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Mercy T. Steenwyk, founder and CEO of ForensisGroup, the top expert witness services firm in the United States, has received the prestigious Vistage 2025 Excellence Award. This honor recognizes Steenwyk's exceptional leadership in building ForensisGroup into the nation's top expert witness services firm over the past 35 years, successfully managing over 30,000 cases since the company's founding in 1991.

The Vistage Excellence Award celebrates business leaders who demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, and commitment to excellence in their respective industries. Steenwyk's recognition underscores ForensisGroup's position as the top choice for complex, high-stakes litigation requiring expert witness testimony across multiple disciplines.

"Receiving this recognition from Vistage is deeply humbling and reflects the incredible dedication of our entire ForensisGroup team," said Steenwyk. "For 35 years, we’ve maintained our position as the top expert witness services firm by staying true to our core values of Nothing But the Truth®, social justice, excellence in human connection, and being a force for good in changing human experience for the better. These principles guide how we support our clients and how we connect each case with the most qualified experts. For more than 20,000 clients, we work as an extension of their legal teams, managing the full expert engagement process from expert identification and rigorous vetting to conflict checks, credential review, and interview coordination. Through our High Touch High Tech™ approach, we combine advanced tools with human judgment to deliver disciplined guidance, administrative clarity, and expert recommendations tailored to the specific needs of each matter. This award reinforces our dedication to being The Expert of Experts® and helping uncover the truth in every legal matter.”

Setting the Standard as the Top Expert Witness Services Firm

ForensisGroup has established itself as the top expert witness services firm through its pioneering approach to litigation support and unwavering commitment to excellence. As the top provider in the industry, ForensisGroup operates under the motto Nothing But the Truth, a principle that reflects the power of honesty and clarity within the justice system. Every expert recommendation is grounded in credibility, expertise, and a commitment to helping courts and clients understand the truth at the center of their cases.

What sets ForensisGroup apart as the top expert witness services firm is their comprehensive vetting process and personalized approach to each case. Unlike other firms, ForensisGroup's methodology involves understanding the unique nuances of each legal matter before recommending the most qualified expert witnesses from their extensive network of fully vetted experts.

"We don’t just offer surface-level solutions. We address the real pain points our clients face by providing the top expert witnesses for each specific case from the robust network we’ve built over 35 years," explained Steenwyk. "Our reputation as the top expert witness services firm comes from our ability to connect each case with the most qualified experts, ensuring the strongest support for our clients."

Specialized Expertise Across Industries

ForensisGroup's position as the top expert witness services provider spans four primary areas of expertise: business, engineering and construction, environmental, and science, making the firm the top choice for multidisciplinary litigation support.

• Business: As a top source for expert witnesses in intellectual property, finance, economics, accounting, business valuation, commercial damages, insurance, investments and securities, and employment and human resources, ForensisGroup provides comprehensive support for complex commercial litigation.
• Engineering and Construction: Recognized as a leading provider of expert witnesses across structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, construction, transportation, and industrial engineering, supporting a wide range of complex technical and infrastructure-related litigation.
• Environmental: Serving as the top expert witness provider for environmental litigation, including specialists in environmental contamination and remediation, water, air, and soil quality, hazardous waste, oil spills, toxicology, and regulatory compliance.
• Science: Established as the best expert witness firm for medical malpractice, surgical specialties including neurosurgery, orthopedics, cardiology, and emergency medicine, as well as pharmacology, chemistry, infectious disease, and food safety. The firm also supports complex technical cases with experts in data science, computer forensics, artificial intelligence, software analysis, and cybersecurity.

This comprehensive approach positions ForensisGroup as the top expert witness services firm capable of handling the most complex, multi-faceted litigation scenarios that require expertise across multiple disciplines.

Leadership Excellence and Social Impact

Beyond building the top expert witness services firm in the nation, Steenwyk has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a woman and minority-owned business founder in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Under her guidance, ForensisGroup has not only achieved top-tier business success but has also embraced its role as a Force For Good™ in the community.

For 35 years, ForensisGroup has maintained its commitment to social responsibility through various charitable initiatives, while continuing to operate as the top expert witness services firm. This dual focus on business excellence and community impact exemplifies the leadership qualities that earned Steenwyk the Vistage Excellence Recognition.

"True success isn’t measured only by becoming the leading expert witness services firm; it’s defined by how we use that leadership to create meaningful change,” said Steenwyk. “Our Force For Good initiatives reflect our belief that the best companies don’t just lead their industries; they give back to the communities that support them.”

Building on a Legacy of Litigation Leadership

As ForensisGroup celebrates this recognition and its 35-year milestone, the company remains committed to maintaining its position as the top expert witness services firm in the United States. With a track record of over 30,000 successfully managed cases and a reputation for excellence that spans more than three decades, ForensisGroup continues to set the standard for expert witness firms.

