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The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today praised Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s announcement to follow the lead of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and issue an emergency scheduling of concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) opioid products. The move follows growing concern from federal and state health officials about the addictive nature and public health risks of synthetic 7-OH, a novel opioid that is masquerading as a dietary supplement.

Natural leaf kratom was not included or under scrutiny in today’s announcement. 

“Florida’s leadership in taking swift action against dangerous synthetic 7-OH opioid products is a landmark moment in protecting public health,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “We strongly support enforcement against synthetic 7-OH opioid products, which pose real risks of abuse, dependence, and overdose. Importantly, similar to the FDA’s recommendation, this action draws a clear line between natural kratom leaf products and novel lab-produced potent derivatives like 7, by clearly ensuring that natural kratom leaf is not affected by the emergency scheduling."

This announcement comes after FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary stated on July 29 that the federal government is “targeting a concentrated synthetic byproduct that is an opioid,” underscoring the urgency of state-level action. Despite this clarity, confusion persists among consumers, policymakers, and the media about the fundamental differences between synthetic 7-OH and traditional, plant-based kratom.

“Natural leaf kratom has been used safely for over 50 years by millions of Americans,” Lowe said. “The danger lies in synthetic manipulation by bad actors to create a product that is 13 times more potent than morphine and is in no way similar to natural kratom. Florida has sent a strong message: there’s no place for these dangerous, concentrated opioids in our communities.”

GKC emphasized that the Florida emergency scheduling, which takes immediate effect, aligns with the coalition’s mission to ensure kratom remains available in its natural form while keeping harmful synthetic derivatives off the market. The group urged other states to follow Florida’s lead and act before synthetic concentrated 7-OH opioid products become more widespread.

“We commend Attorney General Uthmeier and Commissioner Makary for prioritizing consumer safety,” Lowe added. “This is exactly the kind of targeted enforcement that protects the public without denying consumer access to natural kratom. We stand ready to work with Florida lawmakers, like the Kratom Consumer Protection Act sponsors Senator Collins and Representative Owen, when the legislature convenes in January to codify this scheduling into law.”

For more information, the Global Kratom Coalition has prepared a one-page fact sheet and a video clip of Dr. Makary’s July 29 remarks to help clarify the differences between natural kratom and synthetic 7-OH products.

About Global Kratom Coalition

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

Media Contact

Patrick George
info@globalkratomcoalition.org
+1 916-202-1982

The Stop Gas Station Heroin coalition today praised Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, accompanied by FDA Director Dr. Marty Makary and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, for taking emergency action to prohibit synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as synthetic 7-OH.

This action marks a critical step toward curbing the spread of Gas Station Heroin — a category of often imported, lab-made substances that include semi-synthetic and synthetic alkaloid products, tianeptine, nitrous oxide, and intoxicating hemp derivatives.

While 7-OH occurs naturally in only trace amounts in the kratom leaf, the products now appearing in gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores nationwide bear little resemblance to the plant. Instead, illicit manufacturers are mass producing high-concentration, ultra-potent 7-OH isolates — sold in tablets, capsules, powders, and gummies — that can be up to 13 times more potent than morphine. 

“Florida’s leaders are sending a clear message that these chemically manipulated products have no place on store shelves,” said David Bregger, executive director of Stop Gas Station Heroin. “These chemically manipulated products are deceptively dangerous and addictive. Marketed as ‘natural’ supplements, they behave like prescription opioids — carrying serious risks of respiratory depression, dependence, and fatal overdose.”

Florida’s actions follow last month’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendation to schedule concentrated 7-OH opioid products under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Both the FDA and the Attorney General’s office have made clear that these measures do not target the kratom leaf, which has been used safely for centuries.

“This represents a major step forward in the fight to protect American consumers from serial bad actors profiting off their addiction,” said Bregger. “Florida — and the FDA — are leading the fight to stomp out the dangerous and deceptive practices fueling the Gas Station Heroin epidemic and robbing our children of their health.

Stop Gas Station Heroin applauds these leaders for using their enforcement authority to hold illicit companies accountable and urges other states to follow Florida’s lead and use their enforcement authority to keep illicit synthetic drugs off the market.

To learn more about Stop Gas Station Heroin and its mission, navigate to stopgasstationheroin.com.

About Stop Gas Station Heroin

Stop Gas Station Heroin is a national coalition that aims to educate consumers about harmful synthetic drugs and advocate for smart regulation that distinguishes between legitimate, natural botanicals and dangerous, synthetic drugs, combined with enforcement of current federal laws around unapproved drugs. To learn more, navigate to stopgasstationheroin.com.

Media Contact

Media Contact
info@stopgasstationheroin.com

Botanic Tonics, maker of feel free, today applauded Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's announcement making Florida the first state to ban the sale of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products. The historic action, announced at Tampa General Hospital alongside FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, Florida Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD, and other medical and enforcement officials, targets synthetic drug compounds that can be "more potent than morphine" while preserving access to traditional botanical products.

Florida Targets Synthetic Drug, Not Natural Kratom Leaf

Florida's ban specifically addresses concentrated 7-OH products that cause serious side effects including liver toxicity and seizures. These synthetic compounds are chemically distinct from the trace amounts that occur naturally in traditional kratom leaf through centuries-old drying processes.

The FDA has expressed concern about widespread availability of concentrated 7-OH products in gas stations, corner stores, and vape shops — products that contain synthetic levels far exceeding what occurs in nature. Commissioner Makary previously stated that kratom leaf poses no significant public risk, while concentrated 7-OH represents an entirely different safety profile.

feel free CLASSIC: Setting the Safety Standard

Botanic Tonics' feel free CLASSIC exemplifies the clear distinction Florida's action reinforces. The product does not contain synthetic 7-OH, the compound now banned in Florida. Instead, feel free CLASSIC contains only whole kratom leaf sourced from noble varieties traditionally consumed for centuries in Pacific Island cultures, combined with kava root in water.

With over 129 million servings sold since April 2020 and fewer than 0.001% complaints, feel free CLASSIC maintains the strongest safety record of any kratom leaf product on the market. The product contains no synthetic ingredients, no alcohol, and no concentrates — only natural botanical ingredients with every batch tested to ensure safe alkaloid levels.

Clinical Validation Demonstrates Safety

feel free CLASSIC remains the only product of its kind with proper clinical validation through a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Cureus. The research found no significant adverse effects across all dose ranges, confirming the safety profile of traditional botanical ingredients when properly manufactured and tested.

Independent toxicologists from the University of Florida have reviewed all evidence and confirm the product presents no unreasonable health risks. The FDA conducted its own clinical trial using the exact same kratom leaf found in feel free CLASSIC and concluded the product shows no evidence of significant risk to consumers.

Regulatory Leadership Creates National Framework

Florida's decision creates a framework that other states may follow, with lawmakers set to codify the ban during the January 2026 legislative session. The action builds upon the FDA's July recommendation to schedule synthetic 7-OH under the Controlled Substances Act and June warning letters to seven companies illegally distributing these products.

Botanic Tonics has consistently advocated for regulatory frameworks that distinguish between synthetic derivatives and traditional kratom leaf ingredients with documented safety profiles. The company manufactures all products in its FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, using rigorous testing protocols that confirm product purity and natural alkaloid profiles.

Consumer Education Remains Critical

Florida's historic action validates the importance of consumer education about product distinctions in the marketplace. The difference between feel free CLASSIC and the synthetic 7-OH products now banned in Florida demonstrates why clear regulatory boundaries protect consumers while preserving access to traditional kratom leaf botanicals with proven safety records.

Botanic Tonics remains committed to working with authorities at all levels to ensure consumers have access to safe, properly regulated botanical products backed by clinical evidence and manufacturing excellence.

About Botanic Tonics

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

Disclaimer

Warning: This product contains natural kratom leaf which, like caffeine and alcohol, may be habit-forming and harmful if consumed irresponsibly. Avoid if you have a history of substance abuse. When consumed as recommended, feel free CLASSIC has not been shown to cause any serious physical or social harm.

Caution: Not for consumption by or sale to persons under the age of 21. May interact with certain medications — consult a licensed, qualified healthcare professional before use. Do not consume with excessive alcohol. This product is not intended for those who are sensitive to the active ingredients or women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant.

To learn more, visit our Consumer Education page.

Media Contact

Botanic Tonics
media@botanictonics.com

Burghley Capital positions the Bank of England’s latest interest rate decision within the broader context of monetary policy recalibration, noting the complex trade-off between inflation control and growth stability. The Monetary Policy Committee votes by a narrow 5–4 margin to reduce the Bank Rate from 4.25% to 4.00%, a move requiring a second ballot not used since 1997. Sterling appreciates to $1.35 per £1, while short-dated gilt yields edge higher and equity markets close lower, reflecting a rebalancing of expectations for the remainder of the year.

Division within the committee highlights differing assessments of the economic outlook

Four members support holding rates at 4.25% due to concerns over slowing disinflation and the risk of inflation expectations embedding into wage dynamics. Four others favour a 0.25 percentage point cut, citing evidence of sustained underlying disinflation, while one member initially calls for a 0.50 percentage point cut before aligning with the quarter-point reduction in the final vote. The outcome underscores what Burghley Capital describes as a deliberate, step-by-step policy stance that avoids premature easing.

Household impacts are uneven

For borrowers on tracker mortgages, a typical outstanding balance of £140,000 (approximately $189,000) translates into monthly repayments falling by about £28.97 (around $39.11). However, 7.1 million of the UK’s 8.4 million residential mortgages are fixed-rate, meaning most borrowers will not see immediate payment relief. Burghley Capital’s analysis notes that the near-term boost to household spending is therefore likely to be modest.

Inflation remains the key constraint on further easing

Consumer price inflation reaches 3.6% year-on-year in June 2025, up from 3.4% in May. Food prices rise 4.5% year-on-year, the highest since February 2024, while services inflation stays elevated at 4.7%, reflecting persistent domestic cost pressures. Labour market conditions show early signs of cooling, with unemployment at 4.7% for the three months to May 2025 and the vacancy-to-unemployment ratio slipping below its equilibrium level.

