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The Come-See-Me Festival, one of York County’s most anticipated spring traditions, will return to Rock Hill from April 3 to 12, 2025, offering 10 days of family-friendly activities, community spirit, and exciting events. Since its inception in 1962, the festival has grown into a major cultural event, celebrating the best of Rock Hill, its people, and its famous frog mascot.

The Come-See-Me Festival began as a small spring celebration to welcome visitors to the area and has since evolved into a 10-day extravaganza that includes live music, fireworks, fun-filled events, and activities for all ages.

“I could not be more excited for this year’s Come-See-Me Festival,” said Andy Clinton, President and CEO of Visit York County. “It’s such a long-running tradition and truly unique to York County. This event not only brings our local residents together in celebration, but also serves as a powerful driver for tourism. We anticipate hosting many new and returning visitors this year and look forward to showing them what makes York County such a special place to experience.”

Among the many festival highlights are the signature Come-See-Me Parade, the Mayor’s Frog Jump, the Barbeque Cook-off, the Come-See-Me Disc Golf Open, and the dazzling Tailgate Party, Skydiving & Fireworks. Other crowd favorites include Musical Mania, Beach Bash, Chalk On Main, Hops at the Park, and Road Races—each offering a chance to experience the creative energy and hospitality of Rock Hill.

A unique and endearing feature of the festival is its mascot, Glen the Frog, which was created in 1964 by acclaimed local artist and illustrator Vernon Grant, who originally designed the Snap, Crackle, and Pop characters for Kellogg’s in the early 1930s. Grant, inspired by the area's abundance of local frogs, designed the playful frog character to represent the spirit of the festival. Over the years, this quirky frog has become an iconic symbol of the event and a source of pride for Rock Hill residents.

“I’m beyond thrilled for the upcoming Come-See-Me Festival,” said Kelli Shannon, current festival chair. “Our leadership team has worked hard to bring a lineup of exciting activities—both new and returning favorites—that will appeal to every age and interest. From live music and local food vendors to family-friendly activities and special events, it’s all about bringing our community together and having fun. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone and make this year the best one yet!”

What started as a simple weekend event has now become a 10-day celebration that attracts thousands of visitors annually. 

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.comeseeme.org.

Rock Hill’s annual salute to spring, this 10-day festival brings over 60 events and activities to over 100,000 attendees. Loaded with frogs (yes, frogs!), music and fun, the festival brings together friends, neighbors and festival-lovers from all over the United States and the world. An award-winning festival, Come-See-Me was named the 2019 South Carolina Event of the Year. It’s also ranked as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Spring Festivals for more than a decade. For additional information, visit www.comeseeme.org. 

About Visit York County
 
As the destination marketing organization (DMO) for York County, South Carolina, Visit York County exists to raise the profile and boost the economy of York County through tourism and destination marketing while also contributing to the quality of life for residents. For additional information, visit www.visityorkcounty.com.

Global Properties, an international property aggregator, has reached 1 million actual offers. Buyers and investors can access residential and commercial properties in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. The aggregator allows you to quickly compare options from trusted real estate agencies and developers, helping you to make a well-informed decision.

"The Global Properties database is built by integrating international and local developers, real estate agencies, and national aggregators. The data is updated in real time through API integrations and automatic synchronisation with partners' CRMs. AI tools are used to check the relevance of listings maintaining high quality," said Nikolay Zaitsev, Head of Sales for Eurasia and North America at Global Properties.

Global Properties specialists have over 15 years of experience and speak 10+ languages. The platform cooperates with international property experts, including analysts, lawyers, financial advisors, and investment specialists.

Buyers can expect full support throughout every stage of the transaction, including expert guidance in property selection and due diligence, evaluation of investment potential, tax advice, and comprehensive after-sales service.

The website offers other features:

The Value Estimator tool provides an automated property valuation. It analyses:

This helps buyers and investors make smart choices while keeping risks low.

The Global Properties database covers over 50 countries, including top hotspots like the U.S., Spain, the UK, France, Italy, Greece, Thailand, Portugal, and Dubai.

Dubai remains one of the top investment destinations, offering a robust economy, transparent transactions, and attractive returns. With Global Properties, investors get many advantages, including access to exclusive properties for sale in Dubai, ROI forecasting using AI models, buying properties at early stages of construction due to direct integration with developers, and the opportunity to participate in mortgage programmes of international banks,’ said Nikolay Zaitsev.

Investing in property abroad allows you to diversify your assets, gain a passive income of 7–15% per year, and get a residence permit or citizenship. When selecting property, it is essential to consider the local market stability and availability of legal protection for foreign buyers. For example, property in the U.S. does not provide advantages when applying for a residence permit but will provide capital gains of up to 5–6% per year. Foreigners should also consider taxes, maintenance costs, and possible restrictions.

Based in Dubai, Global Properties is a leading international property aggregator, offering a diverse portfolio of over one million residential and commercial properties for relocation, seasonal getaways, and investment across North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Our platform enables buyers and sellers to seamlessly compare and filter listings from trusted real estate agencies and developers, ensuring informed decision-making. For more information, visit https://global.properties.

Goldman Markets, a leading online trading platform and financial services provider, today announced that it has expanded its AI-driven trading platform, offering real-time insights, automated strategies, and robust security for forex, stocks, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies.

Daily Market Review: AI Powered Insights

Goldman Markets elevates your trading experience with its daily AI-powered market analysis, providing real-time insights across forex, stocks, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. By leveraging advanced AI-driven analytics, traders gain access to actionable data, trend predictions, and automated strategies that enhance decision-making.

Whether a beginner or a seasoned trader, Goldman Markets ensures investors stay ahead with precise market updates, risk management tools, and a seamless trading interface. Stay informed and maximize your trading potential with daily insights from Goldman Markets.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

This expansion is crucial as it provides traders with the latest advancements in AI technology to make smarter decisions in the fast-paced world of trading. With multi-asset access to global markets and advanced tools for automation and alerts, traders can stay ahead of the curve and manage their risks effectively.

The impact of this announcement showcases Goldman Markets' commitment to providing innovative solutions that empower traders of all levels. By offering AI-powered insights, risk management features, and a user-friendly interface, Goldman Markets sets itself apart as a leader in the industry.

In the future, Goldman Markets plans to continue enhancing its platform with new features and capabilities to meet the evolving needs of traders in an ever-changing market landscape.

For more information on Goldman Markets and its AI-driven trading platform, visit https://gm-markets.com.

About Goldman Markets 

Goldman Markets is a premier online trading platform and financial services provider, dedicated to empowering traders of all levels with cutting-edge technology, real-time market insights, and a seamless trading experience. Offering access to a diverse range of asset classes, including forex, stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and indices, Goldman Markets provides traders with the tools and resources they need to navigate the financial markets with confidence.

With a commitment to security, transparency, and innovation, Goldman Markets integrates advanced AI-driven analytics, risk management solutions, and an intuitive user interface to ensure optimal trading performance. Whether a beginner or a seasoned investor, our platform offers a customizable experience tailored to investors' trading style and goals.

Join Goldman Markets today and unlock the potential of global trading with a trusted partner in financial markets. For more information, visit https://gm-markets.com.

In today's digital era, a business’s reputation is no longer confined to word-of-mouth recommendations or physical interactions. The online landscape has dramatically expanded how companies are perceived, making online reputation management (ORM) a critical factor for success. New York-based Danielle Crawford Media specializes in helping businesses shape and protect their online presence, ensuring they maintain a positive reputation that fosters trust and long-term growth.

