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VPN Trust Initiative: VPN Trust Seal Accreditation Program Launch

VPN Trust Initiative

The Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition) launched the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI) in 2020 to establish a baseline for how virtual private network (VPN) providers should operate. The goal is to help avoid oversights, misunderstandings, or vague legislation that could invite abuses of power and short-sighted legislation of helpful technology. As a result of collaborative efforts, the VTI Principles serve as a comprehensive set of best practices for VPN providers that bolster consumer confidence and provider accountability, promoting wider VPN adoption and access to the technology’s benefits. Today VTI is announcing the launch of the VPN Trust Seal accreditation program, which provides a clear public indicator that a participating VPN provider follows established best practices for delivering service in the following five areas: Security: VPNs will use the necessary security measures, including strong encryption and authentication protocols, to appropriately address the risks. Advertising Practices: Given the complexity and different use cases for VPNs, claims must not mislead. Privacy: VPNs should keep as little data as they deem necessary to provide the service and only produce data to law enforcement when legally required. Disclosure and Transparency: To foster trust, member companies must take steps toward informing users and the public about their actions and procedures. Social Responsibility: VPN providers will promote VPN technology to support access to the global Internet and freedom of expression. Principles guiding VPN Trust Seal accreditation are informed by input from businesses, legislators, free speech advocates, and other outside experts to protect the privacy and security of VPN users; offer practical policy guidelines for VPN providers; and ensure policymakers, regulators, and the wider market have access to clear criteria for evaluating these technologies. The inaugural group of VPN providers that have earned accreditation includes Certida, FastVPN, IvacyVPN, NordVPN, PureVPN, Surfshark, Texas.net, IPVanish, StrongVPN, eVenture Ltd, and ExpressVPN. “Now when VPN customers try to determine which providers align with their ethics, they can look for the VPN Trust Seal and gain some assurances about the commitments behind the products they are looking to purchase,” said Christian Dawson, Co-Founder & Executive Director, i2Coalition. For more detailed information on each of these principles and how to get the VPN Trust Seal, please visit the VTI website. About i2Coalition’s VPN Trust Initiative i2Coalition’s VPN Trust Initiative (VTI) is an industry-led consortium that promotes consumer safety and privacy online by increasing understanding of VPNs and strengthening business practices in an industry that already protects millions of Internet users. The VTI leverages first-hand knowledge to advocate, create, vet, and validate guidelines that strengthen trust and transparency and mitigate risk for users. To learn more about the VTI, please visit vpntrust.net. About the i2Coalition The Internet Infrastructure Coalition (“i2Coalition”) ensures that those who build the infrastructure of the Internet have a voice in public policy. We are a leading voice for web hosting companies, data centers, domain registrars and registries, cloud infrastructure providers, managed services providers, and related tech. We protect innovation and the continued growth of the Internet’s infrastructure which is essential to the global economy. Our coalition launched at a significant time in our industry’s history. The genesis of the organization began in 2011 when many of the i2Coalition founding and charter members joined forces during the successful effort to prevent SOPA and PIPA from becoming United States law. After mobilizing to ensure the Internet’s free flow of information and commerce, we realized the ongoing need for an industry voice, founding formally in 2012. To learn more about the i2Coalition and explore membership, please visit i2Coalition.com. Contact Details Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://vpntrust.net/

September 26, 2023 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

After $6.4 Million IPO, Inspire Veterinary Partners Shifts Into Next Phase Of Acquisition-Driven Growth Strategy

