Technology

Artificial Intelligence Big Data Cloud Computing Cyber Security Data Management Electronics Enterprise & Network Technology Financial Technology Hardware Mobile & Wireless Nanotechnology Semiconductor Software Telecommunications
News Release Digital Asset Direct

ToolsGroup, Exhibiting at Retail Technology Show, Announces Significant Enhancements To JustEnough® For Retail Planning

ToolsGroup

LONDON, U.K. — April 26, 2023 — Today at Retail Technology Show in London, ToolsGroup, a global leader in retail and supply chain planning and optimization software, has announced the launch of critical new functionality in the JustEnough ® Dynamic Retail Planning & Execution suite. In this release, ToolsGroup introduces dynamic, real-time allocation and replenishment capabilities, as well as stock-mix optimization functionality. It also fully integrates JustEnough with the Inventory Hub® Dynamic Data Unification Platform. These product enhan cements link perpetual inventory signals to critical merchandise planning modules. This gives retailers in-the-moment visibility into inventory and inventory-related events and enables them to take fast action based on these insights. JustEnough version 2023.1 offers the latest enhancements, including: Real-Time Retail: This native integration of the Inventory Hub Dynamic Data Unification Platform with Allocation, Replenishment, and Fulfillment connects real-time inventory insights with merchandising applications designed to act on these insights. Real-Time Retail empowers merchants to respond faster to changing shopping patterns and gain significant competitive advantage. Stock-to-Service Curves that add the ToolsGroup SO99+ industry-leading stock-mix optimization capabilities to JustEnough retail forecasting. This delivers service-driven planning that allows users to better manage risk and uncertainty while still lowering overall inventory costs and increasing service levels. Performance Upgrades that streamline functionalities across Assortment Planning, enabling easier top-down planning and providing upgrades that power better decisions faster. “In the age of unified commerce, a revitalized merchandising approach empowers retailers to develop competitive, customer-centric business practices,” said Inna Kuznetsova, CEO of ToolsGroup. “With this new release of JustEnough, merchants achieve the operational agility and resilience they need to deliver an enhanced shopping experience across all channels. Connecting real-time inventory insights with merchandise planning applications enables truly dynamic retail planning. This not only improves the experience for customers but also optimizes business performance and supports sustainability objectives.” The new functionality available in this latest release further solidifies JustEnough by ToolsGroup as a leader in retail planning. The integrated, end-to-end merchandise planning suite helps retailers create more accurate forecasts, more agile merchandise financial plans, and more precise inventory and stock plans. Powered by automation, AI and real-time inventory data, retailers can respond faster to changing shopping patterns. C u stomers using JustEnough report a 10 % reduction in lost sales, 20 % increases in inventory turns, and over 25 % increase in planning efficiency, all while achieving overall revenue growth. For more information about JustEnough and detailed use cases, read our blog on the v2023.1 release here. 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 fast, intelligent decision making and unlock powerful business improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels, and inventory – delighting customers and achieving financial and ESG 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