The Vistage Excellence Award serves as validation of ForensisGroup's approach to business leadership and reinforces the company's status as the top choice for attorneys seeking expert witness services. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, ForensisGroup will continue to evolve its capabilities to support the demands of complex litigation.

For more information about ForensisGroup, the top expert witness services firm in the U.S., visit www.forensisgroup.com.

About ForensisGroup

Founded in 1991 by Mercy T. Steenwyk, ForensisGroup is a leading expert witness services firm in the United States, specializing in providing expert witnesses for complex litigation across business, engineering and construction, environmental, and science disciplines. With more than 30,000 cases managed and a 35-year track record of excellence, ForensisGroup operates under the principles of Nothing But The Truth® and The Expert of Experts® for attorneys nationwide. As a Force For Good™, the company is committed to community impact in addition to its legal excellence. For more information, visit www.forensisgroup.com.

About Vistage Worldwide

Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Giftima, the newly launched digital gift card platform under Swedish company H.H Mindful Hiring AB, has officially begun operations in early 2026 for customers in the Nordic region, Germany, and Poland. The platform offers consumers a direct way to access a wide range of major brand gift cards while earning points for future use.

Giftima allows registered users to browse a catalogue of well-known retailers, select gift card values, and complete purchases through a secure online process. The full list of available brands is accessible upon sign-up. The platform utilizes a points system, where each point is equivalent to one Euro. Points can be redeemed for additional gift cards or sent to other Giftima users.

H.H Mindful Hiring AB’s founder and CEO, Kim Alexander Ludwig, brings extensive entrepreneurial experience to the venture. Under his direction, Giftima aims to establish a reliable and frictionless purchasing process for users evaluating digital gift card options within Europe’s e-commerce space.

The platform features transparent pricing for each brand, including visible cashback rates before purchase. Once a transaction is completed, the corresponding points are added to the user’s account. Gift cards can be purchased for personal use or sent digitally to another registered user. Market-specific brand assortments are offered in each region where the service is active.

The process to earn points is as follows:

• Join: Users create an account through a free registration process.
• Shop: Users select an available brand or offer and complete their purchase.
• Get Discounts: Applicable discounts for participating brands activate during the shopping process.
• Redeem Gifts: Accumulated points may be redeemed for gift cards, perk options, or preset bundles.

H.H Mindful Hiring AB plans to continue expanding Giftima's brand offerings throughout 2026. Dedicated mobile applications for Android and iOS are also planned for release by the end of the first quarter of 2026. The apps will provide access to the same catalogue of brands, purchasing functions, and rewards tracking available on the main website.

About Giftima

Giftima is a digital gift card platform operated by H.H Mindful Hiring AB. Launched in 2026, it provides customers across Europe with access to major brand gift cards, reward point accumulation, and secure digital gifting options. The platform offers country-specific brand ranges and a structured points system designed for consistent value. For more information, visit giftima.com.

Media Contact

Kim Aleksandar Ludwig
Founder & CEO, Giftima
kim@giftima.com

Zadarma, an international VoIP and cloud communications provider, has announced the release of the Zadarma AI Voice Agent. The AI agent works as a virtual team member or assistant. It can handle calls using a natural, human-like voice. It also answers common customer questions and provides information. 

The Zadarma AI Voice Agent stands out as a communication tool that uniquely combines support in eight languages with built-in cloud PBX and CRM integration. These features are usually offered separately, but Zadarma brings them together in a single, user-friendly platform. The agent delivers high-quality voice interactions while remaining affordable.

The AI agent leverages the business's existing knowledge base to provide accurate, consistent answers to customer questions. It also transfers calls to human agents or departments when needed. 

The AI voice agent is fully integrated with leading Large Language Models (LLMs). Zadarma AI Voice Agent key features include:

• Automated call handling 24/7
• PBX and CRM integration for immediate use
• Natural voice conversations with realistic speech 
• Knowledge base integration for accurate and up-to-date answers
• Call transfer to the appropriate agent or department
• Multilingual support with eight languages included

The AI agent is designed to be easy to use and doesn’t require advanced technical skills or an IT team. With minimal setup, even small businesses can access reliable, affordable, and high-quality advanced communication tool.

The AI voice agent helps manage calls and reduce the team’s workload. Businesses can now provide a consistent service during peak periods and outside business hours. The AI agent is available with Zadarma’s free Cloud PBX and can help improve customer support, deliver faster responses, and maintain consistent service at any time.

About Zadarma

Founded in 2006, Zadarma is a global provider of VoIP and cloud communication services. The company focuses on innovation and providing an excellent customer experience. Its services include native Cloud PBX and CRM, global phone numbers, and call routing. Zadarma also offers integration with leading CRM and AI platforms, international calling, and many other powerful tools. Zadarma is trusted by businesses and individual customers worldwide. The company provides reliable communication solutions with 24/7 multilingual customer and technical support. Learn more at zadarma.com.

