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The global software‑as‑a‑service (SaaS) market is projected to exceed $1 trillion in revenue by 2032. Companies that offer cloud-delivered software reported a 25% median growth rate, showing a consistent growth in recent years. According to various estimates, there are over 40,000 or even 100,000 software-as-a-service providers worldwide, with an increasing number of companies joining this trend.

The reasons are clear: the SaaS business model appeals to startups and SMBs thanks to its reduced infrastructure costs, easy scalability, and predictable revenue. However, it’s not all roses: most tech startups, including SaaS, fail. So if you have an idea and want to reach your target audience with a new cloud-hosted product, you need to have a clear go-to-market strategy and a reliable, experienced development partner.

In this article, we’ll talk about SaaS apps that are growing in adoption, the principles of their work, and the benefits they offer to businesses. We’ll also share insights on how to build a SaaS app that stays successful, highlighting essential things to consider at each development stage.

What is a SaaS application?

A SaaS application is cloud‑hosted software delivered via subscription. Users access it through a web browser or mobile app, while the provider manages the infrastructure, updates, and security.

SaaS solutions can perform virtually any actions and be dedicated to various niches. There are products designed for particular verticals (healthcare, logistics, etc.), while other SaaS products focus on a particular functionality niche (AI automation, team and remote work management, marketing, etc.).

Compared to traditional software, SaaS is more flexible and cost-efficient. Here’s why:

• SaaS reduces infrastructure costs and IT overhead: Instead of buying and maintaining your own servers and hardware, you’ll have a provider that handles all infrastructure.
• SaaS promises a wider reach due to accessibility: Since SaaS solutions can be accessed via a browser on any device, without installation, you can quickly gain customers from anywhere.
• There are lower upfront costs and easier maintenance: You pay a subscription fee rather than investing in hardware, and you don’t face the obstacle of a big upfront licensing cost.

Key characteristics of SaaS products and their development include the following:

• Cloud-based nature: SaaS applications are hosted on the provider’s servers and accessed through a web browser or mobile app.
• Subscription-based payment model: Instead of a one-time license fee, users typically pay a recurring fee (monthly or annually) to access the software. Typically, SaaS businesses offer different subscription tiers based on functionality or usage limits, while some also offer pay-as-you-go models to allow users to only pay for selected features.
• Automated updates: The provider handles all software updates and patches, ensuring users always have the latest version. 
• Multi-tenant architecture: Most SaaS solutions allow multiple customers (tenants) to share the same code, while keeping individual data secure. 
• Scalability: SaaS products are easily scalable by design: they allow adding or removing users and features as needed, which is more flexible than traditional software. 

Types of SaaS applications

As we’ve mentioned, there are SaaS apps for virtually any need and industry. The most popular SaaS categories are:

• Project management: Tools like Trello or Asana help teams organize tasks and manage collaboration in one place. 
• Customer relationship management: CRMs like Salesforce or HubSpot allow businesses to track contacts, manage sales pipelines, and improve customer communication.
• Enterprise resource planning: ERP systems connect finance, HR, supply chains, and other components to give companies a complete view of their operations.
• Accounting and finance: Applications like QuickBooks or Xero simplify invoicing, payroll, and bookkeeping.
• Marketing automation: Platforms like Mailchimp help send targeted emails, while analytics tools like Mixpanel help track campaign performance.
• AI-powered tools: Many SaaS solutions leverage AI/ML development to generate content and automate workflows.
• Industry-specific verticals: A large share of the SaaS market belongs to niche solutions targeted at healthcare, fintech, education, and other industries. Vertical SaaS companies show higher revenues compared to horizontal solutions, but they require a more complex development process, especially for highly regulated niches such as healthcare.

How does a SaaS application work?

SaaS products run on cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or other services). Users connect via browsers or apps; their requests are processed on servers and results returned over the internet.

While most SaaS have a multi-tenant architecture, some employ a single-tenant one for a more targeted, individual approach to customers.

Multi-tenant vs. single-tenant SaaS

In a multi‑tenant solution, individual user data remains separate, but the application itself, including all its databases, is shared. What it means is that updates and bug fixes happen simultaneously for all users (tenants). The biggest advantages of this model are lower setup costs and easier scalability, which are crucial for most startups.

In turn, a single-tenant SaaS implies a dedicated application instance and database per customer, sometimes running in its own virtual private cloud. It’s more expensive to maintain and update a single-tenant architecture, but it offers more customization possibilities.

Many providers use a hybrid approach (multi‑tenant for core services, single‑tenant for data storage) to balance cost and compliance. To choose the right approach for your product, consider a potential user base, current data security challenges, and available resources to allocate for individual update cycles.

Benefits of SaaS application development

The SaaS model attracts founders for a lot of reasons:

• Recurring, predictable revenue streams: Whether you go for a subscription model, other payment options, or a hybrid approach, SaaS allows you to have a steady income that can be calculated from the number of customers, their behavior, and usage statistics for different features.
• Global accessibility: Anyone with access to the internet can use your software from any device, which helps you reach more customers.
• Automated updates: You can roll out improvements and bug fixes without forcing customers to download and install updates.
• Strong security: Security measures like data encryption and compliance certifications are the norm in the SaaS field.
• Built-in analytics: If you integrate analytics from the jump (which is the best practice in SaaS development), you’ll have plenty of real-life user data to work with. It will help you understand customer behavior, identify at-risk customers, build more personalized flows, and so on. 

SaaS offers a simpler entry for startups and small businesses, reducing setup and maintenance costs, speeding up time-to-market, and giving plenty of opportunities to analyze usage data for growing and improving the product. 

The step-by-step guide to SaaS application development

To understand how to develop an effective SaaS app, let’s discover the 8 major steps and things you should take into consideration at each of them.

Step 1. Validate your idea

Start by identifying customer pain points through market research and competitor analysis. Talk to potential customers: interview people in your target audience, participate in online forums, and read reviews of competing tools.

Sketch user personas based on your findings (fictional characters representing your ideal customers) and use the Jobs-To-Be-Done framework to describe how they will interact with your product.

Once the initial research data is collected, you can plan the key features and development steps. But the idea will be fully validated only after you launch an MVP to a test audience to see if it resonates with real users.

Step 2. Define core functionality

Break functionality into must-have and nice‑to‑have categories using prioritization frameworks like MoSCoW (must, should, could, won’t) or RICE (reach, impact, confidence, effort).

Essential elements usually include secure sign‑up and authentication, account management, role‑based access, billing and subscription logic, data export/import, and analytics.

At this early development stage, you should also consider non‑functional requirements like security, accessibility, and compliance. Document your requirements in a product specification that will guide designers and developers.

Step 3. Select a monetization model

While SaaS is normally based on subscriptions, there are many additional options to consider: whether to offer a freemium version, whether to incorporate usage‑based billing (as the main pricing strategy or on top of subscription tiers), how many tiers to include, and so on. You can go for a hybrid approach: combine a subscription base with variable extra fees.

Here are some tips to choose the right monetization strategy for a SaaS app:

• Analyze customer acquisition cost (CAC) and customer lifetime value (CLV) to understand the big picture. A good SaaS business model aims for a CLV that is at least 3x higher than CAC. If your CAC is too high or your CLV is too low, you might be overspending on ads, targeting the wrong users, or struggling with churn.
• Analyze the usage cost on your side (API calls, storage, etc.) to build adequate pricing tiers. Track your cost-per-user based on usage, offer plans that scale with usage, and build in safety nets (usage caps or overage fees).
• Continually test and adjust pricing based on user feedback, conversion rates, and trends among competitors.

Step 4. Choose the best-fitting development stack

The tech stack you pick will affect scalability, development speed, and, ultimately, the longevity of your product.

First of all, it’s essential to find the best cloud service for your needs.

• AWS offers the broadest set of tools, services, and regions. Great for scaling globally, but can feel overwhelming for small teams.
• Azure is a solid choice if your team is already using Microsoft tools (like .NET). It’s also known for strong compliance features.
• Google Cloud is known for its ease of use, competitive pricing, and machine learning capabilities. Works well for startups building data-driven or AI-powered apps.

While it’s possible to migrate later (for instance, when your usage grows), it will require a lot of resources and a carefully curated migration strategy.

For the frontend, choose a modern, responsive framework. Popular options include JavaScript tools like React, Vue, and Angular. For backend development, many SaaS apps use Python (with frameworks like Django and Flask) or Ruby on Rails.

MEAN vs. MERN

A lot of SaaS applications are built on JavaScript development stacks called MEAN (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js) and MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js). Generally speaking, MEAN is suitable for larger, more enterprise-focused solutions, while MERN offers higher flexibility and is easier to get started with.

Step 5. Craft a product roadmap

Define the desired timeline for your software to outline what should be delivered and when. Set major milestones (MVP launch, beta testing, full release) and decide on high-level epics (major functionality components). Note that it’s best to build in some buffer time for unexpected delays.

Having a clear roadmap, you can use Agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban to organize tasks and track progress. Your development team and stakeholders should understand what success metrics exist for each milestone so that it’s easy to measure each step and plan improvement iterations. 

Revisit the roadmap regularly and modify it based on the current progress. It should remain flexible to a certain extent: your priorities might shift based on first real-world feedback or market changes.

Step 6. Build a SaaS development team

If you already have a tech team or want to build one in-house, this will give you better control but cost a lot more resources. On the other hand, partnering with experienced development firms can accelerate delivery and fill skills gaps. With this approach, you can look for companies that have already created similar solutions and know first-hand about the challenges of your niche or particular functionality.

A SaaS app development team typically includes a product owner, UI/UX designers, frontend and backend developers, DevOps engineers, and QA testers (depending on the scope, it might be enough to have one designer / developer / tester on the project).

Step 7. Develop and test your SaaS

This is where your idea is finally getting brought to life. The process of development usually goes through several stages:

• Architecture design: Finalize requirements and select the optimal technical architecture.
• UI/UX design: Designers create wireframes and prototypes that illustrate user flows.
• Coding: Engineers build your SaaS application, with regular code reviews and CI/CD as best practices. 
• QA: Testers use manual and automated approaches to assess different aspects of a SaaS app. Make sure to incorporate testing as early as possible to catch issues before they affect users. 
• Deployment: At this stage, your application is ready to be finalized and prepared for the launch.

Don’t forget that once the development is done and your solution is released, you should have a tech team that handles continuous maintenance and support. 

Step 8. Launch and iterate your SaaS app

Releasing a beta version first is a valid, proven way to see how your application performs in real-world scenarios before marketing it in high gear. It means releasing your SaaS to a limited group of users and collecting feedback from them. 

With in-built analytics, you can monitor adoption, churn, and other valuable metrics to see if the app fulfills customers’ needs the way you expected. Based on the early feedback and KPIs, you can understand where users drop off and which features drive engagement. Then, use these insights to prioritize improvements and fix issues.

A SaaS app is never a “finished” product: continuous iteration is essential to stay competitive and meet evolving customer expectations.

