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SIGMA America Announces First-Ever "Holiday Mirrorless Lens Giveaway"

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, a leading camera and lens manufacturer for both photography and cinema applications, today announced its first-ever "Holiday Mirrorless Lens Giveaway" which offers the chance to win SIGMA lens packages in the month of December for four mirrorless interchangeable lens camera systems. The four lens package prizes are: Week #1 (Dec. 4-10) Three ultra-fast SIGMA prime lenses for Fujifilm X Mount cameras (MSRP $1,267) 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary 30mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary Week #2 (Dec. 11-17) Three pro-level F2.8 zoom lenses for Sony E-Mount cameras (MSRP $3,997) 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports Week #3 (Dec. 18-24) Three pro-level F2.8 zoom lenses for Panasonic, Leica & SIGMA L-Mount cameras (MSRP $3,997) 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports Week #4 (Dec. 25-31) Three ultra-fast SIGMA prime lenses for Nikon Z cameras (MSRP $1,397) 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary 30mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary "Four lucky photographers will win lens sets featuring some of the most well-regarded lenses available for each mirrorless camera platform, and bring their equipment portfolio to a whole new level," said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, President of SIGMA America. "The Holiday Mirrorless Lens Giveaway is our way of expressing gratitude to SIGMA's loyal customers during the holiday season, welcoming new customers, and supporting the growth of the art of photography." Interested photographers can complete the entry form here for a chance to win the first of four lens packages. Entrants can also earn bonus chances to win by browsing the SIGMA America website, answering some easy questions, and visiting SIGMA on social media. Entry information for additional giveaways can be found in the coming weeks on SIGMA America social media channels. Although there will only be four winners in SIGMA's first-ever "Holiday Mirrorless Lens Giveaway," all holiday shoppers have the chance to enjoy savings on dozens of SIGMA lenses through the 2023 Holiday Sale. ### About SIGMA Corporation Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Fujifilm, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA CINE lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA CINE lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with over 35 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more users can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products, or follow SIGMA America on social media. SIGMA Photo: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram SIGMA CINE: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Contact Details SIGMA +1 631-201-7381 SIGMA.PR@Sigmaphoto.com Stacey Doss Stacey@sddpr.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

December 04, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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FRX Innovations' Q3 Results: Revenue up 59% and Gross Margin Improved from -$1.0M to -$0.37M for 3-months Ending Sept 2023

