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Comcast Invests $3.6 Million to Bring Xfinity 10G Network to Rural Community of Caruthers, California in Fresno County

Comcast California

Comcast today announced it invested nearly $3.6 million to bring its smart, fast, reliable high speed broadband network – the Xfinity 10G Network – to Caruthers, a rural community in Fresno County, California. Expanding its secure Xfinity 10G Network and commercial broadband services to rural areas is an important part of Comcast’s overall effort to increase digital equity in the Central Valley. Today’s announcement follows Comcast’s high speed broadband expansions in Biola, CA, another rural community in Fresno County where the company invested $1 million, and Planada, CA, a rural community in Merced County where Comcast invested $4.5 million. Work is underway on Xfinity 10G Network expansion projects in several additional areas of Fresno and Merced Counties. Caruthers residential customers will now have access to Xfinity’s full suite of internet products, including Internet Essentials, which provides low cost, high speed broadband for income-constrained households. Since its inception in 2011, the program has connected more than 1.4 million residents across California. Businesses in the area will now be able to take advantage of the full suite of Comcast Business products and services. Comcast also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides qualifying households with a $30 monthly credit toward internet and mobile services. “I greatly appreciate Comcast’s significant investments in our rural communities and the expansion of high-speed broadband access for the residents and business owners in Caruthers,” said Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes. “Continuing to invest in rural communities has a significant, positive impact on the lives of families, students, seniors and veterans and helps to close the Digital Divide. Our community will now have access to a broader range of educational opportunities, better jobs, digital literacy training and workforce development skills. Internet access is at the center of our modern lives and the quality of those lives will be greatly enhanced here, thanks to Comcast.” “The Central Valley continues to be a big focus for us here at Comcast as we continue to invest and expand our high speed, high-capacity network in the State,” said Regional Senior Vice President David Tashjian. “We understand that fast, reliable and secure Internet access has become a necessity for everyone, and we’re excited to be able to bring our Xfinity 10G Network to these communities to create lasting impactful change.” Through September 30, Comcast will be showcasing products and services available to customers and providing a number of raffle prizes and giveaways to attendees at the Caruthers District Fair, California’s largest and longest-running free gate fair. Community members are encouraged to visit with Comcast representatives to learn how the company’s Internet and other services can support their residential or business needs. Powered by the Xfinity 10G Network Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes and businesses today and into the future: Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect more than 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. The Xfinity 10G Network with the next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously. Fastest Internet: More than a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products, and symmetrical gig speeds are planned to come to the first homes later this year. Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful Xfinity WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas, with plans for an offering of increased support for in-home WiFi through a “boost guarantee” later this year. Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network – the Xfinity 10G Network – that passes 60 million homes and businesses and counting. The company launched Storm-Ready WiFi, a new device that comes equipped with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out. Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity 10G Network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home. For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, cybersecurity, managed solutions and Comcast Business Mobile products designed specifically for their employee’s needs. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable and Internet provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading providers to larger organizations in the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast California Jon Koriel +1 925-315-2690 Jon_koriel@comcast.com

September 27, 2023 10:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Shopistry Launches White-Label eCommerce Platform Enabling Banks, Merchant Acquirers, and Payment Processors