Consumers are increasingly influenced by social media comments, blog posts, and news articles. A business’s online reputation directly impacts brand credibility, customer loyalty, and revenue. Positive online sentiment fosters trust and attracts potential customers, while negative reviews and misleading information can harm a company’s image. Danielle Crawford Media understands these challenges and provides comprehensive ORM solutions to help businesses navigate the digital landscape effectively.

Trust is a cornerstone of any successful business. Danielle Crawford Media empowers companies to proactively manage their online presence, engage with customers, and highlight positive interactions. By strategically showcasing satisfied customer experiences and responding effectively to feedback, businesses can enhance their credibility and demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction.

ORM also plays a key role in brand storytelling. Through strategic content creation, businesses can shape their narrative, highlight achievements, and share positive customer experiences, reinforcing their brand identity and market position.

Search engine optimization (SEO) and online reputation management (ORM) go hand in hand. By optimizing online content, businesses improve search engine rankings while influencing their reputation. Danielle Crawford Media implements ORM strategies that incorporate SEO best practices, ensuring that positive content ranks higher than negative reviews or misleading information. This proactive approach helps businesses maintain control over their online image and attract more potential customers.

Misinformation and negative press can damage a business’s reputation if not handled effectively. Danielle Crawford Media provides crisis management services that allow businesses to respond swiftly to negative feedback, false claims, or PR missteps. By monitoring online discussions and addressing concerns in a timely, empathetic manner, businesses can mitigate damage and turn potential crises into opportunities for growth.

Ignoring complaints or responding defensively can further escalate issues, which is why Danielle Crawford Media helps businesses develop crisis management plans to ensure transparent and effective communication during challenging times.

Beyond damage control, ORM is also about fostering ongoing customer engagement. Businesses that actively communicate with their audience through social media, forums, and review platforms build stronger relationships with their customers. Danielle Crawford Media encourages businesses to maintain an active online presence, share valuable content, and highlight positive customer stories, ultimately strengthening brand loyalty.

Satisfied customers who feel heard and appreciated are more likely to recommend a business to their network, driving organic referrals and further boosting the company’s reputation.

Online reputation management is no longer optional—it is essential. Whether through SEO improvements, strategic content creation, or proactive customer engagement, Danielle Crawford Media provides businesses with the tools they need to protect and enhance their online image. In today’s fast-paced digital world, a strong reputation is the key to long-term success, and businesses that embrace ORM are poised to thrive.

About Danielle Crawford Media

Danielle Crawford Media, we are committed to amplifying your brand’s voice and driving impactful growth. Our mission is to deliver personalized digital strategies that prioritize measurable success and meaningful engagement. We craft data-driven marketing plans uniquely designed to align with your brand’s goals, ensuring impactful results. Our full-service solutions—from SEO to content creation—are designed to boost engagement and grow your audience effectively. For more information, visit https://www.daniellecrawfordmedia.com.

For many homeowners, lawn care is a constant burden—consuming weekends, requiring physical effort, or adding to expenses with professional services. But what if keeping your lawn pristine no longer demanded your time or energy?

ANTHBOT is proud to introduce the ANTHBOT Genie, an AI-powered robotic mower that is set to revolutionize lawn care. With advanced automation, precision technology, and seamless operation, Genie transforms lawn care into a fully hands-free experience. No more exhausting afternoons behind a mower, no more uneven patches, no more disrupted weekends. Just a consistently well-kept lawn and more time to enjoy the things that truly matter.

For homeowners who dream of a perfectly manicured lawn without the hassle, the ANTHBOT Genie delivers a truly hands-free experience. Unlike traditional mowers that require constant supervision, Genie thinks, adapts, and optimizes every aspect of lawn care, ensuring a pristine yard with minimal user effort.

Traditional robotic mowers often leave patchy, uneven cuts, especially in complex yards with tight corners or slopes. ANTHBOT Genie solves this problem with cutting-edge AI technology and ACC automatic mapping. Using AI-powered path planning, Genie intelligently analyzes the lawn’s shape, identifies boundaries, and creates an optimized mowing route that ensures complete coverage—even in hard-to-reach spots.

Setup is effortless—one tap in the app generates a precise lawn map, with smart boundary recognition adapting to any yard without manual wiring. Genie also optimizes mowing for lawn health, following the 2/3 golden rule (cutting only the top third of the grass) and using rain detection sensors to avoid post-rain damage.

Weak signals and connectivity issues have long been a challenge for robotic mowers, especially in yards with trees, fences, or buildings. Genie’s Full-Band RTK technology offers 10x the signal strength of standard models, ensuring uninterrupted operation even in difficult environments. Whether navigating a backyard with tall hedges or moving between different mowing zones, Genie stays connected and gets the job done—without human intervention.

Equipped with enhanced wide-tread tires, Genie provides superior traction and grip, allowing it to climb slopes up to 24° with stability and ease. Its low center of gravity further enhances balance, preventing tipping or slipping—even on wet or loose soil. 

Beyond navigation, Genie ensures a precise and clean cut on any lawn condition. Its titanium-coated stainless steel blades remain sharper for longer, reducing wear and tear while delivering a smooth, even trim without clumps of leftover grass. The self-rotating blade system minimizes impact from hard objects, preventing damage and extending the mower’s lifespan.

Unlike conventional robotic mowers, ANTHBOT Genie combines AI-powered vision with a 360° collision sensor for uninterrupted mowing.

Its four high-resolution cameras with a 300° ultra-wide field of view allow Genie to recognize and navigate around obstacles using advanced AI trained on hundreds of thousands of real-world images. When visual detection isn’t possible, the 360° collision sensor acts as a fail-safe—redirecting Genie upon contact to prevent getting stuck.

Safety has always been a concern with robotic mowers, especially when it comes to small animals. ANTHBOT Genie eliminates this risk with an AI-driven vision system trained to recognize various hedgehog species and behaviors. If a hedgehog is detected—whether curled up or moving—Genie instantly stops or reroutes, ensuring their safety. Beyond hedgehogs, Genie’s multi-object recognition system identifies birds, nests, and other small animals, adjusting its path in real time to avoid harm.

Genie fundamentally changes how homeowners interact with their outdoor spaces, providing time, freedom, and a consistently perfect lawn with zero effort.

As AI-driven home automation continues to reshape modern living, robotic solutions like Genie are not just about convenience—they redefine how people interact with their outdoor spaces. By eliminating the manual labor traditionally associated with lawn care, Genie gives homeowners more time to relax, more time to spend with loved ones, and more time to enjoy their outdoor environments without the burden of maintenance.

ANTHBOT Genie is more than a robotic mower; it is a glimpse into a future where technology works seamlessly in the background, allowing people to focus on what truly matters.

 

The ANTHBOT Genie is an AI-powered lawn care assistant that delivers effortless, precise, and adaptive mowing. Now is the great moment to upgrade to AI-driven lawn care.

 

As part of ANTHBOT’s anniversary celebration, homeowners can enjoy exclusive limited-time savings on ANTHBOT Genie.

View the details:

From March 19 at 17:00 CET to April 19 at 18:00 CEST, visit the ANTHBOT official website to explore a smarter way to care for your lawn. Check out the official Facebook and YouTube for more tailored information.

With the right technology handling the work, you can spend less time mowing and more time enjoying the moments that matter.