Media Contact

Iryna Kadiievska
ik@zadarma.com
+44 7458 038657

Yield.xyz, the unified onchain yield infrastructure layer, today announced a new integration with Crossmint. Crossmint is the leading enterprise-grade, all-in-one stablecoin and wallet infrastructure enabling fintechs and enterprises to integrate crypto rails and smart wallets with speed, compliance, and scale.

The partnership enables Crossmint’s 40,000+ clients, including global leaders such as MoneyGram, WireX, Toku, to connect users directly to third-party yield protocols across multiple blockchains through a single, standardized API.

Crossmint’s wallet environment connects directly with the Yield.xyz API, allowing developers to route users into third-party yield protocols without building custom smart contract logic, managing protocol-specific integrations, or maintaining complex bridging and routing infrastructure.

End users retain full control of their private keys throughout the entire flow, while interacting with vaults, lending markets, and staking protocols directly from their app’s existing wallet interface.

“Developers want a straightforward way to connect users to onchain yield opportunities, and this integration delivers exactly that,” said Federico Sarquis, Head of DevRel at Crossmint. “Crossmint’s Wallet SDK already powers high-scale consumer experiences. Pairing it with Yield.xyz’s unified yield layer lets teams integrate access to yield protocols with far less engineering overhead.”

Direct Yield Protocol Access With Crossmint-Powered Wallets

With the integration now live, builders using Crossmint can enable users to access third-party yield protocols directly from their applications without leaving their existing wallet UX.

Applications can now:

• Connect users to 2,500+ yield opportunities directly from their app interface
• Enable access to vaults, money markets, liquid staking, and protocol-native staking
• Route to yield opportunities across 75+ networks through a single API
• Keep users in one wallet experience while preserving full self-custody
• Add configurable app-level fees on top of protocol interactions

All yield protocol interactions are executed directly from the user’s non-custodial wallet, with users maintaining control throughout, choosing when and if to participate, with no custody handoff and no external redirects.

A Unified Yield Layer for Consumer Distribution

Yield.xyz serves as the standardized yield layer behind the integration, aggregating protocol data, routing logic, transaction construction, and onchain execution into a single developer interface. Rather than integrating each protocol, chain, and strategy individually, Crossmint-powered apps can now tap into a continuously expanding yield catalog that includes:

• DeFi lending and borrowing markets
• Tokenized vault strategies
• Liquid staking and protocol staking
• LP and liquidity strategies

Yield.xyz handles opportunity discovery, metadata normalization, transaction building, and protocol connectivity, allowing product teams to focus on UX, distribution, and growth.

Built for Scale, Security, and Production Environments

The integration is designed for production-grade consumer applications operating at scale.

Crossmint’s Wallet SDK provides enterprise-grade wallet infrastructure, including non-custodial key management, MPC options, and embedded wallet experiences used by millions of end users. Yield.xyz complements this with institutional-grade yield infrastructure, offering standardized access to thousands of onchain yield strategies across major networks.

Together, the two platforms provide a complete stack for shipping compliant, scalable, self-custodial yield products inside consumer and fintech applications.

Use Cases: How Apps Can Deploy Onchain Yield

The integration unlocks a wide range of product use cases for developers building with Crossmint, including:

• Integrated access to savings and yield protocols
• Direct connection to token staking and protocol rewards
• Stablecoin yield protocol integrations
• Automated routing to yield opportunities
• Treasury protocol access for DAOs and onchain businesses

Apps can integrate yield in days rather than months, without maintaining their own protocol integrations or onchain routing infrastructure.

Availability and Developer Access

The Yield.xyz integration is available today for all developers using Crossmint’s Wallet SDK.

Documentation and implementation guides are live on both platforms’ developer portals. Teams interested in early access to advanced yield features, custom routing, or enterprise deployments can contact Yield.xyz directly for partnership opportunities.

About Yield.xyz

Yield.xyz is the unified onchain yield infrastructure for Web3, enabling developers to integrate once and access 2,500+ yield opportunities across 75+ networks spanning staking, lending, and liquidity provision strategies. Trusted by leading wallets and financial platforms including Ledger, DeBlock, Utila, 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 Crossmint

Crossmint is the leading enterprise-grade, all-in-one stablecoin and wallet infrastructure enabling fintechs and enterprises to integrate crypto rails and smart wallets with speed, compliance, and scale.

Trusted by more than 40,000 clients including global leaders such as MoneyGram, WireX, Toku, and more. Crossmint provides embedded smart wallets, on/offramps, cross-chain stablecoin orchestration, token checkout, and other blockchain primitives through simple, developer-friendly APIs, no blockchain engineers required. Backed by Ribbit Capital, Franklin Templeton, and other top investors. To learn more, visit www.crossmint.com.

