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Missouri’s launch of legal sports betting this week has drawn attention well beyond the state’s borders, as regulators and leagues watch how its strict rules on proposition bets interact with a fast-growing but harder-to-track crypto gambling scene.

Missouri became the 39th U.S. state to allow sports betting after lawmakers approved a bill that took effect ahead of the year-end football and basketball calendar. The law bans proposition, or “prop,” bets on individual performances for games involving Missouri college teams, a compromise meant to address concerns about player harassment and game integrity after a string of betting scandals in North American sports. 

Prop bets, which let fans wager on outcomes such as how many points a player will score or how many rebounds they will grab, now make up a significant share of online betting in many markets, according to industry data. Missouri’s prohibition on in-state college games follows similar steps in some U.S. jurisdictions that have tightened rules after high-profile cases involving college athletes approached by bettors or intermediaries. 

Large operators publicly welcomed the state’s decision to go legal while quietly adjusting to the new guardrails. For them, Missouri is another piece in a patchwork map where rules on event types, data usage, and marketing differ from one state to the next. Internally, compliance teams will be watching for any unusual shifts in betting behavior, especially if bettors who favor prop markets drift toward unregulated offshore sites.

That offshore segment increasingly overlaps with crypto. Bitcoin and other digital assets are widely accepted at unlicensed casinos and sportsbooks outside the United States, offering fast deposits and withdrawals but without the consumer protections associated with regulated operators. In Canada, for example, legal online casinos overseen by provincial regulators do not accept cryptocurrencies, leaving would-be crypto bettors to seek out offshore brands if they choose to gamble with digital coins. 

Analysts who track token flows say the gambling niche often reacts quickly to news of listings on major exchanges. Binance, the world’s largest crypto trading platform by volume, continues to roll out new perpetual futures contracts and spot pairs, with several fresh trading pairs and derivatives products announced in late November and early December. That rhythm has kept speculative interest high in new Binance crypto listings, a category that now appears regularly in community forums and in promotional material aimed at retail traders.

Regulators, for now, are focused on what they can see. Missouri’s law channels at least $5 million a year into problem-gambling programs and leaves the state gaming commission heavily reliant on operators and leagues to flag suspicious activity.  Leagues have already been forced to respond to multiple betting-related scandals, prompting some to review their integrity units and data-sharing arrangements. 

Consumer advocates say the combination of tighter prop-bet rules and easy access to offshore apps could prove challenging to manage. If fans accustomed to individual-player markets cannot find them on regulated books for specific games, some may look elsewhere rather than change their habits. That would push more money into unlicensed channels just as states are trying to keep wagering inside structures they can supervise.

At the same time, the legal side of the gambling market isn’t slowing down. Operators in the U.S. and Canada keep saying the same thing: more people are signing up, not fewer. Part of it is just practical — better internet, better apps, and the fact that betting has slipped into everyday conversation the way fantasy sports did a decade ago. Several executives described the growth as “steady, not flashy,” but enough to show that the legal market still has traction even with so many offshore sites competing for attention.

That’s what is making regulators uneasy. They’re watching two things happen at once: licensed operators pulling in bigger numbers and a completely separate audience drifting into crypto-funded platforms where oversight is thin. A few state officials said privately that they’re trying to draw a line with prop bets, especially on college sports, without sending frustrated bettors straight into the offshore ecosystem. The problem is that every restriction creates a small leak somewhere else, and those leaks tend to end up in places the regulators can’t see.

For now, operators in Missouri and other legal states are preparing for a busy winter sports calendar under the new rules, and regulators are watching for early signs of strain. The bigger questions, how far to go on prop-bet limits, whether to address crypto-funded wagers directly, and how to keep legal markets attractive without loosening safeguards, are unlikely to be resolved before the next wave of regulatory reviews in 2026.

Small spaces only truly work when furniture, proportions, and storage concepts are planned together. Many common issues arise when furniture is chosen based on individual dimensions rather than on movement space, or when functions can’t be tested in real life before purchase. By considering depth, mechanisms, and material impact as a whole, you can create solutions that keep a room feeling open and usable — even with limited square footage. 

Large furniture stores like XXXLutz offer a real advantage here, allowing you to compare these factors side by side. Different depths, heights, and functional options are displayed together, making even small differences of just a few centimeters easy to evaluate in terms of their real-world effect — something online retailers or flat-pack suppliers often can’t match. 

At a Glance: 

• Multifunctional furniture can replace two to three individual pieces, reducing the space needed without sacrificing storage. 
• Proportions affect how a room feels: seat depths, cabinet depths, and walking paths all influence whether a space feels cramped or open. 
• Wall height matters more than floor space: tall, narrow units can add structure without overwhelming a room visually. 
• Testing mechanisms and features in person is essential, since stability and ease of use are hard to judge from photos alone. 

Key Principle: Prioritize Movement, Not Just Floor Space 

Quick check: The key measurement in a small room is the free movement radius — ideally 60 cm to 80 cm. 

Rooms often feel cramped not because of the furniture, but because movement paths are unclear. A common mistake is using multiple low, shallow dressers that may seem compact, but end up blockingvaluable width. Tall, slim storage units are usually more effective: a cabinet with a 40 cm depth and 230 cm height typically holds more than two 50 cm-deep dressers — while using less floor space.  

Avoid Regret: Simulate Before You Buy 

To prevent missteps, use a method borrowed from sofa and kitchen planning: mark out footprints with painter’s tape and simulate door openings. This simple step can reveal whether drawers collide, bedstorage is blocked, or movement space is too tight. Many are surprised how a mere 5 cm to 10 cm difference in depth changes how a room feels. 

Also consider the swing space needed for doors, drawers, and fold-out elements. In small spaces, an opening depth of just 40 cm to 60 cm can cause real problems that aren’t obvious in a floor plan. 

Tip: Check real-life setups in-store

Photos rarely convey movement space properly, since they lack scale. In stores like XXXLutz, furniture is displayed in realistic room settings. Online, by contrast, dimensions are often shown in isolation, and discount stores rarely offer different depth options. 

Multifunctionality: Furniture That Does More 

Quick check: Multifunctional furniture only works if both functions are easy to use — with no awkwardness or space conflicts. 

Multifunctional furniture isn’t a compromise — it’s a design strategy. The key is that its secondary use is fully functional and user-friendly. 

Typical practical benchmarks: 

• Sofa beds need 200 cm to 220 cm length when extended. 
• Front pull-out models (lengthwise) require 110 cm to 140 cm of depth when open. 
• Side-fold models (widthwise) typically need 85 cm to 105 cm plus backrest clearance. 
• Bed drawers should have at least 25 cm of clear opening height so that blankets or boxes don’t get crammed. 
• Extendable dining tables should be 70 cm to 90 cm wide when closed to ensure they still look and feel stable. 
• Lift-top coffee tables should have a lifting range of at least 10 cm to 20 cm (ideally 25 cm) to function ergonomically as a laptop surface. 
• Differences in stability, weight capacity, and smoothness of operation are hard to judge from product images. In-store, you can test lift mechanisms, weight-bearing capacity, and drawer resistance firsthand. Products that seem similar on paper often feel very different in use. 

Weight also matters: Storage beds or sofa beds can weigh 120 kg to 150 kg (60 kg to 80 kg for single sofas), which should be factored in for older buildings or upper floors.  

How to Apply This When Shopping 

Especially with folding or sliding systems, models that look alike can differ significantly in ease of use and durability. While online stores often provide only technical specs and discount retailers stock just one version, stores like XXXLutz offer multiple systems for direct comparison. 

Storage Strategies: Think Vertical, Not Wide 

Quick check: Effective storage comes from clearly defined usage zones and vertical planning — not from more furniture. 

Professional layouts typically work with three usage zones: 

• Primary zone (up to 120 cm high): frequently used items, easy to reach. 
• Secondary zone (120 cm to 180 cm): less-used items like documents or seasonal textiles. 
• Tertiary zone (above 180 cm): infrequently accessed storage or archival items. 

This approach enables tall storage rather than wide spreads. A tall cabinet with 35 cm to 45 cm depth and up to 240 cm height uses wall space efficiently while keeping the floor visually free — creating a calmer, more ordered feel. 

In small, densely furnished spaces, acoustics also affect comfort. Hard surfaces and bare floors amplify echoes, while textiles, rugs, and textured surfaces absorb sound and soften the atmosphere. 

Discount or Furniture Store? Why Customization Matters 

Standard wardrobes from online or discount retailers often have fixed dimensions that leave dead space above or beside them. Customizable systems — like those from XXXLutz — use modular grid sizing to make the most of awkward spaces and corners.  

Materials and Colors: Calm and Cohesion Matter 

Quick check: Small spaces feel larger when materials are kept consistent and contrast is used sparingly. 

Small rooms are sensitive to material shifts. A highly grained surface or dark fabric can visually shrink the space. 

Three key factors: 

1. Light reflection: Matte finishes diffuse light. High gloss adds depth but increases contrast. 
2. Color temperature: Muted natural tones link areas better than stark light-dark contrasts. 
3. Pattern scale: Fine or mottled textures feel softer and less bulky than bold prints or solid darks. 

These principles are well-known in upholstery planning. Melange fabrics or fine textures hide daily wear and make furniture appear lighter. 

In showrooms, you can assess how materials react to both natural and artificial light — a detail hard to capture online. 

Complex Floor Plans: Planning to the Millimeter 

Quick check: The smaller and more awkward the layout, the more essential precise depth management becomes. 

Sloped ceilings, columns, radiators, or shallow spaces can render standard furniture useless. A niche measuring 115 cm wide and 50 cm deep may look fine on paper, but many units need 55 cm to 60 cm just to open. Here, customized systems with reduced depth or non-swing doors are the solution. 

Digital planning tools make these problem areas easier to spot early. Expert advisors use floor plans, photos, and measurements to design storage solutions that follow the wall geometry exactly — often unlocking more usable space than standard combinations.  

Common Layouts, Common Mistakes — and How to Fix Them 

Quick check: Recurring layout issues can be resolved with adapted depths, clear lines, and smart zoning. 