The major challenges of SaaS development (and how to overcome them)

Knowing some of the biggest obstacles you might face with your SaaS app will help you be prepared. SaaS businesses struggle with the following:

• Data security and compliance: SaaS providers need to protect sensitive data and comply with local regulations (for instance, GDPR for EU markets and HIPAA for US-based healthcare products). The solution here is to have an experienced engineer on a team who specializes in security, and implement the best practices such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, regular security audits, and role-based access control. If your SaaS app is designed for a regulated area and targets multiple countries and regions, it might make sense to hire a compliance specialist. 
• Integration complexity: In many ways, SaaS development relies on third-party services, and integration costs range from $1,000 to $50,000 or higher. Adopt API-first design: build your SaaS app with APIs in mind from day one.
• Scalability and performance: Sudden user growth can cause slowdowns if your architecture isn’t prepared. For effective development, plan for horizontal scaling, implement auto‑scaling and caching, and monitor performance metrics.
• User adoption and churn: SaaS companies face an average churn of 5%. You’ll have to constantly analyze metrics and user behavior to prevent churn and improve engagement. Intuitive onboarding and responsive customer support are among the major driving forces to keep your users satisfied. But the most crucial thing is the value your product delivers: it should respond to a particular need and fulfill it the way your target users expect.
• Budget management: Many early-stage SaaS projects stall or fail due to budget issues. Start with a narrow scope and prioritize must‑have features. Speaking of ways to develop your SaaS app, outsourcing can significantly reduce costs and take off many administrative burdens. To understand a rough estimate of how much your SaaS development might cost, micro products tackling a narrow problem can be built for $10-20,000, while average apps will take around $50-100,000 and more.

Does it make sense to migrate an existing app to a SaaS model?

Migrating a legacy or on‑premise system to SaaS can unlock recurring revenue, improve user experience, and enhance scalability. However, the migration process has its own costs and requires a lot of qualified resources.

Here are the major things to consider when planning a migration to SaaS:

• The state of current architecture: Evaluate if the current development stack can support multi-tenancy and what on-premise-only dependencies there are, if any.
• Volumes of data to migrate: Estimate how much customer, transaction, and settings data you’ll need to move.
• ROI estimation: Calculate expected recurring revenue based on pricing models and projected user growth, and then compare these numbers with migration costs.

Future trends in SaaS development

In the SaaS field, you need to quickly react to market shifts and adapt to new development technologies. Let’s review some of the biggest trends in SaaS applications.

• Vertical and micro SaaS: Niche solutions continue to gain traction and achieve higher retention.
• AI and automation: Enterprises will increasingly integrate AI to personalize experiences and automate workflows.
• Low‑code platforms: Tools that enable non‑developers to build applications will accelerate product discovery and reduce costs.
• Enhanced security protocols: Continuous authentication methods and automated security testing are among the major trends that appear to respond to rising cyber threats and global regulations.
• Flexible pricing models: Value‑based and usage‑based pricing will grow as companies seek to align cost with delivered value.
• Hybrid and multi‑cloud strategies: Flexible hosting options will become increasingly more common.

It’s important to stay on top of SaaS development trends and emerging tech to improve your solution and survive in a saturated market. 

How can generative AI help create smarter SaaS products?

Generative AI models produce novel content based on patterns learned from large datasets. Integrating these models into SaaS apps can supercharge functionality, reduce costs, and provide more value to users.

Gen AI use cases in SaaS development

Gen AI can enhance SaaS solutions in a lot of ways:

• Personalization: Generative AI can tailor dashboards, recommendations, and messaging based on individual user behavior, preferences, or past actions.
• Marketing content and documentation: AI models can instantly generate or update product descriptions, blog posts, help center articles, or emails.
• Predictive analytics: By analyzing historical user data, AI can forecast trends like churn risk, feature adoption, or revenue projections. 
• Chatbots: AI-powered assistants and chatbots can handle onboarding and support. 
• Coding and testing: AI tools can assist developers with code generation and produce data for testing.

The benefits of Gen AI in SaaS development

AI speeds product iteration and can improve customer satisfaction thanks to personalized flows. The major benefits for companies thinking of implementing AI in SaaS development are:

• Reduced operation costs: Due to automation, you’ll need fewer tech and support staff.
• Increased user retention: Personalization opportunities can keep customers engaged.
• Monetization opportunities: You can offer premium AI features in your SaaS app or optional add-ons to grow your revenue.
• Easier compliance: For regulated sectors, automated governance tools can reduce compliance risks.
• Data-driven insights: AI helps you analyze user behavior and improve your product based on real-life feedback.

Gen AI implementation tips

Don’t adopt AI just for the sake of it. What’s recommended for efficient implementation:

• Partner with experienced tech vendors: Companies that have already successfully integrated AI can help you avoid costly mistakes.
• Start with small AI features: Experiment with simple automation to see how your customers respond and how new functionality impacts your particular product. Expand based on your findings. 
• Monitor performance metrics: Track how your AI features affect user engagement and retention, and how the cost of development and maintenance corresponds to a revenue increase.

Build your SaaS with an experienced development partner

If you have an idea for a SaaS application, you’ll have to navigate a range of strategic and technical challenges to build it. It’s crucial to ensure data security and compliance, plan cost-effective integrations with third-party services, and adopt efficient frameworks for analyzing key metrics. 

You’ll also need to keep track of market trends such as gen AI implementation or the growth of low-code development platforms. Staying ahead of these trends and aligning product development with evolving user needs can help turn a strong idea into a scalable, profitable business.

Ultimately, the success of your product largely depends on strong planning and thoughtful architecture choices. It also relies on the development team that will create your SaaS application. Partner with Binary Studio that has the expertise to turn a rough idea into a full-fledged software, built on a modern tech stack and with real customer demands in mind.

About Binary Studio

Binary Studio is a custom software development company that has been delivering MVPs and full-scale software with custom-trained product teams since 2005, specializing in ideation and product discovery, building MVPs, full-cycle custom software development, dedicated development teams and QA services with core expertise in Node.js, React Native, .NET, Flutter and AI/ML integration. We serve a range of industries, including greentech, healthcare, real estate, construction, fintech, and education. For more information, visit binary-studio.com.

Media Contact

Julia Shevchenko
Head of Operations, Binary Studio
julia.shevchenko@binary-studio.com

Amid the worldwide wave of intelligent transformation across industrial chains, the strategic consulting sector is accelerating its integration with the real economy. In recent days, the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI) visited Leverage Consulting and toured Softide Smart Bed Super Factory, a flagship project empowered by Leverage Consulting's strategic consulting framework. Under the theme "Borderless Strategy, Symbiotic Innovation," the visit showcased China's latest achievements in advancing high-quality manufacturing through strategic consulting. Leverage Consulting's integrated "Consulting + Manufacturing" model has become a valuable reference point for the global management consulting community.

On-site Visit to Leverage Consulting: Global Value of the "China Consulting Paradigm"

ICMCI's in-depth visit to Leverage Consulting underscores growing international recognition of China's innovation in consulting practices. Leverage Consulting's strategic system has been applied on a large scale across multiple industries. Its partnership with Softide has enabled the company's rapid evolution — from a technology-driven manufacturer into a global smart home leader in just three years — setting a benchmark for successful strategic transformation in China.

From Shared Vision to Co-evolution: A Two-way Journey Between Consulting and Industry

The visit combined in-depth theoretical exchange with practical field exploration. Global experts from ICMCI and CMC-Firm accredited institutions conducted an in-depth field study at the Softide Smart Bed Super Factory, examining smart production lines and ESG practices. They explored how Leverage Consulting's Positioning Equation methodology drives product innovation, process optimization, and brand upgrading — helping companies move from scale expansion to value creation.

During the keynote session, Yao Rongjun, founder and chairman of Leverage Consulting, shared his insights on the firm's journey from strategic consulting to industry co-creation, drawing on its value co-creation experience with Softide. He emphasized, "The integration of consulting and industry should be a three-dimensional process. Our collaboration with Softide serves as an effective example of translating strategy into productivity."

Tang Guohai, founder and chairman of Qisheng Technology (Softide), echoed this view from a corporate perspective, noting that "a comprehensive competitive edge built on product utility, efficiency and cost advantages, innovation-driven quality assurance, and a global service network is the key for manufacturers to navigate the challenge and achieve sustainable growth."

Experts noted that Leverage Consulting's cross-sector collaboration model breaks through the traditional limits of consulting, where theory often outweighs implementation. Nicholas Warn, chairman of ICMCI, commended the partnership, stating that the work which Leverage Consulting has done with Softide is emblematic of the collaborative symbiotic relationship which ICMCI wants to foster between the management consulting profession and industry and commerce. Song Jing, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Enterprise Association (SEA), also spoke highly of the collaboration, remarking, "Technology empowers better sleep, and innovation drives transformation. Through Leverage Consulting's strategic empowerment, we have witnessed the resilience and innovative strength of Chinese enterprises." Softide's transformation now stands as an exemplary case for the global consulting industry.

Evolving the Industry Paradigm: From Brand Empowerment to Global Co-Creation

Within just three years, Softide has evolved from a world-class supply chain partner into a world-class brand, fully validating the scientific foundation and practical effectiveness of the Leverage® methodology. This pioneering practice demonstrates that modern strategic consulting must be deeply integrated across multiple dimensions — technological innovation, brand building, organizational evolution, and sustainable development — to establish a new consulting framework that is executable, verifiable, and scalable.

From China's Innovation to a Stage of Global Co-Evolution

China's strategic consulting sector is shifting from being a witness to becoming a builder. ICMCI's strong recognition of Softide's innovation and Leverage Consulting's pioneering practices serves as powerful proof that there is no authority in strategy, only strength in execution. It also marks a milestone in building global consensus around the "China Model." Amid a new wave of technological and industrial transformation, Leverage Consulting — representing the emerging strength of China's consulting sector — is offering practical models and innovative frameworks that inspire the global management consulting community. Looking ahead, Leverage Consulting will continue to work at the forefront of the industry, integrating Chinese insights into the global business ecosystem and contributing China's strengths to the high-quality growth of enterprises and the diversified innovation of the world economy.

Media Contact

Cao Yang
cy@qiaodong.net

Lucra, the leading social competition platform, today announced a partnership with Joust, the play club where fun-loving people meet to compete in beautiful locations. Lucra will power both real-money and sponsor-backed competitions directly at Joust's in-person events, transforming their upscale game nights into frictionless competitive experiences with instant prize fulfillment.

The partnership brings Lucra's proven white-label technology to tabletop gaming, eliminating the friction that has historically complicated casual competition at game nights—no more IOUs, Venmo requests, or spreadsheet tracking. Players at Joust events can now compete in structured tournaments or challenge fellow attendees to matches with customizable stakes, with all payments, scoring, and compliance handled seamlessly in the background.

Joust has built a distinctive brand around real-life connection and spirited rivalry, hosting competitive experiences from upscale game nights to immersive, game-specific retreats. The Lucra integration amplifies what Joust already does well, bringing competitive people together by adding tournament infrastructure, live leaderboards, and meaningful stakes that make every game count.

"Joust has created something rare: real-life connection through spirited competition," said Dylan Robbins, CEO of Lucra. "By adding our tournament and challenge infrastructure to their in-person events, we're making every game more meaningful. Whether it's head-to-head challenges or full tournaments with sponsored prizes from major brands, players can now compete for real stakes while experiencing the magic of in-person play."

At Joust events, players will be able to enter cash-enabled tournaments across various board and card games, challenge fellow attendees with customizable stakes, or compete in sponsor-backed competitions where prizes range from product discounts to exclusive merchandise from major brands. Winners can cash out immediately or convert their earnings to credits for future Joust experiences, creating a closed-loop loyalty system that drives repeat attendance.