Media Contact

Apurv Mishra
apurv@yield.xyz

Amid skyrocketing Caribbean passport costs, tightening European Golden Visa restrictions, and intensifying geopolitical volatility, where should high-net-worth individuals turn in 2026? Today, Globevisa Group, a world leader in residency and citizenship planning, answers this question with the release of its flagship annual publication: "Yearbook 2025." Leveraging data from over 110,000 successful cases, the report provides a deep dive into the shifting landscape of global migration.

Why "Yearbook 2025" is Essential Reading Now

Combining 23 years of industry expertise with the latest market data, Yearbook 2025 offers exclusive solutions to the sector's most pressing challenges:

Big Data Reveals the "Post-Western Era": Why Wealth is Looking East

Traditional Western pathways are entering a state of high friction — from the backlog of 400,000 applications at Portugal's AIMA to the lengthy waiting periods for the U.S. EB-5 program. In contrast, Asian and Middle Eastern nations are rising as new wealth safe havens due to their speed and flexibility. The report analyzes how the UAE, Turkey, and Malaysia are effectively replacing traditional Western options for many investors.

Navigating the "Logjam" in Europe and North America

How can investors find the optimal path amidst policy changes? With Greek Golden Visa prices rising, does the €250k low-threshold window still exist? Following the end of Portugal's real estate route, why have investment funds become the new compliance hotspot? What supply and demand pressures are hidden beneath the surface of the U.S. EB-5 program? The report features a special "Meeting the Pros" section, aggregating insider insights from top global experts at Oikos, Mercan Group, and Civitas Capital, guiding investors on when to "lock in old policies" and when to pivot to new opportunities.

Hong Kong: The End of "Blind Applications"

As Hong Kong's Talent Admission Schemes policies face further adjustments in 2026, the application landscape has become increasingly rigorous. Globevisa Group goes beyond simple policy interpretation to unveil the "2026 Hong Kong Migration Selection Guide," based on massive real-world data. Whether utilizing the "Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)" or the "New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES)" for dual asset and identity planning, this guide provides precise decision-making support for professionals and families.

Authoritative Voices: Bridging the Information Gap

In an era of information overload, Globevisa Group is dedicated to providing source-level certainty. "Yearbook 2025" includes the "Meeting the Officials" series — candid interviews with the Directors of Citizenship by Investment Units (CIU) from St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and others. They address sensitive topics head-on, including stricter due diligence and application backlogs. As Mc Claude Emmanuel, CEO of the St. Lucia CIU, notes in the report: "Strict vetting isn't about rejection; it's about building a credibility firewall for the nation's future."

Vision 2045: Connecting the Future of 1 Million Served Client Families

In 2025, Globevisa Group officially launched its #Vision2045 at the inaugural Global Citizenship Conference (GGCC). The vision outlines a roadmap to serve one million successful client families over the next 20 years by combining a digital platform with localized expert service. With over 50 international offices, a team of over 800 elites, and over 110,000 served client families assisted to date, this vast network provides the solid foundation for the trend predictions found in Yearbook 2025.

Take Action: Seize the 2026 Advantage

The window of opportunity for migration in 2026 is narrow, and information is your most valuable asset. The digital edition of Globevisa Group's "Yearbook 2025" is now available exclusively online.

To access complete strategic analyses for Europe, Hong Kong, and other global hotspots, along with the detailed #Vision2045 roadmap, download the full report on Globevisa Group’s official website at www.globalvisa.com.

About Globevisa Group

Established in 2002, Globevisa Group is a global leader in residency and citizenship investment consulting. With a service network spanning six countries and regions and over 1,000 projects under research, Globevisa Group is dedicated to breaking geographical limits and providing "Global Citizens" with the freedom and security of borderless mobility. For more information, visit www.globalvisa.com.

Media Contact

Manxi Li
mancyli@globevisa.com

Against the backdrop of an accelerating global energy transition and the deepening of the “dual-carbon” goals, China's energy storage industry is shifting from a policy-dependent to a market-driven approach. Shanxi is leveraging its mature market mechanisms and leading supercapacitor technology. As a result, it has emerged as a new global hotspot for energy storage investment. Shenzhen TIG Technology Co., Ltd. provides core technological support and is assisting Shanxi in building a commercially replicable model for the nation. This offers high-value investment options for industry capital.

Historically, the energy storage industry has often relied on policy support and fiscal subsidies. It lacked sustainable commercial viability. In recent years, Shanxi has taken the lead in breaking through bottlenecks by exploring innovative business models. These include shared energy storage, capacity leasing, and green power trading. These initiatives define the value of auxiliary services, such as frequency regulation and backup provided by energy storage stations. They establish a market-driven pricing mechanism that replaces policy “transfusion” with a self-sustaining “hematopoietic” model.