Markets respond with a measured repricing of assets

The pound strengthens 0.4% against the U.S. dollar to $1.35 and 0.6% against the euro. Two-year gilt yields increase by 6 basis points to 3.887%, reflecting reduced expectations for rapid easing. The FTSE 100 ends lower. According to Burghley Capital’s analysis, these moves indicate that while investors see the Bank’s decision as measured, they remain cautious about the prospect of further cuts in 2025.

Current market consensus anticipates no further adjustments until early 2026

Burghley Capital projects the Bank Rate settling at approximately 3.75% in the first quarter of next year, conditional on continued disinflation and stable employment data. The firm’s analysis also highlights a growing divergence between the Bank of England and the European Central Bank, which has enacted eight rate cuts since June 2024, reducing deposit rates by around 50% from their peak. This divergence has potential currency and asset allocation implications for institutional investors.

Economic growth indicators present a mixed picture

UK GDP is forecast to expand by 1.25% in 2025, up from earlier 1% projections, but quarterly momentum slows sharply from 0.7% in Q1 to 0.1% in Q2. Corporate insolvencies rise 13% between the first and second quarters, while small business confidence remains in negative territory. Burghley Capital’s analysis suggests that such conditions favour quality balance sheets, resilient cash flows, and prudent leverage strategies in both public and private markets.

Conclusion

Burghley Capital concludes that the Bank’s cautious, data-dependent approach will remain the dominant feature of UK monetary policy into 2026. The firm notes that rate-sensitive assets, selective credit opportunities, and currency-aware strategies could benefit from this environment, provided investors maintain flexibility and a disciplined approach to capital allocation.

About Burghley Capital

Founded in 2017, Burghley Capital Pte. Ltd. (UEN: 201731389D) is a Singapore-based global investment management firm specialising in long-only asset management strategies. The firm delivers institutional-grade research, tailored portfolio design, and advisory services to both institutional and private investors. By combining rigorous analytical methods with disciplined investment practices, Burghley Capital seeks to deliver consistent returns and long-term portfolio resilience.

For more information, visit burghleycapital.com or our resources page at burghleycapital.com/resources.

Media Contact

Martin Wei
m.wei@burghleycapital.com

Kite Hill, a leading integrated communications agency, today announced a strategic expansion of its service offerings, designed to equip businesses with the strategies needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI search and digital communication.

This growth reflects the agency's forward-thinking approach and its commitment to empowering clients with relevant and effective solutions.

"In today's dynamic market, businesses require agile and impactful communication strategies," said Tiffany Guarnaccia, founder and CEO of Kite Hill. "Our expanded services are a direct response to this need, particularly as AI search becomes increasingly prevalent. While it is still the early days of AEO, recent studies have confirmed that the lion’s share of AI citations is from earned media, so now is the time to continue to invest in PR. We're dedicated to helping our clients navigate this new environment, ensuring their brands are visible where it matters."

To address these evolving demands, Kite Hill is introducing new services and flexible engagement models:

• AI Visibility: Kite Hill now offers a complimentary audit to help businesses understand their brand's perception in AI. For clients seeking deeper insights, Kite Hill also provides an in-depth analysis that includes a review of your existing presence across LLMs, Reddit, review sites, and other online platforms; the structure and content of a client's website; the website's technical optimization for LLM crawler accessibility; and competitor strategies for AI search success.
• Consulting Services: Designed for companies with specific, urgent needs such as crisis communications or targeted messaging projects. Seasoned team members are available to provide  expert advice, strategic guidance, and help navigating difficult and nuanced situations. These services are now available outside of the agency’s standard retainer packages. 

“Many clients need a comprehensive, ongoing agency partnership,” Guarnaccia continued. “But some clients just need a hired gun and support on a specific and complex communications problem. That’s where our new consulting package comes in and serves as a complement to the standard full-service PR retainer programs that we provide.” 

These expanded services and leadership recognition are a testament to Kite Hill’s commitment to supporting clients during times of disruption and maintaining its position at the forefront of the communications industry. 

For more information on how Kite Hill can support your business objectives, visit kitehillpr.com.

About Kite Hill

Kite Hill is an award-winning integrated communications agency partnering with B2B and tech businesses to engage audiences, build brand reputation, and drive growth. We collaborate with innovative brands, from startups and scaleups to Fortune 500 companies, delivering effective messaging through brand strategy, meaningful content, media relations, events, and digital experiences. Our services include digital experiences, personal branding, strategic paid media, and specialized B2B influencer support. Kite Hill has been recognized as one of the "Top Tech Specialist PR Agencies,” “Most Powerful PR Firms,” and a “Top 50 PR Firm in America” by the Observer and one of "America's Best PR Agencies" by Forbes. For more information, visit kitehillpr.com.

Media Contact

Lauryn Russell
PR@kitehillpr.com

As interest rates decline, Australians nearing or in retirement are reconsidering their investment strategies. Many are shifting from growth-focused portfolios toward options that offer income, stability, and reduced exposure to market swings. In response, Capital Guard, an ASIC-authorised financial services provider, has released five principles to guide Australians in building resilient, income-focused, and long-term fixed income investment portfolios.

Fixed-income investments such as banking bonds, corporate bonds, and investment-grade bonds are drawing renewed attention. These options provide defined returns and can help investors plan with greater certainty. In periods of changing rates, structured income strategies often become more relevant to those seeking lower volatility and reliable cash flow.

“We often hear, ‘Where can I get 5.5% interest without locking away my savings?’ or ‘How do bond yields compare to term deposit rates?’,” said a spokesperson for the Capital Guard. “Most investors aren’t chasing high returns. They want security, access, and predictability. These principles provide a framework to meet those goals.”

Five Key Principles for Income-Focused Investors

Income investing is not about chasing the highest yield. It involves measured decisions aligned with long term investing goals, income needs, and access requirements. These principles reflect what experienced investors consider when building structured portfolios in a lower-rate environment.

1. Prioritise protecting your principal

Preserving capital forms the foundation of a conservative investment strategy. Low-volatility products like secure fixed income bonds, investment bonds, and term deposits can protect principal while generating income. Investors often overlook that predictability in returns can have a greater long-term impact than short-term gains, particularly in retirement when recovery time is limited. Portfolios can be structured to provide both income and access to funds at different intervals.

2. Focus on long-term income, not short-term rates

Temporary fluctuations in interest rates can lead to reactive decisions. For those planning retirement income over 10 to 20 years, stability and consistency often matter more than opportunistic rates. Fixed-income strategies such as laddered term deposits or staggered bonds help manage reinvestment risk and provide regular, forecastable income. This approach allows retirees to avoid being forced to reinvest at lower rates if the market shifts.

3. Look past the headline rate

A product offering 6% may appear attractive at first glance, but that figure rarely tells the whole story. Terms such as minimum lock-in periods, penalties for early withdrawal, compounding frequency, and the credit quality of the issuer all affect the actual value of a product. Evaluating these factors is essential when comparing fixed-term deposit rates and bond yields. Aligning choices with liquidity needs, risk tolerance, and cash flow planning will often yield better outcomes than pursuing yield alone.

4. Diversify across providers and terms

Concentration risk is often underestimated. Relying too heavily on one bank, product type, or maturity date increases exposure to rate shifts or unforeseen changes. Diversifying across different banks, institutions, and maturity horizons can help mitigate this. For example, combining short-term deposits with medium-duration bonds provides flexibility, liquidity, and protection against falling rates. This layered approach also helps investors avoid reinvesting large amounts during unfavourable periods.

5. Consider bonds as a strategic alternative to term deposits

Bond investments can offer stable income, capital protection, and greater flexibility than traditional deposits. In a rising rate environment, bonds may deliver higher yields and compare favourably against typical bank term deposit rates, especially for those seeking predictable returns. Capital Guard AU offers a range of Australian fixed-income solutions, including secure fixed-income bonds and tailored portfolios designed to help investors access the best Australian bond rates available.

A Cautious Shift Toward Fixed Income

Capital Guard has observed a growing preference among Australians for steady, income-generating assets over market-linked growth. This shift reflects both economic conditions and a demographic trend, as more individuals seek to convert accumulated savings into predictable income streams. The firm notes that interest in term deposits, investment in Australia, and other fixed-income investments has increased over the past 18 months.

While interest rates keep declining, the opportunity to lock in secure returns is strong. But investors need to weigh access, taxation, product structure, and timing. A diversified, well-planned fixed-income portfolio can help maintain lifestyle goals without taking on unnecessary risk.

To explore how to invest in fixed-income visit Capital Guard’s website.

About Capital Guard

Capital Guard AU Pty Ltd is an ASIC-authorised financial services provider (AFSL 498434, ACN 168 216 742, ABN 48 168 216 742), headquartered at Level 36, 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney NSW 2000. The firm offers services in fixed-income and equity investments, retirement planning, and general financial advice. For more information, visit capitalguard.com.au and follow Capital Guard on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

Legal Disclaimer

This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Investments in fixed-income products, including bonds and term deposits, carry risks such as credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and inflation risk. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. This article provides general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Investors should seek independent advice tailored to their specific circumstances before making investment decisions.

Investors are encouraged to review our Financial Services Guide and Risk Disclosure Statement and to consult a licensed adviser before making investment decisions.

Media Contact

Capital Guard
info@capitalguard.com.au
+61 2 8551 2719

White Leaf Provisions, a local Mount Pleasant, women-led brand committed to crafting organic, regeneratively sourced, clean-label, glyphosate-free products for children and families, has been recognized on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, posting an impressive 220% three-year growth rate. This achievement highlights not only the company’s national impact but also its role as a proud Charleston County business, contributing to the region’s entrepreneurial and economic vitality.

The milestone comes on the heels of White Leaf Provisions’ successful national retail launch of its second product line with Regenerative Organic Applesauce, delivering on its promise to expand clean, safe, and delicious options for families. The applesauce debut has been met with strong early sell-through and aligns with the company’s mission to provide the highest quality snack products without compromise.

