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NexTech3D.ai ending year with strong results in four key business units

Nextech3D.AI

NextTech3D.ai CEO Evan Gappelberg joined Steve Darling from Proactive with a comprehensive corporate update, shedding light on the various business units under NextTech3D.ai and their impressive achievements. One noteworthy highlight is the company's collaboration with major clients like Amazon, Kohl's, and others, where NextTech3D.ai has been instrumental in building over 60,000 models. The company's remarkable growth is reflected in its financial performance, with a 157% increase in revenue over the past six months and a remarkable 155% rise in Q2 revenue compared to the previous year. The company is well on track for a record-breaking fourth quarter as well. MapD, the company's events solutions platform, is also experiencing substantial growth, with multiple reseller agreements signed, including partnerships with Advanced Solutions, Rainfocus, CannaCon, and American Tradeshow Services, which has renewed its annual license. In just nine months, MapD has already surpassed its 2022 revenue figures. Toggle3D.ai, a SaaS solution that utilizes generative AI to convert CAD files, has garnered impressive traction with over 17,000 sign-ups and over 19,000 projects generated. The platform's integration with Sketchfab, boasting over 5 million 3D models available for download, has further strengthened its appeal. The company anticipates surpassing 30,000 users by year-end and plans to introduce additional pricing plans to enhance flexibility. Gappelberg also highlighted the success of ARway, which has secured key deals with prominent entities, including one of California's largest shopping malls, the second-largest university in Turkey, and the largest rental car company in South America. The company's robust pipeline includes 13 identified corporations as pilot project prospects across various vertical markets, including retail, healthcare, education, manufacturing, telecom, and digital marketing. ARway's selection to complete an initial build of the ARway Platform on Apple's Vision Pro hardware at Apple Park demonstrates its position at the forefront of augmented reality technology development. In summary, NextTech3D.ai's diverse business units are flourishing, with impressive growth, strategic partnerships, and a robust pipeline of opportunities across multiple industries. The company's innovative solutions and strong client relationships position them as a significant player in the ever-evolving fields of 3D modeling, augmented reality, and generative AI. Contact Details Proactive Investors Canada +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

October 11, 2023 01:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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OYO Rolls Out Contactless Anytime Check-In and Virtual Front Desk for its US Hotels

