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LeadingAge South Carolina Celebrates Historic Workforce Victory with Passage of Senate Bill 819
LeadingAge South Carolina proudly celebrates the passage and enactment of Senate Bill 819, transformative workforce legislation drafted by LeadingAge South Carolina that modernizes tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements for nursing homes and community residential care facilities while preserving strong health and safety protections for residents and staff.
Governor Henry McMaster officially signed the legislation into law on May 22, 2026, following bipartisan support and successful passage through both the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives.
The new law, codified as Section 44-31-45 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, establishes an updated, evidence-based process for tuberculosis screening for applicants and new employees in long-term care settings. The legislation removes unnecessary delays in the hiring process by allowing qualified applicants with documented negative TB screenings to begin work sooner, while still requiring appropriate follow-up testing, symptom monitoring, and adherence to CDC and South Carolina Department of Public Health guidelines.
LeadingAge South Carolina worked collaboratively with lawmakers, healthcare leaders, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health throughout the legislative process to ensure the law carefully balanced workforce needs with resident safety and public health standards.
“This legislation shows what’s possible when providers, policymakers, and public health leaders work together to solve workforce challenges facing our state,” said Kassie South, CEO of LeadingAge South Carolina. “This bill helps providers hire qualified workers faster, and maintains strong protections for residents. We are incredibly grateful to the Senate Medical Affairs Committee, House 3M Committee, the South Carolina Department of Public Health, and Governor McMaster for their partnership and commitment to supporting South Carolina’s caregivers, providers, and seniors.”
South Carolina’s long-term care providers have faced extraordinary workforce pressures in recent years, intensified by healthcare staffing shortages, increasing regulatory requirements, and hiring delays tied to outdated two-step TB testing processes. Under previous requirements, applicants often faced delays of 10 to 14 days before they could begin employment — creating major hiring challenges in a competitive workforce environment where employers across industries are competing for talent.
LeadingAge South Carolina championed this legislation to reduce unnecessary administrative barriers while ensuring healthcare facilities maintain rigorous safety protocols. The law continues to require comprehensive screening measures, including annual facility risk assessments, documentation of negative TB testing, symptom evaluations, and additional medical review when necessary.
The legislation also reflects South Carolina’s status as a low-risk tuberculosis state and aligns state policy with modern CDC guidance and evidence-based practices.
Throughout the process, LeadingAge South Carolina emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the healthcare workforce pipeline. Providers across the state continue to face severe shortages of nurses, caregivers, and support staff, while simultaneously working to provide quality of care to seniors.
“Today marks a major milestone for South Carolina and the future of senior living in our state,” said LeadingAge South Carolina Board Chair Donald Lilly. “The passage of Senate Bill 819 reflects what can be accomplished through strong collaboration and a shared commitment to supporting older adults and those who care for them. This legislation will strengthen our workforce, reduce barriers to employment, and enhance quality care for seniors and families across South Carolina for years to come.”
LeadingAge South Carolina expressed deep appreciation for the strong partnership and collaboration demonstrated throughout the legislative process and applauded lawmakers and state leaders for prioritizing practical workforce solutions that support both quality care and public health.
About LeadingAge South Carolina
LeadingAge South Carolina is the state association representing nonprofit and mission-driven providers of aging services, including nursing homes, assisted living communities, affordable senior housing, home and community-based services, and other organizations dedicated to serving older adults across South Carolina. For more information, visit www.leadingagesc.org.
Media Contact
Kassie South
CEO, LeadingAge South Carolina
ksouth@leadingagesc.org
+1 843-518-1131



Abishai Financial Asia Highlights Siemens Energy Buyback Expansion and Growing Grid Infrastructure Demand
Abishai Financial Asia Pte. Ltd. reported that Siemens Energy’s latest second quarter disclosure reflects strengthening momentum across global grid infrastructure and power markets, as rising electricity demand from data centres and industrial electrification continues to drive investment throughout the energy transition supply chain.
Siemens Energy reported stronger second-quarter performance marked by higher cash generation, record order intake and an expanded shareholder return programme. The company said it plans to repurchase up to $3.5 billion in shares over the remaining quarters of the financial year, including an additional $1.2 billion added to its existing buyback schedule within a broader multi-year authorisation.
The group also reported pre-tax free cash flow of $2.3 billion for the quarter, up 42% year-on-year, while net income rose to $977 million. Order intake reached a record $20.7 billion during the period.
At Abishai Financial Asia, Private Equity Director Daniel Coventry called the move “a confidence signal on cash conversion, but it also raises the discipline test investors care about most: whether capital returns can sit alongside the investment demands of grids, generation and services.”
Siemens Energy reported quarterly comparable revenue of $12.1 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 8.9%, while profit before special items increased to $1.4 billion from $1.1 billion in the prior-year period. The company also narrowed special item losses significantly compared with the same quarter last year.
Abishai Financial Asia said the company’s expanding order backlog remains one of the clearest indicators of continuing infrastructure demand. Siemens Energy’s order backlog reached approximately $180.2 billion, supported by a quarterly book-to-bill ratio of 1.72. The company also tightened its full-year comparable revenue growth guidance to a range of 14% to 16%, while its Grid Technologies division raised its growth outlook to between 25% and 27%.
Coventry described the backlog as “a live map of where utilities, data centres and industrial users are queuing for capacity, and where equipment suppliers can see demand without guessing”.
Abishai Financial Asia noted that accelerating data centre expansion is expected to remain a major driver of future electricity demand and transmission investment. Industry projections indicate global data centre electricity consumption could more than double by the end of the decade as artificial intelligence and accelerated computing infrastructure continue to scale.
The firm also pointed to rising global grid investment trends, with transmission infrastructure spending expected to outpace broader distribution network growth over the coming years as governments and utilities work to address capacity constraints and connection bottlenecks.
Coventry added that “when grid connection queues lengthen, the value shifts to firms that can deliver equipment on time and manage risk through multi-year projects.”
Despite strong operational performance, Abishai Financial Asia said markets continue to balance Siemens Energy’s growth outlook against valuation and execution considerations, particularly given the pace of recent share price appreciation and the scale of future infrastructure delivery requirements.
For Abishai Financial Asia, the acceleration of buybacks alongside upgraded cash guidance provides a clear test of whether shareholder returns and reinvestment can remain in balance through a high-demand investment cycle. Coventry described the current environment as “a period where capital discipline matters as much as engineering, because the market is paying for delivery, not for promises.”
About Abishai
Abishai Financial Asia Pte. Ltd. (UEN: 201016239E) is a Singapore-based asset manager focused on public market investing, risk management and long-term capital allocation research. Founded in 2010, the firm evaluates global investment themes across infrastructure, energy transition and technology markets. For more information, visit abishai.com.
Disclaimer
This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, an offer, solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. Any opinions, commentary or forward-looking statements expressed herein reflect current views as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Abishai Financial Asia Pte. Ltd. makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained herein and undertakes no obligation to update any statements following publication. Readers should conduct their own independent research and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.
Media Contact
Peng Joon
p.joon@abishai.com



California MBA Commends Governor’s Proposed Rebuild Fund, Advancing Wildfire Recovery and Practical Financing Solutions
The California Mortgage Bankers announced its strong support for Governor Newsom’s $100 million allocation for the Southern California Rebuild Fund included in the “May Revise” budget proposal.
The proposed funding would help expand access to construction financing for homeowners impacted by the devastating Southern California wildfires by providing lending support designed to bridge the gap between insurance payouts and the actual cost to rebuild.
“California MBA strongly supports the Governor’s proposed investment in the Southern California Rebuild Fund because wildfire survivors need more than temporary relief. They need realistic pathways to rebuild their homes and communities,” said Paul Gigliotti, CEO of the California Mortgage Bankers Association. “Many homeowners are facing a major financing gap between insurance coverage and actual reconstruction costs. This proposal recognizes that challenge and creates meaningful tools to help families access financing, move forward with rebuilding, and return to their communities.”
California MBA has been actively engaged with the Governor’s Administration, legislators, state agencies, and industry partners since late last year to help develop practical recovery solutions for wildfire survivors. The association has advocated for policies that support consumers, while aligning with federal servicing standards, investor requirements, and the practical realities of mortgage lending.
Under the proposal, the Rebuild Fund would be administered through programs intended to leverage private capital and improve access to reconstruction lending for disaster-impacted homeowners. Proposed tools include:
- A loan loss guarantee program
- Interest rate buydown assistance for reconstruction loans
- Potential subordinate financing and other mortgage assistance tools
California MBA and participating industry partners have also supported development of a new consumer-facing online portal powered by Prudent AI. The portal will help connect homeowners with participating lenders and available recovery resources by collecting borrower information and comparing it against lender matrices from participating construction lending partners, including CMG Financial, and Guild Mortgage, to match consumers with the lender best suited to provide a construction loan based on their profile and rebuilding needs, with insights informed by data provided by Cotality.
“We are proud that California MBA has been engaged as a constructive and solutions-oriented partner throughout this process,” Gigliotti said. “We are committed to helping develop real-world solutions that support homeowners, enhance communities, and strengthen responsible lending practices.”
The Governor’s revised budget proposal now moves to the Legislature for consideration as part of the state budget negotiation process ahead of the June 15 constitutional budget deadline.
About California Mortgage Bankers Association
The California Mortgage Bankers Association (California MBA) is a leading advocate for the real estate finance industry, representing mortgage lenders, servicers, and industry partners operating in California and across the country. The association works to advance responsible lending, promote innovation, and ensure policymakers understand how legislation and regulation impact the mortgage industry and the consumers it serves. For more information, visit cmba.com.
Media Contact
Alison MacLeod
amacleod@ka-pow.com