Record Performance in 2025

In the first half of 2025, White Leaf Provisions reported:

• 25% year-over-year revenue growth 
• 8-point gross margin expansion 
• Contribution margin nearly doubling, by 14 points, despite new product launches
• Net losses reduced by 60% year-over-year through operational efficiencies and disciplined trade spend, cost controls, logistics optimization, and vendor renegotiations fueled these gains, while strategic marketing and strong Amazon/DTC sales propelled record June performance

Positioned for Growth

With a targeted equity raise now underway, White Leaf Provisions is engaging with strategic partners to make the next phase of expansion possible. The company plans to direct new capital toward high-performing SKUs, retail velocity, and full-funnel marketing initiatives. This disciplined approach to growth ensures that expansion into new categories and channels will be sustainable and mission-aligned.

"This recognition from Inc. is a reflection of our team’s passion, our loyal customers, and our unwavering commitment to creating the cleanest, most nourishing foods possible, while still maintaining the convenience that busy parents rely on," said Meghan Rowe, co-founder and CEO of White Leaf Provisions. "Our applesauce launch is just the beginning, we’re building a portfolio that parents can trust and children will love, all from right here in Charleston County."

About White Leaf Provisions

White Leaf Provisions is a women-led, family-run brand creating organic, regeneratively sourced, clean-label, glyphosate-free products designed for children and families. Founded on the principles of nutrition, safety, and taste, White Leaf Provisions is redefining standards in packaged food while supporting soil health and farming communities. Based in Charleston County, SC, the company is proud to be part of the region’s growing community of purpose-driven businesses despite being in national distribution. For more information, visit www.whiteleafprovision.com.

Media Contact

Meghan Rowe
mrowe@whiteleafprovisions.com

A lawsuit filed today alleges Roblox Corporation, the popular online gaming platform, enabled the grooming, sextortion, and sexual assault of a 11-year-old child through its online gaming platform in around 2007.

The Plaintiff, now an adult and former United States Marine, is sharing his story for the first time — alleging Roblox’s failure to implement safety measures allowed an adult predator to target and abuse him in what attorneys call an “egregious case of public importance.”

Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC and Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC filed the complaint in The United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas in the Dallas Division. It alleges the perpetrator, posing as another child on Roblox, gained Plaintiff’s trust through in-game messaging and exchanges of Robux, the platform’s digital currency, which online predators frequently use to groom young users.

Eventually, the perpetrator coerced Plaintiff into sharing explicit photos of himself in exchange for Robux. The user began threatening to publicly release the images unless Plaintiff paid him a sum of money or agreed to meet in-person. When Plaintiff arrived at the designated location nearby in Ennis, Texas, he discovered the individual was not a peer, but an adult man in his 30s. What followed was horrific molestation and sexual abuse of a child at the hands of the perpetrator — the effects of which Plaintiff continues to endure.

The lawsuit alleges Roblox has refused to adopt reasonable safety features that could have prevented this abuse and others like it. These include age-gating, stricter content moderation, better identity verification, and stronger parental controls.

“There are simple, well-known steps Roblox could have taken to protect kids — but it chose not to,” said Martin D. Gould, Founding Partner of SGGH. “This wasn’t an accident. It was a business decision. And children like our client have paid the price.”

Internal accounts from former employees reveal Roblox knowingly deprioritized child safety in favor of user growth. One former staffer described the company's approach succinctly:

“You can keep your players safe, but then there would be less of them on the platform. Or you just let them do what they want to do. And then the numbers all look good and investors will be happy.”

“When your own employees are acknowledging safety gets sacrificed for user growth, that’s not just negligence — it’s a systemic failure,” said Steven L. Vanderporten, Partner at SGGH. “Our client’s life was forever changed because of that failure, and Roblox must be held accountable.”

Despite this knowledge, Roblox launched extensive marketing campaigns claiming their platform was safe. Roblox claimed "safety is in our DNA" and promised "cutting-edge technologies" to protect users, and assured parents of "zero-tolerance" for endangering children all while claiming safety was "at the core of everything we do." The complaint alleges this follows a well-documented pattern the company was aware of but failed to prevent, despite having the technological means to do so.

“When a company tells parents ‘safety is in our DNA,’ yet knowingly fails to prevent harm it has the power to stop, that’s not just negligence — it’s a betrayal of trust,” said SGGH Founding Partner, Mike Grieco.

“This lawsuit exposes a pattern of deception: public promises of protection while internally ignoring clear dangers,” said Gary Klinger, Partner at Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC. “Roblox had the tools to prevent this kind of abuse and chose not to use them.”

The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages through ten counts including fraudulent misrepresentation, negligence, and strict liability claims. The lawsuit comes amid growing scrutiny of social media platforms' child safety practices and recent investigations revealing widespread exploitation on Roblox, including the discovery of hundreds of Roblox games themed around convicted criminals.

The Plaintiff is represented by Martin D. Gould, Michael R. Grieco, and Steven L. Vanderporten of Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC, Gary Klinger, Melissa Nafash, Melinda Maxson, and Alexander Wolf of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC.

For media inquiries, contact Lynn Smith at lynn@lynnsmithtv.com or Zoe Chipalla at zchipalla@sgghlaw.com.

About Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC

Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley (SGGH) is a boutique national personal injury firm dedicated to advocating for victims of abuse and catastrophic injuries in high-stakes litigation. We pride ourselves on being Innovators of Law and Providers of Justice. Our attorneys have litigated and won cases nationwide, representing thousands of individuals, including thousands of survivors of rape, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse in many of the highest profile abuse cases across the country. These cases include claims against private and public institutions such as University of Michigan (Dr. Robert Anderson), Michigan State University (Dr. Larry Nasser), Endeavor Health (Dr. Fabio Ortega), professional sports teams, private and public schools, elite private boarding schools, orphanages, foster care programs, hospitals, mental health facilities, Fortune 500 companies, wealthy individuals (Jeffrey Epstein), and numerous religious institutions and related entities.

Recent successes include participating in global settlements valued at nearly $3 billion, with over $400 million recovered on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation in the past 18 months. In addition to securing record recoveries, SGGH attorneys have also worked with clients to fought for and secure policy changes, helping protect future generations of children and adults from abuse and exploitation. For example, as part of a recent $21.3 million settlement in the hotel abuse case last year (one of the largest settlements in the country for an individual survivor), the firm also successfully secured policy and training changes for thousands of hotels improving hotel pre-employment screening and safety for hotel guests and employees nationwide.

For more information, visit sgghlaw.com.

About Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC

For over 50 years, Milberg and its affiliates have been fighting to protect victims' rights and have recovered over $50 billion for clients. A pioneer in class action litigation, Milberg is widely recognized as a leader in defending the rights of victims of corporate wrongdoing. 

Milberg is currently involved in some of the largest and most complex class action cases pending in the country and is particularly active in the field of Information Technology litigation. Over the past three years, Milberg has settled on a class-wide basis more than 50 class actions involving privacy violations in state and federal courts across the country as lead or co-lead counsel; no other plaintiffs’ class action firm in the country has settled and won court approval of more data breach and data privacy class actions during this period. 

The firm has successfully brought forth cybersecurity-related claims against major corporations including Meta Platforms, Snap Inc. (Snapchat), Walmart, Bose, CVS, Facebook, Gannett Co., Advocate Aurora Health, Inc., Novant Health, Inc. and more — resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements. 

Milberg is equally committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and exploitation seek justice. Milberg attorneys handle complex sexual abuse cases involving schools, juvenile detention facilities, religious institutions, healthcare providers, employers, and other entities that allowed abuse to occur. 

Milberg is actively representing sexual abuse victims in cases against Expedia Group Inc. and Securitas Security Services USA Inc., real estate moguls Tal and Oren Alexander, and the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan. 

More information about Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC can be found at milberg.com.

Media Contact

Lynn Smith
lynn@lynnsmithtv.com

HostingAdvice, the leading authority on web hosting reviews, in-depth guides, and industry news, today announced the launch of its inaugural Web Developer Choice Awards. This new awards program is designed to honor the best web hosting providers as chosen by the developers who rely on their services daily. 

Unlike traditional awards based on algorithms or expert opinions, the Web Developer Choice Awards prioritize authentic performance and real satisfaction directly from the web developer community. The awards reflect the true sentiment and professional standards of the individuals building and maintaining their infrastructure and presence online.

"We are incredibly proud and excited to introduce the Web Developer Choice Awards," said Ryan Frankel, president and chief technology officer of HostingAdvice. "There are a lot of hosting awards that are doled out by industry experts, and that’s great, they’re experts for a reason. But we wanted to hear from the people who use these services professionally over the course of their career and won’t hold back on their opinions. When your livelihood depends on hosting infrastructure that doesn’t buckle under pressure, you remember who delivers and who doesn’t. This recognition is of real-world performance.”

HostingAdvice.com is proud to announce the first group of winners in the inaugural 2025 Web Developer Choice Awards:

• Best Dedicated Hosting: InMotion Hosting
• Best VPS Hosting: Hosting.com
• Best DDoS Protection: Liquid Web
• Best Performance: DreamHost

These awards are a testament to the providers who truly empower the developer community. The awards employ a rigorous methodology to ensure fairness, legitimacy and industry relevance:

• Expert-Led Shortlisting: HostingAdvice’s editorial and technical team, boasting more than 60 years of combined experience, meticulously reviewed hundreds of providers across various categories. This evaluation focused on real-world performance, reliability, customer support and overall value, resulting in a shortlist of the top five candidates in each category.
• Developer-Driven Voting: A panel of 1,000 verified U.S.-based web developers was invited to vote on the shortlisted nominees. Participants voted based on their personal experience and professional standards, with the option to abstain if they lacked knowledge of a particular area or provider.
• Rigorous Data Integrity Protocols: To guarantee the authenticity of results, the study implemented multi-layered data quality checks, including digital fingerprinting, bot checks, geo-verification, speeding detection and manual review by a dedicated quality assurance team. Only responses that passed all checks were included in the final analysis.

There are an additional 19 medals across 5 categories to be awarded over the next few months. Stay tuned to the Web Developer Choice Awards homepage for all future unveilings.