The sponsor integration is particularly powerful for Joust's business model, allowing brands to reach highly engaged audiences at the point of play. Rather than traditional advertising, sponsors can offer tangible rewards that enhance the competitive experience—creating positive brand associations while Joust unlocks new revenue streams beyond ticket sales.

"Lucra's technology perfectly complements our mission of bringing fun-loving people together over friendly competition," said Safi Aziz, founder of Joust. "We've always attracted naturally competitive people; now we can give them proper stakes and structure. The best part? Everything happens behind the scenes. Players just show up, compete, and walk away with winnings—no friction, no complexity. Together, Joust and Lucra are proving that play is a powerful form of socialization, with technology enhancing, not replacing, human connection."

For Joust, the partnership unlocks multiple growth levers: increased attendance through competitive programming, higher revenue per event through tournament fees and sponsor partnerships, and improved retention through the convert-to-credit functionality that keeps winners coming back. For Lucra, it represents continued expansion into location-based entertainment, demonstrating how its technology can power authentic in-person experiences across diverse categories—from golf simulators to arcade venues to upscale game nights.

The partnership launches this winter, with our first challenge night in New York City on Thursday, December 11, where game players can win up to $500 in prizes. It’s first-come, first-served, so sign up here before it’s too late!

About Lucra

At Lucra, we use competitive play to build brand loyalty. Our white-label platform allows clients to host competitions, create personalized challenges, and provide users’ rewards. Doing so helps to drive visitation, increase engagement, and add more revenue per customer. We handle all payments, compliance, and risk management, allowing clients to quickly implement our solution into their existing app or website. Lucra powers gamification for top entertainment, hospitality, and consumer brands, including Dave & Buster's, Five Iron Golf, Puttshack, TouchTunes, Hollywood.com, and more. For more information, visit www.lucrasports.com.

About Joust

From upscale game nights to immersive game-specific retreats, Joust hosts experiences where fun-loving people meet to compete. By bringing together players who crave an authentic community built around spirited competition, Joust is bringing a hospitality focus to social gaming. Learn more at www.instagram.com/joustsociety.

Media Contact

Michael Madding
michael@lucrasports.com

Quantizr today announced its official launch, introducing the first comprehensive workflow platform built for live entertainment — an industry that, despite generating over $200 billion in revenue annually, has been largely left behind by modern enterprise technology.

While every other sector has embraced digital transformation, the offers, contracts, and settlements in the business of live entertainment still run on scattered spreadsheets, static PDFs, and fragmented email threads.

For decades, traditional systems of record like CRMs, ERPs, and static document repositories were designed to store what has already happened. Quantizr was built as a system of work designed to power how entertainment professionals actually operate: dynamically, collaboratively, and at the speed of live events.

“Our industry doesn’t run on records. It runs on relationships, negotiations, and real-time financial decisions,” said Joshua Litwack, CEO and co-founder of Quantizr.

Before launching publicly, Quantizr spent over a year in stealth, collaborating with some of the industry’s most respected managers, business managers, and agents to ensure that the platform reflects the true complexity and pace of their work. These collaborations have helped Quantizr refine a platform built not just for the industry, but with it.

Randy Nichols, artist manager at Force Media Management and board member for the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), shares his insights: “Touring decisions are often based on instinct and scattered spreadsheets, but the stakes are too high for guesswork. Quantizr brings offers, settlements, and road reports into one view, giving managers the ability to benchmark performance, see true market demand, and negotiate stronger deals — treating touring like the valuable asset it really is.”

Founded by a unique team with diverse backgrounds in fintech, law, and music — Joshua Litwack, CFA; Tim Nielsen, JD; and Jeremy Salken of Big Gigantic — Quantizr represents a rare convergence of domain expertise and technological capability.

With the post-COVID renaissance in live entertainment, the industry faces unprecedented demand but relies on outdated and fragmented infrastructure.

“Live entertainment is one of the world’s most important industries, but it’s been starved of systems that understand its complexity,” added Litwack. “Quantizr gives this industry the same kind of infrastructure that the financial markets have enjoyed for decades.”

Quantizr delivers the comprehensive workflow replacement and modern upgrade the business side of entertainment needs, delivering an integrated system that finally enables true digital transformation for every member of the team, no matter their role.

Visit quantizr.com to learn more or to schedule a demo.

About Quantizr

Quantizr is an AI-powered operations platform purpose-built for the entertainment industry, serving artist managers, business managers, and booking agents. It automates the extraction of critical financial and deal terms from deal memos, contracts, and settlement statements — transforming fragmented, unstructured documents into standardized, actionable data. For more information, visit quantizr.com.

Media Contact

Lital Litwack
Director of Strategy and Operations, Quantizr
lital@quantizr.com

Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, will host the Global Insurance Conference and Exhibition (ingate 2025) from November 10-12 in the historic town of Diriyah, reflecting Saudi Arabia's growing role as a global financial center. The event, held under the patronage of Finance Minister and Financial Sector Development Program Committee Chairman Mohammed Al-Jadaan, is the first of its kind in the Kingdom and the region.

Organized by the Saudi Insurance Authority, the conference brings together insurance experts from more than 40 countries to discuss the industry's future and its expanding influence on the global economy, as the sector undergoes major transformation driven by new technologies and rapid economic shifts.

The conference is particularly significant because it supports Saudi Vision 2030 and aligns with the National Insurance Strategy, making it a strategic meeting point for ideas, innovation, and investment in a sector crucial to economic stability and asset protection.

The event will draw global regulators, major investors, reinsurers, and technology innovators from around the world to map out the future of insurance and share expertise that can drive sustainable economic growth.

The scale of the event is reflected in its comprehensive program of over 40 sessions, workshops, and activities featuring 100 speakers, decision-makers and international experts, plus more than 150 local and international organizations from across the insurance sector. This ensures thorough coverage of today's industry challenges, from AI and big data to regulatory issues and new global standards reshaping the market.

Alongside the conference is a specialized 15,000-square-meter exhibition showcasing the latest insurance solutions, innovative digital technologies, and promising investment opportunities. Expected to attract over 7,000 visitors during the three days, it will create valuable networking opportunities among companies, investors, and policymakers while fostering strategic partnerships between local and international players.

One year after its open-source release, the TEN Framework has gained traction as a foundational tool for developers building real-time voice-based AI systems. Initially launched in 2024, the framework supports the development of voice agents capable of processing speech, generating responses, and understanding context in real time.

Supported by Agora and a fast-growing global developer community, TEN was created to address the technical challenges of building low-latency, multimodal AI applications. Over the past year, it has been adopted in diverse projects ranging from AI companions and language translators to customer support bots and interactive learning tools.

Key Advantages of TEN Framework

TEN Framework provides a production-ready framework for real-time, low-latency, multimodal AI.

• Real-time and production-ready: Built for stable, full-duplex audio streaming with millisecond-level latency.
• Extensible and vendor-neutral: Integrate easily with any customized LLM/STT/TTS service.
• Developer-friendly: Build with Python, Node.js, C++, or Go — or use the visual TMAN Designer for drag-and-drop development.
• Multimodal support: Combine voice, vision, and contextual signals for richer, more human-like interactions.

With TEN, developers can transition from prototype to production more efficiently, without being tied to a specific vendor or managing complex infrastructure behind the scenes.

Expanding the Voice AI Toolkit

Earlier this year, TEN introduced two open-source components that have become essential building blocks for the real-time conversational AI stack: TEN VAD and TEN Turn Detection (TTD).

TEN VAD — Lightning-Fast Voice Detection, Backed by Industry Experts

TEN VAD is a lightweight, high-performance Voice Activity Detection (VAD) system that minimizes latency and boosts transcription accuracy in real-time voice agent applications. Developers worldwide are already seeing tangible results.

TEN Turn Detection — Making Conversations Feel Natural and Effective

TEN Turn Detection (TTD) is TEN’s context-aware dialogue manager that helps AI engage in human-like, flowing conversation.

With over 98% accuracy in detecting natural turn-taking — knowing when to pause, listen, or speak — TTD enables smooth, interruptible dialogue and more natural user experiences.

By precisely identifying user intent and conversational flow, developers can build human-like voice agents that respond fluidly, even in fast-paced or emotionally nuanced scenarios.

From Tools to Ecosystem: Accelerate Conversational AI Development with Templates

To accelerate innovation, TEN launched more than 10 open-source voice agent templates, allowing developers to deploy agents — from voice AI assistants to real-time transcription or SIP integration — in minutes.

A Global, Developer-Driven Community

Over the past year, the TEN team organized developer meetups in San Francisco, Tokyo, Paris, Beijing, and Kyoto, bringing together hundreds of participants to exchange technical ideas and feedback. Insights from these events have contributed to improvements across the framework.

TEN also held its first online hackathon, which drew developers from multiple countries experimenting with new voice-agent applications such as real-time translation and conversational companions.

Defining the Next Era of Conversational AI

TEN Framework will continue to evolve as an open-source conversational AI framework built for real-time, scenario-driven voice interactions. It will further deepen collaboration with developers worldwide, enabling every idea to be rapidly transformed into production-ready applications.

Together with the global developer community, TEN Framework is shaping an open, supportive, and continuously evolving ecosystem for intelligent voice interaction.

Join the TEN Community

Explore the ecosystem, contribute, and start building the future of conversational AI today.

• Website: theten.ai
• GitHub: github.com/ten-framework/ten-framework

About TEN Framework

TEN Framework is an open-source ecosystem that empowers developers and enterprises to build, deploy and scale real-time multimodal conversational AI agents. With support for voice, vision, text and immersive avatar interactions, TEN delivers ultra-low latency, cross-platform performance and flexible extensibility. As part of its community-driven framework, TEN enables integrations across edge and cloud, multiple languages (C++, Go, Python and more), and plug-and-play extensions for rapid AI agent development. Visit theten.ai or explore the code on GitHub at github.com/ten-framework/ten-framework.

Media Contact

June Wang
developer@theten.ai

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today commended the Riverside County Board of Supervisors for taking decisive action to protect public health by banning concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) opioid products while preserving adult access to safe, natural kratom leaf products. Riverside County is another voice in a growing chorus of local, state, and federal regulations taking action against concentrated synthetic 7-OH while maintaining access to natural kratom leaf.

The Riverside Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve an ordinance regulating the sale and marketing of natural kratom products and prohibiting concentrated synthetic 7-OH products. The new rules will establish a minimum age of 21 for the legal sale of natural kratom products and impose penalties on businesses that market or package these products in a manner intended to appeal to youth. Furthermore, it restricts the sale of products that contain synthetic and semi-synthetic kratom alkaloids, including those containing more than 2% 7-OH to the total alkaloids, which is above the level naturally occurring in leaf.

“This is a model for how local governments can act responsibly by distinguishing between natural kratom leaf products, which 23 million Americans use safely, and the illicit concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products that the U.S. FDA recommended for scheduling,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition.

Lowe added that the Global Kratom Coalition continues to see policymakers at the federal, state, and local level relying on science and evidence, not misinformation, when addressing natural kratom policy. Collectively, these state and local regulations protect 196 million consumers across America, covering 58% of the population. It also reflects a growing national consensus around responsible regulation, not prohibition, of natural kratom and strong enforcement against concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products.