Lucra Launches Lucra Arcade and Invests in CRWN, Bringing Real-Money Mini Games to Any Brand or Platform
Lucra, the leading social competition platform, today announced a strategic investment in CRWN, the Poland-based mobile games studio — the first strategic investment of its kind for Lucra. As part of the agreement, Lucra CEO Dylan Robbins will join the CRWN Board of Directors. Together, the two companies are launching Lucra Arcade, a new product layer that adds a library of 90-second skill-based mini games to Lucra's competition platform, available now as a standalone consumer app on the App Store and as an embeddable white-label offering within partner apps.
The investment reflects a deliberate expansion of Lucra's platform strategy. Lucra Arcade gives any brand — across in-person entertainment, digital media, streaming, fitness, sports leagues, and beyond — a turnkey way to add real-money and free-to-play competitive gaming to their user experience. In the standalone Lucra Arcade consumer app, players can compete today for cash or rewards redeemable at leading entertainment and hospitality partners. The product also includes a white-label configuration, in which partners are able to embed the full game library directly into their own apps, branded within their own experience and connected to Lucra's existing competition and wallet infrastructure.
CRWN builds skill-based mobile games purpose-designed for real-money and free-to-play competitive mechanics. Each game plays out in roughly 90 seconds — competitive enough to drive daily engagement, short enough to fit into any moment. The studio's track record speaks for itself: CRWN recorded over five million total plays last year, with the average player logging over 15 game sessions per month and 20 minutes of play time per session. On average, players spend $50 or more per month on the platform, and over 70% of players are paying participants — a conversion rate that reflects both the quality of the product and the proven strength of real-money mechanics as a retention driver. [1] That proven playbook is now part of the Lucra platform.
Lucra Arcade also meaningfully expands the company's addressable market. The mini games format removes the category boundaries that have historically defined where competition infrastructure gets deployed. A golf venue, a media company, a fitness app, and a streaming platform all share the same underlying challenge: turning passive audiences into engaged, loyal, returning users. Lucra Arcade is built to solve that problem wherever it exists — not just at the venues and operators that anchor Lucra's existing partner network, but across the full spectrum of digital and physical environments where brands compete for attention and engagement every day.
"This is the most significant product expansion in Lucra's history, and CRWN is the right partner to build it with," said Dylan Robbins, CEO of Lucra. "Lucra Arcade is the most versatile product we've ever brought to market. CRWN built games that are fast, skill-based, and genuinely compelling in a real-money environment — and that works everywhere. A golf venue wants to keep guests engaged between visits. A media company wants to turn passive viewers into active participants. A fitness app wants a daily reason for users to open it. The underlying problem is the same, and Lucra Arcade solves it for all of them. Any brand that wants to transform their audience into a competing, rewarding, loyal community now has a turnkey way to do it."
For Lucra's existing partner network, the consumer app serves as both an immediate loyalty tool and the foundation for the white-label integration to follow. As Lucra Arcade establishes its player base and reward redemption patterns, partners can embed the full product directly within their own apps — no separate download required. Rewards and wallet infrastructure connect automatically to Lucra's existing SDK, meaning partners already on the platform can extend into mini games without rebuilding anything.
"We spent years proving that 90-second, skill-based games can drive the kind of daily engagement that larger platforms spend millions trying to manufacture. What Lucra brings is the piece we couldn't build alone — a distribution network and reward system that makes winning mean something beyond the screen," said Piotr Zwierzyk, co-founder of CRWN.
"Whether a player beats a challenge and redeems a reward at their favorite venue, or competes inside a media platform they use every day, that becomes a habit. Lucra's investment and infrastructure give us the reach to take what we've proven at scale and build something the market has never seen before," added Patryk Gałach, co-founder of CRWN.
Speaking together, both CRWN co-founders stated, "We would also like to thank Professor Paweł Pietrasieński, Head of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency's Silicon Valley office, who encouraged us to pursue this opportunity."
"Lucra Arcade changes the scope of what this company can do," said Jordan Haburcak, Chief Strategy Officer of Lucra. "We built the best-in-class competition infrastructure for in-person venues and apps, and now we have a content engine — a library of proven, high-converting mini games — that makes that infrastructure valuable to an entirely new universe of partners. Every brand that has ever wanted to add competitive gaming to their product but didn't have the games, the compliance, the payments, or the rewards network now has all of it in a single SDK. That is a fundamentally different conversation than we were having twelve months ago, and it opens doors across every category we have been working toward."
Download Lucra Arcade on the Apple App Store and start competing today.
Note
- All figures are anonymized and aggregated across all games and users.
About Lucra
Lucra is a plug-and-play SDK that integrates into apps or websites, enabling peer-to-peer competitions with real-money or rewards. It handles compliance, payments, fraud prevention, and settlement out of the box, so partners can instantly offer gamified experiences without building or managing complex infrastructure themselves. Top entertainment, hospitality, and consumer brands, including Five Iron Golf, Puttshack, Backyard Sports, ChessKings, TouchTunes, and more, use Lucra's white-label technology to power tournaments and challenges, build loyalty, and drive new revenue. Learn more at playlucra.com.
About Lucra Arcade
Lucra Arcade is a library of fast-format, skill-based mini games built for real-money and free-to-play competition — available as a standalone consumer app on the App Store and as an embeddable white-label offering within partner apps. Powered by Lucra's competition and compliance infrastructure, the platform handles all matchmaking, payments, fraud prevention, identity verification, and instant settlement out of the box. Each game plays out in roughly 90 seconds across three modes: PvP cash matches, tournament leaderboard play, and free-to-play practice. Winnings are delivered instantly and redeemable as cash or rewards from brand partners. For partners, the full game library embeds directly into existing apps and websites with minimal technical lift, connecting seamlessly to Lucra's wallet and rewards infrastructure. Download Lucra Arcade on the Apple App Store or learn more at lucrasports.com/arcade.
About CRWN
CRWN, formerly Reality Unit, is a Poland-based mobile games studio specializing in skill-based, real-money competitive gaming. The studio builds fast-format mini games engineered for engagement, combining competitive mechanics with real-money and free-to-play infrastructure to create experiences that reward skill and keep players coming back. CRWN's games have been deployed across leading digital gaming platforms, driving measurable engagement and retention for partners at scale. Learn more at crwn.games.
Disclaimer
This press release is for informational purposes only and contains forward-looking statements subject to risks; real-money skill gaming via Lucra Arcade is subject to age and location restrictions, is legally permitted only in certain jurisdictions, and past historical performance data is no guarantee of future results.
Media Contact
Lindsay Linhart
Brand Strategist, Lucra
lindsay@lucrasports.com



