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Terrabank has teamed up with Miami Dade College (MDC), in partnership with Grovear LLC, to roll out an intensive artificial intelligence (AI) training program for all employees, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to innovation, empowerment, and long-term career development.

The custom program, known as the AI Clinic, is designed to raise the level of AI proficiency across the bank’s workforce. The curriculum is tailored to Terrabank’s needs with modules designed for senior leadership, managers and staff.

Terrabank expects the AI Clinic to strengthen its operations across all departments, while creating measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency and customer service.

“We believe AI isn’t just a trend but a powerful tool that will help us reach the next level of sustainable, profitable growth,” said Antonio Uribe, president and CEO of Terrabank. “This bank-wide training reflects our investment in our people. Empowering them with AI knowledge is the foundation for improving our business and serving our community more effectively.”

More than 130 employees from every department are expected to complete the course, which combines online learning with in-person workshops. By the end of the program, participants will be able to program their own AI agents, apply a variety of AI tools to their daily work, and design solutions that improve efficiency and service quality.

The AI Clinic is offered through MDC’s AI Center and its School of Continuing Education & Professional Development. Employees will complete 20–25 hours of online study and then participate in up to 12 hours of workshops to apply their learning safely and ethically.

MDC is a national leader in AI education, having launched Florida’s first associate and bachelor’s degree programs in applied AI.

The instruction is led by Dr. Jose Fernandez-Calvo, a consultant, researcher, and educator specializing in AI and digital transformation. Dr. Fernandez-Calvo, who holds advanced degrees from the University of Miami, the University of Oxford, and Universidad de Buenos Aires has worked with global companies, universities, and government institutions. At MDC, he pioneered innovative AI education programs that focus on practical skills, prompting and agent development.

“AI empowers people, it doesn’t replace them,” said Pedro A. Santos, executive director of Emerging Technologies at MDC. “This program is about giving Terrabank employees the tools to grow, learn, and lead in the digital economy.”

About Terrabank

Established in 1985, Terrabank is a community bank with local vision and a strong global presence. It offers financial products to support South Florida's business sector and local economy by serving select international markets. Through its headquarters in Miami, banking centers in Doral and Coral Gables, as well as innovative digital banking services, Terrabank offers distinct financial solutions that create value for its clients. For more information, or to locate a Terrabank branch near you, please call (305) 223-7219 or visit www.terrabank.com.

Media Contact

Melisa Chantres
EvClay PR
mmchantres@evclay.com
+1 305-261-6222

Agustina Goldbaum
agoldbaum@evclay.com

Paul Diamond has spent a lifetime building, losing, and rebuilding — often far from the spotlight. Today, he is a London-based strategic investor with more than two decades of experience in property, financial services, and private equity. Through his family office, he backs what he calls high-trust ventures that deliver high-stakes returns.

“I invest in outsiders who wish to build what the culture hasn’t caught up with yet,” he says in his public biography. “Over the past 25 years, I’ve invested capital across financial services, property, aviation, and renewable energy — often before the spotlight arrives. I act where others hesitate. I enter early, think long and fast, stay quiet.”

That last phrase — stay quiet — captures the philosophy that runs through Diamond’s career. He is a man who has learned the hard way that the real game of wealth is not visibility but endurance.

Lesson One: Loyalty at Any Cost

Long before he entered finance, Diamond was marked for success. A star pupil and athlete, head boy in primary school, and deputy head boy in high school. Financial independence came early; by his mid-teens, he was supporting himself.

But the defining influence was personal, not professional. That quest for approval shaped what he calls his core pattern: loyalty at any cost, high tolerance for risk, and the subjugation of personal needs.

Diamond dissolved a thriving business and used his own fortune to free them. The choice nearly destroyed him financially, but it set the template for how he would live and lead.

Diamond’s instinct for fierce loyalty later translated into his approach to business partnerships. He enters ventures early, aligns with people he trusts, and stays committed long after others have stepped back. His early investments in South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment initiatives — including the purchase of a radio station, a paper-supply business, and a pioneering Black-owned insurance company — reflected not only commercial foresight but also personal conviction.

His resume grew quickly: a bank launch, Radio Station, fashion-industry consolidations, a technology venture with the University of Pretoria, and property and finance deals that straddled continents.

But loyalty and risk are twins. Both lift and test those who practice them.

Lesson Two: Risk, Collapse, and the Quiet Rebuild

Diamond’s boldest gamble took him into Zimbabwe’s gold sector. With no mining experience, he set out to rehabilitate failing operations and, for a time, succeeded. Then politics intervened. As the country’s legal order unraveled, his investment collapsed.

His private life became the crucible for a second reinvention. What became his quiet but most powerful driver was the protection of his children’s respect and the vision of securing a future in which his children would be proud of him and his achievements. The same discipline that once fueled deal-making now turned inward: rebuilding not for acclaim, but for legacy.

The recovery was swift and strategic. He launched a property and investment firm. He built a multifamily property-development company in New York, invested in the Comair-British Airways Africa franchise, and made what would become a defining bet on renewable energy — a unicorn deal that yielded transformational wealth.

The period also revealed another side of his resilience. Diamond led a lawsuit against financier and predator Sidney Frankel, a case that led to a constitutional change in South Africa that removed time limits from survivors of sexual abuse pursuing criminal charges. Dubbed the “Frankel Eight” and later cited in the Harvard Law Review, this historic legal victory showed his capacity to turn crisis into structural reform. It was, as some describe it, a masterclass in persistence under pressure.

Lesson Three: The Power of Ethical Precision

Diamond’s present-day investments reflect a different kind of ambition — measured, ethical, and quietly global. He is now a principal backer of one of Europe’s most successful renewable-energy ventures, while operating property holdings in New York and London.

He describes his current focus in terms of “building platforms built on ethical principles, strategic precision, and cultural contribution.”

Colleagues say his influence lies not in dominance but in calibration — the ability to see strengths in others before they see them themselves. His own profile notes that he “possesses an extraordinary, intuitive ability to see latent strengths and strategic potential in people” and “never uses this insight for personal advantage.” Instead, he aligns talent so that “their natural gifts are magnified, creating shared success.”

That instinct has become the cornerstone of his leadership style. Those who work with him describe a man of contrasts: “a velvet glove over a steel fist.” Kindness and wit when it serves; precision and steel when it must.

He distills it to a single line: “I partner with founders who resonate with my vision, building platforms that generate attention, but do not chase it.”

It is a philosophy rooted in hard-won experience — the belief that sustainable power is quiet power, and that success without integrity is just noise.

The Pattern (and Secret) Behind Paul Diamond

Paul Diamond’s life, viewed across its full arc, reads like an extended study in controlled volatility. Early triumphs gave way to collapse; collapse became the catalyst for reinvention. Each chapter reflects the same underlying equation: loyalty, risk, and renewal.

Paul Diamond is the ultimate survivor and an empowered strategic leader. The description fits. Whether structuring one of South Africa’s first Black-owned insurance companies, weathering reputational attacks, or redefining renewable-energy investment in Europe, Diamond has operated from a consistent inner compass — loyalty refined by learning and resilience sharpened by loss.

Today, as he continues to expand his holdings and develop a personal platform for future writing and counsel, he remains what he has always been — a strategist who acts before the spotlight and exits long after it fades.

“I’m a private signal,” he says. “Where I stand, things shift.”

That may be the most succinct summary of Paul Diamond’s career — a reminder that in a world addicted to visibility, the most enduring influence often moves in silence.

Global storytelling nonprofit The Moth today announced its Winter/Spring 2026 season, centering on the theme "American Dreams" — a thoughtful and provocative exploration of hope, ambition, identity, and belonging at a defining moment in the nation’s history.

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, The Moth is marking the moment by examining one of America’s most enduring and complicated ideas: the American Dream. For two and a half centuries, it has tantalized people with the possibility…of possibility.  Each of us carries some version of it — the irrepressible notion that where you begin does not necessarily determine where you end up. The belief that, in America, anything is possible.

This season, at more than 20 curated Moth Mainstage shows across the U.S., storytellers will explore the idea of the American Dream — its promises and its challenges. What happens when it’s dashed or deferred, or when it unexpectedly comes true? As audiences sit shoulder to shoulder, they will encounter a vivid mosaic of personal stories of reinvention, resilience, heartbreak, hope, survival and, yes, the enduring pull of possibility.