FRX Innovations Inc

Boston, MA – TheNewswire - December 4, 2023 – FRX Innovations, Inc. (TSXV:FRXI) (FSE:W2A) (OTC:FRXI F ), a pioneer in the eco-friendly flame-retardant sector, announces a Q3 2023 marked by revenue growth, improved gross margins, and important reductions in Cost of Goods Sold expenses. This performance prepares FRX well for anticipated future growth as deadlines approach for previously announced legislative and litigation-driven requirements to eliminate Brominated and PFAS-containing flame retardants from consumer electronic devices.   Q3 2023 Financial Highlights: Continued Revenue Growth: Q3 2023 saw revenue climb to $0.62M, a 59% increase versus the comparable previous period in 2022, illustrating the start of market recovery.   Gross Margin Improvement: The gross margin deficit improved from $1.0M in Q3 2022 to $0.37M in Q3 2023, a demonstration that FRX’s variable costs, including energy costs, are returning to historical levels.   Reduced Cost of Goods Sold Expenses: FRX lowered its COGS, year-on-year, for 9 months ending Q3 2022 from $4.8M to $2.9M, a further demonstration of important improvements.   Inventory Management: FRX aggressively reduced inventories converting $0.87M of its finished goods inventory to cash during the 9 months ending Q3 2023, which has greatly helped FRX manage its cash flow.     CEO's Statement: "The third quarter of 2023 has been an important period for FRX Innovations, underscored by promising financial results," commented Marc Lebel, CEO of FRX Innovations. "Our revenue growth of 59% and the marked improvement in our gross margins demonstrates that we are successfully navigating the current challenges facing the global chemical industry. These results lay a solid foundation for sustained financial health and prepares the company for expected accelerated growth as consumer electronics device manufacturers respond to the approaching deadlines driving the switch from halogen and PFAS containing flame retardants to green alternatives like FRX’s Nofia® product line.”     Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.   About FRX Innovations (www.frx-innovations.com) FRX Innovations is a global manufacturing company, producing a family of sustainable flame retardant products that serve several large markets spanning textiles, electronics, automotive, electric vehicles (EV), and medical devices. FRX is led by a team of highly experienced business and technical professionals and is positioned to be a leader in the rapidly changing flame-retardant plastics and additives market in response to new legislation prohibiting Brominated and Perfluoro flame retardants found in a wide range of electronics and electrical products and restricting the use of melamine flame retardant chemicals found in furniture and mattress foam products.   NOFIA® is a registered trademark of FRX. NOFIA® products are manufactured at its manufacturing facility on the Port of Antwerp in Belgium, one of the world's largest chemical producing clusters. NOFIA Polyphosphonates are produced using sustainable green chemistry principles such as a solvent-free production process, no waste by-products, and near 100% atom efficiency, and are halogen, PFAS and melamine free. FRX's portfolio includes an extensive patent estate. FRX has been at the forefront of the ESG movement to a greener future. The company has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the EPA's Environmental Merit Award, the Belgium Business Award for the Environment, and the Flanders Investment of the Year Award. FRX has also been recognized six times on the Global Cleantech 100 list.   Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Reader Advisory Certain statements contained in this news release, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the Offering, the completion of the Offering, the size, amount and type of securities issued under the Offering, participation in the Offering by related parties and the amount of such participation, among other things, and statements which may contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts, may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s expectations regarding the Company’s future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.   These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward- looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the documents incorporated by reference herein are reasonable based on information available to it, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct.   Contact Information:     FRX Innovations  Mark Lotz   CFO     +1 604-880-6546 mlotz@frxpolymers.com Mike Goode CCO +1 765-838-9018 mgoode@frxpolymers.com FRX Innovations Investor Relations and Media Inquiries Investor Relations  Carl Desjardins +1 514-818-0447  Jean-Francois Meilleur +1 514-951-2730   Erik Danielson +41 76 335 4402       Diane Wilson   +1 978-505-1275     ir@frx-innovations.com Media Inquiries  Joseph Grande     +1 413-684-2463 joe@jgrandecommunications.com   #PFAS, #PFSfree, #ForeverChemical, #SustainableFR

December 04, 2023 11:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Unveiling the NSFW AI Chatbot & Art Generator: A Comprehensive Exploration