From Asia to the World: WEA Japan Brings Stablecoin Payments Into Everyday Commerce
Stablecoins are moving beyond on-chain finance and into real-world payment scenarios. For WEA Japan, a Web3 payment infrastructure company, Japan is the starting point for bringing stablecoins into physical commerce and enterprise settlement.
On January 26, 2026, at Terminal 3 of Tokyo Haneda Airport, an international traveler used a MetaMask wallet to display a QR code and pay in USDC. The transaction was completed within seconds, with the merchant receiving settlement in Japanese yen. The pilot marked Japan’s first airport in-store payment using USDC.
Behind this frictionless checkout experience was a payment solution jointly developed by Netstars, one of Japan’s largest QR code payment gateway providers, and WEA Japan. The solution connects self-custody wallets, on-chain stablecoins, payment gateways, and merchant systems to facilitate automated fiat settlement. Consumers can pay directly from their own wallets, while merchants receive funds through familiar processes without needing to manage digital assets or operate blockchain systems.
Following the Haneda Airport pilot, stablecoin payments were introduced at TCG BW Himeji, a trading card specialty store. The expansion shows that the model is not limited to major transportation hubs, but can also be applied to everyday retail environments.
A Global Shift Toward Stablecoin Payments
Stablecoins such as USDC and USDT have historically been used mainly for crypto trading and cross-border settlement, with limited presence in physical consumer payments. That is beginning to change. As circulation grows and demand for faster cross-border payments increases, and regulatory frameworks become clearer, stablecoins are evolving from on-chain financial instruments into practical tools for real-world transactions.
Japan became WEA Japan’s launch market for a reason. Its partner, Netstars, operates more than 700,000 POS terminals across the country, supported by a mature Web2 payment gateway network. Combined with Japan’s adoption of QR codes and cashless payments, the Haneda Airport pilot provided a natural testing ground for stablecoin payments in a live commercial environment.
WEA Japan’s next phase will focus primarily on Asia, particularly Southeast Asian markets such as Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. These markets have strong demand for cross-border consumption, tourism payments, digital wallets and merchant digitization, making them well suited for stablecoin payments to scale from single-location pilots into broader retail, travel and merchant acquiring ecosystems.
Building on its growing footprint of real-world use cases in Asia, WEA Japan is expanding into Europe and North America to embed stablecoin payments into mature global commercial networks. Beyond consumer crypto spending, the platform targets high-impact B2B verticals: cross-border settlement, travel retail, merchant acquiring, and enterprise payments. This global expansion follows a proven blueprint: validated in Japan, scaled across Asia, and replicated in Europe and North America.
WEA Japan’s Partner Ecosystem
As a Web3 payment infrastructure provider focused on real-world commerce, WEA Japan has built a broad partnership network across the stablecoin payments sector.
To connect Web2 and Web3 payments, WEA Japan has joined forces with leading ecosystem partners, including NetX, Netstars, Aptos, Solana Foundation, Bitget Wallet and Canton Foundation. Together, these partners are participating in the development and implementation of StarPay-X, a payment gateway initiated by Netstars.
The StarPay-X network is designed to support major blockchains including NetX, Solana, Aptos and Canton, while integrating stablecoins such as USDC and USDT. Its goal is to connect existing financial infrastructure with the efficiency of Web3, helping bring next-generation financial services into mainstream commercial use.
The Transformative Role of Stablecoin Payments
For stablecoins to reach mainstream adoption, high-performance blockchains and smooth wallet experiences are not enough. The larger challenge is making stablecoins easy for merchants to accept, intuitive for consumers to use, compatible with regulation, and connected to banking and settlement systems.
WEA Japan is positioned at this intersection. Through its collaborations with Netstars, NetX, and other global partners, it is helping define a new payment model: Consumers spend stablecoins, merchants receive local fiat currency, Web3 technology operates securely in the background, and the front-end experience remains close to traditional payments.
This model removes one of the biggest barriers to stablecoin adoption in commerce. Merchants do not need to hold crypto assets, redesign accounting processes, or build blockchain expertise in-house. Consumers can use digital assets through familiar QR-based payment flows.
About WEA Japan
WEA Japan is an enterprise-grade Web3 payment infrastructure provider based in Japan and dedicated to real-world commercial applications. The company is building a compliant payment network that connects the fiat financial system with the digital asset economy, supporting stablecoin adoption across everyday consumption, merchant acquiring, cross-border payments and enterprise settlement. Built on a foundation of regulatory compliance, institutional security, and systemic stability, WEA Japan is developing the next-generation payment layer for merchants, enterprises, and global users.
The company is led by experienced industry leaders and technical experts. CEO Yoshimoto Bansho is a veteran of Japan’s traditional payment industry, with previous experience at NTT, Netstars and GMO Payment Gateway. He has deep expertise in mobile payments, QR code payments and merchant acquisition, and leads the company’s commercial implementation and strategic planning.
Chief Scientist Dr. Anbang Ruan holds a doctorate from the University of Oxford and specializes in trusted computing, blockchain and digital economy research. He also maintains long-term cooperation with international research institutions, including the Oxford-Octa Digital Economics Lab. CTO Wei Ming holds a doctorate from Peking University and leads WEA Japan’s core technical architecture and engineering implementation, with expertise in on-chain payments and enterprise systems.
This unique leadership synergy provides WEA Japan with an unparalleled understanding of payment systems, decentralized settlement mechanics, and real-world compliance frameworks.
Backed by more than 30 core patents, WEA Japan has developed proprietary technologies in secure payments, encrypted communications, and Trusted Execution Environments. The company is also integrating AI into its infrastructure through autonomous agent models and automated risk control frameworks designed to improve transaction monitoring and real-time settlement. With its combined strengths in payment expertise, blockchain engineering, compliance, and AI-driven infrastructure, WEA Japan is positioned to support the broader adoption of stablecoin payments worldwide.
For more information, visit www.weajapan.co.jp or follow the company on X and Medium.
Media Contact
WEA Japan Team
contact@weajapan.co.jp



Dominica PM to Attend 2026 Globevisa Global Citizen Conference in Hong Kong
Investment migration and wealth planning consultancy Globevisa Group announced today that the Honourable Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, will attend the 2026 Globevisa Global Citizen Conference (GGCC) in Hong Kong on October 26-27.
Under the theme "Global Mobility Trends," Prime Minister Skerrit will exchange insights with government programme representatives, family offices, and industry practitioners on the policy outlook, international compliance mandates, and macroeconomic impacts of the Dominica Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme.
The Dominica CBI programme is administered and regulated by the nation’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU). Under government policy, foreign direct investment generated through the programme is primarily allocated to support national infrastructure and economic development. The programme mandates strict background due diligence for all applicants.
"Prime Minister Skerrit’s attendance will provide participants with direct information regarding the policies and compliance standards of the Dominica CBI programme," said Henry Fan, CEO of Globevisa Group. "This will assist industry practitioners and applicants in accurately understanding the latest evaluation criteria and future developmental directions of Caribbean investment migration policies."
Official Authorisation and Global Operational Data
According to official listings on the website of the Embassy of Dominica in China, Globevisa is an officially authorised agent for the Dominica CBI programme. On a global operational scale, Globevisa has served over 110,000 clients to date, with its consultancy portfolio covering over 150 cross-border residency and citizenship programmes across six continents.
Regarding application processing, Globevisa has established an internal compliance team to conduct preliminary reviews of materials prior to submission, evaluating their alignment with standard international anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. Furthermore, through its regional service network, the agency provides clients with follow-up administrative support, including local address procurement and tax registration, to assist applicants in establishing economic substance.
2026 GGCC Schedule
Following its previous edition in Singapore, the 2026 GGCC will be held in Hong Kong. The agenda is distinctly structured: October 26 is designated as an Industry Day for government representatives and professional institutions, while October 27 is a Client Day open to individual investors. The event is expected to draw representatives from over 40 countries and regions.
Event Details:
- Dates: October 26–27, 2026
- Venue: JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong
- Official website: GGCC 2026 Hong Kong | Globevisa Official
About Globevisa Group
Established in 2002, Globevisa Group (the organiser of GGCC) is an international consultancy specialising in cross-border asset allocation, residency, and citizenship planning, operating over 50 direct branches worldwide. Globevisa is committed to providing global high-net-worth clients with one-stop identity and asset structuring solutions that meet the highest international regulatory standards, working alongside global partners to shape the future of international mobility. For more information, visit www.globevisa.com.
Media Contact
Manxi Li
mancyli@globevisa.com



Nutraway Science Expands Internationally as Demand for Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extracts and Cognitive Wellness Solutions Continues to Grow
Nutraway Science, a Poland-based producer of functional mushroom extracts and adaptogenic ingredients, announced the international expansion of its lion’s mane mushroom extract (Hericium erinaceus) product line as global demand for cognitive wellness, brain health, and preventive wellness solutions continues to grow.
Over the past few years, lion’s mane mushroom extract has gained significant attention among consumers interested in focus, mental clarity, memory support, and healthy aging. As conversations around stress, burnout, digital fatigue, and long-term brain health become more common, interest in functional mushroom extracts and nootropic ingredients has expanded well beyond niche wellness communities.
Researchers continue studying naturally occurring compounds found in lion’s mane, including hericenones and erinacines, for their potential relationship with nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein involved in the maintenance and regeneration of neurons. Early studies have also explored the mushroom’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in relation to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cognitive function.
While lion’s mane is not approved as a treatment or cure for neurological diseases, growing scientific interest and increasing consumer awareness have helped position Hericium erinaceus as one of the fastest-growing ingredients within the global functional mushroom extract category.
For Nutraway Science, the expansion reflects several years of gradual growth and relationship-building across Europe and international markets.
Founded four years ago as a small startup, the company has focused on building its reputation through transparency, quality control, and close collaboration with wellness brands, formulators, and research-oriented partners rather than pursuing large-scale mass production.
“We started Nutraway with a simple idea,” said Oliver Mathew, CEO of Nutraway Science. “There are many mushroom products on the market, but we felt there was still room for a company that combines scientific thinking with a more honest and holistic approach to wellness. We wanted to focus on quality first and grow naturally from there.”
The company produces EU organic-certified functional mushroom extracts using science-based extraction methods, including ultrasonic-assisted extraction technology designed to help preserve bioactive compounds while maintaining consistency between batches. Nutraway Science works with fruiting bodies only and places strong emphasis on analytical testing, traceability, and standardized production practices.
At the same time, the company says it does not view wellness purely through a laboratory lens.
“There’s a growing group of consumers who want more than marketing claims,” Mathew added. “People are paying attention to where ingredients come from, how they’re extracted, and whether companies actually understand the mushrooms they work with. We think the future of wellness will combine modern science with a broader, more balanced approach to long-term health, cognitive wellness, and prevention.”
Nutraway Science also confirmed that one of its international partners recently completed a clinical study evaluating cognitive function and mood-related outcomes using the company’s Hericium erinaceus extracts. Publication of the study is expected later this year.
Industry analysts continue to project strong long-term growth within the functional mushroom extract sector as consumers increasingly prioritize cognitive wellness, brain health, healthy aging, longevity-focused nutrition, and preventive wellness strategies.
The company is also continuing its international development through participation in the Go Global acceleration initiative. Nutraway sp. z o.o. is implementing the project “Participation in the Concordia Design Accelerator program as part of the Go Global track” under the project titled “Concordia Design Accelerator – We turn ideas into human profit,” within the European Funds for a Modern Economy program, Startup Booster Poland – Smart Up initiative. The project is intended to support Nutraway Science’s expansion into foreign markets. Funding value: €88,232.90.
About Nutraway Science
Nutraway Science is a Poland-based company specializing in functional mushroom extracts, adaptogens, and research-driven wellness ingredients for nutraceutical, food, beverage, cosmetic, and research applications. Founded as a young and rapidly growing startup, the company focuses on standardized mushroom extracts, EU organic-certified production, ultrasonic-assisted extraction technology, transparency, and science-oriented formulations designed to support cognitive wellness, brain health, healthy aging, and overall well-being. For more information, visit www.nutrawayscience.com.
Disclaimer
The statements made in this release regarding lion’s mane mushroom extract, cognitive wellness, brain health, healthy aging, and related functional mushroom ingredients have not been evaluated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or other regulatory authorities unless otherwise stated. Nutraway Science products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any references to scientific studies, bioactive compounds, or potential wellness benefits are for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical claims. Research involving Hericium erinaceus and related compounds is ongoing, and individual results may vary. Consumers should consult qualified healthcare professionals before using dietary supplements or wellness products, particularly if pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a medical condition.
Media Contact
Oliver Mathew
Founder and CEO
hello@nutrawayscience.com