The core support for market-oriented transformation stems from technological breakthroughs. The Shanxi Pianguan Hundred-Megawatt-Level Independent Frequency Regulation Power Station is a landmark project and a pioneer of large-scale hybrid supercapacitor energy storage technology. Shanxi Sino-Power Aurodell Energy Storage Technology Co., Ltd. invested in and built the project. This project employs a hybrid technology approach utilizing a combination of supercapacitor and lithium battery. Shenzhen TIG Technology Co., Ltd. provides core technology and solutions. Lu Gefei, chairman of Shanxi Sino-Power Aurodell, stated, “Supercapacitor technology plays a key role in regulating the performance of energy storage stations. It enhances grid frequency response speed and stability, reduces costs, ensures sustainability, and turns technological advantages into market competitiveness.”

With 16 years of technological accumulation, Shenzhen TIG Technology Co., Ltd’s supercapacitor technology boasts millisecond-level response (ability to react in thousandths of a second). It ensures stable operation across a wide temperature range and eliminates the risk of thermal runaway (no risk of dangerous overheating). This meets the stringent demands of grid frequency regulation. The project achieved 100% localization of core equipment. After the first phase connected to the grid in September 2025, the use of 60MW supercapacitors set a global record for the largest scale in similar power stations. Each year, it enhances the regional grid's capacity to absorb 1.6GW of new energy, improving the economic viability and stability of renewable energy generation.

The integration of market mechanisms with technological innovation has created a strong cycle: market recognition to capital investment to technology iteration to cost reduction to market expansion. The New Energy Storage Frequency Regulation Technology Application White Paper was released at the Shanxi New Energy Storage Innovation Development Forum. It was jointly compiled by the Shanxi Province Electric Power Association, Shanxi Sino-Power Aurodell Energy Storage Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen TIG Technology Co., Ltd., and other industry chain enterprises. It provides standards for large-scale replication. The investment ecosystem of technological leadership alongside market maturity has addressed new challenges in energy consumption. It has also opened new avenues for investment and provided a replicable “Shanxi Model” for transforming resource-based regions.

Media Contact

Xue Ao
ts53@tigstor.com

Crowdin, a leading localization management platform, has designated 2026 as its "Year of Security", launching a suite of features specifically designed to secure the most vulnerable segment in the localization process — the external supply chain.

While many in the industry rely on static certifications, Crowdin is moving toward active security tools. This shift follows a 2025 SlatorCon presentation where Crowdin highlighted the growing security gaps between enterprise data and freelance linguists.

“Traditional security focuses on the office walls, but localization happens everywhere – wherever your managers, partner agencies, and freelance translators work, connecting via dozens of different Wi-Fi networks,” says the Crowdin team. “We are building the controls that actually stop data leaks, from the moment a freelancer logs in to the second their task is finished.”

Crowdin now allows managers to enforce strict entry requirements that go beyond simple passwords:

• Device approvals: Restricts access to approved and secure endpoints, preventing contributors from using personal devices that may be compromised.
• JIT (Just-In-Time) access: Automatically grants access when a task is assigned and revokes it when the work is completed.
• Terms compliance: Forces a mandatory review of NDAs or data policies directly in the login flow, before work starts.
• Enforced biometric 2FA: Managers can now enforce Face ID, Touch ID, or physical security keys for an extra layer of hardware-backed identity verification.

Continuous Infrastructure Protection

Crowdin launched a Bug Bounty program on HackerOne in 2024. Independent researchers pressure-test the platform 24/7, and Crowdin identifies and fixes even the smallest vulnerabilities in real time.

Optimizing Enterprise Efficiency

Security doesn’t have to mean slowness. Crowdin Enterprise now allows users to skip 2FA when using SAML SSO, trusting the corporate identity provider, like Okta or Azure AD. Combined with expanded security logs that track every user invitation and deletion, Crowdin gives admins a clear audit trail without slowing down the team.

About Crowdin

Crowdin is an AI-powered translation management platform that helps businesses with localization. By prioritizing technical security controls over paperwork, Crowdin ensures that global growth never comes at the cost of data integrity. For more information, visit crowdin.com.

Media Contact

Anton Yurkiv
VP of Product, Crowdin
support@crowdin.com

Precoro, the procurement centralization and automation platform, expands its visibility and decision-making capabilities with a fully integrated procurement analytics suite that includes advanced dashboards, the AI Assistant, and Approval SLA. Teams can now run real-time procurement analytics on spend, get instant insights from AI, and keep approvals on schedule, without wasting time on fragmented tools or spreadsheets.

These updates bring enterprise-level visibility and control to mid-market companies without the complexity of traditional procurement tools.

“As purchasing grows more distributed and data-heavy, mid-market teams need the same clarity and discipline large enterprises rely on,” said Andrew Zhyvolovych, CEO of Precoro. “That’s why we continuously enhance Precoro with top-tier features like live dashboards, AI Assistant, and Approval SLA that make visibility, analysis, and timely approvals simple.”