Conclusion: Small Spaces, Big Impact — with the Right Plan 

Narrow rooms

• Common mistakes: Furniture too deep, chaotic lines
• Smart solutions: Cabinets 35 cm to 45 cm deep, linear wall setup, sofas with shallow 50 cm to 55 cm seat depth

Small eat-in kitchen (<25 m²)

• Common mistakes: Dining table blocks walkways
• Smart solutions: Table placed sideways, stackable/foldable chairs, tall cabinets for storage

Studio apartment

• Common mistakes: No separation of living/sleeping areas
• Smart solutions: Sofa bed or daybed, open shelf dividers (25 cm to 35 cm deep), horizontal sideboards

Attic

• Common mistakes: Sloped areas unused
• Smart solutions: Custom cabinets with reduced depth, low sideboards for zoning

Square room

• Common mistakes: No visual anchor, furniture in center
• Smart solutions: Anchor zone (e.g., sofa and rug), storage on walls, 30 cm to 35 cm shelf depth, strong sight lines

L-shaped room

• Common mistakes: Short leg wasted, visual clutter
• Smart solutions: Create zones, align furniture to main wall, sideboards to connect spaces

Room with many doors

• Common mistakes: Fragmented wall space
• Smart solutions: Low furniture under windows (75 to 85 cm), slim sideboards (30 cm to 40 cm deep), wall-mounted shelves

Low ceilings (<2.3 m)

• Common mistakes: Tall furniture dominates space
• Smart solutions: Emphasize horizontal lines, low sideboards, wide low shelves, light fronts, shallow depth

High ceilings (>2.7 m)

• Common mistakes: Room feels empty and echoey
• Smart solutions: Use tall shelving, ceiling-height storage, multiple light zones, acoustic materials

Short, wide room

• Common mistakes: Furniture all on one side
• Smart solutions: Balanced layout, sofas with visible legs, shelves 25 cm to 35 cm deep, orient views crosswise

Long hallway

• Common mistakes: Feels like a tunnel, unused walls
• Smart solutions: Narrow 20 cm to 30 cm consoles, wall hooks, mirrors to shorten space, rhythmic lighting

Open-plan living/kitchen

• Common mistakes: No clear zones
• Smart solutions: Use rugs, slim shelf dividers, floating sofa, vertical storage

Awkward door placement

• Common mistakes: Main wall space blocked
• Smart solutions: Use longest uninterrupted wall, sliding doors, shallow shelves (20 cm to 30 cm) near doors

Small spaces don’t require sacrifice — they require smart planning. Multifunctional furniture, vertical storage solutions, and calming materials create structure and breathing room. When you evaluate proportions, mechanisms, and materials in real-life settings, you make better long-term choices. 

The ability to test options in person, adapt systems down to the millimeter, and see materials in a real context makes stores like XXXLutz valuable partners for designing functional small spaces.

This analysis uses G2 customer satisfaction data to compare seven desk booking platforms on three core dimensions: ease of use, ease of setup, and quality of support. Each vendor included has at least 100 verified user reviews, ensuring the findings reflect broad, representative customer experience rather than isolated feedback.

The three scores (0-10 scale) are combined into a composite average, allowing a clear, side-by-side view of how each product performs across the most critical factors for successful hybrid workplace software adoption.

Best Desk Booking Solutions Overall:

1. Archie (201 reviews): Composite score: 9.57
2. Officespace Software (117 reviews): Composite score: 9.30
3. WorkinSync (231 reviews): Composite score: 9.23
4. Deskbird (211 reviews): Composite score: 9.13
5. Kadence (101 reviews): Composite score: 9.07
6. Robin (209 reviews): Composite score: 8.87
7. Eptura Engage (170 reviews): Composite score: 8.47

Below is a quick summary of key areas in which the different solutions excel.

1. Archie

Archie emerges as the clear overall winner, with top rankings across ease of use, setup, and support. Ideal for mid-market teams seeking balanced excellence and lowest implementation risk. What differentiates Archie's overall excellence is its architectural philosophy: building comprehensive hybrid workplace management without unnecessary complexity.

2. WorkinSync

Best for scale and broad compatibility. Ranked third overall with the largest review base, proving strong performance across diverse company sizes. Perfect for organizations wanting proven reliability at any scale.

3. Officespace Software

Best for enterprise integrations like sensors and badges. Joint leader in support quality and second in ease of use. Excels for teams needing auto-check-in and advanced occupancy tracking.

4. Deskbird

Best for European and international deployments. Strong across ease of use and setup with substantial review volume. Proven fit for global hybrid teams managing multiple locations.

5. Kadence

Best for AI-powered booking and team coordination. Delivers smart suggestions that learn user preferences. Great when intelligent automation outweighs simpler setup needs.

6. Robin

Best for large enterprises with complex policies. Leads in enterprise-scale features like multi-location coordination and visitor management. Suited for IT teams comfortable with advanced configuration.

7. Eptura Engage

Best for global enterprises needing IWMS beyond desk booking. Offers the broadest feature set for facility management integration. Ideal for legacy system modernization despite higher setup demands.

Further into this analysis, we break down performance across the three core dimensions — ease of use, ease of setup, and quality of support — through detailed micro-rankings that reveal each platform's specific strengths and trade-offs. We also segment recommendations by organization size, from mid-market teams prioritizing rapid deployment to large enterprises managing complex multi-location policies.

Factor No. 1: Ease of Use

• Archie: 9.6/10
• Officespace Software: 9.4/10
• WorkinSync: 9.4/10
• Deskbird: 9.2/10
• Kadence: 9.2/10
• Robin: 9.1/10
• Eptura Engage: 8.6/10

Archie leads on ease of use with a 9.6 score, driven by a clean, intuitive interface focused on fast desk booking. Employees can book via web, mobile, Slack, or Microsoft Teams, using real-time, color-coded floor maps, one-click recurring bookings, and simple QR or app check-ins. The experience feels familiar to users accustomed to modern consumer apps.

Officespace Software and WorkinSync follow closely at 9.4. Both offer strong mobile-first experiences and interactive floor plans. WorkinSync’s large review base reinforces its usability across diverse company sizes, while Officespace Software stands out for simplifying complex booking rules into clear, user-friendly constraints.

Deskbird and Kadence score 9.2, offering powerful features with slightly more complexity. Deskbird emphasizes team visibility and hybrid coordination, while Kadence differentiates with AI-driven booking suggestions that add value but require some user learning.

Robin’s 9.1 reflects solid usability for large enterprises, though its advanced policies and multi-location controls introduce more interface complexity than top-tier platforms.

Eptura Engage trails at 8.6. While capable, its IWMS roots and broad facilities feature set make the interface denser and less intuitive for organizations focused primarily on desk booking.

Key insight for buyers: If end-user adoption is the priority, Archie’s 9.6 ease-of-use score stands out. Across 201 verified reviews, customers report consistently high satisfaction, and the 0.5-point gap versus Eptura Engage reflects a real difference between an intuitive product and legacy-style enterprise software.

Factor No. 2: Ease of Setup

• Archie: 9.6/10
• WorkinSync: 9.1/10
• Deskbird: 9.1/10
• Officespace Software: 9.0/10
• Kadence: 8.9/10
• Robin: 8.7/10
• Eptura Engage: 8.1/10

Ease of setup measures how quickly admins can configure layouts, rules, integrations, and access before employees can book desks. Faster setup reduces deployment cost and speeds time-to-value, while complex implementations increase hidden IT and consulting overhead.

Archie leads with a 9.6 setup score, driven by sensible defaults, drag-and-drop floor plans, and pre-built integrations with calendars, SSO, and access systems. WorkinSync and Deskbird follow at 9.1, both enabling fast, low-friction deployments through mobile-first design and SaaS-only architectures with native Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace integrations.

Officespace Software (9.0) requires slightly more setup due to badge, WiFi, and sensor integrations, which add value for automated check-ins but increase configuration effort. Kadence (8.9) introduces additional complexity through AI-driven booking logic that requires upfront tuning.

Robin’s 8.7 reflects its enterprise focus, supporting complex policies and multi-location environments at the cost of longer setup. Eptura Engage trails at 8.1, with IWMS-style configuration that suits large enterprises but creates significant setup friction for mid-market teams.

Key insight for buyers: Organizations with limited IT resources should prioritize higher setup scores. Archie and WorkinSync/Deskbird can typically be deployed within 30-60 days, while lower-scoring platforms require more time and implementation effort.

Factor No. 3: Quality of Support

• Officespace Software: 9.5/10
• Archie: 9.5/10
• WorkinSync: 9.2/10
• Deskbird: 9.1/10
• Kadence: 9.1/10
• Robin: 8.8/10
• Eptura Engage: 8.7/10

Quality of support measures responsiveness, expertise, and problem resolution when customers encounter technical issues, have configuration questions, or need guidance during deployments. In enterprise software, strong support can be the difference between a smooth implementation and a failed rollout. 

Officespace Software and Archie lead on support with 9.5 scores, reflecting consistently responsive, high-quality assistance during rollout and integrations. Archie’s score is backed by a large, global review base, while Officespace maintains comparable quality at a smaller scale.

WorkinSync follows at 9.2, delivering reliable support across the largest customer base in this analysis, with slightly less depth on complex edge cases. Deskbird and Kadence tie at 9.1, indicating solid international support with occasional response delays.

Robin’s 8.8 reflects adequate but less proactive support for complex enterprise deployments. Eptura Engage trails at 8.7, where legacy system complexity and modernization efforts contribute to slower or less specialized support.

Key insight for buyers: Support quality directly affects rollout success and adoption. Organizations deploying desk booking software for the first time should prioritize platforms with top-tier support, particularly Archie and Officespace Software.

Buyer Segmentation

Which platform fits which organization?

Segment 1: Mid-Market Companies (100-1,500 employees, 1 to 3 office locations)

Best fit: Archie – Archie's 9.6 ease-of-setup score means a mid-market company can achieve go-live within one business quarter using one internal project manager plus vendor support. The 9.6 ease-of-use score ensures that employees adopt the platform voluntarily rather than reluctantly. The 9.5 support score means that if questions arise during rollout, the support team responds quickly.

Alternative fit: WorkinSync – WorkinSync's 9.4 ease-of-use and 9.1 setup scores deliver similar outcomes, with the added advantage of the largest user base (231 reviews), suggesting very broad compatibility with mid-market needs.

Segment 2: Large Enterprises (over 1,000 employees, more than 5 office locations, multiple geographies)

Best fit: Robin – Despite its lower ease-of-setup score (8.7), Robin's advanced features for multi-location coordination, AI-powered booking, visitor management at scale, and complex approval workflows justify the implementation overhead. Robin is explicitly designed for enterprise scale and complexity. The 209-review base indicates enterprise customers recognize this fit.

Alternative fit: Eptura Engage – For enterprises already operating SAP, Oracle, or other complex IWMS platforms, Eptura Engage's integration with existing systems and advanced facility management features provide value despite its lower ease-of-setup score. The 8.1 setup score reflects this complexity.

Segment 3: Organizations Prioritizing Rapid Deployment (limited IT staff, aggressive timeline)

Best fit: Archie or WorkinSync – These platforms' 9.6 and 9.1 setup scores, respectively, enable deployment within a few weeks (sometimes even faster) without external consulting or extensive professional services.

Segment 4: Organizations with Existing Desk Booking but Seeking Modernization

Best fit: Deskbird –Deskbird(9.2 ease of use, 9.1 setup) is explicitly designed for hybrid workplace modernization, emphasizing smooth migration from legacy systems and clear upgrade value to employees (superior UI, better analytics, modern integrations).

