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NAFA Launches New eLearning Courses for Advanced Fleet Management

NAFA Fleet Management Association

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, is excited to announce the launch of the first two courses in its new eLearning series. These self-paced, virtual courses are designed to provide fleet professionals with a comprehensive understanding of core fleet competencies and best practices across a wide range of fleet management areas. By the end of 2024, a total of nine eLearning courses will be available, covering key topics across the industry. The first two courses—Asset Management and Sustainable Fleet—are live now, with additional courses to be released over the coming months. "The launch of NAFA’s eLearning Courses represents a significant step in providing flexible, accessible education for fleet professionals," said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. "These courses allow fleet managers to gain critical skills and knowledge at their convenience, empowering them to implement best practices and drive their organizations forward." With the fleet industry advancing rapidly, NAFA’s eLearning platform offers interactive, up-to-date training that reflects the latest industry trends, technologies and practices. Fleet professionals across all sectors can access specialized learning modules, with the flexibility to complete the training at their own pace. Courses include interactive exercises, quizzes, checkpoints, and explainer animations to enhance the learning experience, with ongoing access to course materials for continuous review. First eLearning Courses Released: Asset Management eLearning: Covers the full spectrum of asset management activities including vehicle selection, procurement, commissioning and remarketing. Fleet managers skilled in asset management play a key role in boosting an organization’s profitability and operational efficiency. Sustainable Fleet eLearning: Focuses on integrating sustainability into fleet operations, from vehicle acquisition through remarketing. Topics include sustainable fleet planning, fuel use, life cycle cost analysis and leadership strategies for driving sustainability goals within fleet operations. These eLearning courses serve as a gateway to advanced fleet management learning, providing the tools and knowledge fleet professionals need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. This is only the beginning, as NAFA will continue to roll out more courses, covering essential topics like Risk Management and Vehicle Fuel Management, ensuring professionals have the resources to thrive in modern fleet management. For more information on NAFA’s eLearning Courses and to register, visit https://www.nafa.org/elearning-courses/. NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year. For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Contact Details Keaveny Hewitt +1 919-622-5276 khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com Company Website https://www.nafa.org/

October 15, 2024 09:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time

New Study Shows Rise in Independent by Choice Workers over Traditional Employment

MBO Partners

A new study from MBO Partners highlights a transformative shift in the American labor market, revealing a 6.5% increase in full-time independent workers, now reaching 27.7 million, since last year. Nearly one in five independent workers now earn more than $100,000 annually, reflecting the expanding economic opportunities offering Americans options from traditional employment toward the freedom and flexibility of self-employment. “This 6.5% growth in full-time independents signals a clear rejection of the traditional employer-employee social contract,” said Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners. “The concept of stable benefits, job security, and mutual loyalty is unraveling. Our study found that 65% of full-time independent workers feel more secure in their careers, and their confidence is reflected in their decision to pursue autonomy and forge their own paths.” MBO’s State of Independence report, The Independent by Choice Movement: Authentic and Intentional, now in its 14th year, shows that 72.7 million Americans are choosing independent work in 2024. Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of this movement, with their combined share of the independent workforce rising from 52% in 2023 to 59% in 2024. As traditional employment loses its appeal, these younger generations are redefining career success, prioritizing flexibility, purpose, and financial independence over conventional job structures. Additional insights from the 2024 study include: Traditional Employment is on Shaky Ground The study reveals that 34% of traditional jobholders fear losing their jobs, while 42% are considering a career change this year. In contrast, 65% of full-time independents feel more secure, and nearly 60% say their work aligns with their identity, compared to just 47% of traditional workers. As the employer-employee social contract frays, traditional jobholders question employer commitment to retaining talent. Many workers are switching jobs more frequently or transitioning to independent work, with job tenure steadily declining. Independent by Choice Drives a Bold New Era of Self-Directed Careers In 2024, 61% of independent workers chose this path by choice, not necessity, with only 10% saying they felt forced into it. Confidence in independent work is growing, with 65% of full-time independents feeling more secure than in traditional jobs, and 54% saying they wouldn’t return to payroll employment. Independent work is now seen as a viable career strategy, with 4.7 million independents earning over $100,000 annually, up from 3 million in 2020. This shift represents a growing movement toward autonomy and purpose, not just a fallback option. AI and Global Reach Fuel Independent Growth In 2024, the number of full-time and part-time independent professionals providing services to businesses surged by 14%, reaching 11.2 million. These independents are climbing the value chain, leveraging specialized skills and generative AI—65% now use AI tools, up sharply from 37% in 2023. AI has become a game changer, enhancing productivity and competitiveness, leading to a rise in six-figure earners. Additionally, thanks to platforms, marketplaces, and social media, the global reach of independent workers is expanding. In 2024, 31% reported providing services to customers outside the U.S., nearly triple the proportion from 2012. “More people are turning to independent work,” Everson added. “This is not just a trend - it’s an inspiring shift, with a workforce determined to redefine success on its own terms.” About MBO Partners® MBO Partners is a global talent solutions platform designed to optimize the engagement between enterprise clients and high value independent workers. MBOâs comprehensive enterprise solutions allow clients to source exceptional talent, scale their independent workforce and optimize their workforce management practices. With vast experience and industry expertise, MBO helps you build a better, independent workforce for the future. For more information, visit mbopartners.com. Contact Details Words For Hire Karen Swim, APR, Public Relations +1 586-461-2103 karen@wordsforhirellc.com MBO Partners Michelle (Mick) Lee, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) MLee@MBOPartners.com Company Website https://mbopartners.com