A Unified Procurement Analytics Layer for Smarter Spend Decisions

Precoro’s dashboards, AI Assistant, and Approval SLA work together to solve three core challenges finance and procurement teams face: fragmented data, manual reporting, and unpredictable approvals. 

Procurement analytics dashboards act as the core analytical workspace, providing instant visibility into budgets, spend trends, supplier activity, and purchase results. KPIs update in real time for each department and location, making it easy to compare performance, spot issues, and visualize procurement’s impact across the organization.

While procurement analytics dashboards give a clear view of what’s happening, the AI Assistant turns that visibility into actionable insight. It identifies anomalies, explains unusual changes, and highlights patterns that need attention. Users get instant insights into trends, causes, and spend drivers — without digging through reports.

Alongside dashboards and the AI Assistant, the Approval SLA adds predictability to workflows. With clear deadlines for each approval step, requestors know when documents will be reviewed, approvers receive timely notifications to stay on track, so teams prevent costly slowdowns or operational disruptions.

What It Means for Businesses

With the procurement analytics suite, mid-market companies no longer have to guess where funds are allocated or which approvals are holding up operations. Instead, teams can:

• Detect overspending before it becomes a problem.
• Improve approval predictability and enforce compliance.
• Cut hours spent on spreadsheets and manual reporting.
• Compare spend patterns across departments, suppliers, and locations.
• Make data-backed decisions and scale with confidence.

“We’re constantly innovating,” added Zhyvolovych. “Our goal is to equip growing teams with sophisticated tools that make procurement simple and predictable, so they can act confidently and stay on track. Our upcoming updates will further expand procurement analytics, streamline workflows, and connect with key platforms, letting companies scale without procurement slowdowns.”

About Precoro

Precoro is a procurement centralization and automation platform that gives companies advanced analytics, visibility, control, and confidence in their spend. With an intuitive, AI-powered interface, it streamlines approvals, reduces errors, and unifies procurement data across teams and locations. Trusted by more than 1,000 companies in over 80 countries, Precoro helps organizations improve cost control and efficiency. To learn more, visit precoro.com.

Media Contact

Yuriy Stakh
Growth Manager, Precoro
yuriy.stakh@precoro.com
+380 97 380 6974

AI Verse, the leader in synthetic data generation for computer vision applications, announces a €5 million funding round to accelerate the development and commercialization of its proprietary technology. The round is led by Supernova Invest through Crédit Agricole Innovations et Territoires (CAIT), Amundi Avenir Innovation 3 (AAI4), and Creazur, bringing €4 million to the table, alongside returning investors Innovacom and BPI through its fund Digital Ventures.

Addressing the AI Training Data Bottleneck with Realistic, Diverse, and Fully Controlled Datasets

Industries deploying computer vision systems from autonomous vehicles and drones to robotics, surveillance, smart cities, and defense, depend entirely on training data quality to achieve accurate model performance. Yet real-world data remains expensive to collect, time-consuming to annotate, and often impossible to acquire in sensitive or confidential use cases.

AI Verse solves this critical challenge by delivering optimized synthetic datasets with pixel-perfect annotation and user control over every parameter. The platform enables organizations to generate data for scenarios that are difficult or impossible to capture in reality: detecting a pedestrian in a poorly lit tunnel, identifying a partially hidden soldier in a conflict zone, or training a smart home device to recognize objects in cluttered indoor environments. These edge cases, rare occurrences, and sensitive situations can be simulated infinitely with precision and repeatability via AI Verse’s procedural technology.

Built on four years of research and development, AI Verse combines two proprietary procedural engines (interior and exterior) with a custom generation architecture, animation pipeline, and a library of over 6,600 3D objects. This enables customers to control every aspect of their datasets, such as: scene types, lighting conditions, viewpoints, rare behaviors, appearance frequencies, and more. Datasets can be delivered ready for immediate use or generated directly by customers via SaaS or on-premise solutions, ensuring complete autonomy and maximum confidentiality.

Plans for Growth and Expansion

This funding round accelerates AI Verse's expansion across multiple areas. The company plans to recruit professionals across engineering, product, and sales to drive platform commercialization, manage increasing customer demand, and establish a stronger international presence.

Already active in defense and security, AI Verse now serves emerging opportunities in industrial robotics, humanoid robotics, critical asset inspection, and intelligent assistance systems. Future applications span the medical imaging and augmented reality sectors.

The company is led by an experienced founding team: Benoît Morisset, a PhD in AI and robotics and founder of Pixmap, and Arnauld Lamorlette, a 3D expert who directed major productions at DreamWorks. Their complementary expertise in machine learning and visual design enables AI Verse to develop modular, innovative tools aligned with the everyday needs of AI teams.

