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Bitget Introduces Stake-to-Mine Platform PoolX with ChatAI as the first Project

Bitget

Bitget, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, is excited to unveil PoolX, a pioneering stake-to-mine platform, that according to the team allows users to stake specific coins to potentially earn popular tokens in a seamless manner. Starting off with the ChatAI project, PoolX features an AI-driven social and gaming platform on the Solana blockchain. The team states that each PoolX project will feature one or more mining pools, with potential token rewards distributed hourly based on participants' staking volume. Hourly snapshots of staked amounts will be taken to ensure accurate calculations of users' proportionate shares and rewards. Each mining pool on PoolX calculates its Annual Percentage Rate (APR) separately, providing users with diverse opportunities to maximize their potential token earnings. Furthermore, the team states that users enjoy the flexibility to redeem the staked tokens at any time, with staked assets automatically returning to their spot accounts after the mining period ends. The inaugural project on PoolX is ChatAI, a dynamic social and gaming platform powered by AI and based on the Solana blockchain. With a rapidly growing community spanning Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Vietnam, and beyond, ChatAI has amassed over 5 million registered users. Among them, there are over 1 million active users per month and 500,000+ concurrent users daily across more than 170 countries. Gracy Chen, Managing Director of Bitget, states: "PoolX marks a significant advancement in our commitment to empowering users with innovative crypto solutions. With its user-centric design and robust features, PoolX will redefine the token farming experience, offering greater flexibility and profitability to our users." For more information about Bitget PoolX and the ChatAI project, users can visit here. About Bitget Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 25 million users in 100+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more. Bitget inspires individuals to embrace crypto through collaborations with credible partners, including legendary Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi and official eSports events organizer PGL. For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet Bitget is the source of this content. This Press Release is for informational purposes only. The information does not constitute investment advice or an offer to invest. Contact Details PR Team media@bitget.com Company Website https://www.bitget.com/

April 09, 2024 08:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time

From AI To Foodtech, OurCrowd Brings More Opportunities To Investors With Three New Funds