Crushon

In the realm of ever-advancing technology, No Filter NSFW AI Chat and AI Girlfriend/Waifu platforms are gaining momentum. One revolutionary player redefining the landscape is CrushOn.AI. This cutting-edge platform provides a more unrestricted and personalized AI chat experience, free from the typical NSFW filters, and also offers an innovative NSFW Art Generator. Elevating NSFW AI Chatbot and Art Generator Experiences CrushOn.AI is paving the way in the NSFW AI Chat industry, presenting a diverse range of chatbot categories catering to a multitude of individual preferences. Be it AI Girlfriend/Waifu, gaming characters, or even celebrities, this platform delivers an all-encompassing, engaging chat experience without restrictions. Moreover, its NSFW Art Generator allows users to create unique, personalized artwork with the same unrestricted approach. CrushOn.AI: The Premier Destination for Unfiltered NSFW AI Chat CrushOn.AI distinguishes itself through several key features: Unfettered Chats: CrushOn.AI’s No Filter approach empowers users to freely explore a broad range of topics without constraints, fostering limitless conversations. Creative and Diverse Models: CrushOn.AI brings to life an array of meticulously designed models that are rich in creativity, expressiveness, and detail. From Classical Crushon AI LLM (Beta) to Llama2-13B-Uncensored (Alpha) and Chronos-Hermes-13B (Alpha), each chat experience is as unique as the individuals using it. Art Generation: Beyond just chat, CrushOn.AI allows users to generate unique, personalized artwork with the same unrestricted approach. This opens a new realm of creativity and expression in the NSFW space. Customization and Diversity: CrushOn.AI provides a vast array of chatbots, allowing users to shape and personalize their characters, thus ensuring an unparalleled chat experience every time. Regular Updates and Open Communication: CrushOn.AI emphasizes staying ahead of the curve, providing regular updates for a fresh experience each time users log in. They also foster community interaction via Discord for open-ended feedback and suggestions. Getting Started with CrushOn.AI Embarking on your journey with CrushOn.AI is straightforward: Access CrushOn.AI's main page: CrushOn.AI Click on the "Sign In" button at the top right corner. Log in using your Google, Discord, or email credentials. Post-login, navigate back to the home page and select a character to kickstart your chat. Draft your message and hit send. Brace yourself for an unparalleled chat experience! In a Nutshell CrushOn.AI is revolutionizing the AI chatbot industry with its unfiltered NSFW AI service, paving the way for unbounded conversations. Providing an extensive selection of characters, CrushOn.AI empowers users to craft one-of-a-kind AI interactions in a user-friendly environment. This confirms CrushOn.AI as the leading platform for unrestricted NSFW AI Girlfriend/Waifu Chats. Dive into the endless creativity and liberty that CrushOn.AI offers. Enter a realm of uncensored dialogues and let your imagination soar using CrushOn.AI's NSFW AI platform. Voices from the Community: User Testimonials To fully grasp the significance and benefits of CrushOn.AI, let's look at some of the positive feedback from our users: John Doe, a regular user, says, "CrushOn.AI has revolutionized how I engage with characters. The platform's flexibility and variety are unrivaled. With the absence of NSFW filters, I can express myself freely and participate in previously restricted conversations." Jane Doe, another user, adds, "What sets CrushOn.AI apart is its personalized AI Girlfriend /Waifu chat. I have complete control over character customization, and this extends to the dialogue. I can now engage in substantial, unrestricted conversations with my character." Richard Roe, a tech enthusiast, notes, "The commitment of CrushOn.AI to frequent updates and fostering user interactions is praiseworthy. The platform is continuously evolving and refreshing, and it's evident that the team highly values user input. It's a vibrant, immersive, and unrestricted NSFW AI chat platform that's delightful to use." FAQs Q: Which chat AI has no restrictions? A: CrushOn.AI, a leading AI chat platform, enables users to engage in unfiltered NSFW AI chats across a broad spectrum of topics. Q: What is the best site for NSFW AI characters? A: CrushOn.AI stands out, offering a diverse range of chatbot categories and unrestricted NSFW AI chat experiences. Q: Which AI bot has no censorship? A: CrushOn.AI is known for its uncensored AI bots, promoting No Filter NSFW dialogues and unfiltered conversations. Q: Who provides the best AI girlfriend experience? A: CrushOn.AI is the platform of choice, offering a wide array of characters for a unique and immersive AI girlfriend experience. Q: Is there an AI that can flirt? A: Definitely, CrushOn.AI is at the forefront of this innovation, offering AI bots capable of engaging in flirtatious and unrestricted conversations. Q: How can I find a virtual girlfriend? A: Finding a virtual girlfriend is a breeze with CrushOn.AI. Simply sign in on their main page, select the character you wish to chat with, and embark on your immersive AI girlfriend journey. Contact Details CrushonAI Business +1 302-722-1830 business@crushon.ai Company Website https://crushon.ai/

December 04, 2023 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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The Publisher Desk Launches 2024 Publisher Incubator Program

