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In Mexico, a significant segment of the population facing short-term liquidity challenges remains overlooked by traditional financial institutions. ALA Préstamos, a prominent domestic online finance platform and subsidiary of Quantum, has placed "financial inclusion" at its core, utilizing a 100% digital service model to provide essential credit access to the unbanked and underbanked.

As a SOFOM ENR (Multiple Purpose Financial Society), Quantum adheres strictly to Mexican regulatory requirements. Its flagship product, ALA Préstamos, distinguishes itself from the cumbersome and lengthy processes of traditional lending by leveraging a proprietary intelligent system to achieve three core breakthroughs: no collateral or personal guarantees required, a fully online application process, and an average turnaround of five minutes from approval to disbursement.

Beyond immediate funding, the service provided by ALA Préstamos offers measurable social value. The platform’s flexible repayment cycles and balanced interest structures empower users — particularly those with thin credit files — to gradually establish a healthy financial identity. "The initial loan amount was small, but after consistent on-time payments, my credit limit has increased significantly," noted one Mexico City-based user.

Since its inception, the platform has served more than 400,000 Mexican users. This growth is driven by ALA Préstamos’ commitment to addressing "real-world needs," specifically targeting high-frequency scenarios such as liquidity gaps before payday, emergency procurement for micro-businesses, and unexpected medical or educational expenses.

"Technology should not be a barrier; it should be a bridge," emphasized the product director of ALA Préstamos. "Our mission has always been to lower costs and increase response speeds, ensuring that financial services return to their fundamental essence as a tool for progress."

A new collaboration between Eleganzo Inc and De Rigo REM is reshaping how qualified optical retailers and approved resellers source De Rigo’s licensed eyewear portfolio in the United States. The development comes as the trade continues to prioritize verified supply, consistent replenishment, and post-sale support for premium and licensed collections.

For retailers evaluating supply partners, the collaboration supports a clearer path to an authorized eyewear distributor relationship, reinforcing product provenance and channel integrity at a time when authenticity and serviceability have become procurement requirements, not differentiators.

What Changed in Practical Terms

The collaboration connects De Rigo REM’s U.S. brand platform with Eleganzo’s secured B2B access and ordering workflow. In effect, buyers gain a more streamlined process to evaluate assortments, place orders, and manage replenishment across multiple De Rigo brands through a single wholesale pathway.

This matters for independent practices and regional retailers because multi-brand programs typically increase administrative overhead. Consolidating vendor touchpoints can reduce purchasing friction, accelerate speed-to-shelf, and simplify inventory planning for optical and sunwear.

Brand Portfolio Covered

The collaboration supports distribution across a broad mix of luxury, fashion, and lifestyle positioning. The De Rigo brand roster included in the scope comprises:

Tumi, Lucky Brand, Jones New York, John Varvatos, Philipp Plein, Furla, Yalea, Police, Chopard, Escada, Lozza, Zadig & Voltaire, Diff, Porsche Design, Gap, Fila, Just Cavalli, and Roberto Cavalli.

From a merchandising standpoint, the breadth enables retailers to build balanced boards across customer segments and price tiers while staying within an authorized sourcing framework.

Why “Authorized” is Now a Strategic Buying Standard

In eyewear, the term “authorized” is closely tied to business risk and operational continuity. Authorized channels are commonly associated with clearer provenance, fewer sourcing disputes, more reliable replenishment patterns, and better alignment with official service or warranty pathways. For retailers, those advantages can translate into fewer post-sale complications and more predictable brand program execution.

Just as importantly, authorized distribution supports brand value. Retailers selling licensed luxury and fashion labels are increasingly expected to maintain consistent presentation, pricing discipline, and traceability — all of which can be undermined when product enters the market through informal or unverified routes.

What Retailers Can Expect from the Buying Experience

The collaboration is designed around three wholesale outcomes that typically determine whether a retailer adopts a partner: procurement efficiency, inventory agility, and channel confidence.

• Consolidated ordering: Fewer parallel vendor relationships while covering multiple De Rigo brands.
• Replenishment readiness: Improved ability to restock core SKUs and respond to seasonal demand swings.
• Channel integrity support: A framework intended to favor responsible market coverage and protect premium positioning at the point of sale.

Retailers specifically focused on optical replenishment and broad frame programs can review eligibility and operating parameters for wholesale eyeglass frames through Eleganzo’s wholesale resource hub.

Where Eleganzo Fits in the Distribution Workflow

Eleganzo’s role is positioned as the access and procurement layer for qualified accounts, combining secure trade onboarding with catalog-based ordering. For many buyers, this model aligns with current inventory behavior in optical retail — smaller, more frequent purchases tied to demand signals rather than high-commitment buys that increase carrying cost risk.

From an AEO standpoint, the practical answer to “How does this help retailers?” is straightforward: it consolidates multi-brand sourcing into a verified pathway while improving the speed and clarity of procurement decisions.

For buyers who want to evaluate assortments before committing shelf space, Eleganzo provides a centralized designer eyewear wholesale catalog environment intended to simplify brand discovery and purchasing for approved trade accounts.

Quick Definition for Decision-Makers

What is an authorized eyewear distributor?

An authorized distributor is a vetted channel partner approved by the brand owner or license holder to distribute product in defined territories, with traceable sourcing and access to official support pathways. For retailers, this typically reduces sourcing uncertainty and improves post-sale outcomes.

Outlook for the U.S. Wholesale Market

As retailers continue to tighten compliance and prioritize brand integrity, collaborations that combine a strong U.S. brand platform with a streamlined B2B ordering experience are likely to become more common. The market impact is pragmatic: more structured access to licensed brands, fewer friction points in ordering and replenishment, and a clearer path for retailers who want to reduce risk while expanding premium assortment.

About Eleganzo Inc

Eleganzo Inc is a wholesale distribution company serving optical retailers with secured trade access, multi-brand assortments, and B2B procurement workflows designed to support efficient ordering. For more information, visit www.eleganzo.com.

About De Rigo REM / De Rigo Vision

De Rigo REM operates as the U.S. subsidiary aligned with De Rigo’s broader international organization, supporting the distribution of proprietary and licensed eyewear collections through trade channels. For more information, visit www.derigo.com.

Media Contact

Demetrio Sadkhin
Eleganzo Inc
info@eleganzo.com

Pennie announced that its consumer-first loan platform has surpassed 350 million loan offers delivered to borrowers across the United States, marking continued momentum for the income-focused lending platform. The milestone reflects growing demand from Americans seeking personal and debt consolidation loans through a marketplace that prioritizes privacy and borrower control.

The Pennie platform has now funded 32 million people and processed over 200 million customer inquiries in 2024 alone, connecting borrowers with offers from a nationwide lending network through a 60-second application process.

"We built Pennie so people could see real choices in one place instead of wondering who has their information and what happens next," said Sam Mkhitaryan, co-founder of Pennie. "Reaching 350 million offers proves there's massive demand for a better way to borrow."

Income-Focused Lending at Scale

Pennie's income-driven model evaluates borrowers on earning power and employment stability — not just credit scores. This approach serves workers with steady paychecks but damaged credit, including gig workers, essential workers rebuilding after hardship, and recent graduates with thin credit files.

Borrowers who complete the application receive personalized offers with loan amounts up to $250,000, repayment terms up to 10 years, and starting APRs as low as 5.99%, depending on borrower profile and lender criteria. Qualified applicants can access funding as soon as the next day.

The platform uses soft credit inquiries that do not affect a borrower's credit score at the offer stage. Pennie does not sell or share customer data — borrowers review offers in a private dashboard and decide whether to move forward on their own terms.

Mkhitaryan emphasized that scale without borrower benefit is meaningless: "Volume only matters if it leads to smarter decisions. Every one of those 350 million offers represents someone looking for a better path — and we take that seriously."

