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Make-A-Wish: Granting Wishes, Transforming Lives

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/AfM6sAZRboo Make-A-Wish stands as a beacon of light for children battling critical illnesses. Through their unwavering dedication, this remarkable organization has been transforming lives, one wish at a time. Make-A-Wish is more than just wish fulfillment; it’s an important part of the medical journey that can lead to improved medical outcomes. All of this work wouldn’t be possible without the support of countless “WishMakers” stepping up throughout the process. That’s why Make-A-Wish – with the help of celebrity supporters – is announcing a bold initiative aimed at recruiting 1 million “WishMakers” worldwide. On March 28th, a nationwide media tour was conducted featuring Leslie Motter, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish America, and Chris Campbell, a Make-A-Wish alum (i.e., former wish recipient) who had a wish granted to meet the New York Giants in 2001 while undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. Chris’ wish inspired him to pursue a career as a registered nurse and complete the 2023 New York City Marathon to raise money to grant more wishes. They were joined in interviews by WWE Superstar, Cody Rhodes. Topics they discussed during the media tour included: · How Make-A-Wish was started, and the stories of previous wishes granted. · The launch of “WishMakers Wanted.” · Hearing from Make-A-Wish alum Chris about the impact of his wish being granted and how it inspired him to go into the medical field and complete the New York City Marathon. · Why Cody Rhodes choose to grant wishes and be involved with Make-A-Wish. · How people can get involved throughout World Wish Month (April) and on World Wish Day (April 29). For more information, visit wishmaker.org Additional photos are available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/hjyotvf0rk10xfmtfll6s/AJL1EZ6ntlTYZ3vrgJisN34?rlkey=v7x9wsmm7k5574sqdtj8cmm4f&dl=0 Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 10, 2024 10:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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KME Insurance Brokerage Partners with ICON

AmeriLife

ICON, a joint venture between AIMCOR Group, LLC (“AIMCOR”) and AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), announced today that it has entered into a partnership with KME Insurance Brokerage, a leading, national brokerage firm that specializes in corporate and individual disability and life insurance. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed. “I’m excited to partner with Steve Heney and his team and look forward to a bright future for KME as part of ICON,” said Marc Verbos, president of ICON. “This partnership further highlights our vision and dedication to create a platform that combines expertise, resources and innovation to offer value to our affiliates. KME's knowledge of the disability market strengthens our overall capabilities and enables our affiliates to broaden the range of services they offer their agents, allowing them to have a greater impact on the lives of their clients." Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Chicago, KME was built to serve and grow the businesses of employee benefit firms and independent producers to assist their clients with disability and life insurance protection. With more than 100 years of combined industry experience, KME’s in-house experts provide comprehensive support, including point-of-sale assistance, benefits implementation, case manager coordination, underwriting assistance and post-issue client administration. The team’s hands-on approach and deep product knowledge have helped the firm earn a strong reputation for excellence in service, which has been a major engine for its growth and persistency. “The KME Team is excited to partner with ICON,” said Heney, principal of KME. “This collaboration will allow us to expand our footprint and further educate producers on the importance of income protection and life insurance. This partnership will not only enhance our services, but also provide our producers with even more valuable resources and support.” As part of ICON, KME will gain access to new life insurance and annuity products, among other leading resources, and become a part of a rapidly expanding AmeriLife Wealth Group, which aims to deliver best-in-class services to the modern agent and financial professional to ensure their clients – no matter their stage of life – never outgrow them. “Continuing to add to ICON’s strong, diverse roster of partners is a crucial piece of AmeriLife Wealth Group’s long-term strategy to transform wealth distribution,” added Mike Vietri, Chief Distribution Officer of AmeriLife Wealth Group. “I’m thrilled to welcome Steve to our growing platform and look forward to watching his business grow and thrive under Marc’s leadership.” ### About KME Insurance Brokerage Founded in 2007, KME Insurance Brokerage specializes in both disability and life insurance to assist benefit consultants and independent producers with their clients’ needs. KME’s experts’ combined 100-plus years of experience is a testament to its knowledge and relationships within the industry, providing unparalleled results for its affiliated brokers. For more information, visit KMEIns.com. About ICON ICON (“AIMCOR Consolidated LLC”) is a joint venture between AIMCOR Group, LLC and AmeriLife Group, LLC. By combining the power of a premier national marketing organization (“NMO”) with capital resources, ICON offers brokerage distributors access to innovative technology, a multi-product platform and a robust suite of centralized shared services to better scale their business, protect their legacy, and enhance their service offerings. As part of ICON, affiliates not only benefit from access to resources and distribution, they join a community that allows them to maximize their entrepreneurial spirit and drive innovation, be at the forefront of transformation, take a long-term view, and most importantly make a greater impact on the lives of their team, their agency, and their communities. For more information, visit icon-ac.com, and follow ICON on LinkedIn. 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 financial professionals and more than 100 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details AmeriLife | Media Jeff Maldonado media@amerilife.com ICON | Media Mike English menglish@icon-ac.com Partnership Inquiries Patrick Nichols corporatedevelopment@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