OurCrowd

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga When it comes to transformative, revolutionary technology, AI is high on the list. After all, it impacts everything from how we craft research papers and emails to what we eat. It is also driving unprecedented deal-making with investment dollars pouring into AI and generative AI at a fast clip, with those investments also naturally spilling over into other impacted sectors like foodtech. OurCrowd, the leading global digital investment firm, captures all of those opportunities and more with three popular investment funds: The OurCrowd AI Fund, The OurCrowd FoodTech Fund and OC50 VIII. Through these funds, investors get access to the startups OurCrowd is making bets on in fast-growing markets like AI, foodtech and software-as-a-service, to name a few. Declared Israel’s “most active investor” for the past 10 years by PitchBook, OurCrowd has recorded 63 exits from 440 portfolio companies since its inception in 2013 and is invested in 410 additional companies via partner funds. It has more than 230,000 registered investors from 195 countries among its members. Through the OurCrowd platform, accredited investors can participate in a wide range of deals from individual startups to highly diversified funds, private equity, venture debt and other hard-to-access private market opportunities. OurCrowd gives investors access to multiple funds based on sector, stage, geography or investment thesis. Generative AI Transforming The World The OurCrowd AI Fund is one example of the types of opportunities OurCrowd offers. The $50 million fund seeks appreciation by investing in 20 to 25 AI startups on the OurCrowd platform using AI, generative AI and machine learning to positively impact multiple industries and sectors. The fund is focused on companies developing generative AI across several sectors, including medtech, mobility, agtech, cybersecurity, foodtech, climatech, legaltech and fintech. The fund will also invest in companies that provide AI solutions to support key business categories across technology sectors, including customer operations, marketing and sales, software engineering and R&D. OurCrowd sees a big opportunity for the startups operating in the generative AI space, pointing to ChatGPT to underscore the potential. “Since the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in November 2022 the interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and particularly in generative AI has surged. The remarkable success of ChatGPT is a testament to the power of product/market fit,” OurCrowd wrote in its investment prospectus for the fund. “Launched on November 30, 2022, it gained over 1 million users in just 5 days and reached 100M users in just 2 months. This level of mass adoption for a technology product is unprecedented, way outpacing previous tech innovative waves such as the PC (it took Apple 14 years and Microsoft 10 years to attain 100M users), Internet (Amazon – 12 years, Facebook 5 years and Google raised the bar to 1 year), Mobile (Instagram – 30 months and TikTok – 9 months).” To learn more about the OurCrowd AI Fund and to invest, click here. Technology Changing The Way We Eat Foodtech is another area OurCrowd is bullish about and so it has launched the OurCrowd FoodTech Fund. The fund is raising $30 million to invest in 15 to 20 food technology companies offered on the OurCrowd platform. OurCrowd says the foodtech market is booming, with a few areas of the market dominating, including bioengineering alternative proteins, supply-chain optimization, AI-driven smart home cooking products and delivery apps. The OurCrowd FoodTech Fund invests in a wide range of technology companies seeking to tackle the challenge of feeding the world’s fast-growing population while decarbonizing the global economy. Companies in the fund will also address new trends in culinary preferences, as well as lifestyle pressures and sustainability demands among Millennials and Generation Z. OurCrowd knows a thing or two about foodtech, which is what it says makes its fund attractive to accredited investors. The VC firm has invested more than $102 million across 20 foodtech companies worldwide, including Beyond Meat Inc. (NASDAQ: BYND), which had a successful IPO in 2019. Of its investments, nine are in Israel, which is a global leader in the number of alternative protein startups and amount invested, second only to the U.S. OurCrowd says it’s well positioned to leverage Israel’s cutting-edge leadership in the space via its network of entrepreneurs, scientists, third-party funds and dedicated in-house food and agtech incubators in Israel and New Zealand. Moreover, since 2021, OurCrowd has been among the ten most active VCs globally in foodtech, according to PitchBook data. To learn more about the OC FoodTech fund and how to invest click here. VC Access Through OurCrowd’s OC50 VIII Fund With so many startups in AI, foodtech and other areas of technology, it's not surprising that a lot of deal-making is going on. OurCrowd is giving investors access to that via its hyperdiversified OC50 VIII fund. Through the fund, investors get unprecedented broad exposure to the venture capital asset class across technology sectors where OurCrowd professionals have developed particular expertise, geographies where OurCrowd has developed networks of investors and global partners and across all development stages of startup companies from early-stage to pre-IPO. The investments cover several areas of tech including software-as-a-service (SaaS), fintech, medtech and digital health, mobility, cybersecurity and consumer and enterprise hardware. OurCrowd is leveling the playing field with the fund, giving investors access to venture deals long reserved only for institutional investors and elite VCs – offering instant diversification, rapid deployment of funds, earlier distributions and preferential access to the OurCrowd platform’s top deals. To invest in the OC50 VIII fund and learn more about its strategy click here. Beyond AI And Tech OurCrowd isn’t only focusing on AI and food tech, it's also adapting to geopolitical unrest, recently launching the $50 million Israel Resilience Fund. The fund is focused on startups that are directly affected by the Israeli/Hamas conflict or are developing solutions to address the environmental impact, emergency medicine, food security, cybersecurity, media monitoring, reconstruction and other verticals. That fund closed its first round 40 days after announcing, with $13 million in capital commitments. It's one of the fastest-closing venture funds to go from conception to closure and eight actual investments, according to OurCrowd. The fund plans to invest in about 40 companies and has so far helped to unlock more than $100 million in matching funds from other investors and government bodies. For an opportunity to get in early on the Israeli companies making a difference despite the Israeli/Hamas conflict click here. Change is happening at a dizzying pace driven by AI, generative AI and machine learning. Through these funds from OurCrowd, investors get early access to up-and-coming startups that have the potential to be the leaders of tomorrow. Click here to begin investing with OurCrowd. Featured photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash. OurCrowd was started in 2013, driven by the idea that the business of building startups grows bigger and better when the global ‘crowd’ gains access to VC-level investment opportunities.Today, OurCrowd is a global venture and alternative investing platform that empowers institutions and individuals to invest and engage in emerging companies. OurCrowd vets and selects companies, invests its capital, and provides its global network with unparalleled access to co-invest and contribute connections, talent and deal flow. OurCrowd builds value for its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycles, providing mentorship, recruiting industry advisors, navigating follow-on rounds and creating growth opportunities through its network of multinational partnerships. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Lisa Graston lisa.graston@ourcrowd.com Company Website http://www.ourcrowd.com