Shopistry

Toronto, Ontario -- Shopistry, a leading commerce solution provider powering local merchants to leading brands, today announced the launch of Private Label Commerce, the industry’s first white-label eCommerce solution. Banks, merchant service providers, payment providers, and software companies can now offer merchants a modern, no-code online store and omni-channel solution, integrated with their existing offerings, growing client value, gaining revenue, and reducing churn. The innovative approach is designed to empower traditional fintechs to deepen client relationships and compete with software providers that are increasingly offering payments and financial products to business owners as a catalyst for growth. “Owning the customer relationship is critical and the more indispensable you become to your merchant’s business the better. This why eCommerce software companies have increasingly moved into payments, loans, and more, putting pressure on traditional fintech companies. Shopistry’s Private Label Commerce levels the playing field; it’s a game changer to offer your clients a Shopify-like solution without the work,” said Jaafer Haidar, CEO at Shopistry. Private Label Commerce is the latest from Shopistry and introduces a focus on small/medium businesses to compliment the company's existing products for leading brands and media and entertainment that powered growth at Oura Ring, Black Rifle Coffee, NEON and other leading brands. “We’re focused on running our business and needed a solution that’s easy and integrated with our payments and banking so we can manage everything in one place. We tried others but Shopistry is easy to use and has a lot of features. The fact that it’s offered by our payments company means we only have one place to go for anything we need,” said Matt Boom, partner at Boomerz Boxing & Fitness.” Shopistry has partnered with major merchant service providers and is now open for additional partners. Key benefits include: White-Label & Supported: End-to-End software, videos, managed support by Shopistry Sales Enablement Program: Sales support and training to enable your sales effort Turn-key Mobile & Web Stores: Merchants quickly start selling online Dynamic Checkout: Single-page checkout, integrated payments, BOPIS, Shipping more Simplified Operations: Automatic product, inventory, order, and payment integration enables seamless operations without changes to business processes Seamless Omni-channel: Integration with in-store terminals and systems to deliver a seamless omni-channel solution Continuous Innovation with AI, Social and more: Ongoing product innovation drive further value to clients, keeping partners ahead of the game without costs To learn more about how Shopistry Private Label Commerce can benefit your organization, please visit shopistry.com contact partners@shopistry.com. For press inquiries please contact press@shopistry.com. About Shopistry Shopistry commerce software and solutions empower partners and merchants of all sizes to innovate and grow their business online hassle-free. Shopistry powers SMBs to leading growth brands like Oura Ring, Honed, NEON Studios, and more with modern functionality, simplicity, performance, and flexibility to adapt and grow as commerce continues to evolve. To learn more visit shopistry.com. Shopistry® is a registered trademark of Shopistry Inc. Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Contact Details Bryanne Baker press@shopistry.com Company Website https://www.shopistry.com

September 27, 2023 11:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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RuaTech Redefines IT Excellence Using Comcast Business Technology

Comcast New Mexico

Comcast Business today announced that it is providing RuaTech with technology solutions – including Comcast Business Mobile lines and Comcast Business Internet – that help the New Mexico-based business create a more connected, agile and productive work environment, empowering its teams to deliver exceptional results and bolster client satisfaction. Founded with a vision to redefine IT landscapes, RuaTech has rapidly emerged as a frontrunner in providing comprehensive technology solutions to businesses of all sizes. With a track record of seamlessly integrating cutting-edge systems into diverse business operations, RuaTech has gained a reputation for excellence in optimizing IT infrastructure for enhanced productivity. The company offers a variety of IT services to its clients, including diagnosing and troubleshooting technology issues as well as providing recommendations on new tools or processes needed to optimize their clients’ operations. RuaTech is a small business that operates out of Silver City, a rural area in New Mexico. With one office space in the city, the company’s employees are often connecting virtually with their clients, resolving IT issues without ever being present in a physical space. Recognizing the pivotal role that connectivity plays in its operations, the company needed to find a technology provider that offered reliable, fast service despite the less populated location it’s based in. Comcast Business was the best choice for the company’s needs. “Our customers come to us to resolve technology problems, which means we don’t have any room for technology issues on our end – thankfully, Comcast Business’ solutions have provided us with the peace of mind an IT organization needs to do business,” said José Velasco, CEO and owner or RuaTech, who also oversees day-to-day technical operations. “Moreover, they take the time to have conversations with us on our needs, which makes our small business feel just as important as any bigger company.” The technology solutions provided by Comcast Business are perfectly tailored to bolster RuaTech's IT operations. Comcast Business Mobile lines ensure that RuaTech's team can remain connected and agile, facilitating efficient communication and real-time collaboration regardless of whether they are in office, or offsite. Furthermore, Comcast Business Internet services empower RuaTech to handle complex projects, data-intensive tasks and client interactions quickly and reliably, ultimately enhancing the overall client experience. “RuaTech's innovative approach to IT services aligns seamlessly with our commitment to delivering advanced connectivity and communication tools, making them a perfect fit for Comcast technology solutions,” said Robert Thompson, vice president of business services for Comcast’s Mountain West Region. “We are proud to provide technology to help RuaTech reshape the landscape of IT support and redefine how businesses harness the power of technology.” About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers a broad suite of technology solutions to keep businesses of all sizes ready for what’s next. With a range of offerings including connectivity, secure networking, advanced cybersecurity, and unified communications solutions, Comcast Business is partnering with business and technology leaders across industries and integrating Masergy, a leader in software defined networking, to help drive businesses forward. Backed by a next-generation network, Comcast Business has been recognized for its growth, innovation, and leadership in global secure networking. For more information, call 800-501-6000. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Chloe Huard chloe.huard@finnpartners.com Company Website https://newmexico.comcast.com/