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga With more Americans owning pets and those pet owners increasingly prioritizing the health and well-being of those new pets, the market is ripe for veterinary hospitals everywhere. So the closing of Inspire Veterinary Partners Inc.’s (NASDAQ: IVP) Initial Public Offering (IPO) last month, marking the introduction of the first publicly traded vet services company is a great opportunity for investors who want to gain exposure to that $61 billion vet services market. Inspire generated $6.4 million in gross proceeds from the IPO which will fund its ongoing growth strategy as it works on finalizing a series of new acquisition deals. The owner and operator of a growing network of acquired veterinary hospitals has set a goal of 10 new acquisitions per year over the next five years, giving investors plenty to look forward to with this new entry on the NASDAQ. Vet Hospitals Are Poised For Growth As Pet Owners Take Greater Interest In Pet Health And Wellbeing Unlike other pandemic-era booms that went bust soon after quarantines lifted, the pet boom began decades before COVID and shows every sign of being here to stay. Today, 62% of Americans own at least one pet (about half of those pet owners have two or more). As pet ownership increases, so does the amount owners spend on their pets. Even as inflation strains household budgets, nearly half of pet owners say they haven’t made cuts to their monthly spending on their pets. Inspire Is A Vet Hospital Consolidator With A Flexible, Long-Term Approach To Acquisitions Inspire’s approach to consolidation is unique. Rather than an exit-driven strategy, the vet hospital owner structures acquisitions with the goal of owning that hospital for the long term and helping it improve its operations, costs and revenue along the way. Adding a personal touch, the company’s CEO personally visits each potential acquisition to interact with the staff and address any concerns. Additionally, Inspire allows each hospital to maintain its unique practice methods and identity, thereby appealing to sellers who are wary of the centralized models of larger competitors. This differentiates the vet hospital owner from most players in the game. “The overwhelming majority of organizations that buy and open veterinary clinics in the United States are owned by private equity investors and managers,” said Inspire President and CEO in a recent blog post. “Funds are put in, a company is grown, and down the line those investors sell the company to new investors, take profit as a result and then look for another company or industry in which to invest.” In most cases, Carr says that process is happening in the span of about two to five years. Not only is that not enough time to understand the business, it also incentivizes those investors to focus on short-term growth strategies that may or may not make sense for the long-term potential of that hospital. Instead, Inspire looks for hospitals and clinics that it can own for the long haul, not just opportunities to flip in two or three years for a quick profit. Then, it works closely with each one of those acquisitions to help it achieve sustainable long-term growth—an investment of time, talent, and resources that benefits everyone involved. For shareholders, that approach has the potential to generate more sustainable long-term growth as the hospitals already under the Inspire umbrella continue to grow their revenue while later acquisitions help Inspire expand that revenue base. It also puts Inspire in a unique position to create additional revenue opportunities by expanding existing hospitals, adding on new services, and building a network for case referrals by connecting nearby hospitals and clinics in Inspire’s expanding network. For the stakeholders in the hospitals themselves, that acquisition approach alleviates the stress of dealing with new owners who have no intention of sticking around for more than a couple of years and may have little interest in the long-term health of the business. It also gives them access to training and consultation from an experienced team of medical and operational coaches with a deep well of vetted experience. This approach can help improve margins as Inspire consolidates purchasing relationships and provides on-the-ground consulting and training to improve overall operations and identify the best growth strategy for each location. In its current phase of growth, Inspire is focused on buying existing businesses that are already profitable. As soon as the deal is closed, a growth strategy tailored to that location is implemented. To date, it successfully applied this approach to 13 locations across nine states for a combined annual revenue run-rate estimated at approximately $19 million for 2023. With multiple acquisition agreements in progress that would add significant future revenue, Inspire expects to see an improvement to its bottom-line performance as well. Looking ahead, the company plans to acquire 10 locations per year over the next several years using a tried and tested assessment process and a team with functional expertise. This approach is intended to help the company to efficiently scale its acquisition strategy without sacrificing the flexibility needed to bring in locations across any state or demographic market while providing the tailored support each location needs to grow. As with the past couple of years, Inspire will continue to focus on general practice veterinary hospitals that already have a track record of profitability while diversifying into new clinic types in the years to come. As each new acquisition allows the company to further scale and bring more of its operations in-house, it plans to expand into emergency care clinics and earlier-stage practices as well. Acknowledging the vast market opportunity, Inspire Veterinary Partners notes that less than 30% of the over 28,000 veterinary hospitals in the U.S. have been consolidated, signaling a large upside potential for further acquisitions. 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

September 26, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Seizing The Future Of Crypto: Why Swopblock Could Be Your Ground-Level Opportunity