“At this significant moment in our country's history, we could think of no better way to honor the beautiful, complex quilt that is America than by sharing true personal stories of American Dreams,” says Christina Norman, chief creative officer of The Moth. “These fresh stories of hope, humor, and heart let us focus on the many things we share rather than the noise that pulls us apart.”

Each Moth Mainstage is a curated, theme-driven show where storytellers from all walks of life share true stories told live and without notes. The Winter/Spring 2026 season will travel from Anchorage to New York, Los Angeles to Boston — in cities and small towns alike — creating a collective portrait of what it means to dream in America today.

Season highlights include:

• Four New York City shows — each offering a distinct perspective on the season’s theme, all presented in The Moth’s hometown.
• A double-header in Los Angeles and Orange County, presented as part of an exciting new partnership with LAist.
• Back by popular demand: The Moth returns to the Mandel Opera & Humanities Festival in Cleveland, Ohio

Tickets for The Moth’s complete Winter/Spring 2026 Mainstage season (see full list below) are available at themoth.org/mainstage:

• Anchorage, Alaska — Atwood Concert Hall — Feb. 4, 2026
• New York, N.Y. — Aaron Davis Hall — Feb. 20, 2026 (with additional NYC dates to be announced)
• Iowa City, Iowa — The Englert Theatre — Feb. 26, 2026
• Fairfield, Conn. — Sacred Heart University — Feb. 28, 2026
• Bellingham, Wash. — Mount Baker Theatre — March 7, 2026
• New Bedford, Mass. — Zeiterion Performing Arts Center — March 19, 2026
• New York, N.Y. — Skirball Cultural Center — March 20, 2026 (with additional NYC dates to be announced)
• Charlottesville, Va. — The Paramount Theater — March 27, 2026
• Princeton, N.J. — McCarter Theatre Center — April 10, 2026
• Morristown, N.J. — Mayo Performing Arts Center — April 11, 2026
• Troy, N.Y. — Troy Savings Bank Music Hall — April 11, 2026
• Los Angeles — The Orpheum Theatre — April 15, 2026 (Double-header — night 1)
• Orange County, Calif. — Irvine Barclay Theatre — April 16, 2026 (Double-header — night 2)
• Lincoln, Neb. — Lied Center for Performing Arts — April 17, 2026
• Tarrytown, N.Y. — Tarrytown Music Hall — May 8, 2026
• Traverse City, Mich. — City Opera House — May 13, 2026
• Cleveland — Severance Music Center — May 2026
• Boston — Somerville Theatre — June 4, 2026
• Portsmouth, N.H. — The Music Hall — June 5, 2026
• New York, N.Y. — Green-Wood Cemetery — June 11, 2026 (with additional NYC dates to be announced)

With The Moth’s 30th anniversary approaching in 2027, the 2026 season builds momentum toward the next chapter in the organization’s ongoing work highlighting the art and power of storytelling.

The 2026 Winter/Spring season also marks the publication of"My Life in Stories: A Guided Journal from The Moth"(Penguin Random House, $22.99), slated for release on February 17, 2026.  This special keepsake journal is filled with prompts to help people uncover, reflect on and share the stories that make them who they are. With over 150 insightful prompts, The Moth’s storytelling experts help you not only identify important milestones and details from your life, but also shape them into stories. "My Life In Stories" is currently available for pre-order from your favorite bookseller.

Then, in Summer 2026,The Moth will launch a multi-city live tour experience that serves up beloved listener favorites from "The Moth Radio Hour" and "The Moth Podcast" all in one evening. It’s a chance for new audiences and avid fans alike to experience those hilarious, devastating, chill-inducing, dumbfounding Moth classics live on stage like never before. Cities and dates to be announced.

About The Moth

The Moth is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling through live events, education programs, and media. Since its founding in 1997, The Moth has presented more than 65,000 true stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only audiences worldwide.

Its core programs include The Moth Mainstage, a global tour featuring diverse storytellers; The Moth StorySLAM, an open-mic competition held in 28 cities; and The Moth Community Engagement Program, which offers workshops to marginalized adults. The Moth Education Program brings personal storytelling to schools and colleges, while The Moth Global Community Program highlights voices from the global south.

“The Moth Podcast,” a Webby Award-winning series, has tens of millions of downloads annually, and “The Moth Radio Hour,” a Peabody Award-winning show, airs weekly on more than 540 public radio stations. The organization also offers MothWorks, a program that uses storytelling to foster empathetic communication, and has published five books, including The New York Times bestseller “The Moth: 50 True Stories” and its most recent release, “A Point of Beauty: True Stories of Holding On and Letting Go” (2024).

Learn more at themoth.org.

Media Contact

Meryl Cooper
meryl@thecooperationinc.com

Unlisted, a groundbreaking digital real estate community focused on the 98% of homes that aren’t for sale — yet, today announced that Brian Caluori of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty has joined the platform as a Local Expert for buyers and homeowners in Boston, representing the 02118 ZIP code.

Unlisted’s technology is designed to open up possibilities for everyone in the real estate ecosystem: buyers, homeowners, and agents alike. Buyers gain new ways to discover homes they love beyond what’s listed on the MLS. Homeowners gain tools to better understand interest in their property and connect with potential buyers. Real estate professionals gain a program that elevates their expertise and brings more possibilities into view for their clients.

Unlisted uses publicly available data to create a digital property profile for every home in the country. These records can be quickly searched and organized into curated lists of homes that meet a buyer’s criteria. Though not for sale, buyers can join a Waitlist for their favorite homes, creating new possibilities for buyers and agents to connect and giving homeowners options they may not have considered.

Each vetted real estate professional that partners with Unlisted receives an agent profile linked to every home in their ZIP code. Only one agent is selected per ZIP, highlighting their expertise and credibility in that market. As Unlisted continues to expand this network nationwide, the goal remains the same: to provide buyers, homeowners, and agents with a platform built on connection, expertise, and meaningful insights.

Brian Caluori has been involved with Unlisted since the early days and brings deep expertise in Boston’s real estate market. Based in the South End, Brian manages over 85 transactions annually, representing investors, developers, and homebuyers with unmatched service and results. Known for his work ethic, market knowledge, and commitment to lasting client relationships, he continues to be a trusted resource for those navigating opportunities across Boston.

“I see every transaction as a privilege, and Unlisted gives me another way to deliver value for my clients,” says Caluori. “Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply exploring your options in Boston, I want to be a trusted resource.”

“We’re honored to have Brian Caluori continuing to grow with us in Boston,” said Katie Hill, founder and CEO of Unlisted. “From the beginning, Brian has stood out as a trusted voice for his clients and his market. His leadership in Boston is a reflection of the professionalism and insight we look for in every Local Expert we welcome to the platform.”

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

To learn more about Brian Caluori, visit his Unlisted Profile or his website.

About Unlisted

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

Media Contact

Sophia Jacomet
sophia@unlistedinc.com

The Netty Awards, a leading global program recognizing excellence in the digital age, announced Celtra as the winner of "Best Marketing Automation Software in Tech." The award reflects a broad industry shift toward solving the creative supply bottleneck that has constrained digital marketing for years. While media automation has accelerated rapidly, creative production has struggled to keep pace, leaving brands unable to fully capitalize on their media investments. Celtra’s win signals a new market expectation; creative production must scale with media for performance to follow.

A Turning Point for Creative Production

Celtra’s recognition underscores a fundamental change in how modern brands operate. Traditional methods of scaling creative output — larger teams, more manual versioning, or fragmented workflows — are no longer viable in an environment that demands constant personalization and global consistency. Celtra has proven that creative automation is the only approach capable of meeting these demands at enterprise scale. By closing the gap between creative and media, the platform enables marketers to move faster, reduce waste, and unlock performance opportunities that manual workflows cannot reach.

Innovation That Redefines the Creative Lifecycle

Celtra’s Creative Automation platform modernizes the entire creative lifecycle, enabling teams to develop modular assets, generate automated variations, and optimize concepts using AI-driven capabilities. A standout example is Celtra’s predictive creative scoring to identify which concepts are most likely to perform. This predictive layer ensures teams focus production on assets with the strongest impact potential — eliminating unnecessary work and preventing underperforming creative from entering the market. By bringing intelligence to every step of production, Celtra transforms creative and media operations into a smarter, data-backed system that consistently delivers measurable business results.