Pennie's commitment to privacy and income-focused qualification has earned a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot, with borrowers praising the straightforward process and respectful experience.

About Pennie

Pennie is a U.S.-based loan marketplace that connects consumers with personal and debt consolidation loan offers from a nationwide lending network. The Pennie platform specializes in income-focused lending, serving borrowers across all credit profiles — including those with limited or challenged credit histories. With 32 million people funded through the Pennie platform, 350 million loan offers, and a 4.9 Trustpilot rating, Pennie has established itself as a leading consumer-first alternative in the personal loan space. The company does not sell or share customer information. For more information, visit pennie.com.

Media Contact

Public Relations
pr@trypennie.com

Republican candidate for Harris County Judge Marty Lancton has posted the strongest fundraising totals among published campaign finance reports in the Harris County Judge race, according to filings released by the Harris County Clerk.

Lancton’s campaign reported $501,628 in total contributions, significantly surpassing not only the available fundraising of Republican opponents, but that of leading Democratic candidate Annise Parker, and establishing a clear financial advantage heading into the March primary. The filings further show Lancton’s support is driven overwhelmingly by donor contributions rather than personal loans, highlighting broad-based confidence in his candidacy.

By contrast, other campaigns that have reported show significantly lower contribution totals, with some relying heavily on self-funding to remain competitive. 

“This report confirms what we’re seeing across Harris County. Voters are rallying behind Marty because they trust his leadership and his plan to restore accountability to county government. Marty isn’t trying to buy this election. He’s earning support the right way, building a coalition of voters, community leaders, and first responders who believe Harris County deserves competent, accountable leadership. From Governor Greg Abbott to grassroots supporters, that trust continues to grow,” a campaign spokesperson said.

With the strongest reported fundraising performance in the race, growing grassroots momentum, and disciplined stewardship of campaign resources, Lancton’s campaign enters the final stretch before the Republican primary in a strong position.

About Marty Lancton for Harris County

A Houston native, Patrick “Marty” Lancton has spent more than two decades serving his community as a decorated firefighter, association president, and civic leader. He is the President of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, Vice President of the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters, and Chairman of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Charitable Foundation. Known for his servant leadership and record of results, Marty has dedicated his career to public safety, emergency management, and advocating for Houston families. Learn more at lanctonforharriscounty.com.

Media Contact

Amanda Orr
amanda@lanctonforharriscounty.com
+1 832-816-3990

TORRAS has announced the Phone Case 3.0 Era, marking a fundamental shift in how mobile accessories function in users' lives. Phone cases are no longer passive protective shells. They are becoming active tools that enable creativity, support documentation, and enhance how people interact with their devices across diverse environments.

The Phone Case 3.0 concept challenges conventional thinking about mobile accessories. For decades, cases have served a single purpose: protection. Users buy them, they sit there, they're forgotten. TORRAS argues this model is outdated. Modern users create constantly. They film, photograph, document. They need accessories that don't just protect — they need tools that facilitate creation.

This shift reflects a broader market reality. People use phones differently than they did five years ago. A creator filming content needs different support than a traveler capturing exploration moments. A camper documenting under starlight has different constraints than an office worker. Yet most accessories ignore these distinctions. They offer one-size-fits-all solutions that compromise on every front.

The Ostand represents the flagship product of this new era. It's built on three core functions: Stand, Stick, and Hang. These aren't cosmetic features. They required systematic innovation across materials, structural design, and protective technology. Engineers rethought how cases grip surfaces without causing damage. They engineered stands that disappear when not needed. They designed suspension mechanisms that work in unpredictable environments.

The result earned recognition from Yanko Design's "Best of Tech 2026," one of the world's most prestigious design institutions. The award validates TORRAS's approach: that user experience, not specifications, drives meaningful innovation.

But the Ostand doesn't exist in isolation. TORRAS unveiled a complete ecosystem designed around different usage scenarios. FlexLine power banks are lightweight and magnetically attachable — built for people constantly on the move. Additional charging solutions integrate retractable cables and combine charging functionality with built-in stand and cable features, eliminating the need to carry multiple devices.

Each product in this ecosystem solves a specific problem. Together, they form a coherent system. A creator using the Ostand to film from new angles can charge their device with FlexLine power banks. A traveler securing their phone needs reliable power solutions. A camper setting up for the night has charging options that handle power, positioning, and connectivity.

The ecosystem also includes COOLiFY neck air conditioners, extending the brand's commitment to supporting creation across diverse environments. This ecosystem approach reflects how TORRAS thinks about the market. The company emphasizes that in an era of technological convergence, differentiation doesn't come from incremental spec improvements. It comes from understanding how people actually live and work. It comes from designing for scenarios, not just functions.

TORRAS partnered with Gawx Art to underscore this philosophy. The collaboration focuses on "protecting creativity" — a concept that transcends functional marketing. It signals that the brand views itself as a cultural participant, not just a manufacturer. Creativity deserves protection, just like devices do. This partnership reflects TORRAS's commitment to values beyond product utility.

The Phone Case 3.0 Era rests on a simple principle: good design disappears. Users shouldn't think about their case while capturing a moment. It should work naturally, as effortlessly as breathing. When you're filming a sunset, you focus on light and composition, not your equipment. When you're documenting a journey, you concentrate on the experience, not the tool. That's the standard TORRAS is pursuing.

This vision represents a significant evolution for the brand. TORRAS began as a device protection company. It's now positioning itself as a creative ecosystem provider. The shift isn't merely about new products. It's about a fundamentally different philosophy: accessories matter because the moments they enable matter.

The Phone Case 3.0 Era signals that the mobile accessory market is entering a new phase. Users increasingly expect their tools to support their creative ambitions, not constrain them. They want solutions designed for real scenarios, not theoretical use cases. They want accessories that understand their lives.

Whether the broader market embraces this vision remains to be seen. But the direction is clear. In the Phone Case 3.0 Era, what users carry is more than a protective shell. It's an extension of how they see, document, and share the world. It's a tool that enables rather than limits. It's an accessory that gets out of the way and lets creation happen.

About TORRAS

TORRAS designs and manufactures mobile device accessories. The brand focuses on merging protective functions with creative enablement, serving users across diverse environments and use cases. For more information, visit torraslife.com.

4dev.com, the global fintech platform for compliant contractor payouts helping tech startups hire and pay remote professionals, announces the launch of Funding Hub. It’s a platform within 4dev.com designed to simplify international fundraising and investor operations for early-stage startups. Funding Hub provides a complete legal, financial, and operational framework for running and closing investment rounds — eliminating the need for bank commissions and the overhead of in-house legal teams.

KPMG’s recent report states that global VC investments reached $120 billion in Q3 2025 with ongoing strong international investment flows, reflecting sustained cross-border interest. A European Commission study shows that cross-border investments in Europe now make up, on average, 23.1%, with substantial growth underway. Addressing this emerging trend, Funding Hub by 4dev.com offers an advanced technical infrastructure designed to simplify and optimize international venture funding for all participants. 

It matches investors and startups aligned with their priorities, and oversees every technical, financial, and legal aspect of the transaction — including deal structuring. This is particularly valuable for remote-first startups seeking international investment across different jurisdictions.

Funding Hub by 4dev.com supports both fiat and crypto payments in over 150 countries under full compliance with KYT requirements, in partnership with licensed European payment processors. Through its integrated KYC/KYB system, 4dev.com verifies both founders and companies before any funds are released. 

“As a global contractor payouts platform, we saw firsthand the challenges startups and contractors face securing and distributing funding. It struck us: why not apply our expertise beyond payroll and help startups connect with investors in the same seamless way? Startups shouldn’t need an army of lawyers or CFOs to close their first round, and investors shouldn’t struggle with outdated payment rails or KYC friction. Funding Hub automates all that, eliminating unnecessary complexity and allowing founders and investors focus on growth, not bureaucracy. Now startups can raise capital through 4dev.com and then use our platform to pay their teams," says Artem Vershinsky, head of Funding Hub by 4dev.com.

