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Coco Coders, the live online coding and AI literacy program for children ages 6 to 14, closed a $2.5 million seed round led by Homegrown Capital Fund I in May 2024. The raise marked a significant milestone for the company, which has grown from $500,000 in annual recurring revenue (ARR) at the time of the raise to $1.5 million in ARR as of May 2026. Coco Coders is now setting its sights on expanding students’ AI literacy and deepening school partnerships across the United States.

The round includes participation from Amrock Ventures Limited (U.K.), Iowa Venture Capital Co-Investment Fund, Nevada Battle Born Growth Escalator, South Dakota Impact Fund 1, Wonder Fund North Dakota, and a community of individual investors through a WeFunder crowdfunding campaign.

A Growth Story Built on Demand

Since launching its live, instructor-led subscription model, Coco Coders has grown to serve students across all 50 states, the U.K., and more than 10 countries. The program's rotating four-week, theme-based modules connect coding and AI concepts to real-world industries and careers, meeting kids where their interests are and building technical fluency alongside critical thinking from an early age.

The triple ARR growth since the seed close reflects what the company has long believed. Parents, educators, and communities are actively seeking programs that prepare kids for a technology-driven world, and they are not waiting for traditional school systems to catch up.

Elizabeth Tweedale, CEO and founder of Coco Coders, describes the company as not only a platform for teaching kids to code but also a program intentionally built to give them the foundations to understand, question, and build with the technology that will define their futures. The demand they’ve seen has shown that families are catching on.

Investor Confidence Rooted in Track Record

Homegrown Capital led the round with conviction in both Coco Coders' growth trajectory and the broader K-12 AI education market opportunity. Amrock Ventures, a London-based venture firm, joins the round as a returning backer, having previously supported Elizabeth in one of her prior companies. Their continued investment signals confidence not just in the product but in the team building it. South Dakota Impact Fund 1 was another private capital venture fund excited to back the impactful business making strides towards educational change. 

State-aligned investments from the Iowa Venture Capital Co-Investment Fund, Nevada Battle Born Growth Escalator, and Wonder Fund ND further reflect the regional momentum the company has built and the appetite across multiple states to see this kind of education take root in their communities.

The round also included a WeFunder crowdfunding segment, acquiring parents, educators, and community members who are personally invested in Coco Coders' mission. For a consumer-facing brand, the voice of its participants is especially validating.

Expanding Access Where It Matters Most

A core focus of the funding is bringing Coco Coders' curriculum into schools across Iowa, Nevada, North Dakota, and South Dakota. These states display a clear gap between the technology education kids need and what schools currently offer, and are actively working to provide their constituents with future-ready education. These communities that understand what is at stake in the AI era are hungry for the right partnerships and programs to evolve faster.

Nevada has been pushing to modernize education and close opportunity gaps for its students. North Dakota, with its expansive rural communities and rich indigenous heritage, represents exactly the kind of place where the right infrastructure can create a substantial impact. Iowa and South Dakota are similarly leaning in, with government initiatives to advance tech literacy, data science, and cybersecurity education, with a focused urgency in their curricula. These states are all aligned in their ideas, enthusiasm, and the efforts required to bring to life programs that give kids access to the skills the next economy will require.

Elizabeth Tweedale and her team at Coco Coders have pinpointed specific areas where providing top-tier tech education can have a life-altering impact. These efforts are strategically aligned with the strong local support found within those very communities. While expanding their consumer business remains a key priority, establishing robust foundations that ensure every child receives the foundational curriculum they need in their lives remains at the forefront of the company’s growth plans.

By providing a scalable delivery model and curriculum, Coco Coders works as a partner with educators, parents, institutions, and local communities who are actively engaged in the efforts to further and accelerate the expansion of educational opportunities for the next generation.

What Comes Next

With $1.5 million ARR, a global presence, and state-level investment partnerships now in place, Coco Coders is focused on the next stage of growth. It’s deepening its curriculum, expanding its teacher network, scaling its in-school programming across its four target states, and broadening its consumer outreach initiatives.

The company sees AI literacy as the defining educational priority of this moment, shaping how the next generation enters the workforce, approaches problems, and participates in an increasingly technology-driven world. The funding puts Coco Coders in a stronger position than ever to lead that conversation.

About Coco Coders

Coco Coders is a live online coding and AI literacy program for children ages 6–14, serving students across all 50 states, the U.K., and more than 10 countries. The program offers rotating, themed modules that connect coding and AI to real-world industries and careers, with a curriculum designed to accommodate all learning styles. Learn more at cococoders.com. For more information, visit www.cococoders.com.

Media Contact

Elizabeth Tweedale
elizabeth@cococoders.com

Santa Barbara Adventure Company (SBACo), an adventure travel outfitter serving the California Central Coast since 1998, announced today that it has been awarded first place winner in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards, earning recognition in the Best Adventure Tour Company category. 

SBACo has been guiding outdoor experiences along California’s Central Coast since 1998, with a focus on connecting guests to the region’s breathtaking beauty. The company serves a wide range of guests — from visitors and local families to schools and corporate groups — through kayaking and snorkeling tours, wine experiences, outdoor education trips, and team-building programs.

A key part of SBACo’s operations is its role as the authorized concessioner for kayaking and snorkeling tours at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island within Channel Islands National Park. Combined with its recognition as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Outfitter, the company has built a reputation for delivering well-executed experiences that reflect both operational consistency and a strong respect for the natural environment.

“We’re honored to be recognized by Newsweek readers,” said Michael Cohen, President and Founder. “This award reflects the work our team puts in every day to create meaningful experiences for our guests while maintaining a high standard across everything we do.”

The Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards recognize standout businesses, brands, and experiences across a wide range of consumer categories. Winners are determined through a public voting process in which readers select the companies and organizations they believe deliver exceptional quality, value, and customer experience.

The 2026 program highlights leading companies across numerous industries, including the Adventure Awaits category, where Santa Barbara Adventure Company was named the No. 1 Best Adventure Tour Company.

“Each year, the Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the best of the best, as chosen by the people who matter most — our readers,” said Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham. “We’re proud to recognize those organizations that continue to raise the bar for quality, innovation, and customer experience.”

About Santa Barbara Adventure Company

Santa Barbara Adventure Company (SBACo) is an award-winning outdoor adventure outfitter based on California’s Central Coast. Operating since 1998, the company offers guided kayaking, snorkeling, and wine tours, surf and stand-up paddleboard lessons, outdoor education programs, and team-building experiences for corporate groups. SBACo is the authorized concessioner for kayaking and snorkeling tours at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island within Channel Islands National Park and is recognized as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Outfitter. With a team of highly trained guides and a commitment to environmental stewardship and exceptional guest experiences, SBACo delivers outdoor experiences that are truly unforgettable. For more information, visit www.sbadventureco.com.

About Newsweek

Newsweek is the global digital news organization built around the iconic 93-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people monthly with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. For more information, visit www.newsweek.com.

Media Contact

Will Adams
Marketing Manager, Santa Barbara Adventure Company
will@sbadventureco.com
+1 805-884-9283

The Portland Trail Blazers and Bold Reuse announced today that the Rip City Reuse cup program at Moda Center achieves carbon emission equivalent (CO₂e) break-even after just two uses under real-world operating conditions, setting an exciting new sustainability standard for the industry. The study tested three single-use alternatives — compostable PLA, polypropylene, and paper cups — and the reusable cup can outperform all three on carbon after just two uses.

Since launching at Moda Center, 967,322 beverages have been served in 20 oz. reusable cups. Based on the LCA-derived per-serving emissions difference vs. compostable PLA cups, the program is estimated to have avoided approximately 52.7 metric tonnes of CO₂e — consistent with the study's finding of 74% lower carbon per drink served. The Moda Center also serves beverages in 9 oz, 12 oz, and 24 oz cups, and the Rip City Reuse program has eliminated 1.7 million single-use cups in total.

Every product generates environmental impact across its life cycle, from production to disposal. Single-use cups are manufactured, transported, used for minutes, and landfilled, representing a significant burden relative to their brief period of use. Reusable alternatives change the equation: each additional use distributes the production impact further while displacing a new single-use item. The break-even point is where the reusable cup's cumulative impact falls below that of the single-use alternative's, and every use after that is a measurable environmental win.

This estimate is based on the LCA-derived per-serving emissions difference between the Bold Reuse reusable cup and a compostable PLA cup under Moda Center operating conditions, including an average of 8.32 uses per cup. Results are specific to this comparison and may vary under different operating assumptions, reuse rates, and other scenarios.

“What’s meaningful about this study is that it reflects real‑world operating conditions at Moda Center, not general assumptions. Independent, third‑party results show that reuse can deliver real environmental benefits at the scale of an NBA arena, helping set a new bar and moving reuse from a promising idea to a credible, impactful solution today," said Brittany Saulsbury, Director of Sustainability, Portland Trail Blazers.