April 09, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Gold Hits All-Time High In March: Want To Capitalize On Projected Further Growth, But Not Sure How? Check Out Lou Dobbs-Endorsed Priority Gold

Priority Gold

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga In early April, the price of gold skyrocketed to a record-breaking high of $2,266.8 per troy ounce, marking another significant milestone for the gold market. The rise in gold prices has been consistent over the past few years. In 2023, the LBMA (PM) gold price reached a remarkable year-end close of $2,078.4 per ounce, setting a new record high. This performance resulted in an impressive annual return of 15%. Throughout 2023, the average gold price was strong at $1,940.54 per ounce, 8% higher than in 2022. Experts are expecting 2024 to be yet another impressive year for gold. The precious metal is even attracting the attention of big retailers like Costco (NASDAQ: COST). Last September, Costco began offering gold bars for sale and saw success – surpassing $100 million in sales during their first fiscal quarter of 2024. This surge in demand for gold suggests a growing global unease heightened by the uncertainty often experienced in election years as investors turn to less risky alternatives like gold in lieu of stocks. Given l the growing economic and political turmoil around the world, many expect gold’s historic run to continue. The upcoming and hotly contested U.S. presidential election and ongoing regional conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war will likely further fuel the demand for gold as a safe haven investment. Generally, the appeal of gold becomes even more pronounced when interest rates decline. As interest rates drop, traditional income-generating assets like bonds lose their luster compared to the tangible value of precious metals like gold. So, if the Fed does, in fact, cut rates as it has indicated, gold may shine even brighter in 2024. A Cup And Handle Pattern Forming? The cup and handle theory is a popular technical analysis pattern used in finance that can provide insights into the potential price movements of a given asset. This pattern typically forms after a prolonged uptrend and is characterized by a cup-shaped formation followed by a smaller consolidation stage known as the handle. The cup is formed when the price experiences a decline of at least 20%. The handle, on the other hand, is a smaller downward drift in price before the stock resumes its upward momentum. Some analysts believe that gold is approaching the handle part of this pattern which would indicate a bullish continuation pattern. Investors and traders who are familiar with this pattern may use it as a signal to make decisions regarding buying or selling gold. How To Invest In Gold And Capitalize On This Gold Rush There are several ways to acquire gold, including purchasing physical gold, gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and gold mining stocks. Working with a trusted precious metals dealer is one way to ensure that you make the best choice. Priority Gold is a well-established precious metals dealer with its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. The company has earned a reputation as one of the industry's most trusted and reliable companies. They have been accredited with an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), an AAA Rating with Business Consumer Alliance and a 5-star rating with TrustLink. The company offers a range of services related to precious metals, including the buying and selling of physical gold and silver. They also provide expertise and guidance in acquiring precious metals, particularly through Gold IRA options. Priority Gold has an extensive inventory of gold and silver products, making them a valuable resource for anyone seeking to diversify their portfolios with precious metals. The company has even gotten a stamp of approval from American commentator, author, TV and radio host Lou Dobbs: “There’s a reason that Priority Gold is ‘America’s Precious Metals Dealer.’ They’re an A+ rated company and committed to complete customer satisfaction.” It is anticipated that by the end of 2024, the price of gold could exceed $2,300 and projections indicate that the price of XAU/USD will continue to climb in the period between 2024 and 2030 – with XAU being the benchmark Philadelphia Gold and Silver Index. In the most optimistic scenario, experts believe gold prices could even hit above $4,000/oz. by 2030. With some predicting that 2024 could see gold surpass its previous all-time high, having a trusted gold dealer like Priority Gold can be key to capitalizing on the growth in demand for precious metals as a vital component of a well-diversified portfolio. Featured photo by Jingming Pan on Unsplash. Priority Gold is known as "America's Precious Metals Dealer" and is one of the leading precious metals retailers in the United States. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company focuses on helping customers diversify their savings and retirement holdings with precious metals. They are also proud partners of the World Champion Texas Rangers major league baseball team! Since its inception in 2015, Priority Gold has played a pivotal role in facilitating IRA rollovers into gold and silver, collaborating with Preferred Trust Company to provide custody services. The company has earned top accolades such as an A+ rating from BBB, AAA rating from Business Consumer Alliances, and a 5-star rating on Trustlink. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Alex Lin alex.l@prioritygold.com Company Website https://prioritygold.com/