Unlike traditional fundraising software, Funding Hub does not charge upfront fees — it operates on a success-based model. Startups pay a 2% fee only upon completion of a round, while investors pay a 2% advisory fee, with no prepayments or hidden charges, ensuring predictable expenses.

The platform enables direct participation in startup funding rounds starting from $50,000, with capacity of 100 startups entering the pipeline each month. The average round timeline is just eight weeks — a fraction of the time traditional fundraising processes take.

During the pilot phase, Funding Hub supported rounds for clients including Realytics, Aurum Dust, and Top Secret Cleanup, exceeding $1.1 million in total managed volume. The service aims to become the go-to investment partner for high-impact early-stage startups, focusing on volume and visibility rather than large institutional rounds. 

With over 30 active venture investors in the community, Funding Hub is now open for onboarding new startups. The platform targets high-growth sectors including AI and ML, fintech, Web3, gamedev, AdTech, and EdTech.

About 4dev.com

At 4dev.com is a global сontractor of record platform that helps more than 1000 tech startups hire and pay remote professionals and stay fully compliant. It helps distributed teams work, hire, and grow across borders — from HR and payroll infrastructure to investment solutions like the newly launched Funding Hub. 4dev.com enables startups to hire contractors worldwide, pay them with a single click, instantly receive legally compliant closing documents, meeting international and local regulatory requirements. With 4dev.com, founders gain a secure environment for global growth, making cross-border hiring and investment frictionless. Funding Hub by 4dev.com is an infrastructure layer that connects startups with active global investors. Its core function is to help startups structure, prepare for, and access funding opportunities, while also connecting them with relevant investors and funding instruments in a single place. The Funding Hub is designed to work with a broad and active investor base, primarily composed of angel investors, family offices, and early-stage venture capital firms. FOURDEV is located at 1309 Coffeen Ave, Suite 16541, Sheridan, WY 82801, U.S. For more information, visit 4dev.com.

Media Contact

Sales Team
sales@4dev.com

Support Team
support@4dev.com

Artem Vershinsky
Head of Funding Hub, 4dev.com
Artem@4dev.com

Mikhail Smirnov
Head of Marketing & PR, 4dev.com
mikhail.smirnov@4dev.com

Pulsar, a leading digital credit platform under Logiwarex, has announced a significant upgrade to its proprietary risk assessment framework. The optimization leverages advanced algorithmic modeling to enhance decision-making accuracy. According to internal performance metrics, the new system has achieved a 12% increase in predictive precision while maintaining the platform's signature high-speed service delivery.

Pulsar’s risk scoring engine integrates a diverse array of data points, synthesizing user-provided information with authorized alternative data streams. To ensure the model remains robust amidst shifting market conditions, the system undergoes quarterly recalibrations based on the latest performance data and macroeconomic trends.

"Our objective is to maintain a sophisticated balance between operational efficiency and rigorous risk mitigation," stated the technical lead at Pulsar. "By continuously refining our algorithms, we are able to provide rapid approvals without compromising the integrity of our credit decisions."

The shift toward technology-driven risk assessment is a growing trend in digital finance, particularly in serving populations with limited traditional credit histories. Pulsar’s system is specifically calibrated for the nuances of the Mexican market, factoring in variables such as seasonal income fluctuations and regional economic disparities.

"Advanced technology allows us to develop a more holistic understanding of our users’ financial profiles," explained the head of Risk Management at Pulsar. "This not only facilitates more accurate credit decisions but also allows us to offer more tailored and equitable loan terms to our customers."

Industry analysts suggest that Pulsar’s focus on algorithmic precision reflects the broader evolution of digital financial services in Mexico: the use of responsible technology to expand financial accessibility while ensuring business sustainability. As these technologies continue to mature, such systems are expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing both the inclusion and efficiency of the national financial landscape.

Legislation introduced by Representative Rick Townsend would impose an outright ban on natural kratom leaf products in Georgia — a sweeping move that directly contradicts the stated positions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Townsend’s bill ignores the Trump Administration’s clear focus on dangerously formulated synthetic threats to consumer safety.

Townsend’s bill (HB 968) makes two terrible mistakes: (1) the bill fully bans both natural leaf kratom products (mitragynine) and dangerously addictive synthetic and chemically formulated products called 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as Schedule I substances; and (2) and repeals Georgia’s existing Kratom Consumer Protection Act. The Townsend bill will instantly convert hundreds of thousands of law-abiding Georgia consumers into felons and expose them to extended jail terms, despite their use of products that are currently lawful and safely formulated under Georgia law. 

Federal leaders have been clear: the real danger to consumers is highly concentrated synthetic, chemically manipulated 7-OH knock-offs — not responsibly manufactured natural kratom leaf products.

At a July 29, 2025, media event addressing the scheduling of 7-OH, FDA Commissioner Marky Makary underscored that enforcement is aimed at synthetic and chemically manipulated products and not natural kratom leaf products consumed responsibly by adults.

Likewise, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has aligned federal health policy toward targeting synthetics and illicit manufacturing practices — precisely the opposite of Rep. Townsend’s approach, which sweeps safe, regulated products into his felony dragnet.

“Rep. Townsend’s bill not only fails to protect consumers, it puts kids at high risk,” said Mac Haddow, senior fellow on Public Policy for the American Kratom Association. “He has personally criticized Georgia’s existing kratom law for weak enforcement — yet he has repeatedly refused to support the very enforcement authorities the American Kratom Association has advocated to target bad actors and dangerous synthetics. This bill abandons smart regulation in favor of mass criminalization.”

The consequences are immediate and severe. By repealing Georgia’s Kratom Consumer Protection Act and scheduling naturally occurring constituents found in the kratom leaf, the Townsend bill would:

• Criminalize responsible adult consumers in Georgia overnight;
• Eliminate age limits, labeling, testing, and manufacturing standards that currently protect Georgians that is in the Georgia Kratom Consumer Protection Act;
• Divert law enforcement away from dangerous synthetics and toward kratom consumers who benefit from properly regulated kratom products;
• Stand in direct conflict with the FDA’s and HHS’s stated priorities; and
• Create a black market for dangerously adulterated kratom products that puts Georgia kratom consumers — and kids — at risk for products laced with illicit drugs like fentanyl.

Georgia already has a solution that works: regulation.

Safely formulated kratom products — tested, labeled, and sold with age restrictions. Today, these safely formulated natural kratom leaf products are consumed by hundreds of thousands of Georgians without incident. Rep. Townsend’s bill tears down those safeguards and replaces them with a prohibition that federal health leaders have explicitly rejected.

Bottom line: Rep. Townsend is not protecting consumers. He is ignoring the chief health authorities in the Trump Administration who protect the health and safety of consumers, undermining proven state safeguards, repeats an outdated and discredited anti-kratom narrative pushed by ambulance chasing trial lawyers, and is pushing a prohibition that unfairly punishes responsible Georgia natural kratom leaf consumers.

For what purpose: To provide Rep. Townsend another few minutes in front of a camera while he puts responsible Georgia kratom consumers in front of a judge.

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

Media Contact

Mac Haddow
Senior Fellow on Public Policy
mhaddow@americankratom.org

TORAD Inc., a leader in innovative compressor technology, today announced that its patented spool compressor has achieved breakthrough performance of 72.5% peak overall isentropic efficiency running on Solstice ZE (R-1234ze), a zero-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant. The 20 TonR compressor was tested at the ARI standard condition of 45°F/130°F, achieving an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 12.2 and a Coefficient Performance (COP) of 3.58.