October 15, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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RedHill Biopharma Secures U.S. Government Funding Through BARDA To Advance Opaganib For Ebola Treatment

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga A decade after a deadly ebola outbreak that left more than 11,000 people dead and only six years after another outbreak killed over 2,000, more needs to be done to find an effective treatment for this infectious disease. That’s what RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (NASDAQ: RDHL), a specialty biopharmaceutical company, is seeking to do with its novel, potentially broad-acting, host-directed therapy, opaganib, a first-in-class new chemical entity with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antiviral activity. The U.S. government’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a center of the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), just selected opaganib for further development to treat exposure to Ebola virus disease (EBOV). To date, RedHill Biopharma said opaganib has made positive progress on the expected Animal Rule pathway towards potential approval as a treatment for EBOV. The Animal Rule allows for the use of pivotal animal model efficacy studies to support the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of new drugs when human clinical trials are not ethical or feasible. New Treatments Needed Ebola is a rare and often deadly virus caused by infection by one of a group of four viruses known as ebolaviruses. Transmission of the disease is mostly through contact with an infected animal (bat or nonhuman primate) or a sick or dead person infected with an ebolavirus. Currently, only Inmazeb, a combination of three monoclonal antibodies and Ebanga, a single monoclonal antibody, are FDA-approved to treat EBOV. Both are intravenously administered. According to RedHill Biopharma, there is an urgent need for host-directed small molecule therapies that may be effective against multiple strains of ebolavirus, are less likely to be impacted by viral mutation and are easy to store, distribute and administer, especially in areas where healthcare services and infrastructures may be sub-optimal. With ebola cases predicted to grow in the years to come, driven by a lack of effective treatment, so is the market size for vaccines and treatments. According to one forecast, the ebola drug and vaccine market is poised to reach $223.7 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 12.8% from 2022 to 2027. Opaganib, which is orally administered, is thought to work through the inhibition of multiple pathways, the induction of autophagy and apoptosis and the disruption of viral replication, through simultaneous inhibition of three sphingolipid-metabolizing enzymes in human cells (SPHK2, DES1 and GCS). BARDA To Provide Funding Under the cost-sharing agreement with BARDA, BARDA will provide funding to further advance opaganib to mitigate infections and contain EBOV outbreaks. In an in vivo EBOV study with the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, RedHill Biopharma said opaganib delivered a statistically significant increase in survival time when given at 150 mg/kg twice a day. RedHill Biopharma said it’s the first host-directed molecule to show activity in EBOV. What’s more, RedHill said opaganib also recently demonstrated a distinct synergistic effect when combined individually with the COVID-19 antiviral treatment remdesivir, significantly improving potency while maintaining cell viability. “EBOV is deadly, killing, on average, half of all those who contract it. This year marks ten years since the West Africa Ebola epidemic in which 11,000 people died, and yet there are still no host-directed, small molecule therapies approved to provide effective and usable treatment strategies,” said Guy Goldberg, RedHill’s Chief Business Officer. “There are also enormous geopolitical and logistical challenges to overcome in managing outbreaks such as EBOV, and others like Mpox, and so new host-directed, small-molecule therapeutic options for biodefense and global health preparedness could prove to be major life-saving advances – this is especially true if they are capable of viral mutation-resistance, have extended shelf-lives for long-term storage, are relatively straightforward to transport to hard-to-reach territories and are easy to administer without the need for cold-storage or injections.” Fighting More Than EBOV In addition to EBOV, RedHill said opaganib has demonstrated antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, multiple variants and several other viruses, including Influenza A. Opaganib is currently also in development for multiple oncology, viral, inflammatory and diabetes and obesity-related indications, including COVID-19, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and radiological and chemical protection or mitigation. RedHill Biopharma’s novel drug has also been selected for evaluation by other NIH-funded U.S. government countermeasure programs including the Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP) for development as a potential treatment for Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) and by the BARDA Chemical Medical Countermeasures (Chem MCM) Program and the NIH/NIAID Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP), in addition to several other U.S. government and non-government collaborations. Ebola is a fast-spreading and often deadly disease that needs better solutions. RedHill Biopharma and BARDA are betting on opaganib to potentially provide another easier-to-mobilize option to fight outbreaks. To learn more about RedHill Biopharma’s novel drug, click here. Featured photo by CDC 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