Beyond the Scores: Market Context

Key customer drivers: Manage hybrid work, optimize space, and coordinate return-to-office schedules; platforms with strong analytics, forecasting, and reporting drive higher satisfaction.

Integration as a differentiator: Native connections to Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, and Outlook/Calendar are critical; Archie, WorkinSync, Deskbird, and Robin lead, others rely more on APIs or less seamless integrations.

AI-powered features: Kadence, Robin, and Eptura Engage offer AI booking suggestions and room recommendations; these add setup complexity and increase reliance on support.

Support and onboarding: High-quality, proactive support matters more than marginal feature differences; Archie and Officespace Software stand out for investing in customer success beyond reactive support.

How to Use This Analysis in Your Decision

Step 1: Confirm your priority dimension — Is your primary success metric adoption rate (prioritize ease of use), quick deployment (prioritize ease of setup), or low implementation risk (prioritize support quality)? Most organizations benefit from all three, but if forced to rank, knowing your top priority clarifies platform selection.

Step 2: Align platform to organization size and complexity — Mid-market companies with straightforward hybrid policies should prioritize Archie or WorkinSync (easier setup, broad customer base). Large enterprises with complex multi-location policies and numerous integrations should consider Robin or Eptura Engage (despite higher setup overhead, their feature depth justifies the complexity).

Step 3: Evaluate integration ecosystem — Before final selection, confirm that your top-choice platform integrates seamlessly with your calendar system (Google Workspace or Microsoft 365), communication tools (Teams or Slack), and building access system (if applicable). Poor integrations are the primary cause of user adoption failures.​

Step 4: Reference implementation timelines — If your deployment timeline is less than 90 days, platforms scoring over 9.0 in ease of setup (Archie, WorkinSync, Deskbird) are realistic. Platforms scoring below 9.0 in setup are possible but require committed project management and may warrant external implementation support.

Step 5: Plan for support during rollout — Organizations new to workplace technology should prioritize platforms with strong support scores (Archie, Officespace 9.5) rather than assuming the support team is a commodity vendor function. The 0.5-0.8 point gap in support quality translates to meaningfully different outcomes during the critical first 90 days post-launch.

Conclusion

The seven desk booking platforms range from mid-market solutions (Archie, Deskbird) to enterprise-grade (Robin, Eptura Engage) and scale-optimized options (WorkinSync). Archie’s 9.57 average across ease of use, setup, and support makes it the safest choice for balanced performance and low implementation risk.

No platform fits all needs: WorkinSync excels at scale for mid-market companies, Robin suits large enterprises with complex policies, and Officespace Software stands out for support and sensor-based integrations.

Gaps in support and setup — like Archie’s 9.6 setup versus Eptura Engage’s 8.1 — show that platform choice affects rollout speed and risk. Organizations with limited IT resources should favor high setup and support scores, while larger teams can prioritize advanced features. For first-time deployments or tight timelines, Archie offers the most predictable success, while Robin and Eptura Engage justify extra complexity for advanced capabilities.

Disclaimer

This research evaluates seven leading desk booking platforms using quantitative customer satisfaction data from G2. The goal is to provide unbiased insight into where different solutions excel, rather than to promote any single product. Each vendor included has at least 100 verified G2 reviews, ensuring the analysis is based on a statistically meaningful and diverse sample of real customer experiences rather than isolated feedback or sales-driven testimonials. The data underlying this analysis was gathered from G2 between December 13 and December 15, 2025.

The evaluation uses a multi-dimensional ranking framework focused on three critical drivers of successful software adoption: ease of use, ease of setup, and quality of support. These dimensions reflect the main pain points organizations face when rolling out hybrid workplace technology: how easily employees adopt the tool, how quickly IT and workplace teams can implement it, and how effectively the vendor resolves issues over time. This content was created by the team at Archie, but the underlying analysis is grounded in G2’s quantitative ratings to surface where different leading solutions stand out.

G2’s scoring system is grounded in verified reviews and emphasizes recency and review volume so that scores reflect current product performance. For each platform, scores for ease of use, ease of setup, and quality of support (all on a 0–10 scale) are combined into a composite average, enabling clear, side-by-side comparison across the most important factors that influence the success of a desk booking implementation.

Cata-Kor is introducing Cata-Kor NMN — Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Complex, a new product that expands the company’s NAD+ portfolio in the health longevity category. The formula adds an additional biochemical route to supporting NAD+ levels and complements the brand’s existing direct-form products, NAD+ Core (250 mg) and NAD+ Advanced (500 mg).

Cata-Kor has spent the past several years building a strong identity in the longevity space, focusing on cellular-energy pathways and science-based health-aging formulations. The introduction of an NMN complex fits naturally into this direction, extending the NAD+ line with a complementary mechanism of action and giving consumers a broader set of longevity-oriented options.

This strategic direction is reflected in the biochemical distinctions within the line. Cata-Kor NMN is centered on beta-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which supports cellular energy through a precursor-based pathway rather than direct NAD+ delivery. This distinction makes the NMN formula a complementary option to NAD+ Core and NAD+ Advanced, creating a clearer progression within the overall NAD+ portfolio.

The development of the formula took approximately two months. Each serving provides 500 mg of beta-NMN combined with resveratrol, trimethylglycine (TMG) and quercetin — ingredients commonly referenced in the context of metabolic processes, cellular maintenance and longevity-associated nutrition.

“Introducing NMN is a natural continuation of our NAD+ line,” said Roman Miroedov, PhD, product development lead at Cata-Kor. “We wanted to expand the category with a formula built around a different biochemical mechanism — one that reflects how the longevity field is evolving. The launch follows the strong performance of NAD+ Core and NAD+ Advanced, and it allows us to offer a more advanced option for those who already use NAD+ and are looking for the next step within the same scientific framework. Interest in NMN has grown worldwide, and both the market and our brand expertise in NAD+ support have matured enough for a dedicated NMN flagship.”

The launch also reinforces Cata-Kor’s positioning within the U.S. longevity segment. Over recent years, the brand has become closely associated with science-driven healthy-ageing solutions, and the NMN formula extends this identity by aligning with the company’s longevity-focused portfolio through a complementary biochemical pathway.

Cata-Kor NMN — Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Complex became available in the United States on December 1, 2025.

About Cata-Kor

Cata-Kor is a U.S.-based nutraceutical company developing longevity formulations to extend human lifespan. Reflecting the brand’s long-term orientation toward longevity science, its portfolio is built around cellular energy mechanisms and healthy ageing pathways. Cata-Kor has a manufacturing facility in the United States and conducts all testing domestically, with a focus on transparency, quality and science-informed development. Learn more at catakor.com.

Disclaimer

The information in this press release is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, using, or changing any dietary supplement — especially if you are pregnant or nursing, have a medical condition, take prescription or over-the-counter medications, or are under the age of 18. If you experience any adverse reaction, discontinue use and seek medical attention.

Media Contact

Roman Miroedov
press@catakor.com

Volumo, an independent digital music store built for DJs and electronic music professionals, announced that as of the end of 2025 its catalog has grown to more than 417,000 artists and 36,000 labels, serving a growing international community of DJs and electronic music professionals. The milestone reflects accelerating global demand for curated, subscription-free platforms that prioritize high-quality releases and fair terms for artists.

Launched in 2022, Volumo focuses on streamlined music discovery and downloading for professional use. The platform's editorial approach aims to reduce catalog noise and help DJs find relevant tracks faster, while enabling artists to set pricing and present releases with their own descriptions and creative context.

Volumo has established partnerships with major global music distributors, supporting an expanding range of labels and independent creators. The company says its growth is driven by an increasing need for tools that support both music discovery and sustainable careers for artists in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

"There is an overwhelming amount of new music being released every day. Our goal is to help great music reach the right audiences," said Julia Afanasieva, chief marketing officer at Volumo.

Sam Baker, director of communications added, "This milestone confirms that DJs and artists are looking for smarter, more transparent ways to work with digital music catalogs. We'll continue improving tools that respect the craft and the economics of music-making."

About Volumo

Volumo founded in 2021 by Anton Severynenko, Oleksandr Dzyubenko, and Denys Borysov, Volumo is an independent digital music store serving DJs, producers, and electronic music labels worldwide. The platform champions transparency, fair compensation, and a subscription-free model, offering a clean interface designed for professional music workflows. For more information, visit volumo.com

Media Contact

Julia Afanasieva
Chief Marketing Officer, Volumo
afanasieva@volumo.com
+34 633 47 42 81

In a landmark collaboration uniting the global real estate and luxury automotive industries, Binghatti Developers, Dubai’s largest and fastest-growing property developer, and Mercedes-Benz, the world-renowned luxury automotive brand, have announced the launch of Mercedes-Benz Places — Binghatti City, the world’s first Mercedes-Benz branded city, with a total investment value of AED 30 billion.

Building on the international success of Mercedes-Benz Places Dubai, this visionary project marks the second branded residential collaboration between Binghatti and Mercedes-Benz. It also represents a major milestone for Binghatti, introducing Binghatti City as the first fully master-planned community in the developer’s history.

Located in the Meydan area and spanning more than 10 million square feet, Mercedes-Benz Places — Binghatti City is set to become one of Dubai’s most ambitious urban developments. Conceived as a multi-tower branded city, the master plan integrates an exclusive collection of Mercedes-Benz branded residential towers within a cohesive and future-ready urban ecosystem. The development seamlessly combines luxury living, mobility innovation, and Mercedes-Benz’s iconic Sensual Purity design philosophy, unified by a strong community-focused vision.

A City Within a City: A Fully Integrated Lifestyle Experience

Mercedes-Benz Places — Binghatti City is envisioned as a self-sustained urban destination, offering residents a truly integrated “city within a city” lifestyle. The master plan brings together luxury residences, cultural and leisure districts, retail boulevards, parks and green corridors, mobility hubs, wellness and sports zones, as well as dining, entertainment, and community spaces.

The result is a complete lifestyle environment designed to provide residents with comfort, convenience, connectivity, and nature, all within walking distance, complemented by uncompromising design excellence and refined living standards.

Commenting on the partnership, Chairman Muhammad Binghatti said:

“Partnering once again with Mercedes-Benz is a testament to our shared values of excellence, precision, and timeless design. Mercedes-Benz Places — Binghatti City represents a world-class urban experience where luxury and innovation converge to create a true city within a city. This master-planned development will stand as one of Dubai’s most distinguished destinations and a powerful symbol of elevated living.”

The landmark signing ceremony for the project was held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, between Chairman Muhammad Binghatti and Mathias Geisen, member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, marketing and sales, officially marking the beginning of this extraordinary second collaboration. The project is scheduled for its official launch on January 14, 2026.

This announcement reflects not only the strengthening of a global partnership, but also a shared ambition to redefine the future of luxury living through visionary design, advanced technology, and intelligent urban planning.