April 10, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Above Food Announces Effectiveness of Form F-4 Registration Statement in connection with its Proposed Business Combination with Bite Acquisition Corp.

Above Food Corp.

New York, NY and Regina, SK – TheNewswire - April 1 0, 2024) –– Above Food Corp. (“Above Food” or the “Company”), an innovative food company leveraging its vertically integrated supply chain to deliver differentiated ingredients and consumer products, and Bite Acquisition Corp. (NYSE AMERICAN: BITE) (“Bite”), a special purpose acquisition company, announced today that on April 8, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) declared effective the Registration Statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”) filed by Above Food Ingredients Inc., a direct and wholly owned subsidiary of Above Food (“New Above Food”).  The Registration Statement contains a proxy statement of Bite and a prospectus of Above Food in connection with the previously announced business combination of Above Food and Bite (the “Business Combination”). Upon the closing of the proposed Business Combination, New Above Food will become a public company and is expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “ABVE”.   The Registration Statement provides important information about Above Food’s business, differentiated seed-to-fork platform, intellectual property, and vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities, as well as the proposed Business Combination, and the proposals to be considered by Bite's shareholders. Imminently, Above Food will call its Extraordinary General Meeting (the “Special Meeting”) of its shareholders to vote on the approval and adoption of the Business Combination. The definitive proxy statement will also be mailed to holders of Bite’s common stock in connection with Bite’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by Bite’s stockholders regarding the proposed Business Combination and related matters. The Bite Extraordinary Shareholder Meeting is expected to take place on April 29, 2024. Lionel Kambeitz, Chief Executive Officer at Above Food, said: "We are thrilled to have reached this milestone, and to see the progress Above Food has made towards the consummation of the Business Combination, and are working on the next steps, in order to finalize the go-public process. We encourage our fellow Above Food shareholders to support the Business Combination." The Business Combination is expected to close shortly after shareholder approval at the Special Meeting, subject to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.       Above Food’s Investment Highlights   Above Food is a scaled, innovative food company leveraging its vertically integrated supply chain to deliver differentiated ingredients to ~260 customers globally and consumer products to ~35,000 retail points of distribution.     Well-positioned in a high-growth, US$200 billion plant-based market with multiple macroeconomic demand drivers, including food scarcity and insecurity, global supply chain disruption, ESG and sustainability and deepening sector appeal.     Above Food’s vertically integrated sourcing, traceability systems, and regenerative supply chain enables a “Seed-to-Fork” platform that supports a complementary portfolio of ingredients and consumer products.     Verification of quality and integrity through extensive food safety and food supply certifications, including BRC AA, HACCP, Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC), Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO), USDA Organic, Certified Kosher (COR), Vegan, Tested Glyphosate Clean, and Non-GMO Verified.     Ownership and control of proprietary seed genetics, and ongoing trait improvements through agronomy, production protocols and natural genetic selection.     Established global distribution network and customer contracts drive revenue predictability.     Advisors   EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. is acting as financial advisor and capital markets advisor to Bite. Roth Capital Partners, LLC will act as lead placement agent, and ATB Capital Markets USA Inc., EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. and Centurion One Capital Corp. will act as placement agents, in connection with a PIPE. Latham & Watkins LLP and Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP are acting as legal counsels to Above Food. Greenberg Traurig LLP is acting as legal counsel to Bite.   About Above Food   Above Food Corp. is a differentiated, regenerative ingredient company that celebrates delicious products made with real nutritious, flavorful ingredients and delivered with transparency. Above Food’s vision is to create a healthier world — one seed, one field, and one bite at a time. With a robust chain of custody of plant proteins, enabled by scaled operations and infrastructure in primary agriculture and processing, Above Food delivers nutritious foods to businesses and consumers with traceability and sustainability. Above Food’s consumer products and brands are available online at www.abovefood.com and in leading grocers across Canada and the United States.   About Bite Acquisition Corp.   Bite Acquisition Corp is a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Bite is led by Chair and CEO Alberto Ardura and a team of successful industry executives, and venture capital investors who have long track records of operating business in the restaurant and food industries.   Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements   Certain statements included in this Press Release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or events that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of financial and performance metrics and projections of market opportunity. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this Press Release, and on the current expectations of Above Food’s and Bite’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Above Food and Bite. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including (i) changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; (ii) the inability of the parties to successfully or timely consummate the proposed Business Combination, including the risk that any required regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect the combined company, the expected benefits of the proposed Business Combination or that the approval of the stockholders of Bite or Above Food is not obtained, any of the other conditions to closing are not satisfied or that events or other circumstances give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement relating to the proposed Business Combination; (iii) changes to the structure of the proposed Business Combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or as a condition to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals; (iv) the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards following the consummation of the proposed Business Combination; (v) the risk that the proposed Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of Above Food as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination; (vi) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; (vii) costs related to the proposed Business Combination; (viii) changes in applicable law or regulations; (ix) risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Above Food; (x) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Bite or Above Food; (xi) the effects of competition on Above Food’s future business; (xii) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Above Food’s business; (xiii) the ability of Bite or the combined company to issue equity or equity-linked securities or obtain debt financing in connection with the proposed Business Combination or in the future; (xiv) the enforceability of Above Food’s intellectual property rights, including its copyrights, patents, trademarks and trade secrets, and the potential infringement on the intellectual property rights of others; (xv) Above Food’s ability to execute its planned acquisition strategy, including to successfully integrate completed acquisitions and realize anticipated synergies; and (xvi) those factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Bite's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 11, 2024, the Registration Statement and other documents filed, by Bite and/or New Above Food with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that none of Bite or Above Food presently know or that Bite or Above Food currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Bite’s and Above Food’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this Press Release. Bite and Above Food anticipate that subsequent events and developments may cause Bite’s and Above Food’s assessments to change. However, while Bite and Above Food may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Bite and Above Food specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. Nothing in this communication should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Certain market data information in this Press Release is based on the estimates of Above Food and Bite management. Above Food and Bite obtained the industry, market and competitive position data used throughout this Press Release from internal estimates and research as well as from industry publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Above Food and Bite believe their estimates to be accurate as of the date of this Press Release. However, this information may prove to be inaccurate because of the method by which Above Food or Bite obtained some of the data for its estimates or because this information cannot always be verified due to the limits on the availability and reliability of raw data and the voluntary nature of the data gathering process.   Important Information   This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed Business Combination and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the proposed Business Combination. Investors and security holders and other interested parties are urged to read the Registration Statement, including any amendments thereto, and any other documents filed with the SEC when they become available, carefully and in their entirety because they will contain important information about Bite, Above Food and the proposed Business Combination. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and the definitive proxy statement to be incorporated by reference therein and filed in connection with the Business Combination (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Bite or New Above Food through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. These documents (when they are available) can also be obtained free of charge from Bite upon written request to Bite by emailing alberto@biteacquisitioncorp.com. The definitive proxy statement will also be mailed to holders of Bite’s common stock in connection with Bite’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by Bite’s stockholders regarding the proposed Business Combination and related matters.   Participants in the Solicitation   Bite and Above Food and their respective directors and certain of their respective executive officers, other members of management and employees, under SEC rules, may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the proposed Business Combination. Information about the directors and executive officers of Bite is included in Bite’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 11, 2024, which is available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the Registration Statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed Business Combination by Bite or New Above Food. Stockholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the Registration Statement carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. These documents, when available, can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.   No Offer or Solicitation   This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, exchange, buy or subscribe for any securities or a solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law.   Contacts   Media: media@abovefood.com   Investors: investors@abovefood.com

April 10, 2024 09:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Ripple to Issue USD-Backed Stablecoin, NEAR Protocol and KangaMoon Continue Stunning Growth