Proven Results for Leading Global Brands

Some of the world’s largest advertisers rely on Celtra to scale creativity while improving efficiency. Nike used Celtra to produce more than 17,000 localized assets with a 19.5x increase in production efficiency. Spotify generated over 14,000 brand-safe creatives across 111 markets and improved workflow performance by more than 25%. Lyft achieved a 10x efficiency gain and a 45% CPA reduction by using Celtra to produce personalized video ads in multiple languages. These results highlight how creative automation strengthens both storytelling and performance at scale.

A Word From Celtra

“Creative automation has moved from a nice-to-have to an operational necessity for global brands, and we’re proud that the Netty Awards recognized the scale and performance impact our platform delivers. This award reflects our belief that creative must keep pace with media if brands want to unlock their full potential,” said Miha Mikek, CEO at Celtra.

Industry Leadership and Expanding Influence

Celtra’s platform now supports more than 400 enterprise brands, producing over 16 million ads annually and powering more than 119 billion impressions across the global digital ecosystem. With integrations spanning over 100 ad servers and media platforms, as well as connections to tools like Figma, Adobe Workfront, Slack, and Photoshop, Celtra embeds directly into the workflows that large teams already rely on. The company has also earned recognition from the MarTech Awards and Digiday, further cementing its position as a leader shaping the future of creative automation.

About Celtra

Celtra is a global leader and pioneer in creative automation, helping the world’s biggest brands transform how they produce, deliver, and optimize digital advertising. Its cloud-based platform enables marketing, creative, and media teams to drive efficiency and performance across every channel. Trusted by enterprise leaders like Spotify, adidas, and Unilever, Celtra empowers organizations to scale creative excellence and accelerate marketing impact like never before. To learn more, visit celtra.com.

Businesses continue to seek services that reduce complexity, improve efficiency, and support growth across transport, travel, healthcare, and infrastructure. StartupMafia has selected a list of companies offering practical solutions that address these needs with clear value and operational reliability.

8Rental

8Rental provides professional group transportation services, offering private cars, minibuses, and coaches for corporate travel, tourism, and long-distance routes. The company operates across major travel regions and focuses on structured service delivery for airport transfers, event mobility, and tailored itineraries.

It stands out for its emphasis on safety, punctuality, and transparent pricing. Its fleet is modern and well-maintained, and drivers undergo professional training. This combination of customer-first practices and operational reliability makes 8Rental a trusted mobility provider for both businesses and individual travelers.

Rent From Locals

Rent From Locals brings verified Albanian and Greek car-rental providers into one platform where travelers compare real pricing, deposits, and insurance before booking. The system standardizes check-in and check-out with guided, time-stamped photo uploads to protect both renters and providers.

Its distinguishing features include no credit card requirement, transparent third-party insurance options, and an AI-supported help desk that answers routine questions instantly. Human agents remain available for complex requests. This design keeps the experience simple, fast, and aligned with what modern travelers expect.

12 Knots

12 Knots provides access to more than 22,000 professionally managed yachts and catamarans available for charter across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia. Travelers can compare prices, real-time availability, and choose from bareboat, skippered, or fully crewed options.

By-the-cabin charters are available for newcomers, while private charters accommodate experienced sailors. The platform also offers sample itineraries and expert guidance to help make planning a sailing holiday smooth, trustworthy, and inspiring.

BookingAuto

BookingAuto is a global platform that compares car-rental offers from leading providers in 186 countries. Travelers can filter vehicle types, review clear pricing, and reserve online with free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup.

The service stands out for 24/7 multilingual support and simple booking flows designed to minimize uncertainty. Its international scope allows users to access consistent information across regions, which helps travelers avoid hidden charges and secure rentals based on transparent criteria.

Excurzilla

Excurzilla aggregates guided tours, museum tickets, and attraction experiences from major operators in more than 120 countries. Its multilingual interface allows travelers to compare tour formats, durations, and prices in a single place.

The platform’s value lies in its broad inventory and consistent presentation of options. Users can switch between cities and categories without navigating multiple provider websites. This meta-search approach brings clarity to a fragmented tours market and simplifies the process of selecting reliable local experiences.

OKDERMO

OKDERMO is an online retailer specializing in dermatologist-approved skincare, including retinoids, peels, and targeted serums. It sources professional-grade formulations globally and provides clear guidance to support informed use.

The store distinguishes itself by curating evidence-based products and offering worldwide shipping. Its catalog includes multiple strengths and formats of retinol and tretinoin creams, enabling customers to select treatments suited to their routines. The focus on transparency and ingredient quality helps users build consistent, results-driven skincare plans.

You Glow Aesthetics

You Glow Aesthetics operates a fast-growing network of clinics across Canada and the United States, offering non-invasive aesthetic treatments supported by modern equipment. Each location focuses on safety, standardized protocols, and personalized care planning.

The network’s strength is its combination of geographic scale and individualized service. Trained clinicians conduct assessments and tailor treatments while ensuring consistent outcomes across all locations. This balance of technology, accessibility, and clinical oversight positions the brand as a notable provider in the aesthetics sector.

Ingrained Recovery

Ingrained Recovery provides medical detox and inpatient rehabilitation programs on a 50-acre wooded campus in Middle Georgia. The facility incorporates equine therapy, walking trails, and on-site amenities designed to support recovery in a private, structured environment.

Its distinguishing feature is the integration of therapeutic activities within a peaceful natural setting. The center’s multidisciplinary team combines medical oversight with experiential therapy, offering a holistic approach that appeals to clients seeking privacy and individualized care.

BelimRohr24

BelimRohr24 provides same-day drain and pipe cleaning services across Berlin, operating 24/7 with certified technicians. The company handles blocked sinks, toilets, and sewer lines with rapid response times and straightforward service terms.

Its competitive edge lies in transparency and speed. With more than 12 years of experience, the team offers two-hour response windows and clear pricing with no hidden fees. Regular maintenance options further reduce the risk of future plumbing issues for households and businesses.

WasteDoor.com

WasteDoor.com is an international marketplace for residential and commercial waste-management services across North America, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It compares pricing for dumpsters, construction debris removal, e-waste recycling, septic pumping, portable restrooms, and more.

The platform distinguishes itself by combining instant price comparison with region-specific regulatory guides. This helps customers reduce service costs and ensure compliance with local rules. Its data-driven approach supports informed decision-making in a sector that often lacks transparency.

These 10 companies reflect key business priorities for 2025: operational clarity, transparent pricing, and service models that simplify complex tasks. Their solutions show how technology and customer-centered design continue to shape mobility, travel, healthcare, and infrastructure. Together, they illustrate how companies across diverse sectors are meeting rising expectations for reliability and efficiency.

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

Seed Group, a company of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, formed a strategic partnership with RetailNext to expand enterprise-grade retail analytics and AI-powered insights throughout Dubai and the UAE. This collaboration addresses the need for data-driven strategies as UAE retailers navigate rapid digital transformation, evolving consumer expectations, and increasingly competitive omnichannel environments.

Founded in 2008 in California, RetailNext is a global leader in retail intelligence and a pioneer in retail analytics. Today, it powers more than 560 retailers from all over the world with a unified intelligence platform. RetailNext’s cloud system combines in-store traffic analytics, shopper journey mapping, and point-of-sale integration to process data from across more than 100,000 sensors. These real-time insights increase conversion rates, optimise labour allocation, and drive measurable improvements in merchandising effectiveness and customer experience.

By being part of Seed Group’s partner ecosystem, RetailNext will benefit from its two decades of expertise, regional network, and ties with the royal family of Dubai. The Group provides the innovative firm a launchpad to amplify its positioning in the fast-evolving retail market valued at over AED 300 billion.

“RetailNext brings with it solutions that add new depth to how retailers understand and serve their customers. With its ability to monitor real-time traffic, measure shopper journeys, and optimize in-store layouts, the company offers insights that can directly improve efficiency and profitability for businesses. We believe their technology has the potential to support businesses in the UAE as they work to enhance efficiency and better meet evolving customer expectations,” remarked Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Seed Group and The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum.