The Results

Based on Moda Center's operating conditions, with cups averaging 8.32 uses each, the Bold Reuse program delivers the following carbon reductions per drink served compared to single-use alternatives used by venues:

• 82% lower carbon emissions than single-use PP cups
• 74% lower carbon emissions than compostable PLA cups
• 55% lower carbon emissions than paper cups

The results hold across all three environmental impact categories studied — carbon, eutrophication, and acidification (percentage reduction vs. each alternative, per drink served — 20 oz., Moda Center, 8.32 avg uses).

Reusable cups compared with single-use PP cups:

• 82% lower carbon (GWP) impact
• 82% lower eutrophication impact
• 81% lower acidification impact

Reusable cups compared with compostable PLA cups:

• 74% lower carbon (GWP) impact
• 88% lower eutrophication impact
• 88% lower acidification impact

Reusable cups compared with paper cups:

• 55% lower carbon (GWP) impact
• 78% lower eutrophication impact
• 82% lower acidification impact

Moda Center has led the arena reuse movement longer than any venue in the country. Since launching the first reuse program in professional sports in 2022, the program has expanded continuously, culminating on September 19, 2024, when Moda became the first major sports and entertainment venue in the U.S. to offer reusable cups across every beverage category. A new independent life cycle assessment now confirms what three seasons of operations have demonstrated: reuse at this scale delivers real, measurable environmental results.

“For too long, reuse has been asked to prove itself while single-use gets a pass. This study, conducted at a major sports venue using ISO-standard methodology and independent review, ends that debate. Two uses to break even on carbon. Everything above that is a carbon win when compared with the single-use alternatives evaluated in the study," said Jocelyn Quarrell, co-founder and CEO, Bold Reuse.

Redefining the Break-Even Standard

Prior research has placed the CO₂ break-even threshold at three to fifteen uses against various single-use alternatives. This study finds that under Moda Center's operating conditions, the Bold Reuse program reaches carbon break-even against every alternative tested — compostable PLA, compostable paper, and polypropylene single-use cups — in two uses or fewer.

The difference comes down to how the cups are managed. Bold Reuse's operational model, including washing, sanitizing, route logistics, and return infrastructure, is efficient enough that the reuse cycle adds minimal carbon relative to what it offsets. The environmental payoff compounds with every additional use: at the program's current return rate, an average of 88%, each serving delivers a fraction of the carbon footprint of any single-use alternative.

The sensitivity analysis in the study confirms that return rate is the single highest-leverage variable. A cup that comes back is a cup that continues to reduce environmental impacts.

About the Study

The study was conducted by Blue Strike Environmental and reviewed by three independent LCA experts with no financial relationship to Bold Reuse, the Trail Blazers, or any cup manufacturer. One beverage served using a 20 oz cup at the Moda Center stadium in Portland, Oregon, was selected as a functional unit. The study covers a full cradle-to-grave system boundary and compares four 20 oz. cup options: Bold Reuse managed reusable polypropylene cups, compostable PLA cups, single-use polypropylene cups, and paper cups (included as a comparative reference system only).

An independent critical review panel was convened to evaluate the comparative LCA of reusable cup systems and the associated LCI model. The panel consisted of three reviewers with expertise in life cycle assessment methodology and environmental modeling. The review was conducted in accordance with the requirements for critical review of comparative LCAs as described in ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.

The objective of the review was to assess whether the methods used to carry out the study are consistent with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, whether the data and modeling approaches are scientifically and technically valid, whether the interpretations reflect the results of the study, and whether the report provides an appropriate level of transparency consistent with the goal and scope of the assessment.

The panel reviewed the LCA white paper and the underlying LCI model provided in Excel format. Reviewers provided detailed comments addressing aspects of the study, including the definition of the functional unit and system boundaries, documentation of data sources and modeling assumptions, transparency and traceability within the LCI model, and the interpretation and communication of results. These comments are intended to improve the clarity, transparency, and robustness of the study before finalization.

At the time of this review, the study was still undergoing revision in response to the panel’s comments. Final confirmation of conformance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 will depend on the satisfactory resolution of the issues identified by the review panel.

The audit comments have been addressed in the review process. A separate document with comments and resolutions is maintained and has been shared separately.

The underlying technical report has been prepared for internal use only and contains confidential and proprietary information that precludes its public release.

About Bold Reuse

Bold Reuse (Green Options PBC) is the largest reusable serviceware operator in U.S. sports and entertainment: 20+ professional sports teams, six markets, and diverting millions of items from landfill. The company collects, washes, and redistributes reusable food and drinkware across stadiums, arenas, corporate campuses, and universities, backed by its Circular Intelligence platform for real-time asset tracking and impact reporting. For more information, visit www.boldreuse.com.

About Portland Trail Blazers

Members of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Portland Trail Blazers were founded in 1970 and purchased by Rip City Rising in 2026. The team's rich heritage includes 37 playoff appearances, three trips to the NBA Finals, an NBA championship in 1977 and a commitment to community service and sustainability. The Trail Blazers are dedicated to positively impacting underserved kids and their families throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington where they live, learn and play. Portland is the first and only professional sports franchise to receive the prestigious National Points of Light Award for excellence in corporate and community service. The Trail Blazers home arena, Moda Center, is the first existing arena to earn LEED Platinum Certification in 2019 after receiving LEED Gold Recertification in 2015 and becoming the first existing professional sports venue in the world to receive LEED Gold status in 2010. The team is also one of the founding members of the Green Sports Alliance. For more information, visit trailblazers.com. 

About Blue Strike Environmental

Blue Strike Environmental (BSE) is an environmental consultancy with practice areas in national events and venue sustainability, energy and climate, and engagement and resilience. The firm provides operational solutions in zero waste as well as technical expertise in climate action planning, decarbonization and advanced energy. Communications, engagement and compliance with environmental legislation are also business cornerstones. BSE works with local governments, universities, special events and venues.

Media Contact

Keli Schneider
keli@boldreuse.com

Oboard, a tool for tracking OKRs and KPIs, has updated its check-in system to make goal tracking clearer, faster, and easier for teams. This update gives teams a more organized way to report progress, helping everyone stay aligned without extra meetings or manual reports.

The new check-in feature helps teams keep track of progress between setting and reviewing goals. Often, OKRs are clear at the start, but updates become less visible over time. Oboard’s update makes check-ins easier to do and harder to miss.

A More Practical Approach to Check-Ins

Check-ins have always existed in OKR software, but in many cases, they’re treated like a formality; a place to drop a number and move on. Oboard’s update takes a different approach. Instead of treating check-ins as isolated inputs, the system is designed to make every update visible and useful across the entire workspace.

The updated check-in system includes:

• Flexible reminder cadences: Teams can schedule check-ins weekly, biweekly, monthly, or on custom timelines. Reminders are sent through tools teams already use, including Slack, Microsoft Teams, Discord, email, and in-app notifications, so updates happen in the flow of work.
• A unified check-in interface with Template: Progress updates and written context now happen in a single window. Teams no longer have to split updates between tracking tools and messaging platforms. Teams can also build department-specific templates that they can always reuse without having to come up with one every check-in.
• Last-updated signals across the platform: Check-in activity is visible across dashboards, roadmaps, and alignment views, making it easier to spot when a goal hasn’t been updated in a while.
• A centralized check-in feed: Every update is logged in a chronological feed, including who updated it, what changed, and the current status. Teams can review progress over time without digging through multiple tools or reports.

Adding Structure Without Slowing Teams Down

One of the more practical additions in this update is the introduction of check-in templates. In most teams, the issue isn’t a lack of activity; it’s a lack of clarity on what to report. A blank field doesn’t help much.

Oboard’s templates give teams a simple structure they can reuse, making updates quicker and more consistent over time.

Some examples include:

1. Weekly check-in template

• Are you happy with the progress this week?
• What was completed since the last update?
• Any blockers or insights?
• What’s next?
• Do you need support?

2. Monthly OKR review template

• What metrics changed?
• Which initiatives were completed?
• What impact did they have on the objective?
• What needs to change next?

3. Minimal pulse check

• Current status
• Main blocker
• Next step

Teams can also create their own templates inside Oboard, save them, and link them directly to their OKRs. That way, updates stay tied to actual goal progress, not just general activity.

Built for How Teams Work Today

As more teams work across time zones and communication tools, the old assumption — that progress will naturally stay visible — doesn’t really hold anymore. Without some kind of system in place, updates get scattered, delayed, or missed entirely. 

Oboard positions its check-in system differently. The goal isn’t just to collect updates, but to make sure those updates are seen and connected to broader company goals. By tying every check-in to a specific objective and making updates visible across the platform, teams can follow the full story of a goal as it evolves — not just the final result at the end of the quarter.

Connecting Strategy to Execution

Many organizations don’t really struggle with setting goals, the real challenge is everything that happens after. Without consistent visibility, it becomes difficult to tell whether a goal is on track, delayed, or quietly abandoned.