OYO

Global hospitality technology company OYO has announced the launch of a virtual front desk solution for its partner hotels in the US. Powered by GPT-4, the solution will eliminate waiting time for its customers offering anytime check in, help and guide international travellers who do not speak the local language and will also lead to faster response and resolution. The initiative is in line with OYO' s continuous efforts towards increasing operational efficiency of hotel partners by empowering them with latest technological tools. The self check-in technology is integrated with smart lock systems, allowing guests to enjoy keyless entry and exit without the need for physical key cards. Round-the-clock virtual front desk powered by ChatGPT4 will reduce front desk operations expenses by ~60%, saving an average OYO hotel ~$30,000 annually. The virtual front desk will support 80+ languages and will promptly assists guests in their preferred language, addressing queries and concerns in real-time. Additionally, the system automates payment collection, streamlining the entire process for a hassle-free experience. ChatGPT4 also analyses guest preferences to provide tailored recommendations for activities, dining, and local attractions. Talking about self-check in, Gautam Swaroop, CEO- OYO International said, “Guest facing tech such as the Contactless Self Check-in solution is not only important for enabling a seamless experience for guests, but also helps drive bookings and provides revenue-enhancing solutions for our hotel owners. The virtual front desk serves as a powerful tool that provides guests personalized hotel recommendations, exclusive offers, and seamless navigation. This also contributes to boosting bookings on OYO's own platforms, creating an additional revenue stream for hotel owners.” Nikhil Heda, Head of Business Development – OYO USA added, “There has been an increasing shift in consumer behaviour where they prefer digital-first interactions, convenience and personalization. This has steered the hospitality industry towards the adoption of guest-facing technology. At OYO, we have made a conscious effort to advance our tech stack to keep up with new customer demands and advanced technologies.” OYO offers hotels access to a large base of regular customers through its app and website, and lists hotels on multiple Online Travel Agents (OTAs) to boost booking demand and revenue. OYO’s best-in-class Artificial Intelligence-enabled pricing software automatically drives the best booking prices across all channels, based on room type, seasonality and other factors, therefore, enabling such an increase in online revenues. OYO has started offering hotels the flexibility of not having to invest heavily in redoing the hotel to join the OYO platform, something that other budget hotel chains insist on. Therefore, the initial investment to join OYO is minimal. It has been focusing instead on standardizing service led components such as customer support and booking experience. Nikhel Chand, the owner of OYO Woodland Hotel and Suites, who implemented the solution at his property said, "We implemented this solution to improve customer experience, help reduce costs, automate repetitive tasks and improve revenue. Our previous front desk setup had some gaps, both from a guest experience and operational perspective, including challenges with late-night check-ins and issues with keycard loss by customers. The biggest value this solution has brought to our property is the ability to manage hotel operations remotely from anywhere." The company helps ensure great experience for customers, with ease of search and a quick booking experience, highly competitive room prices as per market demand patterns, automated tools such as Artificial Intelligence powered chatbots to quickly resolve customer queries, loyalty programs and easy refund, if needed. OYO recently announced that it has partnered with Stripe to ease the payment experience for its customers and hotel owners in the US. The integration will provide hotel owners with a flexible and seamless solution for in-person payments with Stripe Terminal at their hotels. OYO hotels in the US will also be enabled with real-time payouts through Instant Payouts with Stripe, which will improve their cash flow. Earlier this year OYO said that it is planning to add over 100 hotels in the US. The company will focus on adding more hotels in the states of Oregon, Washington, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia and Florida. Texas continues to be the largest and fastest growing market for OYO in the US, while it also has a sizable concentration of hotels in Oregon, South and North Carolina, Florida & Georgia. The company also achieved a 48% growth in revenue from bookings on its own platform, such as the app, website, mobile web and call centers in Q4 2022 vs same period in 2021. OYO’s app saw the highest growth with a 99% surge in revenue from bookings in Q4 2022 vs same period in 2021. The company had earlier disclosed that its app is the second most downloaded travel app with over 100 million downloads globally. OYO has presence in over 35 countries globally. It owns a vacations home business in Europe called OVH (OYO Vacation Homes) which operates legacy brands such as DanCenter and Belvilla. About OYO: OYO is a global platform that aims to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses with hotels and homes by providing full-stack technology products and services that aim to increase revenue and ease operations; bringing easy-to-book, affordable, and trusted accommodation to customers around the world. OYO offers 40+ integrated products and solutions to patrons who operate over 168,711 hotel and home storefronts in more than 35 countries including India, Europe and Southeast Asia, as of September 30, 2022. For more information, visit here Disclaimer: Oravel Stays Limited is proposing, subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offering of its equity shares (the “Equity Shares”) and has filed the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). The DRHP is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, websites of the Stock Exchanges, i.e., BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited at www.bseindia.com and www.nseindia.com, respectively, and is available on the websites of the Global Coordinators and Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, J.P. Morgan India Private Limited and Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited at www.investmentbank.kotak.com, www.jpmipl.com and www.online.citibank.co.in/rhtm/citigroupglobalscreen1.htm; the websites of the Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., ICICI Securities Limited, Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Private Limited, JM Financial Limited and Deutsche Equities India Private Limited at www.icicisecurities.com, www.nomuraholdings.com/company/group/asia/india/index.html, www.jmfl.com and www.db.com/India, respectively. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to the same, refer to the Red Herring Prospectus which may be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the future, including the section titled “Risk Factors”. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP filed with SEBI for making any investment decision. The Equity Shares offered in the Fresh Issue (as defined in the DRHP) and the Offer for Sale (as defined in the DRHP) have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and, may not be offered or sold within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the Equity Shares are only being offered and sold (i) within the United States only to “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements under the Securities Act, and (ii) outside the United States in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act and pursuant to the applicable laws of the jurisdictions where those offers and sales are made. There will be no public offering of the Equity Shares in the United States. Contact Details Anupriya +91 97911 63065 anupriya.d@oyorooms.com Company Website https://www.oyorooms.com/