April 26, 2023 11:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

PTOP Renegotiates MOBICARD™2.0 Contract - MOBICARD™1.5 will Be Released First

Peer to Peer Network

Peer To Peer Network a.k.a MobiCard Inc. (OTC: PTOP) (“PTOP”) is proud to announce that we have renegotiated the MOBICARD™2.0 contract so that a release of the improved apps can be released sooner. “Due to a lack of funding, it has been difficult to advance all of the interests of Peer To Peer Network, specifically some of the terms of payment to the developers. I had hosted a shareholder meeting where I detailed that we had hit the halfway mark on the development contract in August of 2022. I expounded that in order to complete it we needed to be able to pay another $20,000. After numerous months of no compensation and the app development at a standstill, Nicholis Santana and Jay Wallace came to me with a solution to bring a MobiCard 1.5 to the stores. They implored that they would be willing to do a release prior to the full launch and an amendment was made to compensate in shares for this task and resume cash payment on MobiCard 2.0 after. I was very pleased to have the developers willing to work with me on the contract to make an amendment that would get us an app in the app stores without having to shell out that cash up front,” explained CEO Joshua Sodaitis. The new amendment to the original MOBICARD™2.0 contract signed by all parties (Developers and Peer To Peer Network) now stipulates that the developers will receive shares in PTOP to release a MOBICARD™1.5 version of the apps and then resume cash payments after in order to have the full MOBICARD™2.0 released. The MOBICARD™1.5 version will not include the enterprise features, nor the paid subscriptions, or advertising. There will be no revenue generating ability until the developers are compensated their cash payments as stipulated in the original agreement. “Look, I am excited about MOBICARD™ and the plethora of invitations both myself and Jay Wallace feel will change the industry as a whole. We want MOBICARD™ to thrive. We agreed to take shares because we believe in ourselves and in the application. I told Josh after we release MOBICARD 1.5 he can start to sign up users. But that is only half the job, the other half is generating positive momentum and growing the user base. Plus, Josh can put out press every time we add the other features therefore creating a real BUZZZZ beforehand prior to the full MOBICARD™2.0 release. I think we are looking at 3-4 months and we have the MOBICARD™1.5 apps in the app stores,” expounded Developer, Nicholis Santana. Hopefully after YOU the shareholders see the supreme job compared to the last apps and the fact that EVERYTHING works will make a BIG difference for the shareholders and will increase the value of the company overall. PTOP’s plan will be to release the MOBICARD™1.5 app within the next 5 months. The plan will be to be able to build a buzz for the apps and be able to make increased press announcements as further functionality is added after the cash payments are made. “I am thrilled that the tech developers were willing to make this amendment to the contract, I can’t wait to start signing people up for the new apps. These new apps are going to be 100% better than the broken mess we were left with from Think Latitude. Not only will they be easier to use, but they will have easy steps to follow. The biggest change is the look and feel of the application, to increase usability and the overall flow. I will still need to get the developers paid their cash component of $20,000 and be able to pay for the AWS servers that cost roughly $1,200 per month in order to have the revenue generating ability, but having an AWESOME app in the app stores will deliver us the ability to start to get a larger user base prior to the MOBICARD™2.0 launch,” concluded CEO Sodaitis. Like us @MobiCard on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @freemobicard PTOP A new phase is coming soon. Contact Info: Joshua Sodaitis, Chairman & CEO MobiCard, Inc. 45 Prospect Street Cambridge, MA 02139 Phone: 1-617-481-1971 Email: info@freemobicard.com Investor website: www.ptopnetwork.com Safe Harbor Statement: This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company invokes the protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategies, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, as well as statements that include words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include those set forth in our filings at www.sec.gov. The company is no longer a fully reporting SEC filing company. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact Details MobiCard, Inc. info@freemobicard.com Company Website https://www.freemobicard.com/

April 26, 2023 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

UniSieve unlocks decarbonising opportunity for heavy industry as it lands $5.5m seed funding round

