible, blending profitability with philanthropy. The Gates And Buffett Approach To Philanthropic Investing The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, co-founded by Bill Gates, epitomizes the synergy between wealth and welfare. This foundation doesn't just throw money at problems; it listens, learns and strategically invests in addressing global challenges like agricultural inefficiencies in Africa and gender inequality in India. Over 90% of its funding goes to grants, but it also makes strategic investments in entities driving change through the private sector. Bill Gates himself has evolved from a tech magnate into a diversified investor with a penchant for zero-carbon energy companies. And despite his recent divorce from Melinda Gates, his philanthropic efforts remain unchanged. He has donated more than $59 billion to his foundation, underlining his belief that wealth's true value lies in its potential to better the world's less fortunate. Warren Buffett, the renowned CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.B), mirrors this same philosophy. In fact, he has donated over $51 billion since 2006, primarily to the Gates Foundation. His approach is gradual yet wildly impactful, with plans to give away nearly all of his roughly $120 billion fortune. Buffett's donations, which generally include significant amounts of Berkshire Hathaway stock, exemplify his commitment to the Giving Pledge, a promise to donate a majority of wealth to philanthropic causes. DLP Capital: Investing With A Conscience DLP Capital represents a newer wave of companies that intertwine investing success with societal impact. It is a private real estate investment and financial services firm that focuses on creating positive change through a variety of investments across the attainable workforce housing sector. DLP accomplishes this through four unique real estate funds targeting 9-13% annual returns, all the while emphasizing its core values of community, stewardship and social leadership with a tangible impact on the world. DLP Capital's funds invest in single-family and multifamily rental communities, including through mortgage loan originations, the acquisition and repositioning of attainable rental housing, and the development of new rental communities, along with providing capital to other attainable rental housing builders and operators. This holistic approach to investment, balancing profitability with societal contribution, is what sets DLP Capital apart in the crowded field of real estate investment firms. It also has ambitious plans to become the largest investor in rental housing communities in the world, and the company invested over $2 billion in community-building in 2022 alone, generating over 10,000 jobs. Profit Through Philanthropy The examples set by Gates, Buffett and companies like DLP Capital illuminate a powerful truth: making money and doing good are not conflicting goals. Together, their actions demonstrate that wealth can be a tool for positive global change so long as you know where to invest it. For investors and entrepreneurs alike, this approach potentially offers a blueprint for achieving financial success while contributing meaningfully to society. In doing so, you can hopefully strike a balance of profit and philanthropy, where each element reinforces the other, leading to a more prosperous and equitable world for all. Click here to check out DLP Capital’s funds and how to make profits while making a difference. Featured photo by Katt Yukawa on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. 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

February 13, 2024 08:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

After Two Seasons Of Netflix Show, Kartoon Studios (AMEX: TOON) Continues To Expand 'Llama Llama' Franchise Through Partnership With Penguin Young Readers

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Every parent knows the importance of a nighttime routine for young children. Oftentimes, this routine will enlist the help of trusted stuffed animals and books that transport us to faraway places with cuddly characters. With over 30 million copies in print worldwide, Anna Dewdney’s Llama Llama books have captured the hearts of families. The series has been translated into eight languages and provides soothing tales of first childhood experiences and adventures to preschoolers. In 2018, Llama Llama’s success translated to the screen when Kartoon Studios (AMEX: TOON) adapted the stories to a Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) Original preschool series. The show stars Jennifer Garner, who voices the lead role of Mama Llama. Seasons one and two of the series are available to stream. Kartoon Studios is a global company specializing in creating, producing, distributing, marketing and licensing entertainment brands. With a diverse portfolio of original animated content, including popular shows such as Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten, Shaq's Garage, Rainbow Rangers and Llama Llama, Kartoon Studios seems to have established itself as a prominent player in the entertainment industry. Expanding the Llama Llama franchise, Kartoon Studios has partnered with Penguin Young Readers and KOHL’s (NYSE: KSS) to launch new back-to-back nationwide retail promotions featuring books and plush products from the series. This product line will be part of the popular Kohl’s Cares program, which uses 100% of Kohl’s net profit to benefit non-profit organizations. Kartoon Studios has enlisted two new plush toy licensing partners, Spirit and YOTTOY, to its growing roster, expanding the company’s presence in the merchandise space. Starting February 1, customers can look forward to a charming plush toy and book set. This set features the book Llama Llama Easter Egg from Penguin Young Readers, paired with a plush toy from Spirit. Available for a limited time while supplies last, this set will be priced at $9.00. On April 12, a second release will be introduced. Fans can discover the book Llama Llama Red Pajama from Penguin Young Readers, accompanied by a plush toy from YOTTOY. These items will be available for purchase separately, priced at $5.00 each, for a limited time while supplies last. Both promotions will be accessible to customers at stores nationwide and can also be found online at Kohls.com. “We began our collaboration with Kohl’s and Penguin in 2020 with our introduction of ‘Llama Llama’ into the Kohl’s Cares initiative, and we extended the partnership in 2022 as we continue to steadily grow the brand. Launching two more promotions in 2024 offers us a tremendous opportunity to continue to honor Anna Dewdney with delivering the heartwarming stories she created, along with new quality products from our recently added licensing partners Spirit and YOTTOY,” shared Lloyd Mintz, SVP Global Consumer Products at Kartoon Studios. Kartoon Studios reports that it has a track record of success with licensed manufacturers – Kids Preferred and Books To Bed, plush and pajama partners, respectively, continue to perform well both in-store and online. Kartoon Studios has also expanded Llama Llama’s reach with audio storytelling from Tonies. Speaking on the partnership, Margaret Anastas, VP & Publisher at Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, added, “We are thrilled to have ‘Llama Llama’ included in the Kohl’s Cares program twice in 2024. Their promotions do such good charitable work while giving young readers more ways to connect with their favorite character, ‘Llama Llama’.” Kartoon Studio's ability to tap various markets highlights its commitment to being a dynamic company that is dedicated to delivering engaging and diverse entertainment experiences to audiences around the world. Featured photo by Jernej Graj on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. 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