September 27, 2023 09:09 AM Mountain Daylight Time

The EOS Network Foundation, Upland, and Aerial Join Forces to Transform EOS into a Climate Positive Blockchain Network

EOS Network Foundation

The EOS Network Foundation (ENF) and Upland in collaboration with Aerial are proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative that will propel the EOS Network from being the world's first carbon-neutral blockchain to a climate positive blockchain network. The EOS Network’s architectural design offers low power consumption while delivering record breaking scalability and throughput that merges the effectiveness of immutable, decentralized systems with environmental responsibility. EOS ranks among the most environmentally friendly blockchains globally, with an annual carbon footprint of a mere 242 tonnes of CO2, a figure that has been fully offset since 2018. "As EOS celebrates 5 years since becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral blockchain, we are thrilled to take our sustainability efforts one step further by going climate positive," said Yves La Rose, Founder and CEO of the EOS Network Foundation. "This remarkable achievement goes well beyond our initial sustainability goals for carbon neutrality by offsetting more than 3x the carbon footprint of the EOS Network. This reinforces our steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and our ambition to create real-world value through blockchain technology." Recognizing the importance of carbon offsetting in mitigating the environmental impact of blockchain technology, the EOS Network Foundation sought collaboration with Aerial, a leading sustainability platform, and Upland, a metaverse superapp mapped to the real world that simulates several aspects of life and economy. Upland has been actively involved in EOS’ sustainability efforts as a carbon offset sponsor since 2021. Their own sustainability efforts also extend beyond blockchain infrastructure by offsetting their carbon footprint for the cloud services that help power the Upland metaverse. "We are excited to collaborate with the EOS Network Foundation in this groundbreaking initiative to achieve climate positivity," stated Danny Brown-Wolf, Chief of Staff of Upland. “Upland has been committed to environmental sustainability since the day we started. We're proud to help EOS become a climate-positive blockchain network." Collaborating with Aerial, a sustainability platform that partners with verified environmental efforts globally, the EOS Network Foundation aims to actively reduce carbon emissions while inspiring others in the blockchain industry to adopt climate positive strategies. "Partnering with the EOS Network Foundation and Upland in this climate positive initiative is an important milestone in the sustainability journey of the blockchain industry," commented Andreas Homer, CEO of Aerial. "We are honored to collaborate with such forward-thinking organizations that are dedicated to environmental responsibility and making significant positive changes." The EOS Network Foundation and its partners aspire to set a new standard in sustainability within the blockchain industry. Through their actions, they aim to inspire and encourage other networks and applications to embrace climate positive strategies. Together, they believe in creating a sustainable digital economy and a lasting positive impact on our planet. About the EOS Network Foundation The EOS Network Foundation (ENF) was forged through a vision for a prosperous and decentralized future. Through our key stakeholder engagement, community programs, ecosystem funding, and support of an open technology ecosystem, the ENF is transforming Web3. Founded in 2021, the ENF is the hub for EOS Network, a leading open-source platform with a suite of stable frameworks, tools, and libraries for blockchain deployments. Together, we are bringing innovations that our community builds and are committed to a stronger future for all. About Upland Upland is an open web3 platform for the metaverse mapped to the real world. The company's mission is to build one of the leading and most dynamic maker-communities through a strong entrepreneur economy that allows players, creators, developers, and brands to manufacture goods and experiences, monetize assets, and provide utility and fun to other players. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with hubs in Las Vegas, Ukraine, and Brazil, Upland was named among Fast Company's "Next Big Things in Tech" in 2021 and one of "22 San Francisco Startups To Watch in 2022" by Built In SF. Upland is available on iOS, Android and the Web, and can be played from anywhere in the world. About Aerial Aerial is a sustainability platform that collaborates with verified environmental efforts worldwide to remove carbon emissions. By partnering with organizations seeking to offset their carbon footprint, Aerial is dedicated to creating a more sustainable planet and driving positive change in the blockchain industry. Contact Details EOS Network Foundation Zack Gall, Chief Communications Office zack.gall@eosnetwork.com Company Website https://eosnetwork.com/