UniSieve

Heavy industries such as chemical or energy companies are among the heaviest carbon emitting sources yet they are broadly committed to the Net-Zero goals of the Paris Agreement. Helping them achieve their targets Cleantech company UniSieve has identified a unique and innovative opportunity for them to progress and is today announcing a $5.5m seed funding round to pilot and expand production capacities. This oversubscribed funding round saw participation from a venture capital consortium including the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund, Wingman Ventures, Ciech Ventures and Zürcher Kantonalbank. The biggest challenge facing heavy industries is to create energy efficiencies in their legacy, highly energy-intensive assets worth billions of dollars. For example, in chemical plants a major energy drain is the chain of separation and purification steps because it still depends on highly energy-intensive thermal processes. UniSieve is seeking to solve this significant energy drain to help these industries get closer to Net-Zero goals. UniSieve stands for “universal sieving.” Without heat or cold, UniSieve’s membrane-based separation solutions can separate chemicals, energy carriers, or CO2 from flue gas based on size exclusion. The solution bypasses the needs for heating or cooling through sieving membranes that can reduce the energy needed for separating and purifying molecules by up to 90%. Samuel Hess, co-founder and CEO of UniSieve commented: “Our solution is addressing a major emissions cause and its potential for energy and emission reduction is significant for our planet. In essence we say stop boiling and start sieving to end energy intensive distillation. The concept of sieving works as simple as a coffee filter holding back the coffee powder from an espresso. However, it gets a little tricky when separating chemicals that vary in size by a fraction of an angstrom only (1 angstrom equals one-tenth of a nanometer). To do so, the sieve must be extremely narrow and precise. The UniSieve membrane is structure made of highly ordered network of porous crystals that generate in a repeating pattern, much like ancient Roman mosaics” “The concept of combining molecular sieves with a support layer to create the perfect membrane has been out there for decades but never made it into broad, commercially applicable membranes. When creating the membrane platform technology, the UniSieve Team focussed on economic scalability, the most frequent reason that has prevented other approaches from succeeding.” UniSieve was established in 2018 by university class fellows Samuel Hess and Elia Schneider. Whilst studying at ETH Zürich, they discovered the means to manufacture and integrate porous crystals (zeolitic materials) into polymeric membranes. Pre-seed funding from Wingman Ventures and several prestigious grants from the European Union, the Swiss government, and private foundations enabled them to prove the hypothesis of their scalable and affordable high-performing membranes. Samuel Hess added: “We have run pilot testing with industry leaders which have demonstrated that the separation solution works. Today, we have several contracts signed and under negotiation to pilot our membranes in a variety of applications.” Lukas Weder, founding partner at Wingman Ventures commented: "Energy intensive production processes have been a key talking point across the board. But we’re seeing action now. Two important things are happening that are driving this action. Firstly, heavy industry is willing to invest in solutions to tackle the problem and secondly, better quality solutions are available. The UniSieve technology solution has been tried, tested and is ready to be deployed and so, perfectly positioned to help companies quickly to build very powerful energy efficient production processes" Wolfgang Neubert, General Partner at the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund, commented: “UniSieve is our first industrial technology investment in Switzerland. We were impressed by the team’s to bring this academic thesis to life and not only this to make it commercially viable and scalable. It has the potential to be hugely impactful for the world. We look forward to supporting the team on their journey.” About UniSieve UniSieve challenges state-of-the-art separation technology that today is consuming over 10% of global energy. UniSieve’s molecular sieving membranes allow size-based purification up to 90% more energy-efficient than alternative solutions. The membrane portfolio enabled by the company’s platform technology targets numerous applications. Currently, the company focuses on providing selected separation solutions to customers in the chemical, energy markets and CO2 capture. For more information please visit https://www.unisieve.com/ About the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund The Amadeus APEX Technology Fund is a partnership between Amadeus Capital Partners and APEX Ventures to support deep tech early-stage startups. The fund invests in seed and series A deep tech ventures with innovative technology and engineering based on significant scientific advances. Launched in early 2023, the €80M fund invests in sectors that include artificial intelligence and machine learning; quantum technologies and photonics; mobility and space innovation; autonomous systems and robotics; and other emerging deep tech areas. The fund’s investment committee includes Amadeus Capital Partners’ Anne Glover, Hermann Hauser, and APEX Ventures’ Andreas Riegler and Wolfgang Neubert. About Wingman Ventures Wingman Ventures is Switzerland’s leading pre-seed fund, backing founder teams building tech companies with the potential to become global market leaders. Wingman has a track record of supporting exceptional founders in creating breakthrough companies and has the passionate conviction that the Swiss startup ecosystem is just starting to write its best success stories. About Ciech Ventures Ciech Ventures is a CVC arm of Ciech, an internationally developing chemical group, with 8 production plants and over 3,000 employees in several countries. The company supports innovative startups looking for capital and opportunities for the development of solutions associated with inter alia chemistry innovations, cleantech&circular economy, and modern solutions for agriculture. Ciech Ventures also strives to help startups by leveraging Ciech Group’s capabilities and business network. More information about the Ciech Group can be found at https://ciechgroup.com/ and https://ciech.ventures/en/home/ About Zürcher Kantonalbank Zürcher Kantonalbank is a leading universal bank in the Zurich economic area with Swiss roots and international reach. It is an independent, incorporated public-law institution of the Canton of Zurich and has received top ratings from the rating agencies Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch (AAA/Aaa). With more than 6,000 employees across the group, Zürcher Kantonalbank offers its clients a comprehensive range of products and services. The bank's core activities include financing businesses, asset and wealth management, trading, capital market transactions, deposits, payment transactions and the card business. Zürcher Kantonalbank provides clients and distribution partners with a comprehensive range of investment and retirement provision products and services. Contact Details UniSieve Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.unisieve.com/

April 26, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

How AmeriLife is Unlocking the Power of Data to Drive Increased, Accelerated Growth