February 13, 2024 08:20 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

Wingman Ventures rebrands as Founderful, gains momentum for $120m Fund II for Swiss tech startups

Founderful

Five years after it launched, venture capital firm Wingman Ventures has today rebranded as Founderful and is announcing it has quickly raised $85m for its new fund, aiming to reach a final close at $120m in the months to come. The firm was founded in 2019 by Swiss unicorn GetYourGuide co-founder Pascal Mathis, former Switzerland Lead at Creathor Ventures Alex Stöckl, and EAT.ch co-founder Lukas Weder. The team’s driving force has always been helping ambitious Swiss tech startups to become international market leaders. The firm was established with the singular goal of backing local, pre-seed startups in their first financing round with hands-on, founder-focused funding. Bucking the venture trend of keeping ‘dry powder’ on hand, Founderful has made nearly 50 investments in the last 4 years alone, having made eight Swiss investments in 2023. From Fund I, Founderful has deployed $60m into 40 startups. This represents 109 founders who scaled to create 1,093 jobs and went on to raise almost 6x additional funding of over $350m in just 3 years, some of which from leading international venture firms. Notably, Wingtra (survey drones) has scaled to 200 employees and an annual revenue of over $20m. DePoly has been recognized globally for its revolutionary plastics recycling technology and raised a $15m seed round, while Corintis (sustainable computing) is working with tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia. Founderful has already started deploying the capital raised in Fund II, backing the founders of Chiral Nano (alternative silicon chips), Nala Earth (ESG reporting), Ascento (security robotics), SAEKI (manufacturing robotics), Anthropos (workplace skills), Isospec Analytics (biomolecular analysis), Eightinks (lithium-ion batteries) and Faive Robotics (humanoid robotics). Alex Stöckl, Founding Partner at Founderful, commented: “We’re beyond grateful that we get to continue our work with the most ambitious founder teams of this exciting ecosystem. Switzerland is one of the world’s fastest-growing venture capital markets. With the global shift towards more complex technologies solving some of our society’s most pressing challenges, it will become one of the world’s most important tech hubs. With our founder-operator backgrounds and the deeply rooted access we’ve built over the years into the universities and research institutions with our Founderful Campus program, we’ve become the go-to firm for entrepreneurs and investors alike.” Founderful II is backed by a range of institutions, family offices, and founders who have successfully scaled their startups into global unicorns such as Duolingo, Climeworks, GetYourGuide, Delivery Hero, and Scandit. Severin Hacker, CTO and co-founder at Duolingo, commented: "Building Duolingo, I've seen my own fair share of VC firms, and it is rare to collaborate with an investor who is as meticulous and relentless toward creating value to the founders they backed, as the team at Founderful.” Jonas Theiler, Head of Asset Management at Artemis Group, added: “We’ve been working with Founderful since day one, and the companies they back have impressive substance and relevance from a technological and business perspective – they are spot-on doubling down on the Swiss venture ecosystem.” Founderful is laser-focused on the Swiss tech market and, with it, concentrated on supporting founders in the B2B software and industrial technology space This includes robotics and industrial automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning, computer vision technologies, and material sciences innovations in cleantech, climate tech, and construction tech. Founderful works quickly and closely with academia and industry to boost the new generation of technology leaders. Lukas Weder, Founding Partner at Founderful, commented: “Our fresh identity as Founderful reflects our purpose as a venture capital business to have the deepest understanding of founders and give them the highest level of support. We were once founders ourselves and know what it takes to succeed. We are redefining founder-friendliness beyond just the term sheet through sharing advice, granting insights, and investing courageously. We bring lightheartedness and empathy to serious topics and remain calm in the face of adversity. We try to be the honest companion we would have wanted by our side when we built our own companies.” The Founderful thesis on investing in Swiss-based startups has been proven by three megatrends: For the 13th consecutive year, Switzerland has ranked first in the Global Innovation Index - topping the lists for technology, knowledge, and creative output. It also has the world's highest patent per capita ratio, and ETH Zurich produces more university spin-outs than any other university worldwide. Big tech is fascinated by Switzerland, which is why Google has 5,000 developers there (its largest tech office outside the US). Disney, Nvidia, Meta, Huawei, and Intel have consistently grown their local R&D teams over the past years. Switzerland is a Unicorn state – there are more billion-dollar tech startups per capita in Switzerland than anywhere else in Europe. Recent unicorn graduates like Scandit (logistics software), Climeworks (carbon capturing), and SonarSource (code security), and bootstrapped under-the-radar success stories like Proton (internet privacy) underline Switzerland’s rising global relevance for B2B technologies. Yoram Wijngaarde, CEO and founder of Dealroom, added: “When looking at our data, Switzerland has been on the rise as one of Europe’s fastest growing VC ecosystems over the past five years, and in 2023 becoming the fifth largest venture market on the continent only behind powerhouses UK, Germany, France and Sweden. When you look at nine tech unicorns on 9 million inhabitants, it becomes apparent that this is a market you cannot miss in your coverage as a European fund or limited partner.” About Founderful Founderful is Switzerland’s leading pre-seed fund. We give every founder our deepest understanding and highest levels of support, and together, we’re building the future of the Swiss startup ecosystem. For more information, please visit our website or LinkedIn. Contact Details Founderful Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website http://www.founderful.com/