 

ANTHBOT is a global leader in smart yard robotics, committed to its mission: "Smart Bot for the Easy Life." By integrating advanced robotics with AI, the company pioneers innovative solutions for a smart, convenient lifestyle. With a strong focus on R&D, ANTHBOT develops proprietary AI algorithms, enhancing seamless software-hardware integration and building a solid competitive edge in robotics and AI. As an AI robotics expert, ANTHBOT delivers efficient and intelligent service robots to households worldwide, bringing innovation and transformation for smart home industry. For more information, visit https://www.anthbot.com and check us out on Facebook and YouTube.

Lucra, the leading provider of social gamification technology, and PUTTR, the AI-enabled, connected putting platform, today announced a partnership that will revolutionize the at-home golf experience through competitive play.

With the continued growth of off-course golfers in recent years (who now outnumber green grass players), PUTTR advances the market need for convenient, data-driven training solutions for both golf enthusiasts and beginners. Lucra's proprietary gamification software will be seamlessly integrated into PUTTR's mobile app, enabling users to remotely compete in peer-vs-peer challenges, social tournaments, private pools, and more, for cash prizes or exclusive rewards. This partnership represents Lucra's first integration with a physical at-home training product, expanding the company's presence in the golf vertical beyond its existing venue-based partnerships.

The integration will allow PUTTR users to challenge friends, colleagues, or anyone else with a PUTTR to putting competitions with customizable stakes, transforming solitary practice sessions into fun social experiences. Lucra and PUTTRs complementary tech offerings will allow for automatic settlement of competitions, strict adherence to all legal and compliance requirements, and a best-in-class customer experience that provides a variety of gameplay formats including private pools, brackets, and tournaments.

"What makes this partnership particularly exciting is how perfectly PUTTR aligns with Lucra's core tenets of friendly competition and data-driven gameplay," said Michael Madding, COO at Lucra. "By bringing the social elements of on-course golf into the home, we're helping PUTTR users enjoy the thrill of competition even when they don't have the time or resources to make it to the course."

The partnership adds another dimension to Lucra's expanding presence in location-based entertainment and golf, complementing existing partnerships with venue-based experiences like Dave & Buster’s, TouchTunes, and Five Iron. It also represents a strategic entry into the at-home fitness and training segment, potentially opening doors to future partnerships with other connected fitness platforms.

"By partnering with Lucra, PUTTR is doubling down on its commitment to best-in-class gameplay, training, and customer experience, allowing customers to prove once and for all who's got the best game on the green," said Matthew Allard, founder and CEO at PUTTR. "Lucra's breadth of gameplay options combined with its robust risk management and compliance infrastructure made it the clear choice as our technology partner."

For PUTTR and its growing community of users, the partnership delivers several key benefits:

The integration is designed to drive three core metrics for PUTTR's business growth:

The partnership will roll out to PUTTR's thousands of existing customers in phases, with initial features launching later this year followed by expanded gameplay format and exclusive prizing functionality.

This collaboration marks the first time a white-label gamification provider has partnered with an at-home golf training product, setting a new standard for interactive training experiences in the growing off-course golf market.

Lucra is the leading technology provider of social gamification services. Its aim is to bring offline competitions online, and to create a safe, trustworthy, and trackable experience for consumers and clients. Delivered via a white-label, native Software Development Kit (SDK), clients are able to embed Lucra’s gamification engine directly into their mobile app or website. The technology facilitates low-to-no stakes competitions for cash, credit, or coupons to create a gamified loyalty experience for customers. Lucra helps to keep the fun & funds inside of its partners’ ecosystems, allowing clients to drive incremental traffic, increase dwell time, and unlock new revenue streams. For more information, visit lucrasports.com.

PUTTR uses technology and design to connect the world through putting, empowering golfers to improve by connecting and competing anywhere, anytime. PUTTR utilizes proven practice methods to create a community of golfers dedicated to improving their game while having fun and inspiring confidence. For more information on PUTTR, please visit https://puttr.co.

KSD Miner, a UK-based company that has reshaped the cryptocurrency mining landscape with innovative cloud mining contracts, today provided insights into why its most sought-after cloud mining services platform is leading the latest cryptocurrency cloud mining revolution.

As the cryptocurrency market continues to grow at an incredible pace, Bitcoin, XRP, and DOGE experience natural fluctuations. Investors are searching for stable, high-yield passive income opportunities. AI-powered cloud mining has emerged as a game-changer, offering a seamless way to maximize crypto earnings without the technical complexities of traditional mining. With the right platform, investors can generate a daily income of $5,000–$10,000 or more, making cloud mining a strategic financial move for 2025.

KSD Miner's platform provides top-tier infrastructure, empowering all types of investors—regardless of their technical expertise.

KSD Miner has become a preferred choice for those seeking to build wealth through passive cryptocurrency income. By integrating artificial intelligence and green energy solutions, the platform enables investors to earn daily returns without requiring specialized mining knowledge or hardware maintenance.

KSD Miner has a global user base of 8.5 million members. Register now to join a free cloud mining contract and take control of your financial future.

What sets KSD Miner apart is its high-profit potential. Users can earn up to $8,950 per day, making it one of the most lucrative cloud mining platforms available. This passive income model allows investors to generate significant earnings with minimal effort.

Security and transparency are at the core of KSD Miner’s operations. The platform protects user funds and adheres to industry regulations. By leveraging clean energy, KSD Miner maximizes profits while reducing its environmental footprint, making it a sustainable investment choice.

For investors that are tired of the limitations of a traditional 9-to-5 job, KSD Miner’s passive income model offers daily earnings ranging from $507 to $8,950, depending on size of the contract. KSD Miner utilizes solar energy and advanced cryptocurrency mining technology, allowing individuals to earn substantial profits without active participation.

Choose a contract that suits your investment strategy:

For more information on new contracts, visit the official KSD Miner website.

Once you activate your mining contract, the system begins working for you. KSD Miner’s advanced technology ensures efficient mining operations, maximizing your potential earnings.

Looking for an extra income stream? KSD Miner offers an exclusive affiliate program where users can refer others and earn up to $22,000 in commissions. With no cap on referrals, the earning potential is limitless.

KSD Miner is a legally registered UK company engaged in network encryption technology services, authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority. Since its founding in 2016, it has earned the trust of more than 8.5 million users worldwide. KSD Miner’s mission is to make cloud mining accessible to everyone by offering cutting-edge technology and large-scale industrial data centers that can be accessed from any device, anywhere.

Established in 2016 and headquartered in Harrow, KSD Miner is a global leader in the cryptocurrency cloud mining industry. After years of development and continuous growth, we currently have more than 100 large-scale environment-friendly energy mines around the world with users in 195 countries and regions. Trusted by more than 8 million users worldwide, we aim to always stay at the forefront of blockchain and cryptocurrency technology applications. For more information, visit https://investingincryptocurrency.com.

As Bitcoin soars and altcoins follow, investors are asking a key question: Which passive income method can turn a small $500 investment into life-changing gains?

The concept of passive income has grown in popularity as people look for ways to earn money with minimal effort. Passive income refers to earnings generated regularly with little to no active involvement.

Among the many investment options available, crypto cloud mining stands out. This innovative approach has transformed the financial landscape, providing new opportunities for those seeking financial growth. Cloud mining allows individuals to participate in cryptocurrency mining without expensive hardware or technical expertise, making it one of the most accessible ways to earn passive income.