September 27, 2023 09:22 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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How Altius Minerals Is Building An ESG-Compliant Portfolio With The Potential To Deliver Sustainable Royalties For The Next 100 Years

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga As the United Nations wraps up its 78th General Assembly in New York City, the most pressing issue at hand has been putting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track and aligning political agendas with the ever-important environmental goals. While governments will shape policy, companies have substantial sway in affecting the economy and direction of environmental action. ESG investing has been one of the fastest growing investment classes, even after public pressure around green-washing that occurred in 2022. This backlash has caused asset managers and regulators to be more cautious about what styles of investing get classified as ESG investments. This caution around using the term ESG more deliberately likely contributed to a report issued in 2022 by the US SIF, which classified $8.4 trillion in U.S. investment assets at the beginning of 2022 held by firms that factor ESG into their decision-making. Although this is a huge number, it’s less than half the $17.1 trillion assets that were classified as ESG assets under management in 2020. Altius Minerals (OTCQX: ATUSF) (TSX: ALS) has built an ESG-friendly royalty portfolio. Altius is part of the broader mining sector, an industry that has been under criticism for its long history of causing significant harm to the environment, from deforestation and habitat destruction to water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. But materials that go into electronics, electricity generation, transportation and virtually all 21st-century lifestyle infrastructure are dependent on the mining industry. Altius is a royalty company that, unlike most of its competitors, has very little gold royalty exposure. Although gold has properties that make it uniquely adaptable for uses including medical and technology applications, its main demand source is jewellery and coins. Contrast that with copper, which along with potash, are Altius’s main exposures. Altius is working towards creating a portfolio that is sustainable. The company is targeting potash, electrification battery metals and iron ore for green steel, along with their core holding in subsidiary Altius Renewable Royalties (OTCQX: ATRWF) (TSX: ARR). These markets align with multiple UN sustainable development goals, such as eradicating poverty, ensuring renewable energy, responsible procurement and more. This strategic focus aligns with the values of stakeholders who believe in these goals. One significant aspect of Altius Minerals' sustainable portfolio is the emphasis on long mine lives. Unlike typical gold mines that run for 10-15 years, potash mines, for instance, are expected to have a lifespan of up to 100 years or more. This longevity ensures employment opportunities for entire careers or even generations. Long resource lives are also the best predictors of expansion opportunities. While potash mine lives can be long at 100+ years, renewable energy resources are potentially infinite, making the business of ARR unique in that the resource is never subject to depletion. That is a significant contrast to other energy forms, like shale wells. Revenue from Altius Renewable Royalties is accelerating, with new project royalties expected to be operational by 2024 from investments already made. Their commitment to renewable energy aims to align with the global transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Altius claims it doesn’t avoid industries where emissions are considered “hard to abate” like steel-making. Altius wants its investments to fall on the side of steel-making that is sourcing high-purity iron ore for electric arc furnace steel making, aiming to eliminate the use of metallurgical coal inputs. Altius’s iron ore exposure is Labrador Trough iron ore, considered to be among the highest grade and lowest impurity sources globally. One of the most significant ESG transitions in the world, along with the energy transition, is the transition from internal combustion engine transport to electric vehicles. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric car markets have witnessed exponential growth, with sales exceeding 10 million in 2022; 14% of all new car sales in 2022 were electric, a notable increase from around 9% in 2021 and less than 5% in 2020. The IEA further projects that the global market value of electricity for EV charging is set to grow significantly, reaching approximately $190 billion by 2030. The Climate Action Tracker report suggests that to align with the 1.5 degrees Celsius pathway, fully electric vehicles will need to account for 75-95% of global annual passenger vehicle sales by 2030 and 100% by 2035. This growth demonstrates the increasing demand for EVs and the need for the materials and infrastructure to support this growth. As an example, an electric vehicle uses almost 2.5 times the copper of a car with an internal combustion engine, and S&P Global forecasts that copper demand will nearly double between 2022 to 50 million metric tons and 2035 to 50 million metric tons. By 2050, demand will reach more than 53 million metric tons. To illustrate just how strong the demand growth is, S&P Global noted that that’s “more than all the copper consumed in the world between 1900 and 2021.” EV demand is similarly driving the need for mining of other materials such as lithium, which is commonly used in EV batteries. Copper is one of Altius’s largest royalty exposures. Mining producers of these critical materials will need financing partners who support the impact they’re making and their sustainability goals. Altius Minerals aims to position itself as a leading diversified royalty player with positive impacts on climate, electrification and food security, as well as a front-runner in the ESG space – an ideal financing partner for sustainable miners. 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 27, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