October 11, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

PathAI Announces Research Presentations at AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics

PathAI

PathAI, a global leader in AI-powered pathology, today announced it will present research on advances in artificial intelligence (AI) approaches through three posters at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics on October 11-15 in Boston, Massachusetts, including one poster to be presented in partnership with Flare Therapeutics. The posters showcase how AI may improve the utility of complex and specialized modalities such as multiplexed immunohistochemistry and may enhance the utility of routine modalities, such as augmenting cellular resolution from H&E-stained images. The presentations underline the significant strides in AI that can enhance translational and clinical research applications. Spatially-resolved prediction of gene expression signatures in H&E whole slide images using additive multiple instance learning models (Poster B010) In this research, PathAI demonstrates the prediction of TGFβ-CAF gene expression signature levels in breast cancer from H&E images and links these levels to tumor microenvironment features using PathExplore, PathAI’s recently launched structured, standardized and scalable panel of human interpretable features (HIFs) offering unprecedented resolution of the tumor microenvironment (TME) from H&E whole-slide images. H&E staining is routine for cancer diagnosis but does not provide molecular information. This potentially limits its utility for molecular-targeted therapy development and selection. AI models augment the information that can be extracted from H&E staining, enhancing resolution of H&E data and increasing other applications such as associating spatial TME features with gene expression signatures. End-to-end additive multiple instance learning (aMIL) models developed and deployed by PathAI performed well at predicting TGFβ-CAF levels. Importantly, aMIL models link PathExplore HIFs to specific sub-regions within the TME, which allows for granular understanding of specific cellular contributions to various molecular predictions from H&E WSI. This poster adds to a series of PathAI achievements in predicting molecular phenotypes from digital pathology images, providing a means to harness complex biological signatures as clinical biomarkers for precision medicine. It will be presented by Chintan Parmar, manager of AI research at PathAI, on October 13 from 12:30-4 p.m. ET. Artificial intelligence (AI) analysis of histological images accurately identifies luminal subtype Urothelial Carcinomas characterized by high Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARG) expression (Poster B016) This research was completed in collaboration with Flare Therapeutics and highlights an AI-based model that identifies luminal subtype in Urothelial Carcinoma as a novel biomarker approach for its first-in-class clinical candidate FX-909. The poster will be presented by Stefan Kirov from Flare Therapeutics on October 13 from 12:30-4 p.m. ET. Machine-learning enabled quantification of colocalized multiplex IHC signals with spectral overlap (Poster B008) This poster demonstrates novel imaging and AI technology to accurately detect and quantify up to four co-localized antigens or stains from a single multiplex IHC slide. Multi-spectral imaging addresses the challenge of how to separate markers exhibiting both spectral and spatial overlap. Expression or staining of individual markers is identified in spectrally unmixed images and combined with information across all separate marker channels to create a “super annotation” co-expression map that is then used to train AI models. PathAI’s model utilizing super annotation demonstrated a significantly lower error rate in detecting co-expression of several markers such as ER, PR, and Ki67 compared to an commercially available method, which was consistent on two different scanners, Leica At2 and 3DHistech. These results may facilitate clinical utilization of higher-plex biomarkers, which could enable faster and more accurate co-expression measurement of various markers, promising cost and time savings by consolidating biomarker measurement to a single slide with automated scoring to assist pathologists. This poster will be presented by Waleed Tahir, pathology AI research scientist at PathAI, on October 13 from 12:30-4 p.m. ET. Learn More PathAI representatives will be on site at the conference for the poster presentations: Poster B008 October 13, 12:30-4:00 p.m. ET Presenter: Waleed Tahir, PathAI Poster B010 October 13, 12:30-4:00 p.m. ET Presenter: Chintan Parmar, PathAI Poster B016 (In partnership with Flare Therapeutics) October 13, 12:30-4:00 p.m. ET Presenter: Stefan Kirov, Flare Therapeutics If interested in meeting the PathAI team during or after the conference, contact the team via email at BD@pathai.com. About PathAI PathAI is the only AI-focused technology company to provide comprehensive precision pathology solutions from wet lab services to algorithm deployment for clinical trials and laboratory use. Rigorously trained and validated with data from more than 15 million annotations, its AI-powered models can be leveraged to optimize the analysis of pathology samples to improve efficiency and accuracy of pathology interpretation, as well as to better gauge therapeutic efficacy and accelerate drug development for complex diseases. PathAI, which is headquartered in Boston, MA, and operates a CAP/CLIA-certified laboratory in Memphis, TN, is proud to have a team of 600+ innovative thinkers from around the globe. For more information, please visit www.pathai.com. Contact Details SVM Public Relations and Marketing Communications Maggie Naples +1 401-490-9700 pathai@svmpr.com Company Website https://www.pathai.com/