Lang Van Files Federal Lawsuit Against BH Media Alleging Copyright Infringement of Vietnamese Sound Recordings
Lang Van, Inc. (Vietnamese: Làng Văn), a Vietnamese-American record label established in 1985, has filed a federal copyright infringement lawsuit in the United States against Bihaco Communication Trading & Service Corporation (doing business as BH Media), a digital content company based in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Case No. 8:26-cv-00921). The lawsuit alleges willful infringement involving approximately 5,252 copyrighted Vietnamese sound recordings and documents at least 8,068 separate instances of alleged infringement during the three-year statutory period.
According to the filed complaint, BH Media allegedly removed Lang Van’s International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) metadata from the sound recordings and substituted its own registered codes. The lawsuit alleges this practice was utilized to divert digital royalty payments from distribution platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, Meta, and Apple Music. The complaint further alleges that BH Media utilized a music label named "SOXO" to assign duplicate ISRC codes to the recordings and used Multi-Channel Networks to bypass automated copyright identification systems.
The litigation follows two recent international regulatory and legal developments. On April 30, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) designated Vietnam as a "Priority Foreign Country" due to intellectual property enforcement concerns under U.S. trade law. Subsequently, on May 15, 2026, authorities in Vietnam initiated criminal proceedings against BH Media Chief Executive Officer Nguyễn Hải Bình under Prime Ministerial Telegram 38/CĐ-TTg, which directed a national campaign regarding intellectual property compliance.
According to statements from Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, Vietnamese authorities charged Nguyễn Hải Bình and other entertainment executives with alleged copyright violations related to the unauthorized recording, editing, and digital distribution of music. Public documentation from investigators in Vietnam initially estimated the revenue tied to the alleged domestic activity at approximately VND 6 billion ($235,000).
Lang Van's management stated that the U.S. federal litigation represents an independent effort to protect master recordings associated with several diaspora-era labels, including Nguoi Dep Binh Duong, Thuy Anh, Kim Ngan, Cao Dao, New Castle, Bien Tien, and Lang Van. The company noted that because these master recordings were created outside of Vietnam after 1975, they remain distinct from the domestic composition rights currently being scrutinized under Vietnamese criminal jurisdiction.
Court records indicate that the defendant has been subject to prior copyright litigation in the same federal jurisdiction, including a lawsuit filed in 2021 by another rights holder, as well as an active 2024 mass-infringement lawsuit filed by LTN Media and Thuy Nga.
In the current U.S. federal matter, Lang Van is seeking permanent injunctive relief and statutory financial damages under 17 U.S.C. § 504(c). The plaintiff is represented by the law firm witkow | baskin.
Media Contact
Mimi Nguyen
mimi@langvan.com



LiveKit Appoints Tom Davies as Chief Revenue Officer to Accelerate Enterprise Growth
LiveKit, the platform for building voice, video, and physical AI agents, today announced the appointment of Tom Davies as Chief Revenue Officer as the company expands its go-to-market leadership team to meet growing enterprise demand. More than 10% of the Fortune 500 already build on LiveKit today, and the expectation is that this accelerates with increased investment in both the go-to-market and platform.
Davies joins LiveKit from Grafana Labs, where he served as VP of Sales for the West. Prior to Grafana, he spent more than six years at Snowflake leading vertical sales organizations across Media, Telecom, and Entertainment accounts throughout the U.S. At LiveKit, Davies will lead the company’s global revenue organization as enterprises increasingly move AI agents from experimentation into production.
“AI agents are quickly becoming core infrastructure for the enterprise, whether customer-facing or operating behind the scenes across internal workflows and systems,” said Russ d’Sa, co-founder and CEO of LiveKit. “Tom has built and scaled enterprise revenue organizations at category-defining companies, and we’re excited to have him leading our next phase of growth as more enterprises deploy voice AI applications and digital workers at scale.”
LiveKit provides the software frameworks and cloud infrastructure for building AI agents that can see, hear, and speak in real time, used by companies including SAP, Tesla, OpenAI, Salesforce, SpaceXAI, Spotify, and thousands of others, collectively facilitating billions of interactions each year.
As businesses shift from chat-based interfaces to AI systems driven by voice, video, and computer vision, LiveKit is becoming a foundational infrastructure layer for teams building AI applications and digital workers. The company’s platform combines open-source Agent SDKs for building voice and video agents with the global infrastructure needed to deploy and scale low-latency, stateful AI workloads in production.
“Enterprises are moving beyond AI pilots and actively deploying production-ready AI systems,” said Tom Davies, Chief Revenue Officer at LiveKit. “LiveKit has become foundational infrastructure for real-time AI experiences, and the opportunity ahead is enormous. I’m excited to help scale the business and partner with customers building the next generation of AI-powered applications and digital workers.”
Alongside Davies’ appointment, LiveKit also announced the appointments of Megan Barros as Regional VP of Sales, Cameron Huang as VP of Finance, and Michelle Schroeder as VP of Marketing.
Barros brings more than seven years of sales leadership experience from Snowflake and most recently served as Regional Sales Director for West Acquisition at Grafana Labs. Huang joins from Lightning AI, where he served as VP of Finance, and previously held roles at Eppo, Chime, and Centerview Partners. Schroeder joins from PolyAI, where she served as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing more than 13 years of experience leading marketing organizations at B2B technology companies.
The appointments follow a period of strong momentum for LiveKit, including its $100 million Series C financing at a $1 billion valuation in January 2026.
As enterprise adoption of real-time AI accelerates, LiveKit plans to continue expanding its team across departments. View open roles at livekit.com/careers.
About LiveKit
LiveKit is an end-to-end platform that gives developers everything they need to build and scale voice, video, and physical AI agents. Based in San Francisco, California, LiveKit powers some of the most widely used AI applications in the world. For more information, visit livekit.com.
Media Contact
Kathleen Eagan
kathleen@sixeastern.com



Assembled Launches the First Contact Center WFM MCP: Manage Your Customer Support Operation From Claude, ChatGPT and Other AI Tools
Assembled, the workforce management (WFM) platform, today launched the Assembled MCP, a Model Context Protocol server that connects Claude, ChatGPT, and other AI tools to live customer support operations data. It is the first WFM platform in the contact center category to ship an MCP server, making real-time workforce data queryable and actionable directly from any conversational AI assistant.
Despite predictions that AI would gut the industry, contact centers are not shrinking. a16z notes that the Philippines, the call center capital of the world, grew its industry from 1.15 million workers in 2016 to 1.9 million in 2025 (with another 70,000 jobs projected for 2026), and U.S. customer service job postings have been outpacing the broader labor market since August 2025.
At the same time, AI use continues to grow among U.S. workers, and enterprise software is reorganizing around AI assistants. Increasingly, AI assistants are becoming the primary interface for enterprise software, a shift even Microsoft is leaning into by replacing some Power BI features with their AI Copilot. Gartner estimates that by 2028, a third of user experiences will shift from native applications to agentic front ends. For contact centers, those two trends collide: the work isn't going away, but how leaders manage it is changing.
"The future of WFM is agentic,” said Ryan Wang, co-founder and CEO of Assembled. "Instead of waiting hours for an analyst to pull a report from one tool and stitch in data from three others, leaders will just ask their AI assistant to pull the answer from all of their data connections in one conversation. Instead of scenario planning taking a week, leaders will run any 'what if' in a single conversation. The Assembled MCP is the first step toward that future.”
With the Assembled MCP, support leaders can ask questions and take action in plain language. Customers are using it for queries such as:
- Where did we miss SLA last week? Break it down by channel.
- Compare forecasted vs. actual contact volume for chat last week by hour.
- Pull MRR by customer segment from our BI tool. Which segments are driving the most contact volume, and are we staffed for them?
- Publish 2 hours of phone overtime tonight from 6–8 p.m. ET.
Unlike many WFM tools, Assembled has always been an open platform, with a developer-friendly API that customers use to shape the product to their operation. Power users build sophisticated custom agents, integrations and automated workflows on Assembled’s foundation. That flexibility matters because no two support operations look alike, and most run on a complex stack of tools (CRMs, contact platforms, telephony systems, HRIS, BI) that have to work together. The Assembled MCP unlocks that same extensibility to non-technical users, who can now build similar cross-tool systems without code, custom integrations, or API keys.
For support operations teams that currently block off hours each week to manually stitch together tools, manage their team, identify trends, and create custom reports, the time savings are significant. WFM teams have historically been stuck as a backward-looking function, explaining what happened last week or last month, long after the moment to act has passed. With routine reporting and real-time management handled by AI, support teams can finally do the strategic work: catching trends as they emerge, executing on the data, and acting as a forward-looking thought partner to the business instead of a backward-looking reporting function.
“What excites me about the Assembled MCP isn't just that I can move faster on analyses that used to take days — it's that it democratizes WFM data across the business. Leaders no longer need to wait for a dashboard or an analyst; they can ask the questions where they're already working, in a Claude window, and get an answer grounded in real operational context. That's what moves WFM from reactive to proactive at scale — and gives leaders the kind of real-time operational fluency that used to require a standing meeting,” said Christian Shrader, Senior Manager, Operations Tools and Systems at Checkr Inc.
Metrics are pre-aggregated by Assembled and incorporate your business logic to ensure accuracy. At launch, the Assembled MCP gives users read and write access across forecasting, scheduling, intraday operations, workforce composition, compliance, and performance analytics. All queries and actions are authenticated via OAuth and scoped strictly to individual accounts, with no cross-customer data access.
The Assembled MCP is available now. Visit the Assembled blog to learn more.
About Assembled
Assembled is the modern, unified platform for managing in-house support teams, BPOs, and AI agents. The company's comprehensive solution includes workforce management tools to forecast, schedule, and monitor blended workforces; an AI copilot to assist human agents, and AI agents for chat, voice, email, and SMS. Founded in 2018 by machine learning engineers from Stripe, Assembled serves hundreds of leading companies, including Stripe, Robinhood, Canva, and Intercom. The company has raised $71 million from NEA, Emergence Capital, and top angels, with employees across San Francisco, New York, London, and remote locations. Learn more at www.assembled.com.
Media Contact
Whitney Rose
whitney@assembledhq.com