“Creating extraordinary experiences for our customers is at the core of who we are," Geisen commented. "With our next branded real estate project, Mercedes-Benz Places — Binghatti City in Dubai, we are taking this promise to an entirely new level, shaping destinations where our brand becomes something you can truly call home.” 

At the heart of the project lies Mercedes-Benz’s renowned Sensual Purity design philosophy, which defines both the architectural and experiential vision of Binghatti City.

About Binghatti

Binghatti Holding Limited is one of the UAE’s fastest-growing real estate development companies, with a rapidly expanding portfolio that spans over 80 projects valued at more than AED 70 billion. Renowned for its pioneering branded residences, Binghatti has forged collaborations with global icons such as Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, and Jacob & Co., creating architectural masterpieces that blend innovation with opulence. The company’s robust financial foundation and disciplined growth strategy are underpinned by its solid credit ratings, ‘BB-’ by Fitch and ‘Ba3’ by Moody’s, reflecting strong investor confidence and long-term stability. An architect by training, Chairman Muhammad Binghatti continues to shape the brand’s legacy of architectural excellence and uncompromising quality. Binghatti has delivered more than 12,000 residential units to date, with a portfolio spanning elegantly designed mainstream communities offering high-quality living at accessible prices to ultra-luxury residences that set new benchmarks in Dubai’s high-end real estate market. For more information, visit www.binghatti.com.

Droplox has announced the completion of the final stage of its trademark registration process and is preparing to launch a new online platform that combines e-commerce technologies, auction-based trading, and algorithmic sales analytics.

Following the completion of the registration procedures, the team will move into the active rollout phase. Droplox is being developed as a comprehensive digital trading platform that enables users to participate directly in global product auctions while also utilizing automated tools designed to support end-to-end sales management.

The platform integrates artificial intelligence and analytical modules intended to support data-driven decision-making. These tools allow users to identify potentially profitable product niches, monitor current market trends, and optimize purchasing and sales strategies across multiple distribution channels.

Droplox is built around a fully digital interaction model. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on physical offices and in-person meetings, all user onboarding, communication, and operational processes are conducted within an online environment.

A core element of the platform is its subscription-based service model. Instead of standard commission structures or fixed transaction fees, users gain access to the platform’s functionality through an online subscription. The subscription includes access to:

• Analytical tools for identifying product niches and market categories
• An integrated system supporting both physical and online sales through a network of affiliated partners
• Auction-based mechanisms for product promotion and sales execution
• Internal logistics coordination and order-tracking services.

The platform launch is scheduled for the coming months. After the initial release, Droplox plans to expand cooperation with international suppliers and gradually offer beta access to early users.

About Droplox

Droplox is a digital commerce company focused on developing integrated solutions for online trading, auction-based sales, and data-driven sales management. The company is building a unified digital ecosystem that brings together e-commerce tools, analytical technologies, and automated operational processes. The Droplox platform is designed to support users engaged in product sourcing, resale, and distribution by providing access to analytical insights, auction trading mechanisms, and coordinated logistics solutions. By combining automation with optional manual control, the platform is intended to accommodate a wide range of trading strategies and business models. Operating entirely online, Droplox emphasizes scalability, operational transparency, and accessibility for users across international markets. The platform is currently in the launch preparation phase and continues to develop partnerships with suppliers and service providers to expand its capabilities. For more information, visit droplox.com.

Media Contact

Derek Anderson
support@droplox.com
+1 512-555-0193

Hotwire Pro Services launched a nationwide initiative to speed the U.S. shift to low-GWP refrigerants and high-efficiency HVAC systems in line with the AIM Act. 

Through a mix of refrigerant modernization, workforce training, and artificial intelligence integration, the company is helping organizations meet environmental standards while improving long-term system performance.

Advancing the Shift to Sustainable Refrigerants

The initiative centers on the adoption of R-454B and hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blends, which replace older refrigerants with significantly lower global warming potential. These alternatives maintain reliability and performance while cutting emissions.

Engineers and technicians are trained to manage system transitions safely and efficiently, ensuring compliance with EPA guidelines and regulations. Each retrofit incorporates detailed energy modeling to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

“Compliance is no longer just a requirement, it’s an opportunity to modernize,” said Kostiantyn Mudryk, founder of Hotwire Pro Services. “Our mission is to make environmental progress practical for every facility, from small businesses to federal installations.”

Expanding Green Training and Workforce Readiness

To support this refrigerant shift, the company is expanding green HVAC/R certification and sustainability training programs across the United States. The programs focus on responsible refrigerant handling, leak prevention, and data-driven system optimization.

By investing in education, it aims to equip technicians with the skills needed to service next-generation HVAC systems. The initiative also helps local contractors and maintenance teams stay ahead of new federal standards, strengthening the U.S. clean-energy workforce.

Enabling ESG Transparency for Clients

Organizations are under growing pressure to track and report sustainability performance. To address this, the company is integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) tracking tools into its service framework. These tools record refrigerant types, system performance, and energy savings to support both internal and public sustainability reporting.

“Environmental responsibility and operational efficiency should work together,” Mudryk said. “With accurate data, clients can show measurable progress without adding administrative burden.”

Introducing AI-Powered Energy Planning

Supporting its environmental goals is a new AI-driven automation and modeling platform designed to transform how HVAC and energy projects are planned. The system allows facility managers and engineers to input details about their buildings and receive data-backed insights within minutes.

The platform will:

• Generate accurate project estimates automatically
• Build interactive 3D models for commercial, residential, and public-sector buildings
• Run real-time cost and efficiency analyses
• Display dashboards showing projected savings and carbon reductions

This technology helps users compare HVAC options side by side, visualize energy outcomes, and identify the most efficient and sustainable solutions. By merging automation with analytics, the tool enables faster decision-making and consistent results across large-scale projects.

Supporting U.S. Energy and Climate Policy

The company’s combined refrigerant and AI initiatives reinforce national energy and climate programs by reducing emissions and improving building efficiency. These actions align with the EB2-NIW framework, which prioritizes technologies that deliver both environmental and economic benefits to the nation.

By promoting energy-smart engineering and transparent data reporting, it demonstrates how private-sector innovation can complement federal clean-energy policy. “Every system we improve helps move the country closer to its climate goals,” Mudryk said.

Building the Future of Energy-Smart Infrastructure

Looking ahead, the company plans to evolve its AI platform into a comprehensive energy management portal capable of predictive maintenance and real-time system monitoring. Future updates will integrate with smart building technologies, enabling continuous optimization of energy performance.

It is also expanding collaborations with government agencies, sustainability programs, and major equipment manufacturers to scale innovation across industries. These partnerships aim to create consistent standards for efficiency, transparency, and environmental responsibility nationwide.

The initiative reflects a broader commitment to combining data intelligence, regulatory compliance, and sustainable engineering to build a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy future for the United States.

About Hotwire Pro Services

Hotwire Pro Services is a Washington-based HVAC and energy solutions company specializing in sustainable system design, installation, and automation. The company delivers high-performance, environmentally responsible solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. For more information, visit hotwirerepair.com.

Media Contact

Kostiantyn Mudryk
mkostiantyn94@gmail.com
+1 425-551-9436

Moye Law Firm announced this week that founding partner Will Moye recently authored a feature article for Texas Lawyer magazine titled "The Hidden Defendant: Why Your Motor Vehicle Accident May Be a Product Liability Case.” The article provides a comprehensive framework for recognizing when a standard motor vehicle accident may involve a design, manufacturing, or marketing defect under Texas law.

In the article, Moye outlines why attorneys should look beyond visible property damage when assessing injury causation and potential claims. He explains how crash pulse dynamics, restraint-system interactions, and injury thresholds often reveal “hidden” mechanisms of harm that are not immediately apparent from photographs or repair estimates.

"The failure to investigate potential product liability claims represents a missed opportunity for potential client recovery. Every motor vehicle accident case deserves at least some evaluation for potential design, manufacturing, or marketing defects that may have played a role in the incident or injuries," Moye said.

Moye’s article gives practitioners a detailed roadmap for evaluating potential product liability issues, including:

• How Texas law defines design, manufacturing, and marketing defects under Chapter 82 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code
• When a vehicle’s crashworthiness or restraint systems may have exacerbated injuries
• Why immediate evidence preservation is critical before insurers salvage damaged vehicles
• What experts should be retained in the first 72 hours, from accident reconstructionists to automotive engineers and biomechanical professionals
• How emerging technologies such as driver-assist systems and keyless ignition systems introduce new categories of defects

The article also emphasizes a time-sensitive warning: without swift preservation of the vehicle and its components, crucial evidence may disappear within days.

"The cases are won and lost based on the timing of incident investigation. The most compelling reason for immediate investigation lies in the perishable nature of critical evidence. Insurance companies routinely 'salvage' or 'scrap' vehicles involved in incidents, often within days of the accident," Moye said.

Moye regularly represents clients in catastrophic-injury and complex-litigation matters across Texas, with a focus on cases involving automotive design and manufacturing defects. His work includes crashworthiness claims, restraint-system failures, tire and airbag defects, vehicle stability issues, and emerging-technology failures.

The full article is available on Texas Lawyer.

For more information about the Moye Law Firm or to request an interview with Will Moye, please visit moyelawfirm.com.

Q&A: Understanding Hidden Product Liability in Motor Vehicle Accident Cases

Q1: Why is “property damage” not always a reliable indicator of injury causation?

Property damage photographs do not capture crash pulse dynamics, occupant kinematics, restraint-system performance, or injury thresholds. Low-visible damage crashes can still involve high-energy forces that cause serious injuries, especially in side impacts, rollovers, and offset collisions.

Q2: What types of automotive defects may turn a negligence case into a product liability case?

Defects may include roof-crush failures, side-impact protection issues, seatbelt malfunctions, airbag failures, fuel-system defects, tire failures, and instability or handling problems. Emerging technologies such as driver-assist systems and keyless ignition systems also create new categories of potential defects.

Q3: What legal standards govern automotive design defect claims in Texas?

Texas follows Section 402A of the Restatement (Second) of Torts and requires proof of a defective product, an unchanged condition, an unreasonably dangerous design, and causation. Claimants must also show a safer alternative design under CPRC §82.005 and overcome any FMVSS compliance presumption under CPRC §82.008.

Q4: What is the difference between design, manufacturing, and marketing defects?

Design defects challenge the engineering blueprint and require proof of a safer alternative design. Manufacturing defects allege the product deviated from its intended specifications. Marketing defects involve inadequate warnings or instructions about known or foreseeable risks.

Q5: Why is immediate evidence preservation critical in automotive defect cases?

Vehicles involved in crashes are often salvaged or destroyed within days, eliminating the physical evidence needed to prove a defect. Without the actual product, pursuing a defect claim is extremely difficult. Attorneys should request indoor storage, preserve components, and document the scene immediately.