April 09, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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National Comcast RISE Program Set to Give 100 Southeast Texas Small Businesses Grants, Tech-Makeovers, Marketing Support and More

Comcast Texas

Today, Comcast announced Houston would be one of five cities from which eligible small businesses can apply to its nationally recognized Comcast RISE program for the opportunity to receive business support grants. The program will provide a total of $500,000 in grants plus technology make-overs, marketing support, media schedules, coaching sessions and education support. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and are essential to building strong and thriving local communities,” said Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer at Comcast. “Comcast RISE is proud to help strengthen and empower these businesses and entrepreneurs to expand and grow.” Beginning on May 1 through May 31, eligible businesses in Houston; Atlanta, GA; Southern Colorado; Jacksonville, FL and Richmond, VA can apply for a chance to receive a grant package at www.ComcastRISE.com. One hundred businesses per city, 500 in total, will be awarded business support grants that will include: COACHING SESSIONS - General business assessment and coaching that provides business owners with recommendations on how to grow their businesses. EDUCATION RESOURCES - 12-month access to online entrepreneurship courses, learning modules and resources for small business owners. MONETARY GRANT - $5,000 monetary grant. CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA - Turnkey production of a 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation and 180-day media placement schedule. (Taxes and other fees may apply for production and media services.) COMCAST BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER - Computer equipment, Internet, voice and cybersecurity services for 12 months. (Taxes and other fees may apply for tech makeover services.) Past Houston area Comcast RISE recipients include Mala Sichuan Bistro, LAMIK Beauty and 132 Design. “Comcast RISE came in with support at the perfect time. We didn't just expand our office and reach; we were instantly plugged into a community of support,” said Ashley Gomez, co-founder of 132 Design. “Being part of the Comcast RISE family truly opened the floodgates to new opportunities. Now we are helping to lift other businesses here in the city we love.” Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity through programs and partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators. Now in its fourth year, Comcast RISE has nationally awarded 13,500 small businesses over $125 million in monetary, marketing, and technology grants. More information and the applications to apply are available at www.ComcastRISE.com About Comcast Corporation: Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About Comcast Business: Comcast Business offers a broad suite of technology solutions to keep businesses of all sizes ready for what’s next. With a range of offerings including connectivity, secure networking, advanced cybersecurity, and unified communications solutions, Comcast Business is partnering with business and technology leaders across industries and integrating Masergy, a leader in software defined networking, to help drive businesses forward. Backed by a next-generation network, Comcast Business has been recognized for its growth, innovation, and leadership in global secure networking. For more information, call 800-501-6000. Follow on X @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. Contact Details Comcast Texas ilona Carson +1 346-624-2074 Ilona_Carson@Comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

April 09, 2024 07:02 AM Central Daylight Time

Lithium Chile Increases Lithium Resource 24% with Average Grades up to 538 Mg/L At Salar De Arizaro, Argentina

Lithium Chile Inc.