Oboard’s check-in update focuses on closing that gap. With regular, structured updates tied directly to OKRs, teams and leaders can see progress as it happens, rather than trying to reconstruct it later. For teams already using an approach, this kind of visibility makes it easier to stay aligned without increasing reporting overhead.

About Oboard

Oboard is an OKR and KPI tracking platform that helps organizations connect strategy to execution. By bringing goals, progress tracking, and reporting into a single workspace, Oboard enables teams to stay aligned and make better decisions based on real-time data. The platform integrates with tools like Jira, Confluence, Salesforce, monday.com, Slack, and Microsoft Teams to fit into existing workflows. For more information, visit oboard.io.

Media Contact

Margo Sakova
Head of Marketing, Oboard
margo.sakova@oboard.io

Svitla Systems, a global software engineering and digital solutions company, today announced the acquisition of Kiandra IT, an Australia-based software engineering firm with more than 30 years of experience delivering solutions for highly regulated and mission-critical industries.

The acquisition marks Svitla Systems’ formal entry into the Australian market and expands its global delivery capabilities across North America and Asia-Pacific. By combining Svitla’s international scale with Kiandra IT’s deep regional expertise, the company aims to accelerate the delivery of AI-enabled, low-code, and enterprise software solutions for clients worldwide.

Kiandra IT employs a team of 45 professionals across Australia and is recognized for its expertise in Microsoft .NET technologies, AI-accelerated software development, and its partnership with OutSystems, a leading enterprise AI low-code platform. The company was recently named OutSystems Partner of the Year for New ARR Growth.

“Kiandra IT represents a strategic fit for Svitla Systems on multiple levels,” said Nataliya Anon, CEO and founder of Svitla Systems. “The acquisition strengthens our market entry into Australia and the Asia Pacific region, deepens our AI low‑code and Microsoft engineering capabilities, and enables us to bring AI‑enabled software engineering to market through a mature delivery model. Just as importantly, it allows us to extend Kiandra’s specialist capabilities into the US while giving Kiandra the support to scale globally.”

The acquisition strengthens Svitla’s capabilities in key areas, including AI, low-code and code-gen application development, Microsoft-based enterprise systems, and project-based delivery for regulated industries such as healthcare, financial services, and government.

It also enables a two-way growth strategy: expanding Kiandra IT’s specialized capabilities into the U.S. market while providing its clients access to Svitla’s global delivery network and broader technology offerings.

“Kiandra IT has built its reputation on trust, quality, and delivering outcomes in complex environments," said Cameron Brookes, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kiandra IT. "Joining Svitla Systems allows us to preserve that approach while expanding our reach beyond Australia. Our clients gain access to global scale and advanced engineering capabilities, and our people gain the opportunity to work on larger, international programs while staying true to our delivery culture.”

Kiandra IT will continue to operate under its existing leadership team, ensuring continuity for clients and employees.

Together, Svitla Systems and Kiandra IT will deliver enhanced solutions for organizations operating in highly regulated environments, combining enterprise-grade engineering, AI-enabled delivery, and global scalability.

About Svitla Systems

Svitla Systems is a global software engineering company specialising in digital transformation, focused on six core practices: AI, data, cloud, software engineering, application managed services and team extension. With delivery teams across North and South America, Europe, India and Australia, Svitla partners with organisations to solve complex business challenges through technology. For more information, visit svitla.com.

Media Contact

Andre Koot
a.koot@svitla.com

OHLA-USA has named Stephen Jacobs as superintendent of the Atlantic Avenue roadway expansion project in Delray Beach, Florida.

The project will widen Atlantic Avenue’s existing two-lane roadway into a four-lane divided highway. It will also relocate an adjacent canal to support long-term transportation and economic growth in the area.

Stephen Jacobs’ Contributions to the Project

Jacobs brings more than 30 years of experience in civil construction and roadway development, overseeing daily operations, crew coordination and field planning for the project. His role includes ensuring materials are available, resolving on-site challenges and keeping work aligned with design and safety standards. The Atlantic Avenue expansion is expected to take much of the first half of 2026 due to extensive preparation, including foundation work and cabling into control buildings.

The project comes as Delray Beach and the surrounding areas see increased interest from logistics, agriculture and commercial developers. Local officials and industry leaders view the roadway expansion as a key improvement that will support future development and rising property values. Jacobs noted that infrastructure improvements often act as a catalyst for business growth, especially in areas with strong regional connections.

The work also reflects broader trends in the construction industry, where crews are increasingly operating in tight, active environments rather than on new, undeveloped land. Jacobs has seen growing use of rubber-tired and compact excavators that allow crews to work efficiently on existing roadways without damaging pavement or disrupting traffic. These machines move faster, operate in confined spaces and reduce the need for full road closures, which has become critical as cities repair and upgrade older infrastructure.

Making an Impact in the Construction Industry 

Jacobs credits his leadership approach to focusing on people as much as process and to his ability to guide teams through complex infrastructure projects in active settings. He stresses the importance of collaboration, clear communication and problem-solving, believing these to be essential parts of successfully executing projects, especially on long-term transportation initiatives.

The Atlantic Avenue project adds to Jacobs’ long track record of leading complex roadway work across Florida and supports OHLA-USA’s continued focus on transportation infrastructure that serves growing communities. 

In addition to his leadership in construction, Jacobs’ ventures include Jake’s Survival, an outdoorsman supply company, and Charging All Over and Safe Water Air, which sell water and air purification products. He also supports charitable efforts through the Singer Island Beach Polo Classic. 

About OHLA-USA

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in New York, with additional locations in Massachusetts, California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois, OHLA-USA specializes in heavy civil construction and modernization projects. Critical infrastructure projects they have contributed to include highways, bridges, rail and mass transit systems, tunnels, and water resources. They are a division of a Madrid-based construction company, Obrascón Huarte Lain, S.A. (OHLA Group), headquartered in Madrid, Spain.

About Marquis Who's Who

Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, marquiswhoswho.com.

Media Contact

Stephen Jacobs
steve.jacobs@ohla-usa.com

Marquis Who’s Who honors Brian Fricker for launching a new professional services division at Staffing Partners. Leveraging more than three decades of experience, this latest initiative is an expansion from general labor into professional and skilled groups. Staffing Partners already represents the largest general labor agency in its area, and Fricker aims to achieve the same in these new specialties.

Education, Early Career and Current Leadership

Fricker earned a Bachelor of Arts in business, with an emphasis on marketing, from Carroll University in 1991. Following this, he joined a recruitment agency as a salesperson for a decade. Soon, Fricker’s achievements in this role led him to become president of Staffing Partners in 2005; ever since, he has worked to support the company’s foundations.

As president at Staffing Partners, Fricker found purpose in connecting employers and employees. Upon assuming leadership, he embraced this mission and successfully addressed a critical need in Wisconsin’s transportation system. The company now facilitates daily transportation for thousands of temporary staff members, partly by utilizing a fleet of 25 buses and 27 vans.

Launching the Professional Services Division

With the recent launch of a new professional services division at Staffing Partners, Fricker aims to support other labor groups. The agency is already capable of sending a few hundred people to any given client, but now those clients are requesting skilled workers. Rather than sticking to general labor, Fricker established a professional and skilled worker group to meet client needs.

The professional group at Staffing Partners. has already seen rapid growth, handling all direct hires for the newly launched division. It includes staffing professionals across a broad range of specialties, from therapists and traveling technicians to electricians and executive-level staff. The skilled group has also seen growth and is focusing on direct-hire replacements rather than temp-to-hire, largely due to the increased difficulty of finding qualified candidates. 

“We have forklift drivers, CNC operators, setup personnel and electricians, covering a range of skills up to $50 an hour,” Fricker explained. “We decided to establish the professional division because it was more of our clients requesting help that we had never focused on.”

The Value of Shifting Operational Terminology

Amid the launch of the professional services division, Fricker has adopted the term “skilled sovereign” for roles between general labor and professional. He feels that it better describes these positions and supports the transitional period from one skillset to another. As Staffing Partners introduces these changes across its operations, this kind of language can carry weight.

Ambition for the Future of Staffing Partners

Although the professional services division is currently at the forefront of Fricker’s focus, he also plans to expand the operations of Staffing Partners in the next few years. Ultimately, he intends to establish a presence in every U.S. state within that timeframe. More generally, Fricker believes this opportunity will give him a chance to explore the world alongside his family.

About Brian Fricker

With over 30 years of experience in the field of staffing, Brian Fricker serves as the CEO of Staffing Partners, Inc. Specializing in comprehensive high-volume staffing solutions, Staffing Partners has experienced significant growth under Fricker's leadership since 2005. For more information, follow on LinkedIn.

About Marquis Who's Who

Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, marquiswhoswho.com.

Media Contact

Brian Fricker
brianf@employs.com

WALLETTO’s net turnover grew by 43% year-on-year, reaching EUR 38.3 million, compared to EUR 26.7 million in 2024. Gross profit increased by 28% to EUR 16.9 million, while net profit rose to EUR 6.56 million, representing a 6.9% improvement. As of 31 December 2025, WALLETTO’s equity stood at EUR 11.3 million, with total assets of EUR 103.9 million. The company maintained a capital adequacy ratio of 1.58, well above regulatory requirements.