Cloud mining enables individuals to mine cryptocurrencies without purchasing or maintaining mining equipment, a process that is both costly and time-consuming. Instead, users rent mining power from cloud mining providers, participate in mining operations, and receive a share of the profits.

Interested in cloud mining? Follow these steps to begin.

STG Energy is a leading cryptocurrency mining platform, offering a trusted solution for earning passive income. The platform has launched a free Bitcoin, KDA, and ETH cloud mining plan, making Bitcoin mining accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise or financial resources. Once users mine $100 worth of Bitcoin, they can transfer it to their account and trade or withdraw it to their personal wallet.

New users who sign up on the official STG Energy website receive an instant $15 welcome bonus.

STG Energy offers flexible mining plans, including:

For example, a $5,000 investment generates $119 per day, totaling $4,165 after 30 days, including the principal return.

This is the most exciting stage of cloud mining. With daily payouts, STG Energy processes earnings every day, and returns are automatically transferred to user accounts. Investors can track progress and reinvest as needed.

With optimal mining performance, a $500 investment could generate substantial passive income, and users can withdraw their earnings at any time.

Want to increase your earnings effortlessly? STG Energy offers an affiliate program where users can earn 7% commission on referrals.

Here’s how it works:

The best part? There’s no cap on earnings—the more people you invite, the more you make.

STG Energy is operated by a team of certified professionals with expertise in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency security. The platform employs EV SSL encryption to protect user data and DDoS protection to safeguard servers.

Additionally, STGEnergy’s FAC-regulated cloud mining contracts provide investors with:

STG Energy presents an opportunity for investors to enter the crypto mining space without large upfront costs. By leveraging its free cloud mining service, users can start earning Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in 2025. With a user-friendly interface, daily payouts, and scalable growth potential, STG Energy makes participating in the digital currency revolution more accessible than ever.

To learn more, visit https://stgenergy.com.

About STG Energy

STG Energy, founded in February 2017, is a leading cloud mining service provider headquartered in the UK. Over the years, we have expanded our operations to multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, Iceland, and Kazakhstan, where we manage hundreds of mining farms. With members from over 160 countries and a global user base exceeding 4 million, STG continues to drive innovation in cloud mining. For more information, visit https://stgenergy.com.

Eldorado.gg, a leading marketplace for in-game currencies and digital assets, today announced the implementation of Primer as a new payment platform to improve the user experience. This integration enables more seamless transactions for Eldorado's global customer base and reinforces the company’s position as a leader in the digital gaming marketplace. By leveraging Primer’s advanced payment infrastructure, Eldorado's aims to provide quicker, more reliable checkouts while continuing to prioritize security and flexibility in transactions.

With Primer integrated into its system, Eldorado offers customers a smoother payment process across a wide range of payment methods. Primer’s technology consolidates multiple payment providers into a single unified platform, reducing friction at checkout. As a result, gamers buying virtual goods on Eldorado —from game accounts to in-game currencies—can complete purchases faster and with greater confidence. The new setup minimizes payment failures and downtime by intelligently routing transactions through multiple providers, ensuring that each purchase is processed even if one network encounters issues.

“Eldorado’s goal is to ensure it's quick, easy and secure for our customers to find the best product for their favorite game, make a payment, receive their order, and get back to playing,” said Arminas Šimkus, Payments Product Owner at Eldorado.gg. “Integrating Primer’s platform helps us deliver on that promise by enabling a seamless payment experience. It builds trust through higher reliability and gives our users more choice in how they pay, all while keeping transactions secure.”

The move to implement Primer not only improves the customer experience but also solidifies Eldorado's standing in the gaming commerce sector. As a marketplace serving millions of gamers worldwide, Eldorado recognizes that a smooth transaction process is critical for maintaining trust between buyers and sellers of digital goods. By adopting innovative payment solutions like Primer, Eldorado differentiates itself as a forward-thinking platform willing to invest in infrastructure that benefits its user community. This enhancement positions Eldorado strongly as the digital asset trading market continues to grow, enabling the company to capture further market share through superior service quality.

Eldorado's marketplace facilitates player-to-player trading of digital assets across numerous popular video games. From World of Warcraft Classic Gold to Fortnite accounts, the platform enables safe transactions for a variety of in-game valuables. The integration of Primer’s payment technology ensures that regardless of the asset being traded or the buyer’s location, the transaction can be completed smoothly. This high level of reliability and ease of use encourages repeat business and attracts new users seeking a trustworthy marketplace.

In line with its commitment to payment flexibility, Eldorado is actively working to implement Adyen and Stripe as additional payment gateways. Integrating these global payment processors will offer customers even more ways to pay—from traditional credit cards to region-specific digital wallets—while adding extra layers of redundancy to ensure payments are processed without interruption. By adding Adyen and Stripe, Eldorado aims to broaden its international reach with localized payment choices, all upheld by the platform’s high standards of security and compliance.

Eldorado continues to prioritize the security of transactions on its platform alongside expanding its payment features. All payments are protected with industry-standard encryption and fraud prevention measures, safeguarding sensitive data at every step of the purchase. Moreover, the company’s proprietary TradeShield™ system provides an added layer of protection for marketplace trades: it holds the seller’s funds in escrow and guarantees that buyers receive their goods as described or obtain a full refund. This comprehensive approach—combining secure payment processing, robust fraud checks, and an escrow-backed guarantee—underscores Eldorado’s commitment to a safe trading environment for digital assets.

Founded in 2020, Eldorado.gg is a premier online marketplace, where gamers can securely buy and sell in-game currencies, accounts, items, and other digital assets. As a trusted hub for player-to-player transactions across popular games, we provide a user-friendly platform with competitive pricing, robust security features like the TradeShield™ protection system, and 24/7 customer support. Our mission is to make in-game trading fast, easy, and secure, empowering players to enhance their gaming experiences with confidence. For more information, visit https://www.eldorado.gg.

Unlisted, the AI-powered technology company specializing in off-market residential real estate, today announced Melanie Hayes of The Heider Company at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty is the first agent in the DC metropolitan area to publish an agent profile. Hayes joins her colleagues Joy Denton of Sotheby’s International Realty in Beverly Hills, CA and Brian Caluori of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty in Boston, MA.

Unlisted technology is designed to allow agents, buyers, and homeowners to see beyond the MLS. Agents have long searched the tax records to identify homes for clients when nothing on the MLS worked. Unlisted elevates that process and makes the data organized and searchable for everyone.

The platform utilizes publicly available real estate data to create a digital property profile for every home in the country. The real estate records can be quickly searched and organized into curated lists of homes that fit a buyer’s criteria. While the buyers and their agents realize the homes are not for sale, it provides a list of properties they may approach about a potential offer.

Unlisted is unveiling a new feature that leverages the expertise of thoughtfully vetted, proven real estate professionals in the local market to support users. Hayes says, “I believe Unlisted will become an invaluable tool for agents and a reference for homeowners and buyers. I want my profile to be visible and to make myself readily available to help a buyer or homeowner exploring a purchase or sale in the 20007 zip code.”

Hayes serves as an advisor to Unlisted and has guided the startup from its infancy to a national presence and seven-figure funding. On account of Hayes the agent profile was designed to highlight a local agent with a track record in that neighborhood and someone with niche expertise that can truly offer guidance.

Unlike other online platforms, the agents for each zip code are vetted and must be able to offer true value to a prospective buyer or seller. The ethos of Unlisted is different from other real estate websites, the platform is designed to offer information and connection.