AmeriLife

If the fervor around ChatGPT and similar emerging technologies have taught us anything, it’s that technology is only as good as the data upon which it’s built – and the real, business-driving insights it can generate. Over the past two years, AmeriLife’s Enterprise Data & Analytics team has been assembling an industry-leading group of data scientists and business strategists who are working to fundamentally change the game for predictive analytics in insurance distribution. Leveraging the latest in machine learning and predictive modeling, the team’s efforts culminated late last year with the launch of Atlas for the 2023 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Atlas is a best-in-class data platform that leverages proprietary internal and third-party external data to predict the most popular Medicare Advantage plans down to the county level, allowing AmeriLife affiliates to identify coverage gaps in their areas, build more performative and sustainable sales and marketing strategies, as well as support agent recruitment and carrier relations. “The incredible potential of a platform such as Atlas demands an intentional approach that brings together the right people, data and technology at the right time, all combined with continuous feedback we receive from our distribution partners,” said Tim Calvert, Chief Operating Officer for AmeriLife. “The success of Atlas proved that a true, cutting-edge data platform requires more than a ‘field of dreams’ strategy; it’s about delivering a bespoke experience with real value to our partners whose insights can also benefit all of our companies collectively.” “Data and our data scientists are at the core of Atlas. THL partnered with Tim, Mark Springett, and their team, along with our Chief Architect, Jagjit Singh, to create a model that drives insights across the full value chain, driving benefits previously unavailable,” added Mark Benaquista, Managing Director in THL’s Strategic Resource Group. “In its inaugural year, we have seen the impact and are excited for the next set of advancements.” As the team looks ahead to balance of 2023, it anticipates a number of new enhancements, dashboard expansions, and other forecasting tools will be added to its solutions suite for agency owners, marketers and agents to optimize their sales and marketing activities and grow their client bases. Most critically, though, will be the continued expansion of its proprietary dataset, which will arguably be the industry’s most comprehensive dataset of both proprietary internal and external third-party data for an unparalleled view of the evolving Medicare market. “Partnering with our agents, advisors and marketers, along with leveraging data, technology and data science, has allowed us – in a short amount of time – to provide the highest level of actionable insights to help them grow and sustain their businesses,” said Mark Springett, senior vice president of Enterprise Data & Analytics for AmeriLife. “We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of the transformative impact of these insights, and look forward to rolling out more resources in the coming months." ### About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as the leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For more than 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents and advisors and 120 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Media Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Patrick Nichols +1 727-726-0726 pnichols@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

April 25, 2023 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

ToolsGroup and North America’s Largest Tire Distributor to Present at Gartner Symposium, May 8-10, Orlando Florida

ToolsGroup

ToolsGroup announced today that we are exhibiting at the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo 2023 in Orlando Florida, May 8-10. We’re also pleased to announce that one of ToolsGroup’s top customers, American Tire Distributors, has been selected to present on May 8, 12:05 pm on Stage 2, Supply Chain Xpo Atlantic Hall. Sarah Voorhees, Vice President of Demand and Inventory Planning at American Tire Distributors, will discuss how ATD improved in-house planning processes by adopting ToolsGroup Service Optimizer 99+ (SO99+). Thanks to the solution’s AI-powered probabilistic forecasting engine, ATD has gained new insights into demand behavior, enabling them to increase customer satisfaction and profit margins while lowering inventory. It has moved from fixed forecast intervals to forward-looking dynamic planning, and increased forecast collaboration with both suppliers and end retailers for better, faster decisions. “As North America’s premier tire distributor, we at ATD understand the challenges facing our partners in the automotive industry,” said Voorhees. “Our goal is to help our suppliers and customers continually adapt to changing trends and disruptions. With ToolsGroup SO99+, we have the AI-driven supply chain planning solutions that allow us to adapt quickly and stay flexible, helping us meet our own business goals while delivering on our promises to customers and strengthening our relationships within the industry.” “ATD’s story is indicative of a new wave of supply chain strategies that leverage probabilistic techniques and artificial intelligence to thrive in today’s volatile economic climates,” said ToolsGroup CMO, Kevin Young. “By harnessing ToolsGroup’s AI-driven solutions, ATD’s supply chain absorbs disruption-related shockwaves and generates data-driven insights for better, faster decision making, network-wide. We’re thrilled to partner with ATD as they drive innovation with their upstream and downstream partners to reduce inventory and improve service across the entire supply network.” Interested in learning more about ToolsGroup’s solutions? Book a meeting here and stop by booth #344. CONTACT Mark Gallant, VP of Corporate Marketing & Communications, ToolsGroup +1 978-808-0123 mgallant@toolsgroup.com About Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo conference delivers must-have insights, strategies and frameworks for chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) and supply chain leaders to think big and drive real impact within their organizations. Join a global community of CSCOs and supply chain executives in 2023. For more information visit: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/na/supply-chain-us About ToolsGroup 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 ESG 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