“The UAE represents one of the world’s most dynamic retail markets, where sophisticated consumers demand world-class experiences. Our partnership with Seed Group enables us to further expand our proven retail intelligence to a region that’s rapidly becoming a hub for retail innovation. UAE retailers understand that in today’s competitive environment, intuition alone isn’t enough — data-driven decision-making is the difference between market leadership and irrelevance,” said Alexei Agratchev, CEO and co-founder of RetailNext. 

The strategic engagement between Seed Group and RetailNext is designed to pave the way for more intelligent and customer-centric business models. It will further reinforce the UAE’s prominence as a capital of modern retail while supporting broader industry innovation in the MENA region.

About Seed Group

For over 20 years, Seed Group has formed strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions and industries. These companies have propelled their business interests and goals in the Middle East and North Africa region through the support and strong base of regional connections of the Seed Group. The Group’s goal is to create mutually beneficial partnerships with multinational organisations and to accelerate their sustainable market entry and presence within the MENA region. Seed Group has been a key point in the success of all its partners in the region, helping them reach their target customers and accelerate their businesses. The Private Office was established by Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum to directly invest in or assist potential business opportunities in the region, which meet The Private Office’s criteria. For more information, visit seedgroup.com.

About RetailNext

RetailNext, the first retail vertical IoT platform to bring e-commerce-style shopper analytics to brick-and-mortar stores, brands, and malls, is a pioneer in optimizing the shopper experience. The platform automatically collects and analyses shopper behaviour data through its centralized SaaS solution, enabling retailers to enhance real-time experiences and drive better outcomes.

RetailNext is trusted by more than 560 retailers in over 100 countries. The company helps businesses better understand the shopper journey to increase same-store sales, enhance security, and eliminate unnecessary costs. RetailNext is headquartered in Campbell, California. Learn more at retailnext.net.

For decades, women's health apparel has existed in the margins of both the fashion and healthcare industries. Functional in intent, but often uninspired in execution. Now, as femtech gains momentum, one innovator is reshaping expectations of what post-surgery garments can and should deliver. MAS Femography, the women's health apparel manufacturer backed by global apparel-tech giant MAS Holdings, is setting new standards with its Post Surgery Everyday Bra, designed and manufactured for brands looking to offer better products to women navigating life after breast cancer surgery.

A Silent Gap in Care

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.3 million women are diagnosed annually, with millions more living in survivorship. For those who undergo mastectomies, lumpectomies, or reconstructive procedures, recovery is about more than the clinical outcome. It is about rediscovering comfort, mobility, and identity at a time when physical and emotional vulnerability is at its peak.

Historically, apparel designed for this stage has been limited in its options. Garments that served basic medical functions without addressing the lived experiences of patients. Many women describe post-surgery bras as restrictive, unappealing, or even painful.

MAS Femography's new approach as a femtech apparel manufacturer directly responds to this gap. The Post Surgery Everyday Bra is not only built for recovery but designed with comfort  in mind. By integrating medical insight with advanced apparel engineering, MAS Femography is taking this innovation to brands, aiming to ensure that women no longer have to choose between healing and feeling human.

Design Rooted in Empathy

At the heart of the innovation is collaboration. MAS Femography worked closely with breast cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, and mastectomy specialists to understand the day-to-day challenges women face during recovery. Their feedback shaped every element of the bra's design.

The result is a garment that features soft seams to reduce irritation, wire-free support to prevent pressure on sensitive areas, and front-opening closures that accommodate limited arm mobility. Built with molded bra cups, it masks uneven breasts or asymmetries caused by breast conservation surgeries to provide a more natural appearance. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics promote comfort during long wear, while discreet inner pockets allow for prosthetics or inserts, offering flexibility for women with different surgical outcomes.

Unlike traditional medical garments, the Post Surgery Everyday Bra prioritizes aesthetic as well as function. Subtle design elements and carefully chosen fabrics ensure the bra looks and feels like a piece of everyday apparel, rather than a clinical necessity. For women navigating recovery, this blending of style and sensitivity can be a critical step toward regaining confidence.

Beyond Function: Restoring Confidence

Breast cancer treatment often involves profound changes to body image. For many women, the choice of clothing, especially intimate apparel, becomes a reflection of how they feel about themselves. Recognizing this, MAS Femography positions its Post Surgery Everyday Bra not simply as a supportive product but as an enabler of dignity, self-expression, and confidence.

"The vision is simple but powerful," Pilar Diaz, CEO of MAS Femography explains. "Women deserve post-surgery solutions that are supportive, comfortable, and beautiful. Recovery is not just about healing, it is about regaining a sense of self. Working with subject specialists, design experts, and professionals, we are driving the conversation openly with global brands, offering them our vast experience in manufacturing and cutting-edge innovation as we ensure survivors are met with functional solutions without overlooking such unheard, unseen issues"

This philosophy aligns with MAS Femography's broader mission as a manufacturer: to redefine how apparel can support women through every stage of life, from periods and pregnancy to menopause and post-surgery. In doing so, the brand is helping to destigmatize conversations around women's health while expanding the possibilities of what clothing can achieve.

The Power of FemTech Apparel

MAS Femography is not working in isolation. Backed by MAS Holdings, the largest apparel tech company in South Asia, the manufacturer has access to a global scale of resources, advanced textile technologies, and sustainable manufacturing processes. This infrastructure allows MAS Femography to translate concepts born in healthcare collaboration into scalable, accessible products that can reach women worldwide.

The Post Surgery Everyday Bra represents what industry analysts are increasingly calling femtech apparel. Garments that integrate scientific research, medical collaboration, and design innovation to address underserved areas of women's health. From cooling fabrics for menopause to leak-proof menstrual underwear, femtech apparel is forecast to become one of the fastest-growing niches in both fashion and healthcare.

A Future Where Apparel Supports Health 

With the Post Surgery Everyday Bra, MAS Femography signals that breast cancer survivors deserve more than the compromises historically offered to them. By uniting clinical functionality with thoughtful design, the manufacturer is establishing a benchmark that could influence the wider industry.

The bra represents more than a single product. It reflects a changing philosophy in apparel — one that acknowledges clothing is not only worn but lived in, especially during moments of vulnerability.

As MAS Femography expands its role in femtech manufacturing, it is helping to shape a future where women's health apparel is no longer an afterthought but a recognized pillar of care, recovery, and empowerment.

For the millions of women navigating breast cancer surgery and its aftermath, that shift has the power to redefine not only comfort but also confidence. By turning garments into instruments of care, MAS Femography is steadily reshaping the standards of both fashion and healthcare, one innovation at a time.

Branded By Story™, the South Carolina–based storytelling studio redefining how trust is built between communities and the businesses that serve them, has been awarded both the BBB Business of the Year and the BBB Torch Award for Ethics by BBB Serving South Carolina. The recognition honors the studio’s unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and its industry-shifting Billion-Dollar Framework™ — a system designed to help local businesses rise as the undisputed leaders of their towns.

Founded by Justus Calkins, founder and brand strategist, Austin Barnhill, creative director and partner, and supported by Scarlett, director of digital experience and partner, Branded By Story has quickly emerged as one of the most trusted branding studios in the Southeast.

A New Category for Modern Businesses: The Billion-Dollar Framework

Branded By Story created its own category, a cinematic storytelling studio built on five core engines:

• Signature Production System™ — 28 deliverables in 4 weeks
• Community-Approved™ Model — One business per industry per town
• Regional Lifestyle Storytelling™ — Story over sales
• Brand Story Capital™ — Proof over promise
• Media & Thought Leadership Engine™ — Building local icons

A Family-Rooted Mission That Fuels the Framework

“We wanted to prove that business can still be built on trust, not tactics.”

“When we started Branded By Story, we didn’t want to be another marketing company. We wanted to prove that business can still be built on trust, not tactics."

“We’re honored to shine a light on ethical businesses.”

“It’s an honor to win the Torch Award for Ethics."

“At Branded By Story, we don’t just build brands. We build belief in people, in community, and in the idea that truth still matters."

About Branded By Story

Branded By Story™ is a luxury storytelling studio based in Charleston and Seneca, South Carolina. Through its Billion-Dollar Framework™, the studio helps trustworthy businesses rise as the definitive leaders of their market through cinematic brand films, high-end identity systems, and community-driven storytelling. For more information, visit www.brandedbystory.com.