Joe Orosz, TORAD president and COO said, "This achievement creates a viable path to commercial HVAC adoption of environmentally sustainable zero-GWP systems without the cost typically associated with next-generation refrigerants." Orosz added, "The company's spool compressor technology enables advanced chiller designs improving system efficiency and addressing the current industry trade-off between cost and environmental impact."

Greg Kemp, TORAD CEO and founder stated, "The successful combination of the spool compressor and Solstice ZE creates a cost-effective path to meet challenging global regulatory demands for sustainable cooling solutions and dramatically lowering greenhouse gas emissions."

Kemp added, "We would like to thank Johnson Controls International, Solstice, Shrieve, Syensqo, GGB, CLAYENS and Force Technology for their valuable engineering support in this achievement. We look forward to working with industry partners to bring this technology into commercial production and accelerate the global transition to sustainable cooling solutions."

About TORAD

TORAD Inc. is an Atlanta-based leader in the development of innovative, high-efficiency compressor technologies for the HVAC and refrigeration industries. Dedicated to sustainability and performance, TORAD is committed to delivering climate tech solutions that meet the evolving environmental and economic demands of the global market. For more information, visit www.toradengineering.com.

Media Contact

Media Relations
info@toradengineering.com

Mars Materials ("MM" or the Company), a company working to store captured carbon dioxide into everyday products, today announced its selection into Shell GameChanger and successful advancement past the program's first stage gate. The program aims to validate an alternative, bio-based feedstock for MM's proprietary acrylonitrile production pathway.

MM's acrylonitrile is a key chemical building block for carbon fiber, water production polymers, durable plastics, textiles and more, is hydrogen cyanide-free and has been validated by global industry. Produced at MM's pilot plant, Cassini, the team has successfully scaled its novel process from gram-scale to kilogram-scale production of acrylonitrile.

The Shell GameChanger test program aims to validate bio-based sugar feedstock as an alternate raw material to CO2 for the MM's acrylonitrile pathway.

"We're beyond excited to participate in Shell GameChanger, a program that exemplifies how startups and corporations can innovate together to unlock commercial opportunity," said Aaron Fitzgerald, CEO and co-founder of Mars Materials. "Shell's support has already accelerated our development by an estimated three years. Shell GameChanger will help expand our choice of raw material with a bio-based sugar option, giving us another edge over the incumbent acrylonitrile production process, which relies on a globally distributed supply chain."

In addition to technical guidance, the Shell GameChanger program will help MM with support in market discovery as well as commercial demonstration and go-to-market planning.

Having successfully passed the first stage gate of the Shell GameChanger program, MM continues to demonstrate that its partner-first approach works. The company intends to replicate its success and seeks to attract further investment, grant funding, and strategic industrial partners necessary for the next phases of its scale-up and commercialization.

About Mars Materials

Mars Materials, Inc. PBC ("MM") is a Houston, TX-based, venture- and Breakthrough Energy Fellows-backed, carbon dioxide utilization startup. MM transforms carbon into products that purify dirty water and makes materials such as carbon fiber. The company has the only hydrogen cyanide-free and carbon negative pathway to be validated by global industry. For more information, visit www.marsmaterials.tech.

Media Contact

Aaron Fitzgerald
CEO, Mars Materials
aaron@marsmaterials.tech

Puure®, a water filtration brand focused on everyday tap water, has introduced a new approach to cleaner drinking water as households across Europe increasingly reassess how they consume and filter water at home.

Across many European markets, concerns around plastic waste, bottled water consumption and the presence of chemical residues in municipal water supplies have contributed to a shift in how consumers think about water quality.

While tap water generally meets regulatory standards, growing awareness of contaminants such as PFAS, pesticides and industrial by products has led many households to seek additional filtration solutions at the point of use.

Puure’s approach centres on a compact, tap mounted filtration system designed to operate directly at the tap. Rather than relying on bottled water, plastic filter jugs or under sink installations, the system filters water instantly as it flows, allowing filtered water to be used for drinking and cooking without altering existing plumbing. Unlike traditional plastic filtration products, the Puure system is housed in a stainless steel casing.

The filtration process combines fine filtration with activated carbon, aiming to improve taste and clarity while preserving naturally occurring minerals found in tap water. By operating at the point of use, the system is designed to integrate seamlessly into daily household routines.

Public awareness around substances such as PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” has increased significantly in recent years. Alongside agricultural pesticides and other chemical residues, these contaminants have become part of a broader public conversation about water quality across Europe.

While regulatory approaches vary by country, interest in household level filtration has continued to grow. Puure positions its stainless steel tap mounted system as an alternative to both bottled water and disposable plastic filtration products.

By filtering water directly from the tap, the system is intended to reduce reliance on single use plastic bottles and refill based filter jugs, which often require frequent replacement and generate additional waste. Durability and long term use were central considerations in the system’s design.

The stainless steel construction is intended to offer a longer product lifespan compared with plastic alternatives, while replaceable internal cartridges allow filtration performance to be maintained over time without replacing the entire unit.

Installation requires no tools or permanent plumbing changes, making the system accessible to a wide range of households, including renters. Puure is currently expanding its availability across multiple European markets as demand grows for practical, technology led household water filtration solutions. More details can be found at puurefilters.com.

Media Contact

Puure Filters
collabs@puurefilters.com

Stonebriar Wealth Advisors announced the release and upcoming publication of a series of books designed to explore foundational financial principles through the lens of timing, structure, and long-term decision-making. The firm confirmed that the series is intended to support its broader mission of improving financial understanding for individuals, families, and future generations.

Founded by Gary J. Preisser and Shea M. Swenson, Stonebriar Wealth Advisors operates as a Registered Investment Advisory firm that works with households, business owners, and families on long-term wealth planning. According to Preisser, the book series reflects concepts that have been discussed with clients for years and formalizes those ideas into written resources that can be revisited over time.

The first published title in the series, "The Essence of Wealth," has already been released. Preisser explains that the book was written to speak to the next generation within client families. The goal was to present financial concepts in a way that encourages clarity and purpose rather than focusing narrowly on accumulation. He explains the book as a way for parents and grandparents to introduce foundational ideas to children and grandchildren who are just beginning to think about money and responsibility.

Swenson explains that the firm views financial education as a long-term process rather than a single conversation. “Families often engage with financial decisions at different stages of life, and written resources allow those conversations to continue even when circumstances change,” he notes. According to him, the series of books can serve as a reference point that evolves in relevance as readers move through their own personal and professional timelines.

Another book, "The Differentiators of Wealth," is scheduled for release in the near term. “This book is an exploration of structural factors that influence long-term outcomes, including the role of timing, performance, diversification, tax considerations, and decision sequencing,” Swenson notes. “The material reflects recurring questions raised in client discussions, where individuals seek to understand not only what decisions to make, but why those decisions matter.”

Beyond these two books, the firm has outlined a broader pipeline of upcoming works. The series includes forthcoming books such as "The Timing of Wealth," "The Cash Flow Clock," and "The Psychology of Wealth," among others. According to Swenson, each book is designed to address a specific dimension of financial decision-making through consistent underlying principles.

A recurring theme across the series is the importance of timing. Preisser explains that while financial principles remain consistent, their application can vary widely depending on life stage, cash flow needs, and family dynamics. 

“The books are not intended to replace professional guidance, but rather to encourage informed participation,” Preisser says. “Understanding basic success metrics and concepts enables individuals to engage more confidently in financial conversations, ask better questions over time, and ultimately achieve better outcomes.”

Stonebriar traces the origins of the series to years of repeated client discussions. Swenson explains that many of the ideas became ingrained through experience, as clients raised similar concerns and uncertainties across different stages of life. He explains the writing process as a way to formalize those explanations so readers can absorb the material at their own pace and return to it as their circumstances evolve.