Kangamoon

Ripple announces stablecoin market entry and the price of XRP can reach $1.30 by Q4, 2024 NEAR Protocol rises 266.5% and can rise to $10.48 by the end of 2024 KangaMoon raises over $4.4 million and can spike 100x following its complete launch Ripple (XRP) has seen an increased level of interest as the company Ripple, a leading provider for blockchain-based and crypto solutions for enterprises, has announced plans for the launch of a stablecoin backed by the U.S. dollar, marking its entry into a $154.7 billion stablecoin market. Alongside it, NEAR Protocol (NEAR) has exploded in value 266.5% year-to-date (YTD) and could soon reach new heights. However, the most gains were made by KangaMoon ( KANG ) which is up 290%, and at this rate could surge further up. To see which is the top crypto to buy, we will go over their on-chart metrics. Ripple (XRP) to Grow to $1.30 Following Latest Stablecoin Market Entry Announcement Ripple (XRP) has experienced an upwards trend as its year-to-date (YTD) climb has been by 20.4%. However, it is yet to achieve significant gains, and these will come during 2024 following the latest announcement that the Ripple company will be entering the $154.7 billion stablecoin market. According to the official blog post, this will be a stablecoin which will be 100% backed by USD deposits, alongside short-term US government treasuries and even other cash equivalents. The stablecoin will be available on the XRP Ledger. However, they will also make it a part of the Ethereum blockchain, however, there are plans to expand to additional blockchains and decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. The Ripple price has moved between $0.56 to $0.61 during the past week, and at this rate could reach new heights. However, the Ripple crypto will first need to gain additional investor and whale attention in order to spike in value. Based on the Ripple price prediction however, it can end 2024 at $1.30. NEAR Protocol (NEAR) Grows 266.5% YTD – Price to Reach $10.48 NEAR Protocol (NEAR) has experienced much further gains as its year-to-date (YTD) climb was by 266.5% in the past year. Moreover, during the past month, the NEAR Protocol price has gone up 19.1%, and in the past week it moved up by 10%. During this time-frame, the NEAR Protocol crypto went up from $6.16 to $7.53, and could soon break even above the $8 price barrier. If it does so, it is set to reach new heights as according to the NEAR Protocol price prediction, it can spike to $10.48 by Q4, 2024. KangaMoon (KANG) to Grow 100x Following Its Launch KangaMoon (KANG) is an upcoming project that will introduce Social-Fi elements and a community-driven approach, alongside Play-to-Earn (P2E) features. With its current rate of growth, it managed to spike 280%, as it moved from $0.005 to $0.0196. In addition, its raised $4,463,830.183 and could soon break above $5 million raised. On top of this platform, anyone can earn KANG tokens or NFTs by engaging with their KangaMoon characters. They can battle other players, complete tournaments, or even spectate and place bets on fights. Another major part of its ecosystem is the marketplace in which anyone can buy, sell or trade NFTs. Analysts are now bullish on the future of KangaMoon and project a 100x price increase following its full launch, as it is now at Stage 5 of its blockchain ICO. These aspects position it as the best crypto to invest in now. Discover the Exciting Opportunities of the KangaMoon (KANG) Presale Today! Website: https://KangaMoon.com/ Join Our Telegram Community: https://t.me/KangaMoonofficial Integrating GameFi and Play To EarnEmbark on your quest for glory. Assemble your champions, engage in epic battles or bet on your favorite fighters to earn $KANG tokens and exclusive rewards. Gain control of rare NFTs, unlock exclusive content and build alliances with fellow gamers as you ascend the ranks and leaderboards. Contact Details Kangamoon marketing@kangamoon.com Company Website https://kangamoon.com/