April 25, 2023 11:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

AmpliTech Group CEO Fawad Maqbool Shares Insights at HIA-LI Innovation Event

Amplitech Group, Inc.

AmpliTech Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMPG ) a renowned designer, developer, and manufacturer of state-of-the-art signal-processing components for satellite, 5G, and other communication networks, and a worldwide distributor of packages and lids for integrated circuit assembly, hosted the HIA-LI Innovation event this week at its headquarters in Hauppauge. Fawad Maqbool, the Founder and CEO of AmpliTech, participated in a panel discussion alongside esteemed industry leaders and elected town officials. The event, aimed at promoting and celebrating innovative businesses in Long Island, gathered a select group of experts to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and future prospects in technology and innovation. As the head of AmpliTech, a company committed to enabling the communications systems of tomorrow, today, Mr. Maqbool provided valuable insights into the industry and his company's contributions to the vibrant Long Island business ecosystem. Under Mr. Maqbool's leadership, AmpliTech has been at the forefront of technological advancements in the fields of 5G, satellite communications, and defense applications. The company's cutting-edge products have contributed to the rapid expansion of the wireless communications industry and is committed to become a global leader in its sector. During the HIA’s panel discussion, Fawad Maqbool shared his views on the significant role Long Island plays in driving innovation and entrepreneurship. The Hauppauge Innovation Park where AmpliTech is located, is comprised of over 55K employees, 1,300 companies contributing over $13 Billion to the Long Island economy (as mentioned on HIA-LI’s website ). This event emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and fostering connections between academia and the private sector to propel the growth of Long Island's economy. Mr. Maqbool, a graduate of NYU Tandon School of Engineering, early in his career had the vision of creating his own company, located in the Hauppauge Innovation Park, which is now a reality. As someone focused on building technology that will propel new innovations, Mr. Maqbool expressed excitement about how the products his company is working on will set the stage for the next phase of innovation in disruptive technologies in the communications sector. He specifically mentioned how satcom, 5G/6G, and quantum computing, will serve as the pillars upon which the next generation of wireless technology will operate. Mr. Maqbool praised the HIA-LI event and esteemed organizers and participants, as an essential platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among the region's innovative businesses. The HIA-LI Innovation event showcased the strength and diversity of Long Island's technology landscape, providing an opportunity for industry leaders like Fawad Maqbool to share their experiences and vision for the future. About AmpliTech Group: AmpliTech Group, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes state-of-the-art radio frequency (RF) microwave components for global satellite communications, telecom (5G & IoT), space, defense, and quantum computing markets as well as systems and component design consulting services. In December 2021, AmpliTech completed the purchase of the assets and operations of Spectrum Semiconductor Materials Inc. a global specialty distributor of semiconductor components based in San Jose, CA. AmpliTech has a 13+ year track record of developing high performance, custom solutions to meet the unique needs of some of the largest companies in the global industries we serve. We are proud of our focused team's unique skills, experience and dedication, which enables us to deliver superior solutions, faster time to market, competitive pricing, excellent customer satisfaction and repeat business. For more information, visit: www.amplitechgroup.com About HIA-LI: HIA-LI is an organization dedicated to promoting economic development and growth in Long Island, New York. Through networking events, educational programs, and strategic partnerships, HIA-LI connects businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals to foster innovation, collaboration, and success in the region. Corporate Social Media Twitter: @AmpliTechAMPG Instagram: @AmpliTechAMPG Facebook: AmpliTechInc Investor Social Media Twitter: @AMPG_IR StockTwits: @AMPG_IR Company Contact: Shan Sawant, Director of Communications AmpliTech Group, Inc. Investors@amplitechgroup.com Investor Relations Contact: Kirin Smith, President PCG Advisory, Inc. ksmith@pcgadvisory.com www.pcgadvisory.com Contact Details AmpliTech Group, Inc. Investors@amplitechgroup.com Company Website http://www.amplitechgroup.com/