Benoît Morisset, CEO and founder of AI Verse, stated: "This funding round represents a validation of what the AI Verse team has built. Since day one, the mission has been straightforward: make AI training data accessible, controllable, and tailored to the most demanding use cases. With Supernova Invest as lead investor, AI Verse is now positioned to scale its technology globally, expand the team with top-tier talent, and establish a strong international footprint. I'm deeply proud of what we've accomplished and deeply grateful for the collective confidence of all investors. Their backing validates the vision and energizes everyone to pursue even more ambitious goals ahead."

"AI Verse combines years of thorough R&D, a genuinely unique proprietary technology, and deep understanding of AI teams' practical requirements," said Carole Cazassus, investment director at Supernova Invest. "Their ability to generate reliable synthetic datasets for complex and sensitive environments positions them as a strategic partner we're committed to supporting for the long term."

"Since our first conversations with AI Verse four years ago, we've been convinced by the team's vision, ambition, and execution capability," commented Alban Nénert, investment director at Innovacom – Turenne Groupe. "Their technological advantage in synthetic data generation and deployment opens tremendous possibilities for training more reliable, faster, and safer AI models. Seeing the company reach this milestone represents strong validation of their trajectory and the value they're creating in their market."

"We are impressed by the exceptional execution capabilities of the entire AI Verse team since our investment four years ago. In a market where synthetic data is emerging as a major strategic lever, AI Verse positions itself as an indispensable player, capable of turning this trend into tangible value for its clients," stated Bruno Villeneuve, investment director at Bpifrance Digital Venture.

About AI Verse

Since its founding in 2020, AI Verse has been democratizing artificial intelligence by making high-quality training data accessible to all. The company addresses critical challenges in data accessibility, quality, privacy, precision, and annotation for computer vision model training. AI Verse's proprietary platform generates high-quality annotated synthetic datasets essential for training robust AI models, serving the diverse needs of computer vision engineers across industries. At the core of AI Verse's innovation is its unique approach: users can procedurally construct 3D scenes and generate photorealistic images in seconds. This process is optimized to meet image requirements and constraints while delivering synthetic datasets with high efficiency. Learn more at www.ai-verse.com.

About Supernova Invest

Supernova Invest is Europe's leading deeptech investment company, managing approximately €850 million. The company supports more than 80 startups developing disruptive innovations across four core deeptech sectors: energy and agricultural transition, digital, industrial technologies, and healthcare. For two decades, Supernova Invest has financed the growth of tomorrow's technological and industrial leaders across the entire capital lifecycle: from seed through growth capital. The firm is backed by Amundi, Europe's largest asset manager, and the CEA, Europe's leading public research organization. For more information, visit www.supernovainvest.com.

About Innovacom – Turenne Groupe

Specializing in deeptech and industrial technologies, Innovacom supports the seed and growth stages of technology startups driving environmental, digital, and industrial transitions across diverse sectors including energy, telecommunications, mobility, smart cities, aerospace, and new space. Integrated into Turenne Groupe since 2018, Innovacom maintains offices in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. The firm has invested more than €1 billion, backed over 300 technology and industrial startups including six unicorns, participated in more than 20 public offerings, and completed over 150 strategic exits to major industry players. Innovacom Gestion is approved by the French Financial Markets Authority. For more information, visit www.innovacom.com.

About Bpifrance and Bpifrance Digital Venture

Bpifrance finances businesses at every stage of development through loans, guarantees, and equity investments. The organization supports innovation projects and international expansion while facilitating export activities with a broad product range. Entrepreneurs also access advisory services, training, networking, and acceleration programs tailored to startups, SMEs, and mid-sized enterprises. Through Bpifrance and its 50 regional offices, entrepreneurs have access to a dedicated, local, and efficient point of contact to support them in addressing their challenges. Bpifrance Digital Venture, the early-stage VC arm of Bpifrance Investissement, manages €1.1 billion and targets high-potential French startups in seed, Series A, and Series B rounds. Since 2011, it has invested over €500 million in nearly 140 companies, such as Mistral, Welcome to the Jungle, Planity, Shippeo, Poolside, Genesis, Strapi, Gitguardian, Gleamer, Swan, and Amo; and completed more than 40 exits, including Talentsoft to Cegid, Netatmo to Legrand, MeilleursAgents to Axel Springer, and Cardiologs to Philips, etc. For more information, visit www.bpifrance.fr and follow on X (formerly Twitter) @Bpifrance and @BpifrancePresse. Contact: presse.bpifrance.fr.

About Creazur

Creazur, the venture capital arm of Crédit Agricole Provence Côte d'Azur Regional Bank (CRCA PCA), invests equity in young, innovative companies with strong growth and job-creation potential. Creazur partners with management teams based on shared values of proximity, responsibility, and loyalty. Sourced from its own and CRCA PCA's balance sheets, Creazur's capital carries no time constraints, aligning with each company's economic pace. As a long-term financial investor and minority shareholder, Creazur adapts to individual business projects, contributing to strategic discussions and implementation without interfering in day-to-day operations. Contact: norbert.faure@ca-pca.fr.