About HostingAdvice

HostingAdvice is a web hosting reviews company, complete with educational resources for IT professionals, small business owners and anyone interested in building their online presence. HostingAdvice publishes daily news stories for the hosting, IT and developer communities. For more information, visit www.hostingadvice.com or follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter.

Media Contact

Adam Blacker
adam.blacker@hostingadvice.com

CHEQ today announced the launch of Traffic Intelligence in CHEQ Manage, the industry's first tag manager-native solution to give enterprises complete control over third-party tools and data flows based on traffic quality. This breakthrough capability goes beyond preventing undesirable traffic from infiltrating site tools; it filters and enriches quality traffic with context for analytics, personalization, consent, and customer engagement platforms, delivering cleaner signals, better decisions, and stronger protection for every downstream application.

The launch addresses a critical blind spot in enterprise digital operations: while most companies focus on filtering invalid traffic in advertising platforms, up to 30% of website traffic—including bots, scrapers, and geo-masked sessions—still reaches digital properties where it quietly triggers pixels, fires tags, and feeds corrupted data into the MarTech stack. This results in inaccurate analytics, polluted retargeting audiences, compromised testing, and exposes enterprises to privacy, compliance, and security risks.

Edge-Layer Architecture Delivers Data Protection and Control Without Performance Penalty

Unlike conventional container-based solutions that operate client-side and risk performance degradation, Traffic Intelligence in CHEQ Manage leverages a novel edge-layer approach that evaluates and acts on traffic quality before any third-party tools run. This structural advantage eliminates latency and data loss issues while ensuring critical marketing, analytics, and privacy tools only fire when engagement meets session quality conditions.

With Traffic Intelligence natively embedded in tag management, enterprises can set distinct traffic quality conditions for each technology, automatically suppressing specific tools from firing for suspicious sessions while allowing others to execute, and enriching traffic data with quality context for all downstream systems.

Powered by CHEQ’s Award-Winning Intelligence Engine

Traffic Intelligence in CHEQ Manage leverages CHEQ's advanced detection engine, which analyzes over 6 trillion go-to-market signals from more than 1 million domains daily, and has an unrivaled network effect and industry-leading <0.009% false positive rate. The solution combines multiple detection methods, including TCP/IP fingerprinting, behavioral analysis, bot detection, and device spoofing detection, to accurately identify threats invisible to surface-level filters.

"We're witnessing a fundamental shift in how enterprises must protect their digital operations," said Guy Tytunovich, co-founder and CEO of CHEQ. "Invalid traffic has evolved beyond ad fraud to become a systemic threat to the entire MarTech stack, corrupting data, degrading performance, and introducing vulnerabilities. Traffic Intelligence in CHEQ Manage is the first native solution to give companies complete control over what runs on their sites, based on highly accurate traffic quality signals. This isn't just about blocking bad bots; it's about ensuring every tool in your stack runs at optimal performance and on trusted data."

Traffic Intelligence in CHEQ Manage directly addresses growing concerns across multiple enterprise functions. Data governance teams gain complete control over data quality at the source, ensuring cleaner collection that provides teams with higher-integrity datasets and actionable insights. Marketing teams gain more accurate attribution, more effective testing and personalization, and a clearer view of real performance. Privacy and security teams benefit from reduced unauthorized tracking events, strengthened data privacy and compliance, and real-time audit trails. Analytics teams and business leaders have cleaner insights that reflect genuine user behavior rather than automated noise.

"Enterprise clients consistently tell us one of their biggest challenges is maintaining strong data quality and integrity across their MarTech stack, and that starts at the source," said CHEQ's Field CTO Jason Patel. "Traffic Intelligence in CHEQ Manage solves this by establishing a verified traffic quality layer at the time of collection, ensuring suspicious sessions and users never make their way downstream where they can corrupt CDPs, analytics, and compromise the privacy rights of genuine users by distorting consent signals. This launch transforms how companies approach data integrity from the ground up."

Today’s announcement follows a wave of momentum for CHEQ, including its acquisition of identity intelligence leader Deduce, its debut of the industry’s first triple-layer detection engine, and recognition on the prestigious 2025 Cyber 66 list of the hottest privately held cybersecurity companies. The introduction of Traffic Intelligence in CHEQ Manage builds on the company's 2022 acquisition of client-side data governance and security leader Ensighten, combining advanced traffic intelligence with proven enterprise data privacy and protection.

Traffic Intelligence is available immediately for all CHEQ Manage customers. For more information or to request a demonstration, visit cheq.ai/manage.

About CHEQ

CHEQ is trusted by more than 15,000 companies—ranging from the Fortune 50 to emerging disruptors—to enable and protect each critical touchpoint in the rapidly evolving human-AI customer journey. Powered by the industry's only triple-layer Traffic, Threat, and Identity Intelligence Engine, CHEQ decodes the digital truth behind every interaction—human or not—and the entity driving it, seamlessly integrating the rich, real-time insight businesses need to assess risk and prioritize opportunity across marketing, security, and business applications. CHEQ's industry-leading <0.009% false positive rate, combined with its unrivaled network effect, which analyzes over 6 trillion go-to-market signals from more than 1 million domains daily, empowers brands to confidently engage, transact, and thrive in this new era of digital transformation. Founded in 2016, CHEQ is a global organization with offices in New York, London, Tokyo, and Tel Aviv. For more information, visit cheq.ai.

Media Contact

Amy Holtzman
press@cheq.ai

King & Society Real Estate & Construction is proud to announce the sale of a newly constructed, deep-water estate in the prestigious Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina. Listed and sold by Misti Cox for $9,400,000, this Carl McCants–designed masterpiece showcases the seamless fusion of modern elegance and coastal charm, while also representing another signature build by King & Society’s construction division.

Located on Morgan’s Creek just off the Intracoastal Waterway, the 6,808 square foot home offers an extraordinary waterfront lifestyle, complete with a 120-foot private deep-water dock for boating and an infinity edge pool overlooking serene waterway views.

“This home truly embodies the best of coastal living, thoughtful design, elevated finishes, and a deep connection to the water,” said Misti Cox from King & Society Real Estate & Construction. “We’re honored to have both built and sold a property of this caliber, and to see it become a dream home for its new owners.”

As one of Charleston’s leading luxury real estate and construction firms, King & Society specializes in delivering exceptional properties that combine quality craftmanship with the Lowcountry lifestyle.

For inquiries, please contact King & Society Real Estate & Construction at 843-388-4674.

About King & Society Real Estate & Construction

At King & Society, we combine expert real estate services with exceptional construction capabilities—all under one roof. Our team is made up of seasoned agents, experienced builders, and trusted advisors who are passionate about delivering quality, whether you're buying, selling, leasing, building, or renovating. With a five-star client satisfaction rating, we take pride in making each experience seamless, meaningful, and built to last. For more information, visit kingandsocietyrealestate.com.

Media Contact

Kennedy Jordan
kjordan@kingandsociety.com

The Stop Gas Station Heroin coalition today applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s release of a new report, "7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): An Assessment of the Scientific Data and Toxicological Concerns Around an Emerging Opioid Threat."

Its findings confirm what public health experts have long warned: Concentrated 7-OH opioid products are not natural kratom, but highly addictive synthetic opioids that put American consumers at serious risk.

The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) found that:

• Concentrated 7-OH is not natural kratom, but a chemically concentrated derivative far removed from the traditional leaf.
• No human clinical trials exist to show safe use, with no reliable data on blood concentrations, side effects, or benefits.
• Addiction potential is high, matching that of traditional opioids.
• Respiratory depression risk is severe, raising the danger of overdose deaths.
• Adverse event data is unreliable due to underreporting and mislabeling, masking the true scope of harm.

“7-OH isn’t a wellness product; it’s a synthetic opioid,” said Dr. Nicole Avena, research neuroscientist and expert in addiction. “The FDA’s findings reinforce what we’ve seen clinically — these products carry real risks of dependency, overdose, and long-term harm. Selling them as dietary supplements is misleading and dangerous.”

The FDA report also notes that results across multiple independent studies align: Preclinical addiction models show the high-risk profile of concentrated 7-OH, making it clear that these substances should not be marketed directly to consumers.

Despite being packaged as “natural” remedies, concentrated 7-OH products are chemically manufactured drugs that are illegally sold without FDA approval. Some are branded as pain relievers or treatments for opioid withdrawal despite lacking any clinical proof of safety or effectiveness.

“Objective science has spoken,” added Avena. “Concentrated 7-OH opioid products are illegal, unapproved new drugs. Until companies produce peer-reviewed clinical research and secure FDA new drug approval, these products must be kept off the market to protect American families.”

About Stop Gas Station Heroin

Stop Gas Station Heroin is a national coalition that aims to educate consumers about harmful synthetic drugs and advocate for smart regulation that distinguishes between legitimate, natural botanicals and dangerous, synthetic drugs, combined with enforcement of current federal laws around unapproved drugs. To learn more, navigate to stopgasstationheroin.com.

Media Contact

Media Contact
info@stopgasstationheroin.com

Morphware (XMW), a leader in sustainable, decentralized computing, has announced its expansion into Abu Dhabi, adding the UAE to its existing hub in Paraguay. The move marks a significant step in the company’s mission to build a global network of high-performance, eco-friendly AI infrastructure.

A Strategic Gateway to Global Growth

Abu Dhabi’s combination of cutting-edge infrastructure, forward-looking regulation, and strong government investment in technology makes it a prime location for Morphware’s next chapter. The UAE has positioned itself as a global hub for AI innovation and blockchain adoption, offering fertile ground for Morphware’s vision of connecting sustainable energy, advanced AI computing, and decentralized networks.

“This expansion isn’t just about geography—it’s about connecting the dots between sustainable energy, advanced AI compute, and decentralized infrastructure on a global scale,” said Kenso Trabing, founder of Morphware. “Abu Dhabi offers the perfect environment to scale our vision for accessible, eco-friendly AI and mining operations.”

A Proven Model of Sustainable AI Infrastructure

Morphware operates on a hybrid model that balances stable Bitcoin mining returns with high-potential AI services. Powered by best-in-class NVIDIA H200 and B200 GPUs, the company already runs over 600 miners, generating consistent revenue while offering competitively priced AI and machine learning compute.