April 25, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

43-Year Printing Business Graphic Communications Converts to Minuteman Press Franchise in Shelby Township, Michigan

Minuteman Press International Inc

43-year printing business Graphic Communications has been sold by Dennis Wrobleski to new owners Nathan and Jane Kogan. Following the sale, the business is being converted to a full-service Minuteman Press franchise. The new Minuteman Press in Shelby Township is located at 50671 Wing Drive, Shelby Township, MI 48315. On buying the business, Nathan Kogan says, “My background was in finance and accounting. I held a position as an Assistant Controller for a privately owned wealth management company for almost 19 years. My wife and I decided to become business owners because we wanted to build something for ourselves and our kids. Our hope is that someday, our kids will join us and want to be a part of this wonderful company.” Seller Dennis Wrobleski shares, “My main objective in transferring the business was the security of my employees and the care of our clientele. I was happy to learn that Minuteman Press franchise owners are supported and trained to handle the print and marketing needs of local businesses. I believe this will be a huge benefit to our clients adding access to more products and services. The most likely prospect of growth with the expansion of products available to our existing clientele and new clients ensures a beneficial outcome for the employees.” History of the Business Graphic Communications began as a Michigan partnership in 1980. Dennis explains, “My former partner Bill Schulz and I worked together at Kux Manufacturing Company in Detroit, Michigan. In the early 1950s, Kux Manufacturing Company, founded by Richard Kux, became the largest manufacturer of decals and identification markings for cars and trucks in the country. Kux was set up for high volume production of fleet graphics, and worked mostly with national brands. Our goal was to provide this same level of high quality graphic products and service to local businesses. Kux was very helpful and supportive of our venture and continued to outsource work to us as our business grew.” Dennis continues, “Graphic Communications made the transition from manual tooling processes to digital graphics. We rely on the latest software, computerized cutting machines, large format printing, and mostly our talented staff of graphic designers and production artists, to serve our clients with professional graphic art solutions.” Selling the Business As he was exploring his options for selling the business, Dennis ended up meeting with Minuteman Press Regional VP Rich DeRosa, who explained the benefits of Minuteman Press International’s conversion program that connects sellers like Dennis with buyers like Nathan and Jane Kogan. Dennis shares, “When I met Rich DeRosa, my business was already listed for sale with a broker. As soon as the broker contract expired, I called Rich and we set up a meeting. Rich not only had a very good understanding of my business, he had a potential buyer in mind that he had been working with. Rich explained the straightforward process and I also learned a lot from the Minuteman Press website. “I think it’s great working with an organization that is interested in success for the buyer and the seller. Knowing that the new owner of Graphic Communications will be equipped with the knowledge and support from Minuteman Press to continue to serve our clients is a big relief for me. I am confident that the business and employees will be in good hands.” -Dennis Wrobleski, Selling Owner, Graphic Communications Buying the Business From his perspective as a new business owner, Nathan Kogan found the right fit in buying a well-established business while also being supported by Minuteman Press as a franchisee. Nathan shares, “We chose to buy an established business because it gave us comfort and a feeling of stability to come into something that is already a proven model, but would also have tons of upside for growth. We chose Minuteman Press due to its incredible reviews and a support system for the owners.” Nathan continues, “Working with Minuteman Press International was extremely easy and comforting. Rich DeRosa was extremely supportive and helpful throughout this whole process. And patient, especially with me. The training and support is extremely important; it's definitely one of the main reasons we were drawn to this particular franchise.” “I look forward to building on the legacy that Dennis created with Graphic Communications for 43 years while also beginning this new chapter with Minuteman Press, Shelby Township.” -Nathan Kogan, New Owner, Minuteman Press, Shelby Township, MI Transition & Advice for Others With the transition of the business from Graphic Communications to Minuteman Press, Shelby Township already in motion, Nathan shares the following advice for aspiring business owners: “I would highly recommend following your passion and dreams. But before jumping in, do your due diligence and be sure you are ready for all that is to come.” As this chapter closes for Dennis, he reflects, “It wasn’t easy starting a business with few resources besides time and determination. In many ways, it’s even harder to make an exit. I’m thankful for everyone I met through this business. I’m blessed that I was able to use my talent as a graphic artist to serve so many great people and businesses in the Metropolitan Detroit area. I know the business is being left in great hands with Nathan and Jane Kogan and Minuteman Press.” Dennis also offers the following parting advice for business owners looking to secure a sale of their printing businesses: “Call Minuteman Press. Also, having all bookkeeping and financial reports up to date helps for a smooth transition.” Minuteman Press, Shelby Township (formerly Graphic Communications) is located at 50671 Wing Drive, Shelby Township, MI 48315. For more information, call 586-566-5200 or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/mi/shelby-township/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. To learn about selling your printing business through Minuteman Press at no cost or broker fees to you, visit https://bit.ly/minutemanpressconversions Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