February 13, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

EarnBet.io Processed $1 Billion In Bets and Distributed Millions in User Rewards and Rakeback

EarnBet

EarnBet.io, an online crypto gambling platform today proudly announces that it has processed over $1 billion in bets and transferred millions of dollars in rewards and cashback to its users and token holders, showcasing its dedication to player satisfaction and innovation Since 2017, EarnBet has distinguished itself as a pioneering online betting platform, utilizing blockchain technology to offer unparalleled fairness, transparency, and player rewards. The introduction of several exclusive in-house games and an avant-garde wallet system has streamlined the deposit and withdrawal process for top cryptocurrencies, enhancing the overall user experience. Year of Transformation: Rebranding and Platform Enhancement Over the past year, EarnBet.io has embarked on an ambitious journey of transformation, focusing on a complete platform overhaul and rebranding. This initiative aimed to elevate the user experience through new game introductions, enhanced reward programs, and a revamped user interface, signaling a new chapter of growth and development for the platform. A significant update to the platform is the EarnBet Rakeback feature, offering up to 62.5% Rakeback, allowing users to immediately claim cash rewards on every bet, win or lose, further distinguishing EarnBet.io's commitment to providing value to its users. Diverse Gaming Portfolio and User-Centric Innovations EarnBet.io's commitment to delivering an unparalleled gaming experience is evident in its extensive game offerings. The platform has introduced a variety of in-house games, along with popular titles from renowned developers like NetEnt, NoLimit, Pragmatic Play, and BGaming. This expansion ensures a rich and diverse gaming portfolio, further enriched by a user-friendly interface designed to boost performance and foster community engagement through social features. In the coming months, EarnBet plans to expand its library even further by adding more betting games from multiple award-winning platforms, showcasing its commitment to providing players with a broad and engaging selection of games. EarnBet.io has also reinforced its dedication to fairness with a provably fair gaming system, allowing players to independently verify the fairness of game outcomes. This commitment to transparency is further highlighted by the platform's updated leaderboard, showcasing top players and their achievements, fostering a competitive yet fair gaming environment. EarnBet.io's platform overhaul has introduced an array of innovative features designed to revitalize the online betting experience. Among these are enhanced gameplay mechanics for classic casino games like blackjack and baccarat, which have been redesigned for an interactive and engaging user experience. Additionally, the platform has embraced the popularity of dice games, optimizing gameplay to fair outcomes. Community-Focused Features and Rewarding Opportunities At the heart of EarnBet.io's ethos is a focus on community and player rewards. The introduction of a VIP Members Club and innovative features like the Rain Bot and a new tipping system enhance the platform's social aspects, allowing players to engage with each other and share their successes. These initiatives not only foster a vibrant community but also provide players with opportunities to earn rewards, reinforcing EarnBet.io's position as a player-centric platform. Lastly, EarnBet’s EBET native token, allows users to speed up their cashback rewards if the token is staked. The EarnBet team points out that they intends to buy back EBET tokens like previously. As EarnBet.io continues to advance, it remains focused on continuous innovation and enhancing player engagement. The platform's commitment to introducing new games, improving user features, and incorporating cutting-edge technology is unwavering. This dedication ensures that EarnBet.io will continue to offer a superior online betting experience, characterized by enjoyment, fairness, and a strong community focus. About EarnBet From its inception, EarnBet.io has set a new standard in the crypto online betting industry, combining blockchain technology with a commitment to fairness, transparency, and user satisfaction. The recent platform enhancements and rebranding initiative mark a significant milestone in EarnBet.io's journey, underscoring its dedication to innovation and superior gaming experiences. With these updates, EarnBet.io reaffirms its commitment to redefining online gaming, offering an unmatched experience that prioritizes player rewards, engagement, and a transparent gaming environment. Contact Details EarnBet EarnBet Team support@earnbet.io