Media Contact

Justus Calkins
Branded By Story
justus@brandedbystory.com
+1 832-530-2479

Media Relations
Branded By Story
buildmybrand@brandedbystory.com

In an environment where "no-logs" has become a baseline marketing promise, SafePaper’s 2025 audit examines whether ten major VPN providers — both free and paid — actually uphold privacy under legal scrutiny. The report evaluates each service across jurisdiction, audit history, infrastructure design, transparency reporting, and privacy policy specificity to determine real-world no-logs compliance.

Read the full audit and VPN-by-VPN breakdown on SafePaper: "Decipher 10 No-Logs VPNs Policies & Practices (Free & Paid)"

What “No-Logs” Really Means in 2025

For something so widely claimed, “no-logs” remains widely misunderstood. At its core, the term suggests that a VPN provider does not record or store any data that could identify what a user did online, or when, or from where. But in reality, not all logs are equal — and not all “no-logs” claims mean the same thing.

VPNs inevitably collect some information to operate. This might include aggregate server load, bandwidth usage, or crash diagnostics. These are functional, non-identifiable metrics. The concern arises when providers store real IP addresses or DNS querie. Those are identifiers — and they’re exactly what a true no-logs VPN must avoid retaining.

In today’s climate of subpoenas, data-sharing alliances, and court-mandated compliance, understanding what “no-logs” actually entails is the first step. The second is knowing how to verify it — something the next section breaks down in five testable criteria.

The Five Criteria for Verifying a No-Logs VPN

Marketing slogans are easy to write. Verifiable privacy is not. To move beyond blanket claims, SafePaper’s 2025 audit evaluates each VPN against five independent dimensions. Together, they form a framework that any user can use to assess whether a provider’s “no-logs” promise is structurally sound — or built on ambiguity.

1. Jurisdiction: The legal layer that overrides everything

Where a VPN is incorporated matters as much as how it’s built. Countries that are part of intelligence-sharing agreements — such as the Five Eyes (U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand) — may compel providers to collect and disclose user data, often under gag orders. By contrast, countries like Panama, Switzerland, and Singapore offer legal environments that make user data requests less likely and easier to resist.

A VPN headquartered in a high-risk jurisdiction cannot guarantee user privacy, regardless of its infrastructure. In several cases, SafePaper notes, providers located in the U.S. or EU have complied with subpoenas despite advertising no-logs policies.

2. Infrastructure: RAM-only servers and private DNS

Legal resilience is one half of the equation; infrastructure is the other. RAM-only servers — those that store all data in volatile memory — are wiped clean with every reboot. This minimizes the chance that session data lingers or can be forensically recovered. Similarly, running private DNS resolvers prevents DNS queries from leaking to third parties like ISPs or public DNS services.

SafePaper flags providers who still rely on disk-based servers or use third-party DNS resolvers as structurally weaker — even if their privacy policies claim otherwise.

3. Third-party audits: Proof, not promises

Independent audits conducted by firms like Deloitte, Cure53, or KPMG provide external validation of a VPN provider’s systems. These audits often examine backend logging systems, access controls, and whether servers are configured to retain any identifying data. While one audit is useful, recurring audits over multiple years show ongoing accountability.

4. Transparency reporting: A record of resistance

Transparency reports document how often providers receive data requests from authorities and whether they comply. Providers that routinely publish these reports — and maintain a record of zero user data disclosures — demonstrate both legal resolve and technical safeguards.

Conversely, the absence of a report may signal that a provider is unable or unwilling to show its record of resistance.

5. Privacy policy specificity: Clarity vs. convenience

A “we log nothing” policy may sound reassuring, but it’s often too vague to be meaningful. The most credible providers break down exactly what data they collect, why, and under what technical or legal conditions. Policies that explicitly state what is not logged — such as IP addresses, DNS queries, session metadata — offer more confidence than blanket statements or legalese.

SafePaper’s audit highlights that overly generic or overly absolute privacy policies often mask exceptions — and that fine print matters.

Paid VPNs: More Expensive, Not Always More Secure

When it comes to premium VPNs, many users assume that paying for a service guarantees superior privacy. However, SafePaper’s 2025 audit uncovers a nuanced truth: while some premium providers have impressive technical measures, their legal vulnerabilities — especially in certain jurisdictions — can compromise their no-logs claims.

If you're hesitant to commit to a long-term subscription but still want strong privacy protection, consider monthly VPN plans that offer flexibility without compromising on security.

NordVPN, ExpressVPN: Strong Privacy, Stronger Jurisdiction

Premium VPNs like NordVPN, and ExpressVPN generally receive high marks for their privacy infrastructure. Both of them have implemented cutting-edge technologies like RAM-only servers and private DNS systems, which drastically reduce the risk of data retention.

NordVPN

Based in Panama, which has no mandatory data retention laws and is not part of the Five Eyes alliance. This provides a safer legal framework, making NordVPN one of the most secure options in SafePaper’s audit. 

ExpressVPN

Based in the British Virgin Islands, also benefits from a strong privacy jurisdiction. Both providers regularly update their transparency reports and undergo frequent third-party audits, confirming their commitment to a no-logs policy.

Mullvad, Norton and IPVanish: Legal Exposure Overrides Technology

While all three VPNs: Mullvad, Norton, and IPVanish — boast strong technical features, they share a common vulnerability: their location in jurisdictions with high data retention obligations.

Mullvad

Despite being one of the most privacy-conscious providers with RAM-only servers and a clear no-logs policy, is based in Sweden, a member of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. This poses a potential risk because Swedish authorities could, in theory, demand data from Mullvad under the alliance’s surveillance agreements. In 2023, Mullvad’s infrastructure was put to the test during a police raid, and it was confirmed that no user data was found. While this proves the effectiveness of its no-logs systems, Sweden's jurisdiction remains a risk for privacy-focused users.

Norton and IPVanish

Both headquartered in the U.S. (a member of the Five Eyes), face a more immediate risk. The U.S. government can legally compel these providers to collect and hand over user data. Norton, though it employs RAM-only servers, still operates under U.S. jurisdiction, which inherently introduces a level of exposure. Similarly, IPVanish faced a significant breach of trust in 2016, when it was revealed that the VPN provider had provided connection logs to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during a criminal investigation. While IPVanish has since implemented RAM-only servers and continues to improve its security, this past incident remains a critical cautionary tale.

Free VPNs: When Legal Foundations Beat Marketing

The general belief is that "free" VPNs come with hidden risks, often tied to data collection or selling user information. While some free providers rely on advertising revenue or data sales to sustain their service, SafePaper’s 2025 audit finds that reliable free VPNs can still offer robust privacy protection — when backed by a solid legal foundation and strong technical implementation.

ProtonVPN, Hide.me, and X-VPN: Strong Legal Foundations, Effective Tech

Among the free VPNs analyzed, ProtonVPN, Hide.me, and X-VPN stand out as exceptions to the general rule. These services may not charge a fee, but their privacy practices are built on rock-solid legal and technical foundations.

ProtonVPN

Based in Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy laws, operates without mandatory data retention requirements. SafePaper’s audit confirms that ProtonVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, while also undergoing annual third-party audits for transparency. Despite not using RAM-only servers, ProtonVPN’s fully encrypted disk storage offers an alternative safeguard, ensuring that no logs are retained after use.

Hide.me

Based in Malaysia, another non-member of intelligence-sharing alliances, employs RAM-only servers across its entire network. With a track record of publishing transparency reports since 2013, Hide.me has demonstrated its commitment to no-logs privacy. While Malaysia’s privacy laws are less well-known compared to Switzerland’s, the lack of data retention requirements gives Hide.me a stronger legal standing than many other free providers.

X-VPN

Headquartered in Singapore, also benefits from a favorable legal environment, operating outside the reach of Five Eyes or similar alliances. X-VPN uses RAM-only servers and private DNS, offering the same technical protections as its paid counterparts. It also maintains a history of transparency reports dating back to 2017, proving its accountability over time. Although it is still undergoing its first third-party audit, SafePaper’s review indicates that X-VPN’s commitment to privacy is credible.