October 15, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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AmeriLife's MCC Brokerage Strengthens Market Position with Diversity Insurance Agency Partnership

AmeriLife

MCC Brokerage, an innovative field marketing organization in the life and health insurance industry and affiliate partner of AmeriLife Group, LLC, today announced that it has partnered with Diversity Insurance Agency, a Medicare Advantage brokerage company with more than 900 contracted agents licensed in nearly all 50 U.S. states. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are excited to welcome Tim Barlow and his team to our growing Health Distribution network,” said Darren Houck, President of MCC Brokerage. “Diversity Insurance has set itself apart from other agencies through its hands-on approach to training, lead programs, and expert support staff, and we are confident in its continued success.” By meeting people where they are, investing in them, and nurturing their growth, Diversity Insurance Agency provides its agents with the tools and training needed to succeed. Powered by a grassroots approach, a mature outreach program of specialized community events, and a traditional door-to-door educational initiative, licensed agents guide their clients through coverage that meets their personal health and financial needs. “Securing the proper Medicare coverage can be a complex, overwhelming task for many beneficiaries,” said Tim Barlow, President of Diversity Insurance Agency. “Our personalized approach and training protocols ensure that agents are well-versed in plan offerings available in each community we serve and are trained to help consumers balance the costs and benefits to meet their needs. We are thrilled to continue this level of service with the MCC Brokerage team and AmeriLife’s distribution and partnership platform.” With MCC Brokerage and AmeriLife, DIA will enjoy expanded access to tools and resources to boost its reach, productivity, and profitability. "Tim and his team have taken traditional, person-to-person relationship-building to the next level," said Scotty Elliott, Chief Distribution Officer of Health for AmeriLife. "This approach is vital to building trust with our customers, validates the importance of health insurance agents' role in the insurance process, and reflects an important segment of AmeriLife’s core, value-based belief in how we conduct our business." ### About Diversity Insurance Agency With headquarters in Saline, Michigan, Diversity Insurance Agency takes pride in its extensive agent training program, creating expert consumer journeys when seeking comprehensive consultation and personalized health insurance recommendations. Our agents live in the communities they serve. They are well-versed in all plan offerings they provide and are trained to assist with presenting all available options and customizations based on the individual's particular life journey. For more information, visit www.diversityins.com. About MCC Brokerage As an award-winning, innovative, and passionate field marketing organization in the life and health insurance industry, MCC Brokerage embodies a collaboration versus competition mindset, empowering agents to grow their businesses. We aim to assist agents in creating their most robust business possible, utilizing over 50 collective years of expertise. We strive to support our agents’ endeavors through building lasting relationships and unmatched customer service. For more information, visit www.mccbrokerage.com. 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 over 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers through a distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents, financial professionals, and over 100 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Jeff Maldonado media@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Alex Hyer corporatedevelopment@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