The Publisher Desk

The Publisher Desk, a fully integrated audience development and content monetization partner to digital publishers, today announced the launch of its 2024 Publisher Incubator Program, to empower digital publishers with a comprehensive suite of support and services. Through the program, The Publisher Desk will select 10 publishers to receive in-depth, customized support. This includes services and tools valued at up to $50,000, enhancing everything from monetization to SEO and content strategy. “There is a tremendous amount of creativity and drive among publishers online, and we know that it often takes a boost to take a publisher to the next level,” said Chris Ward, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of The Publisher Desk. “Our program is geared toward growth-minded publishers and entrepreneurs who want to take their content and maximize it in a way that scales their business.” The Incubator Program integrates advanced monetization strategies, proactive website monitoring, and strategic keyword research, all designed to enhance content visibility and optimize revenue. Beyond these foundational elements, the program also includes hands-on assistance for Core Web Vitals, access to sophisticated real-time analytics, and dedicated content creation services focused on SEO opportunities. By covering everything from technical enhancements to creative content strategies, the Incubator Program ensures a holistic approach to participating sites’ growth. Publishers wishing to be considered must fill out a preliminary application. The Publisher Desk will invite a shortlist of candidates to partake in the detailed vetting process. Selection is based on the publication’s growth potential, innovation capability, content quality, and strategic fit with the Incubator Program’s objectives. “Our mission at The Publisher Desk has always been to fuel the success of growth-minded digital publishers,” Mr. Ward said. “We want to help creators who show a promise of growth and innovation, and we’re ready to back them with substantial in-kind support. Whether you’re an emerging voice or an established publisher, our Incubator Program is set to be a catalyst for your next big leap.” Interested publishers can apply through the Incubator Program Portal. About The Publisher Desk The Publisher Desk, based in New York with offices in London and South Florida, is a fully integrated audience development and content monetization partner to digital publishers, in addition to publishing several owned and operated sites. The company, founded in 2014, helps websites increase advertising revenues and reduce operational costs. Our team provides the proper resources, direction, operations, technology, and support for digital business, empowering sports, lifestyle & business media brands to connect with their audience and value-aligned advertisers. Contact Details For The Publisher Desk press@publisherdesk.com Company Website https://www.publisherdesk.com/

December 04, 2023 10:55 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Kite Hill PR Opens Tech for Good Applications for January 2024 Program

Kite Hill PR

Kite Hill PR, a woman-owned, award-winning, agile tech PR and B2B communications agency, today announced it opened applications for its 2024 Tech For Good program. Launched in March 2022, Tech for Good focuses on providing a chosen business with pro bono PR services and the fundamental building blocks necessary to deliver an effective earned PR program. The company is accepting applications from U.S. or UK-based technology startups of any category that are: BIPOC/woman/LGBTQIA+-led Closed a Seed or Series A fundraising round Qualifying companies can apply for the program through the submission form on Kite Hill PR’s website until Friday, January 12, 2023 at 11:50 p.m. EST. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges against three key pillars: 1) Impact, 2) Innovation and 3) Scalability. “We’re thrilled to launch our third annual Tech for Good program, and, in doing so, empower leaders and purpose-driven platforms across the tech industry,” said Tiffany Guarnaccia, CEO and founder, Kite Hill PR. “Driving diversity and inclusivity in the tech space is a top priority for Kite Hill PR, and we’re looking forward to amplifying another critical voice in the industry through this year’s program.” Designed to support the winning startup’s business growth, while simultaneously amplifying mission-driven stories, Kite Hill PR will provide a three-month package that encompasses: Messaging Review & Competitor Analysis PR Strategy & External Communications Recommendations Content Creation (Bylined Article and/or Press Release) The company’s clients across its adtech, enterprise tech, enterprise tech, climate tech, cybersecurity, fintech, healthtech, media & entertainment and mobility continue to prioritize purpose-driven strategies. Kite Hill PR is dedicated to providing current and future tech and B2B clients with strategic counsel to ensure business growth and awareness leveraging earned media. For more information, and to apply, please visit kitehillpr.com/tech-for-good. For questions or comments, please contact TechForGood@KiteHillPR.com. About Kite Hill PR Based in New York City with team members in the UK and across North America, Kite Hill PR is a leading B2B communications and tech PR agency specializing in connecting enterprise technology, media and advertising businesses with key stakeholders. The company's winning approach combines thought leadership, strategy and media relations to drive clients' businesses forward. Kite Hill PR has been recognized as one of the "Top Tech Specialist PR Agencies in NYC,” “Most Powerful PR Firms,” and a “Top 50 PR Firm in America” by the Observer, a “Top B2B Agency” by Ragan Communications and PR Daily, a “Best Place to Work” by PR News and one of "America's Best PR Agencies" by Forbes. Contact Details Kite Hill PR Alexandra Morrison techforgood@kitehillpr.com