TunnelBear and Windscribe: Solid Tech, Risky Jurisdictions

Not all free VPNs can claim the same level of privacy protection. TunnelBear and Windscribe, both based in Canada (a Five Eyes member), face a much higher level of legal risk despite implementing solid technical measures like private DNS servers and RAM-only architecture.

TunnelBear

Acquired by McAfee in 2018, has long been known for its strong security features. However, its Canadian headquarters places it within the Five Eyes jurisdiction, subjecting it to legal requests for data. Although it has passed several independent audits for app security, its lack of transparency regarding no-logs compliance raises concerns for users prioritizing jurisdictional safety.

Windscribe

Another free provider with strong technical capabilities, including RAM-only servers and private DNS resolvers. However, it operates out of Canada, which means it is vulnerable to legal requests from government agencies. Windscribe does regularly publish transparency reports, but its jurisdictional risk remains a concern.

Takeaways for Users: How to Vet a VPN Yourself

After reviewing 10 leading VPNs through the lens of five key criteria, SafePaper’s 2025 audit provides essential insights into what users should prioritize when selecting a VPN. Whether you’re paying for a premium service or opting for a free VPN, these three core questions can help you assess a provider’s true commitment to privacy:

1. Where is the VPN based?

Jurisdiction is the single most important factor when it comes to privacy. If a VPN is based in a country that is part of an intelligence-sharing alliance (like the Five Eyes), it is subject to laws that could force it to collect and share user data with authorities. Look for VPNs headquartered in countries with no mandatory data retention laws and those outside surveillance alliances — such as Panama, the British Virgin Islands, Singapore and Switzerland. These jurisdictions offer the best legal protections for user privacy.

2. What technical measures does the VPN implement?

The right infrastructure can make a significant difference. VPNs that use RAM-only servers ensure that no data is stored long-term, reducing the risk of logs being accessed. Private DNS servers further protect against leaks, preventing your browsing behavior from being exposed to third-party entities. Ensure the provider uses strong encryption, regular server audits, and has transparent privacy policies that are easy to understand.

3. Has the VPN been independently audited?

A third-party audit is one of the most reliable ways to verify a VPN’s no-logs claims. These audits examine the provider’s backend systems and security infrastructure to confirm that they’re following their public privacy policies. It’s a good sign if the VPN has undergone regular audits over multiple years. If a VPN hasn’t been audited, or only conducted an audit once with no follow-up, that should raise a red flag.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Settle for Promises — Demand Proof

In 2025, privacy demands proof — not promises. The VPN industry is flooded with marketing slogans and vague claims, but real privacy protection requires more than flashy ads. For users who prioritize privacy, it’s not enough to simply trust a VPN’s claim of “no-logs.” Demand the evidence, and make your choice accordingly.

About SafePaper

SafePaper is an independent digital privacy publication based in the U.S., focused on trustworthy, no-fluff guides for everyday internet users. Its team of researchers manually tests VPNs, browsers, and privacy tools to help users stay safe, stay informed, stay free. To learn more, visit safepaper.io.

Media Contact

Paige West
support@safepaper.io

Tough Leaf, a leader in subcontractor sourcing and certified-vendor compliance, today announced the launch of ClearSource, a new platform that simplifies how general contractors find, verify, and track small and certified subcontractors (MBE, WBE, DBE, SBE, VBE, SDVOB, etc.) before bid submission.

ClearSource combines subcontractor discovery, documentation verification, outreach, and participation tracking in one system — replacing spreadsheets, directories, and manual follow-ups with a single workflow.

“General contractors need a simpler way to find qualified subcontractors and maintain accurate compliance records,” said Wissam Akra, CEO of Tough Leaf. “ClearSource unifies those steps in one platform, and with ClearComply, we’re extending that same visibility into the construction phase.”

ClearSource Key Capabilities

• Find qualified subs in seconds by trade, location, and past experience
• Automatically verify certifications, insurance, union status, and past performance
• Integrations with existing procurement tools
• Track outreach and participation 
• Generate clear, one-click solicitation and good-faith reports

Integrated Platform Expansion

Alongside ClearSource, Tough Leaf introduced ClearComply, expanding the company’s capabilities into during-construction compliance. The module manages documentation workflows, mid-project participation updates, reporting for owners, and payment compliance support throughout project delivery.

These launches are part of Tough Leaf’s broader strategy to provide an end-to-end compliance platform supporting teams from bid through closeout. The full suite now includes:

• ClearSource: Subcontractor sourcing, targeted outreach, documentation verification, and participation tracking in one place.
• ClearSpend: Spending and participation tracking to help teams understand where dollars are going and how they align with project goals.
• ClearComply: During-construction compliance, including documentation workflows, mid-project participation updates, owner and agency reporting, and field-level support.
• Managed-Service: Full-service subcontractor sourcing, validation, and outreach executed by the Tough Leaf team.

Early Access Pricing

Tough Leaf is extending early access pricing to the next 10 general contractors who join before December 31, 2025. Interested firms can connect with our team through the early adopter form for details.

About Tough Leaf

Tough Leaf helps clients meet participation goals by finding, verifying, and managing certified subcontractors. The company’s platform replaces manual sourcing and compliance tracking with automated workflows, improving accuracy and visibility across teams. For more information, visit toughleaf.com.

Media Contact

Stephanie Seril
VP of Growth, Tough Leaf
stephanie@toughleaf.com
+1 650-776-2074

Unlisted, the innovative digital real estate community focused on the 98% of homes that are not yet on the market, announced today that Michelle Kalina has joined the platform as a Local Expert across Arizona and Minnesota.

Michelle represents Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in Arizona and Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty in Minnesota. She will serve as the Local Expert for buyers and homeowners throughout North Scottsdale, specializing in the exclusive community of Desert Mountain, as well as the surrounding communities and Paradise Valley. Her coverage includes ZIP codes 85253, 85254, 85255, 85258, 85259, 85260, 85262, 85331, and 85377. She will also represent the Rochester, Minnesota area, including ZIP code 55902.

Michelle brings a strategic marketing background, a luxury service approach, and deep insight into both markets. Her dual-market presence strengthens Unlisted’s mission to connect homeowners and buyers well before a home comes to market.

Unlisted’s technology is designed to open new possibilities for buyers, homeowners, and agents. Buyers can discover homes that fit their criteria beyond what is listed on the MLS. Homeowners gain tools to understand interest in their property and connect with potential buyers. Real estate professionals gain a platform that elevates their expertise and expands opportunities for their clients.

Using publicly available data, Unlisted creates a digital property profile for every home in the country. Users can search and organize these homes into curated lists that match a buyer’s needs. Even when a home is not for sale, buyers can join a Waitlist for their favorite properties, creating valuable touchpoints and giving homeowners new options to consider.

Each vetted real estate professional partnered with Unlisted receives an agent profile connected to every home in their assigned ZIP code. Only one agent is selected per ZIP, highlighting their credibility and deep understanding of the local market. As Unlisted continues to grow nationwide, its mission remains centered on connection, expertise, and meaningful insights.

Kalina brings a distinctive dual-market presence, pairing her deep Scottsdale expertise with extensive experience representing clients in Rochester, Minnesota. As a Global Real Estate Advisor, she combines local knowledge, national reach, and a global network, delivering concierge-level service to buyers and sellers. Known for her negotiation skills, elevated marketing, and unwavering dedication to her clients, she provides results-driven representation rooted in professionalism and care.

Michelle holds the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) and Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designations — credentials that reflect her depth of knowledge in the luxury sector and her commitment to excellence. With a client-centered approach that blends creativity, advocacy, and strategic insight, she ensures that every client receives personalized guidance and white-glove service, whether purchasing their dream home or preparing a prized property for the market.

“I’m committed to giving my clients every advantage,” said Kalina. “Unlisted provides a modern way to explore possibilities, understand interest, and connect with the right opportunities — whether you’re actively searching or simply curious. I’m excited to be a resource for buyers and homeowners across these ZIP codes and to bring innovative tools to the communities I serve.”

“Michelle’s dual-market perspective and dedication to delivering elevated, tech-forward service align perfectly with what we’re building at Unlisted. We’re thrilled to welcome her to our growing nationwide network,” said Katie Hill, founder and CEO of Unlisted.

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

To learn more about Michelle Kalina, visit her Unlisted Profile or her website.