Q6: What experts should attorneys retain when investigating a potential product liability claim?

Accident reconstruction engineers, automotive engineers, and biomechanical experts provide essential analysis on crash forces, design failures, occupant motion, and causation. Early expert involvement often determines the viability of the claim.

Q7: What is “crashworthiness” and why does it matter?

Crashworthiness refers to a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants once a crash occurs. Failures in roof strength, side-impact protection, restraint systems, or structural integrity can significantly worsen injuries even when another driver caused the collision.

Q8: Can emerging vehicle technology create new forms of liability?

Yes. Driver-assist systems, lane-keeping technology, automated braking, and keyless ignition systems can fail or behave unpredictably. These failures may contribute to collisions or enhance injury severity, creating viable product liability claims.

Q9: What is the key takeaway for attorneys handling motor vehicle accident cases?

Every case, regardless of property damage, should be screened for potential product defects. Identifying a hidden defect can dramatically increase case value and secure full compensation for the client.

About Moye Law Firm

Moye Law Firm is a Houston-based personal injury law firm led by trial lawyer Will Moye. The firm represents plaintiffs in high-stakes cases involving refinery and plant explosions, 18-wheeler and trucking accidents, catastrophic injury, workplace negligence, and wrongful death litigation.

Moye began his career defending Fortune 500 companies and insurers at an Am Law 200 firm before moving to plaintiffs’ work, where he leverages insider defense knowledge to secure significant results for injured clients. He has trained industry leaders at Lloyd’s of London on high-exposure claims and now applies that experience to fighting for victims in Texas courtrooms.

Recent firm news includes:

• Jury Awards $37.9M to Residents Affected by Watson Grinding Explosion
• Houston Attorneys Oppose Bill Capping “Nuclear” Verdicts

For more information, visit moyefirm.com.

Media Contact

Amanda Orr
amanda@orrstrategygroup.com

The Global Kratom Coalition today expressed support to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine for directing the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to move forward with an emergency rule designating concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and other synthetic compounds and products as illegal controlled substances, while preserving adult access to safe, natural kratom leaf products.

Concentrated synthetic 7-OH products are of significant public-health concern in Ohio, with Illicit manufacturers producing high-concentration synthetic isolates and marketing them as pills, powders, gummies, and capsules — formulations that researchers warn can be up to 13 times more potent than morphine. 

“In this first instance, Ohio is distinguishing between a traditional botanical product and a new class of lab-engineered opioids designed to evade regulation,” said Matthew Lowe, executive director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “These concentrated synthetic 7-OH products are not supplements. They are potent, opioid-like drugs that pose real risks of dependence, respiratory depression, and overdose.”

Ohio’s move follows a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommendation urging federal scheduling of concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products under the Controlled Substances Act. Federal officials have repeatedly emphasized that these enforcement actions are not directed at natural kratom leaf, but rather at chemically altered derivatives designed to bypass existing drug laws. Consumers can access a comprehensive database of concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products at the QR code below.

GKC appreciates Gov. DeWine’s decision to immediately address synthetic, lab-engineered kratom compounds through emergency action. At the same time, GKC will actively and constructively engage in the upcoming rulemaking process to ensure Ohio’s approach protects public health, follows the science and does not eliminate access to responsibly manufactured, natural kratom leaf products.

About Global Kratom Coalition

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

Media Contact

Media Contact
info@globalkratomcoalition.org

Binghatti is proud to announce a landmark achievement in the region’s luxury real estate sector with the sale of the most expensive penthouse in Dubai and the Middle East, valued at AED 550 million, at the iconic Bugatti Residences by Binghatti.

The historic transaction was concluded by Binghatti’s Chief Sales Officer Abdullah Binghatti, setting a new world record for Dubai’s real estate market and achieves the highest price per square foot ever recorded in Business Bay, reaching AED 11,650 per sq. ft.

Commenting on the achievement, Chairman Muhammad Binghatti states “Year to date, we have achieved the number-one position in Dubai’s real estate market, with more than 14,000 units sold, surpassing both public and private peers. As Dubai’s fastest-growing real estate player, Binghatti has now risen into the top three developers in the city, commanding a significant share of the market according to the latest Dubai Land Department figures. These results reflect the strength of our strategy and the trust our clients place in our vision.”

Spanning an extraordinary 47,200 sq. ft., this ultra-exclusive residence stands as a testament to the unmatched demand for Bugatti Residences by Binghatti, the world’s first Bugatti-branded residential development.

The development has already become home to several global icons, with football superstar Neymar Jr., Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and international footballer Aymeric Laporte among those who have purchased residences within the project.

Crafted for the world’s most discerning high-net-worth individuals, Bugatti Residences blends the elegance of French art de vivre with the energy of Dubai’s metropolitan core. Located in the heart of Business Bay, the development offers unparalleled access to the city’s major landmarks and business hubs, making it a preferred destination for global elites seeking prestige, security, and elevated living.

With its ultra-luxury homes, signature Sky Mansion penthouses, and world-first features, including exceptional privacy and bespoke amenities, Bugatti Residences continues to define the uppermost tier of Dubai’s luxury property landscape.

This record-breaking sale further reinforces Dubai’s position as a global capital for luxury real estate and highlights Binghatti’s ongoing commitment to delivering architectural icons that push the boundaries of innovation and exclusivity.

Karaca, the well-established global home and lifestyle brand, has opened a pop-up at Future Stores, The London Store on Oxford Street, one of Europe’s most visited retail destinations. Located at 95 Oxford Street and open from 11–31 December, the space presents Karaca’s high-quality homeware, cookware, tableware, and small kitchen appliances in a short-term “phygital” format for UK and international shoppers.

Hosted inside Future Stores, The London Store, the pop-up is part of Karaca’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the United Kingdom through a combination of permanent stores, pop-up concepts, and a dedicated UK e-commerce platform. Karaca already operates stores at Tottenham Hale Retail Park and Westfield London, and is preparing to open a new store in Birmingham as the next step in its UK retail expansion.

“At Karaca, we have always believed that great brands do not grow only by getting bigger, they grow by leading with courage,” said Ömer Barbaros Yiş, General Manager of Karaca Global. “Our vision is to become one of the top three names in our sector worldwide, and that can only happen if we prove ourselves in the world’s most advanced and demanding markets. The United Kingdom has a very special place in that journey. Our online presence and our Westfield and Tottenham Hale Retail Park stores were just the beginning.”

“Competing in a market shaped for decades by strong, established brands takes more than offering similar products. It takes courage to question what is ordinary and to bring to life what others have not yet imagined. With this Oxford Street store inside Future Stores, we are meeting customers in one of the most visible shopping streets in the world and sharing the way Karaca approaches design, materials, and everyday life,” Yiş added.

Karaca Oxford Street pop-up at Future Stores is a key step in the UK and European strategy

The Karaca Oxford Street pop-up at Future Stores is positioned as a pilot for the brand’s wider UK and European growth plans. Founded in Istanbul in 1973, Karaca serves millions of customers with tableware, cookware, kitchenware, home textiles, and small household appliances in markets across Europe and beyond.

The United Kingdom is one of the central markets in Karaca’s European strategy. English consumers’ focus on quality, long-lasting materials, and strong design aligns with Karaca’s product portfolio, which ranges from premium dinner sets and cutlery to non-stick cookware and design-led small kitchen appliances.

By appearing on Oxford Street, Karaca aims to increase brand awareness, build direct contact with UK consumers, and test a format that can later be adapted to other major European cities. The pop-up complements Karaca’s existing stores in Tottenham Hale Retail Park and Westfield London, as well as upcoming openings in cities such as Birmingham and in Germany, including Munich and Stuttgart.

Phygital design at Future Stores, The London Store for Karaca, built around technologically innovative signature collections

The design of the Karaca pop-up at Future Stores, The London Store, brings Karaca’s global brand world to London with a modern and welcoming atmosphere. The layout is organised around the brand’s leading collections and product stories:

• Fine Pearl Collection: A dinnerware collection made with real pearls, presented in a premium and refined area with lighting that highlights its natural elegance.
• Swiss Crystal Cookware: Pots and pans engineered with a Swiss crystal–reinforced non-stick surface, displayed in a way that underlines performance and everyday ease of use.
• Plasma Steel Cookware: Stainless-steel cookware engineered with advanced plasma technology for a durable; non-stick, non-burning performance and a professional kitchen feel.
• 316+ Cutlery: A premium cutlery collection crafted from 316+ stainless steel, offering superior quality, longevity, and an elevated dining experience.
• Hatır Perfetto Coffee Machine: Karaca’s Hatır Perfetto, the world’s first coffee machine to prepare both Turkish coffee and espresso, leads the small appliances range.

The store also highlights other innovative, award-winning electrical products that reflect Karaca’s commitment to design and technology.

Digital screens and content points support the Karaca Oxford Street pop-up at Future Stores by giving visitors clear information about each collection and guiding them through a journey from tableware to cookware and from coffee ritual to festive gifting.

Karaca at Future Stores London: Coffee-led, inclusive retail experience

At the centre of Karaca’s pop-up at Future Stores London is a coffee experience corner, reflecting a broader retail shift towards spaces that combine store, showroom, and café.

In this area, visitors can see Turkish coffee and espresso prepared on the Hatır Perfetto and other Karaca coffee and tea machines, and experience how Karaca products fit into daily rituals at home. The coffee bar is run by a team of baristas who are deaf or hard of hearing, offering an inclusive hospitality experience and drawing attention to accessibility in both retail and foodservice.

Gamified journeys, accessed via mobile and in-store touchpoints, guide visitors through the different Karaca product zones in the Karaca Oxford Street pop-up at Future Stores, with small rewards and surprises along the way. Guests are encouraged to touch, compare and test materials, from pearl-enhanced porcelain to non-stick surfaces, before making a purchase.

During the year-end shopping period, seasonal gifting activations and special offers add a festive layer to the Karaca experience at Future Stores, The London Store, supporting trial across multiple categories.

Karaca’s pop-up at Future Stores as part of a long-term retail vision

The Karaca Oxford Street pop-up at Future Stores supports a long-term retail vision in which Karaca meets consumers in different formats, from permanent stores to temporary spaces and online channels, while keeping a consistent brand world.

“Oxford Street is not just a high-traffic location; it is a place where brands show how they belong on the global stage,” Yiş said. “With the Karaca pop-up at Future Stores London, we are bringing our table culture, kitchen collections, and coffee rituals to one of the world’s most recognisable streets and taking another clear step in our European journey.”

About Karaca

Founded in Istanbul in 1973, Karaca is a homeware and lifestyle brand offering a wide range of products from dinnerware, cookware, and kitchenware to small kitchen appliances, textiles, and home décor. Karaca serves customers in multiple countries through its retail stores, sales points, and online platforms, combining design, quality, and accessible premium positioning to help people enjoy their homes more. For more information, visit www.karaca.co.uk or follow the brand on Instagram at @karacaunitedkingdom.