“These results reflect our disciplined approach to scaling the business while strengthening the governance, control and people foundations required for long-term sustainability,” said Ineta Mačinskienė, Chief Executive Officer at WALLETTO. “At the same time, we see that strategic consistency is equally as important as staying flexible in responding to market changes and adapting to emerging opportunities, technologies and customer expectations.”

WALLETO’s performance was driven by strong cost discipline, continued investment in technology and talent, and the expansion of scalable payment solutions. The company also maintained a prudent treasury strategy, allocating a portion of safeguarded funds into low-risk European government bonds in line with regulatory requirements.

“The strength of our 2025 results highlights our balanced approach to growth and financial management,” said Dalia Garbuziene, Chief Financial Officer at WALLETTO. “We delivered robust revenue growth while maintaining a strong capital position and continuing to invest in technology, compliance and people — all of which support our long-term ambitions.”

Strategic partnerships continued to play a key role in WALLETTO’s business model. Collaboration with Visa and Mastercard supported the company’s acquiring and issuing activities, enabling seamless payment solutions for businesses customers. WALLETTO also maintained active engagement with key sector institutions — including the Bank of Lithuania, Lithuanian Fintech Association, and FinTech Poland — contributing to the development of a transparent and resilient financial ecosystem.

WALLETTO further strengthened its regional presence through its partnership with Bonusukarte in Latvia, supporting local businesses with issuing solutions linked to employee motivation programs.

Looking ahead, WALLETTO will continue to prioritise disciplined, sustainable growth with a strong emphasis on risk management, operational efficiency, and technological advancement. Planned investments include further enhancements to its digital infrastructure and initiatives to strengthen internal capabilities, including employee development and a continued focus on customer satisfaction.

“2025 proved that balanced growth and strategic adaptability can go hand in hand, and we are strongly committed to continuing this approach in the year ahead,” said Mačinskienė.

With a solid financial foundation and a forward-looking expansion strategy, WALLETTO remains well positioned to scale responsibly and strengthen trust across Europe’s evolving payments ecosystem.

About WALLETTO

WALLETTO is a European-licensed electronic money institution (EMI) and all-in-one fintech platform headquartered in Lithuania. As a principal issuer and acquirer with direct Visa and Mastercard partnerships, Walletto provides secure, scalable solutions for card issuance, acquiring, and electronic payments including SEPA and SWIFT services. Its integrated infrastructure enables businesses to launch, grow, and expand globally with speed and compliance confidence. For more information, visit walletto.eu.

Media Contact

Aleksandra Petrova
WALLETTO UAB
marketing@walletto.eu

BadCo.AI has announced the launch of its Intelligent Desking™ platform, a patent-pending solution developed to support a more informed and self-directed approach to automotive purchasing. This move reflects the company’s continued focus on building AI-driven infrastructure that connects customer engagement with dealership operations through a unified orchestration layer.

The Intelligent Desking platform functions as a dynamic environment where consumers can explore vehicle purchase scenarios independently, using real-time data and adaptive logic to guide decisions. Instead of relying on static estimates, users can configure variables such as vehicle selection, trade-in value, financing terms, and incentives, receiving continuously updated outcomes based on their inputs. This approach enables individuals to evaluate affordability and structure potential transactions in a way that reflects their personal preferences and financial context, all before initiating direct contact with a dealership.

This capability is powered by BadCo.AI’s proprietary orchestration framework, which serves as the intelligence layer behind every interaction. At the center of this system is ARYA, a foundational AI orchestration agent that processes customer intent across voice, SMS, chat, and messaging platforms. Through a structured sequence of understanding, decision-making, and execution, ARYA interprets user inputs, determines the most relevant next step, and enables the patent-pending orchestration layer. The layer will then execute returns and their constraints to carry out tasks ranging from payment scenarios and knowledge of tax rate, interest rate, rebate, and money down, all based on dealer inventory, to scheduling and follow-up coordination. Throughout the process, persistent context is maintained, allowing each interaction to build upon previous ones without requiring repetition.

Jim Schrull, founder and CEO of BadCo.AI, said, “The philosophy behind the platform is a shift toward more transparent and user-guided experiences. The goal is to create an environment where individuals can explore complex decisions with clarity and continuity. We believe that when information is accessible, and context is preserved, conversations that follow tend to be more meaningful for both the consumer and the dealer.”

The platform integrates directly with dealership systems, including CRM and DMS environments, enabling a continuous flow of information between consumer-facing tools and operational workflows. Once a user decides to engage with a dealership, the transition is designed to carry forward the full history of interactions, ensuring that sales teams receive a comprehensive view of the customer’s preferences, prior configurations, and decision path. This continuity may support more personalized conversations and help reduce the need for repetitive information exchange.

BadCo.AI’s broader platform architecture can further enhance this experience by coordinating multiple operational layers within a single ecosystem. Schrull noted that AI orchestration agents manage functions across sales, service, and parts, while integrations with inventory systems, lender networks, and scheduling tools allow the platform to reflect real-world conditions in real time. These capabilities are supported by an enterprise-grade infrastructure built on Amazon Web Services, enabling scalability, secure data handling, and continuous model refinement as the system evolves.

“At BadCo.AI, we’ve focused on building intelligence directly into the CRM, so it fits seamlessly into the way dealerships already work. By keeping everything inside one system, teams don’t have to juggle extra tools. Engagement, decisions, and execution all happen in one place,” Schrull remarked. The company’s focus on maintaining a persistent customer state across interactions also contributes to a more cohesive experience, where each step in the journey is informed by prior activity.

Schrull noted that this continuity extends beyond individual transactions. “Every interaction contributes to a broader understanding of how people make decisions,” he added. “By connecting those insights across systems, the platform can support both immediate needs and longer-term engagement strategies.”

Beyond its initial automotive focus, the underlying architecture of Intelligent Desking has been developed with adaptability in mind. Its ability to manage complex, finance-related decision scenarios positions it for potential application in other industries where similar considerations play a role. This forward-looking approach aligns with the company’s broader vision of creating scalable AI infrastructure that can support a range of transaction-driven environments.

Schrull emphasizes the importance of aligning technology with the way individuals prefer to engage. “People often take time to understand their options before entering a conversation,” he said. “Providing tools that support that process can contribute to a more constructive and informed exchange when they choose to connect.”

With the launch of Intelligent Desking, BadCo.AI continues to advance its mission of connecting engagement and execution through a unified intelligence layer. By enabling consumers to navigate key decisions independently while maintaining continuity in dealership interactions, the platform introduces a new dimension to how automotive transactions can unfold in a digitally connected environment.

About BadCo.AI

BadCo.AI builds AI‑driven infrastructure that connects consumer engagement with dealership operations. Its patent‑pending Intelligent Desking platform empowers buyers to explore real‑time vehicle purchase scenarios independently, while its orchestration engine unifies data, context, and workflows to create clearer, more efficient, and more transparent automotive transactions.

Media Contact

Jim Schrull
media@badco.ai

Liners has officially launched as Africa's first AI-operated software review and discovery platform.

The product brings verified company listings, user reviews, side-by-side comparisons, funding data, investor directories, events, tech news, and more into a single ecosystem, all focused on software built for or by the African continent.

What separates Liners from existing review platforms isn't just its geographic focus. It's the operating model.

There's no editorial team, sales-led moderation, or paid placements. Every core operation on the Liners is run by a system of nine AI agents, each with a coded role, defined responsibilities, and a distinct personality.

A Platform Built Specifically for the African Software Market

Liners covers software listings across major African markets including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Rwanda, and pan-African products serving multiple regions. Categories on the platform include fintech, healthtech, edtech, logistics, e-commerce, crypto, climate tech, B2B SaaS, AI tools, and more.

Users can search by category, country, or use case. Each listing on Liners includes verified company information, founding date, funding history, founders, key employees, and direct links to product alternatives.

Visitors can read user-submitted reviews, follow companies for updates, browse investor and event directories, and run side-by-side comparisons between similar tools.

• For African founders, Liners offers discoverability that doesn't depend on marketing budgets.
• For software buyers, it removes the guesswork of asking around in WhatsApp groups or LinkedIn DMs.
• For investors, analysts, and journalists covering African tech, Liners functions as a single source of truth on what's being built across the continent.

The Nine AI Agents Running Liners

Every operational function on Liners, from product discovery to review moderation to content publishing, is handled by an AI agent.

Each one has a name, a coded responsibility, and reports into a manager agent. Together, they form what the company calls Liners HQ.