December 04, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Alibaba International Unveils 'Aidge': AI-Powered Toolkit Bolstering Global Merchants' Expansion

Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 December 2023 - The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the possibilities of business today, especially in the realm of e-commerce. Generative AI applications have enhanced the user experience and operational processes, allowing for more targeted sales strategies and digital content that meet growing consumer demands. Selling point extration - Extracts selling points of a product that align with local market trends Technology players at the forefront of AI development, such as Alibaba International, recognize the benefits of these capabilities and have invested significant resources to unleash its potential. In the words of Jiang Fan, CEO of Alibaba International, "The use of AI has revolutionized everything from product development and management to market insights analysis and customer service." With the purpose of fostering global commerce development, Alibaba International is looking to increase its investment in AI to improve merchants' operational efficiency and drive consumer satisfaction. Its recent pilot launch of the AI-powered suite " Aidge " is a case in point, which is tailored to boost merchant productivity and put AI technology into full use. Video localisation - Create synchronised audio and subtitle translations Local language requirements, the costs of integrating AI into business operations, the competition for talent, and the innovation needed to win and retain market share are the common obstacles faced by companies, particularly SMEs, when scaling up. This is where a full suite of AI tools capable of breaking down local language and cultural barriers for merchants can play an important role, resolving challenges and helping companies stay ahead of the curve. Streamlining business operations The recently introduced AI suite Aidge, which is an acronym for "AI for Digital and Global Entrepreneurship," aims to level the playing field for SMEs. By leveraging Alibaba International's proprietary large language models (LLMs) and computer vision technologies as well as the company's deep pool of operational insights, this AI-powered toolkit addresses challenges faced by SMEs when entering new markets, enabling them to create localized and appealing marketing content, enhance customer service, perform analytical tasks and even optimize search results - all without language and cultural barriers. The result is reduced costs, improved efficiency and a higher chance of gaining overseas customers. Live chat enhancement - Helps with customer interactions in diverse languages The integrated AI capabilities offered by Aidge hold promise for companies of all sizes and industries, alleviating talent shortages and opening doors to international growth. With Aidge, even a small business with no prior global sales experience can effortlessly venture into new and unfamiliar markets, benefiting from its advanced features that facilitate seamless business adaptation. For Aidge to reach its potential to resolve day-to-day operational issues, Aidge is rolling out its services to merchants on Alibaba International's e-commerce platforms and intends to serve more SMEs through collaborations with industry partners. Global software as a service (SaaS) providers and independent software vendors (ISVs) are welcome to participate in the pilot testing, while a staged rollout by region is anticipated by the end of this year. An essential part of business Market statistics indicate that the global AI market is poised to surpass US$300 billion by 2026, making it an indisputable trend that businesses must actively embrace and capitalize on. Enabling SMEs from around the world to conduct business in their native language while accessing cutting-edge technology that may be otherwise unavailable in-house, is a fundamental pillar driving the development of the global e-commerce industry. Image localisation - Translate an image's text into multiple languages The pilot launch of Aidge signifies just the initial step in Alibaba International's foray into the realm of AI. The novelty of AI technologies calls for its collaboration with industry stakeholders to not only test, but also co-define its use cases, with the ultimate goal of simplifying global business operations for SMEs and unlocking new avenues for growth, with the help of AI. Contact Details Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group Eva Lee eva.lee@alibaba-inc.com Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group Alex Liu zhengyi.lz@alibaba-inc.com

December 04, 2023 09:14 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Ways To Diversify And Hedge Portfolios, Regardless Of Economic Climate