On July 29, 2025, U.S. Health and Human Services Commissioner Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary recommended the urgent scheduling of concentrated synthetic 7OH to the DEA. They also made it clear that natural kratom leaf is not the focus of this scheduling recommendation, as natural kratom leaf has been consumed for centuries and has minimal negative health concerns.

Following this Federal action, on August 13, 2025, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, joined by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, took action to emergency schedule concentrated synthetic 7-OH. Again, a clear line was made between concentrated synthetic 7-OH and natural leaf kratom, with natural kratom leaf explicitly not being the target of this action.

Seventeen states have already enacted Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPAs) that ensure safe, regulated adult-only access to natural kratom leaf products while targeting dangerous concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioids. Rhode Island also repealed its kratom ban in 2025, with a KCPA taking its place beginning in January 2026.

Additional states, including Ohio, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania are now considering similar legislation to distinguish natural kratom leaf from concentrated synthetic 7-OH products.

Meanwhile, state Departments of Health and Attorneys General are taking decisive enforcement actions against synthetic 7-OH products, as seen in Kansas, Missouri, Montana, and Texas, each of which has issued warnings or bans to curb the spread of these potent, concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products and specifically distinguishing these products from natural kratom leaf.

The Riverside County ordinance follows similar actions in Orange County, Huntington Beach, and Laguna Niguel — all of which enacted restrictions on concentrated synthetic kratom 7-OH products while maintaining regulated, legal access to natural kratom leaf. Irvine and Santa Cruz also recently voted to consider regulations based off Orange County’s ordinance. Beyond California, cities are adopting ordinances with the same distinction. Jackson, Tennessee, advanced a resolution that explicitly targeted synthetic kratom. Sulphur Springs, Texas, also passed a ban on concentrated synthetic 7-OH that explicitly exempts natural kratom. Other municipalities, such as Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, passed age-gate regulations to keep natural kratom products as adult use. This is the common-sense, science-based approach that should be considered at all levels of government.

“By delineating between natural kratom leaf and dangerous concentrated synthetic 7-OH products, Riverside County is appropriately risk-stratifying and leading the way toward a rational, science-based approach to natural kratom policy,” Lowe said.

About Global Kratom Coalition (GKC)

The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to natural leaf kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information, visit globalkratomcoalition.org.

Media Contact

Matthew Lowe
Global Kratom Coalition
info@globalkratomcoalition.org

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today issued a statement following reports that five students from Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School in Walker County, Georgia, were hospitalized after ingesting gummies described as containing “kratom.”

GKC officials warn that the products involved were almost certainly concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), not natural kratom leaf, and that such products are already illegal under Georgia law.

“This tragic situation underscores exactly why Georgia’s existing kratom-related regulations are so important,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “Natural kratom leaf products are used responsibly by millions of adults, but concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products are chemically altered opioids, which are 13 times stronger than morphine, and carry an extremely high risk profile. These products should never have been accessible to anyone, especially children.”

Georgia’s Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) specifically bans synthetic or concentrated derivative products like these concentrated synthetic 7-OH products, allowing only natural kratom leaf products to be sold to adults 21 and over in properly labeled packaging and placed behind-the-counter in retail stores. However, illicit concentrated synthetic 7-OH products continue to circulate nationally, often disguised as candies, gummies, or imitation ice cream cones.

In August 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its intent to schedule concentrated synthetic 7-OH as a controlled substance, citing its opioid potency and potential for fatal misuse. Soon after, Florida enacted a statewide ban on concentrated synthetic 7-OH products.

“Georgia acted wisely and early by banning concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products,” Lowe said. “The problem is not the natural kratom leaf. The problem is the proliferation of illegal, concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products masquerading as natural kratom. We urge regulators and retailers to help ensure these products are fully removed from the marketplace.”

The Global Kratom Coalition is working with national and state authorities to ensure continued enforcement against synthetics while preserving access to natural kratom leaf products for responsible adult consumers.

About Global Kratom Coalition (GKC)

The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to natural leaf kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information, visit globalkratomcoalition.org.

Media Contact

Matthew Lowe
Global Kratom Coalition
info@globalkratomcoalition.org

In recent years, the world of investing has changed substantially. While investing as a hobby and profession has existed for centuries, the entire industry and culture underwent a dramatic shift in 2020, with the introduction of cryptocurrency. Though not strictly explicitly related to more traditional forms of investing, such as stocks and bonds, crypto's online investing platforms borrowed the skeletal structure and interfaces from them. With its far denser, faster-paced trading, crypto had a notable effect on trading of all kinds, significantly escalating it.

To this end, modern trading platforms, whether crypto or otherwise, require far greater digital literacy than they did even just a few years ago. Things evolve much more quickly, and to succeed within them, investors must be able to adapt fluidly to new developments. Obviously, this is no easy feat, and has left even highly experienced investors feeling unmoored. So, it can all feel overwhelming for potential new investors looking to get into trading for the first time. Fortunately, copy trading platforms are here to help.

A copy trading platform allows investors to mirror the trades of experienced traders automatically, making it an accessible entry point for beginners and a strategic tool for diversified portfolio growth.

What Is a Copy Trading Platform?

A copy trading platform replicates trades from professional or seasoned traders in real time. This allows users to copy another trader's moves beat by beat. While this has always been possible in social trading, by keeping a close eye on the minutiae of any given trader's investing, copy trading platforms automate the process and can help generate much greater diversity and passive income.

How Copy Trading Works

The first step in using a copy trading platform is selecting the trader you want to copy. Considering just how much your finances are about to be tied up in this trader's decisions, you need to choose someone you trust to make sound investing decisions and whose intuition has proven successful in a pinch. This is a critical choice that the entire operation's success hinges upon. If you pick someone who makes lackluster financial moves, you will also be making lackluster financial moves; the platform cannot save you.

Once the trader is selected within the platform, your trades will automatically be tailored to match theirs. The automated system will make real-time adjustments based on the trader's activity. However, manual controls and risk settings can allow you to intervene personally should you need to. 

For example, if you are uncomfortable with such volatility, you can set your platform to avoid investment choices over a specific limit. Alternatively, you can take control of your account should the person you are mirroring make a choice you don't want to follow suit on.

Benefits of Using a Copy Trading Platform

A copy trading platform provides accessibility for beginners with little financial knowledge, and assurance for even seasoned investors amidst this tumultuous new landscape. 

Additionally, the platform offers time-saving, hands-off investing and portfolio diversification. By copying multiple traders across assets such as forex, crypto, and commodities, you can expand your reach and grow more comfortable across a broader spectrum of options. 

Choosing the Right Copy Trading Platform

There are some key factors you should look for to help you find a verifiable, authentic copy trading platform that you can rely upon. These include:

• Regulatory compliance
• Transparent performance metrics
• Risk management features
• Low latency and reliable execution

FAQ

Q: Is copy trading legal and regulated?

A: Copy trading is legal in most jurisdictions, but users should ensure that reputable financial authorities regulate the platform.

Q: Can I lose money in copy trading?

A: Yes, copy trading carries financial risk since you are replicating another trader's actions, which can include losses.

Q: How do I choose the best trader to copy?

A: Evaluate their trading history, risk score, asset focus, and consistency. Most platforms provide this data for transparency.

Q: Is copy trading suitable for beginners?

A: Absolutely. It allows beginners to participate in markets while learning from experts and observing trading patterns.

Q: Are copy trading platforms expensive?

A: Many platforms charge performance-based or subscription fees, but cost-effective or commission-free models are also available.

Media Contact

Sky Low
content@puprime.com

Let's be honest: if you've typed hair transplant Turkey into Google, you're probably drowning in options. It feels like every corner in Istanbul has a clinic, each with a flashier website and more dramatic before-and-after photos than the last. It’s overwhelming.

They call it "medical tourism," but for you, it's a deeply personal decision. You’re not just booking a holiday; you’re trusting someone with your appearance, your confidence. The "Turkish hair" phenomenon is real, and the reason it's a global hub isn't just because it's "cheap." It's because the best surgeons here have performed these procedures thousands of times. They're not just good; they're masters of the craft.

But how do you separate the true artists from the marketing machines?

I’ve spent a long time navigating this world, talking to people, and sifting through the noise. This isn't just a list scraped from other sites. It's a curated guide to clinics that offer something unique, from high-tech operations to old-school, personalized care. We’re going to look at the household names, and more importantly, some of the hidden gems you might have missed.

Here is a breakdown of the 10 clinics that are consistently getting it right.

The Heavy-Hitters and Hidden Gems: Turkey's Top 10

1. Medart Clinic

If you're looking for the "gold standard" in terms of consistency and patient trust, Medart is often the first name that comes up, and for good reason. They aren't just a clinic; they're a massive, well-oiled operation dedicated to hair restoration. What sets them apart is their sheer volume and experience. They've seen everything.

Their approach is very systematic. From the moment you send your first photos for a consultation, the process is clear, transparent, and professional. They specialize in both high-density FUE and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation), but their real strength is in their medical team. It's not a one-person show. They have a large, specialized staff of technicians and doctors, meaning every step of the procedure, from extraction to implantation, is handled by someone who does that one thing all day, every day. For a procedure where repetition and experience are key, this is a massive advantage. They’re a safe, reliable, and highly-respected choice.

2. Sapphire Hair Clinic

The name says it all. This clinic was one of the early and most vocal adopters of the "Sapphire FUE" technique. This isn't just a marketing gimmick. Traditional FUE uses steel blades to create the channels for the new hair grafts. Sapphire FUE uses blades made from actual sapphire, which are sharper, more precise, and can create smaller, V-shaped channels.

What does this mean for you? Less tissue damage, less scarring, and potentially a much denser look because the incisions can be placed closer together. Patients at Sapphire Hair Clinic often rave about the technology-forward approach. They are meticulous about the "art" of the transplant—specifically, creating natural, forward-facing hairlines. If you're a details person and the method is just as important to you as the result, Sapphire Hair Clinic is a powerhouse in precision.

3. Buk Clinic

Buk Clinic operates on a different, more boutique model. If Medart is the trusted, large-scale operation, Buk Clinic is the bespoke, surgeon-led experience. This is for the patient who wants one-on-one, VIP-level attention from the head doctor throughout the entire process. The clinic is known for taking on fewer patients per day to ensure that Dr. Buk (or the lead surgeon) is heavily involved in the critical stages, especially the consultation and the all-important channel-opening.

This personalized approach is their unique selling point. The follow-up care is also famously hands-on. You’re not just a number here. This clinic appeals to those who are perhaps a bit more nervous and want the reassurance of a single, consistent point of contact. The results speak for themselves, often showcasing incredibly natural and nuanced work. It’s a premium experience from start to finish.

4. Anatolia Hair Institute

This is one of those "if you know, you know" places. Tucked away from the main clinic hotspots, Anatolia Hair Institute has built its reputation almost entirely on word-of-mouth. They don't have the massive advertising budgets of the big players, and frankly, they don't need it.

Their philosophy is simple: results-driven work without the frills. They're not going to sell you a luxury hotel package (though they can arrange it). They're going to sell you an exceptionally good hair transplant. The team here is known for being brutally honest in consultations. If you don't have a good donor area or if your expectations are unrealistic, they will tell you. That kind of integrity is rare and invaluable. They are masters of FUE and particularly skilled in complex repair cases.