1. Standup Stevo, the operations lead, oversees the entire system and reports to the founder.
2. DD Dave (head of due diligence) discovers new African software products and companies.
3. QA Quinn (director of quality assurance) reviews every product Dave finds for accuracy and completeness.
4. LGTM Larry (principal engineer) ships new platform features.
5. Postmortem Peter (chief bug finder) audits Larry's work and resolves issues.
6. Whiteboard Wasiu (VP of brainstorming) runs the creative engine behind the platform.
7. Agent Ammie (special agent, review fraud) investigates every single review submitted to Liners for validity and bias.
8. Touch Base Tony (VP of outreach) handles email and external communication.
9. TLDR Tara (chief content officer) writes all platform content.

The agents also communicate with each other in real time through a public live feed called Agent HQ, accessible from the Liners homepage.

Anyone visiting the site can watch DD Dave report a new product discovery, see QA Quinn flag a listing for revision, see Postmortem Peter give feedback on a bug, or read TLDR Tara getting called out for a content summary.

It's a feature that doesn't exist on any other software review platform globally.

Why Liners is an AI-Operated Model

The decision to run Liners on AI agents wasn't about reducing operating costs. It was about structural integrity.

Major software review platforms globally have well-documented bias issues.

• G2, the world's largest B2B review site, runs on a model where vendors pay for premium placements, sponsored visibility, and tools to "increase review volume."
• Capterra, owned by Gartner, defaults user search results to a "Sponsored" filter, meaning the products buyers see first are determined by ad spend, not product quality.

Both platforms have faced criticism around incentivised review programs and unclear moderation practices.

Liners removes humans from the ranking equation totally. Agent Ammie investigates every review submitted to the platform, while DD Dave discovers products based on data.

The platform's launch also lands during a “tightening” period for the global review industry, with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission issuing its first enforcement action under its new Consumer Review Rule in December 2025, warning ten companies of penalties up to $53,088 per violation.

About Liners’ Founder

Liners was founded by Kayode Faturoti, a Dubai-based serial entrepreneur with years of experience across fintech, crypto, and technology. The product was conceived in early 2026 in Bali, where Faturoti was attempting to build a Slack alternative and realized there was no reliable place to find honest, verified reviews of software, particularly for the African market.

"Liners exists to give African users a confident answer when they need to make a software decision," said Faturoti, founder of Liners. "The goal isn't to maximize revenue. The goal is to create real value for the people using it. Everything else follows from that."

Availability

Liners is now live at liners.com, with new product listings being added daily. The platform is open to submissions from African software companies and is actively expanding both category coverage and country depth.

Companies, investors, and users interested in featuring on or following the platform can visit liners.com or watch the live agent feed at Agent HQ.

About Liners

Liners is a software review and discovery platform built specifically for the African market. The platform is operated by a system of nine AI agents that handle product discovery, quality assurance, review moderation, content, outreach, and engineering, with no paid placements or sponsored rankings. Liners covers software companies and products across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Rwanda, and pan-African markets. The company was founded in 2026 by Kayode Faturoti. For more information, visit liners.com.

Media Contact

Stevo Liners
stevo@liners.africa

Valetax has announced the appointment of John Taylor as its new chief commercial officer (CCO), marking a strategic step in strengthening its global commercial operations and advancing its long-term growth strategy.

John brings over 25 years of experience across global financial markets, with a track record of leadership across Tier 1 investment banks and leading CFD brokers. He has held senior roles including chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief investment officer, and chief financial officer, bringing a strong combination of strategic oversight and execution capability. Throughout his career, he has operated at board and executive levels across global financial institutions, with hands-on experience spanning more than 20 countries.

He has led major growth initiatives across MENA, South Africa, Brazil, India, and Europe, with experience in mergers and acquisitions, post-acquisition integration, and building new operations in high-growth regions such as Southeast Asia.

At Valetax, John will lead the commercial function with a focus on strengthening global structure, enhancing partnership and business development channels, and aligning commercial strategy with product and client experience.

Viktor Karpinsky, CEO of Valetax, commented, “John’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Valetax. His depth of experience across global financial institutions and high-growth brokerage environments brings a level of leadership that is both strategic and execution-focused. As we continue to scale, our priority is to build a structured, performance-driven organization where growth is measurable and sustainable. His expertise will be instrumental in aligning our commercial strategy with that vision.”

Commenting on his new role, Taylor said, “Viktor and the team have built an exceptional company in a remarkably short period of time, with a level of quality that really sets it apart. It is no exaggeration to say that Valetax is one of the most ambitious, innovative, and fastest-growing brokers in the industry today. This has not happened by chance. It has taken an extraordinary amount of hard work, a deep understanding of the market from both technology and product perspectives, a truly talented team, and a genuine commitment to listening to both clients and partners. These are principles I respect deeply, and they have enabled Valetax to establish a strong foundation and achieve substantial success across key markets, with significant potential for further growth. I am very much looking forward to working with the team, contributing to the next phase of the company’s development, and helping to unlock new opportunities ahead.”

This appointment reinforces Valetax’s commitment to building a globally competitive brokerage, combining advanced technology with experienced leadership to deliver a more structured, transparent, and performance-oriented trading environment.

About Valetax

Valetax is a global multi asset brokerage focused on delivering a technology-driven trading experience. The company offers advanced trading infrastructure, competitive conditions, and scalable solutions for traders and partners, with a strong emphasis on performance, transparency, and client centric innovation. It continues to expand its global presence by building strategic partnerships and enhancing its product ecosystem. For more information, visit valetax.com. 

Yield.xyz and Privy today launched an integrated stack that lets AI agents manage DeFi yield across 2,900+ opportunities and 80+ blockchains, with two layers of user control: composable policies that bound every transaction, and an optional human approval step on every signing decision.

The integration arrives as AI agents with wallet access move from demo to production. What has been missing is a control developers and institutions actually trust, where the user decides what the agent is allowed to do, and where a human can stay in the loop on every transaction if the situation calls for it.

Yield.xyz is the leading onchain yield infrastructure layer trusted by leading wallets and financial platforms including Ledger, Anchorage Digital, Zerion, Deblock, and Utila. Privy provides secure, scalable onboarding and wallet infrastructure for leading applications built on crypto rails. 2000+ developers and businesses, including Klarna and Hyperliquid, use Privy to power over 120 million accounts and process billions of dollars in volume every month. 

The Infrastructure Behind the Integration

The integration connects two systems with clearly separated responsibilities.

Yield.xyz AgentKit is a remote Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that gives AI agents structured access to yield opportunities across staking, restaking, lending, DeFi vaults, and beyond. At launch, AgentKit covers 2,900+ yields across 80+ blockchain networks including Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Polygon, Optimism, and Solana. Supported protocols include Aave, Lido, EtherFi, Morpho, Rocket Pool, Uniswap, Yearn, Kamino, and others. AgentKit handles discovery and transaction construction.

"AI agents need more than access to DeFi, they need constraints developers and institutions can trust. Privy provides that control layer, enforcing policies and enabling human approval where it matters, so yield strategies can run safely in production," said Max Segall, COO, Privy.

Privy handles everything that touches keys. Wallet creation, policy enforcement, signing, and broadcast all happen inside Privy's Trusted Execution Environment. Policies are evaluated server-side before the private key is assembled, meaning no layer outside the TEE, including the agent itself or any application code, can bypass policy enforcement. Available policy controls include spend caps per transaction and per rolling time window, chain restrictions, contract allowlists, recipient controls, method-level RPC restrictions, and calldata parameters restrictions. Policies are composable and can be combined to define a precise operating envelope for any agent deployment.

Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Operating Modes

The integration supports two operating modes built on the same underlying stack.

In autonomous mode, you define a policy before any wallet is created. Policies governing which networks a wallet can transact on, which contracts it can interact with, and maximum per-transaction values are defined at wallet creation and can be updated by authorized owners. The agent then operates freely within those boundaries. It queries opportunities via AgentKit, constructs the transaction, and Privy signs and broadcasts it without requiring per-transaction human approval.

Semi-autonomous mode preserves the same agent intelligence and policy enforcement while adding a mandatory human authorization step at every transaction. When prompted, the agent reviews positions, checks current rates, and recommends whether to compound rewards, rotate capital, or rebalance, but it never executes unilaterally. Every transaction is submitted as an intent via Privy's Intents API and held pending on the Privy dashboard until an approver signs off. Unsigned intents expire after 72 hours. The transaction only executes after a human manually approves it.

The mechanism behind this is Privy's key quorum. A key quorum is a group of designated signers that becomes the cryptographic owner of the wallet at creation time. When a wallet's owner is a key quorum, no transaction can be signed without quorum authorization.

By the time a pending transaction appears in the dashboard, the agent has already completed the analytical work: querying yield rates across protocols, calculating whether a rotation justifies gas costs, and constructing the exact unsigned transaction. The approver's role is review, not implementation. Semi-autonomous mode requires a Privy Enterprise plan. Autonomous mode is available on all plans.