Benzinga

By James Wells, Benzinga Learn more about and invest in Swopblock via Wefunder The largest asset managers on Earth seem to be competing to secure approvals for Spot Bitcoin ETFs, with BlackRock leading the pack with a 575-1 approval rate. This marks a significant milestone for investors, as traditional finance is increasingly adopting cryptocurrency and considering tokenization across various sectors. Recent wins for Grayscale's Bitcoin ETF and Ripple's SEC case have elevated confidence in the crypto market among traditional financial institutions, while retail investors remain cautious. This divergence between institutional and retail interest has created market inefficiencies, lowering the actual risk and opening doors for significant wealth creation, especially for those who can identify these gaps. However, for the average investor, simply investing in Bitcoin for modest returns is not enough due to its already massive market cap. The real opportunities lie in finding undervalued projects, particularly in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, which has gained traction following the 2022 FTX collapse and subsequent insolvencies. Enter Swopblock, a new entrant aiming to revolutionize the crypto subsector by becoming the world's first fully decentralized cross-chain exchange platform. This article will explore why Swopblock is not just another crypto project but a potentially high-reward investment with enormous market potential. Unveiling The Competitive Edge Of Swopblock Swopblock stands out as an innovator in the crowded DeFi landscape, offering fully decentralized, cross-chain trading features. Unlike other decentralized exchanges that still incorporate centralized elements, Swopblock offers total decentralization, reporting that they provide a level of security unseen in the cryptocurrency space. Had investors used Swopblock, losses from the FTX collapse, Celsius, or 3AC would have been avoided. The platform's unique approach to liquidity involves distributing it across user wallets, enabling you to contribute your own liquidity for trading. Adding to its allure is the limited supply of its native asset, SWOBL. With a cap of 52.8 million assets, over 18 million have already been allocated to early investors. How Swopblock Stands Out While platforms like Polygon and PancakeSwap offer decentralized features, they still carry risks – particularly in their liquidity pools. Swopblock distinguishes itself from competitors like THORChain and Polygon by providing complete decentralization while also providing cross-chain functionality. Fueled by its native SWOBL token, Swopblock allows users to bring their own liquidity to their trades, maintaining full control within their own wallets. This not only resolves the self-custody issues often found in centralized finance but also eliminates the 'honeypot' vulnerabilities typical of traditional DEXs. Understanding The Critical Role Of Scarcity In cryptocurrency trading, scarcity often boosts value. Swopblock's limited SWOBL asset supply creates urgency and growth potential for investors. Serving as the sole liquidity source, SWOBL as linked to various blockchains like Ethereum and Bitcoin, tying its demand to trading volume. As Swopblock gains traction, the demand for SWOBL is likely to rise, offering traders, investors and asset holders – including Swopblock itself – an opportunity for substantial gains. This is a golden opportunity to invest in a project that offers not just scarcity but also value accrual and genuine innovation in the DeFi sector. The DEX Market Opportunity With institutional investors flooding into the market and retail following thereafter – the demand for self-custodial and secure means of exchange will be astronomical. Decentralized exchanges are not a fad; they are the future. The evolution of mainstream cryptocurrency adoption generally starts with centralized exchanges (CEXs) and gradually moves towards DEXs. A recent Binance report highlights this shift, showing that the DEX-to-CEX spot trade volume ratio has surged from 0.23% to 16.9% in just over three years. As investors recognize CEX risks and the profitability of altcoins on DEXs, the shift towards DEXs is expected to continue. Swopblock, with its unique 'Consensus Mechanism and Liquidity Stream' technology, offers a 100% decentralized means of exchange, setting it apart in the growing DEX landscape. Swopblock: The Future Of Cryptocurrency Trading? If you're an investor who wants to get ahead and take advantage of the current uncertainty in the crypto market — especially as big financial institutions take greater interest — Swopblock could be an excellent opportunity for you. With its advanced technology and limited $SWOBL supply, Swopblock may be poised for potential gains in the next bull market. Investing via Wefunder would allow you to join this transformative venture. However, while Swopblock has its merits, it's important to note that crypto investments are risky due to their volatile and speculative nature. Always diversify and do your research before investing. Learn more about and invest in Swopblock via Wefunder 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

September 26, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Wallabing Is Giving Renters And Owners An Alternative To High Fees Plaguing The Peer-To-Peer RV Rental Market