Geely Auto Group today unveiled the Geely Safety Centre, now the world’s largest and most advanced automotive safety testing facility. The safety center spans an area of 45,000 m², with an initial investment of over 2 billion RMB, enabling Geely to accelerate the innovation of safety technologies and elevate global safety benchmarks. Highlights include:

• New Geely Safety Centre sets five new Guinness World Records for size, scope and capability 
• Geely Safety Centre offers fully capability for new tests for the electrified and intelligent vehicle era
• Cybersecurity, data privacy protection, health, and environmental protection included in Geely’s new concept of Comprehensive Safety
• Geely Safety Centre becomes new platform for collaboration with global partners on safety technologies and standards

The Geely Safety Centre covers the full spectrum of global safety testing, from high-speed crash tests and pedestrian protection to active safety simulations, battery and new energy powertrain safety, cybersecurity, and health-related safety evaluations. Going beyond just the standard vehicle and occupant safety tests, the new centre has been built to support Geely’s “comprehensive safety” for the intelligent vehicle era. The centre comes with new capabilities such as cybersecurity testing to meet CNAS-certified standards, multiple attack vectors, and evaluation for chips, firmware, data transmission and encryption, OTA updates, vehicle sensors and controllers, etc. Safety for Geely goes beyond just products and vehicles, human and environmental health is also an important aspect of safety which the centre can test for. Geely’s Safety Centre’s “Golden Nose” team focus on testing for volatile materials and odors, detection of harmful substances, and ensuring products meet a “zero harmful gas/odor” standard.

The new Safety Centre has also set five world records, including: the largest (81,930.745 m²) automotive safety laboratory, the longest (293.39 meters) indoor car crash test track, the largest (28,536.224 m²) altitude-climate adjustable (snow/rain/solar radiation simulation) wind tunnel (250km/h max wind speed) facility for car testing, the largest (12,709.293 m²) arbitrary-angle (0-180°) car crash test zone, and the most tests (27 types) available in an automaker safety test laboratory.

The new Safety Centre brings together global best practices in automotive safety development, combining insights from international safety leaders with Geely’s own rapidly advancing R&D capabilities to push safety performance beyond regulatory requirements. The centre also strengthens Geely’s collaboration with institutions such as CATARC and Tsinghua University, including the joint release of the White Paper on the Development of Intelligent Vehicle Safety. Together, these efforts reinforce Geely’s commitment to drive the next wave of safety innovation and raising industry benchmarks in the intelligent mobility era.

Over the past decade, Geely has invested more than 250 billion RMB into R&D, with safety as a core priority. The launch of the Geely Safety Centre represents the next step in that commitment, enabling Geely to deliver safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility solutions for users around the world.

Jerry Gan, CEO of Geely Auto Group, said:

“Safety has always been Geely Auto Group’s top priority over the past 30 years. We’ve always aimed to exceed national and regional standards to set new benchmarks in safety, is a benefit to everyone in the industry and consumers globally. With the new Geely Safety Centre, we open a new chapter for safety in the age of intelligent vehicles.”

Li Chuanhai, Vice President of Geely Auto Group and Head of Geely Research Institute, said:

“The global electric and intelligent transformation of the automotive industry requires new and higher standards of safety in both physical and digital spheres. The new Geely Safety Centre supports and accelerates the innovation of safety together with the collaborative efforts of safety technology leaders in the world.”  

About Geely Auto Group

Geely Auto Group is a leading automobile manufacturer based in Hangzhou, China and was founded in 1997 as a subsidiary unit of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH). The Group manages several leading brands, including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr. Geely Auto Group is also the global strategic partner of Malaysian national automaker PROTON. For more information, visit global.geely.com.

Media Contact

Janet Chen
media@geely.com

The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has recommended three new casinos in the biggest city in the U.S. for approval. The three newly proposed casinos would be located in two of the city’s boroughs — two in Queens and one in the Bronx. The casinos have been recommended for approval after it was determined they would create new jobs and generate billions in tax revenue. This move comes as gambling in the U.S. continues to expand rapidly.

All the numbers, from state revenues to the number of new operators entering the market, suggest that more and more Americans are showing interest in casino-style games. This trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, which is why lawmakers across the country now treat gambling as a sector with long-term growth potential.

It’s not just physical casinos that are seeing an increase in demand. Players are now commonly turning towards online platforms that allow them to play their favorite games through their smartphones and other devices. Online casinos are constantly evolving and now offer the same kind of experience people get in brick-and-mortar facilities. There are fast payout casinos, which allow players to withdraw their winnings quickly and enjoy smoother overall banking options. The gameplay itself is also improving, with live-dealer options and top-notch graphics becoming standard in many online casino games.

With interest in both online and offline channels growing, it’s not surprising that New York officials feel confident moving ahead with three major land-based projects. The city already attracts millions of tourists every year, and gambling can help boost that even further. Of course, all three casinos are expected to operate as full entertainment destinations rather than gaming halls only.

Two of the proposed casinos would be located in Queens. One of them would expand the current Resorts World facility at Aqueduct into a full-scale resort casino, complete with table games, hotel rooms, new dining spaces, and more event programming. Resorts World already draws steady traffic as a limited gaming venue through its slots parlor. Supporters believe that upgrading it into a full casino would allow it to compete directly with large regional resorts outside the state.

The second Queens project, backed by Hard Rock and the New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, would transform the area near Citi Field into a year-round entertainment hub, offering gaming, live shows, dining, and community events.

The third project, planned for the Bronx, would redevelop the former Ferry Point golf course site into a resort operated by Bally’s. The proposal includes a casino floor, hotels, restaurants, and performance venues, with developers saying the project could create thousands of construction and permanent jobs.

With the interest in gambling rising, state officials have emphasized that all three projects would have economic benefits for the city. The billions of dollars they would bring in tax revenue could potentially go toward public services, transportation upgrades, and other key citywide projects. Lawmakers have also noted that many New Yorkers currently head to neighboring states, mainly New Jersey and Connecticut, to visit casino facilities. Three new casinos in the Big Apple would keep that spending within the city while also offering residents closer options.

The board is also of the opinion that the city, due to its population and high tourist activity, can support having three full-scale casinos in close proximity.

The recommendations from the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board are a huge step forward, but the entire process isn’t finished just yet. The proposals will now head to the New York State Gaming Commission, which will review the financial details and community feedback before issuing final approvals. The exact timeline hasn’t been set, but it’s believed that the decisions may come sometime next year. If granted licenses, the developers could begin construction shortly after. The initial phases of opening the facilities would come before 2030.

If the Gaming Commission approves all three projects, New York City would join the ranks of major casino destinations in the U.S. As lawmakers have noted, the new casinos would also generate jobs and help support public services and some big infrastructure upgrades. In that sense, the projects aren’t just about adding new entertainment venues, but also about long-term investment in economic growth and community development.

Unusual Group, a collective of specialist agencies focused on helping founders build exit-ready businesses, today announced that its founder, Luke Tobin, has signed with Pan Macmillan to publish his first book on performance in high-pressure environments in the second quarter of next year. Aimed at anyone who wants to push to their next level in demanding situations, the book will draw on Tobin’s experience in fast-growth businesses and boardrooms and complements the support Unusual Group and Tobin Capital provide to founders.

Luke Tobin is a British entrepreneur, investor, and three-time-exited founder. He is best known for scaling Digital Ethos into one of the United Kingdom’s fastest-growing digital agencies before its multimillion-pound sale. Across his career, he has built and exited businesses with a combined exit value of more than £20 million. Through Unusual Group and Tobin Capital, he now focuses on helping founders build businesses that are both healthier to run and more attractive to buy. With content reaching tens of millions of people each month, Tobin has become one of the most-followed and trusted voices on business growth, leadership, and the realities of building companies that last. His straight-talking style and track record as a three-time exited founder have positioned him as a key figure for leaders who want practical insight rather than hype..

Performance in High-Pressure Environments

The forthcoming Pan Macmillan book marks Tobin’s first major publishing project and will distil lessons from his experience building and exiting multiple businesses, as well as his work with founders and leadership teams across the Unusual Group portfolio and wider network.

Rather than offering a step-by-step formula, the book will explore what happens to people when the stakes feel high, and what often separates those who stay stuck from those who keep progressing. It will examine how ambition, pressure, and opportunity collide in modern work and leadership, and what that means for anyone trying to move forward.

“Most people who want to achieve more in their work or business are already under a lot of pressure, whether that is from investors, clients, teams or their own expectations,” Tobin said. “This book is about helping them see that pressure more clearly and understand the patterns it creates, so they can keep moving towards what they want instead of being quietly held back by it.”

The book is intended for a broad readership of people responsible for results who want to move to the next level, including founders, executives, and senior operators across sectors.

A Challenging Landscape for Agencies and Services Businesses

The announcement comes at a time when Tobin believes the operating environment for agencies and other service businesses is becoming more complex.

On the surface, conditions for growth appear favourable. Capital is available, technology is more accessible than ever, and there are numerous playbooks for scaling. In practice, Tobin argues, many founders are feeling the strain.

Artificial intelligence and automation are transforming clients' expectations of agencies and professional services firms. Standardised tasks are easier to automate or outsource, which can push fees down while salaries, office costs, and compliance costs rise. Clients expect more value, faster delivery and clearer accountability. Many of the retainers that drive agency revenue were scoped for a different era.

Inside the business, founders are carrying a heavy mental and operational load. Many agencies are busy but not bankable. They show growth on a revenue chart, while the underlying margin remains thin and dependent on a handful of key clients or key people.

“I speak to founders who have built impressive revenue numbers yet feel further away from a real exit than ever,” Tobin said. “They have a job, not an asset. They have activity, not a system. And they are tired. You cannot spreadsheet your way out of a broken model.”

“There has never been more advice for founders, but very little of it comes from people who have actually built and sold businesses,” he added. “That is the gap we are trying to close.”

Connecting Capital, Infrastructure and Human Performance

After exiting his own businesses, Tobin found himself in regular conversations with founders who were wrestling with similar challenges: strong top-line growth but weak margins, overreliance on key individuals, and limited visibility into how to build a company buyers would value.

Unusual Group was created to address those issues. It is a collective of agency owners and operators who have built, scaled and exited businesses. The group focuses on three core areas: back-office infrastructure, practical growth support and peer learning between founders.

On the infrastructure side, Unusual Group helps agencies strengthen their finance, legal, technology and operational governance so they can withstand scrutiny from buyers and investors. On the growth side, it supports founders with pricing, new business systems, service design, productisation and the intelligent use of AI inside delivery teams. On the human side, it provides decision support and a network of peers who understand the pressures of agency leadership.