New Report Offers Wake-Up Call for Restaurant Industry: Workers Feeling Economic Pain with 61% Skipping Meals to Make Ends Meet
Instant Financial today released its 2026 State of Hourly Restaurant Workers Study, a statistically representative survey of 750 hourly restaurant employees, revealing a workforce under intense financial pressure amidst the current affordability crisis.
Titled "Underserved: The Financial Reality of America’s Hourly Restaurant Workers," the research paints a stark and deeply human picture of economic instability across the restaurant workforce. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of hourly restaurant workers report skipping more than one meal per week in the past month because they could not afford food, despite working in the industry that serves it.
The financial pressure runs deep, with 75% of workers living paycheck to paycheck. Among non-management workers (n=566), that figure rises to 83%. Nearly all (97%) experience financial stress to some degree, with 63% reporting they are constantly or frequently stressed.
“This is a major wake-up call for the entire restaurant industry,” said Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial. “The people serving our meals every day are, in many cases, unable to afford meals themselves. That signals that something is fundamentally broken.”
The study reveals that the financial strain requires constant tradeoffs and short-term survival decisions. Workers are forced to make difficult decisions just to get by, delaying basic needs like food, healthcare, and utilities, while also struggling to maintain transportation and housing stability. When faced with unexpected expenses, workers are most likely to:
- Go without essential items until payday
- Borrow money from friends or family
- Delay paying bills and accept costly late fees
- Sell their personal belongings
One survey respondent shared, “I was running low on food and couldn’t drive to the store because I needed gas, so I walked two miles and just bought cheap basics like soup and ramen.”
In the past three months, 79% of hourly restaurant workers have used at least one financial workaround, including payday loans, overdrafts, or credit card advances. Many report paying significant fees, with payday loan users averaging $117 in fees and interest.
In addition to financial behaviors, the study also examined perceptions of workers about management, revealing a disconnect between company leadership. 53% of workers say their company leadership does not understand what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck, while 35% say their employer does not genuinely care about their financial well-being.
"If people are breaking their backs for your company and going home hungry or have no home to go to, it's a failure of leadership," said one worker.
The research does underscore ways for employers to alleviate financial stress, with 81% of workers indicating on-demand pay should be a standard employee benefit. Early access to earned wages and tips is considered a meaningful budgeting tool for employees and a way to improve retention for employers.
- 96% of workers believe having earned wage access would be valuable.
- 85% say on-demand pay would help people who live paycheck to paycheck.
- 77% would be likely to stay at a job long term if they had on-demand pay, including 91% of servers or waitstaff.
- 68% believe it would be a valuable tool to offset rising inflation.
“CGK has conducted many workforce studies. The findings from this study show a workforce under significant financial stress, and it is clearly affecting their daily lives,” said Jason Dorsey, founder and president of CGK. “It’s rare to see this consistently high intensity within workforce experiences. Restaurant employers should take note and realize their workers are in need of financial solutions that can improve their lives.”
The 2026 State of Hourly Restaurant Workers Study was conducted by The Center for Generational Kinetics (CGK) and surveyed 750 hourly restaurant workers across the United States between the ages of 16-65. The study was weighted to the 2020 U.S. Census for age, region, gender, and geography. The survey was fielded from March 3 to March 31, 2026 and represents a statistically significant sample across the national population of hourly restaurant industry workers (95% confidence level, with MoE of +/-3.58 points).
To download a copy of the full research, visit instant.co/2026-restaurant-study.
About Instant Financial
Instant Financial is a fintech company modernizing payments and earned wage access for hourly workers and their employers. We provide earned wage access, digital tips, a tips calculator, and instant payments via banks, mobile wallets, or paycards, along with financial wellness services — giving frontline workers control over how and when they get paid. As the first company to offer earned wage access through a paycard, Instant has helped workers in restaurants, retail, hospitality, and beyond access over $8 billion in earnings and $5 billion in tips at no or low cost. Learn more at instant.co.
Disclaimer
Instant is a single-source payment solution provider, not a bank. The Instant Visa® Debit Card and Instant Virtual Card are issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa U.S.A. Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.
Media Contact
Hela Sheth
hela@katalystcomms.com



Mexico EOR Specialist AI Becomes First Stop for Employment Questions
Human Resources Mexico (HRM) stated that its Mexico EOR Specialist AI chatbot is increasingly becoming a primary resource for individuals and foreign companies seeking guidance related to employment, payroll, labor compliance, and workforce administration in Mexico.
According to HRM, the Mexico-focused AI initiative has already helped thousands of users navigate common questions involving severance obligations, statutory benefits, IMSS registration, overtime rules, remote work compliance, payroll practices, and employer of record (EOR) structures in Mexico.
The Mexico EOR Specialist AI was introduced as part of HRM’s broader effort to improve access to Mexico-specific employment information while supporting foreign companies navigating Mexico’s legal and operational employment framework.
Human Resources Mexico (HRM) stated that the initiative was developed in response to the increasing demand for reliable, Mexico-specific employment information, particularly because foreign companies often encounter outdated online content or generalized global guidance that does not fully reflect Mexico’s labor framework, employer obligations, and operational requirements.
Mexico’s employment system contains legal and compliance structures that differ significantly from co-employment and contractor models commonly promoted in other jurisdictions. The company noted that many global EOR platforms operate without a physical operational presence in Mexico, increasing the importance of localized expertise and direct understanding of Mexico’s labor, payroll, and social security regulations.
“As Mexico’s labor environment continues evolving, many companies and individuals struggle to find clear and accessible information regarding employment obligations in Mexico,” said Franklin Delano Frith II, General Manager / Principal of Human Resources Mexico (HRM). “The goal of the Mexico EOR Specialist AI is to improve access to reliable Mexico-specific guidance while maintaining the human support required for real employment administration.”
HRM emphasized that the Mexico EOR Specialist AI was designed to complement, not replace, direct human support and operational oversight. The company stated that employment administration in Mexico continues to require legal compliance management, workforce coordination, and employer responsibility under Mexican labor law.
The Mexico EOR Specialist AI was built by Phos AI Labs, an AI systems and implementation team from LowCode Agency, with Mexico-specific labor and compliance expertise provided by Human Resources Mexico (HRM). According to HRM, maintaining an AI system serving thousands of employment-related inquiries requires both continuously updated Mexico legal knowledge and reliable AI infrastructure.
“Technology should improve access to information and operational efficiency, but employment in Mexico still requires real human relationships and accountability,” Frith added. “Our focus remains on combining technology, Mexico-specific expertise, and direct support for both client companies and employees.”
HRM stated that the Mexico EOR Specialist AI will continue expanding its Mexico-specific employment guidance capabilities as demand grows among foreign companies and individuals seeking accessible information regarding labor compliance, payroll obligations, and workforce administration in Mexico.
About Human Resources Mexico (HRM)
HRM offers employer of record (EOR) services for foreign companies seeking to hire professional employees in Mexico. HRM has been the most trusted EOR in Mexico for over 17 years, with a physical office and a team of Mexican experts. HRM provides EOR services exclusively in Mexico, delivering expert, public-facing, red-carpet service to both client companies and their employees. For more information, visit www.payrollmexico.com.
Media Contact
Franklin Delano Frith II
General Manager / Principal, Human Resources Mexico (HRM)
franklin.frith@expandmexico.com
+52 664 748 0313