October 11, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Chipper Gives Student Loan Borrowers Relief with Lower Payment and Loan Forgiveness Options

Chipper

Chipper, the app that empowers student loan borrowers to better manage their debt, today announced that its full featured mobile app is now available to help borrowers lower their monthly payments and eliminate their debt. Chipper is a simple, easy to use app to help the 44-45 million Americans who have federal student loans manage their debt, find forgiveness, and lower monthly payments. The all-in-one student loan repayment app coincides with student loan payments restarting in October, following the pause that began in March 2020. Student loan debt is the second-biggest consumer debt category after mortgages, with the total amount of student debt now approaching $1.8 trillion and the average monthly payment being $400. Chipper has helped more than 140,000 customers conquer student debt up to four years faster with an average savings of $307 per month. Four out of five (82%) Chipper users find a better repayment plan through its app. "The restart of student loan payments has serious consequences on millions of Americans who are struggling financially and are already dealing with inflation and rising housing costs,” said Tony Aguilar, founder and CEO of Chipper. “Our app uses advanced technology to seamlessly connect student loans and automate enrollments into lower payment plans, improving outcomes for borrowers who are desperate for relief and forgiveness. We have already helped our members qualify for more than $250 million in student loan forgiveness. Chipper is on a mission to discover and take action on the different personalized options and programs that can eliminate their debt.” While more than four million people have enrolled in the SAVE plan, Chipper’s analysis shows that millions more borrowers are eligible for relief and forgiveness programs and their debt can be eliminated in one day if these borrowers take the proper action. Under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, Chipper’s research shows: Ninety percent of First Responders could have their debt forgiven. More than half of Educators could see their debt eliminated. One-third of Health Care workers’ debt could disappear. “Borrowers do not have to struggle under mountains of student debt, especially those who work in public service,” added Aguilar. “We know how to successfully apply for lower payments and forgiveness programs. Chipper makes the process easy and more effective so borrowers can successfully tackle their debt, putting them on a path towards savings and long-term wealth creation.” Since its inception in 2018, Chipper has been revolutionizing the way student loan borrowers manage and reduce their debt. By offering clear, actionable insights and strategies, Chipper empowers users to take charge of their financial futures, providing an authentic pathway to success and financial wellness. About Chipper Chipper, based in Austin, Texas, is the all-in-one student loan app that helps borrowers optimize and pay off their student debt faster. Chipper centralizes users' student loans while its algorithm identifies options for repayment management and loan forgiveness tailored to individual users. Chipper makes it possible for users to take further action on student loan repayments and chip away at debt even faster with Chipper Round-Ups and Chipper Rewards features. For more information, please visit chipper.app. Contact Details Joe LoBello Joe@LoBelloCommunications.com Company Website https://www.chipper.app/

October 11, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Oncotelic Therapeutics’ (OTCQB: OTLC) Lead Immunotherapy Candidate For Treating Deadly Cancers, OT-101, Could Hold Potential Applications In Multiple Multi-Billion Dollar Markets