Hayes brings extensive real estate experience to her role at Unlisted. She has been with TTR Sotheby's International Realty since 2012, focusing primarily on transactions in Northwest Washington, D.C. Her understanding of the Georgetown market makes her the ideal partner for Unlisted. Hayes is an active member of the Georgetown community, where she lives and works. Additionally, Hayes created GeorgetownPropertyListings.com, a website with local listings.

"We are thrilled to launch Unlisted in the Georgetown market with Melanie Hayes as our agent of record. Her reputation for professionalism, discretion, and delivering exceptional results aligns perfectly with our mission to provide an unmatched off-market real estate experience," said Katie Hill, founder and CEO, Unlisted. "With Melanie’s expertise we are confident this partnership will bring incredible opportunities for buyers and homeowners in Georgetown."

To learn more about Unlisted, visit UnlistedHomes.com. For Unlisted for Agents, visit UnlistedHomes.com/Agents.

To learn more about Melanie Hayes visit GeorgetownPropertyListings.com

About Unlisted

Unlisted is an AI-powered real estate technology platform designed to reveal off-market property opportunities. By leveraging machine learning, the company creates more dynamic, efficient market opportunities for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. For more information, visit https://unlistedhomes.com.

Cats may be cherished companions in nearly 50 million U.S. households, but their genetics remain a mystery. Darwin’s Cats, a pioneering research initiative from the nonprofit Darwin’s Ark, is working to change that and calling on cat lovers everywhere to take part in the largest community-powered feline genetics study to date. With its innovative fur-based DNA sequencing method—a first in pet science—Darwin’s Cats is making it easier than ever to contribute to genetics research to improve the health and well-being of cats everywhere.

 

Unlike traditional DNA collection methods, which require saliva swabs or blood draws, fur-based sequencing offers a stress-free way for thousands of cat owners to take science into their own hands—literally. With just a simple brush of their cat’s coat, an easy process that most cats already enjoy, participants can help build the most comprehensive feline genetic database ever assembled to catalyze important scientific discoveries.

“Cats are one of the least-studied companion animals in genomics, and as a result we are missing out on all that genetics can tell us about their ancestry, behavior, and health,” said Dr. Elinor Karlsson, Chief Scientist at Darwin’s Ark, Associate Professor at UMass Chan Medical School, and Director of the Vertebrate Genomics Group at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. “I’m excited about Darwin’s Cats’ fur-based DNA collection because it is easy on the cat and easy to scale, making it possible for us to level up cat genetics research.”

Launched last year, Darwin’s Cats is a community science initiative that brings together cat owners, leading researchers, and innovative genomic technologies to solve the mysteries of cat genetics. To advance this research, scientists at Darwin’s Ark developed a novel method for sequencing DNA using fur. This game-changing approach to DNA collection is cat-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable, setting the stage for Darwin’s Cats to advance large-scale genetics research.

By combining genetic data with owner-provided information on appearance, behavior, and health, Darwin’s Cats researchers will be able to investigate:

“This is an exciting opportunity for cat lovers to play a pivotal role in scientific discovery,” said Jill Simmons, Darwin’s Ark CEO. “By harnessing the passion and unmatched expertise of thousands of cat owners, we can transform what we know about cats and help them live healthier, happier lives.”

With 5,000 cats enrolled, Darwin’s Cats is the world’s largest feline community science initiative. And now, thanks to its innovative fur-based approach to DNA sequencing, it is ready for cat lovers everywhere to take part in this groundbreaking study, aiming to enroll 100,000 cats and sequence 5,000 DNA samples in the next year. 

Interested cat owners can become community scientists by registering for free and sharing insights about their cat through research surveys. Those wanting to help expand science’s understanding of feline genetics will receive a DNA kit with a $150 tax-deductible donation that supports the cost of sequencing and analysis. Participants will get regular research updates, and once 1,000 cats are sequenced, they will also receive ancestry and other insights about their cat’s genetics.

Enrollment is now open at darwinsark.org.

About Darwin’s Ark

Darwin’s Ark is a community science nonprofit that catalyzes groundbreaking genetics research by engaging pets and their people in scientific discovery. By uniting pet lovers with leading scientists and cutting-edge genomic technology, Darwin’s Ark explores the genetic foundations of health and behavior—advancing scientific discoveries that improve health and well-being for both pets and their people. Learn more and join the journey of discovery at: https://darwinsark.org.

Statusphere's automated micro-influencer marketing platform continues to innovate in the creator marketing space, most recently through campaigns with GreenPan. The premium cookware brand scaled its UGC using Statusphere’s creator matchmaking technology, resulting in 263 creator posts and 476K+ total views on Instagram. GreenPan also eliminated 286 hours of manual work thanks to the platform’s pre-negotiated collabs with vetted creators.

GreenPan needed a more efficient way to recruit creators and test how UGC impacted paid social campaigns featuring their eco-friendly cookware. The brand wanted to:

The Solution

Using 300+ first-party data points, Statusphere’s platform matched GreenPan with micro-influencers whose lifestyles aligned with the brand’s target audience. By tapping into a network of vetted creators passionate about health-conscious products, GreenPan sourced repurporsable content at scale. This resulted in a steady stream of guaranteed creator content, seamless creator collaborations and a growing UGC library for ongoing promotions.

The Results

What GreenPan Had To Say

“We’re seeing a 3–5X ROAS with UGC created through Statusphere’s platform. Our VP, who’s always challenging us to create authentic content that truly resonates with consumers, has been really impressed by the results. The UGC ads from Statusphere are rapidly becoming top performers in our increasingly complex marketing funnel. We’re grateful for the quality and time-saving benefits that Statusphere’s technology provides, enabling us to scale content creation more efficiently," said Nicole Motto, Influencer & Social Media Marketing Manager at GreenPan.

Why Micro-Influencers Are Difference-Makers

Relatable content and recommendations from “small’ creators are more valuable than ever to consumers. Meanwhile, UGC is a proven way to boost paid social performance but acquiring content from creators at scale is an ongoing challenge for brands.

GreenPan’s success highlights how Statusphere’s automated influencer platform removes barriers to creator recruitment and content sourcing, allowing brands to focus on running high-performing campaigns.

Statusphere’s creator matchmaking technology empowers brands like GreenPan to efficiently connect with the right influencers using 300+ targeting parameters. This allows brands to:

Book a demo to see how Statusphere can help you scale authentic UGC for your paid social campaigns.

About Statusphere

Statusphere is a leading micro-influencer marketing platform that helps busy consumer brands scale influencer collaborations to thousands in a fraction of the time. Trusted by 700+ companies, the platform combines a recruitment-free matchmaking algorithm, automated community management, 48-hour shipping, and guaranteed content to help brands maximize their influencer marketing investment while saving hundreds of hours. To learn more, visit https://joinstatus.com.

Spirited Hive, a premium line of ready-to-drink canned cocktails, is pleased to announce a partnership with Publix Liquors, enabling its immediate expansion into Florida.

To celebrate the growth and expansion, Spirited Hive will host several community events in Tampa, Miami and Orlando through its Hive Community initiative, which connects health-conscious consumers looking for beverage options to complement their balanced lifestyle. Attendees will have an opportunity to taste the better-for-you cocktails firsthand with wellness-oriented activations and exclusive giveaways.

“We continue to see a growing demand for premium ingredients and unique flavor profiles in beverage options among consumers, especially along the coasts,” said Jack Espy, founder and CEO, Spirited Hive. “Only using the most high-quality ingredients possible, our canned spirits are primarily sweetened with organic wildflower honey, giving these classic cocktails a modern twist.”