Agape Behavioral Healthcare Expands as George J. Mavrookas Scales Hospitality-Driven Care Model
George J. Mavrookas is expanding Agape Behavioral Healthcare with the planned opening of a third South Florida facility, extending the company’s footprint and reinforcing its integration of hospitality principles into behavioral health treatment.
Over the course of his career, Mavrookas has focused on applying hospitality principles to care environments, shaping a model that emphasizes patient experience alongside clinical support. Recently recognized by Marquis Who’s Who, his work reflects a continued focus on developing care settings that balance operational structure with a more personalized, environment-driven approach to treatment.
Shifting Perspectives at Agape Behavioral Healthcare
More than seven years after founding Agape Behavioral Healthcare, Mavrookas has opened two operational locations and maintains a workforce of 85 employees. Within the next month, he plans to open a third location and increase his team to 100 employees, marking a significant expansion. With each improvement, he is changing how the industry approaches care.
Agape Behavioral Healthcare’s locations are not large hospital-style settings but rather smaller, more intimate facilities. Mavrookas envisions a more boutique-style approach to behavioral health care, utilizing environments that cater to the patient’s experience. His company’s latest expansion initiative adheres to this ideal, putting clients and professionals at the forefront of operations.
“We believe,” Mavrookas explained, “that we want to take care of our staff so our staff can, in turn, take care of the clients that are coming to our facilities… Whether they’re dealing with mental health issues or whether they’re battling substance abuse or alcoholism, there’s a multitude of things in behavioral health care.”
Dedicated to putting teams and clients first, Mavrookas has led Agape Behavioral Healthcare to success. Despite its relatively small size, the company has been recognized as one of the best places to work in South Florida for two consecutive years and among the top 10 companies for four years.
Looking Beyond the Third Facility
Agape Behavioral Healthcare’s latest expansion initiative brings the same approach to a new location in South Florida. Here, clients will be provided with a tranquil environment that prioritizes ample space and outdoor access, situated on the Intracoastal. One location features a fishing dock, while the other offers a beautiful waterfront setting focused on a relaxing, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.
Mavrookas eagerly anticipates the inauguration of his third facility, to be completed very shortly. With this location, he plans to add inpatient care to Agape Behavioral Healthcare’s range of services, positioning his company as one of the few in Florida to offer a complete continuum of care for substance use and mental health.
About Agape Behavioral Healthcare
Agape Behavioral Healthcare is a South Florida-based provider of mental health and substance use treatment services. Founded by George J. Mavrookas, the company focuses on combining structured clinical care with hospitality-driven environments that prioritize patient experience. Through smaller, residential-style facilities, Agape Behavioral Healthcare offers personalized support designed to meet individuals at various stages of recovery. It continues to expand its services to support more comprehensive care while maintaining an emphasis on staff support, operational consistency and patient-centered treatment. For more information, visit agapebhc.com.
About Marquis Who's Who
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, marquiswhoswho.com.
Disclaimer
This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The "hospitality-driven care model" and amenities described herein are intended to complement, not replace, licensed clinical and medical oversight. Individuals seeking behavioral health or substance abuse treatment should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Furthermore, this text contains forward-looking statements — including timelines for new facility openings and service expansions — that are based on current management expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties; actual results may differ materially.



Old Bags Luncheon Celebrates 27 Years as the Brand Explores Acquisition Opportunities for Global Expansion
Old Bags Luncheon™, the luxury charitable event brand, is celebrating its 27th anniversary as founder Eileen Cornacchia explores acquisition opportunities aimed at expanding the organization’s international footprint and long-term institutional value. With a model built entirely on word of mouth and an international footprint spanning the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the business positions itself as a rare turnkey acquisition opportunity in the high-net-worth philanthropic event space.
Established in April 1999, the enterprise developed from a single Palm Beach charity event into a nationally and internationally recognized fundraising model. Every event is built around luxury handbag auctions, donor engagement, high-profile guests, and promoting active citizenship, while directing proceeds toward charitable organizations.
“Our first profit was around $80,000. Now, some of the larger events are reporting profits close to a million dollars,” Cornacchia says. “We’ve never done any advertising; our growth has always been organic. Organizations and people heard about other luncheons and wanted to know how to create the same experience.”
Within five years of its launch, the Old Bags format had expanded its footprint across neighboring countries before growing across affluent seasonal markets, including Southampton and Saratoga Springs. She notes how Saratoga often draws high-net-worth attendees during the thoroughbred racing season, while Southampton sits at the heart of the Hamptons’ summer circuit. Both markets, Cornacchia adds, serve communities where influential people gather annually, where Old Bags events frequently sell out before invitations reach the mail.
Recognizable community figures, honorary chairpersons, and socially connected committees are all pivotal to the business model’s fundraising success. “When the invitations go out, and attendees see familiar names attached to the event, it impacts the overall participation,” she says. Past speakers, she notes, have included Priscilla Presley, Martha Stewart, Debbie Reynolds, Bobbi Brown, Joan Rivers, and Andy Cohen, alongside attendees like Audrey Gruss, Jamee Gregory, Lois Pope, Barbara Pendrill, and Sybil Yurman.
As the brand now looks for prospective buyers, Cornacchia is offering a structured one-year transition that she believes will substantially de-risk the acquisition. She has developed a comprehensive operational guidebook codifying every aspect of the business, from the event committee formation to speaker selection to auction logistics, allowing buyers to be well-equipped with the nuances of the business. She has committed to remaining available throughout the transition period. She says, “There’s definitely a learning curve. I would stay on for a year and continue doing the phone calls and mentoring, so a buyer doesn’t have to learn everything from the beginning. I think teaching the next generation of charities how to do these events properly is part of the value.”
According to Cornacchia, the organization’s trademarks have already been secured across multiple regions, with an additional trademark application currently progressing in Japan, which she identifies as one of the most lucrative luxury handbag markets. Cornacchia also indicated interest in expanding the Old Bags Luncheon™ model into markets including Great Britain and the UAE under future ownership.
Cornacchia highlights that maintaining the organization’s core philosophy remains essential during any ownership transition. Events are intentionally designed around social engagement and philanthropy instead of emotionally driven fundraising appeals. “I want people leaving the event happy and excited to come back next year. The charity wins, the attendees win, and the entire community benefits from the experience,” she says.
As Old Bags Luncheon enters its 28th year, Cornacchia believes the business remains positioned for continued growth through strategic ownership capable of expanding its international reach while preserving the framework that established its reputation across philanthropic and luxury fundraising circles.
Media Contact
Eileen Cornacchia
ectrump@gmail.com



Catalina Behavioral Health Expands Support for Adults Facing Meth Use and Co-Occurring Mental Health Concerns
Catalina Behavioral Health is expanding support for adults facing methamphetamine use and co-occurring mental health concerns, strengthening its commitment to provide structured, clinically informed care for individuals and families across Tucson and Southern Arizona.
Access to structured methamphetamine addiction treatment continues to be a critical need throughout Arizona, as individuals often face complex intersecting challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and psychosis."
For many adults, meth use is not an isolated concern. It may develop alongside untreated mental health symptoms, long-term stress, housing instability, relationship disruption, or repeated cycles of relapse and crisis.
Catalina Behavioral Health, with its treatment facilities based in Tucson, provides adult-focused treatment designed to address both substance use and mental health needs within a supportive care environment. The program emphasizes individualized planning, clinical assessment, therapeutic support, relapse prevention, and coordinated care for people whose recovery needs extend beyond substance use alone.
“Adults struggling with meth use often arrive carrying more than one burden,” said Shawna Beckman, Executive Director for Catalina Behavioral Health. “They may be dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep disruption, or intense emotional instability at the same time. Our goal is to help patients feel safe, supported, and understood while building a treatment plan that reflects the full picture of what they are facing.”
Methamphetamine can affect mood, sleep, cognition, impulse control, and emotional regulation, making treatment especially complex when mental health symptoms are also present. Catalina Behavioral Health’s approach is centered on helping adults stabilize, participate in therapy, develop healthier coping strategies, and identify the patterns that may contribute to continued use.
The expansion of support reflects a broader need for integrated behavioral health services in Southern Arizona. Families often seek help after witnessing significant changes in a loved one’s behavior, functioning, relationships, or ability to manage daily responsibilities. Catalina Behavioral Health works to provide a point of connection for adults who need more structured support than occasional outpatient counseling may provide.
The organization also recognizes that access to care is a critical part of recovery. Catalina Behavioral Health works with many major commercial insurance providers and offers admissions guidance to help adults and families better understand available treatment options, coverage considerations, and next steps.
For adults facing meth use, co-occurring mental health concerns, or repeated difficulty maintaining stability, Catalina Behavioral Health offers a place to begin the process of care with dignity, clarity, and support.
About Catalina Behavioral Health
Catalina Behavioral Health is a Joint Commission-accredited Arizona treatment center that provides addiction treatment, mental health treatment, and dual diagnosis treatment programs. Catalina is based in Tucson, Arizona, and our detox, residential inpatient rehab, PHP day program, and IOP outpatient rehab settings offer a complete continuum of care for recovery support. Our programs are evidence-based and trauma informed, and Catalina accepts many forms of commercial insurance in keeping with our mission to provide accessible care for clients across Arizona, the Southwest, and the United States. If you or a loved one is struggling with substances or mental health, or both conditions, please reach out confidentially for our assistance now. For more information, visit catalinabehavioralhealth.com or call (520) 999-2560.
Disclaimer
This press release is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Individuals experiencing substance use or mental health concerns should seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals. Treatment outcomes vary by individual, and no specific results are guaranteed.
Media Contact
Shawna Beckman
contact@catalinabh.com
+1 520-999-2560