"AI agents are capable of doing the sustained analytical work that yield management actually requires. The gap until now has been infrastructure that can match that capability with appropriate security guarantees. Privy's policy engine gives us an enforcement layer that operates below anything the agent can reach, and the semi-autonomous mode gives institutional deployers a path to agentic yield management that keeps the human in the loop on every execution decision. This is the infrastructure the space has been waiting for," said Apurv Mishra, co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Yield.xyz.

What the Integration Enables

Most agent frameworks are built for one-shot transactions. Yield management is structurally different. Depositing into a lending protocol or staking tokens marks the start of an ongoing position. Rates move, rewards accumulate, and concentrations develop. Managing yield well requires sustained attention across protocols, chains, and positions simultaneously, at a cadence no human can realistically keep up with.

The integration enables a range of yield management workflows that reflect this reality:

• Cross-chain rate optimization: the agent tracks every protocol deployment on every supported chain, calculates net rotation value after gas costs, and either executes within policy or routes the transaction for approval when a rate gap justifies action.
• Portfolio rebalancing: the agent tracks concentration across positions and proposes rebalancing when allocations drift beyond defined thresholds, surfacing the specific trade-off between yield delta and transaction cost before execution.
• Reward management: the agent monitors unclaimed rewards across staking and DeFi positions and constructs claim or compound transactions on a defined schedule or when reward thresholds are met.
• Protocol health monitoring: a falling rate is sometimes a market signal, and sometimes a pool approaching max utilization where instantaneous withdrawals start getting more difficult. The agent monitors TVL, utilization, and liquidity depth across every protocol in the portfolio, and prepares exit transactions when conditions approach defined risk thresholds.

In each case, the agent handles the monitoring, the calculation, and the transaction construction. Authorization, whether automatic within policy or with final sign-off from the approver, is handled by Privy.

Availability and Getting Started

The Yield.xyz AgentKit and Privy integration is available today. With a Privy account and API credentials already configured in your agent, installation takes a single command:

npx skills add <https://github.com/stakekit/agentkit>

The skill supports Claude Code, Cursor, and Codex CLI. Autonomous mode is available on all Privy plans. Semi-autonomous mode requires a Privy Enterprise plan and completion of key quorum setup on the Privy dashboard.

Full documentation, setup guides for both operating modes, and the GitHub repository are available at the links below:

• Privy Guide to AgentKit
• GitHub Repository
• AgentKit x Privy Docs

About Yield.xyz

Yield.xyz is the unified onchain yield infrastructure layer for Web3, enabling developers to integrate once and access over 2,900+ yield opportunities across more than 80 networks spanning staking, lending, and liquidity provision strategies. Trusted by leading wallets and financial platforms including Ledger, Deblock, Utila, Tuyo, Crossmint, Turnkey, Tangem, and Zerion, Yield.xyz powers production-grade yield products with built-in support for auto-compounding, reward conversion, and secure transaction verification. Yield.xyz abstracts complex strategy engineering into simple API calls and enables teams to launch scalable yield products with minimal overhead while unlocking new revenue streams through fee-customizable vaults. To learn more, visit yield.xyz.

About Privy

Privy provides secure, scalable onboarding and wallet infrastructure for leading applications built on crypto rails. 2000+ developers and businesses, including Klarna and Hyperliquid, use Privy to power over 120 million accounts and process billions of dollars in volume every month. Privy was acquired by Stripe in 2025 and continues to operate independently, helping developers build the next generation of onchain products.

Media Contact

Apurv Mishra
apurv@yield.xyz

OurPCB announced the launch of cableharnessassembly.com, a dedicated digital platform designed to connect North American enterprise buyers directly with its newly operational manufacturing facility in the Philippines. The launch of the portal provides a streamlined ordering process for companies seeking high-volume custom wire harness and cable assembly solutions.

The website serves as the direct channel for the 3,000 square meter plant located in the Cavite Economic Zone. The facility, which began accepting orders and initiating production in March, is strategically positioned to help U.S.-based customers mitigate supply chain disruptions and reduce tariff costs associated with overseas manufacturing.

Through the new portal, buyers can access production capabilities for a comprehensive range of industries. The Philippine facility supports the mixed production of automotive wiring harnesses, medical-grade cable assemblies, and industrial robotic wiring solutions.

To ensure compliance across these highly regulated sectors, the facility highlighted on the new site operates under strict industry certifications. These include ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 13485 for medical device manufacturing, and IATF 16949 for automotive quality standards.

"The launch of this dedicated website bridges the gap between our high-capacity Philippine factory and our North American partners," said Hommer Zhao, Senior Engineering and Manufacturing Director at OurPCB. "By providing a direct digital channel to a facility fully certified for medical and automotive production, we are making it easier for U.S. buyers to secure cost-effective, high-volume manufacturing without sacrificing regulatory compliance."

The platform also highlights OurPCB's complementary dual factory strategy. While the company's China facility continues to focus on rapid prototyping and low-volume orders, the new website directs large batch, mass production orders to the Cavite plant for optimized pricing.

The portal is now live, and the Philippine facility is actively fulfilling high-volume orders for the U.S. market.

About OurPCB

OurPCB specializes in custom wire harness and cable assembly for automotive, medical, industrial, and aerospace applications. Serving OEMs, ODMs, and enterprise procurement teams, the company supports everything from low-volume prototypes to high-volume mass production. With dual factories, dedicated in-house engineering support, and certified quality control, OurPCB provides reliable supply chain solutions and contractual on-time delivery. For more information, visit cableharnessassembly.com. 

Media Contact

Hommer Zhao
Senior Engineering and Manufacturing Director, OurPCB
hommer@ourpcb.net

Backed by international recognition, Hermest Hair Clinic’s Turkish hair transplant specialist Dr. Ahmet Murat advanced structured safety systems, clinical education, and precision-based techniques in modern hair restoration. As global demand for hair transplant procedures in Turkey continues to grow, his work reflects a broader industry shift toward standardization, practitioner training, and measurable long-term patient outcomes.

According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, the global volume of hair transplant procedures has increased steadily over the past decade, with follicular unit extraction (FUE) techniques becoming the dominant method. Alongside this growth, attention has turned to surgical consistency, graft survival rates, and practitioner certification standards. Within this evolving landscape, Dr. Ahmet Murat's contributions extend well beyond clinical practice — encompassing education, system development, and international collaboration.

A Licensed Training Institution in Hair Transplantation

Hermest Hair Transplant Clinic operates as a Ministry of Health-authorized training institution in Turkey — one of a limited number of centers permitted to provide formal certification programs required for physicians to legally perform hair transplant procedures in the country.

Under this framework, Dr. Ahmet Murat serves as both medical director and lead educator, overseeing the training of physicians in surgical technique, patient safety, and clinical protocol implementation. Over the years, the clinic has contributed to the professional development of numerous practitioners across Turkey and abroad, reflecting a broader commitment to raising the benchmark for qualified practitioners and standardized certification pathways across the industry.

From Clinical Innovation to International Recognition

Central to Dr. Ahmet Murat's clinical approach is the AISP (All-In Safety Protocol) — a step-based framework that standardizes the entire treatment process, from pre-operative planning through to post-operative follow-up. Developed to address risks historically associated with inconsistent procedural practices, the protocol introduces defined clinical checkpoints designed to support graft survival, reduce complications, and ensure continuity of patient care.

This commitment to institutional safety and structured outcomes has been recognized at the European Awards in Medicine 2025, where Hermest Hair Transplant Clinic received recognition in the category of Hair Transplant Surgery. Industry observers note that such accolades reflect not only technical proficiency but also the strength of an institution's safety framework, long-term patient monitoring systems, and governance structure.

Engineering Collaboration and Technique Development

In parallel with protocol development, Dr. Ahmet Murat has advanced the clinic's proprietary UNIQUE FUE® method — an adaptation of traditional follicular unit extraction developed in close collaboration with engineering specialists in Germany. This interdisciplinary partnership focuses on improving precision in graft extraction and implantation, reducing mechanical stress on hair follicles, and enabling controlled density distribution across treatment areas.

The resulting methodology integrates traditional surgical expertise with technical optimization and procedural consistency — supporting more predictable, reproducible long-term results for patients.

Global Advocacy for Standardized Safety Protocols

Dr. Ahmet Murat has actively promoted the adoption of standardized safety systems across the global hair restoration community, conducting professional seminars in more than 18 countries, including Japan, Germany, France, and Switzerland. These engagements focus on protocol-driven procedures, ethical patient selection, and long-term treatment planning — with a central emphasis on the need for globally recognized safety frameworks applicable across diverse clinical environments.

"Structured protocols are no longer optional — they are the foundation of responsible clinical practice," Dr. Ahmet Murat has stated during professional engagements. "As patient mobility and medical tourism expand, the industry must move toward a universally applicable baseline of safety and accountability."

The Expanding Role of Clinical Leadership

As the global hair transplant industry continues to grow, the role of clinical leadership is evolving. Practitioners today are expected not only to perform procedures at the highest technical standard but to contribute meaningfully to education, system development, and the advancement of international safety norms.