In Paraguay, Morphware has leveraged 100% hydroelectric power from the Itaipu Dam to fuel both AI workloads and mining operations—proving the viability of sustainable compute infrastructure in emerging markets. The UAE expansion complements this model by tapping into the region’s advanced data center capabilities and government-backed AI initiatives.

Security and Decentralization at the Core

Beyond raw computing power, Morphware focuses on privacy and integrity through blockchain-based security systems, including homomorphic encryption. This ensures that data can be processed without ever being exposed—an essential feature for enterprises and governments handling sensitive information.

By building a decentralized network of compute hubs, Morphware is positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to centralized cloud giants, while offering stronger data sovereignty and energy efficiency.

Future Outlook

The long-term plan is to interconnect Morphware’s hubs in Paraguay and Abu Dhabi into a unified, decentralized supercomputing network. This would provide clients worldwide with access to sustainable, high-performance AI infrastructure at a fraction of traditional costs.

More Than Just an Expansion

Morphware’s move into Abu Dhabi represents more than geographic growth—it’s a calculated leap toward creating a global standard for sustainable AI infrastructure. By blending renewable energy, advanced GPU power, and blockchain security, Morphware is setting the stage for a future where AI is both accessible and environmentally responsible.

About Morphware

Founded in 2021, Morphware is revolutionizing the AI and blockchain industries through sustainable, decentralized compute infrastructure. With operations in the U.S., Paraguay, and the UAE, the company leverages renewable energy, advanced NVIDIA GPUs, and blockchain-based privacy protections to deliver secure, scalable AI and mining solutions. Morphware’s hybrid model fuels innovation by combining stable Bitcoin mining returns with high-growth AI services, positioning the company at the forefront of the decentralized AI revolution.

For more information, visit www.morphware.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Morphware Front Desk
frontdesk@morphware.com

The Kava Coalition affirms its unwavering commitment to defend kava as a safe, lawful, and culturally protected food in the United States.

Recent court actions, including the decision in Kavasutra v. Adams, relied on outdated and discredited allegations of liver toxicity from a 2002 German case. That case, and others like it, have long been dismissed by the scientific community as flawed and unsupported by credible evidence. In the more than two decades since, peer-reviewed research and decades of safe consumption have shown no causal link between kava beverages and liver harm.

Kava has been consumed safely in the United States for over 100 years, both as part of the cultural heritage of the people of Hawaii and American Samoa, and among the broader Pacific Island diaspora. Its traditional preparation, which is cold-water extraction of the peeled root, has been practiced in the South Pacific for over 3,000 years. Currently, the solvent-free process that uses supercritical carbon dioxide, and research (Petersen et al., 2019) has shown CO₂ extracts of kava to be safe when manufactured to match traditional kavalactone profiles.

The recent judicial determination that kava prepared at kava bars is unsafe and considered an adulterated product stands in stark contradiction to the accepted treatment of other botanicals that are routinely steeped in water and sold as teas, such as moringa, hibiscus, chamomile, and countless other herbal infusions, none of which are classified as unsafe or adulterated when prepared in this way. Singling out kava for this treatment ignores both scientific evidence and longstanding cultural practices.

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Botanical Safety Handbook, available at kavacoalition.org/ahpa-botanical-safety-handbook, affirms kava’s long history of safe use. The updated edition distinguishes between traditional kava, which is water-based extracts, and contemporary kava products, which use organic-based extraction methods. It notes that the association between liver injury and organic-based methods is tenuous at best, and that poor quality control — such as use of inappropriate plant parts, improper extraction methods, combinations with chemical additives, and improper drying — may be the real culprits in past safety concerns. 

The handbook’s safety review includes all human clinical trial results and finds that liver injury is extremely rare and only tenuously correlated to kava. It also documents kava’s use as a food in the United States prior to 1958, including documented sales in the 1915 Sears catalog, demonstrating that its presence in American commerce predates modern food additive laws. While the FDA does not currently recognize kava as GRAS, the Hawaii State Department of Health has formally rejected that position and declared kava GRAS in Hawaii, a status also recognized and granted one year earlier in Michigan State.

Importantly, in March 2025, the United States Food and Drug Administration confirmed in written correspondence that “a tea produced from kava and water alone is considered a single-ingredient conventional food” and “would generally not be regulated as a food additive if the tea is consumed as food.” This position, consistent with prior FDA communications and the agency’s 2023 adoption of the Codex Alimentarius Regional Standard for Kava Products, makes clear that traditional kava beverages are not prohibited under federal law when prepared with water alone.

Federal law clearly recognizes kava, when steeped in water, as a food under 21 U.S.C. § 321(f). Attempts by state or municipal authorities to redefine kava as an adulterant directly conflict with federal jurisdiction over food and are subject to preemption under the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution.

The Kava Coalition will continue to support kava bars and other businesses serving traditionally prepared kava as a single-ingredient beverage. We will challenge regulatory overreach, defend against misinformation, and protect the rights of Pacific Islanders and all Americans to enjoy this important part of our shared cultural heritage.

Kava is more than a beverage. It is a tradition, a livelihood, and a bridge between cultures. We intend to see it treated in law as it has been in history: as a safe, respected, and protected food.

About Kava Coalition

Kava Coalition is an alliance of kava consumers, experts, and industry leaders committed to advancing kava education, advocacy, and choice. The Kava Coalition aims to empower informed decisions about kava, promoting responsible consumption while understanding the importance of preserving kava’s history and cultural heritage. For more information, visit kavacoalition.org.

Media Contact

Patrick George
info@kavacoalition.org
+1 916-202-1982

Alexander Executive Search (AES) is celebrating nearly a decade of recruiting excellence, connecting high-caliber talent with leading organizations across the United States through a distinctive, behavior-focused hiring methodology. Based in Orlando, the firm has carved out a niche in sourcing senior-level and C-suite professionals exclusively within the engineering, civil engineering, and oil and gas sectors, specializing in hard-to-fill, technical roles.

Founded by Keith Fox, AES was born out of his desire to transform the way hiring is done. “I’ve always believed there’s a better way to recruit,” says Fox. “I’m not interested in just filling positions; I’m focused on finding people who will truly thrive in a company’s culture. Good recruitment goes beyond a transactional relationship; it’s about ensuring alignment.”

At the heart of AES's success is a multi-layered assessment process that blends scientific, objective evaluation with in-depth behavioral insights. While traditional recruitment often stops at reviewing resumes and verifying skills, Fox takes it further. “Skills are a tick-box exercise. You can confirm them through a resume, references, or training records,” he explains. “But people are hired on skills and experience, and fired on behavior and performance. Understanding how someone will operate, how they’ll fit within a team, that’s the defining factor.”

The process begins by assessing the hiring manager and team to identify the behavioral traits needed for success in the role. This is followed by a rigorous evaluation of candidates that examines their presentation and mannerisms, their professional qualifications and technical knowledge, and, what Fox considers most critical, their behavioral drivers, including attitude, self-motivation, judgment, and values. This deeper layer of analysis is designed to prevent costly mis-hires and ensure that candidates are not only qualified but also aligned with the company’s culture and long-term vision.

The AES Dashboard

Candidates receive a comprehensive briefing pack outlining the company, job description, responsibilities, and expectations, ensuring complete transparency before the first interview. AES’s commitment to precision extends beyond the hiring stage. Fox offers a 12-month free replacement guarantee if a placement leaves or is terminated for performance reasons, a promise he has rarely had to fulfill in the company’s history.

Unlike agencies that rely on inbound applicants, AES is built on targeted headhunting. The AES team actively seeks out the best people for the job, often taking up to eight weeks to place the perfect candidate. His “head, heart, and mind” approach ensures that he connects with candidates on a personal level, understands what motivates them, and presents opportunities in a way that engages both their logic and passion for the work. 

Fox credits AES’s longevity to its ability to adapt to change. “I’ve got a lifetime business because I’m always watching the market and adjusting to it,” he says. “Recruitment will always be recruitment, but the way we do it, that’s what gets results. We don’t just forward resumes. We’re interested in the whole person, their values, and how they’ll contribute to a company’s success.”

As AES approaches its 10-year milestone, the company remains committed to delivering measurable, lasting impact for both clients and candidates. It aims to prove that in the high-stakes world of executive search, the right fit goes far beyond the resume.

About Alexander Executive Search (AES)

Alexander Executive Search (AES) is an expert search recruitment company based in Orlando, Florida. Founded by Keith Fox, the company hires exclusively for senior executives and C-suite roles in the civil engineering, oil, and gas industries. The company helps its clients collaborate with top talent selected through an extensive search process that incorporates a rigorous and strategic recruiting process that analyzes a candidate's intellectual as well as emotional strengths. For more information, visit aesrecruitment.com.

Media Contact

Keith Fox
info@aesrecruitment.com

Liberty Silver Corp. ("Liberty" or the "Company") (CSE:LSL) today announced that it plans to adopt a treasury policy under which the principal holding in its treasury reserve will be WHITE tokens, the native digital asset of the White Network ecosystem developed by WhiteRock. Following the closing of the transaction, the Company intends to rebrand to Grey Matter Treasury Corporation.

Transaction Overview

The offering consists of an approximately $250 million private investment in public equity transaction ("PIPE") for the purchase and sale of common stock (and pre-funded warrants, if applicable) at a purchase price of $1.85 per share. The investors will be granted registration rights as part of the transaction. The PIPE transaction is expected to close on or around August 15, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Upon closing, the Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering primarily for the purchase of WHITE tokens to participate in the White Network's token launch, as well as general corporate purposes and transaction expenses. The Company's current management team and a majority of the Company's directors will remain in place.

The PIPE transaction includes participation from over 45 institutional and crypto-native investors, including strategic participation from WhiteRock's ecosystem partners and leading digital asset investment firms focused on emerging blockchain infrastructure projects.

"The White Network represents a significant advancement in blockchain infrastructure, and WHITE tokens provide exposure to what we believe will be a transformative ecosystem," said William "Bill" Tafuri, Project Manager of the Company, who brings over 40 years of mining and exploration experience with major international mining companies. "Our strategy at closing aims to allow investors to access exposure to this high-potential network through our established public company structure."