With Cancer Immunotherapy Market Set To Grow At Double-Digit CAGR Till 2032, This Company Plans To Ride The Wave Through Treatments For Complex Cancers

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Oncotelic Therapeutics Inc. (OTCQB: OTLC) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. Its primary focus is on developing innovative drugs for the treatment of orphan oncology indications, with an emphasis on rare and underserved cancer types including pancreatic cancer, glioma and glioblastoma. Oncotelic's pipeline includes several promising drug candidates. One of their key products is OT-101, a targeted immunotherapy designed to inhibit the production of a specific protein critical for cancer evasion of host immunity. By targeting immune evasion specifically, OT-101 aims to reduce the effectiveness of traditional immunooncology (IO) drugs and improve patient survival. This drug has also been shown to be successful in helping treat immune evasion by COVID-19. Oncotelic is undertaking combination trials with IO drugs such as PD-1, PDL-1 and CTLA4, among others. Over the next 12 months, it is expected there will be reports available on these combination trials. In August, the company announced a collaboration between their joint venture partner, Sapu Bioscience, LLC (wholly owned by GMP Biotechnology Limited), and Cromos Pharma, LLC. This collaboration’s goal is to conduct a registrational trial for OT-101 in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The company is expecting to report interim analyses in the near future. This trial leverages the ability of OT-101 to counteract chemoresistance that frequently arises during the treatment of cancers with chemotherapies. In many ways, OT-101 was designed to improve existing cancer treatments, such as Keytruda. Merck & Co’s (NYSE: MRK) Keytruda – also known as pembrolizumab – is an immunotherapy used to treat various types of cancer, including lung cancer, melanoma and triple-negative breast cancer. It blocks the PD-1 pathway, allowing the immune system to detect and fight cancer cells. What makes Oncotelic an industry innovator is its embrace of AI in its workflow. By leveraging AI, the company is mining its existing database to design the optimal clinical pathway for each of its drugs. Through their dedication to incorporating cutting-edge science and engineering, Oncotelic is positioning itself at the forefront of advancing novel drugs in oncology. In addition to OT-101, Oncotelic is advancing other drug candidates, as well, including CA4P and Oxi4503. These drugs utilize different mechanisms of action to target blood vessels feeding the tumors 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. By leveraging AI, Oncotelic's drug candidates can overcome the limitations of conventional clinical trials, avoiding unintended confounding factors that plague traditional clinical trials. Long before a clinical trial is initiated, extensive in silico modeling would have been completed at Oncotelic, derisking every aspect of the clinical trial and optimizing it for success. Oncotelic Therapeutics is an innovative player in the cancer immunotherapy market, which is expected to reach a value of $647 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13.8% over 2022-2032. The company has completed promising phase 2 trials in pancreatic cancer and melanoma, as well as in glioblastoma, achieving robust efficacy and safety in all three cases. With the company’s cutting-edge research and impressive track record, Oncotelic is setting the bar high for innovation in cancer treatments. 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 27, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Analysts Predict Net Zero Energy Transition Will Push Most Battery Metals Into Shortage By 2030 – How Investors Can Potentially Get Exposure