April 10, 2024 08:08 AM Central Daylight Time

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ACTIVATE BRINGS HIGH TECH PHYSICAL GAMING TO CHARLOTTE

Activate

Activate, the pioneering live-action gaming venue and viral sensation on TikTok, is excited to announce the grand opening of its first North Carolina location in Charlotte, opening on May 3, 2024. The unique and dynamic venue promises an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the nationwide gaming phenomenon. Activate Charlotte is located at 1848 Galleria Blvd Suite 9B, Charlotte, NC, 28270, USA. With 20 locations in North America's hottest cities, such as Houston, Plano, Chicago, Atlanta, and New Jersey, Activate Charlotte joins the family, promising an electrifying mix of games that will put your agility and wit to the ultimate test. "Charlotte's vibrant culture is the perfect match for our physically immersive gaming adventures," said Bryce Anderson, Partner at Activate. "We can't wait to energize the city with our unique blend of tech and play. It’s a destination where every visit is a new challenge, every game a fresh conquest." Activate Charlotte’s new state-of-the-art gaming facility welcomes all ages and skill levels, encouraging players to explore and create their own unique gaming experience. Here’s what to expect: Guests can sign up in groups of two to five players Through progress tracking via Activate’s high-tech electronic RFID wristbands, players can rack up points, level up, and earn prizes along the way. Top gaming rooms include the TikTok viral sensation Mega Grid with 500+ multi-activated rainbow-colored tiles, blasting the beaming bullseye in a game called Strike, and feeling like a modern-day spy in the Laser room. Try Level 1, easy, or take it to Level 10, extreme. Play as a team in cooperative mode, or challenge your friends in competitive mode games. "Activate is about igniting that team spirit and passion for fun," added Anderson. "We're here to create epic stories, memorable laughs, and to cheer as our guests shatter records. We believe in fun that fuels the soul and games that push you to your playful limits!" Additional Activate locations are set to open in 2024 across the U.S. in markets such as Kansas City, Columbus, and Detroit, along with internationally in the UK and UAE. Today, Activate operates in over 20 locations across Canada and the U.S. PLAN YOUR VISIT Book in advance to save time and ensure a game room is available. Each game lasts 1-3 minutes. The full gaming experience lasts 75 minutes. Complete the safety waiver required for you to play in advance. Wear activewear and flat, closed-toe shoes. Age requirements: Children 10 and under require a paid adult with them at all times in gaming rooms. Children ages 11 to 13 must have an adult present at the facility. Where: 1848 Galleria Blvd Suite 9B, North Carolina. When: Sun-Thur 9:30am - 10:00pm, Fri-Sat 9:30am - 11:00pm. For a sneak peek into Activate’s action-packed gaming experience, and to keep tabs on the Activate Charlotte grand opening, visit https://playactivate.com/charlotte. Join the Inner Circle to be the first to hear about new locations, behind-the-scenes information, deals, and more. As a thank you for signing up, Activate will extend 50% off your first booking, valid until June 3rd, 2024. Please find imagery assets here. To keep tabs on the grand opening, visit https://playactivate.com. Founded in 2019, Activate is a state-of-the-art gaming facility with locations across the United States and Canada. Each Activate location offers a variety of unique gaming rooms with over 700 levels for players to compete, earn stars, and track achievements online. Activate combines physical activity and gaming to create an immersive experience as part of a healthy lifestyle. To learn more about Activate, please visit https://playactivate.com. Follow Activate on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/activategames and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/activategames/. Contact Details Jalila Singerff +1 613-614-6777 jalila@jiveprdigital.com Company Website https://playactivate.com

April 10, 2024 09:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Kartoon Studios (AMEX: TOON) Releases 2023 Financial Report With $44.1 Million In Revenue

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Kartoon Studios (AMEX: TOON), a global company specializing in creating, producing, distributing, marketing and licensing entertainment brands, has announced its 2023 financial results to shareholders. With a diverse portfolio of original animated content, including popular shows such as Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten, Shaq's Garage, Rainbow Rangers and Llama Llama, Kartoon Studios has established itself as a prominent player in the children’s media industry. For the quarter that ended on December 31, 2023, Kartoon Studios recorded revenue of $8.8 million, contributing to the annual revenue of $44.1 million. As of December 31, 2023, Kartoon Studios had assets totaling $57.1 million, working capital amounting to $11.5 million and a total stockholders' equity of $53.3 million. The company’s streaming platform Kartoon Channel! was key to 2023’s results. Notably, the company reached a break-even point for operating income in the fourth quarter of last year. In comparison, it took Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) six years to break even. The paid subscriber base for Kartoon Channel! grew by 19% in 2023 compared to the previous year. The company’s production arm, Mainframe Studios, also experienced growth in 2023, having seemingly recovered with ease after industry-wide strikes by actors and writers last year. With a growing sales pipeline and newly greenlit projects, the company projects that Mainframe Studios willl generate more than $40 million in revenue. Implementing Cost Savings The company’s new Chief Financial Officer, Brian Parisi, commented, "Kartoon Studios remains steadfast in its commitment to maximizing our operational efficiency and implementing stringent cost management practices, all with the goal of achieving sustained, long-term, profitable growth. We are actively pursuing a detailed plan aimed at lowering operational costs throughout the organization while growing revenue alongside the recovery of the overall industry.” “Our efforts are bearing fruit, as evidenced by the decline in our loss from operations in Q4 2023, net of impairment, by 39% from Q4 2022 and 48% from Q3 2023. In my first five months at the company, we have already identified more than $3.5 million of additional annual cost savings across the business, which we believe will further reduce our loss from operations and pave the way to achieve our goal of sustainable and growing profitability, as our key brands begin to grow and flourish,” he said. Kartoon Studios reports that its kids and family media agency, Beacon Media Group, has also defied industry trends by driving 16% quarterly growth compared to Q4 2022, achieving its highest quarterly revenue since 2021. “Under the leadership of Cindy Kelly, President of Beacon Media Group, the company has broadened its horizons by welcoming six new advertisers and pushing the boundaries with innovative marketing campaigns. Cindy has been instrumental not only in driving business growth amidst a challenging market but also in forging valuable synergies between Beacon Media, Kartoon Channel!, and our Mainframe Studios subsidiary in Canada. Her efforts have positioned Beacon Media Group as a leader in the kids and family media and marketing space, and today represents more toy companies than any other media agency,” Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Kartoon Studios, added. Going into 2024, the company has stated that it will be further focusing on the Stan Lee brand and implementing AI across the organization, with significant initiatives underway. These initiatives aim to propel the Stan Lee brand further and enhance operational efficiency through the use of AI technology. The CEO is confident about the prospects of the company, sharing “Kartoon Channel! has evolved into a leading destination for children's entertainment, offering thousands of episodes of meticulously curated, safe and family-friendly content. We believe our streaming services, bolstered by strong market reach, and the high quality of our service—as evidenced by our consistent 4.9 out of 5 stars rating on the Apple app store, are poised to be a significant driver of Kartoon Studios' growth strategy moving forward. We continue to be the highest ranked streaming service in the Apple app store, amongst our key competitors, including Netflix Kids, Disney+ MAX, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon.” Featured photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