“Time is the one asset you can’t replace,” Preisser says, pointing to an idea frequently referenced at Stonebriar. “The best time to plant a tree was years ago, but the next best time is now,” he says. “We believe that it’s never too late to begin making informed financial choices. The decisions we make every day can be the difference between missing and achieving our goals.”

As Stonebriar prepares additional releases within the series, the firm views the books as an extension of its broader educational mission. “Our goal is to help improve financial literacy for everyone, no matter their background, age, or net worth,” Swenson says. “When people understand where they are on their own financial journey, they can begin making decisions with far greater confidence and clarity.”

About Stonebriar Wealth Advisors

Stonebriar Wealth Advisors is a Registered Investment Advisory firm founded by Gary J. Preisser and Shea M. Swenson. The firm works with individuals, families, and business owners on long-term wealth planning grounded in timing, structure, and informed decision-making. Through advisory services and educational initiatives, including its new book series, Stonebriar focuses on improving financial understanding across life stages and helping clients engage more confidently in their financial journeys. For more information, visit www.stonebriarwealthadvisors.com.

Media Contact

Carter Frame
carter@stonebriarwa.com

After the global success of their first collaboration, Binghatti and Mercedes-Benz have reunited to pursue a far greater vision, one that expands the boundaries of both luxury real estate and automotive innovation. Their partnership now returns with the unveiling of Mercedes-Benz Places | Binghatti City, the world’s first Mercedes-Benz branded city and the developer’s first masterplanned community, a monumental AED 30 billion development spanning more than ten million square feet in Nad Al Sheba.

The grand unveiling in Meydan delivered one of the most cinematic moments in Dubai’s real estate industry. Hosted by Hollywood actor Terry Crews, the night drew 25,000 guests the largest attendance at any Binghatti event to date, as a spectacular drone show lit up the skyline and the program unfolded around two historic reveal moments.

The first reveal was the exclusive Middle East showcase of VISION ICONIC, MercedesBenz’s newest concept creation, inspired by the golden era of 1930s automotive design and embodying the pure essence of the marque. The grand launch opened with a performance by legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, setting an unforgettable tone for the evening.

The second reveal then unveiled the masterplan community, an entirely new urban district comprised of twelve architecturally synchronized towers. A sweeping drone show illuminated the Meydan skyline, followed by a laser projection across Nad Al Sheba tracing the outline of the twelve-tower formation, before a massive fireworks finale crowned the night symbolizing the scale and ambition of the vision.

The masterplan will be delivered in three phases, each unveiling a new layer of this city scale vision. Across the towers, residences range from studios to 3-bedroom apartments, with Vision Iconic tower also featuring a collection of 4- and 5-bedroom homes. All of it is anchored by the development’s defining centerpiece, the iconic spiraling signature tower bringing to life one of the region’s most ambitious residential masterplans.

At the heart of the development lies the Grand Promenade, a vast green expanse imagined as a sanctuary of sustainable and environmental consciousness. Designed as a sequence of 12 unexpected moments and curated experiences, it features water elements, discovery zones, shaded groves, art pavilions, active circuits, and panoramic hills.

Surrounding the park, residents will also enjoy an elevated system of luxury signature amenities,12 Exclusive sporting clubs, and a network of grand indoor facilities, ensuring an unmatched  lifestyle throughout the entire community. Chairman Muhammad Binghatti emphasized the significance of this moment, noting that both brands have returned “not only to build upon the success of their first collaboration, but to imagine what the future of living can become when automotive ingenuity and architectural innovation converge at a city scale.”

Mathias Geisen, member of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Sales and Customer Experience affirmed that “This masterplan represents the purest expression of the brand’s design philosophy, extending our DNA from the automobile into a living environment crafted with technical precision.”

Mercedes-Benz Places | Binghatti City, marks a new era, a world built beyond tomorrow, where mobility, architecture, technology and design function as one. This second collaboration between the two global leaders stands as a monumental step forward shaping not just a landmark development, but a blueprint for how the future of branded living in Dubai will be defined.

About Binghatti

Binghatti Holding Limited is one of the UAE’s fastest-growing real estate development companies, with a rapidly expanding portfolio that spans over 80 projects valued at more than AED 70 billion. Renowned for its pioneering branded residences, Binghatti has forged collaborations with global icons such as Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, and Jacob & Co., creating architectural masterpieces that blend innovation with opulence. The company’s robust financial foundation and disciplined growth strategy are underpinned by its solid credit ratings, ‘BB-’ by Fitch and ‘Ba3’ by Moody’s, reflecting strong investor confidence and long-term stability. An architect by training, Chairman Muhammad Binghatti continues to shape the brand’s legacy of architectural excellence and uncompromising quality. Binghatti has delivered more than 12,000 residential units to date, with a portfolio spanning elegantly designed mainstream communities offering high-quality living at accessible prices to ultra-luxury residences that set new benchmarks in Dubai’s high-end real estate market. For more information, visit www.binghatti.com.

Media Contact

Yehia Mehdi
yehia.issa.dxb@gmail.com

Protera, a global leader in IT modernization and enterprise cloud services, today announced the acquisition of Redfig, an industry innovator in business transformation with a deep history in SAP application development, data integration, and intelligent automation. This acquisition expands Protera's service capabilities and accelerates its mission to deliver superior business outcomes through innovation, automation, and transformation.

"Redfig's deep experience in SAP BTP and application management services perfectly complements our mission to help enterprises modernize and innovate in the cloud," said Michael BeDell, CEO of Protera. "Together, we're expanding our portfolio to provide a suite of AI automation services that are unmatched in the industry and bring AI-driven, data-integrated capabilities to our clients to redefine what's possible in enterprise transformation."

With the addition of Redfig, Protera will offer customers a broad range of solutions, from enterprise AI automation, custom SAP applications and intelligent workflows to end-to-end data platform integrations. The acquisition also provides a foundation for expanding Protera's capabilities around BDC (Business Data Cloud), Clean Core initiatives and additional functional capabilities. The combined strength of Protera's managed cloud services and Redfig's deep business transformation expertise enables customers to optimize operations, accelerate digital transformation, and achieve measurable business impact.

"Redfig and Protera share a commitment to helping customers achieve meaningful business outcomes," said Olavo C. Figueiredo, CEO of Redfig. "By bringing together our SAP BTP and AI capabilities with Protera's global cloud leadership, we can accelerate transformation and deliver greater value at scale."

Redfig was among the earliest pioneers in the SAP BTP ecosystem and is an SAP Build Partner, certified to design and deploy SAP applications. Two of Redfig's innovative solutions are already available on the SAP Store: Redfig Partnerportal and Redfig Partnerflow.

"With the rapid acceleration of AI, the ability to harness enterprise data is fast becoming a competitive differentiator. Protera's leadership in cloud and infrastructure, paired with Redfig's expertise in data, platform engineering, and AI gives customers a clear path to build, automate, and scale faster," said Matthew C. Reddy, CTO of Redfig. "Together, we're building the foundation for the next era of innovation."

About Protera

Founded in 1998, Protera is a globally SAP-certified, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) cloud migration and enterprise managed service provider offering a full suite of modern cloud, modern ERP, and modern work solutions. Learn more at www.protera.com.

About Redfig

Founded in 2019, Redfig LLC is a technology innovation firm focused on helping enterprises advance their operations through cutting-edge solutions, data modernization, and AI-driven automation. Redfig specializes in designing and integrating enterprise-grade applications across SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), SAP ERP, and other cloud-native platforms, enabling organizations to streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and accelerate digital transformation for customers worldwide.