At closing, the Company plans to implement a comprehensive token management strategy designed to maximize value creation through strategic participation in the White Network ecosystem. This program will be designed with the goal of capitalizing on White Network's growth potential while maintaining prudent risk management practices.

"We believe that this planned strategy reflects a strong, long-term investment approach that builds upon our company's heritage of identifying and capitalizing on emerging opportunities," said Howard M. Crosby, Director of the Company and President of Crosby Enterprises, Inc., who has founded multiple public resource companies including U.S. Silver Corp and High Plains Uranium. "We plan to execute a differentiated investment approach that will provide shareholders with direct exposure to the White Network ecosystem."

Investment Highlights

The Company expects to be positioned to deliver immediate value to shareholders upon the close of this transaction, and through the execution of its long-term investment strategy to acquire WHITE tokens and participate strategically in the White Network ecosystem.

The Company plans to leverage its experienced management team's proven track record in resource development and strategic asset management to optimize its WHITE token treasury operations.

At closing, the Company will establish a strategic advisory council comprising White Network ecosystem participants and digital asset management experts to guide the Company's treasury strategy and ecosystem participation.

The Company's management team brings extensive experience in resource company operations, with Director John P. Ryan having been involved in raising over $100 million in equity and debt financing for resource companies he has founded or co-founded, including Western Goldfields, Inc. and U.S. Silver Corporation. The team, which also includes experienced Director Bruce Reid, has successfully developed multiple resource projects across various jurisdictions.

Grey Matter Treasury will be supported by an experienced executive team that combines capital markets expertise with resource development experience and strategic asset management capabilities.

About Liberty Silver Corp

Liberty Silver Corp is a resource development company with a proven management team experienced in identifying and developing strategic opportunities across various sectors. The Company has evolved its focus toward emerging digital asset opportunities while maintaining its core competencies in resource management and strategic asset allocation.

Following closing of the financing, anticipated on August 15, 2025, the Company plans to rebrand as Grey Matter Treasury Corporation. By integrating a pioneering WHITE token Treasury Strategy at closing of the financing, the Company seeks to become a leader in strategic digital asset treasury management among public companies

Grey Matter Treasury Corporation, following the closing of the PIPE, is expected to be a WHITE token accumulation and strategic participation vehicle designed to provide investors with exposure to the White Network ecosystem. Grey Matter Treasury will be designed to help investors access exposure to the White Network, an emerging blockchain infrastructure with significant growth potential. To facilitate this, Grey Matter Treasury plans to adopt a treasury policy focused on WHITE tokens as its principal treasury asset.

For more information, visit libertysilvercorp.com.

Securities Law Disclaimer

The offer and sale of the foregoing securities is being made in a private placement in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder, and applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the securities offered in the private placement may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements", including information about management's view of the Company's future expectations, plans and prospects, within the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

Media Contact

Bruce Reid
info@libertysilvercorp.com

British Gambler, an independent affiliate and casino review site, issued a statement in response to sweeping regulatory changes introduced by the UK government, including a statutory gambling levy, new online slots stake limits, and enhanced affordability checks.

These reforms, part of the Gambling Act Review, mark a turning point for Britain’s online betting sector, which saw over 13 million active players in 2024 and continues to grow in 2025 despite tightening rules.

“We welcome steps that strengthen transparency and player protection,” said Alexander Kostin of British Gambler. “However, proposed tax increases—rumoured to raise Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to as much as 50%—risk destabilising the regulated market and pushing players toward offshore sites that offer zero protections. We urge policymakers to take a balanced, evidence-based approach.”

"British Gambler will continue to promote safe, UKGC-licensed sites only, with clear wagering terms, deposit limits, and verified bonuses,” added Kostin.

Key Regulatory Changes Now in Effect

• New Statutory Levy: All UK-licensed gambling companies must now contribute to a mandatory levy worth an estimated £100 million annually to fund treatment and prevention of gambling harm.
• Online Slots Stake Caps: As of May 2025, spin limits are set at £2 for 18–24-year-olds and £5 for players aged 25+, marking the first-ever stake caps for online slots in the UK.
• Affordability Checks: Operators are now required to introduce tiered financial risk assessments and real-time monitoring tools, aimed at preventing harmful gambling behaviours without compromising consumer experience.
• Tougher Enforcement: The UK Gambling Commission has stepped up oversight with new fines and license reviews. TGP Europe recently surrendered its licence amid AML failings.

About British Gambler

British Gambler is a trusted UK-focused resource owned by Danish company Gambler Media ApS, offering independent casino reviews, bonus comparisons, and expert insight into online gambling trends. All featured betting sites are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and independently tested by real players. For more information, visit britishgambler.co.uk.

Media Contact

British Gambler Partners Team
partners@gamblermedia.com

Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is a realm of golden beaches, verdant jungles, and laid-back coastal towns that captivate the soul. For travelers craving a seamless mix of adventure, surf, wellness, and coastal elegance, a one-week journey between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa offers the perfect balance. Both destinations lie on the Pacific coast, yet their atmospheres are distinct — one pulsing with beach-town energy, the other humming with quiet sophistication.

Day 1: Arrival in Liberia and Transfer to Tamarindo

Begin your journey by landing at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, the most convenient airport for reaching Tamarindo. After a smooth customs process, hop into a pre-booked shuttle or a 4x4 rental, ideal for navigating Costa Rica’s often unpredictable roads.

Tamarindo, just under two hours away, welcomes visitors with a buzzing energy. Check into your accommodation and unwind. For those seeking refinement and privacy, luxury villas in Costa Rica and in Tamarindo offer stunning views, infinity pools, and concierge services. Spend your evening watching the sun dip below the horizon from the beach or a beachfront bistro.

Day 2: Surf, Culture, and Sunset Sailing

Kick off your day with a surf lesson at Playa Tamarindo. This beach, with its long breaks and warm waters, is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers alike. Local instructors provide gear and guidance with a dose of pura vida enthusiasm.

In the afternoon, explore the town’s boutique shops and artisan markets, where local crafts and organic products fill the air with character. If you're inclined toward nature, visit the nearby Las Baulas National Marine Park, a nesting ground for the endangered leatherback turtle.

As the day winds down, board a catamaran for a sunset sailing excursion. With a cocktail in hand and dolphins occasionally trailing the boat, the Pacific becomes a golden mirror of the sky.

Day 3: Day Trip to Playa Avellanas or Hacienda Pinilla

Tamarindo’s surroundings offer tranquil escapes. Head south to Playa Avellanas, often called "Little Hawaii" by surfers for its world-class waves. It’s far less crowded than Tamarindo and the sand feels untouched by time. For lunch, stop at Lola’s, a beachfront institution that blends fresh cuisine with barefoot luxury.

Alternatively, spend the day at Hacienda Pinilla, a vast estate offering golf, horseback riding, and beach clubs. This area also houses some of the most exclusive luxury villas Costa Rica has to offer, nestled between dry forest and sea.

Day 4: Travel to Santa Teresa via Ferry

After breakfast, check out and begin the journey to Santa Teresa. The drive to the ferry terminal in Puntarenas takes about 3.5 hours. The ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya, bound for Paquera, is a scenic voyage. You’ll pass fishing boats, mangrove islands, and the occasional ray breaching the surface.

From Paquera, the final leg to Santa Teresa takes roughly two hours along winding coastal roads. The remoteness is part of its charm. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation. Santa Teresa offers a diverse mix of boho-chic guesthouses and luxury villas Costa Rica travelers often seek for private, serene stays.

Day 5: Yoga, Nature, and Beach Dining

Santa Teresa is a haven for mindfulness and wellness. Begin your day with a beachfront yoga class, often accompanied by the sound of howler monkeys in the treetops.

Later, explore the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, Costa Rica’s first protected area. Hike through lush forest trails that spill onto secluded beaches where time seems to pause.

As the sky turns amber, dine at a beachside restaurant. Many spots specialize in farm-to-table cuisine, combining local seafood, tropical ingredients, and global culinary techniques.

Day 6: Surf or Explore Montezuma

For experienced surfers, Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa offer consistent swells and a thrilling ride. Surfboard rentals and advanced-level coaching are available locally. If surfing isn’t your tempo, consider a trip to Montezuma, a small bohemian village just over an hour away.

There, a network of waterfalls awaits. The Montezuma Waterfalls, cascading pools surrounded by jungle are perfect for swimming and photos. On your return, stop by one of the area's organic cafés for a smoothie made with freshly picked guanábana or passion fruit.

Day 7: Leisure and Departure

Spend your last morning savoring a slow breakfast with a view. Whether you're lounging by the pool of one of the luxury villas Costa Rica properties or grabbing a final dip in the Pacific, give yourself time to reflect on the contrasts and connections between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa.

Begin your return journey to Liberia, or opt to fly out from the closer Tambor domestic airport with a connecting flight to San José. Either way, Costa Rica’s coastal magic lingers long after you’ve left its shores.

This seven-day itinerary between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa blends ocean adventure, cultural immersion, and moments of stillness. It offers a taste of the best Costa Rica has to offer — for the active traveler, the nature lover, and those drawn to the harmony of luxury and simplicity.

About Elite Beach Villas Costa Rica

Elite Beach Villas comprises seven remarkable Guanacaste luxury villas set within the lush landscapes of the Tamarindo and Santa Teresa beach communities. If not beachfront, each of our villas are within walking distance to the sand and into town.

These beautifully designed homes are an ode to taste and refinement with high regard and respect to the local communities and the environment. Equipped with the highest quality amenities and in-home services available at your convenience, Elite Beach Villas provides the extraordinary baseline for your Costa Rican beach vacation.

For more information, visit www.elitebeachvillas.com.

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Purpose-driven digital payment platform, Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL) ("Sezzle" or "Company"), is pleased to update the market on key financial metrics for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

Sezzle reported strong second-quarter results, delivering continued profitability and accelerating top-line growth as the company expands its suite of consumer finance tools. The Buy Now, Pay Later provider posted a 76% year-over-year increase in Total Revenue, an all-time high in Monthly On-Demand and Subscribers (MODS) and achieved its twelfth consecutive quarter of positive net income. The company also introduced a new “Earn Tab” feature that lets users activate local offers and earn money back on everyday purchases like gas, groceries, and dining—a move aimed at deepening engagement and repeat usage ahead of the holiday season.