April 10, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The Five Best Crypto Lending Platforms

Ledn

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga The rapidly growing marketplace of cryptocurrency lending offers investors and borrowers a multitude of opportunities to leverage their digital assets to earn interest or access loans collateralized by their crypto holdings. However, with the market's expansion comes a need for diligence in selecting platforms that not only promise high returns but also prioritize the safety and security of the platform. Amid this backdrop, platforms like Ledn, Binance, Aave, Compound and Crypto.com are leading the charge, each offering unique benefits and features tailored to the diverse needs of the crypto community. Ledn Leading the pack is Ledn, a centralized platform renowned for its robust approach to security, risk management and transparency. Ledn specializes in crypto-backed loans, having originated over $5 billion in loans since its inception in 2018. With a focus on Bitcoin, USDC, USDT and ETH, Ledn caters to a broad audience seeking to either grow their assets or obtain liquidity without selling their holdings. Rapid loan approvals without the need for credit checks, as well as the ability to receive loans in local currency and no prepayment penalties, are contributing toward making Ledn the undisputed leader in loans. Ledn’s leading transparency efforts in Proof of Reserves and monthly Open Book Reports also set Ledn apart – ensuring users can trust in the platform's integrity and stability. Binance Though primarily known for its extensive cryptocurrency exchange services, Binance also offers competitive lending options. With a wide selection of coins and tokens for borrowing, flexible rates and the advantage of repaying loans at any time, Binance is one of the most comprehensive crypto services providers in the industry, with a footprint in nearly every area of the market. However, potential users should be mindful of Binance's ongoing global legal issues, certain restrictions on U.S. users and the platform's focus on VIP loan users, which may limit accessibility for some. Aave Aave stands out as a leading decentralized lending platform operating on the Ethereum blockchain to facilitate loans across a wide range of Ethereum-based cryptocurrencies. Its open-source, permissionless nature allows for immediate access worldwide without the need for approval times, although it is limited to ERC-20 coins and tokens. Aave's commitment to decentralization and accessibility makes it a preferred choice for those looking for autonomy and flexibility in their lending and borrowing activities. While Aave is a top choice in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, it can be a challenging and intimidating service to navigate for those unfamiliar with DeFi. Compound Compound is another decentralized lending platform that mirrors Aave's commitment to permissionless finance by offering a platform that supports a vast array of Ethereum ERC-20 tokens. Its governance token system also empowers users to participate in the platform's decision-making processes, emphasizing a community-driven approach. Although Compound offers competitive interest rates and a focus on both lenders and borrowers, the limitations inherent to DeFi platforms, such as DeFi-supportive crypto wallets and a lack of customer service remain. A lack of support for non-ERC-20 tokens is also a hurdle for most users. Crypto.com Crypto.com is a well-known centralized crypto exchange that offers a comprehensive lending and rewards program, supporting over 21 cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. Its tiered rewards system and exclusive benefits for Private Members, including additional rewards in CRO – a utility token designed by Crypto.com to facilitate transactions within its blockchain and financial ecosystem – and competitive interest rates make it an attractive option for users within the Crypto.com ecosystem. However, those not staking CRO may find interest rates less favorable, and the platform's centralized nature may not appeal to users seeking DeFi solutions. Choosing The Right Platform For Your Needs There are countless options available for crypto lending, but platforms like Ledn, Binance, Aave, Compound and Crypto.com are among the best and provide diverse options for users looking to leverage their digital assets. Whether seeking the safety and transparency of Ledn, the wide asset support of Binance and Crypto.com, or the decentralized focus of Aave and Compound, users must consider their individual needs and the specific features of each platform. However, Ledn stands out with an ideal balance of attractive returns, simplicity and security of its platform, which is unfortunately a leading concern in the crypto industry. Nevertheless, a careful consideration of security and profitability will likely guide you to one of these five cryptocurrency lending platforms. Featured photo by Kanchanara on Unsplash. Ledn builds innovative financial products with a mission to make generational wealth more accessible through digital assets. The company issued Canada’s first bitcoin-backed loan in 2018 and has issued nearly $5B loans since. Ledn is proud to help clients in over 130 countries access credit and savings products to grow their digital wealth. For more information, visit ledn.io. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Adam Reeds adam@ledn.io Company Website https://ledn.io/