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga Click here to learn more about Wallabing and invest in its raise Younger travelers, in general, look for adventure and new experiences, with RV travel ranking high as a lower-cost means of exploring the country, especially with a family in tow. In a survey by RVshare, 75% of millennials and 58% of Gen Z said they were planning to take a road trip or vacation in an RV within the next year. For many, the reason they’re opting for RV travel is a greater preference for nature and wildlife as well as an interest in spending quality time with friends and family. Peer-to-peer rental platforms like Wallabing make getting that experience and quality time that today’s travelers value easier and more affordable. As the new RV rental platform raises capital on WeFunder and works toward profitability, take a look at why RV rental platforms are taking off and what makes Wallabing different from similar platforms in the space. Younger Experience-Focused Travelers Are Driving A Renewed Interest In RV Travel As millennials start entering their 30s and 40s, the notorious industry-killing generation isn’t killing travel – but they are drastically changing it. According to a Morning Consult report, millennials travel more than any other age group, even edging out the wealthier and often retired Baby Boomers. Despite being saddled by debt and weathering three economic downturns, millennials are not only still willing to spend on travel but see it as an important piece of their identity and what makes life worth living. As a result, that spend tends to be a lot more intentional, and they’re much more likely to spend on experiences rather than luxury goods. That high priority younger travelers place on travel balanced by the need to be cost-conscious and careful about how they spend their travel budget makes RV rentals one of the best ways to check all the boxes. Spontaneous new adventures suddenly become more attainable when you can just book an RV when you need it and give it back to the owner when you’re done. For owners, the platform can not only help make up the cost of ownership but also turn their RV into a passive revenue stream when they’re not traveling themselves. Since most owners only use their RV for about 20 days per year on average, that’s a lot of downtime that can be turned into extra cash. RV Rental Platforms Like Wallabing Bridge The Gap Between RV Owners And Renters That win-win scenario for owners and renters has helped the emerging RV rental market see notable growth. “With the rapidly growing rental market for RVs, valued at $546 million in 2020, and the forecast of 44 million Americans planning to go RVing this summer, Wallabing's platform emerges as an essential solution,” said Wallabing’s lead investor, Mark Thimmig. However, the challenge that owners and renters alike face in the current RV rental landscape is high fees. “I currently rent my 2 Campers on both Rvshare and Outdoorsy,” said Wendell Olson, a Wallabing investor on WeFunder. “I see RVshare take 25% of my nightly rate and the same on back end charges. Outdoorsy takes less on nightly and much less on back end charges but it's still high.” Moreover, many of these platforms are also charging similarly high fees to renters. So renters end up paying more – and RV owners earn less. That’s what Wallabing founder and CEO Jason Carlson wanted to do differently with the launch of the new RV rental platform. On Wallabing, owners pay nothing to list and aren’t charged any fees when their RV is rented. The price they set is the price they get, making it the only platform to date that doesn’t charge a commission to owners. Instead, the platform earns revenue from a flat 10% fee charged to renters on the nightly rate only – not on any cleaning fees or other add-on services. The transparent, low-fee pricing structure saves renters up to 25% per trip on average. In the first phase of its growth, Wallabing has been focused on building up its RV inventory, which has grown 628% so far, including a 25% increase in new listings in the first half of this year. Its goal is to have over 150,000 RVs listed on the platform within the next five years. Alongside that growing inventory, Wallabing recently began a PR and marketing campaign to reach renters. That helped bring in over 30,000 new users since June and substantially grow the company’s social media following. As that increased user base and social media following starts to translate into RV bookings, the peer-to-peer RV rental platform is targeting $780,000 in gross revenue per month by the end of their fiscal year. As it works toward profitability, it is raising funds via its recent WeFunder campaign and talking with Venture Capitalists and angel investors. So far, it’s raised over $1 million in capital from an initial family and friends funding round along with over $55,000 from investors on WeFunder. Learn more about Wallabing and its raise here. 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

September 26, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Bacula Announces Fully Integrated Backup and Recovery Module for OpenStack