Fresh off a recent funding round of $3.5 million, Spirited Hive continues to expand into new markets and improve its distribution network given consumer interest in diverse beverage offerings.

Spirited Hive is now available in 355 Publix Liquors stores across Florida and comes in four flavors, along with a Tropical Variety four-pack, priced at $13.99. The RTD cocktails are crafted with premium spirits, sweetened with organic wildflower honey, and are gluten-free.

Spirited Hive is now available in six states including Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, and Connecticut.

About Spirited Hive

Spirited Hive is a premium line of ready-to-drink craft cocktails that redefine the classics. Made with high-quality spirits including gin, tequila, and vodka, Spirited Hive is the only Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktail that is fully sweetened by organic wildflower honey in the U.S., providing a better-for-you beverage with no artificial ingredients or synthetic sweeteners. Spirited Hive is a proud partner of Project Apis m., which funds research and efforts to improve honey bee health and vitality. For more information or to find a retailer near you, please visit www.spiritedhive.com or follow @spiritedhive on social media. 

In the dynamic world of finance, few individuals have managed to balance sustainability, innovation, and growth as effectively as Sis Barseghyan, Partner and Chairman of Greenverse Partners. Under his contributions, Greenverse has become a leading player in responsible investment, advocating for long-term strategies that prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

In addition to his role at Greenverse, Barseghyan serves as Managing Director and Partner at Venture Capital Advisors Ltd (VCA), where he leads efforts to provide global debt solutions. Specializing in collaboration with banks, corporations, sovereign entities, and supranationals, VCA offers expert services across a variety of debt products, including single and multi-tranche issuances, private placements, and high-yield transactions.

Barseghyan's contributions at VCA plays a crucial role in helping clients navigate complex financial challenges, whether they are seeking to expand through mergers and acquisitions or raise capital for growth. His strategic vision ensures that VCA delivers tailored, innovative debt solutions that meet the evolving needs of both developed and emerging markets.

Invista Capital Advisers: Pioneering Investments in Hospitality and Real Estate

Before his work at Greenverse and VCA, Barseghyan was Managing Director and Partner at Invista Capital Advisers, where he managed substantial portfolios in the European hospitality and real estate sectors. In this role, he provided strategic advice, managed complex transactions, and offered operational support to maximize investment value.

His time at Invista sharpened his ability to balance operational management with financial strategy, establishing him as a well-rounded leader capable of driving growth in multifaceted industries.

Covenant Venture Capital: Nurturing the Next Wave of Innovation

In addition to his work in finance and sustainable investment, Barseghyan is also a Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, where he focuses on supporting high-growth startups and fostering cutting-edge innovations. His role ensures that emerging businesses receive the financial backing and strategic guidance needed to thrive.

Barseghyan’s involvement in venture capital reflects his commitment to shaping the future of business, particularly in sectors poised for transformative growth. His keen ability to identify and nurture emerging talent has made him a key figure in supporting the next generation of global leaders.

A Career Built on Strategic Leading

Barseghyan's career in finance began at DNB Markets and Barclays Capital, where he honed his expertise in leveraged finance and infrastructure mergers and acquisitions. These early experiences laid the foundation for his later success, equipping him with the skills to navigate the complexities of global financial markets and manage large-scale transactions.

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

Sis Barseghyan’s career is a testament to the power of combining financial expertise with a commitment to responsible investment. As one of the three partners at Greenverse Partners, he contributes to leading a firm that is transforming the investment landscape by focusing on sustainability, innovation, and long-term growth.

Barseghyan's contributions across Greenverse, VCA, and Covenant Venture Capital positions him as a forward-thinking leader in finance, one whose influence is shaping industries critical to the future of business.

Barseghyan’s Vision for Lithuania and the Baltics: Unlocking Market Potential

Sis Barseghyan is eager to bring his extensive experience in finance and sustainable investment to the Baltic region, recognizing the untapped potential within its growing market. He sees significant opportunities in the country, especially in advancing sustainable business practices and driving innovation across industries. Barseghyan aims to leverage his global expertise in debt arrangement, venture capital, and strategic leading to enhance the Baltic’s economic landscape. By helping local businesses scale internationally and attract global investment, he hopes to position the Baltic region as a competitive hub for sustainable growth in Europe.

Greenverse Partners is an action-oriented investment and research & development company primarily focused on technological advances in the renewable energy sector. Our mission is twofold: to improve existing energy systems by reshaping them into more environmentally friendly assets and to develop front-line green energy technology. We offer multifaceted environmental solutions that are green, safe, affordable, and straightforward. For more information, visit https://greenversepartners.com.

CHEQ, the global leader in Go-to-Market Security, today announced a major advancement in enabling and protecting the future of digital engagement with the debut of its industry-first multi-layered detection engine that combines traffic, threat, and identity intelligence. Building upon CHEQ's recent acquisition of Deduce, a leader in identity intelligence for cyber fraud prevention, the release comes as digital engagement enters an entirely new era, one in which businesses now must interact not only with human customers but also with AI-enabled buyers.

As AI agents, GenAI search, and machine customers increasingly replace engagement that was previously only possible through genuine human interaction—research, discovery, decision-making, and transactions—a new digital engagement paradigm is required to ensure their participation in the customer journey. To do so, businesses must identify, manage, and allow legitimate AI-driven interactions while preventing fraud and abuse in complicated environments where indicators of risk and legitimacy are becoming harder to distinguish. CHEQ’s Traffic, Threat, and Identity Intelligence Engine uniquely combines advanced traffic analysis, threat detection, and identity insights to accurately differentiate legitimate human users, AI agents, and GenAI crawlers from fraudsters, malicious bots, and abusive scripts. CHEQ goes beyond legacy bot and identity solutions with its powerful triple-layer approach, enabling businesses to confidently engage the AI-driven customer journey without sacrificing security or experience.

“We’re at the cusp of a new era where AI is not only prevalent but increasingly influential in the customer journey,” said Guy Tytunovich, co-founder and CEO of CHEQ. “Securing the future of AI-driven digital engagement requires a delicate balance—we must shield businesses from a new generation of threats without ever undermining the revenue opportunities these AI-driven interactions present. At CHEQ, we see it as our responsibility to provide security that supports growth, so companies continue to engage trusted customers with confidence as the digital landscape evolves.”

CHEQ will showcase its AI-Ready Traffic, Threat, and Identity Intelligence at Adobe Summit, March 18–20, in Las Vegas. Attendees can visit booth #279 to see how CHEQ identifies and actions AI agents, AI crawlers, and other traffic types within Adobe Experience Platform, Adobe Analytics, and Marketo Engage.

About CHEQ

CHEQ is the global leader in go-to-market security. More than 15,000 companies, ranging from emerging brands to the Fortune 50, trust CHEQ to protect business-critical digital interactions from human, agent, and machine-driven threats. Powered by its unrivaled, context-specific detection engine, CHEQ offers the most comprehensive set of solutions for securing go-to-market operations from threats to business continuity, brand reputation, privacy compliance, and marketing effectiveness. It’s why CISOs trust CHEQ, marketers love CHEQ, and more businesses choose CHEQ. Founded in 2016, CHEQ is a global organization with offices in New York, London, Tokyo and Tel Aviv. For more information, visit www.cheq.ai.