October 15, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Marti Technologies Begins Monetizing Ride-Hailing Super App With Drivers Paying Subscription Fees

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Marti Technologies, Inc. (AMEX: MRT), which is the top urban mobility app in Türkiye as per data cited in its most recent investor presentation, has begun monetizing its ride-hailing service, selling drivers subscription packages to access ride requests from Marti’s growing rider base, which is now around 1.3 million. By the end of the year, the company is targeting 1.6 million users. Under its initial monetization strategy, drivers pay Marti monthly subscription fees to receive ride requests from riders. The company says it has over 225,000 registered drivers using its app. In the first half of 2024, Marti’s driver base increased by 60%. Drivers Are Willing To Pay For Access To Riders Marti, which bills itself as the only ride-hailing company in Türkiye that can handle large volumes of rides, does face competition from offline ride-hailing services in the country. Still, the company says that none of the smaller services have a mobile app that streamlines the process of hailing a ride. Instead, they rely on voice calls and text messages to connect drivers and riders. Such inefficiency results in a lower volume of ride requests from those service providers, reports Marti. Nonetheless, the company says drivers are willing to pay upwards of $300 per month for that type of offline access to riders, which means Marti can also charge that much. To maximize its monetization efforts and to make it equitable for drivers, Marti’s driver subscription package prices are set to dynamically adjust to reflect the level of real-time ride requests that Marti directs to its drivers. During busy times, Marti can charge more for access. Before this monetization, Marti was focused solely on growing the number of riders and drivers on its app, a strategy the company says is paying off. “The first half of 2024 was a period in which we significantly exceeded our ride-hailing targets, demonstrating that demand for ride-hailing in Türkiye is even higher than we anticipated,” Oguz Alper Oktem, founder and CEO, said when reporting earnings at the end of September. “In the first half of 2024, in addition to achieving our new rider and driver acquisition targets, we also increased our efforts to retain existing riders and drivers in a capital-efficient manner.” Standing Out From The Pack Marti is different from its rivals, which the company credits for its growth. To connect drivers and riders, the company launched its super app in 2019, and in under five years has morphed into a leader in the marketplace. Not only does it match riders with cars easily and efficiently, but it also has motorcycle-hailing and taxi-hailing services, and operates a large fleet of rental e-mopeds, e-bikes and e-scooters. Another differentiator is its concentration throughout Türkiye, particularly in Istanbul. With an unofficial population of over 20 million people, Istanbul is the largest city in Europe; bigger than cities like London, Paris and Berlin. Of the company’s 225,000 registered drivers, more than 167,000 are in Istanbul. The company says that compares to some 21,000 taxis operating in the city. “Monetization is constantly on our mind,” said company executives during a recent earnings conference call. “We look at drivers' behavior, we look at riders' behavior. When the pilot programs come alive, the profitability of the company will change significantly.” Featured photo by Tolga Ahmetler 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

October 15, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Siyata Mobile, Ambra Solutions And TASSTA Americas Collaborate To Migrate Mining Sites To Cutting-Edge Wireless Networks For All Their Communication Needs

Siyata Mobile Inc.