Bacula Systems

Expanding its leadership in high performance backup and recovery for large enterprises and managed services providers, Bacula Systems today announced its new backup and recovery module for OpenStack, further broadening its exceptionally wide compatibility with diverse technologies. This aids IT Directors with large or sophisticated IT environments seeking protection using a single backup and high speed recovery platform. Some of its new backup capabilities for OpenStack are: Agentless backup and recovery of OpenStack data and applications Full, Incremental and Differential block level image backup High flexibility, via a choice of both agent and agentless backup Snapshot-based - for hot and consistent backups Enterprise OpenStack users can now benefit from the strong security technologies in Bacula Enterprise, such as: Linux-based backup system Storage Daemon Encryption SIEM Integration Automatic data poisoning protection (backup, restore, verify) Rich security metrics SNMP Monitoring integration module NFS Immutability support Immutability and append-only disk-based backups for maximum protection Immutability and Archive Storage backups for Oracle Cloud Compatibility with a vast range of different storage media “ OpenStack users need a highly secure, customizable backup and restore solution that is fully integrated into a scalable, centralized and cross-platform backup system across their entire organization. Bacula is probably the only solution in the world to offer this degree of functionality, scalability and performance with OpenStack backup and recovery. Bacula also helps large enterprises significantly improve security levels and reduce costs. This is critical in an industry where many other backup vendors are struggling to eradicate ransomware and data poisoning damage ” said Frank Barker, CEO of Bacula Systems. “ Bacula has no capacity-based licensing, supports 34 operating system versions, leads in security, scales massively, offers in-Cloud functionality and works with more hypervisor and container types than any other backup vendor. Its flexibility is unparalleled, and this quality is especially bringing benefits to our military, government, E-commerce, ISV, and HPC customers ” said Jorge Gea, CTO, Bacula Systems. Bacula Systems customers include NASA, Navisite, Texas A&M University, Sky PLC, Warner Bros, Locaweb and many more. About Bacula Systems: Bacula Enterprise is a highly secure, scalable backup and recovery software for large organizations, data centers and MSPs. www.baculasystems.com OpenStack and the OpenStack logos are trademarks of the OpenStack Foundation Contact Details Rob Morrison rob.morrison@baculasystems.com +41 21 641 60 80 rob.morrison@baculasystems.com Company Website https://www.baculasystems.com/

September 26, 2023 08:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Agora Data’s Shelly Vandeven Recognized as Women in Auto Finance

Agora Data, Inc.

Agora Data, Inc., a fintech company transforming automotive financing for U.S. car dealerships by offering abundant, low-cost capital with precision loan performance data and analytics, has announced the selection of Shelly Vandeven, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, to the 2023 list of Women In Auto Finance by Auto Fin Journal. Honorees are featured in the September issue of Auto Fin Journal and will be recognized on November 8 during Used Car Week, which is being held at the Westin Kierland in Scottsdale, Arizona. “Shelly’s exceptional talent and unwavering dedication have earned her a well-deserved reputation as a highly influential leader in auto finance. Her ability to inspire others through a culture of innovation, teamwork, and inclusivity is truly remarkable and a testament to her exceptional leadership skills. She joins other auto finance leaders who deserve this tremendous recognition,” said Steve Burke, CEO of Agora Data. “Thanks to Shelly’s exceptional communication skills, she has developed strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, making her a trusted voice in the auto finance industry. Her contributions have not only boosted our company but have also had a significant and positive impact on the entire auto industry." Shelly, the Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, joined Agora Data in 2020. With years of experience in marketing and business development across various industries, she has a proven record of increasing brand awareness, driving revenue growth, and fostering customer loyalty through effective strategies. As an auto fintech innovator, Shelly collaborates with leadership, creatives, and industry partners to develop and implement cutting-edge solutions that cater to the needs and challenges of car dealers and finance companies. Shelly holds a B.A. in Journalism/Advertising from Stephen F. Austin State University and an M.B.A. from the University of Dallas. She also received an executive education certificate in Business Analytics from The Wharton School. Agora Data, designed by auto dealers for auto dealers, enables any car dealer to be a finance company, granting expanded access to capital, technology, financial tools, and industry expertise. This empowers dealers to efficiently finance more non-prime customers, sell more cars, and make more money. The platform utilizes over $350 billion in auto loan data to fuel patent pending Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, delivering unparalleled accuracy to predict future loan performance. This advanced technology, combined with comprehensive reporting, enables dealers to optimize the performance of their non-prime loan portfolios. The company designed the first-ever crowdsourced auto securitization in 2020, revolutionizing capital market financing for dealerships by aggregating varying-sized portfolios. The company’s diversified financing strategy, backed by proprietary AI and machine learning algorithms, has led to successful crowdsourced securitizations and private-term transactions. As a result, more favorable financing terms and competitive loan rates emerge, fundamentally reshaping lending opportunities for dealers and finance companies previously limited by capital constraints. ### About Agora Data, Inc. Agora Data, Inc. is an automotive industry fintech revolutionizing financing for car dealers and finance companies. Car dealerships can secure affordable capital to build their own non-prime captive finance company, obtain actionable loan performance data to improve their lending portfolios, and use a wide range of solutions to grow their business safely. Powered by patent pending artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology, car dealers can access real-time data analytics and planning resources to help optimize the performance of their portfolios. Agora Data made history by closing the first-ever crowdsourced non-prime auto securitization in 2020 and continually brings groundbreaking financing solutions to an underserved market. For more information, visit www.agoradata.com or contact us at 1-877-592-4672. Contact Details Eric Nemeth nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://agoradata.com/