About Unlisted

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

Media Contact

Sophia Jacomet
sophia@unlistedinc.com

Unlisted, a groundbreaking digital real estate community focused on the 98% of homes that aren’t for sale — yet, today announced that Mia Trudeau, one of Los Angeles’s most respected luxury real estate professionals, has joined the platform. As the exclusive local expert for buyers and homeowners in ZIP codes 90049, 90077, 91403, and 91423, Trudeau will represent communities across Bel Air, Brentwood, and Sherman Oaks. She joins several other Sotheby’s International Realty agents who have recently partnered with Unlisted across the country.

Unlisted’s platform is designed to bring visibility and opportunity to all sides of the real estate ecosystem. Buyers can discover homes they love beyond what’s listed on the MLS. Homeowners gain new tools to see real interest in their property and explore their options. Agents gain a powerful way to expand their expertise and make meaningful connections with both buyers and sellers in their market

Using publicly available data, Unlisted creates a digital property profile for every home in the country. These searchable records allow buyers and agents to build curated lists of homes that match their criteria — even if they aren’t on the market. Buyers can then join a Waitlist for the homes they love, signaling real interest and creating a new channel of communication between homeowners and agents.

Each Local Expert selected by Unlisted receives an agent profile linked to every home in their ZIP code. Only one agent is chosen per ZIP, spotlighting their market knowledge and credibility. As Unlisted expands its national network, its mission remains clear: to empower buyers, homeowners, and agents through transparency, connection, and possibility.

With over 22 years of experience representing elite clientele in Los Angeles’s most exclusive neighborhoods, Mia Trudeau has established herself as a trusted authority in high-end residential real estate. Specializing in luxury estates across Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, and beyond, Mia is known for her strategic negotiation skills, design insight, and unwavering client-first approach. In addition to her brokerage expertise, she brings a multifaceted perspective as a homeowner, investor, and founder of Plank & Stone — an architectural surface brand that reflects her deep understanding of craftsmanship and aesthetics. Her unique combination of business acumen, creativity, and discretion allows her to guide clients seamlessly through every stage of ownership.

“In Los Angeles, timing and relationships make all the difference,” said Trudeau. “I want to better help clients discover hidden opportunities and connect with buyers who value the art of the deal long before a home ever hits the market.”

“Mia represents everything we look for in a Local Expert — trusted, visionary, and deeply connected to her community,” said Katie Hill, founder and CEO of Unlisted. “Her experience and eye for potential perfectly embody Unlisted’s mission to make every home discoverable and every connection meaningful.”

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

To learn more about Mia Trudeau, visit her Unlisted Profile or Sotheby's International Realty.

About Unlisted

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

Media Contact

Sophia Jacomet
sophia@unlistedinc.com

The College of Charleston is combining the power of philanthropy and the strength of the university’s financial aid resources to launch the South Carolina Talent Initiative (SCTI). The initiative’s slogan, “Stay Local, Go Far” reflects the college’s aim to foster high academic achievement to promising state resident students in need of financial assistance.

Beginning with the fall semester 2026, SCTI commitments and scholarships will make the cost of a College of Charleston education more manageable for 100% of South Carolina high school graduates in financial need, while also demonstrating the institution’s commitment to retaining the state’s best students and strengthening the state’s economy.

"As South Carolina’s oldest institution of higher education, the College of Charleston has a proud, centuries-old tradition of educating the state’s best and brightest,” said President Andrew T. Hsu. “Our ongoing commitment to making a College of Charleston education more attainable and affordable for South Carolina students and their families is a natural extension of that legacy, ensuring that future generations of students have the same opportunities to learn a wide range of subjects, develop new skills and lead tomorrow’s workforce,” he added.

Here’s how it works: apply, be admitted, submit a FAFSA by the priority deadline and receive a compelling financial aid offer that meets, at minimum, 65% of a qualified student’s financial need. By taking both merit and need into consideration, this initiative ensures that all South Carolina students with any financial need can benefit from the program.

Information on how SCTI financial aid will impact students can be found on the SCTI webpage.

Erica Harrison-Jones, director of scholarships at the College of Charleston, says deciding where to enroll for a post-secondary education is up there with one of the biggest decisions in a student’s life. “That’s what makes this initiative so important. The SCTI offers something for nearly every student — real, tangible opportunities to pursue their goals at an extraordinary institution. It’s our way of bringing transparency to the process and showing what’s truly available to South Carolina residents who want to stay local and go far.”

While SCTI is a bold new effort to expand opportunities and empower the next generation of South Carolinians based around seven strategic commitments, some students have already benefited from a foundational element of the initiative. Eric Santiago Velasco, a senior international business major, was able to continue his studies at the college using financial aid from the Meeting Street Charleston Compact. “It not only supported me financially at the College of Charleston but also encouraged me to keep going when things felt difficult,” he said, adding, “I’m deeply thankful for the chance to finish strong and pursue my dreams.”

What Others are Saying About SCTI 

“The South Carolina Talent Initiative represents an unparalleled opportunity for the College of Charleston to not only recruit and retain the best and brightest in the state, but also to give back to the local and state economy. I applaud this effort,” said State Representative and College of Charleston alumnus Leonidas E. “Leon” Stavrinakis.

“SCTI will help expand opportunities for regional partnerships, ensuring that the Charleston Metro Chamber’s work remains responsive to the needs of the business community. We support this alignment with our mission that will positively impact the economic vitality of Charleston and the state,” said Kevin Sheilley, president of Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce.

“SCTI aligns closely with the Charleston Regional Development Alliance and the strong momentum propelling our region forward.  Its emphasis on people and partnerships will be key to sustainable growth and economic vitality,” said David T. Ginn, president of Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

For more information and to explore SCTI options, please visit go.charleston.edu/scti.

About College of Charleston

Located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College of Charleston is a nationally recognized, public liberal arts and sciences university. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. Its beautiful and historic campus, combined with contemporary facilities, cutting-edge programs and accessible faculty, attracts students from across the U.S. and around the world. Learn more at www.charleston.edu.

Media Contact

Christine Mahoney
Director of Public Information, College of Charleston
mahoneyc3@cofc.edu
+1 843-953-5667

7-HOPE Alliance ("7-HOPE"), a trailblazing nonprofit coalition dedicated to protecting legal access to 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), today voiced strong support for a newly filed lawsuit in Florida that challenges the Attorney General’s emergency ban on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). The emergency order, issued without public notice or hearings, classified 7-OH, a natural alkaloid found in the kratom plant, as a Schedule I controlled substance, immediately criminalizing its sale, possession, and use across the state.

Filed before the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, the petition argues that the state’s actions were unlawful, unnecessary, and carried out without due process. The rule has already forced job losses, business closures, and stripped thousands of consumers of a product they rely on as a safer alternative for wellness and recovery.

“This action is a textbook example of government overreach,” said Jackie Subeck, founder and executive director of 7-HOPE Alliance. “We are proud to see Florida consumers and small retailers stand up to protect their rights and push back against a decision that stripped access to safe, regulated wellness products overnight. This was a politically-motivated move made without transparency or fairness, and we stand firmly behind this petition and the people brave enough to file it.”

The filing argues several key points, many of which are true of 7-OH attacks across the nation:

• No threat to public safety: There is no verified evidence that 7-OH has caused harm or overdose deaths when used on its own.
• Existing state regulation: 7-OH has been legally sold in Florida for years under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which already regulates its use and sale.
• No due process: The emergency rule was issued without public input, notice, or consultation with affected businesses and consumers.
• Inconsistent and arbitrary: The rule bans 7-OH but allows the mitragynine alkaloid, even though the human body naturally converts mitragynine into 7-OH.
• Harm to consumers and small businesses: The sudden ban has left consumers without safe options and caused significant economic damage across the state.

7-HOPE Alliance is calling on the Division of Administrative Hearings to declare the emergency rule was fueled solely by political and corporate interests rather than science, and that this rule holds no legal weight, is completely invalid and the State will restore lawful access to these products immediately. The group views this case as one of the first in a growing movement across the country to challenge unlawful and punitive classifications that threaten consumer rights, small businesses, and access to safer alternatives.

7-HOPE Alliance remains committed to advancing public education and awareness around 7-OH through science, transparency, and community engagement. The organization works with researchers, policymakers, and consumers to separate fact from misinformation and ensure discussions about natural wellness products are grounded in evidence — not fear or politics.