BlockBooster Launches $50M Digital Venture Fund I, Establishing Platform as a Full-Stack Alternative Asset Manager
BlockBooster today announced the launch of BlockBooster Digital Venture Fund I, a $50 million growth-stage platform focused on four verticals: AI infrastructure, on-chain trading ecosystems, on-chain asset management, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. The fund marks BlockBooster's formal entry as a full-stack alternative asset manager in the digital economy.
Fund I: Investment Strategy
BlockBooster Digital Venture Fund I targets growth-stage opportunities across its four core verticals, prioritizing projects where BlockBooster's domain expertise, ecosystem relationships, and operational capabilities create meaningful strategic value beyond capital. The fund focuses on projects and platforms building institutional-grade infrastructure and products for the digital economy, serving both institutional participants and a broader base of investors and users.
Building on a Proven Foundation
Founded in 2023 and backed by leading institutional investors including OKX Ventures, BlockBooster established its track record as a hands-on venture studio, deploying proprietary capital to co-build infrastructure and applications across leading blockchain networks. That operational experience, spanning product development, ecosystem growth, and institutional partnerships, forms the foundation on which the firm's asset management platform is now built.
"We have always believed that true incubation is the most active form of asset management," said Samuel Gu, founder and CEO of BlockBooster. "Our venture studio years were our proof of concept. With the launch of our inaugural fund, we are institutionalizing that capability into a full-stack alternative asset platform — one that doesn't just invest in the future, but actively incubates and manages it."
A Dual-Engine Platform
BlockBooster's strategy is structured around two interconnected engines.
The Incubation Engine engages at co-founder depth across digital-native projects, institutional-grade RWA tokenization, and foundational infrastructure. BlockBooster takes active roles in product design, team building, go-to-market execution, and ecosystem development, creating proprietary deal flow that conventional fund managers cannot access.
The Capital Management Engine captures and compounds the value generated by those incubated assets through dedicated fund vehicles. BlockBooster Digital Venture Fund I is the first such vehicle. As the digital asset market matures, BlockBooster plans to expand into adjacent strategies including private equity, buyout, and private credit.
The two engines are designed to reinforce each other: capital accelerates the growth of incubated assets, while the performance of those assets strengthens BlockBooster's track record and supports future capital formation.
Positioned for the Next Era
With an established presence across Asia and the Middle East, and institutional relationships across global financial centers, BlockBooster is building toward a future where its platform operates at the scale and rigor of the world's leading alternative asset managers.
The fund's inaugural portfolio investment will be announced in the coming weeks.
About BlockBooster
BlockBooster is a next-era alternative asset management firm for the digital age. The firm leverages blockchain technology to invest in, incubate, and manage the core assets of this new era, from digital-native projects to real-world assets (RWA). As value co-creators, BlockBooster is dedicated to unlocking the long-term potential of these assets, capturing exceptional value for its partners and investors in the digital economy. For partnership inquiries and more information, visit www.blockbooster.io.
Media Contact
Annie Shi
media@blockbooster.io



Physician at Munich Clinic Schwabing Unveils Models to Manage Infectious Diseases Among Migrant Populations
Dr. Martin Wächtler, a physician with Munich Clinic Schwabing, is drawing international attention following a recent presentation highlighting integrated health care models supporting migrant populations. The models are designed to improve infectious disease management among children and vulnerable populations. This work reflects a coordinated effort within the city of Munich's public health service to align clinical expertise with community-based care amid increased migration across Europe.
Dr. Wächtler has served in the city of Munich's public health system since 2020, where he applies his experience in internal medicine, infectious diseases, and hepatology. His latest contributions center on programs developed in response to the migration and Ukraine crises. These programs connect hospital resources with public health initiatives to address care access, disease monitoring, and early intervention.
Located in the center of Munich, the Munich Clinic Schwabing is a major, historic hospital that has been operating for over 100 years. Dr. Wächtler works as an internist and infectiologist at the hospital, where he is dedicated to providing top-notch patient care.
Scalable Health Solutions Expand in Munich
The integrated care models presented by Dr. Wächtler aim to improve coordination between hospitals, public health offices, and social services. Health officials in Munich have placed increasing emphasis on scalable solutions that can respond to shifting population needs. Dr. Wächtler's work highlights how clinical frameworks can adapt to support children and families entering the health system under complex circumstances.
Dr. Wächtler’s presentations at national congresses and academic forums have focused on practical outcomes, including improved disease tracking and more consistent care delivery across institutions. The approach also reflects broader efforts within Germany to strengthen collaboration between the public health infrastructure and university-affiliated hospitals.
Contributions to Infectious Disease Research
Dr. Wächtler's recent work builds on a long history in infectious disease research and clinical care. He spent more than three decades at Munich Clinic Schwabing, where he worked from 1988 to 2020 across multiple departments, including hematology, oncology, immunology, palliative medicine, infectiology, and tropical medicine.
During this time, Dr. Wächtler also contributed to research at University Hospital Großhadern in Munich. As part of a dedicated working group within the Department of Gastroenterology, he supported hepatitis C research. “I helped discover the hepatitis C virus by providing many blood samples to our immunology team,” he says. His involvement spanned 23 years and included co-authorship on numerous publications in hepatology.
Dr. Wächtler played an active role during the AIDS crisis, contributing to HIV-related research and clinical work. “My focus has always been on opportunistic infections in HIV infection, as well as counseling colleagues and providing education on this topic,” he said. A milestone in his early career occurred when he encountered some of the first AIDS patients in Europe during his time in Frankfurt.
A Commitment to Migrant Health Issues
Alongside his research and public health responsibilities, Dr. Wächtler has maintained a strong commitment to medical education. He has emphasized the importance of continuous learning and interdisciplinary communication throughout his career. His experience in both hospital and public health settings has informed his approach to teaching and mentoring.
Colleagues note that his work often reflects a balance between clinical care and broader system-level thinking. His recent focus on migrant health continues this pattern, bringing together experience from hospital practice, research and public service.
Coordinated Health Care Responses in European Cities
The increased movement of populations across Europe has placed new demands on health systems, particularly in urban centers such as Munich. Dr. Wächtler’s integrated care models are part of the growing effort to address these pressures through coordinated planning and shared resources.
Health authorities continue to evaluate how such models can be expanded or adapted in other regions. Dr. Wächtler's contributions provide a case study in how long-standing clinical expertise can inform current public health priorities while responding to evolving demographic realities.
About Dr. Martin Wächtler
Dr. Martin Wächtler is an internist and infectious disease specialist at Munich Clinic Schwabing and a physician in Munich’s public health system. He focuses on developing integrated care models to improve infectious disease management for migrant and vulnerable populations. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Wächtler has worked across multiple medical disciplines and contributed to research in hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. His work bridges clinical care and public health to improve coordination, access and outcomes in complex healthcare settings.
About Marquis Who's Who
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, marquiswhoswho.com.
Media Contact
Amanda Lauener
amanda@ascendagency.com



Texture Raises $12.5M to Tackle the Operational Complexity of the Modern Grid
Texture, the grid software platform that provides utilities a single view of every device and data source on their network, today announced a $12.5 million Series A co-led by VoLo Earth Ventures and Equal Ventures, with participation from Lerer Hippeau and Abstract Ventures. The funding supports a platform already operational at utility cooperatives and energy companies, providing the coherent data infrastructure needed to operate the grid in real time.
Power utilities are operating a system that's drifted far from what it was originally built to handle. Grids built for one-way power flow are now expected to coordinate insatiable demand from data centers, manage increased congestion, integrate utility-scale renewables, manage local networks amid an influx of electric vehicles and distributed generation, and harden transmission assets against extreme weather, all at once. At the same time, they're being asked to ensure the wave of new technologies being deployed to modernize the grid — AI, sensors, grid-enhancing technologies, advanced metering — actually delivers on the investment.
Texture connects to any meter, device, or data source, giving operators a real-time picture of the system state. AMI systems, SCADA, batteries, EVs, solar, and smart thermostats all flow into a single layer where alerts surface when action is needed. The platform doesn't require rip-and-replace of existing systems or dedicated engineering teams to manage it.
Market Entry Through Co-ops
Texture's offering is gaining early traction at utility cooperatives, member-owned organizations serving 42 million Americans across distributed and rural territory, including 92% of the country's persistent-poverty counties. Co-ops manage coal plant retirements, data center load growth, and aging infrastructure with teams and budgets that are a fraction of those of investor-owned utilities. Enterprise grid software was built for utilities ten times their size. Texture provides the same capabilities without enterprise budgets or multi-year implementations.
"Co-ops kept telling me the same thing," said Sanjiv Sanghavi, Texture's co-founder and CEO. "They wanted to run modern grid programs but didn't have software built for their scale or budget. A co-op serving 15,000 members shouldn't have to build custom technology to launch a battery program or manage transformer load. We built Texture so they don't have to."
Unlike legacy vendors with multi-year implementation timelines, utilities using Texture are operational within days. The platform connects to existing systems, models the data into a coherent layer, and makes it available where operators need it.
Capital Deferral and Market Access
The platform's real-time monitoring alerts operators to transformer overload, voltage anomalies, and outage risk before failures occur. A home that adds an EV can double its energy draw overnight. Multiplied across a neighborhood, that kind of load shift puts real stress on distribution infrastructure that was never sized for it. Texture sees that signal at the meter level and traces its impact up through the feeder, giving operators a chance to act before a transformer fails. Transformer prices have risen as much as 95% since 2019, according to Wood Mackenzie, and lead times on large units now exceed two years. Preventing a single failure avoids not just replacement cost but months of operational exposure.
Vermont Electric Cooperative, one of the country's few carbon-neutral utilities and widely cited as among the most innovative co-ops in the northeast, uses Texture to monitor its grid and manage hundreds of batteries across its service territory.
"As a co-op, our job is to provide affordable, reliable energy to our members. The challenge is that we have so many systems, and the data is spread out. You can't afford to spend half the day just hunting down the right numbers. Texture helps us bring that visibility into one place, so we're not chasing information just to figure out what to do next," said Peter Rossi, COO of Vermont Electric Cooperative.
Through Texture, co-ops gain access to hardware integrations they couldn't secure on their own. Many of the biggest OEMs require minimum deployment thresholds before providing direct data access. Texture has already built those integrations, with first-party connections to 50+ OEMs, including Tesla, FranklinWH, Honeywell, Ecobee, and SolarEdge, with direct relationships and service-level agreements. Ann Arbor's Sustainable Energy Utility used that access to launch a community battery program with FranklinWH across 100 homes, operational as of March 2026.
Partnership and Deployments
Along with the funding, Texture is partnering with NRTC, whose network represents 850 utility co-ops across the country. Through the relationship, Texture will provide member co-ops with access to grid management infrastructure previously available only to larger utilities.
"Our members are under pressure to integrate new resources and manage a growing load, without adding headcount or relying on vendors whose products weren't built for co-ops. We've partnered with Texture to offer the NRTC DERMS powered by Texture, giving co-ops a practical way to coordinate batteries, thermostats, and other distributed resources in real time," said Milt Geiger, VP of Smart Grid Solutions, NRTC.
Kareem Dabbagh, Managing Partner at VoLo Earth Ventures, joined Texture's board as part of the financing. "Co-ops are managing the hardest grid transitions happening right now. Coal plant closures, battery deployments in rural communities, and data center load growth that wasn't in anyone's forecast five years ago. Texture is the infrastructure layer that makes those programs work. That's why VoLo and Equal came in together on this round and why I joined the board," said Dabbagh.
"Our initial thesis was that APIs and data connectivity would be enough. We were wrong in the best possible way. What Texture has evolved into is the operating layer the energy industry has been missing: the infrastructure that lets utilities and VPPs actually act on their data, not just collect it. The teams building this industry's future need a foundation they can trust. That's what Texture is becoming, and it's why we're doubling down," said Rick Zullo, co-founder and General Partner, Equal Ventures.
The Series A brings Texture's total funding to approximately $23 million. The capital will fund team growth and platform expansion. Texture has integrations with leading OEM and energy data companies, including Tesla, FranklinWH, Honeywell, Ecobee, SolarEdge, Leap Energy, and WattTime, and has completed its SOC 2 Type I and Type II security certifications.
About Texture
Texture is a grid software platform built for the decisions utility operators make under pressure. The platform connects to any meter, device, or data source and provides real-time monitoring, outage detection, transformer load tracking, and DER coordination. Co-ops, municipal utilities, and energy companies use Texture to prevent hardware failures, manage rising load, and coordinate distributed resources without enterprise budgets or multi-year implementations. Headquartered in New York City. Learn more at texturehq.com.
Media Contact
Fiana Tulip
Mahoney Communications Group
fiana@mahoneycommunications.com