CALGARY, ALBERTA, April 9, 2024 – TheNewswire – Lithium Chile Inc. (“ Lithium Chile ” or the “ Company ”) is pleased to announce a substantial increase of 24% to the resource at its Salar de Arizaro Project, Argentina from the results of an updated NI 43-101 compliant resource report. The Company reports a new, increased Project total of 4,122,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (“ LCE ”) from measured, indicated, and inferred resource categories. HIGHLIGHTS: Total LCE resource increased by 24% since reporting the results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment (Press release of August 8, 2023) for a new total of 4,122,000 tonnes LCE. The increased LCE resource related to the Salar de Arizaro project is comprised of: 261,000 tonnes in the measured category; and 2,237,000 tonnes in the indicated category; and 1,624,000 tonnes in the inferred category. Diamond drill hole ARDDH-08 contributed an increase of 559,518 tonnes of indicated and 188,886 tonnes of inferred LCE resource. The resource increase at ARDDH-08 resulted from an average lithium grade of 538 mg/L from well depths between approximately 200-300 metres and an average lithium grade of 343 mg/l from well depths between approximately 300 to 570 metres, such that a total sampled interval of 370 metres of the reservoir containing lithium brines has been established. Over 260,000 tonnes LCE associated with the ARGENTO-02 well was reclassified from the indicated category to the measured category due to the long-term pumping test and additional brine sampling that was conducted. Click Image To View Full Size Table 1: Summary Of Values from the Updated Lithium Chile Resource Estimate (Note: total tonnages are rounded to the nearest thousand and a 200 mg/ cut-off grade was assumed based on the expected processing method). Figure 1: Map of Resource Estimation Areas, Salar de Arizaro (Shallowest Polygons) Steve Cochrane President and CEO of Lithium Chile emphasized: “Increasing our lithium resource by 24% marks substantial progress for our Arizaro project from just 2 additional wells. This yet again reinforces our belief that the Arizaro property is a world class lithium project. Our team’s relentless efforts in expanding the resource demonstrates their exceptional abilities for which I extend my thanks”. Steve Cochrane continued: “With our strategic process proceeding, it is exceedingly exciting that the Company is able to report such a significant resource increase.” NEXT STEPS IN RESOURCE UPDATE: An updated analysis of the area around ARDDH-08 contained in the reserve model is underway and will be added to the NI 43-101 compliant report once completed. An update to the Company’s 2023 Prefeasibility Study Report is expected by the end of the second quarter which will confirm reserve volumes and a potential production profile. OTHER ARGENTINIAN DEVELOPMENTS: Block IV Permitting The baseline Environmental Impact Study for the new Block IV exploration program was completed and submitted to the Salta Mining Ministry at the end of February 2024. This will allow for the Company’s exploration drill program on Block IV, which is currently expected to begin in the second half of 2024. Water Wells Drilling of hole ARDDH-09 is nearing completion at which time the drilling rig will be moving to a number of locations on the Company’s south-western claims with the objective of substantiating the fresh-water aquifer characteristics needed for production. These locations surround and offset Lithium Chile’s existing fresh water well that substantiated significant fresh-water deliverability. Drilling is also continuing with a rotary rig on production well ARGENTO-06. Those results will be released when they become available. QUALIFIED PERSON, QA/QC STATEMENTS: Michael Rosko, MS, PG, of Montgomery and Associates (M&A) of Santiago, Chile, is a registered geologist (CPG) in Arizona, California and Texas, a registered member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME No. 4064687), and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Rosko has extensive experience in salar environments and has been a qualified person on many lithium brine projects. Mr. Rosko and M&A are completely independent of Lithium Chile. Mr. Rosko has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical content of this news release. ABOUT LITHIUM CHILE: Lithium Chile is an exploration and lithium resource company with a property portfolio consisting of 111,978 hectares in Chile and 29,245 hectares in Argentina. The Company has filed a NI 43-101 Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment. The revised reports will be filed shortly which will be available for viewing on the Company’s profile at SedarPlus.ca Lithium Chile also owns 5 properties totaling 22,529 hectares that are prospective for gold, silver and copper. On September 21, 2023, Lithium Chile announced the hiring of PI Financial as its financial advisor to seek strategic alternatives. That process is underway as the Company continues to enhance the underlying value of its assets including an increase related to the resource volume increases discussed in this press release. Lithium Chile’s common shares are listed on the TSX-V under the symbol “LITH” and on the OTC-QB under the symbol “LTMCF”. To find out more about Lithium Chile, please contact Steven Cochrane, President and CEO via email: steve@lithiumchile.ca or Michelle DeCecco, Vice President and COO via email: michelle@lithiumchile.ca NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release may contain certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expected", "anticipated", "aims to", "plans to" or "intends to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions and factors that may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, factors and assumptions with respect to: the general stability of the economic and political environment in which the Company operates and the timely receipt of required regulatory approvals if required. You are cautioned that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. Although Lithium Chile believes that the assumptions and factors on which such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Lithium Chile can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct or that any of the events anticipated by such forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits Lithium Chile will derive therefrom. Lithium Chile does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

April 09, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Novidea Secures Additional $30 Million from HarbourVest Partners, Bringing Total Series C to $80 Million