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Oncotelic Therapeutics (OTCQB: OTLC) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. Its primary focus is on developing innovative drugs for oncology and infectious disease and aging. OT-101 is the company’s lead immuno-oncology drug candidate, showing promise in the treatment of deadly cancers as well as acute COVID-19. It is a first-in-class anti-TGF-β RNA therapeutic that inhibits a protein called Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β). TGF-β is known to suppress the immune system, help cancer cells evade the immune system and increase the growth and spread of cancer cells. OT-101 functions by interrupting the production of TGF-β, thereby allowing the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. In preclinical trials, OT-101 demonstrated strong and selective expression of TGF-β inhibition, leading to the activation of the immune system in cancer patients. Phase 2 studies of OT-101 have shown promising results in treating pancreatic cancer, melanoma and glioblastoma, with strong efficacy and safety outcomes among treated patients. Pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, melanoma and other cancers like colorectal cancer are all highly aggressive types of cancer that can be difficult to treat. Each year, thousands of people in the United States are diagnosed with these cancers. Experts predict 97,610 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2023, while pancreatic cancer is projected to affect 64,050 people. In the case of glioblastoma, it affects 12,000 to 15,000 people in the U.S. each year. These markets are all significant in the world of immunotherapy. For example, the global market size for pancreatic cancer was $2.22 billion in 2022, and it is expected to be worth around $7.91 billion by 2032. Similarly, the global glioblastoma market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.8% from 2021 to 2028 to reach $4.2 billion by 2028. Despite the large markets, these cancer types still need more therapeutic options, especially for advanced cases or when existing treatments don't provide adequate results. Pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma, in particular, are often considered underserved areas due to limited treatment options, while melanoma and colorectal cancer have seen progress in their treatments in recent years, but there is still a need for more effective therapies. The successes of ongoing research in oncology, such as OT-101 in pancreatic cancer, bring hope that more breakthrough treatments will be available in the future. OT-101 was designed to improve existing cancer treatments, such as pembrolizumab marketed by Merck & Co’s (NYSE: MRK) as Keytruda. Pembrolizumab – is an immunotherapy used to treat various types of cancer, including lung cancer, melanoma and triple-negative breast cancer. In addition to showing promising results in treating cancer patients, OT-101 has seen success in helping combat infectious diseases. Recent phase 2 trial results have shown that OT-101 has activity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, and was safe to administer to patients with COVID-19, including severe and critical cases. This indicates that the drug has potential therapeutic benefits in treating acute COVID, as well as other respiratory viral infections. The potential benefits of OT-101 could be especially important for people suffering from long COVID. Long COVID, also known as post-COVID conditions, refers to a broad range of signs, symptoms and conditions that persist or develop after an individual has recovered from an acute COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can last for weeks, months or even years after the initial diagnosis of COVID-19. Oncotelic is also advancing other drug candidates, including CA4P and Oxi4503. These drugs utilize different mechanisms of action to target cancer cells and disrupt their growth. This diversified pipeline strategy allows Oncotelic to explore multiple approaches to cancer treatment and increase the likelihood of success in addressing different types of cancer. The company seems to have a deep understanding of the field of oncology and is actively working to provide patients with better treatment options. 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 11, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Non-Dilutive Investment Is Back In Vogue