Media Contact

Megan Sharkey
Vice President of Marketing
m.sharkey@protera.com

FMG, the industry leader in marketing automation software for financial advisors and advisory firms, today announced executive leadership appointments to support continued growth and platform innovation for its enterprise and direct clients across RIAs, broker-dealers, wirehouses, regional firms, and insurance organizations.

FMG co-founder Dave Christensen has been appointed CEO, and Michelle Feinstein has joined FMG as chief product and strategy officer, succeeding Dave in his previous role. Additionally, Mo Ayadi joins as chief information officer, leading the information technology and security teams.

Scott White will transition to FMG's board of directors after nearly a decade as CEO. As a board member, Scott will continue to provide strategic guidance to FMG, building on his tenure strengthening the firm's position as the platform of choice for advisors.

As a co-founder of the business, Dave has been the longtime leader of product and strategy at FMG, and has led the company's evolution into a modern marketing automation platform used by advisors, firms, and enterprises across wealth and insurance. As AI fundamentally changes how technology platforms are built and how value is delivered to customers, Dave brings deep product leadership, experience and an innovation-forward perspective to guide FMG's next stage of growth.

Prior to joining FMG, Michelle most recently served as general manager of global financial services solutions and strategy at Salesforce, where she led product strategy and go-to-market execution for wealth and asset management clients. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at BNY Mellon Pershing and Albridge. Her experience in enterprise product leadership and commercial execution will support FMG's focus on creating a scalable, compliant marketing solution that seamlessly helps advisors and agents drive organic growth.

Mo brings deep experience building and scaling enterprise business systems, data platforms, and operational reporting. Most notably, during his tenure at LPL Financial, he served as senior vice president of Financial Technology Products, helping build a new wealth management platform, advance data strategy, and lead advisor CRM strategy. His addition ensures close collaboration across business systems, data infrastructure, and operational insights, empowering teams with the tools and information they need to make faster, smarter decisions.

"Our clients count on us to help them grow, whether they are individual advisors and agents, multi-advisor firms and agencies, or large enterprises," said Mark Casady, executive chairman of FMG. "Scott has been instrumental in building FMG into the trusted platform it is today, and we're grateful for his continued contributions as he transitions to our board. Dave has played a central role in FMG's product and platform evolution, and he is the right leader to guide the company forward. Michelle brings deep enterprise product experience and a strong track record of helping complex financial services firms connect strategy and execution. Together, this leadership team, including expanded product, technology, and data leadership, positions FMG to accelerate innovation, and deliver more personalized, AI-enabled growth for advisors, agents and enterprise marketing teams."

"GTCR is proud to support FMG as it continues to expand its impact across the wealth and insurance markets under Dave's leadership," said Michael Hollander, managing director at GTCR. "We are excited to partner with Dave, whose vision for the platform and deep understanding of FMG's strategy position the company well for its next phase of innovation as it accelerates product development and expands capabilities for advisors and enterprise firms. We look forward to continuing to work with Scott on the board and believe his insight on the market will be invaluable."

About FMG

FMG is the leading all-in-one marketing platform for financial advisors, insurance professionals, and enterprises, empowering them to scale compliant, client-centric marketing that drives organic growth. Trusted by more than 80,000 advisors who collectively reach over 45 million investors, approximately one in four investors in the United States, FMG is consistently ranked No. 1 in market share and customer satisfaction in the T3 Software Survey Report and has been recognized by WealthManagement.com as Best Marketing Automation Platform. Through its intuitive, centralized platform, FMG enables users to seamlessly manage websites, email, social media, texting, events, blogs, videos, and more, all from one place. By helping firms stay ahead of evolving trends and implement marketing best practices, FMG continues to set the standard for digital marketing in the wealth management industry.

Media Contact

Susan Theder
Chief Marketing Officer
susan.theder@fmgsuite.com

Entrepreneur and investor Iman Gadzhi has acquired full ownership of Consulting.com, further expanding his digital holdings as part of a broader investment strategy centered on education, platforms, and infrastructure within the online economy.

Consulting.com is a legacy education and advisory company in the digital consulting space. According to Gadzhi, the business has historically generated between $75 million and $80 million in customer revenue over its lifecycle. Through the acquisition, Gadzhi assumes ownership of the Consulting.com domain, its intellectual property, and its existing education assets.

Gadzhi has publicly stated that the acquisition includes the entirety of the company and that Consulting.com will be revived and integrated into his broader advisory and education initiatives. He has described the company as a long-term asset and emphasized the importance of owning established platforms with durable intellectual property rather than relying solely on individual product launches.

The Consulting.com acquisition builds on Gadzhi’s expanding portfolio of digital-first businesses. Following investments made in 2025, he is a co-owner of Whop, a digital product and payments platform serving creators and online businesses. Gadzhi has stated that Whop processes over $100 million in monthly transaction volume and that his involvement extends beyond a passive investment role.

In addition to Consulting.com and Whop, Gadzhi has disclosed ownership stakes in several other companies, including Lyra, Hears, and Hills. These businesses span software, digital services, and consumer-facing brands, reflecting a diversified approach to ownership across multiple segments of the digital economy.

Across public appearances and long-form discussions, Gadzhi has consistently outlined a shift toward long-term ownership and infrastructure-focused investments. He has spoken extensively about moving away from short-term revenue strategies and toward acquiring and building platforms designed to support education, payments, and online business operations at scale.

The acquisition of Consulting.com reflects this broader strategy, positioning the company as a central asset within Gadzhi’s broader investment portfolio. By consolidating ownership of established education platforms while maintaining strategic positions in payments and software infrastructure, Gadzhi continues to expand his footprint across the digital business ecosystem.

As online education and creator-led commerce continue to mature globally, Gadzhi’s portfolio activity highlights a sustained focus on ownership, intellectual property, and platforms that enable long-term participation in the digital economy.

About Educate

Educate was founded by Iman Gadzhi, a British entrepreneur and digital marketer in 2018 and has been responsible for the education and careers of hundreds of thousands of students across the world. Initially specialising in agency growth and personal branding, Educate has expanded its curriculum to support careers in a wide variety of disciplines including eCommerce, copywriting and more. In 2022, the organisation adopted Educate as its official name, reflecting its mission statement and ethos. In 2023, Educate launched Digital Launchpad, the world’s subscription first e-learning portal dedicated to helping entrepreneurs start their career. To learn more, visit educate.io.

About Iman Gadzhi

Iman Gadzhi is an entrepreneur and investor with ownership interests across digital education, payments infrastructure, and online platforms. He is the owner of Consulting.com and a co-owner of Whop, alongside additional strategic investments in businesses operating across software, education, and consumer markets.

Media Contact

Hassan Al Rawi
hassan@educate.io

United Real Estate today announced the launch of the United Residential Investment (URESI) Program, a comprehensive offering that empowers its agents to build long-term wealth and financial stability by becoming residential real estate investor-entrepreneurs.

Developed by United exclusively for its agents, URESI is a proprietary and comprehensive platform that guides agents through the process from being curious about investing in residential real estate to fully leveraging their real estate expertise to build income-producing and value-appreciating portfolios of properties.

The program rests on an interactive and supportive community led by deeply experienced residential real estate investor-experts and includes mentorship, 14 new world-class interactive courses, underwriting models, live deal-making events, workshops, on-demand resources, lending, insurance, rehab partners and more to ensure all URESI community members achieve their investment and wealth-building goals.

"Our agents now have a community of like-minded investment-curious agents, experienced agent investor professionals and the tools to create their own income and wealth-producing portfolios," said Dan Duffy, CEO of United Real Estate Group. "I can't think of a single new program launch that I have been more excited about in my thirty years as CEO of global companies than URESI. This is an exciting moment for United's agents."