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga Shares of Sprott Energy Transition Material ETF (NASDAQ: SETM) could be positioned for growth as the quest for new supplies of key battery metals like lithium and nickel intensifies. Sprott Asset Management launched the ETF at the beginning of the year as a way to give investors pure-play access to critical minerals that will be key to the global clean energy transition currently underway. Battery Metals Are Quickly Approaching Extreme Shortages According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), lithium demand has tripled since 2017, and it’s forecast to increase tenfold from 2022 to 2040 in order to meet the battery and electricity storage needs of countries aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The soaring demand for lithium is almost entirely tied to the net zero transition. The mineral is a key component of EV batteries and clean energy storage platforms. About 56% of the demand for lithium in 2022 came from EV batteries exclusively. That’s only expected to get higher in the decades ahead as the typical battery contains about 8 kilograms (17.5 pounds) of lithium and about 2 billion electric vehicles (EVs) will need to be on the road by 2050 in order to meet the net zero emissions target. Meanwhile, while EV batteries and storage only represent about 11% of the current demand for nickel, the IEA estimates that it’ll account for over half of total nickel demand by 2040. A similar trajectory is forecast for cobalt and other minerals that are used to make various kinds of EV batteries and other storage units. To meet that demand, McKinsey & Company estimates that over 380 new mines would need to be added on top of the approximately 500 mines currently operating today. The Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF (SETM) Gives Investors Broad Upstream Exposure to Critical Minerals SETM tracks the Nasdaq Sprott Energy Transition Materials TM Index, which is composed of over 100 global companies directly involved in energy transition materials including copper, lithium, nickel, uranium, cobalt, graphite, manganese, rare earths and silver. Currently, the index is heavily weighted toward lithium-, uranium-, and copper-related stocks, with each group accounting for about a quarter of the portfolio’s weight. With an even mix of large, medium and small-cap stocks all over the world, this gives investors broad exposure to the companies poised to benefit most from the net zero transition. It’s also concentrated on upstream companies – including producers, developers, explorers, refiners, recyclers and other companies involved in providing raw materials to EV makers, power plants and other downstream companies that will need those critical materials. With a supply shortage looming, upstream exposure might not only give investors a way to capture returns from surging battery metal prices but also to limit exposure to downstream companies that might not be able to keep up with competitors as costs increase. While the need for clean energy is clear and policymakers are enacting increasingly stricter emissions standards, it still remains to be seen which companies will come out on top and exactly what the clean energy mix will look like in the future. But what is fairly certain is that these critical minerals will be key to building the infrastructure to store and distribute that clean energy. 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 27, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

New Advertising Partnerships Will Help Sekur Reach Wider Business Audience As It Rolls Out More Enterprise Cybersecurity and Privacy Solutions