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Investing in physical precious metals can be an excellent strategy to diversify your portfolio. Regardless of the economic climate, gold has historically been considered a store of value and a means to ensure that a section of your portfolio is geared towards protection even during times of economic turmoil. Many financial experts suggest allocating between 5% to 10% of a portfolio to gold and silver and during times of crisis, increasing it to even 15%. One of the key advantages of physical gold is that it can act as a hedge against inflation and general crises. A study by Echaust and Just shows that this feature was most evident during the global financial crises and, more recently, in the Covid-19 pandemic, when gold was shown to “significantly reduce downside risk.” The same study also showed that gold can serve as a counterweight to stocks during these times. During the Great Recession in 2008, when the subprime mortgage crisis began, gold, which had previously traded in the $400-600 range, skyrocketed to $1,000 per ounce and continued to rise for the following three years. In times of uncertainty or socio-political turmoil, gold has historically held its value or performed well. For instance, after the Brexit vote in 2016, the price of gold increased by over 10% in just one month. Gold had a similar trajectory during the start of the Russian-Ukraine war, and this could remain true with the Israeli-Hamas conflict. People who are concerned about the potential collapse of global markets or other threats to a government's ability to support its currency find gold ownership appealing. Gold is also an attractive investment to many during election years, which can oftentimes cause higher volatility in an economy. In addition to its economic resilience, physical gold is almost indestructible. Unlike other forms of currency like Bitcoin or the USD, it cannot be hacked, erased, adversely impacted by natural disasters, or worn down over time. Virtual currencies are susceptible to hacking due to their decentralized and unregulated nature. The transactions of these currencies are handled and recorded on multiple computers across a network, making them vulnerable to being hacked by cybercriminals. Once hacked, the virtual currency can be stolen, resulting in the loss of funds for the owner. Gold can be a valuable asset to consider when thinking about catastrophic scenarios. However, buying gold and knowing when to buy gold can be tricky for investors who are unfamiliar. During times of impending recessions or financial crises, gold can be looked at as an attractive investment. However, buying gold during such periods can lead to increased demand and depleted reserves. It may be wise to consider purchasing gold during periods of calm or temporary stabilization when the long-term outlook for gold remains positive. When purchasing gold, it is also important to understand that it is priced by the troy ounce, which is slightly higher than a traditional ounce. Gold prices, like other commodities, are influenced by the balance of supply and demand. Purchasing gold during busy times can drive up the price due to competition. It is also important to factor in the premiums that are typically paid when buying gold. Purchasing gold also requires having a sound storage plan. Storing large quantities of gold at home can expose you to the risk of theft, so some prefer to insure it and find an off-site storage location. If you plan to hold gold in an IRA account, the IRS requires that it be stored with a metals-specialist custodian through a gold IRA. If you’re someone who is looking to invest in gold, finding the right dealer is the first thing to think about. Not all traditional financial services firms deal in gold. Banks and gold dealers are the primary sources for buying bullion, while minted coins can be obtained from coin dealers, brokerage firms and precious metal dealers. It is important to conduct research and choose a reputable dealer – considering online ratings and trade journals and checking for any complaints. Oftentimes, firms that specialize in gold IRAs and other gold investment paths are the safest bets, and they typically offer storage options. One leading gold firm you may want to consider is Preserve Gold, a U.S.-based precious metals firm with 0 BBB complaints and excellent reviews. The company specializes in helping individuals and families diversify and hedge their wealth through tangible precious metals. The firm provides a selection of gold, silver, platinum and palladium coins and bars. Preserve Gold distinguishes itself through its focus on three core principles: integrity, transparency and consistency. These principles serve as the company’s foundation for long-lasting customer relationships and reinforce the company's commitment to providing trustworthy and reliable services. To ensure a smooth and secure purchasing process, Preserve Gold offers an informed and easy way to acquire precious metals. The company's knowledgeable team assists clients in making educated purchasing decisions while prioritizing security and ease of transaction. Gold investments have stood the test of time, remaining a key part of investment strategies for centuries. Throughout history, gold has been universally recognized as a store of value and a hedge against economic uncertainty. Its durability, scarcity and intrinsic value have made it a reliable asset for helping to protect wealth. Despite the emergence of modern financial instruments, gold continues to hold its place as a reliable investment option, offering stability and diversification to portfolios in an ever-changing economic landscape. Its enduring appeal and long track record of maintaining value make gold an enduring choice for investors seeking to protect and grow their wealth. 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

December 04, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Jellyverse Secures $2 Million Seed Funding from Private Investors to Build DeFi 3.0