April 10, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Booming Demand Spurs Copper Price to New Highs

MarketJar

Copper prices have reached new highs, driven by booming demand and supply constraints. The surge in demand can be attributed to several factors, including the rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market. EVs require significantly more copper than traditional vehicles, and with countries like China and India leading the charge in EV adoption, the demand for copper has skyrocketed. The International Energy Agency predicts that worldwide copper demand could increase by 30% to 60% by 2040 compared to 2022 levels. US infrastructure projects, led by the Biden administration, have also boosted copper demand. Supply constraints from labor disputes, regulations, and COVID-19 disruptions, along with a shift to renewable energy, have tightened the market, affecting key producers like Chile and Peru. The combination of strong demand and limited supply has driven copper prices to record highs, surpassing levels last seen over a decade ago. Goldman Sachs predicts a 40% price increase in copper over the next year, especially in the second half, due to tight global inventories. Analyst Nicholas Snowdon suggests higher prices are needed to balance the market, foreseeing prices peaking next year. He anticipates copper reaching $10,000 per tonne by 2024 and $12,000 per tonne by Q1 2025. Looking ahead, the long-term outlook for copper remains positive. As the world continues to transition towards a greener economy, the demand for copper is expected to remain robust. According to a recent report on the copper market by BMI, a Fitch Solutions research unit, the rising demand for copper, coupled with a weakening U.S. dollar in the latter part of this year, may lead to further increases in copper prices. If supply disruptions and high demand persist, copper prices could rise by over 75% in the coming years. BMI estimates that in the long term, the copper market will stay in a sustained deficit due to the energy transition, continuing to drive demand for copper. Amidst the backdrop of rising global copper demand and tightening supply, Gladiator Metals Corp. (TSXV:GLAD) (OTC:GDTRF) emerges as a key player in this dynamic market. With its sights set on the expansive Whitehorse Copper Project in Yukon, Canada, Gladiator Metals is primed to tap into the burgeoning demand for this indispensable metal. Spanning 16,980 hectares and benefiting from its proximity to vital infrastructure like highways and power lines, the Whitehorse Copper Project is not just vast; it's strategically positioned for cost-effective exploration and subsequent development. High-Grade Copper Exploration in Canada's Whitehorse Copper Belt Gladiator Metals’ (TSXV:GLAD) (OTC:GDTRF) Whitehorse Copper Project stands out for its significant copper mineralization potential, as indicated by historical drilling results and geophysical surveys. In addition to copper, the presence of other metals like gold, silver, and molybdenum could enhance the project's overall value. Gladiator Metals is planning a comprehensive exploration strategy that includes geological mapping, geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys to pinpoint drilling targets. Historical data analysis from 1,284 drill intercepts has revealed high copper grades consistently ranging between 1.42% and 1.54%, with potential by-product credits of gold, silver, and molybdenum potentially increasing the value of the extracted materials by up to 25%. Gladiator Metals has outlined an exploration target aiming for 50 to 100 million tonnes of resources, envisioning the development of a significant copper production operation exceeding 100 million pounds annually. The company has strategically segmented the Whitehorse Copper Project into five principal target areas: Little Chief, Middle Chief, Arctic Chief, Cub Trend, War Eagle Trend, and Cowley Park. The Little Chief area, historically the largest mined deposit, is now the focus of a 10,000m drill program aimed at delineating the extent of its high-grade mineralization. The Arctic Chief prospect, celebrated for its historical high-grade copper alongside gold and silver, is also set for a 10,000m drilling campaign, underscoring the project's expansive resource potential. In March, Gladiator Metals unveiled promising initial drill results from the Middle Chief Prospect for six holes totaling 2162m of drilling within the Chief’s Trend. These results highlight significant copper and gold mineralization, including standout intercepts such as 22 meters at 1.41% copper (Cu) and 0.28 grams per ton (g/t) gold (au) from 208 meters in LCG-001D1, and additional notable findings like 16 meters at 1.29% Cu and 0.61 g/t Au from 249 meters in LCG-001. The drilling encountered mineralization at approximately 150-180m beneath the surface, prompting plans to explore the up-dip extent of these mineralized zones further.. Gladiator Metals also initiated a 5,000 meter diamond drilling program at the Cub Trend Prospect, aiming at significant high magnetic areas identified through the company's ongoing drone magnetic survey. This drilling will target shallow, high-grade, unmined zones of copper skarn mineralization, extending along the strike of the former “Keweenaw and Black Cub South” open cut mines at the Whitehorse Copper Project, which are open in all directions. The drilling campaign aims to test these zones, where historic data indicates promising unmined mineralization. With a tight share structure of 40 million shares, 34% of which are owned by insiders, and a fully funded 15,000 metre drill program underway at its high-grade copper project, Gladiator Metals is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for copper. Click here to learn more about Gladiator Metals Corp. (TSXV:GLAD) (OTC:GDTRF). Contact Details James Young +1 800-340-9767 campaigns@pressreach.com Company Website https://pressreach.com