September 26, 2023 08:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

HTX Introduces Zero-Knowledge Proof Technology to its Proof of Reserves Verification

HTX

Singapore – September 25, 2023 – HTX, a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses, today announced its PoR (Proof of Reserves) verification system upgrade coupled with the introduction of ZK Proofs (Zero-Knowledge Proofs). Integrating ZK Proofs into the PoR system allows third-party verification of the security of user assets without disclosing sensitive information. In prioritizing the security of user funds and ensuring solvency to depositors, centralized exchanges, especially global leaders like HTX, are turning to the PoR mechanism. This approach is increasingly recognized as a robust method to enhance investor confidence. HTX, an early proponent in the industry, initiated monthly Merkle Tree PoR audits in late 2022. Committed to transparency, HTX discloses these audit results to the public, ensuring consistent and secure access to user assets. Building upon the Merkle Tree PoR foundation, HTX has integrated ZK Proofs, amplifying the security and privacy of the assets on the exchange. What is Proof of Reserves (PoR)? Proof of Reserves is a cryptographic method verifying that the exchange is holding the users’ funds in full by proving the deposits match the balances. PoR also offers details like the location of the assets, reassuring users that their funds remain in their accounts and have not been lent out, for example. From a holistic perspective, PoR serves as a dual benefit conduit. For businesses, it acts as a foundation to strengthen their credibility, thereby enhancing user retention. For users, it diminishes security vulnerabilities and wards off potential malevolent actors with three key elements: On-chain assets in the wallet: Assets in the centralized exchange account ≥ 1:1. User assets amount falls within the scope displayed by the exchange. On-chain assets are located at the address held by the exchange. In a progressive step beyond the simple Merkle Tree-based Proof of Reserves, HTX introduces the Zero-Knowledge Proof of Reserves system. Zero-knowledge Proofs are an innovative cryptographic protocol that allows one party (the provers) to prove to another party (the verifier) that a given statement is true without revealing private information. Enhancing Trust with Zero-Knowledge Proofs There are two roles in a Zero-Knowledge Proof system: the prover and the verifier. The prover possesses information and aims to prove to the verifier that the information is true without revealing private information. Based on the information, the prover constructs a proof that does not contain sensitive data. This proof, typically through mathematical operations, guarantees that the prover holds the information. After receiving the proof, the verifier checks its correctness through a preset verification algorithm. However, the verifier cannot obtain any private information from the proof. If the prover passes the verification, the verifier believes that the prover has the information without gaining any knowledge of the private information. As the volume of cryptocurrency transactions continues to increase, users need assurance that exchanges have sufficient reserves to support them. However, the details of user assets and specific amounts of reserves are sensitive information that exchanges do not generally disclose. With Zero-Knowledge Proofs, exchanges can confirm they have sufficient reserves and solvency without revealing the specific amount. Proof circuits designed with strict constraints ensure that the final proof is derived through a rigorous calculation process, preventing the occurrence of false proofs. By integrating this sophisticated cryptographic technology, exchanges can significantly strengthen user confidence and elevate the transparency of their financial holdings, serving as a safeguard against financial vulnerabilities. Compared with traditional external audits, zero-knowledge proofs eliminate the need to transfer the entire reserve to third-party auditors, reducing operational costs and financial risks. This makes PoR a routine process that can be conducted frequently and disclosed regularly. Taking user data as an example: Three important constraints need to be satisfied: Constraint 1: The total net account balance (in USDT) for each user must not be negative. asset(!neg(user_total_net_amount[x])); Constraint 2: The total net asset balance (in USDT) of the exchange must equal the sum of the total net account balance (in USDT) of each user's leaf node during the Merkle tree hash process. CEX_total_net_amount = user_total_net_amount[0] + user_total_net_amount[len - 1]; Constraint 3: The constraint during the Merkle tree hash process. merkle_root_hash = hash(user_leaf_node, merkle_proof_path_node...) These constraints are openly accessible. Users, provided they meet the reserve statistical criteria (generally maintaining a non-zero account balance), can verify their assets proof provided by HTX. This will reassure users that the exchange's reserve proofs meet the constraints and are reliable from a cryptographic consensus perspective. HTX Leads the Industry with Transparency and Advanced Technology From late 2022 to the present, HTX has continued to update its Merkle Tree Proof of Reserves data on the 1st day of every month to ensure that the ratio of user assets to reserves remains at a minimum of 1:1. As per the latest audit results on Sep 1, 2023, HTX has maintained a reserve ratio consistently exceeding 100%. Following the introduction of the ZK-based PoR verification, HTX will continue to disclose monthly audit results to the public. This commitment not only reaffirms the platform's solvency but also underscores its dedication to user privacy and asset security. This upgrade realizes an open-source verification of wallet address ownership and on-chain assets for HTX users. Through efforts such as the monthly PoR reports since Dec 2022, HTX remains dedicated to spearheading advancements in industry transparency. About HTX Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a crypto exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, wallets, research, investment, incubation and other areas. HTX serves millions of users worldwide, with a business presence covering over 160 countries and regions across five continents. Its three development strategies - "global development, technology drives development, and technology for good" underpin its commitment to providing comprehensive services and values to global cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Contact Details Michael Wang glo-media@htx-inc.com Company Website https://www.htx.com/