Duffy added, "United exists for one and only one purpose: to improve the financial trajectory of our agents' and brokers' careers and lives. We don't believe any other national firm has ever offered a program like this to its agents. It's a one-of-a-kind program that presents a massive investment by United and a massive opportunity for our agents to benefit from property appreciation, cash flow and increased income. Real estate agents are uniquely positioned to succeed because of their insider market knowledge, ability to secure properties before other investors and, when trained, the ability to recognize high-yield rental opportunities. We are thrilled to bring the URESI community to our existing agents and will provide the program to new agents as they join one of our affiliated brokerages across the country."

A New Path to Building Wealth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for real estate agents is just over $58,000, with the top performers earning substantially more than the median. However, agents who invest in residential properties can significantly boost their cash flow and earnings with passive rental income while building wealth as their properties appreciate and their equity in those properties grows. The average 10-year ROI for residential real estate is 41.7% according to one report by iPropertyManagement. For a portfolio worth $4 million — 10 properties at $400K each — this could result in $1.6 million in appreciation over 10 years, plus $400K–$600K in mortgage principal paydown, depending on financing.

Mentorship and Community

Beyond financial gain, URESI has already become a community of motivated investors. Participants gain access to mentorship, deal flow and peer support — all within a built-in accountability ecosystem. The program is designed to help agents not only succeed but sustain their success and build generational wealth for their families and communities. From first-time investor agents to deeply experienced investor pros, URESI provides personal, professional and financial growth opportunities.

URESI aligns with United's core values of Family, Excellence, Fiscal Responsibility and Seeing Things Differently. It is part of United's broader Financial Wellness Program, which includes offerings like healthcare plans for independent contractors, retirement and wealth management services, estate & trust planning, investment vehicles and maximized agent compensation plans with the highest payout to agents in the industry, so agents take home almost everything they earn.

About United Real Estate

United Real Estate (United) — a division of United Real Estate Group — was founded with the purpose of offering solutions to real estate brokers and agents in the rapidly changing real estate brokerage industry. United provides the latest training, marketing and technology tools to agents and brokers under a flat-fee, transaction-based agent commission model. By leveraging the company's proprietary cloud-based Bullseye™ Agent & Broker Productivity Platform, United delivers a more profitable outcome for agents and brokers. United Real Estate operates in 35 states with 170 offices and more than 22,000 agents. The company produced over 73,000 transactions and $26.3 billion in sales volume in 2024. For more information, visit www.unitedrealestate.com or our official newsroom and access the full press release, multimedia assets and our latest news at the official United Newsroom.

About United Real Estate Group

United Real Estate Group (UREG) operates United Real Estate and United Country Real Estate, addressing the unique market needs of suburban, major metropolitan, urban and rural markets. Utilizing the cloud-based Bullseye™ Agent & Broker Productivity Platform, UREG offers the latest training, marketing and technology tools, producing a significant competitive advantage. The platform realizes over a decade-long investment in virtual agent and brokerage technology services and is powered by a 2.6 million listings data warehouse, generating over 3 million monthly visitors and 30,000+ leads per year. Together, the United Real Estate Group supports more than 600 offices and 25,000 real estate and auction professionals across four continents. United Real Estate Group produced 90,000 transactions and $30.7 billion in sales volume in 2024. Through its in-house advertising agency, UREG offers differentiating marketing support and collateral for specialized lifestyle property websites as well as access to a 800,000+ opt-in buyer database.

For more information about United Real Estate or United Country Real Estate, please visit UnitedRealEstate.com or UnitedCountry.com. To learn more about United Real Estate, brokerage succession planning, brokerage valuation and sale or franchising opportunities, visit GrowWithUnited.com. Agents interested in learning about career opportunities with United Real Estate can visit JoinUnitedRealEstate.com.

Media Contact

April Gonzalez
Media & Investor Relations
AGonzalez@UnitedRealEstate.com
+1 504-237-3500

CloudSEK, a predictive cyber threat intelligence firm specializing in AI-powered attack detection, today announced it has secured a strategic investment from Connecticut Innovations (CI), the strategic venture capital arm of the state of Connecticut, as part of its $10 million Series B2 round.

With this investment, CloudSEK becomes the first Indian-origin cybersecurity company to receive funding from a U.S. state-backed venture fund.  

CloudSEK had previously raised $19 million in its Series B1 round and has now concluded the Series B round with this B2 tranche, comprising a mix of primary and secondary capital.

Building Jobs, Talent, and Cybersecurity Research in the U.S.

“Becoming the first Indian-origin cybersecurity company to receive backing from a U.S. state fund is a milestone for CloudSEK, as well as for the entire Indian cybersecurity ecosystem,” said Rahul Sasi, CloudSEK co-founder and CEO. “With Connecticut as our U.S. anchor, we are committed to creating jobs, investing in localized research, and strengthening cyber resilience in the Western world. CloudSEK is proud to advance its identity as a truly Indo-American cybersecurity company.” 

Founded in 2015 by Sasi, a cybersecurity researcher-turned-entrepreneur, CloudSEK has evolved from a research-first initiative into one of the world’s most trusted cyber threat intelligence platforms, serving more than 300 enterprises across the BFSI, healthcare, technology, and government sectors. 

The groundbreaking partnership with CI was forged after CloudSEK emerged as a top startup at VentureClash, CI’s global investment pitch competition. At the event, Sasi and product owner, Nivya Ravi, pitched a distinguished panel of judges, including Indra Nooyi, former Chair and CEO of PepsiCo; Connecticut Governor, Ned Lamont; and senior leaders from Endiya Partners, IITM Research Park, and Capria Ventures.  Governor Lamont’s participation underscored the state’s commitment to attracting cutting-edge technology companies. 

“At our 2025 VentureClash India pitch event, CloudSEK distinguished itself as a truly innovative provider of cybersecurity and predictive threat capabilities used by hundreds of businesses around the world,” said Alison Malloy, managing director, Investments at Connecticut Innovations. “We are excited to welcome CloudSEK to the CI portfolio and look forward to supporting their team as they establish their U.S. hub and pursue new customer and partnership opportunities in Connecticut.”

A Strategic U.S. Hub for an Indo-American Cybersecurity Powerhouse

CloudSEK will leverage this investment to accelerate its expansion in the U.S., with plans to establish its regional hub for operations, talent, and partnerships in Connecticut. The company is preparing to onboard strategic local talent and build deep collaborations with corporate partners, universities, and research ecosystems across the state.

CI funding will play an active role in enabling CloudSEK to:

• Recruit high-quality cybersecurity and AI talent from the region
• Establish partnerships with local academic and research institutions
• Build its U.S. regional headquarters in Connecticut
• Drive region-specific cybersecurity research and innovation

A Strong Foundation: Backed by Global Investors and Trusted by More Than 300 Enterprises

Prior to this round, CloudSEK’s Series B1 was led by U.S.-based strategic investor Commvault, with participation from MassMutual Ventures, Inflexor Ventures, Prana Ventures, and Tenacity Ventures. Early investors, including Meeran Family (Eastern Group), StartupXSeed, Neon Fund, and Exfinity Ventures continue to support the company’s long-term growth.

Additionally, CloudSEK recently announced a strategic partnership with Seed Group, a company of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, to deliver predictive cyber intelligence and AI-attack detection capabilities organizations across the UAE.

A New Chapter in Indo-American Cybersecurity Collaboration

This landmark investment not only amplifies CloudSEK’s global trajectory but also symbolizes the rise of Indian cybersecurity innovation on the world stage. By establishing strong roots in Connecticut and continuing to scale globally, CloudSEK is poised to strengthen cyber resilience across continents and redefine cross-border technology collaboration.

About CloudSEK

CloudSEK is a predictive cyber threat intelligence platform purpose-built to detect and anticipate AI-driven attack chains before they form. Our cloud-native SaaS platform continuously maps digital footprints, correlates weak signals, and identifies emerging attack paths to help organizations stay ahead of evolving threats. To learn more about how CloudSEK can strengthen your external security posture and deliver value from day one, visit www.cloudsek.com or drop a note to info@cloudsek.com.