April 10, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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With Rise In Pancreatic Cancer, Oncotelic Therapeutics (OTCQB: OTLC) Opens Up Enrollment For STOP-PC Clinical Trial

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Unfortunately, an increase in early-onset pancreatic cancer has garnered significant media attention lately. From 2010-2019, gastrointestinal cancer rates jumped almost 15% for people under 50, alarming doctors around the globe. With only a 12% five-year survival rate, pancreatic cancer is anticipated to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. by 2030. It is projected that 64,440 Americans will receive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2024. In 2022, the global market for pancreatic cancer was valued at $2.22 billion, and it is projected to reach approximately $7.91 billion by 2032. This highlights a crucial need for more therapeutic options for pancreatic cancer. Oncotelic Therapeutics (OTCQB: OTLC), a therapeutics company with a focus on cancer and viral infection treatments, is attempting to provide more hope for Americans who are facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The company’s lead immuno-oncology drug candidate is OT-101. Oncotelic Therapeutics says it is showing promise in the treatment of deadly cancers like pancreatic cancer. 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. Clinical Trial For OT-101 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 is one of the most highly aggressive types of cancer that can be difficult to treat and has a high unmet need. Oncotelic Therapeutics is now seeking participants for its upcoming STOP-PC clinical trial. The trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the TGF-β2 Targeting Antisense Oligonucleotide OT-101 in combination with mFOLFIRINOX compared to mFOLFIRINOX alone in patients with advanced and unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer. Previous data has shown that OT-101 has significant activity as a standalone treatment, with reported overall survival rates surpassing existing drug outcomes. In this phase 2/3 trial, participants will be assigned to either receive OT-101 plus mFOLFIRINOX or mFOLFIRINOX alone as second-line therapy after their cancer has progressed. "STOP-PC trial is the combination of mFOLFIRINOX and OT-101 based on our demonstration that reduced TGF- β2 resulted in outstanding improvement in survival among patients treated with Irinotecan with survival beyond 34 months for the low TGF-β2 expression cohort. The mFOLFIRINOX was chosen as the most well tolerated combination of choice through discussion with regulatory authorities and key opinion leaders. We believe this trial will deliver the decisive win against pancreatic cancer," said Dr. Vuong Trieu, CEO of Oncotelic. To learn more about participation in STOP-PC Clinical Trial click here or watch this explainer video here. Featured photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

April 10, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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