5. Bosphorus Aesthetics

As the name suggests, this clinic is situated with a view, and their entire package is built around a comfortable, holistic experience. They understand that people are coming to Turkey not just for a procedure, but for an experience. They combine their hair transplant services with other non-invasive aesthetic treatments, making them a good one-stop shop.

But don't let the "spa-like" feel fool you; their hair transplant team is serious. They specialize in DHI (using the Choi pen), which allows for implantation without pre-made channels. This method is fantastic for adding density between existing hairs, making them a popular choice for people who aren't completely bald but have significant thinning. They excel in patient comfort and creating a stress-free environment.

6. Dr. Kaya & Partners

This clinic is an example of an "old-school" reputation. It’s not a brand; it’s a doctor's name. Dr. Kaya & Partners is a practice built on the reputation of its founder, who has been in the aesthetics field for decades. This is where you go when you value the wisdom of experience over the latest flashy trend.

The team has a more conservative and careful approach. They prioritize the long-term health of the donor area, ensuring they don't "over-harvest" just to give you a dense look today, only to leave you with nothing for a potential second procedure in ten years. This foresight is critical. They are particularly well-regarded for beard and eyebrow transplants, which require a different level of artistry.

7. Istanbul Hair Hub

Istanbul Hair Hub is a smaller, tech-savvy clinic that has gained a strong following online. They are extremely active on social media and patient forums, offering transparent, real-time updates and engaging directly with prospective patients.

Their strength lies in communication. They are fantastic at demystifying the process for first-timers. Their medical team is young, energetic, and trained in all the latest methodologies, but they’ve gained a particular reputation for their "unshaven FUE" procedures. This is a much more difficult and time-consuming technique where only the donor area in the back is trimmed, allowing you to return to work much faster without the obvious "buzz-cut" look.

8. Aegean Hair Center (Izmir)

It's important to remember that not all of Turkey's talent is in Istanbul. Aegean Hair Center, located in the beautiful coastal city of Izmir, is a fantastic alternative for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the big city.

The clinic offers a more relaxed pace. Because they are one of the top clinics in their region, they attract a highly-skilled local team. They are known for their very competitive, transparent pricing, but what really makes them stand out is the post-op care. Patients often report that the team is available 24/7 on WhatsApp after the procedure, guiding them through every step of the crucial first-week wash.

9. Capital Hair (Ankara)

Another excellent non-Istanbul option, Capital Hair in the nation's capital, Ankara, serves a different clientele. It's less tourist-focused and more geared toward local and business clientele, which means their standards for discretion and professionalism are sky-high.

Their specialty is often cited as large-scale sessions—think 4000+ grafts. They have the stamina and the team to handle extensive hair loss in a single, long-day session, all while maintaining high graft survival rates. For those with advanced balding (Norwood scale 5-7), this clinic is a proven and effective choice.

10. ReviveMed Clinic

Last but not least, ReviveMed is a smaller boutique clinic that focuses on a hybrid approach. They don't subscribe to the "FUE vs. DHI" debate. Instead, they often combine methods in a single session, which is a sign of a truly advanced team.

For example, they might use Sapphire FUE to build a dense, new hairline and then switch to DHI to add density to the crown and mid-scalp, all in one go. This "best of both worlds" technique allows them to tailor the procedure perfectly to the patient's head. It's more complex, but the results can be incredibly seamless and natural. They are a great example of the new generation of clinics pushing the boundaries.

Beyond the Top 10: What Really Matters

Look, a list is a great starting point, but it's not the end of your research. The "best" clinic for you might not be #1 on my list. It might be the one that gives you the best feeling during the consultation.

Here’s what you should be looking for, no matter what:

• The Consultation: Is it with a sales rep or a medical consultant? Are they listening to you, or just selling you? A good clinic will manage your expectations. If you have a poor donor area and they promise you the hair of a 20-year-old, run.
• The Doctor's Role: Ask this question point-blank: "Will the doctor be opening the channels?" In Turkey, technicians often perform the extraction and implantation, but the most critical step—the channel opening, which determines the angle, direction, and density of your new hair—should always be done by the lead surgeon. Do not compromise on this.
• Real Patient Photos: Don't just look at the professional photos on their website. Ask for post-op photos from Day 1, Day 10, 6 months, and 1 year. Ask for photos of the donor area after it's healed. A good clinic will have a library of these to show you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much does a hair transplant really cost in Turkey?

A: This is the big question. You'll see ads for as low as $1,500 and as high as $8,000. Be very suspicious of the low end. Those are often "hair mills" that rush patients. A reputable, high-quality clinic will typically fall in the $2,500 to $4,500 range. This hair transplant Turkey price usually includes the procedure, 2-3 nights in a good hotel, and all your airport/clinic transfers.

Q: Is FUE or DHI better?

A: Neither is "better"; they are for different things:

• FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): The classic method. Great for covering large areas of baldness. The surgeon pre-makes all the channels, and a team implants the grafts.
• DHI (Direct Hair Implantation): Uses a "Choi pen" to implant each graft directly without pre-made channels. It's slower and more expensive but gives the surgeon more control over angle and direction. It’s ideal for adding density between existing hairs.

Q: Is it safe to get a hair transplant in Turkey?

A: Yes, if you go to a certified, professional clinic. The top clinics in Turkey operate in JCI-accredited hospitals, which have hygiene and safety standards on par with (or even exceeding) those in the United States or Europe. The risk comes from choosing an unlicensed, cheap "basement" clinic. Don't do it.

Q: What's the recovery time like?

A: You'll look presentable (with a hat) in about 3-5 days. The "scab" phase lasts about 7-10 days. After 10-14 days, the scabs are gone, and you just have short, red-dotted hair. You can return to work in about a week, and the gym after 3-4 weeks. The real "recovery" is the patience. You won't see your final result for 12 to 18 months.

Q: How do I know if I'm a good candidate?

A: A good candidate has three things: (1) realistic expectations, (2) stable hair loss (it's not falling out rapidly), and (3) a dense, healthy "donor area" (the hair on the back and sides of your head). The only way to know for sure is to have a virtual consultation.

At the end of the day, this is your journey. Use this list as your starting point, do your homework, and trust your gut. Good luck.

Cryptex Finance today announced CRYPTEX 40, the Index Standard for Digital Assets, the first fully on-chain benchmark tracking 40 leading digital assets that collectively represent approximately 85% of global crypto market capitalization.

Built on Ethereum and powered by Chainlink, CRYPTEX 40 delivers an institutional-grade, publicly verifiable index architecture for digital assets. The index’s Net Asset Value (NAV) and individual components respectively are validated through Chainlink Data Feeds and Proof of Reserve, establishing a transparent, tamper-resistant benchmark for investors, custodians, and financial platforms.

According to Joe Sticco, co-founder of Cryptex Finance, the launch fulfills a multi-year vision to bring decentralized transparency to global benchmarks.

“For the first time, the world can see a digital-asset index that’s completely transparent,” Sticco said. “Built on Ethereum, verified by Chainlink, and governed by its community of CTX holders, CRYPTEX 40 represents years of work to bring institutional-grade standards to decentralized infrastructure. It’s more than an index — it’s proof that open-source technology can define the next generation of global benchmarks.”

Key Highlights

• Technological Milestone: CRYPTEX 40 is the first fully verifiable on-chain index to be powered by Chainlink Data Feeds and Proof of Reserve.
• Transparency: Every asset weight, data source, and rebalance event is independently validated and publicly auditable on-chain.
• Institutional Design: The index applies rigorous construction principles to serve as a benchmark standard for digital-asset markets and future tokenized index products.
• DAO Governance: Oversight and updates are executed through the Cryptex DAO, ensuring neutrality and rules-based index management.

By combining open-source architecture, decentralized governance, and verified data, CRYPTEX 40 establishes a foundation for the next generation of transparent, auditable, and institutionally reliable crypto benchmarks.

Cryptex Finance: Building transparent, American-made decentralized financial infrastructure since 2021.

About Cryptex Finance

Cryptex Finance is a decentralized protocol on Ethereum that builds transparent, community-governed financial products. Through on-chain data and DAO governance, Cryptex delivers institutional-grade tools for the digital-asset economy in a fully open and verifiable way. To learn more, visit cryptex.finance.

Media Contact

Cryptex Media Relations
media@cryptex.finance

The Light System has been recognized by Meditech Today as one of the “Top 5 Wellness Tech Devices Leading the Energy-Based Health Movement.” The acknowledgment highlights the company’s longstanding role in the energy-based wellness space and its focus on responsible, light-based technology designed to support balance and coherence.

In the article, Meditech Today identifies TLS as a non-invasive, light and frequency system noted for longevity and broad practitioner adoption. The piece characterizes the system using careful, informational language that aligns with how TLS describes its technology on its own channels.

The Light System emphasizes the principle that light conveys information as well as energy. Its approach involves precisely calibrated pulses that the body’s own regulatory systems can interpret, with the aim of supporting natural alignment and coherence. Users often describe sessions as calming and centering, and TLS presents these experiences without medical claims or disease language.

The Light System operates through a combination of a distributed network of licensed wellness centers around the world as well as personal, in home use. In many locations, sessions are offered in controlled settings designed to maintain consistency of application and a standardized client experience. TLS focuses on customer education, clear operating guidelines, and verified equipment.

A spokesperson for TLS said, “We appreciate the careful way Meditech Today described the technology. The Light System has maintained a consistent approach to language and presentation, and we value recognition that reflects that standard.”

Because The Light System’s public descriptions must remain consistent with established language and legal parameters, TLS avoids phrasing that would imply diagnosis, treatment, or medical outcomes. The company refers to its platform as a non-invasive light and frequency system that interacts with the body’s regulatory mechanisms and supports a sense of balance and coherence. TLS distinguishes this informational framing from medical positioning.

The Light System plans to continue education initiatives that reinforce accurate communication, appropriate use, and client safety. TLS will also support wellness centers with operational resources that help maintain consistency across locations while preserving each center’s ability to serve clients in a responsible manner.

About The Light System

The Light System (TLS) is a light and frequency technology that provides a carefully calibrated, non-invasive system that works with proprietary light frequencies and non-linear waveform patterns to support regulatory balance, informational coherence, and energetic alignment. The Light System partners with wellness centers globally, offering practitioner education, client protocols, and access to verified systems. For more information, visit thelightsystems.com.

Media Contact

The Light System
media@thelightsystems.com

On November 1, 2025, “The Healing Path” has its global premiere on the Phoenix Satellite TV’s omnimedia platform. After a year of research, filming, and production, this 12-episode documentary series presents the transmission and integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) culture from a global perspective.

The large-scale international communication project on TCM culture, “The Healing Path,” is co-produced by Phoenix Media Group and Dong-E-E-Jiao Co., Ltd., along with strong support from strategic collaborator Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. It employs “Documentary Series + New Media Communication + International TCM Cultural Ceremony” that are all designed to work together in a cohesive manner to showcase TCM’s contributions to global health and cultural exchange.

The production team visits various regions, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas, documenting the stories of TCM’s establishment worldwide, creating a TCM cultural map that transcends time and space.

Tracing the Global Footprint of TCM from Hong Kong to the Amazon Rainforest

The documentary is structured by filming locations, starting with the “Beachhead” of TCM, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions, exploring traditional clinics and century-old pharmacies to experience the heritage and innovation of TCM in modern life.