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga For years mining companies had no choice but to build two communications networks, one for data and the other for two-way radio. After all, in remote locations, both are important to keep mining operations going. But thanks to LTE/5G networks, the old way of doing things – which was costly and cumbersome – is going away. That’s particularly true of new greenfield mines, which are increasingly installing one LTE/5G network to meet all their needs. Even existing mines, recognizing the benefits, which include better coverage and connectivity, are melding their networks into one. They are turning to companies like Siyata Mobile Inc. (NASDAQ: SYTA), Ambra Solutions and TASSTA Americas to make it happen. The three are collaborating to help mining sites migrate from a traditional VHF/UHF two-way radio system into what the companies say are cutting-edge wireless networks enabling voice, data and real-time location services. All three play an important role in making this a reality, bringing many benefits to their mining customers. Communicating Everywhere Take automatic channel switching for starters. In dynamic industrial environments maintaining consistent and reliable communications is essential for operational safety and efficiency. TASSTA Americas` software solution enables automatic channel switching, ensuring workers remain connected to the correct network segment as they move throughout the site. This functionality helps prevent communication failures and ensures continuous connectivity across the entire industrial site, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency. Then there are vehicle-mounted push-to-talk (PTT) devices. For industries requiring robust and reliable communication solutions, Siyata offers specialized vehicle-mounted PTT devices designed to withstand the harshest conditions. These devices provide workers with effective communication tools, ensuring reliable, hands-free communication even within vehicles operating in challenging conditions. Safety Front And Center Safety is also top of mind for mining operators and an LTE/5G network system facilitates that and then some, from man-down detection to emergency video functionality. After all, worker safety remains a top priority in any work environment, especially in ones where workers can encounter a number of hazardous elements. TASSTA Americas' advanced software solutions, integrated with Ambra’s private LTE/5G connectivity solutions, include man-down detection systems that utilize sensors to monitor worker status. These systems automatically alert emergency services in the event of a fall or incapacitation, ensuring rapid responses and possibly avoiding critical situations. In the event of an emergency, the availability of real-time visual information can be critical. Ambra’s LTE/5G solutions, coupled with TASSTA Americas' emergency response software, enable the automatic activation of video functionality on devices when the SOS button is pressed. This integration provides emergency responders with immediate visual context to better assess and address the situation. Communicating Without Interferences But the benefits don’t end there. Electromagnetic interference mitigation is another important feature for miners and their workers. In facilities like aluminum smelters, severe electromagnetic interference can pose significant challenges, potentially disrupting the operation of electronic devices and creating safety hazards. Ambra Solutions' Private LTE/5G networks are engineered to function reliably in these environments, maintaining operational integrity even in the presence of strong electromagnetic fields. Siyata says that this capability ensures uninterrupted communication and device functionality, even under the most challenging conditions, with Siyata's rugged devices specifically designed to withstand such adverse conditions. The ability to communicate one-on-one and in groups is also important, which is where flexible talk-groups come in. In dynamic industrial operations, the ability to create and manage multiple talk groups without the need for reconfiguring devices is crucial. TASSTA Americas offers this flexibility, allowing for scalable communication setups that can easily adapt to evolving operational needs. TASSTA Americas software enables the creation of as many talk groups as needed without requiring extensive device reconfiguration or downtime. Recording communications is essential for developing effective emergency response strategies and analyzing incidents post-occurrence. TASSTA Americas' software supports the recording of all communications, providing valuable data that can be used to refine safety protocols and prevent future emergencies. Looking to the future, the Ambra LTE/5G network can also support things like automated guided vehicles or AGVs. Industries like aluminum smelters, where operational conditions are particularly harsh, increasingly rely on AGVs to enhance efficiency and reduce human exposure to dangerous environments. Ambra Solutions’ Private LTE/5G networks provide the robust and reliable communication infrastructure needed for AGVs to operate seamlessly in such challenging environments. While Siyata and TASSTA Americas focus on human communication solutions, Ambra Solutions ensures that the AGVs are fully supported by a network that guarantees high-speed, uninterrupted connectivity, allowing these vehicles to perform autonomously and safely. The integration of Ambra Solutions' Private LTE/5G networks in industrial environments, combined with Siyata's rugged communication devices and TASSTA Americas' advanced software solutions, marks what the companies say is a leap forward in both operational efficiency and safety. These technologies address the unique challenges faced by modern industrial settings, ensuring that industries can operate more safely and efficiently. As industries continue to evolve, the adoption of Ambra’s LTE/5G connectivity, along with Siyata's and TASSTA Americas' products, expect to play a crucial role in creating smarter and safer working environments, and so, even across time and evolving technologies. Ambra is focused on providing their clients a future-proof infrastructure that will be capable of adapting with existing technologies while enabling future use-cases without having to replace hardware or start all over again, which means that networks deployed today are also an investment in tomorrow. Featured photo by Dominik Vanyi on Unsplash. Siyata Mobile Inc. is a B2B global vendor of next-generation Push-To-Talk over Cellular devices, cellular booster systems, and video monitoring solutions. Its portfolio of in-vehicle and rugged devices enables first responders and enterprise workers to instantly communicate, over a nationwide cellular network of choice, to increase situational awareness and save lives.Its portfolio of enterprise-grade and consumer cellular booster systems enables first responders and enterprise workers to amplify cellular signals in remote areas, inside structural buildings where signals are weak, and within vehicles for the maximum cellular signal strength possible.For its video monitoring system, Siyata integrates software that we license with off-the-shelf hardware providing our customers with an integrated advanced camera system for management and visual monitoring of their fleet vehicles. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on Siyata's current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, performance, or achievements of Siyata could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Siyata's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Except as otherwise required by law, Siyata undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. References and links to websites and social media have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites or social media is not incorporated by reference into this press release. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Brett Maas SYTA@haydenir.com