Benzinga

By John Biggs In the wake of a significant reduction in U.S. venture capital (VC) funding, which dropped from $345 billion in 2021 to $238 billion in 2022, there has been a marked shift towards non-dilutive funding among tech companies. D istinct from traditional equity funding, where companies trade ownership for capital, non-dilutive investment ensures businesses don’t lose their equity or control. Available options include revenue-based financing, debt financing, tax credits, and royalty financing. Late-stage growth companies find this method especially appealing as it spares them from personal guarantees or future revenue commitments. Liquidity Group, the largest AI-based financial asset management firm in the world, witnessed a 360% demand surge in Q2FY23. Ron Daniel, its CEO, noted, "We’ve transformed non-dilutive funding into an important alternative," a sentiment bolstered by the unstable VC equity funding environment. Benefits Of Non-Dilutive Funding Non-dilutive funding offers several advantages for businesses seeking capital without sacrificing ownership or control. One major advantage is the extended repayment periods typically associated with non-dilutive investments. This allows businesses to manage their cash flow more effectively by spreading out the repayment over a longer period. Additionally, non-dilutive funding options often do not require personal guarantees, reducing the risk for founders and executives. Instead, lenders or investors focus on the company's future revenue and growth potential to assess repayment likelihood. This makes non-dilutive funding an attractive option for businesses with predictable or steady revenue streams. By understanding these advantages and effectively negotiating with capital firms, businesses can access the capital they need while maintaining ownership and control. Types Of Non-Dilutive Funding There are several types of non-dilutive funding options available to businesses, each with its own unique advantages and requirements. One popular form of non-dilutive funding is revenue-based financing. This type of funding allows businesses to secure capital by selling a part of their future revenue to investors. Unlike traditional bank loans, revenue-based financing offers flexible repayment terms based on the company's monthly revenue, making it an attractive option for businesses in need of cash flow without the burden of fixed monthly payments. Here is a rundown of the most popular types: Revenue-based Financing: Companies pledge part of their future revenue to investors, offering more flexibility than standard loans. Tax Credits: Government-backed credits can significantly reduce a company's costs. Grants and Awards: Often provided by government bodies and foundations, these don’t require repayments or equity exchanges. Compared to traditional bank loans, non-dilutive funding options offer several advantages. Traditional loans often require personal guarantees and can come with extended repayment periods, putting personal assets at risk. Additionally, banks may require a substantial track record or collateral to secure a loan, making it difficult for businesses or early-stage companies to qualify. By leveraging non-dilutive funding options, businesses gain access to capital without incurring debt or giving up equity. This is particularly beneficial for businesses and high-growth companies seeking to maintain control over their business strategy and decision-making processes. If you're looking to grow your business while keeping full ownership intact, exploring non-dilutive investment options is a practical and attractive solution. In avoiding the downsides of traditional bank loans and maintaining control over your company's future, non-dilutive funding provides a valuable alternative for entrepreneurs seeking to maintain their vision while securing the necessary capital. Non-Dilutive Investment Appeals To VCs N on-dilutive financiers add a layer of security for VCs. They intensively assess and validate businesses, making such companies more appealing to those willing to invest further. That said, despite the advantages, non-dilutive funding also has its challenges. Accessibility can be an issue, and the need for proven revenue history may deter some. Furthermore, most non-dilutive methods still require repayments, putting future revenues under commitment. Negotiating terms in non-dilutive agreements can be intricate. Clear communication is imperative to find a mutually beneficial arrangement, focusing on interest rates, repayment terms, and other crucial factors. In conclusion, while non-dilutive funding presents itself as an attractive solution in the current financial landscape, businesses must weigh both the advantages and potential challenges before moving forward. As more and more move away from VC, however, it’s easy to say that non-dilutive investment is now the new hotness. 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 11, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Inspire Veterinary Partners Continues To Expand, Announces Proposed Acquisition In Pennsylvania

Benzinga

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga Inspire Veterinary Partners Inc (NASDAQ: IVP), a trailblazer in pet healthcare services, is broadening its horizons. The company recently announced a non-binding letter of intent to acquire 100% ownership of an animal hospital in Pennsylvania, marking its initial venture into the Keystone State. With 13 animal hospitals already under its umbrella, this proposed acquisition is expected to add to Inspire’s expanding network and an early indicator of the company's vigorous growth strategy. The company expects to complete the acquisition sometime in October 2023, subject to standard closing conditions. Investing In Real Estate For the Virginia-based Inspire, the move north presents a fresh market in its ongoing nationwide expansion. Some 60% of Pennsylvania households own a pet — and, by extension, demand quality pet care services. In the words of Inspire CEO Kimball Carr, the company is "excited to continue our growth nationwide and for Pennsylvania to be added to the list of states” and “look[s] forward to more anticipated growth in the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Eastern U.S." Inspire’s planned investment in Pennsylvania is also in real estate. The purchase of a pre-existing pet hospital provides the company with an asset that has tangible value and the ability to be optimized for service delivery, which aligns well with Inspire’s proven operational practices and bottom-up business model. Anticipating Future Growth Inspire’s acquisition squarely sets Pennsylvania as the latest location in its sights – but likely not the final one. The company maintains an active pipeline of potential acquisitions across the animal hospital sector. With more announcements anticipated in 2023 and 2024, it's clear that Inspire is focused on strategically broadening its reach, not simply on one-off achievements. Instead, Inspire is laying the groundwork for a series of strategic acquisitions to diversify its revenue streams and bolster its credentials as an industry leader in veterinary care. This month, investors are eagerly awaiting the culmination of this Pennsylvania deal, as well as whatever comes next in Inspire’s carefully orchestrated growth plan. The Bigger Picture It’s worth emphasizing that the letter of intent is non-binding. But this shouldn’t detract from what Inspire is laying out: a blueprint for sustained and thoughtful expansion built by and for veterinary owners and staff. With a robust pipeline of potential acquisitions lined up for 2023, Inspire is signaling that growth in its operational footprint is expected to be robust and should translate to increasing revenue and profitability in 2024. The company is focused on its long-term goal to become not just a disruptive innovator but an industry leader. Its proposed acquisition in Pennsylvania serves as a statement that it is willing to venture into new territories and continually set higher standards in the pet healthcare industry. 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 11, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