In the second week, the team travels to Malaysia and Indonesia to discuss TCM’s integration with Southeast Asia. The third week takes them to Iran and Italy, revisiting the ancient exchanges of Eastern and Western medicine along the Silk Road. The fourth week features France and the UK, witnessing the dialogue and mutual learning between TCM and Western medicine. The fifth week concludes in Japan and the United States, presenting a new dimension of TCM’s integration with technology. Finally, in Mexico and Brazil, the documentary illustrates the “resonance of civilizations,” depicting the spiritual connection between TCM and ancient Latin American cultures.

Each episode not only showcases cultural stories but also reflects the adaptability and innovation of TCM in different civilizational contexts, from “identifying herbs” and “appreciating formulas” to cross-cultural healing, outlining “The Healing Path” toward the future.

A Professional and Diverse Line-Up Enriches the Documentary’s Core

“The Healing Path” features a diverse array of experts and guests from both Chinese and international backgrounds. Professor Emeritus Zhongzhen Zhao from Hong Kong Baptist University serves as a special guest in Hong Kong and Macao regions, Iran and Brazil, sharing insights on herbal medicine and the exchange of traditional medical knowledge. Dong Liang serves as a special host in the episodes from Japan and the USA, continuing his long-standing mission to promote TCM culture.

Additionally, the documentary series includes contributions from Jun Shi (a botanist), Eric Brand (an American with PhD in TCM), Wei Zhao (a doctoral candidate in TCM), Joel Mikael Walker (a German TCM promoter), and Gu Da Bai Hua (a travel blogger with TCM in English background), etc. Their expertise and social influence help extend TCM beyond academic circles to reach a broader international audience.

The documentary series also invites 11 global expert consultants covering fields such as TCM, historical culture, and industry standards, providing academic support and professional oversight. Phoenix TV hosts Chengzi Huang, Chuan Tian, Jun Wan, Teresa Tian, and Shu Yang guide the audience along with the special guests through the journey.

Veteran musician Chris Babida composes the theme song, blending traditional Chinese instruments such as the konghou, pipa, dizi, and guqin with unique sounds from around the world, symbolizing the harmonious resonance of TCM culture across regions and civilizations.

New Media Expansion Activates the “Great Discovery of TCM”

Since the project’s launch in November 2024, “The Healing Path” has simultaneously rolled out a new media communication plan, featuring online clips, interactive live broadcasts, and thematic short videos across multiple platforms, allowing viewers to “travel together” and transforming the documentary from mere “recording” to “activation.”

Ahead of the premiere, the special new media feature program, “My globe journey of TCM,” provides a platform for guests and hosts to reflect on their filming experiences. German guest Joel Mikael Walker notes that this journey has showcased the growing enthusiasm for “foreigners learning TCM.” Professor Zhongzhen Zhao presents precious medicinal materials, such as Awei (Ferulae Resina), collected in the Iranian desert, sharing the cultural heritage and scientific significance behind them.

During the documentary series airing, a series of live broadcasts will be launched, allowing guests and hosts to reunite online, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and cultural reflections, further enhancing audience interaction and engagement.

Letting the World Hear the Voice of TCM

Starting November 1, the first season of “The Healing Path” will premiere on Phoenix Chinese Channel, Phoenix Chinese News and Entertainment Channel (European Channel), Phoenix North America Chinese Channel, Phoenix Hong Kong Channel (Cantonese version) with two episodes airing consecutively every week; Phoenix New Media, FengShows, and overseas social media will also launch simultaneously.

This documentary series weaves a narrative of cultural symbiosis and civilizational exchange through the central theme of TCM, connecting the medicinal aromas of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions to the herbal forests of the Amazon, from the ancient echoes of the Silk Road to the technological future of Silicon Valley, intertwining the cultural threads of a community of common health for mankind.

Traveling across the world, this is a documentary that paints a global map of TCM culture in which transcends time and space. “The Healing Path” invites the world to re-understand the healing wisdom of the East.

Diagnosing TB in children has long been a challenge, but that is set to change. qXR from Qure.ai is the first AI-enabled chest X-ray tool to receive regulatory clearance, earning CE Class IIb certification for children aged 0–3 years and complementing its existing capabilities for children up to 15 years, effectively covering the entire childhood spectrum. Qure.ai, a global leader in digital healthcare, is already cited twice in the World Health Organization's tuberculosis (TB) screening guidelines. With this clearance, it can now help health systems and national TB programs identify children at highest risk of active TB even in the absence of symptoms.

Paediatric TB is a silent crisis that affects children, globally. In 2023, close to 1.3 million children under 15 fell ill with TB, representing about 12% of total cases worldwide. Children under 5 are particularly vulnerable due to underdeveloped immune systems, bearing the highest burden and accounting for more than 75% of TB-related deaths in this age group. Tragically, close to 200,000 children died of TB in 2023, most of them under five. Moreover, drug-resistant TB, including extensively drug-resistant forms, is rising among children, creating an urgent public health challenge.

Diagnosing TB in children is notoriously difficult. Young children often have paucibacillary TB and this is further complicated by their inability to produce sputum, which makes traditional diagnostic methods less reliable and delays treatment. Chest X-rays provide a practical supplement, allowing clinicians to detect TB even when sputum samples are unavailable. 

AI-enabled chest X-rays take this a step further. They can screen large numbers of children quickly, prioritize high-risk cases, help detect asymptomatic TB, reduce clinician workload, and deliver immediate, actionable results. By combining the reliability of imaging with AI-driven speed and scalability, health systems can intervene earlier and allocate resources more effectively, ultimately saving lives.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Shibu Vijayan, Chief Medical Officer, Global Health at Qure.ai, said: "Achieving CE clearance for AI-enabled Chest X-ray screening in children is a major step forward in the fight against paediatric TB. The youngest children have long been the hardest to reach and the most vulnerable. With this tool, we are proud to equip healthcare systems worldwide with a scalable, reliable way to detect TB early, prioritize care, and ultimately save lives."

Additionally, Qure has implemented the Treatment Decision Algorithm A (TDA), as outlined in the WHO’s “Consolidated Guidelines on Tuberculosis: Module 5 – Management of Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents” (2022), within its care coordination platform, qTrack. This functionality enables structured data entry and automated computation of algorithmic parameters to support clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis in children who are bacteriologically negative or unable to undergo microbiological testing.

TB is not confined to low- and middle-income countries. In the WHO European Region, children under 15 accounted for 4.3% of new and relapsed TB cases — a 10% increase compared with 2022. In the EU/EEA, paediatric TB cases have risen for the third consecutive year. Children are highly vulnerable to severe forms of TB, such as TB meningitis and miliary TB. Also, the window from infection to active disease and severe, disseminated TB is much shorter in children than in adults. Therefore, early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to reducing morbidity, mortality, and transmission.

About Qure.ai

Qure.ai is a global health tech company that innovates AI-enabled healthcare solutions to drive early clinical diagnosis and boost seamless patient care coordination. Qure's solutions power the efficient identification and management of tuberculosis (TB), lung cancer and neurocritical findings to support clinicians and propel developments in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The company empowers healthcare workers or health systems by helping to identify conditions fast, prioritize treatment planning and ultimately improve quality of patient life.

Qure.ai has deployments in over 100 countries, with regional offices in New York, London, Dubai and Mumbai. The company was recognized in the 2025 TIME100 Most Influential Companies list.

For more information, visit www.qure.ai.

Media Contact

Amrutha Joseph
amrutha.joseph@qure.ai

Fortytwo research lab today announced benchmarking results for its new AI architecture, known as Swarm Inference. Across key AI evaluation tests — including GPQA Diamond, MATH-500, AIME 2024, and LiveCodeBench — the Fortytwo networked model outperformed OpenAI’s ChatGPT 5, Google Gemini 2.5 Pro, Anthropic Claude Opus 4.1, xAI Grok 4 and DeepSeek R1, demonstrating stronger reasoning abilities even under conditions where other frontier models fail.

Swarm Inference operates through a network of interconnected models, answering as one. The network currently consists of hundreds of nodes, run by a community of AI enthusiasts worldwide. Each node hosts a small language model (SLM) selected by its operator. The SLM can be fully custom-built specialized model, a fine-tuned version of an existing model, or a publicly available open-source model.

When a prompt is introduced, multiple nodes respond, their outputs are ranked by each other, and the highest quality answers are combined. To the outside observer, the network behaves like a single model, though in reality it emerges from the coordination of hundreds of independent SLMs.

To ensure the model’s accuracy under varied conditions, Fortytwo also conducted additional benchmark tests that included extraneous context alongside standard benchmark prompts.

This type of testing is similar to methods used in university exams and olympiads and is known as ‘extraneous information’ problems where the conditions include additional irrelevant information that is not required for solving the task. This helps determine whether the student genuinely understands the essence of the problem or is simply applying familiar formulas mechanically.

In this scenario, frontier AI models showed steep declines in accuracy, often getting trapped in repetitive reasoning loops or misled by irrelevant details. In contrast, Fortytwo’s Swarm Inference maintained stable accuracy, demonstrating a better alternative to individual LLM reasoning. By coordinating peer-ranked responses across diverse models, Swarm Inference enables intelligence to scale beyond the current limits of reasoning approaches and opens a new path for reliable problem-solving.

Fortytwo’s Swarm Inference demonstrates that intelligence can arise from a decentralized network of small, diverse models, coordinated by peer validation, rather than from ever-larger centralized systems. 

"These results represent more than just outperforming frontier models; they mark the emergence of a new approach to building AI,” said Ivan Nikitin, co-founder and CEO of Fortytwo. “This breakthrough paves the way for scalable, reliable, and community-driven artificial intelligence — establishing a foundation for the next era of AI.”

Fortytwo will continue to grow the network, enabling fully open participation by node operators, custom model providers, and data scientists. The team is pushing for even greater accuracy and intelligence across the swarm, with an API release planned later this year to rival frontier AI companies in the most demanding use cases: coding, deep research, and advanced reasoning.

About Fortytwo

Fortytwo is a decentralized AI network that introduces a new type of AI inference, called Swarm Inference, where small language models running on consumer-grade hardware collaborate to achieve scale and reasoning capabilities beyond leading AI models. The entire network acts as a single model, becoming more powerful and efficient with each new node, while operating in a permissionless, transparent, and censorship-resistant manner. Anyone can contribute by running a node, with node performance ratings recorded on the Monad blockchain for evaluation and security. Developers can access frontier AI reasoning through API or on-chain, while node operators are rewarded for their participation. For more information, visit fortytwo.network.

CHCNAV (Shanghai Huace Navigation Technology Ltd.), a global provider of positioning, navigation, and control technologies, will exhibit at Agritechnica 2025, presenting a precision-agriculture portfolio that includes NX610, NX612, SprayX100, IS100, HG100, and VG100. The company will also introduce PointSky, CHCNAV’s satellite-based high-precision correction service.

CHCNAV’s display will demonstrate how guidance, application control, and fleet/workflow management combine to deliver repeatable accuracy, higher throughput, and traceable, data-driven operations across tillage, seeding, crop care, and harvesting.

Precision-Agriculture Platform (Auto-Steering)

NX600 Series with AgNav 5 is engineered for precise, repeatable fieldwork on tractors and self-propelled machines.