The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) have joined forces to inspire and develop the next generation of out of home (OOH) advertising leaders through an industry-wide mentorship and talent pipeline initiative. This strategic alliance will provide emerging professionals with career-building opportunities while offering OAAA members a meaningful way to give back, ensuring a strong and diverse talent pipeline for the industry’s future.

“As the OOH industry continues to grow, it’s critical to invest in the next generation of leaders,” said Jeff Jan, EVP, Strategy & Growth at OAAA. “This partnership strengthens our talent pipeline by breaking down industry barriers and creating meaningful professional development opportunities. Together, we are fostering a diverse and skilled workforce that will ensure a vibrant future for OOH advertising.”

Key aspects of the partnership include:

"We’re proud to partner with OAAA to help advance their efforts to introduce the next generation workforce to the out of home advertising industry," said Adam Vasallo, Chief Marketing Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “Our shared interest in empowering young people to be successful in school, their careers and in life, will create the meaningful opportunities and access to leaders across the industry that they need to thrive."

This initiative is part of OOH UNITED, OAAA’s industry-wide effort to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. By expanding access to mentorship and career opportunities, the program helps ensure the OOH industry better reflects the diverse communities it reaches. Participants will play an active role in OOH UNITED’s initiatives throughout the year, furthering efforts to create a more inclusive and representative industry.

“This partnership marks a significant step in demonstrating our industry’s commitment to fostering a diverse talent pipeline, increasing exposure to our industry, and improving the support systems for emerging OOH professionals. It will not only enhance the Future Leaders program by adding an essential component of laddered mentorship to the existing framework but will also cultivate a new generation of diverse and talented professionals that will shape the future of our industry," said OOH UNITED co-chairs Marc Fenty, SVP Director of OOH of Horizon Media, and Candice Simons, President & CEO of Brooklyn Outdoor, in a joint statement.

Additionally, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America will take the stage at OAAA’s 2025 OOH Media Conference in Boston from May 5–7, 2025, to share the transformative power of mentorship and how OOH advertising drives awareness and social impact.

The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) is the national trade association for the entire out of home (OOH) advertising industry. OAAA represents over 850 members, including leading media companies, advertisers, agencies, ad-tech providers, and suppliers. OOH media includes billboards, street furniture, transit, place-based media, and digital formats (DOOH) across every sector of the channel. OAAA is the unifying voice for the industry, the authoritative thought leader, and the passionate advocate for advancing OOH advertising in the United States. The legislative unit of OAAA advocates for the responsible growth of OOH with federal, state, and local governments. OAAA-member media companies donate over $500 million annually in public service advertising. Founded in 1891, OAAA is headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in New York City. For more information, visit https://oaaa.org.

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information, visit bbbs.org.

Strategikon, a leader in clinical trial outsourcing and vendor management solutions, has announced the launch of VISION 4.4, an advanced upgrade designed to provide biopharma and CROs with greater control, efficiency, and security in clinical trial vendor management. This release introduces enhanced system customization, improved data visualization, and advanced vendor role management, directly addressing key industry challenges such as vendor oversight, trial efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

A recent study by the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development found that 75% of biopharma professionals cite data inconsistencies, vendor access issues, and inefficient reporting as major obstacles in clinical outsourcing.

VISION 4.4 tackles these challenges with three significant enhancements:

System & Custom Fields centralizes control over all standard and custom fields, ensuring seamless data consistency across teams. This significantly reduces manual data errors by up to 50%, addressing a key industry pain point where fragmented data across multiple platforms causes delays in decision-making and compliance risks.

Configurable Listings & Views improves trial efficiency through personalized dashboards and customizable views. Users can filter and display only the most relevant vendor data, reducing data retrieval time by 50%. The ability to save preferred views and export reports exactly as displayed eliminates the need for manual adjustments, streamlining vendor oversight and ensuring accurate reporting.

Vendor Role Management focuses on security and compliance upgrade that introduces granular permission controls, ensuring vendors can only access the data relevant to their role. Organizations have reported annual losses of up to $3 million due to unauthorized data access, highlighting the need for stronger oversight. VISION 4.4 also includes bulk role management, enabling faster onboarding and reducing security risks associated with manual permissions updates.

“With VISION 4.4, we are delivering what the industry has been demanding—greater control, visibility, and efficiency in vendor management,” said Anca Copaescu, CEO of Strategikon. “By integrating AI-powered customization, advanced reporting, and enhanced security features, we are empowering biopharma teams to make faster, data-driven decisions while ensuring compliance and operational excellence.”

Strategikon invites industry professionals to experience VISION 4.4 in action:

Strategikon is dedicated to reducing costs and accelerating the market readiness of medical innovations through tailored, cloud-based solutions for clinical trial planning, outsourcing, and vendor management. Our flagship platforms, Clinical Maestro® and VISION®, replace antiquated manual processes with streamlined, end-to-end management tools designed to enhance operational efficiency while mitigating regulatory risks. For more information, visit strategikon.com.

Botanic Tonics, a leading manufacturer of premium plant-based supplements, today announced the recent promotion of Chris Elebesunu to Chief Sales Officer (CSO). In this role, Elebesunu will oversee all aspects of the company's sales operations, distribution strategy and market expansion initiatives.

Prior to his promotion, Elebesunu served as Senior Vice President of Sales at Botanic Tonics, where he led initiatives that resulted in substantial revenue growth and market expansion. His achievements include developing innovative sales programs, strengthening distributor relationships and building high-performing sales teams across multiple regions.

"One of my top priorities when I joined the company was to strengthen our sales leadership. Bringing someone in with Chris's track record and background has helped accelerate our brand growth tremendously," said Cameron Korehbandi, CEO and President of Botanic Tonics. "His deep understanding of sales strategy, market development and team building makes him the ideal person to lead our sales organization as we continue to expand our national footprint."

"I'm honored to take on this new role at such an exciting time in Botanic Tonics' growth," said Elebesunu. "We have an incredible opportunity to continue expanding our market presence while maintaining our commitment to quality and consumer education. I look forward to working with our talented sales team to drive the next phase of our company's growth." 

Elebesunu holds a degree from The Ohio State University and has extensive sales operations and distribution experience in the domestic U.S. market and internationally across Europe.

To learn more about Botanic Tonics, visit www.botanictonics.com.

Disclaimer: Consume responsibly. Adults 21 years of age and older only. To learn more, visit our Consumer Education page.

Botanic Tonics is a plant-based herbal supplement company headquartered in Broken Arrow, OK. Established in 2020, it produces kava-forward tonics under its feel free brand. Its signature product, feel free CLASSIC, is crafted with ancient functional plants to provide mood lift, chilled energy, and enhanced focus. Botanic Tonics’ products are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility and actively supports consumer safety regulations through transparent labeling and educational resources. Learn more at https://botanictonics.com.

The Rager Foundation, a Wilmington-based nonprofit dedicated to educational advancement, today shared insights into how Jason Rager, early in his entrepreneurial and executive career, discovered that true business success relies on adhering to traditional values and working alongside liked-minded individuals and organizations. These principles were instrumental in Rager's journey to becoming a highly accomplished executive and investor, earning the admiration of his clients who uphold the same values.

Rager's Rise

Jason Rager's executive career gained momentum even before he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Babson College. During this time, he secured funding to acquire eight retail establishments, generating significant profits. Building on these early successes, he became a published author and developed Franchise Analyzer, a software program designed to help potential investors identify optimal investment opportunities.