AI Could Make Many Jobs Obsolete – Amesite (NASDAQ: AMST) Is Helping Empower The Workforce Of The Future Through Its AI-Powered Platform

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga With the economy slowing and advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology accelerating, reskilling is becoming an important component of any company’s success. AI and its accompanying automation could render many jobs obsolete. But it's not just companies that stand at ground zero of this reskilling need. Universities too can play an important role in preparing today’s professionals for the jobs of tomorrow. A Seismic Shift In Skillsets The need to retrain existing employees comes at a time when the labor market is undergoing seismic shifts. The working population is aging, new jobs are emerging because of technological advances and employees need to learn more company-specific skills. As a result, many jobs could disappear in the coming years. In the next decade, PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts that 1 in 3 jobs will be severely impacted or rendered obsolete by technology. Nevertheless, many companies remain resistant to reskilling due to the cost in terms of money and time. But a lack of reskilling can hurt the bottom line. It affects customer retention and contributes to high turnover rates. By even the most conservative estimates, the cost to replace a worker can run twice their annual salary. A Growing Need? Organizations like Central Michigan University are taking note. The school recently renewed its partnership with Amesite (NASDAQ: AMST), an artificial intelligence software company that makes products to improve learning. CMU uses Amesite’s platform to train professionals in everything from additive manufacturing to workplace wellness. Amesite works closely with CMU to create and launch the programs. The expansion of the partnership is a nod to its success so far. “Partnership renewals validate our business model,” Amesite’s CEO Dr. Ann Marie Sastry said in a press release announcing the extended partnership. “Leveraging our state-of-the-art Version 6.3 platform with the latest GPT-4 technology and our comprehensive integration capabilities, we are able to launch solutions quickly and efficiently that generate sustainable university revenue in professional learning, and drive growth for Amesite.” Potentially Large Market Opportunity CMU isn’t the only university interested in software like Amesite’s offering. The continuing education market is expected to see growth in the coming years. It is forecast to grow from $60.5 billion in 2022 to about $93 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR of 7.47%). And there are 474 regional public universities poised to benefit from rolling out upskilling programs for professionals in the U.S. alone. Some companies are ensuring they’re future-ready by investing in upskilling as well. But, according to a Harvard Business Review report, it may not be enough. In the coming decades, millions of workers will be forced to learn new skills — and may well use them to change occupations. Take AI. As of 2022, 19% of American workers worked in roles that could be replaced by AI. That’s expected to increase as technology advances and adoption grows, presenting an even larger market opportunity for Amesite and its software offering. Flexible And Fast When it comes to reskilling, being nimble is key. That’s where Amesite’s V6.3 platform comes in. Launched in the spring, it has expanded AI capabilities powered by GPT-4 – the same technology behind OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus and Microsoft’s (NASDAQ: MSFT) new Bing. In fact, Amesite is a Microsoft Partner, who has lauded Amesite’s technology on Microsoft’s own website. With V6.3, businesses and schools can give learners AI-assisted learning and purpose-built features that will help them learn specific skills. The new version enables Amesite to quickly launch new offerings and scale programs, all the while efficiently supporting learners. Some of the customer offerings include AI-powered interactive experiences, whiteboarding sessions and other learning incentives. The workforce is rapidly changing as technology advances at breakneck speed. That requires companies to be able and willing to retrain their workers on the fly. Amesite looks to ensure that its software enables that. By leveraging GPT-4 and other AI, it can support businesses and educators as they retool America's workforce. 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 11, 2023 08:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids are Breaking the Hearing Barrier and Revolutionizing Accessibility