April 25, 2023 09:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

S&P Global and major investors back Credora in building transparent credit markets

Credora

The crypto lending business model has come under intense scrutiny following a spate of recent credit events. Credora is helping rebuild confidence in credit markets through transparency, and today the lending infrastructure provider announced a $6m strategic funding round with S&P Global and Coinbase Ventures as major investors. The funding will be used to further build institutional rails for credit, and enhance Credora’s private computation technology that helps accurately underwrite and monitor borrowers. Information asymmetry has been one of the root causes of recent credit events like Three Arrows Capital and Alameda, with borrowers unwilling to share sensitive information and lenders forced to rely on reputation and relationships when extending credit. The other major issue that plagued crypto credit markets was the crumbling of centralized lenders. Billions of dollars of client capital were lost due to opaque principal lending models (Genesis, BlockFi, Celsius, Voyager). Darshan Vaidya, CEO of Credora commented, “Credora solves the information asymmetry problem by using private computation techniques on real-time data, ensuring borrowers continuously validate their creditworthiness while maintaining the privacy of their sensitive information. Credora’s technology helps create more transparent and open lending markets built on robust underwriting standards.” Founded in 2019, Credora provides lending infrastructure and systematic credit ratings for private credit markets. It utilizes privacy-preserving technology to improve lenders’ ability to properly evaluate credit risk in real-time. Credora has facilitated over $1B in loans across various borrower types. This strategic funding round also included participation from Spartan, Amber Group, CMT Digital, Hashkey, GSR, KuCoin Ventures, Paradigm.co, Pirata Capital, Breed VC, and WAGMI Ventures. With this announcement, Credora has raised over $16m in venture funding to date from notable investors, including Coinshares, DCG, Gemini Frontier Fund, Polychain, Primitive Ventures, and XBTO. "We're delighted to have support for our mission to make credit markets more transparent and efficient, and will continue working with our partners to drive responsible data-driven lending,” said Darshan Vaidya, CEO of Credora. “Adding S&P Global as an investor strengthens our belief that privacy-preserving technology can revolutionize credit underwriting and risk monitoring.” Charles Mounts, Chief DeFi Officer, S&P Global Ratings commented, “We are thrilled to engage in the credit DeFi ecosystem through our investment in Credora and believe the company is well positioned to be leaders in this space due to their innovative approach and utilization of technology.” About Credora Credora is building confidence in credit markets through privacy-preserving technology that enables real-time credit analytics and powers transparent and efficient markets. To date, Credora has facilitated $1b+ in uncollateralized loans across 100+ borrowers & lenders and can help well-capitalized, risk-managed borrowers borrow transparently and securely. Credora currently monitors over $4 billion of borrower assets with coverage across the majority of CeFi and DeFi venues. For more information on Credora, please visit https://credora.io/ About S&P Global S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today. Contact Details Credora Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://credora.io/

April 25, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

GinsGlobal Index Funds CEO identifies key tech trends of 2023

HANetf Holdings Limited

GinsGlobal Index Funds CEO Anthony Ginsberg visits the Proactive London studio to speak with Thomas Warner about the latest trends in tech. Ginsberg highlights growth in demand for remote technology, especially in the Asia Pacific region, which is now leading in cloud and digital entertainment usage. Ginsberg also mentioned that Microsoft's acquisition of Activision is about using smartphones for gaming, which is becoming more popular globally. GinsGlobal Index Funds offers the HAN-GINS Tech Megatrend Equal Weight UCITS ETF through HANetf. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

April 25, 2023 06:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

1 ... 277 278 279 280 281 ... 621