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga This month, Sekur Private Data Ltd. (OTCQX: SWISF) (CSE: SKUR) (FRA: GDT0) signed an advertising partnership and distribution agreement with VYRE Network, a global news-based streaming channel and website with over 1 million viewers worldwide. “The VBNGtv partnership is part of… strategy to launch our SMB and Enterprise solutions in the USA to the 30 million+ small businesses in the USA,” said Sekur CEO Alain Ghiai in a statement on the new agreement. The cybersecurity and internet privacy provider offers a suite of secure and private communication services aimed at eliminating the kind of data mining concerns and vulnerabilities that many of the existing solutions in this space have. Advertising Partnership Agreement With VYRE Will Help Sekur Reach Larger Global Enterprise And Investor Audiences The VYRE network deal will place Sekur commercials and banner ads throughout the streaming news website in exchange for a revenue share of all Sekur signups, primarily targeting its enterprise and investor audiences. The deal is part of Sekur’s plans for a global rollout of its enterprise communication services, including the SekurMessenger app, SekurMail and SekurVPN along with new products slated to launch in the coming months. In Morocco, for example, Sekur is partnering with the IT services consulting company Digital Smart Solution Sarl (DSS) to distribute SekurMessenger to some of the nation’s leading companies in the telecommunications and banking industries. “According to market research, approximately 90% of African businesses are operating without cybersecurity protocols in place, making them vulnerable to cyber threats, such as hacking, phishing, and malware attacks,” said Ghiai. “The economic consequences of digital insecurity are already substantial.” SekurMessenger can help provide a stronger line of defense against data breaches and other cybersecurity threats. The app is available on all Android and iOS devices and offers end-to-end encryption along with a number of other advanced security features like VirtualVaults and Helix Tech for storing data on encrypted Swiss-hosted servers and a customizable self-destruct timer that automatically deletes messages after a certain time frame or trigger. So nothing is stored unless users want to store it and when data is stored, the app defaults to a highly secure encrypted storage option. SekurMessenger is also one of the only apps that doesn’t ask for a phone number when signing up. Instead, users get a Sekur username and number that can be used to contact them through the app without disclosing any personal information. Thanks to the recent launch of the proprietary “chat-by-invite” feature, Sekur users can enjoy that same level of security and privacy even when chatting with people who don’t have the app. After receiving an invite via text or email, the non-Sekur recipient simply clicks on the link to go to a secure messaging channel where they can chat with the Sekur user who invited them. There’s no need for the non-Sekur user to download the app or give out personal information to register. This makes it an ideal option for keeping internal conversations within a company private and secure and also offers a way to keep sensitive data safe when communicating with customers. Unlike other messenger apps which either don’t offer advanced encryption or require all participants to download the app in order for the conversation to be fully encrypted, SekurMessenger can maintain maximum privacy and security even when the recipient isn’t a Sekur user. “The entire communication only happens in our Swiss encrypted server environment as opposed to sending encryption keys back and forth over the internet,” explained Ghiai in an interview. So, a conversation with non-Sekur users doesn’t expose the messages to non-encrypted environments. Meanwhile, SekurMail offers similar security and privacy for email communications, while using SekurVPN can add an additional layer of security to protect businesses from hacking and malware attacks. Looking ahead, the company has plans to add innovative products like SekurVoice, which is slated for this Q1 2024, and, according to Ghiai, will let users make “encrypted calls to anyone in the world without having to dial their phone number.” The Sekur CEO also mentioned plans for a video conferencing product as well as a portfolio of other enterprise communication solutions. 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 27, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