Rager then broadened his focus by founding several technology companies and exploring ventures in digital marketing and media. This progression ultimately led to the creation of Rager Capital Partners, a private investment firm.

Jason Rager acknowledges that he faced more than his fair share of setbacks and challenges throughout his journey. However, he believes that traditional values like resilience and determination have been essential to his remarkable success.

"I think the most important characteristics that define success and overcoming challenges are grit and passion," Rager said. He added that those who achieve ambitious goals are often individuals who have the courage to stand out and remain dedicated to their core mission.

The Rager Family Office

These core principles led Rager to his latest and highly successful venture, the Rager Family Office. This investment firm is not solely focused on generating wealth for its clients and is not open to just any investor. Instead, the Rager Family Office seeks to build partnerships with well-established organizations that share Rager’s deeply held values.

The company collaborates closely with and invests directly for various entities, including family offices, hedge funds, institutional investors, public companies, and private equity firms, to drive long-term growth while ensuring beneficial outcomes for all parties involved. Its relationships are built on trust, business dealings are guided by integrity and ethical principles, and a significant portion of profits is dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.

Rager is deeply committed to philanthropy, recognizing its far-reaching positive impact. The Rager Family Office has supported and established various foundations and organizations in its hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. One initiative particularly close to Rager’s heart is the Rager Foundation. Founded in 2021, the foundation serves the greater Wilmington and Brandywine Valley regions, supporting causes that benefit local communities.

"This has been a truly rewarding experience," Rager shared. "Supporting some of the local foundations has been a truly life-changing experience."

The Next Chapter

Professionally, Rager is excited to see his company grow and hopes the Rager Family Office will continue achieving double-digit growth. On a personal level, however, he is preparing for an even more significant role than that of a business executive—he and his wife, Del, are expecting a baby girl this April.

"I look forward to teaching my daughter the values and principles that will ultimately lead her to success and happiness," Rager said.

About the Rager Foundation

The Rager Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making a lasting impact in communities by supporting underprivileged individuals, fostering education, and promoting social welfare initiatives. Committed to driving positive change, we focus on providing financial assistance, scholarships, and resources to those in need, empowering them to build brighter futures. Additionally, we support technology advancement within the community to help Delaware and its citizens maintain a competitive edge in the global economy. For more information, visit https://ragerfoundation.org.

420 Seeds, the world's leading cannabis seed bank, today shared insights on the global cannabis market, which is undergoing a significant transformation fueled by legalization efforts, medical advancements, and shifting consumer preferences. Market analysts predict that the industry will reach $58 billion by 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2%. With expanding opportunities in North America, Europe, and emerging markets, investors and industry stakeholders are closely watching the sector’s financial potential.

Market Size and Growth Projections 

In 2023, global cannabis sales were estimated at $32 billion, with North America dominating over 75% of total revenue due to widespread legalization in the U.S. and Canada. However, international markets are gaining traction, particularly in Europe and Latin America, where regulatory frameworks are gradually opening.

Projections indicate that by 2028, the cannabis market will almost double, with regions like Asia-Pacific and Africa expected to contribute significantly as regulations evolve. This growth presents a substantial opportunity for investors, particularly in medical cannabis, recreational use, and industrial hemp.

Key Drivers of Market Expansion 

Several critical factors are accelerating the cannabis market’s financial growth:

Market Segmentation: Where Is the Growth Happening?

The cannabis market is composed of three primary segments, each with distinct financial implications:

Medical Cannabis: A Dominant Sector

Medical cannabis continues to drive global revenues, with markets such as Germany, the UK, and Australia implementing prescription-based frameworks. Insurance coverage for cannabis-based treatments is gradually expanding, and pharmaceutical companies are investing in clinical trials to gain regulatory approvals.

Recreational Cannabis: Legalization and Market Expansion

The legal recreational cannabis sector is rapidly growing, particularly in North America. Canada and several U.S. states have successfully implemented regulated markets, generating billions in tax revenue. However, illicit markets remain a challenge, as taxation policies sometimes make legal products less competitive.

Industrial Hemp: Sustainability and Innovation

Hemp-based products, including CBD, textiles, and bioplastics, are unlocking new financial opportunities. The industrial hemp market is projected to reach $15.1 billion by 2028, driven by sustainable farming initiatives and demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Countries such as China and France are leading in global hemp production.

European Seed Producers Expanding into the U.S. Market 

The home-growing sector in the U.S. is attracting European cannabis seed producers, increasing competition and affordability. One notable player in this trend is MSNL Seed Bank, originally established in the Netherlands in 1999.

Jack, an operations manager at 420 Seeds, shared insights on the market shift: “The U.S. remains the largest market for cannabis seed banks and breeders, with home growing continuing to dominate. That’s why we opened a New York office—to streamline our supply chain for American customers. However, with Germany legalizing cannabis, we expect more growth in the EU. Other countries may follow their model to legalize cannabis.”

With established European seed producers entering the U.S. market, home growers now have access to a broader selection of premium genetics at lower prices. This increased competition is expected to drive further price reductions and advancements in seed technology.

Global Market Insights

North America: The Industry’s Financial Powerhouse

North America leads the global cannabis industry, with the U.S. and Canada at the forefront. The U.S. cannabis market is valued at $39.1 billion in 2025 and expected to reach $79.9 billion by 2030, driven by increasing state-level legalization and potential federal policy changes.

Europe: Legalization Gaining Momentum

Europe is emerging as a major growth hub, with Germany, the UK, and Portugal advancing medical cannabis adoption. The European market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15%, bolstered by regulatory changes and increasing patient access. If Germany’s recreational legalization sets a precedent, broader EU adoption could follow, opening up new financial opportunities.

Asia-Pacific: Untapped Potential 

The Asia-Pacific region presents long-term growth prospects, with countries such as Thailand, South Korea, and Japan cautiously exploring medical cannabis regulations. China, already the world’s largest hemp producer, is positioning itself as a global supplier of CBD products.

Legalization efforts vary worldwide, with North America pioneering recreational use, while Europe and Asia focus on medical cannabis. The World Health Organization (WHO) has played a role in influencing global cannabis policy reform, prompting governments to reassess their regulatory frameworks.

Challenges in the Legal Landscape 

Regulatory uncertainty remains a key risk for investors. In the U.S., federal prohibition complicates banking and investment, limiting financial services for cannabis businesses. However, shifting political sentiment suggests potential legislative changes, which could unlock new market opportunities.

Investment Trends and Business Strategies 

As cannabis legalization expands, institutional investors, pharmaceutical companies, and consumer goods corporations are increasing their stake in the industry. Successful market entry strategies include:

Several technological and product innovations are shaping the cannabis industry’s future:

With projections indicating a $79.05 billion market valuation by 2030, cannabis is rapidly evolving from a niche industry to a mainstream economic force. Despite regulatory complexities, the sector’s expansion is driven by legalization trends, medical research, and shifting consumer behaviors. As investment capital flows in and product innovations accelerate, the cannabis industry is poised for sustained financial growth across medical, recreational, and industrial sectors.

 

About 420 Seeds

For over 20 years, 420 Seeds has been the leading global retailer of cannabis seeds. We supply a selection of cannabis seeds produced by some of the most prestigious breeders including Barneys, Sensi Seeds, Fast Buds, Auto Seeds, Bomb Seeds, Royal Queen Seeds and MSNL Seeds. We also collaborate with top breeders to develop exclusive, white-label strains, offering our customers the widest possible selection of strains at the best possible prices. For more information, visit https://www.420-seeds.com.