February 13, 2024 07:52 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

News Release

Argentem Creek Partners and Innovatus Capital Partners Welcome High Court’s Decision to Retain Worldwide Freezing Order Against the Owners of Odesa Grain Terminal

Argentem Creek Partners

[New York, 13 February 2024] U.S. investment firms Argentem Creek Partners (“ACP”) and Innovatus Capital Partners (“Innovatus”) welcome the English High Court’s decision to maintain a worldwide freezing order (“WFO”) against Sergiy Groza and Volodymyr Naumenko, the owners of GNT Group and Olimpex Coupe International, a grain terminal in Odesa, Ukraine. ACP and Innovatus are creditors of GNT Group. In a judgment handed down on 8 February 2024, Mr Justice Richard Jacobs was persuaded by arguments presented by Madison Pacific Trust Ltd, acting on behalf of ACP and Innovatus, stating that he was concerned about the “very real risk of dissipation [of assets].” He added that the case is “one where the evidence is as strong as any that I have ever seen” and he had “no doubt that it is just and convenient to grant the injunction”. He also stated that he had “not been persuaded that any of the matters relied upon by the Defendants [Mr. Groza and Mr. Naumenko] provide any substantial reason as to why no injunction should be granted.” John Patton, Founding Partner - Head of EMEA & Asia at ACP said: “We are very pleased with the High Court’s decision and that the judge recognised there is very powerful evidence of a real risk of asset dissipation by Mr. Groza and Mr. Naumenko.” Ana Firmato, Managing Director at Innovatus also commented: “Innovatus is happy with the decision reached by Mr. Justice Jacobs. The WFO is an integral part of holding Mr. Groza and Mr. Naumenko to account.” This follows a decision in January 2024 by the Commercial Court of the Lviv Region to order the authority of the director appointed by GNT Group to Olimpex Coupe International to be terminated. The order was handed down on the grounds that the director was causing harm to the company. Specifically in its judgment, the court found that the director "deliberately concealed the actions already taken to alienate the debtor's property, which were carried out five and two days before the opening of bankruptcy proceedings, respectively." Furthermore, the court noted the director's actions amounted to a "violation of the moratorium on meeting the demands of creditors and the deliberate violation of the balance of interests of the debtor and creditors" and "the concealment of the facts of foreclosure on the debtor's property." ACP and Innovatus have a long-standing history of investing in Ukraine. Both companies remain committed in ensuring that this grain terminal is managed correctly within Ukrainian and international guidelines. *ENDS* NOTES The official judgment can be accessed here: https://caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewhc/comm/2024/267 Contact Details media@argentemcreek.com media@argentemcreek.com Company Website https://www.argentemcreek.com/

February 13, 2024 07:21 AM Eastern Standard Time

1 ... 448 449 450 451 452 ... 3787