September 25, 2023 02:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time

The Channel Company Announces CEO Transition

The Channel Company

The Channel Company (“TCC”), a global provider of news, insights, strategy, events and marketing services for the technology industry, today announced that Blaine Raddon has decided to retire and will be stepping down as CEO, following a successful three‐year tenure. Robert Gray, an Operating Partner at EagleTree and member of TCC’s Board of Directors, will step in on an interim basis while the Company launches a search to identify a successor. Mr. Gray has extensive experience in management, operations and finance including as a former executive at PRNewswire and UBM Plc. "I am honored to lead TCC through this transitional period," said Mr. Gray. "I look forward to working with the TCC management team and colleagues to continue delivering outstanding customer solutions across the global IT channel." Under Mr. Raddon’s leadership, TCC completed four acquisitions, expanded its product and service offerings, and broadened its international footprint. "I am proud of what we have accomplished together at TCC," said Mr. Raddon. "We have built a strong team and a diverse, global business. I am confident that TCC is well‐positioned for continued growth and success in the future. " About The Channel Company: Headquartered in Westborough, MA, The Channel Company has been servicing the technology channel community for over 40 years. From CRN, the #1 source of technology news, insights, and analysis for the IT channel, to industry‐leading events that connect clients to customers, to powerful research, consulting and engaging education to accelerate growth, to transformative marketing services to maximize investment, The Channel Company provides a full suite of outcome‐driven services focused on addressing the channel’s unique needs worldwide. The Channel Company is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City‐based private equity firm. https://www.thechannelcompany.com About EagleTree Capital: EagleTree Capital is a leading New York‐based middle‐market private equity firm, with over $5.6 billion of assets under management, that has completed over 40 private equity investments and over 95 add‐on transactions over the past 20+ years. EagleTree primarily invests in North America in the following sectors: media and business services, consumer, and water and specialty industrial. For more information, visit www.eagletree.com or find EagleTree on LinkedIn. Contact Details The Channel Company Corporate Communications +1 508-531-9172 corporatecommunications@thechannelcompany.com Company Website https://www.thechannelcompany.com