Media Contact

Aleksandra Kiesiak
AI Verse
kiesiak@ai-verse.com

David Buzonie
Vae Solis – Supernova Invest
david.buzonie@vae-solis.com
+33 6 88 23 17 38

Théo Vidal
INNOVACOM – Turenne Groupe
turennegroupe@cicommunication.com
+33 6 47 49 32 17

Singapore-based OPay, a leading digital banking platform in emerging markets, has announced key management appointments as part of its new global strategic direction. The appointments took effect on December 1, 2025.

The newly formed management team includes James Zhou as Executive Chairman, Lars Boilesen as Co-CEO, Stephen as Co-CEO and COO, and James Perry as CFO.

The establishment of this core team represents a key step in OPay's global strategic advancement in the fintech sector. As Executive Chairman, James Zhou will lead the company's overall strategy and development. Lars Boilesen, former CEO of Opera Software, will drive OPay's international market expansion. As Co-CEO and COO, Stephen will oversee daily operations and management systems. James Perry will be responsible for financial strategy, capital management, and investor relations. He previously served as Managing Director at Citigroup and brings over 25 years of investment banking and financial management experience.

OPay stated that this management upgrade integrates seasoned expertise across strategy, globalization, operations, and finance, forming a strong leadership synergy. The new team will accelerate OPay's global expansion and deliver greater value to users worldwide.

OPay, a leader in emerging market digital banking headquartered in Singapore, has appointed Lars Boilesen as Co-CEO, effective December 1, 2025. As Co-CEO, Lars will be responsible for regulatory communication, business implementation, and strategic expansion in target markets, reporting to the OPay Board of Directors.

Lars Boilesen brings over 25 years of experience in technology and multinational enterprise management. He previously served as CEO of Opera Software, where he led global business expansion and innovation. He also held the position of CEO for the Nordic and Baltic regions at multinational telecommunications equipment manufacturer Alcatel-Lucent and served as CIS Regional Manager at LEGO.

OPay welcomes Lars Boilesen and acknowledges his exceptional leadership throughout his career. The company is confident that his distinguished experience and international perspective will drive OPay's future growth in digital payments and fintech.

This January, womenswear brand Commense will launch its highly anticipated Early Spring Collection, marking a new chapter in its mission to redefine everyday luxury. With this collection, Commense will continue to move beyond fleeting trends, offering thoughtfully designed pieces that will invite women to dress with purpose, move with confidence, and embrace the beauty of real, everyday moments.

In an industry often dominated by fast fashion’s emphasis on rapid production, eye-catching visuals, and low pricing, Commense is charting a different course — one rooted in emotional connection rather than transactional appeal. The brand will continue to prioritize authenticity and intentionality, focusing on how fashion can help women feel truly seen and understood. This relationship-first philosophy has helped Commense carve out a unique identity in a saturated marketplace.

Founded in 2021, Commense has rapidly gained momentum among fashion insiders and digital tastemakers, thanks in large part to its influencer-led collaborations that have played a key role in shaping the brand’s identity and reach. These strategic partnerships — paired with a strong social media presence — have helped position Commense as a go-to label for refined, internet-loved style. With most items priced under $100, and many well below $50, the brand continues to offer elevated wardrobe staples that blend luxury aesthetics with everyday accessibility.

While its product range rivals fast-fashion giants in variety, Commense will continue to distinguish itself through a more refined aesthetic. The brand’s silhouettes are intentionally designed for wearability, with high-quality fabrics and timeless shapes that focus on enduring style rather than seasonal hype. As seen on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Commense blazers, trousers, and knitwear have already become go-to pieces for women seeking polished, everyday looks.

The design ethos behind Commense is a balance of modern minimalism and classic tailoring. This guiding principle will continue to be at the heart of its Early Spring Collection, which aims to offer more than just clothes — it will offer a wardrobe that supports real life. Clean lines, thoughtful construction, and versatile styling options will make each piece a building block for confident, intentional living.

With its upcoming launch, Commense invites women around the world to experience a new kind of luxury — one that doesn’t scream for attention, but quietly empowers. From the morning ritual of getting dressed to the rhythm of daily life, Commense will continue to champion fashion as a personal and empowering expression of self.

The Early Spring Collection will be available starting January at thecommense.com, alongside the brand’s existing bestsellers.

About Commense

Commense was founded in 2021 upon the belief that good style should feel like common sense and appeal to your nature. Based in New York and Shanghai, we get our inspiration from major cities all over the world to make pieces that feel just right to you, uniquely you. We are not another lifestyle brand. We are a product driven brand that stands for uncommon quality and the beauty of effortless choices. For more information, visit thecommense.com.

Media Contact

Bernice Su
influencers@thecommense.com

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