ToolsGroup Acquires Evo for Industry-Leading Responsive AI

ToolsGroup

ToolsGroup, a global leader in retail and supply chain planning and optimization software, announced today the acquisition of Evo, a provider of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions for business performance optimization. The integration of Evo’s responsive AI solutions with ToolsGroup Service Optimizer 99+ (SO99+) and JustEnough® solutions will offer customers the most efficient, real-time supply chain and price optimization solution available. “The acquisition of Evo brings together two companies with complementary products, values, visions, and customers,” said ToolsGroup CEO, Inna Kuznetsova. “ToolsGroup is a leader in Dynamic Planning, and the addition of Evo extends that lead with dynamic price optimization. The Evo capabilities in non-linear optimization, quantum learning, and advanced prescriptive analytics will enable us to make the next leap in our journey toward Decision-Centric Planning. And Evo’s responsive AI gives us an essential ingredient to deliver the autonomous supply chain of the future. Evo’s technology directly supports our mission to make the supply chain a force for good, and we are excited to welcome the Evo team to our company.” Dr. Fabrizio Fantini, Founder and CEO of Evo commented, “Together with ToolsGroup, we can shape the vision for the supply chain of the future – one that powers smarter supply chain decisions for human managers through optimal price and inventory calculations. Our goal is to make the complex science of artificial intelligence easy to use and deliver products that don’t just work, but work for you. Joining together with ToolsGroup will allow us to extend the impact we can deliver beyond pricing and inventory optimization, to better decision making across the entire value chain.” ToolsGroup supports over 400 customers in optimizing their inventory to meet service level or assortment requirements while achieving the best financial outcomes. By combining the proven data science capabilities of Evo, with the end-to-end capabilities and mature ML models of ToolsGroup’s retail and supply chain planning applications, organizations can truly optimize business outcomes. Customers using ToolsGroup will deliver the right product to the right customer at the right time – and now, with EvoAI, at the right price. “At Event Network, we aim to optimize the retail potential of experiential attractions. Pricing is critical for achieving that objective, but the inherent complexity of our business and of the broader retail landscape created a challenge to get timely, relevant insights,” said Evo customer, Larry Gilbert, CEO of Event Network. “EvoAI pricing optimization provides sustainable innovation, supporting our delivery of the outstanding guest experiences we aim for. We are very excited about this new chapter in Evo's journey.” Following a significant investment in 2021 from tech-focused private equity firm Accel-KKR, ToolsGroup has expanded its product offerings through the Just Enough demand management acquisition in 2021 and Onera retail execution acquisition in 2022. In August 2023, ToolsGroup was listed among the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Supply Chain Planning Solutions (Midmarket Context). Park Durrett, Managing Director at Accel-KKR, stated, “We’re pleased to support ToolsGroup’s commitment to deliver continuous innovation that help customers optimize their supply chain operations. The Evo acquisition is part of an ongoing strategic plan to ensure that ToolsGroup remains the category leader at delivering strategic solutions and unlocking new value for customers.” Resources · Learn more about the acquisition HERE. · EvoAI achieves Quantum Learning · Evo HBR article · Evo Harvard case study About Evo Since 2015, Evo has used revolutionary prescriptive AI to help managers around the world make better business decisions. Our easy-to-use AI applications optimise planning across pricing, inventory, customer scoring and retention. With EvoAI, clients set the business goals and direct the strategy, and the app shows the best inventory levels, prices, and offers to help to achieve them. Evo has a track record of generating over $300 million in profit for its clients, unique patents, and results published in multiple Harvard Business School cases. Evo is the AI company that bridges the gap between management and data to drive impact. About ToolsGroup ToolsGroup, a global leader in retail and supply chain planning and optimization software, is backed by leading tech-focused private equity fund Accel-KKR. ToolsGroup’s innovative AI-powered solutions enable retailers, distributors, and manufacturers to navigate through supply chain uncertainty. Our retail and supply chain planning suites empower a new level of intelligent decision-making and unlock powerful business improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels, and inventory – delighting customers and achieving financial and sustainability KPIs. Stay in touch with ToolsGroup on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or visit www.toolsgroup.com. Contact Details Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://www.toolsgroup.com

September 27, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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