Human Resources Mexico (HRM) Marks 17 Years as an EOR in Mexico
Human Resources Mexico (HRM), a Mexico-based employer of record (EOR), marks 17 years of operations as Mexico continues evolving through major labor, compliance, and workplace reforms affecting foreign employers.
Founded in 2009, prior to the widespread emergence of global EOR platform models, Human Resources Mexico (HRM) has operated exclusively in Mexico with a physical office and dedicated Mexican team focused on employment administration, payroll, compliance, and workforce management within Mexico’s legal framework.
Over the past 17 years, Mexico’s employment environment has undergone substantial transformation, including labor outsourcing reforms, remote work regulations, strengthened workplace compliance standards, and constitutional-level equality reforms. According to Human Resources Mexico (HRM), these developments have reinforced the importance of localized compliance management and direct understanding of Mexico’s Federal Labor Law, Social Security Law, and constitutional employment protections.
“Employment in Mexico is not software,” said Franklin Delano Frith II, General Manager / Principal of Human Resources Mexico (HRM). “It involves legal responsibility, human relationships, compliance obligations, and understanding how Mexico’s labor framework evolves over time. Employers operating in Mexico must adapt as the legal and operational environment continues changing.”
Human Resources Mexico (HRM) stated that its operational model has remained focused on direct employer responsibility and long-term workforce administration within Mexico. The company emphasized that every employee in Mexico must have a single legal employer, a principle established under Mexican labor law and distinct from co-employment structures commonly referenced in the United States.
In recent years, Human Resources Mexico (HRM) also expanded its technology initiatives through the introduction of the Mexico EOR Specialist AI, developed to provide Mexico-specific guidance related to labor compliance, payroll administration, statutory benefits, severance obligations, and workforce management requirements. According to Human Resources Mexico (HRM), the initiative reflects the company’s continued effort to combine operational expertise, technology, and direct human support for foreign companies hiring employees in Mexico.
“Technology should improve access to accurate information, but employment in Mexico still requires real human responsibility and operational oversight,” Frith added. “Our focus has always been combining Mexico-specific expertise, compliance management, and direct support for both client companies and employees.”
After 17 years of operating exclusively in Mexico, Human Resources Mexico (HRM) stated that its core approach remains unchanged: combining Mexico-specific compliance expertise with direct human support and long-term employer responsibility.
About Human Resources Mexico (HRM)
HRM offers employer of record (EOR) services for foreign companies seeking to hire professional employees in Mexico. HRM has been the most trusted EOR in Mexico for over 17 years, with a physical office and a team of Mexican experts. HRM provides EOR services exclusively in Mexico, delivering expert, public-facing, red-carpet service to both client companies and their employees. For more information, visit www.payrollmexico.com.
Media Contact
Franklin Delano Frith II
General Manager / Principal, Human Resources Mexico (HRM)
franklin.frith@expandmexico.com
+52 664 748 0313



GamingGadgets.io Celebrates 14 Years at the Heart of Germany's Gaming Scene
GamingGadgets.io is proud to mark its 14th anniversary, celebrating over a decade of independent gaming and gadget coverage in a market that has itself undergone a remarkable transformation. Since launching in February 2012, the platform has expanded from a niche gadget blog into a comprehensive editorial resource covering hardware reviews, game tests, industry news, guides, and online gaming — mirroring the explosive growth of the industry it covers.
The numbers behind Germany's gaming industry tell a compelling story. According to the German Games Industry Association, total revenue from games, hardware and online gaming services in Germany reached €9.4 billion in 2025, representing 4% growth on the previous year and a rise of more than 50% compared to 2019 levels. Germany remains the largest gaming market in Europe and the fifth largest in the world. GamingGadgets.io has been an active voice in this market for every one of those years of growth — informing the readers who drive it.
"We launched when the German gaming market looked very different," the editorial team reflects. "The way people buy, play, and talk about games has changed almost beyond recognition since 2012 — and we have changed with it, while staying true to what we have always been: a small team of genuine enthusiasts who just want to give honest, useful coverage."
Growing with the Market
When GamingGadgets.io first went live, the editorial focus was deliberately narrow: the cleverest and most unusual gadgets available, plus carefully chosen stories from the indie gaming scene. Over time, as the German gaming market matured and diversified, so did the platform. Today, GamingGadgets.io covers the full breadth of gaming culture — from in-depth hardware tests and game reviews to news, buying guides, and walkthroughs for players of all experience levels.
One of the most significant editorial expansions came in 2021, when Nico Arnold joined the team as a dedicated online casino expert. His arrival reflected a broader shift in the German entertainment landscape: online gaming services have been one of the fastest-growing segments of the market, more than doubling in revenue since 2019 to reach €965 million in 2024 alone. By bringing specialist iGaming expertise in-house, GamingGadgets.io positioned itself to serve readers navigating this fast-growing and increasingly regulated space with the same honesty and rigour applied to its hardware coverage.
The platform has also grown its presence at major industry events. GamingGadgets.io now attends Gamescom in Cologne annually — the world's largest gaming trade show, which drew 335,000 visitors in 2024 — reporting live from the show floor and bringing readers first-hand coverage of the announcements, hardware demos, and trends shaping the year ahead.
Hardware Boom Drives Reader Demand
The past year has been one of particular activity in the hardware space that sits at the core of GamingGadgets.io's editorial identity. In 2025, game console revenue in Germany rose 26% — driven in part by the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 — while accessories for gaming PCs grew 13% to reach €1.4 billion. For an outlet built on helping consumers navigate exactly these kinds of purchasing decisions, the timing could not be more relevant.
"When a new console launches or a major new peripheral category emerges, readers come to us to cut through the noise," the team notes. "That is what we have always done, and the demand for that kind of independent, expert coverage is stronger than ever."
Built on Independence, Funded by Transparency
Throughout 14 years of operation, GamingGadgets.io has maintained a clear and transparent business model: the site is financed through affiliate marketing and display advertising, with no commercial relationships influencing its editorial positions. Reviews and recommendations are based solely on the team's own hands-on analysis.
Looking Ahead
As GamingGadgets.io enters its 15th year, the editorial team remains anchored to the mission that has defined the platform since day one: to celebrate and explore gaming and gadgets in all their variety, with honesty, expertise, and genuine enthusiasm.
The German gaming market is forecast to continue growing, with the gaming PC segment alone projected to nearly double in value by 2030. GamingGadgets.io will be there to cover every step of that journey — just as it has been since February 2012.
About GamingGadgets.io
Since 2012, GamingGadgets.io has been the go-to destination for all gaming and gadget enthusiasts. Our passion for these topics is reflected in our informative and entertaining articles, reviews and news. We are committed to keeping our readers up to date, whether through in-depth game reviews, the introduction of innovative gadgets or coverage of the latest trends in the gaming world. Readers can explore the full archive, follow the latest reviews, and join the community at gaminggadgets.io.




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