• Deep ISOBUS capability: After years of development investment, CHCNAV has significantly expanded implement compatibility. Full ISOBUS functions — UT, TC-SC (up to 255 sections), TC-GEO (variable rate), and AUX-N — streamline mixed-fleet connectivity and task automation.
• SteerReady compatibility: Broad support for SteerReady tractors from multiple OEMs shortens installation time and speeds machine changeovers, a benefit widely praised by users across brands.
• More guidance lines for more fields: A rich set of patterns (e.g., AB, A+, curve/adaptive curve, headland, center-pivot, and more) helps match irregular boundaries, terraces, and long passes with season-to-season repeatability.
• Operator-centric HMI: With a large display (up to 12 inches on NX612) and smooth split-screen UI for guidance, ISOBUS widgets, and cameras, operators keep key information in view while working.

Application Control (SprayX100): Rich Features, Higher Efficiency

SprayX100 delivers accurate, uniform application — and scales further when paired with CHCNAV auto-steering.

• Overlap detection withautomatic boom on/off eliminates double-spraying.
• Boundary detection automatically shuts off sections beyond field edges — no overspray, no misses.
• Comprehensive alerts safeguard quality and speed: application-accuracy, pressure, low-volume, and overspeed alerts.
• Team operation supports coordinated work across large fields.
• Fast expansion with guidance: SprayX100 integrates quickly with CHCNAV’s auto-steering lineup for a simple, efficient path from guidance to application control.

Vision & Row Guidance Extensions

• IS100 (Implement Guidance) uses the implement’s actual position to correct drift, improving straightness and row-spacing accuracy on slopes and with towed implements.
• HG100 (Row Guidance) improves harvester alignment in row crops for cleaner, more consistent passes.
• VG100 (Vision Guidance) applies AI-based crop-row recognition to generate dynamic, real-world guides for inter-row cultivation and spraying, helping avoid crop damage while maintaining optimal speed. OTA updates expand crop coverage over time.

Farm Management System (FMS): FarmMaster

FarmMaster connects field and office for traceable, data-driven decisions.

• Visualized data management for farms, fields, guidance lines, and job results with full history and traceability.
• Remote workflows to create, edit, anddispatch datasets to in-field terminals, improving on-site efficiency.
• Plan-ahead operations via advance work plans and dataset preparation for better scheduling and coordination.
• Data interoperability to synchronize records across multiple CHCNAV precision-ag products.
• Prescription maps (create, edit, upload, dispatch) streamline variable-rate operations.

PointSky High-Precision Service

PointSky is CHCNAV’s satellite-based correction service designed to deliver high-accuracy positioning in supported regions, offering “arrive-and-work” flexibility. At this show, PointSky will be introduced as a service only; no on-site demo is planned.

“Precision agriculture is about repeatable accuracy, interoperability, and measurable efficiency,” said the International Head of CHCNAV’s Agricultural Product Line. “With ISOBUS depth, SteerReady compatibility, richer guidance patterns, tight links between guidance and application control, and FarmMaster FMS workflows, CHCNAV helps users achieve stable, repeatable performance across seasons and crops.”

Exhibition: Agritechnica 2025
Date: November 9–15, 2025
Venue: Messegelände, 30521 Hannover, Germany
CHCNAV Booth: Hall 21, F16

Visit Hall 21, F16 to see integrated demos of NX610/NX612 with AgNav 5, SprayX100, IS100, HG100, and VG100, and speak with CHCNAV’s technical and commercial teams.

About CHC Navigation

CHCNAV (Shanghai Huace Navigation Technology Ltd.) specializes in positioning, navigation, and intelligent control technologies for geospatial, precision agriculture, and machine control. Its portfolio spans high-precision GNSS, auto-steering and application-control platforms, industry software, and service networks. CHCNAV supports customers worldwide with reliable, open, high-performance systems that increase productivity, reduce total cost of ownership, and advance sustainable operations. For more information, visit agriculture.chcnav.com.

Media Contact

Gianna Zhang
gianna_zhang@chcnav.com

The travel industry is about to be revolutionized. Staynex, the Web3 and AI-powered travel and membership ecosystem, today unveiled a transformative leadership move: Jeff Hoffman, the legendary founder of Booking.com, joins as its chairman. This seismic appointment heralds a new era for the $11 trillion travel sector, redefining it through decentralized technology and community-driven innovation.

Hoffman, the mastermind behind one of the world’s most iconic travel platforms, brings unmatched expertise in scaling global businesses. As chairman, he’ll spearhead Staynex’s mission to empower travelers, disrupt outdated systems, and deliver unparalleled value through blockchain and AI.

“Travel’s future is decentralized, rewarding, and deeply personal. Staynex is making that future a reality,” said Hoffman. “Their bold fusion of Web3 trust and real-world adventure captivated me. This is about giving travelers ownership, savings, and experiences that matter.”

A New Travel Paradigm: Ownership, Access, and Experience

Staynex is redefining hospitality through a powerful fusion of blockchain technology and real-world assets (RWA). Recently named one of Forbes’ Top 5 RWA Projects of 2025, we are building a comprehensive ecosystem that transforms how the world travels, offering a suite of tangible products for every type of explorer.

Our Core Product Offerings

• Membership Subscription: A blockchain-secured pass that serves as your key to a world of privileges. It unlocks continuous benefits, from member-only rates to elite lifestyle perks, all tied to a verifiable digital identity.
• Travel Passes, Day Passes, and Timeshares: Staynex expands travel beyond overnight bookings with three core offerings: Experiential passes for global events, day passes for hotel amenities, and tokenized timeshares for fractional ownership.

A Game-Changing Ecosystem for Global Explorers

This product suite is powered by a vision that merges blockchain-backed memberships with real-world assets (RWA), delivering:

• Unrivaled Access & Ownership: From subscription perks to owned tokenized stays, our passes unlock exclusive experiences across 2.65 million hotels and accommodations worldwide.
• Direct Savings & Value: Cut out middlemen and save an average of 15% on bookings, with no hidden fees. Our models ensure value flows directly back to you.
• Travel-to-Earn Rewards: A first-of-its-kind loyalty program that turns your adventures into tangible value, rewarding you for exploring the world.
• Powerhouse Partnerships: Collaborations with industry giants like Huawei, Tencent Cloud Web3, Arsenal FC (2022-24), and Gala Games amplify Staynex’s credibility. Adding to the excitement, football icon Patrice Evra serves as Staynex’s global ambassador, infusing his champion’s energy into the community.

“Jeff Hoffman’s appointment is a defining moment for Staynex,” said Yuen Wong, CEO and Forbes Top 40 Tech Leader 2025. “His unmatched track record, paired with our Web3 and AI-driven vision, will accelerate our mission to make travel more connected, rewarding, and traveler-centric.”

The 2026 Horizon

Staynex is building more than a platform—it’s creating a vibrant, community-driven social travel ecosystem. By 2026, travelers will connect, share, and co-create journeys, forging global bonds through shared experiences and digital ownership.

About Jeff Hoffman

Jeff Hoffman is a globally celebrated entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. A member of the Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame, he is a trusted advisor to the White House, the U.S. State Department, and the United Nations on economic growth and entrepreneurship.

About Staynex

Staynex is a community-driven travel and stay membership ecosystem powered by Web3 and AI. It leverages blockchain technology and real-world asset (RWA) integration to deliver intelligent concierge services, exclusive experiences, and exceptional value to a global community of travelers. For more information, visit staynex.vip.

For the first time in Texas history, the professionals who keep the state government running have been recognized, not with sponsorships or politics, but with genuine, peer-nominated awards.

Hosted by USLege, the inaugural Best in Government Affairs Awards honored legislative staff, lobbyists, association leaders, and communications professionals across the state. In a crowded, high-stakes Capitol ecosystem, these are the people who do the hard work that often goes unseen, and this year, their peers made sure it didn’t go unrecognized.

Unlike traditional industry awards, this was not pay-to-play. There were no entry fees, no advertising packages. 

Just hundreds of real nominations submitted by peers across the political spectrum, recognizing professionalism, excellence, innovation, and integrity in state policy work.

Why Texans Should Care

Texas has long been known for its bold politics. But behind every headline is a legislative staffer running point on logistics, a lobbyist threading a bipartisan needle, or an association leader translating policy into action for entire industries.

These are the people:

• Who make policy happen after hours
• Who lead with trust and respect
• Who build coalitions, manage crises, and drive outcomes

“In this industry, the highest achievement isn’t just what you’ve passed, it’s whether your peers want you by their side on the next bill. That kind of trust, diplomacy, and day-in-day-out decorum is hard-earned. And it’s exactly what these awards are here to honor,” said Laura Carr, co-founder of USLege.

What Makes This Award Different

• Peer-nominated only: Nominees had to be submitted by colleagues, counterparts, and collaborators who’ve worked with them directly.
• No fees or required spend: Recognition was earned, not bought.
• Celebrated a broader spectrum of policy professionals 

Here are the award categories and winners of the 2025 Best in Government Affairs Awards:

Top Hired Gun Lobbyists of the Year

• Carrie Simmons, Mike Toomey & Associates
• Craig Casselberry, Quorum Public Affairs
• Denise Rose, Jackson Walker LLP
• Holly Deshields, McGuireWoods Consulting
• Jay Propes, Mercury Public Affairs
• John Colyandro, Colyandro Public Affairs
• Kathy Grant, Kathy Grant Group
• Larry Gonzales, Desk 138, LLC
• Luis Saenz, Texas Public Affairs
• Mark Vane, HB Strategies
• Ryan Brannan, The Brannan Firm
• Will McAdams, Mike Toomey & Associates

Rising Stars of the Year

• Ana Grace Husted, Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas
• Avery Dishaw, Blakemore Public Affairs
• Caitriana Corkill, BGR Government Affairs
• Drew Graham, Graham Public Affairs
• Emily Love, Cross Oak Group
• Eric MacPherson, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
• Ikenna Okoro, Okoro Law, PLLC
• Jenna Harlan, Texas House of Representatives
• Kate Goodrich, Holland and Knight LLP 
• Michael Geary, August Strategy Group
• Morghan Armenta, Texas Office of the Governor
• Sara Allen, Imperium Public Affairs

Top Staffer of the Year

• Andrew Park, Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
• Ashley Walter, Chief of Staff in the Texas House of Representatives
• Brady Vaughn, Chief of Staff in the Texas Senate 
• Court Manske, Texas Senate Committee on Education 
• Cristina Masters, Chief of Staff in the Texas House of Representatives
• Jenna King Lewis, General Counsel in the Texas Senate 
• Laura Dally Stowe, Chief of Staff in the Texas Senate 
• Roel Benavides, Jr., Chief of Staff in the Texas House of Representatives
• Vanessa Cortez Tanner, Chief of Staff in the Texas House of Representatives
• Vince Leibowitz, Legislative Director in the Texas Senate

Association Champion of the Year

• Glenn Hamer, Texas Association of Business
• Jamie Dudensing, Texas Association of Health Plans
• Kimberly Lile-Dowty, Texas Association of Regional Councils
• Kristen Lenau, Texas Women’s Healthcare Coalition
• Logan Harrell, Texas Chemistry Council
• Megan Mauro, Texas Association of Business
• Perry Fowler, Texas Water Infrastructure Network
• Sandy G. Hoy, Texas Apartment Association
• Tray Bates, Texas REALTORS®
• Trent Hightower, Texas Veterinary Medical Association