October 15, 2024 08:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Lightwave Logic Presents At 2024 European Conference On Optical Communications, Takes Home Award For Innovation

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga From streaming movies and shows to online gaming and AI-powered apps, demand for data is growing at a rapid pace. That is overwhelming network infrastructures, leading to increased congestion which can result in slower speeds, increased latency and disrupted service. This network congestion is only expected to worsen as AI and machine learning become part of our daily lives and data demands reach terabytes and petabytes. Solving that network congestion problem is the main focus of Lightwave Logic, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWLG), the Englewood, Colorado, technology company that makes electro-optic – “EO” – polymers. Lightwave Logic says these EO polymers increase the efficiency of internet infrastructure by allowing more data to be transmitted at significantly higher speeds and with less power than existing solutions on the market. The result, according to the company, is three times faster data transmission speeds and ten times lower power, relieving bottlenecks in infrastructures. Tech Prowess On Display With more than 70 patents and an initial licensing agreement under its belt, it's not surprising Lightwave Logic was a presenter at the 2024 European Conference on Optical Communications (ECOC), which was held in late September in Frankfurt, Germany. ECOC is Europe's leading conference on optical communications and one of the largest and most prestigious events in the field worldwide. The conference brings together experts and leaders from academia, research and industry across the globe to share their latest breakthroughs and visions for the future, giving Lightwave a big platform to show off its technology prowess. And that it did with CEO Dr. Michael Lebby discussing how polymer modulators are now showing performance for 200 Gbps PAM4 lanes, with initial results at 400 Gbps PAM4 lanes and headroom for 800 Gbps lanes. PAM4 lanes use Pulse Amplitude Modulation 4-level (PAM4) to transmit data at high speeds. "Electro-optic (EO) polymer modulators are a hot topic in the industry today as the industry strives to increase modulation speed while reducing optical network equipment power consumption, driven by generative AI-driven needs to upgrade hyperscale data centers,” said Lebby. “We believe that as artificial intelligence, machine learning and other cloud-based services continue to drive the need for higher speed data transmission, the interest in the inherent wide bandwidth, low power consumption and footprint of our world-class performance electro-optic (EO) polymers will grow.” Showing EOs In Action During the event, Lightwave collaborated with Polariton Technologies to demonstrate a packaged device with over 110 GHz super high bandwidth packaged electro-optic polymer modulators. Lebby said through the collaboration the two companies are showing how they can extend the performance of silicon photonics using plasmonics and electro-optic polymers. “This collaboration forms an important technology platform for scalability using large silicon foundries for mass commercialization with 200mm silicon wafers,” he said. But taking part in the prestigious conference wasn’t the only feather in the company’s cap. Lightwave won the 2024 Industry Award for Most Innovative Hybrid PIC/Optical Integration Platform during the conference. It's an award that’s bestowed on companies that develop products and technology that advance the business of optical communications, transport, networking, fiber-based products, photonic integration circuits and related developments. The awards are granted by a technical committee of industry peers and industrial corporations and cover optical materials, components, packages and modules, and optical systems, networks, standards and architecture. "Lightwave Logic is honored to receive the Award for Most Innovative Hybrid PIC/Optical Integration Platform on behalf of Lightwave Logic for the second time, granted by a committee of industry peers, reflecting true market recognition of our technology," said Lebby. "Since winning the award in 2023, we have continued to demonstrate our leadership in the photonics industry with outstanding 200 Gbps per lane performance for our technologies that align well with data center expectations today.” Inking Deals Lebby said the award acts as an important highlight amid ongoing discussions with a broad array of companies to provide designs, material supplies and licensing agreements for its EO polymer materials. Lebby said the discussions are with original equipment manufacturers and tier-1 multinational corporations. During the second quarter, Lightwave said it hosted visits with potential customers at its Englewood, Colorado, volume scale materials facility for inspection and review and to analyze its data rate performance. The company also inked a supply-chain collaboration with Advanced Micro Foundry 's (AMF) Silicon Photonics platform, which it said will accelerate the development of state-of-the-art silicon photonics modulators. As a result, Lightwave Logic expects to ramp up volume of its polymer materials in its manufacturing facility in Colorado, as well as 200-millimeter silicon wafer volume with AMF. Lightwave ended the quarter with $29 million in cash, enough to finance operations through 2025, the company reported. “We are confident in the implicit competitive advantage of our solution to support data centers around the world which are responding to the burgeoning demand for higher speed data transmission from artificial intelligence, machine learning and other cloud-based services,” Lebby said. Featured photo by Umberto 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