“Founders need people around them who understand their model and share what has really worked, not just theory,” Tobin said. “Our role is to bring capital, infrastructure and lived experience together so they can build businesses that are both resilient and valuable.”

Backing Mission-Led Founders Through Tobin Capital

Alongside Unusual Group sits Tobin Capital, Tobin’s investment vehicle for backing visionary, mission-led founders across sectors. Tobin Capital combines founder-friendly capital with operator insight, supporting businesses with proven momentum, clear differentiation and leaders committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation.

“We champion visionary founders who are driven by a distinct mission and dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation,” Tobin said. “The role of capital is not just to accelerate growth, but to help founders build something that lasts.”

Tobin noted that regardless of sector, the foundations of sustainable growth remain consistent. These include building for real profitability, creating repeatable operating systems, strengthening leadership depth early and protecting the decision quality of the founder as the business scales.

“A company cannot stay strong if the person leading it is burned out or paralysed by doubt,” he said. “Founders are often treated as if they are indestructible. In reality, they are usually the most fragile part of the system.”

Extending the Message Through Publishing

For Tobin, the forthcoming Pan Macmillan book is a way to extend the message he has been delivering in boardrooms and founder sessions to a wider audience.

“My work now is about helping founders and leaders build organisations that buyers want, without losing themselves along the way,” he said. “Publishing this book is one way to make that support available beyond the founders we work with directly.”

Unusual Group will continue to expand its collective of agencies and shared infrastructure, while Tobin Capital focuses on backing services businesses that want to combine ambitious growth with discipline and resilience. The book, scheduled for publication in the second quarter of next year, is intended to complement that work by offering readers a different way to think about performance in high-pressure environments and what is possible for them.

Founders and leaders can learn more at luketobin.com or explore partnership opportunities via unusualgroup.com.

Read more about Unusual Group: "From founder to exit partner: How Luke Tobin is backing the next generation of agency leaders"

About Unusual Group

Unusual Group is a collective of specialist agencies helping ambitious brands achieve sustainable, exit-ready growth. The group brings together creative, strategic and digital expertise under one ecosystem, providing investment, shared infrastructure and strategic support to agency founders. Founded by Luke Tobin, Unusual Group continues to expand across the UK and Europe, building a network of high-growth agencies that combine human-led innovation with commercial discipline. To learn more, visit unusualgroup.com.

Green Energy Origin (GEO), a thriving force in the field of electrolyte manufacturing and a leading developer of next-generation battery materials, today announced that it will acquire electrolyte manufacturing assets from subsidiaries of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) in the United States and the United Kingdom. As demand for electrolytes continues to surge amid the rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS), GEO’s expanded production footprint is expected to reshape the competitive landscape in the field.

GEO shared it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire MCC’s electrolyte production facilities in both countries. The deal follows the completion and startup in 2024 of GEO’s 200,000-ton-per-year electrolyte plant in the Czech Republic, and will enable the company to immediately provide additional production capacity and supply redundancies across North America and Western Europe and further strengthen global R&D and patent collaboration, contributing jointly to a low-carbon future.

The Memphis, TN facility acquired from MCC will allow GEO to immediately begin supplying product in the U.S. Midwest, where many battery customers are located, effectively accelerating GEO’s market expansion into the U.S. by two to three years. The Billingham plant in the U.K. — the U.K.’s only electrolyte production facility — provides GEO with a strategically important manufacturing foothold in Western Europe. This secures key capacity in Western Europe and enables GEO to deliver its products to customers within 4–6 hours.

The transaction reflects the mutual long-term perspective shared by MCC and GEO, strengthening not only their strategic alignment but also their partnership outlook.0

“By acquiring MCC’s manufacturing facilities, GEO will further enhance their ability to deliver rapid and reliable supply across North America and Europe,” said Tony Ma, CEO of GEO. “Additionally, GEO will deepen its partnerships with strategic customers by developing regionally integrated supply chains for electrolyte raw materials and remain committed to delivering the best products and services to our customers while contributing to a low-carbon future.”

About Green Energy Origin (GEO)

Headquartered in Luxembourg, Green Energy Origin is backed by leading global investors including Sofina, BlueCrest Capital Management, HSG, and Temasek. Driven by the mission of continuous innovation powering green energy transition, GEO aims to build a global, reliable new energy integrated raw materials and technology innovation platform. GEO’s core businesses include high-performance electrolytes and CNT slurry. The company is set to further develop low‑carbon, green chemical parks in Spain and the United States. It already serves customers that include the world’s leading electric vehicle and battery manufacturers. Adopting a highly open collaboration model, GEO steadfastly upholds a long‑term orientation, guided by the principle that helping others succeed is helping ourselves. We are committed to joining hands with global strategic partners to achieve win‑win cooperation. For more information, visit www.geosi.com.

Media Contact

Freya Huang
Marketing Director, Green Energy Origin
freya@geosi.com

Jewels of the East, a New York–based online boutique founded in 2013, is presenting its latest collection of Baltic amber jewelry, handcrafted earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and artisanal Kashmiri shawls at the Downtown White Plains Holiday Market, running from December 5 to December 14, 2025, at the City Center, 230 Main Street, White Plains, NY. The indoor holiday bazaar features more than 35 local artisans and vendors in the former Barnes & Noble space, creating a curated holiday shopping destination in the heart of downtown.

“I started this business because I wanted to bring pieces of art, something truly different and not easily available, to my clients,” says Farrukh Ahsan, founder of Jewels of the East. “I wanted to work with color and craftsmanship that spark joy, and with jewelry that means something to people, not just something they wear once and forget.”

After earning an MBA in marketing and taking time away from the corporate world to raise her family, Ahsan decided to build a brand around unique, globally sourced accessories. She began with shawls from Pakistan and India, designed and crafted by women artisans, and later fell in love with amber, a material she had never worn before but found deeply moving once she began working with it.

“Many of my clients have a family connection to Europe and a warm, almost nostalgic feeling toward amber,” Ahsan explains. “They talk about their grandmothers’ pieces, heirloom necklaces, and what was passed down from great-grandmothers. My jewelry often reconnects them with those memories.” She added, "The handmade jewelry market is projected to grow at around 11–13% CAGR over the next decade, significantly faster than the overall jewelry market, as consumers seek more personal, unique, and small-batch pieces" (source: Global Insight Services).

Jewelry That Tells a Story: Holiday Bestsellers at Jewels of the East

Jewelry consistently ranks among the top holiday gift categories: in recent U.S. surveys, apparel, accessories, and jewelry together are chosen by around half of holiday shoppers as a go-to gift category. At the White Plains Holiday Market, Jewels of the East is highlighting a curated selection of handmade, story-rich pieces designed for holiday gifting and year-round wear.

Key customer favorites include:

• Baltic Amber Earrings: Lightweight, warm-toned earrings in classic drops and modern settings — ideal for clients who want a subtle yet striking way to wear amber every day.
• Amber Statement Necklaces: One-of-a-kind necklaces that echo European heirloom styles while feeling modern enough for New York. These are often conversation starters at the booth.
• Amber Rings & Cuffs: Sculptural rings and bracelets that showcase the natural inclusions and glow of amber, appealing to collectors and first-time buyers alike.
• Kashmiri Shawls & Scarves: Handwoven by women artisans in Kashmir, Pakistan, and India, these silk, wool, and cashmere shawls add color and elegance to neutral outfits and are wearable across all seasons.
• Colored Stone Jewelry & Royal Collection Pieces: Carefully curated colored stones and special “Royal Collection” designs for clients seeking bolder, more ornate pieces with a strong cultural aesthetic.

All items are available across different price points, making it possible for students, young professionals, and seasoned collectors to all enjoy handcrafted, art-driven jewelry and textiles. This accessibility has been one of Ahsan’s core priorities from the beginning.

Memories, Heritage, and Emotional Connection

Over the years, Jewels of the East has grown not just through sales, but through long-term relationships with clients. Farrukh Ahsan often meets customers who return years later wearing pieces they purchased in 2013 or 2014.

“They come back and say, ‘Remember, I bought this from you, and I’ve loved wearing it ever since,’” she says. “That is the most special feeling in this business,  knowing that what you sell becomes part of someone’s life story.”

The brand’s products often trigger deeply personal memories, Amber jewelry reminding people of Polish or Baltic grandmothers’ jewelry boxes. Shawls calling to mind wedding gifts and heirloom textiles passed down through generations.

These emotional connections are central to Jewels of the East’s identity, the brand does not simply sell jewelry and accessories; it offers bridges back to ancestral homelands, family stories, and cultural roots.

The Downtown White Plains Holiday Market is an established seasonal event, now held indoors, featuring over 35 artisanal vendors, Candy Cane Mini Golf, family photo stations, visits from Santa, and a full calendar of holiday activities running daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For Jewels of the East, the Market is an opportunity to introduce New Yorkers and Westchester residents to handcrafted Baltic amber jewelry, Kashmiri shawls, and one-of-a-kind accessories they are unlikely to find in mainstream retail.

“I love meeting people at markets like this,” Ahsan says. “Sometimes it almost doesn’t matter whether they buy or not. When I see that spark in their eyes,  that recognition, that excitement, it brings me so much joy. That’s what keeps me going.”

As an online retailer and regular presence at select shows, she is now looking to bring her distinctive jewelry collections into boutiques across New York and welcomes partnership inquiries from retailers who want to grow together.

About Jewels of the East

Founded in 2013, Jewels of the East is a New York–based online boutique offering Baltic amber jewelry, handcrafted earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, shawls, scarves, and home décor sourced from artisans worldwide. The brand works closely with women artisans and women-owned businesses, focusing on heritage, craftsmanship, and emotional storytelling. Its collections include the Amber Collection, Colored Stone Collection, Royal Collection, and a range of artisanal accessories and home textiles, many of them handmade and one-of-a-kind.

Jewels of the East aims to make artful, meaningful jewelry and textiles accessible to clients across generations,  from teens buying their first amber piece to collectors expanding their heirloom collections.

For more information, visit jewelsoftheeast.com, follow on Instagram, or email contact@jewelsoftheeast.com.

FastNetMon, a leading provider of network security solutions, reports that record-breaking distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks in 2025 are powered by Aisuru, a rapidly evolving global botnet. Leveraging an army of compromised devices — from routers to cameras — Aisuru has executed some of the largest attacks ever recorded, creating new challenges for internet stability.

“Hyper-scale attacks like those powered by Aisuru aren’t just isolated incidents anymore. They’re a warning that the internet’s resilience is being tested on a daily basis, and it affects every service we rely on — from email and entertainment to finance and healthcare,” said Pavel Odintsov, founder of FastNetMon.

Unlike earlier attacks, which were slow and small, these assaults are fast, intense, and enormous in scale. One recent incident generated enough traffic to stream tens of millions of high-definition movies at once, illustrating the extraordinary strain super-botnets can place on networks worldwide. 