Jellyverse

Jelly Labs AG and Fintonomy LTD, the companies developing the initial protocols for Jellyverse, have secured $2 million funding from private investors. Jellyverse is a platform for advanced decentralized financial services built on DeFiMetaChain. Jelly Labs AG and Fintonomy LTD will use the proceeds to support the development of the decentralized platform. Jellyverse was initiated by the core team behind DeFiChain Accelerator, which has been a leading force in accelerating DeFiChain's adoption through the development of cutting-edge software, execution of global marketing campaigns, and strategic business development initiatives. While the DeFi industry has made impressive advancements in digital token interaction, it hasn’t been able to integrate real-world assets into its offerings. To take DeFi to new heights, it is crucial to combine real-world price feeds with advanced decentralized finance applications. This is where Jellyverse comes into play, filling this gap in the market building the next generation of DeFi — DeFi 3.0. Jellyverse offers products like decentralized portfolios, bonds, lending, and more sophisticated staking alternatives. The platform is built on top of DeFiMetaChain (DMC), an EVM-compatible Layer-2 that acts as an extension to the native non-Turing complete DeFiChain. DeFiMetaChain takes a groundbreaking approach to interoperability by functioning as a parasitic chain that can seamlessly connect with numerous blockchains and gather data. This data is instrumental in developing cross-chain protocols that go beyond the existing industry standards. Additionally, building on DeFiMetaChain is more economical due to lower gas fees compared to Ethereum. “Jellyverse merges the pinnacle of past DeFi achievements with a fresh perspective. We present decentralized assets that pioneer a novel way to diversify your crypto portfolio, complemented by self-balancing multi-token pools,” said Santiago Sabater, the Co-Initiator of Jellyverse. One addition to the Jellyverse protocols will be the jAssets that are built by a community team. The jAssets allow users to get price exposure to real-world assets like commodities and stocks in a fully decentralized manner. Those assets are not 100% mapped to the price of the stock or commodity but rather follow the price development roughly based on mechanisms that are built into the protocol. Jellyverse is introducing cutting edge portfolio management in a fully decentralized way by providing self-balancing portfolio pools including tokens that follow real-world price feeds. Investors will be able to create complex portfolios consisting of a multitude of assets while earning yield on top. Some of the first offerings on Jellyverse are: JellySwap: A cutting-edge DEX with extended functionalities based on Balancer. It is home to the Jelly Token. JellySwap is a fully decentralized exchange serving as a non-custodial portfolio manager and liquidity provider. JellyStake: JellyStake is a decentralized staking protocol where you stake your JLY tokens to increase rewards and voting power. JellyStake is not only powered by inflation but also by protocol generated fees throughout the whole ecosystem jUSD: jUSD is a stablecoin based on the rigorously tested and proven stability mechanisms from LUSD by Liquity protocol. Users can borrow jUSD against DFI, dETH, JLY and other crypto currencies. jAssets: User-generated tokens backed by cryptocurrencies that reflect the prices of stocks, commodities, or ETFs through real-time price feeds. jAssets thus allow indirect participation in traditional financial markets to diversify the crypto portfolio. The jAsset protocol is being developed not by Jelly Labs AG or Fintonomy LTD, but by a community team, and is intended to be linked to Jellyverse through a future governance decision. JellyBond: A protocol to bond jUSD and jAssets. JellyBond introduces the first bonding mechanism to DeFiChain and offers amplified yield to token holders, while generating protocol-owned liquidity. The platform will be fully developed and governed through an on-chain decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). Utilizing decentralized governance, developers have the power to take action while the community provides legal frameworks, guidance, marketing, a unified brand, user support, visionary concepts, and fundraising. JLY is the native governance and revenue share token of the Jellyverse ecosystem. Users staking JLY are eligible to vote for strategic decisions and key parameters on the different protocols and dApps on Jellyverse. A part of the transaction fees earned across all protocols will be distributed to stakers of JLY tokens. About Jellyverse Jellyverse is a comprehensive ecosystem in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, overseen by its community through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). It focuses on the next iteration of DeFi—commonly termed as DeFi 3.0—which aims to create a sustainable, yield-oriented landscape that integrates protocols with real-world price feeds. The decentralized platform provides several utilities designed to meet a variety of financial needs, all governed by its native token, JLY. For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Reddit | YouTube Contact Details Jellyverse Benjamin Rauch press@jellyverse.community