Dr. Ahmet Murat exemplifies this expanded role — combining surgical innovation with certified training, protocol design, and sustained global engagement. This multi-dimensional approach reflects a broader shift toward institutional responsibility and long-term outcome tracking as the defining measures of quality in modern hair restoration.

About Hermest Hair Clinic

Hermest Hair Transplant Clinic is a Ministry of Health-authorized clinical and training institution based in Istanbul, Turkey, specializing in advanced hair restoration procedures. Under the medical direction of Dr. Ahmet Murat, the clinic offers precision-based surgical techniques including the proprietary UNIQUE FUE® method, governed by the All-In Safety Protocol (AISP). Recognized at the European Awards in Medicine 2025, Hermest is committed to advancing global standards in hair transplantation through clinical excellence, practitioner education, and international collaboration. For more information, visit www.hermestclinic.com.

Disclaimer

This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified dermatologist or licensed medical professional before undergoing any medical or surgical procedure.

While much of Auto China 2026 buzzed about AI agents, sprawling screens, and over-the-air updates, GWM used its moment on stage to talk about something far less glamorous: integrity.

Flanked by 1,500 international dealers and media partners, GWM CEO Mu Feng rolled out the company’s first comprehensive global localization strategy under the theme “Commitment & Integrity.” The centerpiece is what GWM calls “ecosystem-based globalization” — a shift from simply exporting vehicles to building complete local business ecosystems, from manufacturing and after-sales service to cultural integration.

“Trust built on commitment and integrity is the strongest foundation in business,” Mu said. The company’s guiding “Guiyuan” (GWM ONE) philosophy, he explained, prioritizes real user needs over short-term hype, aiming to forge lasting bonds with drivers worldwide.

That philosophy has hardware to back it up. GWM’s booth showcased six major lineups, including the WEY V9X — a six-seat global flagship built on the GWM ONE S Platform with a native AI agent and Super Hi4 hybrid architecture. The TANK 700 drew attention as the first body-on-frame model to integrate a VLA large model, offered with two hybrid powertrains. For off-road strongholds like Australia and Thailand, the P300 Hi4-T and P500 Hi4-T demonstrated localized engineering, while the ORA 5 Sport generated early interest in Europe and Southeast Asia. The SOUO motorcycle range, powered by the world’s only 2,000 cc horizontally opposed eight-cylinder engine, stole its own share of the spotlight.

Yet the most arresting voice at the GWM booth belonged not to a product chief but to Parker Shi, the company’s international president. In a media interview that felt more like a corrective, Shi argued that the industry has lost perspective.

“Safety is not optional. It’s the bottom line,” Shi said. “Intelligence enhances comfort, but it is a plus, not a replacement for engineering.” His hierarchy is simple: safety is the foundation; everything else sits on top.

Shi also delivered a blunt critique of China’s habit of multiplying brands for quick market share. “You would never buy a Rolex from a convenience store,” he said. Premium touchpoints — showrooms, service stations, complaint handling — are proof of a brand’s worth, not decoration.

On pricing, Shi was equally direct. “Frequent price cuts erode residual value. Customers who bought at full price feel betrayed. That is a race to the bottom,” he warned, arguing that value wars — on product quality, service depth, and long-term reliability — are the only sustainable path.

For Shi, brand loyalty follows a natural progression: “I know you → I believe you → I trust you → I love you.” At an auto show defined by hyperbole, GWM’s message was a quieter, harder bet: that the next era of global growth will belong not to the loudest, but to the most trustworthy.

About GWM

GWM is a global intelligent technology company, whose business includes automobile and parts design, R&D, production, sales and service. Our brands include HAVAL, WEY, ORA, TANK and GWM Pickup. To learn more, visit www.gwm-global.com.

Media Contact

Carol Wang
globalmarketing@gwm.cn

RRA Capital, a direct lender focused on middle market commercial real estate bridge lending, today announced the appointment of Cesar Villaveces as Managing Director, Head of Asset Management. Villaveces joins RRA from PIMCO, where he spent more than 15 years across the firm’s public and private real estate businesses.

RRA Capital originates and manages short-term bridge loans secured by transitional commercial real estate assets across the U.S. Villaveces will report to Ted Van Brunt, Chief Investment Officer, and work closely with the firm’s investment team to support underwriting, portfolio construction, and asset-level execution. He joins RRA at a time of renewed activity in commercial real estate credit markets, as bridge lending and structured credit strategies continue to gain momentum.

Villaveces brings over 20 years of institutional credit experience and hands-on asset management expertise across debt and equity investments, including structured credit, CMBS, and CRE CLOs. He has extensive experience underwriting and managing portfolios across multiple property types and geographies. At PIMCO, he played a key role in originating and managing complex real estate credit investments across the U.S. and Latin America and overseeing those portfolios through multiple market cycles.

Earlier in his career, Villaveces held roles at Tricadia Capital, Citigroup Global Markets, and Sterling Equities, where he developed expertise in CMBS credit analysis, loan origination, and real estate acquisitions. He holds an MBA in Finance and Real Estate and an MS in Civil Engineering from Columbia University, as well as a BS in Civil Engineering from Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia.

“Cesar’s experience managing institutional real estate credit portfolios at scale will be a meaningful addition to our platform as we continue to grow,” said Marc Grayson, President and Co-Founder at RRA Capital. “His background across structured credit and asset management positions him well to enhance our portfolio oversight and support our borrowers through a range of market conditions.”

In his new role, Villaveces will lead asset management strategy for RRA’s portfolio, overseeing risk management, portfolio performance, and borrower relationships across the firm’s bridge lending platform. His appointment reflects RRA’s continued investment in institutional infrastructure as the firm scales its national bridge lending platform.

“RRA has built a strong reputation as a disciplined lender in the middle market,” said Villaveces. “I look forward to working with Ted and the team to further strengthen the firm’s asset management capabilities and support continued growth of the platform.”

About RRA Capital

RRA Capital originates and manages short-term bridge loans secured by transitional commercial real estate assets, with a focus on middle market transactions across major U.S. markets. Founded in 2008, the firm has originated over $2 billion across a series of separate managed accounts and funds, with offices in Phoenix and New York. RRA serves a national network of capital markets professionals and institutional investors, including family offices, pensions, insurance companies, and RIAs. Learn more at www.rracapital.com.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Offers are made only to verified accredited investors pursuant to Rule 506(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to final offering documentation.

Media Contact

Hallie White
Director of Marketing, RRA Capital
hwhite@rracapital.com

The AI Collective, the largest nonprofit AI community in the world, today announced Humans in AI Week. The initiative features simultaneous events across more than 100 cities, June 1–8, 2026.

Every generation faces a moment when the world reorganizes itself — when the old assumptions no longer hold and the new ones haven't been written yet. This is that moment.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work, how we learn, how we create, how we govern, and how we understand what it means to be human. And for most of that reshaping, the decisions have been made by a remarkably small number of people — brilliant, well-intentioned people, but a small number nonetheless.

The AI Collective believes that is not good enough, and that everyone deserves a seat at the table. 

Not because the builders are wrong. But because a transformation this large — one that touches every language, every economy, every classroom, every kitchen table on Earth — cannot be led by any one room. It has to be led by all of us.

"AI will either be the greatest democratizing force in human history, or it will deepen every inequality that has ever existed," said AJ Green, President and Executive Director of The AI Collective. "Which of those it becomes is not predetermined. It is a choice. And right now, very few people are making it for everyone else. That is what we are here to change.”

Humans in AI Week unites lab leaders, investors, policymakers, and executives alongside creators, educators, and everyday people. AI will impact everyone on earth. Everyone's voice should help define it.

"Most of the industry is racing toward full automation as if that's the prize," said Catherine McMillan, Chief Operating Officer of The AI Collective. "We think that's the wrong race. The real question isn't what AI can do. It's what role humans choose to play now that it can do almost anything. That's the conversation this week is designed to have."

Humans in AI Week is the opening act of Soul Summer, a global series of community programming running all summer across AIC's 250+ chapters, designed to give every person a voice in the AI era.

We are living through the first moment in human history when barriers that have separated people — access to knowledge, capital, and opportunity — are genuinely collapsible. AI can be the greatest democratizing force humanity has ever seen. It can make the knowledge that once belonged only to the powerful available to everyone. It can unlock potential that geography, circumstance, and birth have always blocked.

But none of that is inevitable. It is a choice, and right now, very few people are making it for everyone else. Humans in AI Week exists to change that. That is what we are here to build.

Pledge your voice now at www.humansinaiweek.com.

About The AI Collective

The AI Collective is a global nonprofit and the largest grassroots AI community in the world — 250,000+ members, 250+ chapters, 55+ countries, 1,500+ events hosted to date. AIC's mission: ensure the humanity and technology advance in harmony, so the most powerful technology in history serves all of us. For more information, visit www.aicollective.com.