Novidea

Novidea, creator of the cloud-based, data-driven enterprise insurance management platform, today announced it has raised an additional $30 million from HarbourVest Partners, bringing its total Series C round to $80 million, joining existing investors Battery Ventures, Cross Creek, Israel Growth Partners (IGP), KT Squared, and JAL Ventures. To date, Novidea has raised $120 Million. Over the last several years, Novidea has experienced hyper-growth, selling to leading insurance organizations across the globe. Novidea will leverage the investment to continue its journey to becoming an industry leader. Funds will be used for continued organic expansion to additional territories to meet growing demand, as well as to accelerate product innovation and support the execution of Novidea’s inorganic growth strategy. “We are delighted to partner with Novidea to support the company’s next phase of growth. We have invested in the insurance brokerage sector for years and have been impressed by the operational efficiencies that Novidea’s software solution delivers for brokers,” said Corentin du Roy, Managing Director, HarbourVest Partners. “We look forward to supporting the Novidea team as they continue to scale their activities internationally.” Digital transformation is the top priority for insurance organizations worldwide. As a result, technology spending in this sector is expected to grow by more than 25 percent by 2026. Innovative technology solutions that address the most urgent pain points, such as improving data quality and access, providing a seamless digital customer experience, and reducing repetitive processes for the insurance workforce, are in high demand. Earlier this year, Novidea released a comprehensive report underscoring the massive opportunity for Insurtechs, revealing that 75% of global insurance businesses plan to change their core technology in the next two years. “We are thrilled to welcome HarbourVest as our newest investment partner, along with our existing investors,” said Roi Agababa, CEO of Novidea. “The insurance sector is at a major inflection point, and we see significant growth potential as more organizations transition away from legacy technology in favor of innovative, modern solutions. With this investment, Novidea will have the resources we need to further refine our product, expand our operations into new territories, and explore the possibilities of making strategic acquisitions in this space.” Novidea’s cloud-native software platform enables insurance agents, brokers, MGAs, wholesalers, and specialty insurers to automate repetitive processes, drive operational efficiencies, and increase business resilience to stay competitive and provide a better customer experience. Over the last three years, Novidea has increased its headcount in multiple global regions, including the UK, North America, and Europe. The company also launched in Southeast Asia in late 2023. The company has recently augmented its senior leadership, including Chief Financial Officer Eran Ben Ezer, Chief Customer Officer Yaniv Cohen, Chief Technology Officer Erez Nissim, and Chief Revenue Officer Jeffrey Heine. About Novidea Novidea is the leading Insurtech provider of a cloud-native, data-driven insurance management system. With its open API architecture, Novidea enables brokers, agents, MGAs, and carriers to modernize and manage the customer journey end-to-end and drive growth across the entire insurance distribution lifecycle. Novidea's streamlined and automated platform fully integrates front, middle, and back offices. The Novidea platform boosts operational efficiency while providing a seamless digital experience for team members and customers alike. Insurance businesses benefit from a 360-degree view of customers and policies and can access data and actionable insights anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Novidea supports more than 100 customers across 22 countries. Novidea has been awarded for its outstanding contribution to technology and innovation from the London Market Forum, the Insurtech100 list of the world’s most innovative Insurtechs, and AIFintech 100. Contact Details Michelle Barry +1 603-809-2748 Michelle.barry@chameleon.co Simon Hayes +44 7771 516544 simon@nextgencomms.com Company Website https://novidea.com/

April 09, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Builders Capital Announces $500 Million Strategic Transaction with InterVest Capital Partners

Builders Capital

Builders Capital recently closed a transaction with InterVest Capital Partners, forming a strategic partnership that results in a commitment of up to $500 million in growth capital and InterVest acquiring a strategic minority interest in Builders. “We are thrilled to partner with InterVest, one of the leading specialty finance investment platforms,” said Robert Trent, CEO of Builders Capital. “We plan to use the capital to aggressively expand our platform and continue to provide creative financing solutions to our homebuilding customers.” “We have tremendous confidence in the Builders Capital team and their 15-year track record as the leading private construction lender to homebuilders,” said Michael Gontar, CEO of InterVest Capital Partners. “Builders Capital is well positioned to capitalize on the supply and demand imbalance that exists throughout the U.S. for new construction single family homes,” said Robert Rothschild, SVP of InterVest Capital Partners. “We look forward to partnering with Builders to expand their platform and become the lender of choice to the homebuilding industry.” “We have formed capital partnerships totaling almost $3 billion over the past twelve months to prepare for major growth,” said Arik Prawer, Builders Capital Co-President, and head of Capital Markets. “Our ability to secure access to significant capital with high quality partners like InterVest evidences the strength of our industry leading platform and the incredible market opportunity in both the near- and long-term.” Guggenheim Securities, LLC acted as financial advisor and Perkins Coie acted as legal advisor to Builders Capital. Piper Sandler & Co. acted as financial advisor and O’Melveny & Myers acted as legal advisor to InterVest Capital Partners. To learn more about Builders Capital and the construction loans they offer to builders and developers, visit builderscapital.com. About Builders Capital Builders Capital is the nation's largest private construction lender, offering innovative financing solutions to a wide spectrum of developers and homebuilders. Loan products include options for Acquisition, Development, Construction, and Bridge financing, in the form of single-asset loans, portfolio loans, and revolving credit facilities. In addition to financing opportunities, Builders Capital borrowers can leverage national accounts for material purchase discounts, and access cutting-edge technology for project management, accounting, and BIM technology tools. Builders Capital is headquartered in Puyallup, Washington, with an East Coast headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and regional sales offices across the country. The management team at Builders Capital brings over 100 years of expertise in residential construction lending, home building, real estate development, and loan servicing. Learn more at: builderscapital.com. About InterVest Capital Partners InterVest Capital Partners, formerly Wafra Capital Partners, is a leading global alternative investment firm specializing in asset-based lending, leasing, and other structured finance verticals. Since 1999, the InterVest management team has established numerous successful investment vehicles with aggregate committed capital exceeding $19 billion (USD). Contact Details Builders Capital Trisha Hudson trisha.hudson@builderscapital.com Company Website https://builderscapital.com/