YourUpdateTV

October marks the beginning of Audiology Awareness Month, a crucial period to highlight the importance of hearing health. Recently, Shannon Pope, Head of Diversity & Sustainability at Sony Electronics, conducted a satellite media tour to help raise awareness about hearing health and to highlight the latest advancements in hearing solutions and over-the-counter hearing aids. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/auiXuwy0Olo According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 4 U.S. adults ages 20 to 69 who report excellent to good hearing already shows signs of hearing loss due to noise overexposure. Even though hearing loss is widespread, for many people, hearing health isn’t a consideration until they find they have noticeable hearing loss, such as missing part of a conversation. Sony’s Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids were created for the purpose of breaking down current barriers faced by those with hearing loss and provide an easy, do-it-yourself hearing solution for adults 18 and older with signs of mild to moderate hearing loss all without a doctor’s prescription. To learn more about your hearing, and how you could benefit from over-the-counter hearing aids, try this online at home hearing evaluation: electronics.sony.com/hearingtest. iv The CRE-C10 and the CRE-E10 self-fitting over-the-counter hearing aids were designed with the understanding that one size does not fit all, and that people deserve options that best fit their unique needs, situations, and lives. Utilizing the Sony Hearing Control app, users can set up and customize the devices. The CRE-C10 and CRE-E10 intuitively adapt to each user’s speech and surroundings, blending the latest technology with comfort to meet each individual’s hearing goals. i Created for daily use each device features an easy-to-navigate app interface with customizable options for the wearer’s specific hearing needs and preferences. Sony’s two models provide more choice when it comes to the look and capabilities of high-end hearing devices. i As one of the smallest over-the-counter hearing aids on the market, the CRE-C10 has a sleek, discreet design that delivers exceptional sound quality, yet is virtually invisible when worn and has a long battery life of up to 70 hours of continuous use. ii The CRE-E10 has an earbud-like design combining excellent sound quality and comfort, and offers the wearer both confidence and convenience. In addition, CRE-E10 has a rechargeable battery for wireless charging that delivers up to 26 hours of continuous use ii and is also Bluetooth compatible letting the user easily connect to streaming audio or music (iOS only). iii Regardless of which device the user selects, both models deliver outstanding automatic noise reduction and speech in noise features, for better understanding in challenging listening environments like restaurants. The user also has the ability to adjust and customize both volume and sound quality in the moment to ensure the best personalized listening experience in a variety of settings. As Sony works to fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology, these hearing devices hope to help to destigmatize the wearing of hearing aids and make the conversation more accessible while offering a premium over-the-counter hearing experience at a more affordable price point than current prescription devices. The Sony CRE-E10 and CRE-C10 i over-the-counter hearing aids are available directly from Sony and through third-party retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, and select hearing-care professionals. Now through Oct. 29, the CRE-C10 model is $100 off. Take Sony’s online hearing evaluation to find out if Sony’s over-the-counter hearing aids may be right for you. Go to electronics.sony.com/hearingtest. iv About Shannon Pope Shannon Pope is the Head of Diversity & Sustainability at Sony Electronics North America. She oversees Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEI&B), which includes talent acquisition and the employee experience. In her role, Shannon is responsible for ensuring DEI&B is reflected at every stage in the employee journey. In addition, she works closely with leaders of our Accessibility and Environmental Impact pillars to support Sony’s global corporate social responsibility goals. About Sony Electronics Inc. Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit http://www.sony.com/news. for more information. i Sony | Hearing control app – Use app on smartphone to personalize settings. Download app at Google Play and the App Store at the time of the launch. Network services, content, operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require registration. ii Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, and usage. Batteries are consumable products and their capacity degrades over time as they age. Sony does not guarantee the life span of the battery. iii Interoperability and compatibility among Bluetooth® devices vary. iv This is not a diagnostic hearing test or medical assessment. It is designed to give you general information about your hearing. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

October 10, 2023 01:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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