Media Contact

AJ Green
aj@aicollective.com

Super Greens Hemp Co. today announced the launch of its “Top-Shelf THCA” Initiative, a company-wide quality program designed to standardize premium-grade THCA flower across its product offerings. The initiative marks a significant step in the company’s operational evolution, reinforcing its focus on delivering consistently high-quality, lab-tested, and small-batch hemp products to consumers nationwide.

The Top-Shelf THCA Initiative introduces a refined internal framework for sourcing, evaluating, and presenting THCA flower. Under this program, all qualifying products must meet enhanced criteria related to cultivation practices, cannabinoid potency, terpene profiles, and post-harvest handling. This ensures that customers receive products that align with clearly defined quality benchmarks, regardless of the strain or category they choose.

As demand for THCA flower continues to rise, consumers are increasingly seeking assurance around product consistency, purity, and authenticity. Super Greens Hemp’s new initiative addresses this need by prioritizing transparency and standardization, two factors that are becoming essential in the evolving hemp marketplace.

“The Top-Shelf THCA Initiative reflects our commitment to raising the bar for quality and consistency,” said Carl Washington, spokesperson for Super Greens Hemp Co. “We’re not just offering premium products — we’re building a system that defines what premium means. From cultivation to final packaging, every step is aligned with delivering a reliable, high-quality experience for our customers.”

As part of the initiative, Super Greens Hemp is strengthening its relationships with growers who specialize in small-batch cultivation techniques, including hand-trimming, slow curing, and careful strain selection. These practices are known to enhance terpene preservation and overall flower quality, resulting in a more refined product.

The company is also placing increased emphasis on third-party lab testing, ensuring that each batch meets strict standards for cannabinoid content and safety. Detailed product information, including potency levels and strain characteristics, will be made more accessible to customers through improved product listings and educational resources.

Operationally, the initiative introduces enhanced quality control measures within Super Greens Hemp’s supply chain. Products are now categorized and labeled according to standardized criteria, allowing for greater consistency across the company’s catalog. This structured approach not only benefits consumers but also helps streamline inventory management and supplier selection.

The launch of the Top-Shelf THCA Initiative comes at a time when the hemp and cannabis markets are becoming more competitive and quality-driven. Brands that can demonstrate reliability and transparency are increasingly gaining consumer trust, and Super Greens Hemp aims to position itself at the forefront of this shift.

In addition to improving product standards, the company plans to expand its educational efforts, helping customers better understand what differentiates top-shelf THCA flower from standard offerings. This includes insights into cultivation methods, terpene profiles, and how quality impacts the overall experience.

By formalizing its approach to quality through the Top-Shelf THCA Initiative, Super Greens Hemp is not only enhancing its current offerings but also laying the foundation for future growth. The program is expected to play a key role in how the company curates new products and partners with growers moving forward.

This announcement underscores Super Greens Hemp’s ongoing commitment to innovation, quality, and customer trust, as it continues to refine its operations and strengthen its position in the hemp-derived products market.

About Super Greens Hemp Co.

Super Greens Hemp Co. is a U.S.-based online retailer specializing in premium THCA flower and hemp-derived products. The company is dedicated to supporting small farms and independent growers by providing direct-to-consumer access, transparent product information, and a focus on craft-quality cultivation. Through careful sourcing and a commitment to quality, Super Greens Hemp connects consumers with thoughtfully grown flower from across the country. For more information, visit supergreenshemp.com.

Disclaimer

The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional before introducing hemp-derived cannabinoids into your wellness routine, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Media Contact

Carl Washington
info@supergreenshemp.com

PDF Guru, a global leader in document management, today announced the public release of its AI Image Enhancer. This high-fidelity restoration suite, previously restricted to enterprise-level forensic and archival workflows, is now accessible to the general public, bridging the gap between professional-grade reconstruction and consumer usability.

Bridging the "Ground Truth" Gap in Image Restoration

Unlike standard filters that merely smooth textures, PDF Guru’s tool utilizes a proprietary Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) trained on diverse datasets to ensure historical and structural accuracy. The system offers 2x and 4x upscaling, noise reduction, and edge sharpening, specifically optimized for high-stakes documents like medical scans, legal evidence, and genealogical records.

"Our machine learning model doesn't just 'guess' pixels; it performs a contextual reconstruction based on billions of data points," said Ihor Zakutynskyi, Chief Technology Officer at FORMA by Universe Group. "In a YMYL context — where a blurred digit on a legal contract or a faint detail in a scan matters — precision is our primary metric. We’ve moved beyond simple upscaling to create a tool that respects the 'ground truth' of the original file."

Security, Compliance, and Ethical AI

Recognizing the sensitive nature of user data in the health and legal sectors, PDF Guru has integrated a "Privacy-First" architecture:

• Zero-Persistence Processing: Files are processed in-browser or via encrypted ephemeral sessions; no user data is retained for model training.
• Compliance-Grade Security: The platform maintains GDPR compliance, PCI-DSS verification, and Google Safe Browsing certification.
• Integrity Disclosures: To prevent the misuse of AI-generated content, the tool includes metadata markers identifying the image as AI-enhanced, maintaining a clear chain of custody for professional use.

Expert-Driven Accessibility

While enterprise solutions from Google and Amazon often require API configurations and specialized training, PDF Guru’s browser-based interface allows users to achieve professional results instantly. This democratization ensures that individuals — not just corporations — have the tools necessary to preserve and clarify vital information.

"Simplicity should not come at the cost of accuracy," Zakutynskyi added. "Our goal was to take enterprise-grade neural networks and wrap them in a package that is intuitive enough for a casual user but precise enough for a researcher."

The Road Ahead: Forensic and Colorimetric Standards

The PDF Guru roadmap includes the upcoming launch of a Lossless Colorization module and specialized OCR-Integration for restoring text within low-resolution images. These updates aim to further reduce "hallucinations" in AI reconstruction, ensuring the tool remains a trusted resource for sensitive data.

About PDF Guru

Founded to make PDF work simpler and faster, PDF Guru provides an all-in-one document management platform used by 15 million people in 180 countries. The web-based tool enables users to edit text in PDFs, convert between formats, including Word, Excel, and image files, add electronic signatures, and process scanned documents with OCR — all without downloading software. PDF Guru prioritizes security and privacy through GDPR compliance, SSL and AES encryption, and verification by industry leaders. Available in over 20 languages with subscription plans for both individuals and teams, the platform combines powerful functionality with an interface designed for immediate usability. For more information, visit pdfguru.com.

Media Contact

Serhii Zdrok
Content Writer, PDF Guru
serhii.zdrok@uni.tech

Susan O. Schall, PhD, founder and lead consultant of SOS Consulting LLC, has announced she is working on a book. Dr. Schall was previously selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who as recognition of her contributions to manufacturing consulting and organizational leadership. 

The recognition comes as Dr. Schall advances work on her book, “Healthy Manufacturing,” which outlines a framework for improving organizational performance through leadership alignment and process-based thinking. The project draws on her experience working with manufacturers and other organizations to address operational challenges and long-term planning.

The upcoming book focuses on six core elements: cohesive leadership, strategic clarity, strategic communication, process thinking, data-informed decision-making, and human relationships. These elements reflect common gaps she has observed in organizations of all types and sizes.

Dr. Schall recently presented the ideas of her book during a graduate seminar at Pennsylvania State University, where she discussed adaptive leadership and the importance of leading with a heart of service. The session included conversations with students preparing to enter engineering and manufacturing fields, many of whom are already encountering similar challenges in practice.

Years of Experience Put into Writing

Dr. Schall has spent more than 40 years in manufacturing, focusing on process improvement and organizational health. Her career includes technical and leadership roles, followed by the launch of SOS Consulting LLC in 2004. Through her firm, she has worked with clients in manufacturing, education and nonprofit sectors.

“I've spent my career bridging the gap between traditional manufacturing leadership and organizational health, with process improvement. I'm writing this book so that others will learn from my experience,” says Dr. Schall. 

Dr. Schall's work combines people, process and data approaches, helping organizations better understand how work flows and where improvements can be made. She has also emphasized the importance of alignment among leadership teams and clear communication when leading through change.

Making an Impact in the Industry 

Dr. Schall’s contributions have been recognized through several industry honors, including the Medallion Award from the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers. She remains active in professional organizations and mentoring efforts, particularly for individuals entering engineering and quality-related fields.

As Dr. Schall continues work on “Healthy Manufacturing,” she remains focused on providing practical tools that organizations can use to simultaneously improve performance and care for their people. Marquis Who’s Who highlights Dr. Schall’s continued work in manufacturing and consulting as organizations navigate evolving operational and leadership challenges.

About Susan O. Schall

Susan O. Schall, PhD, is the founder and lead consultant of SOS Consulting LLC, with more than 40 years of experience in industrial engineering, process improvement and organizational leadership. She works with organizations to strengthen performance through data-driven decision-making and leadership alignment.

About Marquis Who's Who

Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, marquiswhoswho.com.

Media Contact

Marquis Who’s Who
info@marquiswhoswho.com