“We’re scaling with intention. It’s not just about growing fast, but investing the right way,” noted Charlie Youakim, Sezzle Executive Chairman and CEO. “The product features and marketing initiatives we’ve rolled out are driving stronger engagement and broader adoption. With GMV up 74% year-over-year and Monthly On-Demand and Subscribers (MODS) at an all-time high, we’re seeing early proof that our focused investments are paying off.”

Second Quarter 2025 Highlights

• Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) hit a new Company high of $927.0 million, up 74.2% YoY, driven by higher engagement from both Subscriber and On-Demand users. The new suite of app enhancements and features are proving effective, with consumers averaging 6.1 purchases in the quarter compared to 4.8 from the same period last year.
• Total Revenue rose 76.4% YoY to $98.7 million, supported by strong On-Demand growth, ongoing WebBank synergies, and sustained consumer activity. Total Revenue as a percentage of GMV reached 10.6%.
• Sezzle's Monthly On-Demand & Subscribers (MODS) reached 748,000 (rounded to the nearest thousand), up from 658,000 last quarter, driven by targeted marketing initiatives.
• Total Operating Expenses grew to $62.6 million, up 59.5% YoY. However, these expenses represented a smaller portion of Total Revenue—down 6.8 points to 63.4%—demonstrating the Company's scalable cost structure.
• Transaction Related Costs [1] as a percentage of GMV declined from 4.5% to 4.1% YoY, resulting from improved payment processing efficiency, increased consumer adoption of ACH payments, and lower funding costs. These gains were partially offset by a higher provision for credit losses, reflecting the Company's stated underwriting strategy aimed at accelerating growth. In absolute terms, Transaction Related Costs2 increased 61.7% YoY to $38.4 million.
• Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs [2] grew 87.2% YoY to $60.3 million, representing 6.5% of GMV and 61.1% of Total Revenue—up 0.4 and 3.5 percentage points YoY, respectively.
• Non-Transaction Related Operating Expenses [2] increased 50.4% YoY to $27.7 million, driven by significant growth in marketing spend ($8.8 million) compared to the prior year ($1.0 million). Nonetheless, Non-Transaction Related Operating Expenses declined as a percentage of Total Revenue by 4.8 points to 28.1%.
• Operating Income reached $36.1 million in 2Q25, up 116.1% YoY, with Operating Margin expanding by 6.8 points YoY to 36.6% of Total Revenue and 80bps YoY to 3.9% of GMV.
• Sezzle achieved Net Income of $27.6 million in 2Q25, representing 28.0% of Total Revenue. The 7.1% YoY decline stemmed from a swing of a $16.1 million income tax benefit in 2Q24 (driven by the release of the valuation allowance against our deferred tax asset) to a $5.1 million income tax expense in 2Q25. As a result, Earnings per Diluted Share [3] fell 4.9% from $0.82 to $0.78.
• Adjusted Net Income [2], which excludes the impact of certain charges including discrete items, jumped 91.8% YoY to $24.4 million, or 24.7% of Total Revenue. On a diluted per-share basis [3], Adjusted Net Income rose 97.1% YoY to $0.69.
• Adjusted EBITDA [2] rose 106.0% YoY to $37.9 million and accounted for 38.4% of Total Revenue, a 5.5 percentage point improvement from 2Q24.
• During the quarter, the Company spent $23.5 million to acquire 678,529 shares under its $50 million common stock repurchase plan announced on March 10, 2025.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

• As of June 30, 2025, Sezzle had $120.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, $31.0 million of which was restricted.
• The Company had an outstanding principal balance of $131.3 million on its $150.0 million credit facility as of quarter end.

FY2025 Guidance

The Company is providing the following guidance for FY2025:

• Total Revenue Growth: 60-65%.
• Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs [4] as a percentage of Total Revenue: 60%-65%.
• Adjusted Net Income [4] of $120.0 million and Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share [5] of $3.25.
• Year-to-date Net Income has exceeded Adjusted Net Income by $4.1 million, as discrete items have lowered the effective tax rate below 25%. To the extent that continues in the second half of 2025, Net Income is expected to differ from Adjusted Net Income.
• The Company anticipates an effective tax rate of 25% for the second half of FY2025, excluding any discrete items.
• Adjusted EBITDA [4]: $170.0-$175.0 million.

Initiatives Update

Sezzle continues to introduce a range of new features to enhance consumer experience across the full journey from discovery to checkout—supporting our dual strategy of consumer acquisition and retention.

• In the last year, the Company introduced new products and features such as the Earn Tab, On-Demand, Pay-in-5 [6], Express Checkout, Browser Extension, Wishlist, Price Comparison, Products Tab, Money IQ, and Sezzle Balance. These additions have broadened engagement across the platform and enriched the consumer experience, which is reflected through a healthy Net Promoter Score [7] of 75.

Awards and Accolades

Sezzle’s focus on building a responsible, consumer-aligned platform earned national recognition in 2025. The Company was named one of the World’s Top Fintech Companies by CNBC, Best Companies to Work For by U.S. News & World Report, and America’s Best Online Platforms by Newsweek.

Forgoing B Corp Certification

Sezzle has elected to forgo recertification of its B Corporation certificate as part of its continued evolution. The Company remains a Public Benefit Corporation and is committed to advancing its mission of financial empowerment and stakeholder impact. Sezzle will continue to publish annual sustainability reports to maintain transparency around its business practices and stakeholder commitments.

Upcoming Events

Sezzle Management will participate in the upcoming investor conferences:

• August 11, 2025: Oppenheimer 28th Annual Technology, Internet & Communications Conference.
• August 14, 2025: 7th Annual Needham FinTech & Digital Transformation Virtual 1×1 Conference.
• September 10, 2025: B. Riley Securities 8th Annual Consumer & TMT Conference.

Quarterly Conference Call and Presentation

The Company will host its second quarter earnings conference call on August 7, 2025, at 5:00pm ET.

To register for the call, please navigate to: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10201705/ffa540284c

All participants can access the webcast using the following link: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=DBf1gUM9

Upon registration, participants will receive the dial-in number. Those without internet access or unable to pre-register may dial in by calling: 1-866-777-2509 (US/CA toll free) or 1-412-317-5413 (international toll). A replay will be available until August 14, 2025. To access the replay dial 1-877-344-7529 (US toll free) or 1-412-317-0088 (International toll). Replay access code: 1939323.

In conjunction with the earnings call, the Company will release its presentation on the Sezzle Investor Relations website before the call. Please navigate to the Sezzle Investor Relations website for the presentation that management will review on the call.

About Sezzle

Sezzle is a forward-thinking fintech company committed to financially empowering the next generation. Through its purpose-driven payment platform, Sezzle enhances consumers' purchasing power by offering access to point-of-sale financing options and digital payment services—connecting millions of customers with its global network of merchants. Centered on transparency, inclusivity, and ease of use, Sezzle empowers consumers to manage spending responsibly, take charge of their finances, and achieve lasting financial independence.

For more information visit sezzle.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business. Forward-looking statements include our expectations, whether stated or implied, regarding our financing plans and other future events.

Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "expect," "plan," "could," "may," "will," "believe," "estimate," "forecast," "goal," "project," other words or expressions of similar meaning (or the negative versions of such words or expressions). These forward-looking statements address various matters including statements regarding the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. Each forward-looking statement contained in this press release is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statement. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, among others: impact of the “buy-now, pay-later” (“BNPL”) industry becoming subject to increased regulatory scrutiny; impact of operating in a highly competitive industry; impact of macro-economic conditions on consumer spending; our ability to increase our merchant network, our base of consumers and gross merchandise value (GMV); our ability to effectively manage growth, sustain our growth rate and maintain our market share; our ability to maintain adequate access to capital in order to meet the capital requirements of our business; impact of exposure to consumer bad debts and insolvency of merchants; impact of the integration, support and prominent presentation of our platform by our merchants; impact of any data security breaches, cyberattacks, employee or other internal misconduct, malware, phishing or ransomware, physical security breaches, natural disasters, or similar disruptions; impact of key vendors or merchants failing to comply with legal or regulatory requirements or to provide various services that are important to our operations; impact of the loss of key partners and merchant relationships; impact of exchange rate fluctuations in the international markets in which we operate; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and third party allegations of the misappropriation of intellectual property rights; our ability to retain employees and recruit additional employees; impact of the costs of complying with various laws and regulations applicable to the BNPL industry in the United States and Canada; and our ability to achieve our public benefit purpose and our election to forego B Corporation recertification and other factors identified in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Annual Report”) and the Company’s subsequent filings filed with the SEC. You are encouraged to read the Company's Annual Report and other filings with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov, for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. You are The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this document, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of these statements. The Company's business is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including those referenced above. Investors, potential investors, and others should give careful consideration to these risks and uncertainties.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our operating results prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), we present the following non-GAAP financial measures: Total revenue less transaction related costs; transaction related costs; non-transaction related operating expenses; adjusted net income; adjusted net income margin; adjusted net income per diluted share; adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”); and Adjusted EBITDA margin. Definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures and summaries of the reasons why management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to the Company and investors are as follows:

• Total revenue less transaction related costs is defined as GAAP total revenue less transaction related costs. Transaction related costs is the sum of GAAP transaction expense, provision for credit losses, and net interest expense less certain non-recurring charges as detailed in the reconciliation table of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP total revenue less transaction related costs above. We believe that total revenue less transaction related costs is a useful financial measure to both management and investors for evaluating the economic value of orders processed on the Sezzle Platform.
• Non-transaction related operating expenses is defined as the sum of GAAP personnel; third-party technology and data; marketing, advertising, and tradeshows; and general and administrative operating expenses. We believe that non-transaction related operating expenses is a useful financial measure to both management and investors for evaluating our management of operating expenses not directly attributable to orders processed on the Sezzle Platform.
• Adjusted EBITDA is defined as GAAP net income, adjusted for certain non-cash and non-recurring charges including depreciation, amortization, equity and incentive–based compensation, and merger-related costs, as well as net interest expense as detailed in the reconciliation table of GAAP net income to adjusted EBITDA. We believe that this financial measure is a useful measure for period-to-period comparison of our business by removing the effect of certain non-cash and non-recurring charges, as well as funding costs, that may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business.
• Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by GAAP total revenue. We believe that this financial measure is a useful measure for period-to-period comparison of our business’ unit economics by removing the effect of certain non-cash and non-recurring charges, as well as funding costs, that may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business.
• Adjusted net income is defined as GAAP net income, adjusted for certain charges including discrete tax items, fair value adjustments on warrants, losses on the extinguishment of our lines of credit, and other income and expense, as detailed in the reconciliation table of GAAP net income to adjusted net income. We believe that this financial measure is useful for period-to-period comparison of our business by removing the effect of certain charges that, in management's view, does not correlate to the underlying performance of our business during a given period.
• Adjusted net income margin is defined as Adjusted net income divided by GAAP total revenue. We believe that this financial measure is a useful measure for period-to-period comparison of our business by removing the effect of certain charges that, in management's view, does not correlate to the underlying performance of our business during a given period.
• Adjusted net income per diluted share is defined as non-GAAP adjusted net income divided by GAAP weighted-average diluted shares outstanding. We believe that this financial measure is a useful measure for period-to-period comparison of shareholder return by removing the effect of certain charges that, in management's view, does not correlate to the underlying performance of our business during a given period.

Additionally, we have included these non-GAAP measures because they are key measures used by our management to evaluate our operating performance, guide future operating plans, and make strategic decisions, including those relating to operating expenses and the allocation of resources. Therefore, we believe these measures provide useful information to investors and other users of this press release to understand and evaluate our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors. However, non-GAAP financial measures have limitations, should be considered supplemental in nature, and are not meant as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These limitations include the following:

• Total revenue less transaction-related costs is not intended to be measures of operating profit or cash flow profitability as they exclude key operating expenses such as personnel, general and administrative, and third-party technology and data, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, significant recurring GAAP expenses.
• Transaction related costs exclude significant expenses such as personnel, general and administrative, and third-party technology and data, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, significant recurring GAAP expenses.
• Non-transaction related operating expenses exclude significant expenses, including transaction expense and provision for credit losses, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, significant recurring GAAP expenses.
• Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin exclude certain recurring, non-cash charges such as depreciation, amortization, and equity and incentive–based compensation, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, recurring GAAP expenses. Further, these non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain significant cash inflows and outflows, which have a significant impact on our working capital and cash.
• Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin excludes net interest expense, which has a significant impact on our GAAP net income, working capital, and cash.
• Adjusted net income, adjusted net income margin, and adjusted net income per diluted share excludes certain charges such as losses on the extinguishment of our lines of credit, fair value adjustments on our warrants, other income and expense, and discrete tax items which have been, and may be in the future, recurring GAAP expenses.
• Long-lived assets being depreciated or amortized may need to be replaced in the future, and these non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect the capital expenditures needed for such replacements, or for any new capital expenditures or commitments.
• These non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect income taxes that may represent a reduction in cash available to us.
• Non-GAAP measures do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs.
• Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate the non-GAAP financial measures differently or not at all, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures.

Because of these limitations, you should not consider these non-GAAP financial measures in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our financial results as reported under GAAP, and these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered alongside other financial performance measures, including net income and other financial results presented in accordance with GAAP. We encourage you to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

[1] See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.
[2] See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.
[3] Per diluted share figures reflect 6-for-1 common stock split effective March 28, 2025.
[4] See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.
[5] Per diluted share figures reflect 6-for-1 common stock split effective March 28, 2025.
[6] Pi5/Pi4/Pi2 loans are originated by WebBank except loans in Iowa and Puerto Rico.
[7] Net Promoter Score (NPS) last 30-days as of June 30, 2025.

Attachments

• Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
• 2Q25 GAAP and Non-GAAP Operating Results
  

Investor Relations Contact

Lee Brading, CFA
+1 651-240-6001
InvestorRelations@sezzle.com

Media Contact

Erin Foran
erin.foran@sezzle.com
+1 651-403-2184

StartupMafia has published its 2025 Innovation Watch List, identifying ten technology companies making practical improvements in business operations.

While unicorns and IPO-driven startups continue to dominate headlines, the companies on this year’s list are focused on solving day-to-day challenges with targeted tools and services.

StartupMafia’s list reflects growing demand for functional, results-oriented solutions as businesses face tighter budgets and more complex operational demands.

Digital Growth Agencies

These five agencies are setting new benchmarks in digital growth by delivering outcomes rooted in research, local insight and platform fluency. 

ITForce raises the bar for data-driven SEO

ITForce is a digital marketing agency based in Ukraine, serving tech and eCommerce clients across Europe. The firm offers comprehensive services, including technical SEO, performance audits, Google Ads campaign management and mobile app store optimization.

Its analytics-driven approach allows clients to scale efficiently into new markets. By focusing on data-backed execution and ROI, ITForce has become a strategic ally for growth-stage companies looking to compete internationally.

Talks blends editorial clarity with search performance

Talks is a UK-based agency that merges content strategy with SEO to help brands connect meaningfully with target audiences. Founded by Modestas Mankus, a media entrepreneur with experience in culture and e-commerce, Talks is known for creating search-optimized messaging that reflects brand voice and user intent. 

The agency works across sectors and geographies, supporting organizations with content that is both discoverable and authentic.

LeaseMyMarketing delivers strategic SEO at scale

LeaseMyMarketing empowers established brands to gain a competitive edge in both national and local markets through high-impact, data-backed SEO strategies. Leveraging fractional marketing expertise, the agency provides scalable, on-demand strategic support tailored to each client’s needs.

By focusing on search intent, geographic targeting, and measurable KPIs, LeaseMyMarketing helps brands move beyond visibility to achieve real market traction. Known for its strategic precision and transparent performance metrics, LeaseMyMarketing is the go-to partner for companies ready to outpace competitors and turn search dominance into sustained growth—whether on a local block or across the nation.

Digitalico connects SEO to culture and conversion

Digitalico specializes in multilingual, region-specific SEO for brands expanding across continents. The agency’s approach goes far beyond keyword translation. 

Its teams localize messaging, search strategy, and campaign structure to match the behaviors and expectations of target audiences in Europe, Asia and Latin America. 

vertify builds sustainable organic visibility

vertify brings a data-first, award-winning approach to long-term search growth. With clients in SaaS, education, services, and e-commerce, the agency blends technical audits, on-page optimization, content strategy and digital PR. 

Its focus on organic traffic that compounds over time has earned recognition from industry bodies across Europe and worldwide. vertify is especially effective for firms looking to build resilient, SEO-led growth without overreliance on paid media.

Sales and Automation

The rise of real-time decision-making in sales and content operations has placed new demands on platforms to deliver live insights and reduce manual work. These tools are built for speed, clarity and integration.

Teneks.ai transforms sales calls into conversions

Teneks is a sales-intelligence platform that converts live sales calls into actionable insight. Real-time AI prompts help representatives address objections and outline next steps, while manager dashboards cut review time by an average of eight hours a week.

Some companies in sectors such as life-insurance, HR software and enterprise SaaS have observed sales cycles up to 30% shorter after adopting the platform, attributing the improvement to earlier discovery and real-time feedback.

Gpdrm.com brings order to cloud photo libraries

Gpdrm.com solves a common but time-consuming issue in digital content management. The platform scans Google Photos accounts for duplicate and redundant images, offering one-click deletion with minimal user intervention. 

As teams work with growing visual asset libraries, gpdrm.com helps reduce clutter, free up storage and maintain clean media systems without the need for manual oversight.

Infrastructure and Operations

These platforms support the behind-the-scenes functions that keep modern businesses running smoothly—whether it’s legal setup for international expansion or efficient mobility solutions for teams on the move. By streamlining logistics and compliance, they enable companies to operate across borders, reduce overhead and stay agile in complex environments.

Legarithm enables smooth international expansion

Legarithm supports company formation, licensing, and compliance in over 50 jurisdictions. Operating out of Cyprus, Estonia and the UAE, the firm provides legal infrastructure for startups and scale-ups entering new markets. 

Its services are used by founders launching remote teams or establishing operations across borders. Legarithm brings speed and simplicity to complex legal setups, especially in regions with evolving regulatory frameworks.

8Rental streamlines group travel across Europe

8Rental operates a modern fleet of minibuses and coaches in over 30 European countries. It serves event planners, tour operators and corporate teams with licensed chauffeurs and Wi-Fi-enabled vehicles. 

Its services reduce congestion and emissions by offering shared group travel options as an alternative to multiple cars. With a fast quoting system and multilingual support, 8Rental is designed for seamless group logistics and long-distance coordination.

Drivo offers flexible rentals for urban drivers

Drivo is a New York–based car rental platform offering a wide selection of vehicles through an entirely digital booking system. From compact sedans to full-size SUVs, Drivo serves residents and travelers who need flexible, short-term access to transportation.

With transparent pricing, online check-ins and 24/7 support, the platform provides a streamlined rental experience in one of the most demanding urban markets.

Why These Companies Matter Now

The 2025 Innovation Watch List reflects a clear shift in how organizations evaluate technology and service providers. In a time of limited budgets and heightened performance expectations, companies are prioritizing utility, speed and verifiable results.

Whether it’s increasing visibility in global search, closing sales more efficiently or simplifying compliance across jurisdictions, these service providers and platforms deliver clear outcomes with minimal overhead.

Many of the selected companies have become integral to their clients’ day-to-day operations. Their strength lies in narrow focus, technical depth and adaptability to real business challenges.

About StartupMafia

StartupMafia is an independent media outlet covering startup trends, digital tools, and growth tactics for entrepreneurs and marketers. Known for practical reviews, expert roundups, and founder-driven insights, we help early-stage businesses stay ahead in the fast-paced tech world. For more information, visit startupmafia.eu.

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