September 25, 2023 11:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Shapeways Enables and Empowers Small to Midsized Manufacturers Through Digitization

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Greg Kress, the CEO of Shapeways Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHPW), recently appeared on the Let’s Talk Supply Chain podcast. During the discussion, Kress highlighted the gaps in the digitization of the manufacturing industry and explained Shapeways’ role in addressing these challenges. As a leader in the field of digital manufacturing, Shapeways continues to redefine the global manufacturing industry by providing on-demand manufacturing and simplifying complex production processes through proprietary software. The company is helping small and midsized manufacturers do this by providing access to Shapeways’ proprietary software and supporting them in digitizing their operations, growing revenue and expanding manufacturing capabilities. “Small and midsized manufacturers are enabling incredible amounts of innovation in the US,” said Kress. “They are driving the manufacturing industry—and the amount of available work out there is enormous. Our goal is to enable them to be really successful.” Kress compares his business model to what Toast (NYSE: TOST) did for the restaurant industry. Toast is a cloud-based restaurant management software that has essentially brought much of the restaurant industry into the 21st century. Shapeways is using that inspiration to provide small and midsized manufacturing companies with the resources they need to succeed and expand. “Previously no one had access to industrial grade manufacturing equipment without investing millions of dollars and having a ton of know-how and time,” said Kress. “Now, Shapeways is allowing anyone to get access to on-demand manufacturing services at scale,” Shapeways is democratizing the manufacturing industry and expanding accessibility so that small to midsized companies can excel in their craft. The company has invested millions of dollars in the digitalization of end-to-end operations and building scalable software that caters to the market. On the podcast, Kress discussed how the pandemic has been a wake-up call for the company, regarding the need for better workflows in manufacturing overall, sharing: “COVID has re-set the playing field. The amount of on-shoring we’re seeing is significant, and with the level of supply chain flexibility that’s required moving forward, there’s a different expectation. Those two challenges require businesses to take a step back and reexamine their approach in how to solve them.” In many ways, Shapeways has become that solution. Realizing a need–and recognizing the opportunity–to reshape manufacturing, Shapeways responded with the launch of OTTO, a proprietary software platform that streamlines ordering, performs file analysis, and accelerates production. OTTO offers advantages beyond optimizing labor efficiency, asset utilization, and inventory costs. This powerful software platform also strengthens relationships between manufacturers and their customers, encouraging growth and paving the way for future opportunities. Shapeways acquired MFG in 2022 to provide further support to manufacturers and buyers by adding new software features and services. MFG allows buyers—including engineers, product designers, and inventors—to submit requests for quotes (RFQs) to MFG’s network of independent manufacturers. This enables buyers to get multiple quotes quickly, at no cost. Manufacturers also benefit from the opportunity to gain new leads and build customer relationships. Shapeways isn’t content to stop there though. With increased investment in MFG, the platform now offers new orders and transactions features that streamline process management and payments, aimed at increasing efficiency for both manufacturers and buyers. Shapeways recently introduced MFG Materials too, a new feature providing paid members with access to a wide range of raw materials at 15 to 50% off list prices. Kress shared that the company has experienced success with customers under their multi-tiered model: "Our customers typically upgrade very quickly. The payback period is very fast. If you close one order on the platform, you’ve paid for your investment in MFG for the next two years. There’s a very strong ROI associated with the process." Shapeways seems well-positioned to revolutionize the manufacturing landscape, and Kress is confident in the company’s unique offerings within the industry. By extending their innovative, on-demand manufacturing services and software to a broad range of industries, Shapeways allows other companies to tap into their knowledge and insights to remain competitive in an ever-changing modern market. Read more about what Shapeways is doing in the manufacturing and software industries. 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

September 25, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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