DDoS Attacks Are Growing Exponentially

DDoS attacks have evolved dramatically over the past two decades. Early attacks in the 2000s, measured in megabits or gigabits per second, could disrupt a single website temporarily. By 2015–2020, terabit-level floodsappeared, challenging even the largest providers.

Now, multi-terabit assaults are becoming frequent. FastNetMon’s data shows that attack volumes are rising faster than many defenses can adapt, creating persistent risks for everyday internet users and businesses alike.

The Hidden Ripple Effect

Attacks orchestrated by super-botnets like Aisuru originate from a large pool of compromised devices, creating massive traffic surges that ripple across the internet. This is especially critical in regions like Latin America, where international network capacity is limited. When a multi-terabit attack crosses overseas links, it can slow services for everyone — not just the intended target —affecting streaming, banking, and business operations.

“The internet is a shared ecosystem. Protecting it isn’t just a technical challenge — it’s essential to ensuring that the services people depend on every day remain reliable,” added Odintsov.

Rapid detection and mitigation solutions, such as FastNetMon, are now critical for networks to detect attacks in real time and prevent disruptions from spilling across networks. Protecting digital operations now requires global visibility, rapid response, and collaboration across providers and regions, ensuring that the internet remains collectively resilient even in the face of record-breaking attacks.

About FastNetMon

FastNetMon Ltd. is a leading provider of network security solutions, offering advanced DDoS detection and mitigation. With real-time analytics and rapid response capabilities, FastNetMon helps organisations protect their infrastructure from evolving cyber threats. For more information, visit fastnetmon.com.

Media Contact

Outi Maria Pietilanaho
Head of Marketing, FastNetMon Ltd.
outi@fastnetmon.com
+44 7784 612491

Fhenix, the company pioneering encrypted smart contracts with fully homomorphic encryption (FHE), reaches out to Web3 builders to discuss Privacy Stages, the first comprehensive framework for evaluating onchain privacy. Alongside the announcement, the company showcases Fhenix402, a one-day experimental build that became the first-ever private implementation of Base’s new x402 payment standard — proving how global, encrypted-by-default privacy can unlock the future of digital payments.

These two announcements together highlight a turning point for Web3 privacy infrastructure: the need for a universally accepted taxonomy and the emergence of practical, real-world applications built on advanced cryptography.

Why Privacy Standards Matter Now

As Ethereum scaling matures and transaction costs fall, the industry’s bottleneck has shifted from throughput to privacy. Enterprises across payments, healthcare, AI, and finance require encrypted computation and confidential settlement — yet the ecosystem still lacks a clear way to assess competing solutions.

Borrowing from the impact of rollup stages on Layer-2 development, Fhenix’s Privacy Stages framework introduces a shared vocabulary and testable methodology to answer one core question: Who can decrypt your data?

“Progress accelerates when we share benchmarks,” said Guy Zyskind, MIT PhD in cryptography and founder of Fhenix. “Privacy Stages give developers, enterprises, and regulators the first objective way to evaluate blockchain privacy — and a roadmap to achieve true global confidentiality.”

The Four Privacy Stages

The framework categorizes privacy systems according to their cryptographic guarantees and real-world resilience:

• Stage 0: TEE-Only (“Trust the Box”)
  Fast, but privacy collapses if the enclave is compromised.
• Stage 1: Pure Cryptography with Training Wheels
  FHE/MPC improves security, but trust assumptions remain fragile without decentralized operators or additional safeguards.
• Stage 2: Blocking Quorum and Defense-in-Depth
  The practical gold standard: distributed key generation, independent operators, optional TEEs, permissionless participation, and economic incentives. Breaking privacy requires either major cryptographic failure or massive collusion.
• Stage ℵ (Aleph): Indistinguishable Obfuscation
  A theoretical end-state where programs themselves become vaults. Not yet practical, but a north star for the industry.

This classification provides measurable criteria for builders, investors, and enterprises evaluating privacy tech — a step toward aligning ecosystem development and raising the bar for security.

Fhenix402: A Private Version of x402 Built in Just One Day

To test the boundaries of its CoFHE technology and FHERC20 token standard, Fhenix’s engineering team built Fhenix402 — a private version of Base’s emerging x402 micropayment protocol.

x402 introduces a long-awaited web primitive: HTTP 402 “Payment Required” as a real, universal micropayment layer. But in its current form, every payment is public. Using CoFHE, Fhenix added privacy.

In just one day, the team deployed Fhenix402 on Base Sepolia, demonstrating payments where no one — not users, not block explorers — can see the real transaction amounts. Only encrypted values appear onchain, while wallets show directional updates without revealing specifics.

Two real transactions ($0.10 and $4.02) appear identical on Base Sepolia — indistinguishable to observers.

“You can’t tell which is which — and that’s exactly the point,” said Zyskind. “We built something that wasn’t supposed to be possible yet: private payments that are fast, composable, and intuitive.”

What Private Micropayments Unlock

The impact extends far beyond content access:

• Confidential subscriptions
• Private tip jars and donations
• Sealed-bid auctions
• Anonymous pay-per-use APIs
• Enterprise-grade private business intelligence
• Fraud detection on encrypted data
• Privacy-preserving AI and agentic workflows

This combination — programmability (Ethereum), access (Base), and confidentiality (FHE) — represents the missing layer of Web3 payments.

A Glimpse Into the Future of Encrypted Finance

The Fhenix402 experiment revealed gaps in today’s privacy infrastructure, including encrypted approvals, gas-efficient FHE operations, and user-friendly interfaces. Fhenix is actively addressing these gaps inside its CoFHE sandbox, building tools and standards to operationalize private onchain computation at scale.

“We’re at a true inflection point,” said Zyskind. “Circle, Stripe, and global enterprises are moving into blockchain payments. Privacy isn’t optional anymore — it’s the requirement that will make open payments viable.”

About Fhenix

Fhenix is a research and development company pioneering encrypted smart contracts with fully homomorphic encryption (FHE). Starting with a laser focus on Private DeFi, Fhenix is building the infrastructure to bring FHE everywhere — empowering developers, institutions, and users to create and use financial applications without sacrificing confidentiality or composability. For more information, visit www.fhenix.io.

Media Contact

Anzhelika Hrokholska
Head of Marketing, Fhenix
press@fhenix.io

Businesses across industries continue to adopt solutions that reduce inefficiencies, improve workforce conditions, and strengthen resilience. To help executives navigate shifting priorities, StartupMafia selected seven companies that demonstrate how innovation is evolving in 2025.

1. Silentbox Office Booth

Silentbox Office Booth develops acoustic booths that support employee wellbeing in open-plan offices. These enclosed spaces reduce noise distractions and allow staff to conduct calls, interviews, and deep-focus work in privacy. By lowering stress levels and improving concentration, Silentbox responds to HR leaders seeking more balanced and productive environments.

The company stands out for its emphasis on health-oriented workspace design. It addresses burnout prevention, hybrid-office flexibility, and the growing need for adaptable infrastructure. Silentbox’s model demonstrates how simple architectural solutions can materially improve employee experience and organizational performance.

2. Voyagers Travel

Voyagers Travel is expanding its expedition portfolio with new 2026–2027 departures across Antarctica and the Galápagos. The company increases small-ship capacity, adds wildlife-focused itineraries, and strengthens premium exploration offerings for travelers seeking highly curated experiences. Early booking options are already available for upcoming seasons.

The firm distinguishes itself through deep regional expertise and a strategy centered on immersive, environmentally attentive voyages. Its focus on small vessels and specialized itineraries reflects a broader shift toward sustainable, knowledge-driven travel that appeals to discerning global audiences.

3. Rent From Locals

Rent From Locals operates a car rental platform connecting travelers with verified local providers across Greece. The service centralizes pricing, deposits, and insurance information, enabling travelers to book vehicles online with transparent terms and minimal prepayment. The company also simplifies check-in and check-out through guided photo uploads that record vehicle condition for both sides.

The platform differentiates itself through digital-first processes and consumer clarity. With AI-driven support and optional independent insurance shown upfront, Rent From Locals reduces friction often associated with traditional rental counters and makes car access more predictable for international travelers.

4. Quickvee

Quickvee provides a cloud-based POS system designed for age-restricted retail and local merchants. Its software unifies in-store and online sales, helping businesses manage inventory, payments, and daily operations from a single interface. It also enables merchants to add pickup and delivery services and integrate rewards programs.

The platform is recognized for compliance automation and operational streamlining. By guiding staff through ID checks, product categorization, and regulatory steps, Quickvee reduces errors and improves consistency. Its accessible pricing, rapid setup, and 24/7 support make advanced POS capabilities attainable for small and mid-sized retailers.

5. American Quality Remodeling

American Quality Remodeling is a New Jersey-based contractor specializing in roof leak detection and emergency repair. The company offers 24/7 response, two-hour on-site arrival times, and both temporary and permanent remediation services. Using thermal imaging and moisture detection tools, the team identifies leak sources with high accuracy.

Its competitive advantage stems from its certifications, warranties, and structured service model. As a GAF Master Elite contractor, it provides strong material protections and documented estimates. A combination of emergency readiness and broad home-improvement capabilities positions the company as a reliable partner for homeowners managing unexpected structural issues.

6. AGM Global Vision

AGM Global Vision produces night vision and thermal imaging devices used by professionals, security teams, and outdoor specialists. The company draws on more than six decades of combined engineering experience and contributes to advancements in optical and detection technologies.

AGM distinguishes itself through product durability, optical clarity, and a portfolio that spans both consumer and tactical applications. Its engineering heritage and ongoing R&D investment allow it to deliver systems that perform across demanding environments, reinforcing its reputation among global users who require high-reliability imaging tools.

7. Amphasis Design

Amphasis Design is a Singapore-based corporate gifts and branding supplier with nearly two decades of industry experience. The company provides apparel customization, lifestyle goods, promotional merchandise, and sourcing services for organizations managing marketing and corporate gifting programs.

Amphasis is notable for its integrated design-to-delivery model and wide supplier network. From uniforms and embroidered apparel to premium branded accessories, the company supports clients seeking both quality materials and scalable production. Its ability to meet tight timelines and maintain consistent branding standards reinforces its role in Asia’s corporate gifting ecosystem.

StartupMafia’s selection highlights how companies across manufacturing, travel, retail technology, home services, optical innovation, and branding are reshaping their sectors. Their solutions reflect 2025 priorities: employee wellbeing, digital transparency, operational efficiency, and resilient service delivery. Together, these organizations illustrate where business investment and customer expectations continue to move.

About StartupMafia

StartupMafia is a technology-focused media outlet covering emerging companies, market trends, and innovations shaping the global startup landscape. The publication highlights practical solutions, sector insights, and business developments relevant to founders, operators, and investors. For more information, visit startupmafia.eu.

Media Contact

StartupMafia.eu Press Department
press@startupmafia.eu