December 04, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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The Vodka Industry Is Getting A Shot Thanks To Lit Vodka’s Lifestyle Brand

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Click here to learn about Lit Vodka’s crowdfunding campaign, and how to invest! When it comes to vodka, there is regular vodka and then there is Grain-Neutral Spirit (GNS) based vodka. With the latter the grain is germinated, fermented and then distilled and that’s it, allowing the natural flavors to come through with clarity and purity. That is the space where you’ll find Lit Ultra Premium Vodka, the brainchild of Nick Smith and Tony Villegas, close friends from Columbus, Georgia. Their goal in launching a high-end vodka is to provide an American-made Georgia-based blend that doesn’t compromise on taste. It's All In The Process Lit Vodka is distilled ten times using a carbon-filtration process and boasts 40% alcohol by volume. The company isn’t only about offering premium vodka at an affordable price, it's also creating a lifestyle brand aimed at reaching consumers across demographics seeking to live their best lives. To do that Lit Vodka leverages several channels including social media, the Internet and in-person sponsorships. That’s important in the spirits market, especially when it comes to vodka. There’s little distinction in taste and quality of top vodkas, so branding is a key way to stand out. Lit Vodka believes it has an edge in that department, and its team of industry leaders with deep relationships in sales, supply chain and distribution give it a clear advantage. Take CEO Trinidad Villegas for one example. Tasked with expanding the brand through several media platforms, under Villegas's charge the company sold over 4,000 cases within the first 14 months of business. Lit Vodka, which previously raised $1.7 million in funds and boasts a valuation of $21 million, is offering shares through a crowdfunding raise that has already reached nearly $300,000. In the first seven days, the company raised $239,224. Breathing Life Into A Stagnant Market With the launch of its GNS premium vodka, Lit Vodka aims to capitalize on a trend towards premium spirits. The company believes there have not been enough innovations in the space and wants to change that with its award-winning flavors. While the vodka market is expected to grow annually by a CAGR of 2.27% from 2023 through 2028, the premium spirits category worldwide is growing at a double-digit rate between 2023 and 2029. People's drinking habits are changing and customers are becoming more willing to pay a premium for high-quality alcoholic drinks. North America is the largest market for premium spirits globally, and vodka by itself is also a large market – it accounted for the largest amount of volume sales of spirits in the U.S. in 2022. As of 2020, the liquor store segment represented a $62 billion market, while bars and nightclubs represented a $19.9 billion opportunity. Sales Growing Since its official launch in 2019, the company has seen sales growth driven by branding deals with popular concerts, sports venues and professional sports teams. For example, it recently became the premier vodka of the Atlanta Braves. It's the second major sponsorship in Georgia. That could be a bigger opportunity for Lit Vodka since the Braves are hosting the 2025 All-Star game. Lit Vodka plans to ink more partnerships like that to grow the brand. With distribution in place in Georgia and Tennessee, Lit Vodka is also gearing up to expand into more territories in the coming year. It's not just the Atlanta Braves that sees value in Lit Vodka. In its short time in the marketplace, it has won several awards including the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silver Medal, the 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Great Value Award and scored 93 points in the 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge. With its award-winning premium GNS vodka and bold branding strategy, Lit Vodka plans to shake up the vodka space and give customers a premium experience – at an affordable price. Click here to learn about Lit Vodka’s crowdfunding campaign, and how to invest! The preceding post was written and/or published as a collaboration between Benzinga's in-house sponsored content team and a financial partner of Benzinga. Although the piece is not and should not be construed as editorial content, the sponsored content team works to ensure that any and all information contained within is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge and research. Benzinga may receive monetary compensation from the issuer, or its agency, for publicizing the offering of the issuer's securities. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. This is a paid ad. Please see 17(b) disclosure linked in the campaign page for more information. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

December 04, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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