October 15, 2024 08:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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SuRo Capital: Unlocking Access To Potentially High-Growth Venture Opportunities Like OpenAI And Liquid Death

Benzinga

By James Blacker, Benzinga SuRo Capital Corp (NASDAQ: SSSS), a publicly-traded investment fund founded in 2011, has provided everyday individual investors with access to high-growth, venture-backed companies for over a decade. While venture capital has historically been typically limited to large or institutional investors, SuRo Capital provides exposure to these highly sought-after pre-IPO opportunities to the public. Other options to invest in venture capital are currently limited; complex investment platforms like Fundrise can be difficult to navigate, while other venture-focused platforms often have high barriers to entry. Instead, investors can simply purchase shares of SuRo Capital to gain exposure to a portfolio of potentially lucrative emerging companies. Portfolio Highlights SuRo Capital aims to spot potential early, focusing on late-stage, high-growth private companies that are potentially poised for rapid expansion. Holdings cover a range of sectors and include names like artificial intelligence (AI) developer OpenAI, graphic design software platform Canva, AI hyperscaler CoreWeave and fast- growing beverage brand Liquid Death. Throughout its history, SuRo Capital reports that it has carried out successful exits from some of the biggest companies in the world, notably achieving a 6.9x return on its investment in Palantir (NYSE: PLTR) from 2012-2021 and a 6.6x return on its Coursera (NYSE: COUR) investment over a similar period. Other successful exits include Spotify (NYSE: SPOT), which returned 3.4x over a four-year period, and Lyft (NASDAQ: LYFT), which grew 2.8x during SuRo’s investment from 2014 to 2019. More of SuRo Capital’s select investments and exits can be seen here. Q3 Update: $55 Million In AI Investments In an Oct. 10 press release, SuRo Capital provided an update on its investment portfolio for the third quarter of 2024, noting it was one of the most active investment periods in the last decade. The quarter saw SuRo Capital make a $17.5 million investment in OpenAI, the AI research firm primarily known for developing advanced AI models GPT and DALL-E. SuRo also increased its position in AI cloud computing provider CoreWeave through a $5 million secondary transaction. Following the end of the quarter through Oct. 10, the company also invested $12 million in VAST Data, an AI infrastructure data platform focused on providing enhanced productivity and simple data management, as well as an additional $5 million secondary investment in CoreWeave. “With these new investments and our existing investment in CW Opportunity 2 LP we have invested nearly $55 million into some of the leading AI infrastructure companies. Given AI’s significant addressable market, we believe dedicating a significant portion of our portfolio to AI infrastructure will prove to be successful for our shareholders,” said SuRo Capital chairperson and chief executive officer Mark Klein. As of Sept. 30, SuRo Capital’s portfolio included positions in 36 different companies. The company’s net asset value is estimated at between $6.50 to $7.00 per share, down from $8.41 per share in Sept. 2023. A Potentially Promising IPO Landscape A resurgence in IPO activity in 2024 driven by the tech sector could provide ample exit opportunities for SuRo Capital, particularly with analysts anticipating even more offerings in 2025. Notably, Reddit (NYSE: RDDT) went public earlier this year, rising 48% on its debut. As IPOs gain momentum, SuRo Capital's pre-IPO investments could unlock significant value, offering its shareholders the potential for substantial returns as more companies in its portfolio potentially go public. Featured photo by Scott Graham 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