April 09, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Emmerson advances on environmental approval for Khemisset project following key enhancements

Emmerson PLC

Emmerson PLC (AIM:EML) chief executive Graham Clarke discusses the company's current status concerning the Environmental Approval Permit application for its Khemisset potash project in Morocco with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion. Clarke told Proactive a ministerial committee referred the application back to the regional authority, the CRUI, for re-examination, with a request for Emmerson to resubmit documentation with enhancements. This revised documentation, which includes the benefits of the Khemisset Multi-mineral Process (KMP) is set to be submitted soon, with confidence in obtaining approval. Key enhancements in the revised Environmental Impact Assessment relate to a new process that allows a 60% reduction in water consumption, significant in drought-affected Morocco. The KMP process also reduces the risk of water contamination and facilitates the monetization of waste streams into new fertilizer products, reducing runoff risks. Clarke said a $2.175 million equity placement with strategic investors reflects their confidence in the Khemisset Project and the management team. The investment underlines their belief in the project's economics, particularly with the introduction of the KMP. The involvement of GSM, which now includes the right to appoint a board member, is viewed positively, and expected to bring additional expertise and reinforce their commitment to the project. A retail offer on the REX platform was aimed at giving existing shareholders the same opportunity as strategic investors at the given share price. The offer was well oversubscribed, indicating strong shareholder support and optimism for the project's future upon approval. Contact Details Proactive UK Proactive UK +44 20 7989 0813 UKEditorial@proactiveinvestors.com

April 09, 2024 07:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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hVIVO achieves record revenue and initiates dividend policy following successful year

hVIVO PLC

hVIVO PLC (AIM:HVO) chief executive Yamin 'Mo' Khan discusses the company's record-breaking financial results in 2023 in an interview with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion. hVIVO announced a 16% year-on-year growth in revenue, reaching £56 million, with an EBITDA margin increase from 18.7% to 23.3%, surpassing prior guidance. The company's absolute EBITDA rose to £30 million, a 44% increase from the previous year. Khan attributed the success to hVIVO conducting more human challenge trials, leading to improved patient recruitment efficiency and better utilisation of facilities and staff. Despite challenges such as MHRA delays, significant funding for a new Canary Wharf facility positively impacted the financial results. hVIVO also initiated an annual dividend policy, planning a £1.4 million dividend distribution following a strong cash generation year. The Canary Wharf facility's development, notably ahead of schedule, includes a 50-bed quarantine facility and a laboratory, set to be fully operational by the end of July. This expansion is expected to enhance operational efficiency, increase revenue potential to up to £95 million, and strengthen hVIVO's position in the human challenge trial industry globally. For 2024, the company anticipates hitting a £62 million revenue target, with £180 million in the weighted order book ensuring a robust pipeline. Despite a study cancellation, hVIVO remains confident in its revenue and EBIT margin targets. Looking forward, hVIVO aims for a £100 million revenue target by 2028, driven by expanding its human challenge trials, increasing clinical trial services, and exploring M&A activities, supported by a strong cash reserve. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

April 09, 2024 07:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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