About Connecticut Innovations

Connecticut Innovations (CI) is Connecticut's strategic venture capital arm and is the leading source of financing and ongoing support for innovative, growing companies. By offering equity and debt investments, strategic guidance and introductions to valuable partners, we help promising businesses thrive. For more information, please visit ctinnovations.com.

Media Contact

Shashank Shekhar
Manging Editor, CloudSEK
shashank.shekhar@cloudsek.com

Memphis Tours is an old tourism company located in Giza, but still an essential factor that promotes Egypt as a global destination of significance. Through the incorporation of the local in-depth understanding and the promise to the coziness of the traveller and the authenticity of the culture, the business delivers the visitors with the journeys that benefit them discover Egypt in the expressive and well-organized style.

Egypt is a land of great history, diverse landscapes, and traditions that petition to the tourists. To Memphis Tours, the travel planning process assumes that knowledge, preparation, and one-on-one service are the pillars of great journeys. The philosophy has made the company a good dependable companion to the travelers who want a dependable and informative experience in their country excursions.

Experience Driven Travel Planning

Memphis Tours develops travel experiences that are not a typical sightseeing. Every itinerary is planned with much attention and knowledge of what tourists are interested in the most when touring Egypt. The company is equally emphasized on historical exploration, comfort, timing, and automatic coordination.

By having a group of skilled and technologically minded professionals on the ground, Memphis Tours would be guaranteeing the travelers to be guided accurately, be provided with efficient logistics as well as receptive and reliable assistance on their trip. This strategy will enable the visitor to specialize in exploration and leave the details of the same to the reliable professionals.

Exploring Egypt’s Heritage with Knowledgeable Guides

Memphis Tours can be recommended to those travelers who want to explore the country in a highly insightful and interactive way, as the tours of Egypt suggested by them would represent the most significant historical and cultural locations of Egypt. Visitors have an opportunity to visit what are recognized globally as great sights like the Pyramids of Giza, the ancient temples of Luxor, the old parts of Cairo and have an insightful experience of the past and the present in Egypt.

The knowledgeable guides recount the past to the present in the form of interesting explanations and local context through tours. These experiences are meant to be educational but at the same time easy to reach such that travelers of all classes can identify with the Egyptian heritage in a significant manner.

Memphis Tours has a range of services that include customized trips, family tours, and luxury tours, and all the customers of the company will be able to find a trip that fits their needs.

Discovering Egypt from the Nile

The Nile has influenced Egyptian civilization over a long period of time, and exploration of this legendary river provides one with a different view of the historical context of the state. The Memphis Tours presents refined Nile River cruises that give the visitor the prospect to visit and see the ancient sites at the tranquillity of coziness and peace.

The cruises generally move among Luxor and Aswan, and they have guided tours of the temples and monuments placed on the banks of the river. Visitors relish pre-planned tours, proficient advice and restful on-board activities that are both adventure-filled and comforting.

These trips present a perfect means to explore Egypt at a relaxed speed in addition to enjoying the cultural meaning of the Nile and the environs.

Personalized Service and Reliable Coordination

Another characteristic aspect of Memphis Tours is personalized service. Every itinerary is designed in consideration of the interest of the travelers, the style of a traveller and time considerations. The company involves clients in the process of making sure that all elements of the journey are satisfying to them.

Memphis Tours emphasize on reliability and quality in accommodation selection, transportation and guided activities. The company collaborates with reliable service providers to ensure that the comfort and safety of all the trips are of a similar standard.

Effective communication and preemptive planning are some of the factors that were used to make sure that the travelers are supported throughout the journey and even after the journey.

Encouraging Conscientious and Considerate Travel

Memphis Tours supports ethical travel that doesn't negatively impact Egypt's local communities or cultural heritage. By encouraging travelers to engage with local cuisine, customs, and way of life, the organization fosters deeper connections between travelers and destinations.

Serving International Travelers from Egypt

Memphis Tours is founded on Mourad St. in Giza and has an influential local base even though it caters to tourists worldwide. Visitors who intend to travel to Egypt have the company as their first choice because of its reliable services and qualified help.

As this orientation toward quality, professionalism and cultural richness, Memphis Tours will be committed to offering travel experiences that will encompass the real image of Egypt.

To know more about the available journeys and the option of creating a personalized travel plan, the travelers may access the webpage of Memphis Toursat their official website.

Media Contact

Memphis Tours
inquires@memphistours.com

As global markets become increasingly driven by data, automation, and algorithmic decision-making, hedge funds are evolving beyond traditional trading desks and in-house development models. The modern trading environment now demands infrastructure that can integrate human expertise, quantitative models, and AI-driven systems at scale.

Tradomatix operates as a global trading technology platform designed to meet this demand. The platform enables hedge funds, quantitative traders, AI trading agents, brokers, and advanced market participants to deploy and operate trading systems within a unified, asset-class-agnostic environment. Tradomatix does not function as a broker, fund manager, or execution venue; instead, it provides the underlying infrastructure that supports strategy deployment, evaluation, and integration across global markets.

Re-Architecting How Hedge Funds Access Trading Intelligence

Hedge funds increasingly recognize that alpha generation is no longer confined to internal teams or single organizational structures. Quantitative insight, automation, and AI-driven intelligence are now distributed across independent traders, research specialists, and machine-built systems.

Tradomatix enables hedge funds to connect capital with this distributed intelligence through a shared technological framework. Quantitative traders and strategy builders deploy systems within institutional-grade infrastructure, while hedge funds allocate capital based on observed performance in live market conditions. This approach allows funds to access a broader spectrum of trading intelligence without restructuring internal teams or relinquishing control over capital and risk.

Unified Infrastructure for Hybrid Trading Operations

Trading operations today rarely rely on a single decision-making model. Human discretion, systematic strategies, and machine-driven execution increasingly coexist within the same portfolio. Tradomatix is built to support this hybrid structure.

The platform allows human-led strategies, quantitative models, and AI trading agents to operate simultaneously under standardized execution workflows. This enables hedge funds and trading organizations to monitor performance, assess correlations, and manage operational risk across diverse strategy types within one technological environment.

Operating on a non-custodial basis, Tradomatix ensures that institutions, traders, and brokers retain direct ownership and control over funds and execution while benefiting from shared infrastructure.

Enabling AI and Automation at Market Scale

AI-driven trading systems require reliable access to market data, execution pathways, and operational safeguards to function effectively in live environments. Tradomatix supports the deployment of AI trading agents and automated strategies through structured integration with real-market execution.

Machine-driven systems operate within defined parameters alongside human and quantitative workflows, reflecting the increasing convergence of discretionary, systematic, and AI-led trading approaches. The platform’s asset-class-agnostic design allows these systems to scale across markets without being limited by product-specific technology stacks.

Used Across Global Trading Ecosystems

Tradomatix is utilized by hedge funds, quantitative traders, AI trading agents, brokers, and advanced retail traders across global markets. This diverse participation reflects a broader industry trend toward shared infrastructure models that prioritize flexibility, interoperability, and performance visibility.

As automation, quantitative research, and artificial intelligence continue to shape global financial markets, infrastructure platforms that connect capital with specialized trading intelligence are becoming central to modern market operations. Tradomatix operates within this foundational layer.

About Tradomatix

Tradomatix is a global trading technology platform enabling hedge funds, quantitative traders, AI trading agents, autonomous bots, brokers, and advanced traders to integrate intelligent trading systems within a unified, non-custodial, asset-class-agnostic environment, supporting human, quantitative, and AI-driven trading strategies across global markets. For more information, visit www.tradomatix.com.