October 15, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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VOESH New York Unveils Holiday Shop: Featuring Exclusive Holiday Edition Products

VOESH New York

VOESH New York, the leader in clean, vegan body care, is thrilled to announce the launch of its much-anticipated Holiday Shop, bringing a festive touch to self-care routines everywhere. This season, indulge in exclusive holiday edition products featuring the sweet and sensational Golden Vanilla scent that embodies the spirit of the holidays. Whether for personal use or as the perfect gift, VOESH’s holiday offerings promise to make every moment feel special. “The holidays are about sharing joy and love, and what better way to do that than with the gift of clean beauty? Share the glow of radiant, healthy skin this holiday season, and let your loved ones feel the magic of VOESH,” said Vera Oh, Co-Founder of VOESH New York. Introducing Our 2024 Holiday Collection Heel Repair Duo: Get your “mistle-toes” ready for the holiday season! This duo is designed for the ultimate foot care transformation, including VOESH’s Red Moisturizing Heel Socks paired with the Solemate Heel Repair Balm. Perfect for pampering and healing dry, cracked feet, this combination ensures your feet are soft, healthy, and ready for any occasion. The festive red socks add a touch of holiday cheer, making this set a great gift or a treat for yourself. Pedi Moments Golden Vanilla: Experience the perfect at-home pedi for every merry me-time moment with our Pedi Moments kit. This 5-step kit, accompanied by a dual-grit nail file, provides everything you need for a nourishing and soothing pedicure. Infused with the delightful Golden Vanilla scent, this kit transforms your pedicure routine into a spa-like experience. Pedi Moments Duo Golden Vanilla: Elevate your self-care ritual with this deluxe set, featuring two complete Pedi Moments kits. Enjoy the luxurious Golden Vanilla experience twice over, or share the joy by gifting one to a friend. This duo ensures that your feet stay pampered and cared for throughout the holiday season. Golden Vanilla Fragrance Set: Wrap yourself in the comforting aroma of our Golden Vanilla Fragrance Set, which includes a Room & Fabric Fragrance, Hair & Body Fragrance, and Ceramic Fragrance. This set features notes of sweet vanilla bean, golden sugar crystals, and sandalwood, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance perfect for the holidays. Ideal for gifting or adding a touch of holiday spirit to your home. Celebrate the Holidays Early VOESH’s Holiday Shop is opening early, inviting all consumers and retailers to get a head start on holiday shopping. From soothing pedicures to nurturing heel treatments, each product is crafted with clean, high-quality ingredients, ensuring you indulge in self-care that is both luxurious and safe. To explore VOESH’s 2024 Holiday Shop, visit voesh.com. About VOESH New York: Founded in 2013, VOESH New York has emerged as a premier destination for clean and efficacious body care solutions catering to head-to-toe wellness. Noteworthy products include Pedi in a Box, Mani in a Box, the award-winning Shower & Empower Vitamin C Shower Filter, and Collagen Gloves and Socks. VOESH New York is committed to providing 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable products because every body deserves better beauty! All VOESH New York products are certified by PETA and registered with the US Mocra, EU CPNP and UK SCPN, maintaining vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested standards. VOESH New York proudly excludes all 1,680+ EU-banned ingredients and an additional 400+ potentially harmful ingredients. For more information, visit VOESH New York’s website at Voesh.com or contact press@voesh.com. ### All VOESH New York products are certified by PETA and registered with the EU CPNP, and UK SCPN. Always vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested, VOESH New York proudly excludes all 1,680+ EU-banned ingredients and an additional 400+ potentially harmful ingredients. VOESH New York products can be found at select Target, Rite Aid, and, Kroger stores nationwide, as well as on voesh.com, amazon.com, walmart.com, and riteaid.com. Contact Details Colleen Mathis +1 917-690-5560 Colleen@absoluterrelations.com Company Website https://voesh.com/

October 15, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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