Female Powerhouse of the Year

• Amy Rister, Texas House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
• Denise Davis, Davis Kaufman PLLC
• Jenn Saenz, Phenix Saenz LLC
• Leah Clark, City of Georgetown, Texas
• Lisa Kaufman, Davis Kaufman PLLC
• Marsha Jones, HillCo Partners
• Marti Luparello, Ocotillo Public Affairs
• Mary Tipps, Texans for Lawsuit Reform
• Michelle Wittenburg, Wittenburg & Associates / KK125 Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation
• Molly Spratt, HB Strategies
• Nora Cox, Texas e-Health Alliance
• Rebecca Young Montgomery, Montgomery Strategies

Strategic Communicator of the Year

• Allen Blakemore, Blakemore Public Affairs
• Brittany Eck, Texas General Land Office
• Julia Dvorak, Texas Senate Republican Caucus
• Katherine McLane, The Mach 1 Group
• Mason Reid, Blue Victory Communications
• Merrill Davis, Texas 2036
• Myra Leo, HB Strategies
• Shannon Meroney, Meroney Public Affairs, LLC
• Thomas Graham, Crosswind Media & Public Relations
• Dr. Vance Ginn, Ginn Economic Consulting

Lobby Legends

• Bradford Shields, Texas Legislative Associates 
• Neal T. “Buddy” Jones, HillCo Partners
• Gavin L. Massingill, Carriage House Partners, LLC
• Jack Erskine, K&L Gates LLP
• Jay Howard, HillCo Partners
• John R. Pitts, Texas Star Alliance
• The Honorable Kent R. Hance, Hance Scarborough LLP
• Mignon McGarry, Mignon McGarry & Associates
• Mike Toomey, Mike Toomey and Associates 
• Robert D. Miller, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
• Rusty Kelley, Blackridge

Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year

• Addison Reagan, Teacher Retirement System of Texas 
• Andrew C. Brown, Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Ben Wright, Texas Medical Association
• Christina Gonzalez, CenterPoint Energy
• Jordan Wat, Texas 2036
• J.R. Bloom, Las Vegas Sands Corp.
• Juliana Peceli, Communications Director in the Texas House of Representatives
• Kyle Mauro, HillCo Partners
• Louie Sánchez, Hance Scarborough LLP
• Matt Z. Ruszczak, Texas Division of Emergency Management
• Matthew Conner, Arete Public Affairs
• Michelle Watts, Texas Office of the Governor 

See the full list of winners here: www.uslege.ai/best-in-government-affairs

The Start of a New Tradition

This award marks a cultural shift in Texas politics, one that values collaboration, credibility, and peer respect.

It sets a new standard for what recognition looks like in government affairs, especially for the next generation rising in the ranks of the Capitol. Stay tuned for more to come.

About USLege

USLege is an AI-powered legislative tracking software transforming how government affairs professionals track, analyze, and act on policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Built for the fragmented and fast-moving world of government relations, USLege combines a legislative CRM, government video, and bill tracking with a vertical AI agent to deliver real-time alerts, actionable insights, and total visibility into the moments that matter. USLege equips professionals across all 50 states with the tools to stay ever-present in a system that never stops moving. For more information, visit www.uslege.ai.

Media Contact

Jess McDonald
Head of Marketing, USLege
jess@uslege.ai

Moonbet, a leading online crypto casino, recently released the results of a study examining how gambling affects the brain and why online platforms must do more to identify and help customers who may be struggling with gambling addiction.

Highlights

• The brain responds powerfully to uncertainty and near-misses. That is why “just one more” feels rational at the moment. (PMC)
• Harm is not rare. Millions struggle each year. Most do not get help. (National Council on Problem Gambling)
• Tools exist that work. CBT has strong evidence; MI helps many, especially early. If you feel the loop tightening, seek care and set limits now. (PMC)

What brain science actually says

Modern neuroscience treats gambling disorder as a real addiction. In 2013, it moved into the same diagnostic chapter as substance addictions in the DSM-5 because the brain changes and clinical course overlap: heightened cue-reactivity in reward circuits, impaired top-down control, and persistent relapse risk. Large reviews and imaging studies show the pattern clearly. (PMC)

Two mechanisms drive the loop:

1. Reward prediction and dopamine. Uncertain rewards create stronger “teaching signals” than predictable ones. Anticipation spikes dopamine in striatal circuits; over time the bet itself becomes the trigger. Near-misses can recruit the same win-related circuitry and push further play. Human fMRI and laboratory models repeatedly show this, and pharmacology studies link the effect to D2 pathways. (PMC)

2. Control systems go offline. With progression, prefrontal regions that support planning and inhibition show reduced control over impulses. Imaging reviews in gambling disorder mirror findings from drug addiction: stronger cue-reactivity and weaker control predicts worse outcomes. (PMC)

Table 1. How gambling engages the brain

System: Striatum and midbrain dopamine

• What happens in gambling: Big spikes in response to uncertainty and “almost wins.”
• Why it matters: Teaches the brain to chase the next pull even after losses (PMC)

System: Insula and salience networks

• What happens in gambling: Creates “It was close” and “I’m due” feelings.
• Why it matters: Fuels distorted beliefs and chasing behavior (near-miss effect) (PMC)

System: Prefrontal control

• What happens in gambling: Reduced top-down braking under cues and stress.
• Why it matters: Makes it harder to stop and easier to binge (PMC)

How common is harm

Best national estimates from the National Council on Problem Gambling suggest about 1% of U.S. adults meet criteria for a severe gambling problem in a given year, and another 2–3% have mild to moderate problems. That is millions of people, most of whom never get help.

Table 2. U.S. burden by the numbers

Measure: Adults with severe gambling problems (annual)

• Estimate: ~1% (≈ 2.5 million)

Measure: Adults with mild to moderate problems

• Estimate: ~2–3% (≈ 5–8 million)

Measure: Help-seeking

• Estimate: Low compared with need (multiple surveys) (National Council on Problem Gambling)

Why online products supercharge the loop

The biology above did not come from apps, but apps remove friction. A browser creates more “loops” per hour, while design patterns mimic casino schedules: infinite scroll, intermittent reinforcement, near-miss visuals, and push cues. When you multiply loops against any non-zero house edge, expected loss grows with time. Our earlier reporting showed online players generating more volume in short windows; independent reviews link the online channel to greater time on device and higher losses for a subset of users. (American Psychological Association)

Expected loss ≈ house edge × total wagered

Thus, more loops drive the total up, even if the edge looks small.

What actually helps

Evidence-based care exists:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) reduces gambling frequency, intensity and harm across multiple trials and reviews. (PMC)
• Motivational interviewing (MI) can reduce days gambled and short-term spending, especially when readiness to change is low, though long-term effects vary by study. (PubMed)

Table 3. Treatments with evidence

Approach: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

• What it targets: Triggers, distortions, chasing, money/time limits
• Evidence snapshot: Strong post-treatment reductions across meta-analyses and reviews (PMC)

Approach: MI (Motivational Interviewing)

• What it targets: Ambivalence, readiness to change
• Evidence snapshot: Significant short-term reductions in gambling frequency and spend; mixed results beyond 3–12 months (PubMed)

What most platforms are not doing

Most online casinos still emphasize “bonuses” and celebrity streams rather than transparent math and treatment pathways. Few present per-title RTP alongside a plain-language “house edge” label. Even fewer link to real-time help, self-exclusion, or deposit-limit tools prominently. Given the brain science and population burden above, this gap is hard to defend.

What Moonbet says it will do differently

The company states three commitments based on the evidence:

1. Publish the math and proofs. Per-game RTP and house edge will be shown in plain language. Outcomes and payouts will be verifiable on-chain, so players can replay a result instead of trusting a screenshot. (Earlier whitepapers describe near-zero-edge titles that target about 99.7–100% RTP, shifting outcomes toward variance rather than a hidden tilt.)

2. Fund treatment, not just disclaimers. Moonbet will donate a share of earnings to licensed gambling-addiction centers and publish the yearly totals, so funding is transparent and predictable.

3. Aim the product at adults with disposable income. The company’s public position is that it does not want to market to people in financial distress. The target audience is experienced adults who treat gambling as paid entertainment, understand volatility, and can afford losses. That includes firm ad guardrails, visible self-exclusion and deposit-limit tools, and refusing creatives that glamorizes “get rich quick.”

Moonbet also acknowledges an industry reality: not many people become wealthy from gambling and high-profile streams often feature subsidized or sponsored balances. The company’s stated goal is to replace marketing theater with receipts and keep vulnerable users away from high-risk funnels.

Resources

• Find help (U.S.): National Council on Problem Gambling helpline 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or chat at ncpgambling.org. (National Council on Problem Gambling)
• Treatment evidence: CBT and MI overviews and meta-analyses. (PMC)
• Background reading: Brain mechanisms in gambling disorder and the near-miss effect. (PMC)

Unlisted, the real estate technology company unlocking access to the 98% of homes not yet for sale, has been named one of the Top 5 finalists worldwide at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Selected from thousands of global applicants and more than 200 early-stage competitors, Unlisted is the only real estate startup to reach finalist status on TechCrunch Disrupt’s fiercely competitive Startup Battlefield stage this year.

At the event, founder and CEO Katie Hill unveiled the new Unlisted iOS mobile app, bringing the full UnlistedHomes.com experience to mobile with a faster, more intuitive design for buyers, homeowners, and agents alike.

“Unlisted went to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 with one goal — to share how we’re unlocking $31 trillion of hidden value in a $55 trillion real estate market by generating demand for homes that aren’t for sale — yet,” Hill said. “As a result of the attention Unlisted garnered this week, we saw our Waitlisted homes climb another $1.73 billion in value, proving that when people know about Unlisted, they use it. We’re leaving TechCrunch Disrupt energized to keep building the future of modern real estate.”

How Unlisted Works

Traditional platforms only show the 2% of homes currently for sale. Unlisted flips that model — making every home in America visible, searchable, and connectable.

• Buyers can browse all homes, join Waitlists to signal interest, and gain a first-mover advantage.
• Owners can edit their home listing and showcase their properties to gauge demand and attract prospective buyers.
• Agents can claim valuable zip codes in their region and act as local experts, facilitating real conversations that lead to future transactions.

Powered by advanced AI search and backed by HearstLab, Hearst Newspapers, VC414, StageNext Fund, and leading angels, Unlisted is redefining how people discover, desire, and ultimately buy and sell homes.

To search your address and edit your property profile, or join the Waitlist for your favorite homes that aren't for sale — yet, download Unlisted from the App Store or visit UnlistedHomes.com.

About Unlisted

Unlisted unlocks the potential in homes that aren’t for sale — yet. The company empowers home buyers to join the Waitlist for homes they love that aren’t for sale — in other words, unlisted. At the same time, homeowners collect a Waitlist of interested buyers for whenever the time comes to sell, giving everyone a head start. Unlisted also allows homeowners to control how their home is presented online; they can create a stunning up-to-date property profile that shows off the home’s best features and attracts more interest. With more time and more connection, Unlisted is a more human way to explore real estate that drives better outcomes for all. Selected to TechCrunch’s 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 as one of the top tech startups globally, and backed by HearstLab, Hearst Newspapers, VC414, StageNext Fund, and prominent angel investors, Unlisted gives buyers a competitive edge in today’s challenging housing market. For more information, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

Media Contact

Sophia Jacomet
sophia@unlistedinc.com