About 7-HOPE Alliance

7-HOPE Alliance (7-Hydroxy Outreach for Public Education) is a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3) pending) dedicated to advancing public education, user support, and policy advocacy around 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a naturally occurring alkaloid in the kratom plant. Through a foundation of science, storytelling, and community, 7-HOPE empowers individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers with accurate, balanced information on 7-OH and its role in harm reduction, natural wellness, and safe, legal access to alternatives. The organization’s mission centers on four pillars: science, education, advocacy, and user support. By confronting misinformation, promoting responsible use, and providing uplifting real-life testimonials, 7-HOPE aims to ensure 7-OH remains available to the many individuals who find it to be a safe and effective alternative to dangerous painkillers and illegal drugs. For more information or to get involved, visit 7hopealliance.org.

Media Contact

7-HOPE Alliance
media@7hopealliance.org

Nutifood and ViPlus Dairy, a 130-year-old heritage dairy producer from Gippsland, Australia, have officially introduced the international nutrition brand GippsNature and its first strategic product GippsNature Organic A2 to Vietnamese consumers — the first product of their international joint venture, ViPlus Nutritional Australia.

Following its debut, the joint venture targets revenues exceeding USD 33 million by 2026 and growing to USD 130 million by 2028, driven by expansion across Southeast Asia and key Middle Eastern markets.

First Product ViPlus Nutritional Australia Debuts

Nutifood and ViPlus Dairy have just introduced the international nutrition brand GippsNature and its first strategic product GippsNature Organic A2 to Vietnamese consumers - the first product under their international joint venture, ViPlus Nutritional Australia. Representing the essence of Australia’s “nature-aligned” nutrition philosophy, GippsNature Organic A2 is produced from Australian Certified Organic (ACO) A2 protein milk sourced from Gippsland’s lush pastures and free-grazing herds, combining natural purity with scientifically balanced nutrition tailored to Vietnamese families.

Following its debut, the two partners plan to expand the GippsNature portfolio to a full range of premium milk formulas and nutritional solutions for all life stages.

In addition to the establishment of ViPlus Nutritional Australia, with an initial investment of over USD 3 million (70% from Nutifood and 30% from ViPlus Dairy), Nutifood has invested an additional USD 230 million (approximately VND 6,000 billion) to expand its farms and factories in Gia Lai, Vietnam. It targets revenues exceeding USD 33 million by 2026 and growing to USD 130 million by 2028, driven by portfolio expansion across Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand) and key Middle Eastern markets.

Strategic Roadmap for Global Expansion

During the official visit to Vietnam, the Victorian Government delegation, together with the leadership of Nutifood and ViPlus Dairy, discussed the three-year roadmap for GippsNature’s global expansion. The plan focuses on scaling production, developing new product lines, including ready-to-drink nutrition using Australian-standard formulations, and strengthening the brand’s international presence. Both partners share a long-term vision of delivering sustainable, science-based nutrition that meets the growing global demand for premium quality.

Mr. Jon McNaught, CEO of ViPlus Dairy, not only affirmed his confidence in Nutifood's expertise and experience, but also shared the aligned values between the two enterprises: “Alongside sustainable business aspects, Nutifood and ViPlus Dairy are committed to contributing meaningful economic and social value to local communities. The international joint venture is expected to create numerous employment opportunities for the Gippsland region, as well as foster research and development cooperation for nutritional formulas with leading universities in Melbourne.”

Mr. Tran Bao Minh, Vice Chairman of Nutifood’s Board of Directors, also hopes the joint venture will create impacts: “We highly appreciate the pioneering role of Victoria in global agriculture and nutrition. Through this joint venture, Nutifood aims to collaborate with Victoria to promote bilateral economic cooperation, while co-creating sustainable nutritional values, contributing to elevating both Vietnam and Australia on the global map of food and nutrition.”

Innovation Partnership Strengthens Vietnam–Australia Relations

In the context of strengthening economic cooperation between Vietnam and Australia, particularly in the nutrition sector, a delegation from the Victorian Government, led by the Hon. Danny Pearson, MP — Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs and Minister for Finance — paid a visit to Nutifood in Ho Chi Minh City.

During the visit, Minister Pearson commended the collaboration between Nutifood (Vietnam) and ViPlus Dairy (Australia). He recognized their joint venture, ViPlus Nutritional Australia, and the launch of GippsNature as a symbol of the connection and co-development spirit between the two countries.

“The future plans for the joint venture and GippsNature, as outlined by Nutifood and Viplus Dairy’s executives, only reinforces its purpose and potential, particularly as it has innovation at its core. When businesses collaborate like this, the economic dividends are long-term and widespread across trade and exports, and local economic growth,” said Minister Pearson.

The Minister further expressed strong support for the joint venture and anticipated that ViPlus Nutritional Australia would deliver impressive results, serving as a model for effective economic cooperation between the two nations.

The Victorian Government delegation accompanying Minister Pearson included senior officials from the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, and the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Office in Vietnam, alongside Mr. Jon McNaught, CEO of ViPlus Dairy.

Media Contact

tunha@socialelite.io

symmetRE, a fast-growing disruptor transforming how real estate owners and operators manage and analyze data, today announced the successful completion of its SOC 2® Type I audit as of October 31, 2025. The independent assessment verified that symmetRE’s controls are suitably designed to meet the AICPA Trust Services Criteria for security, availability, and confidentiality.

As the real estate industry accelerates its shift toward data-driven decision-making, firms are demanding technology partners that combine modern analytics with enterprise-grade security. SOC 2 compliance affirms that symmetRE’s cloud-native platform meets those expectations — offering investors, GPs, and owner-operators a secure foundation for portfolio analytics, reporting, and collaboration at scale.

“We’ve built symmetRE from day one around trust, precision, and speed,” said Artur Gaifutdinov, co-founder and chief technology officer. “SOC 2 certification confirms that our pace doesn’t come at the expense of quality — we ship fast, but always by the book and with reliability built in.”

Today, symmetRE supports dozens of the nation’s leading real estate private equity firms and operating partners, helping them unify financial and operational data across portfolios and automate manual reporting workflows. The platform standardizes data from systems such as Yardi, RealPage, MRI, and Entrata to centralize asset-level data, streamline internal dashboards, and eliminate spreadsheet-heavy processes. Built-in report automation enables teams to generate investor-ready performance updates in minutes, while its secure investor portal provides limited partners with real-time visibility into key metrics, documents, and distributions — all powered by a verified, single source of truth.

“This milestone is about more than compliance; it’s about continuing to solidify symmetRE as the standard of expectations in software for owners and asset managers,” said Jack Swoboda, co-founder and chief executive officer. “Earning SOC 2 status signals to the market that we operate with the same rigor and reliability that investors expect from our clients. We’re proving that next-generation technology goes hand and hand with institutional-grade trust.”

The SOC 2 Type I audit evaluated the design of symmetRE’s controls as of October 31, 2025, confirming that its systems are structured to achieve service commitments related to security, availability, and confidentiality. The company continues to strengthen its information-security and compliance programs as it scales its customer base across the U.S. multifamily and commercial real estate markets.

About symmetRE

symmetRE is a cloud-based asset-management platform built for real-estate investment teams. By unifying data across property-management and financial systems, symmetRE delivers secure, automated insights that streamline reporting and accelerate performance across portfolios. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, symmetRE is redefining the standard in asset management. To learn more, visit symmetre.com.

Media Contact

Lindsay Curry
Head of Marketing, symmetRE
lindsay.curry@symmetre.com

OPay, a leading fintech platform serving emerging markets, has crossed a major milestone with more than 20 million daily active users and 36 million monthly active users worldwide. According to the latest rankings, OPay now stands among the top 10 fintech apps globally by daily active users, underscoring its rapid rise as one of the most influential digital financial service ecosystems in high-growth regions.

The company continues to expand under its long-term “Super App” vision, which aims to integrate payments, savings, credit, lifestyle services, and small-business tools into a single, accessible digital platform. OPay targets 100 million daily active users by 2030, a goal driven by their commitment to building a more inclusive and affordable digital financial infrastructure for underserved populations.

Since its founding in 2018, OPay has maintained a strong upward momentum. In August 2021, the company secured a $400 million Series C funding round led by prominent global investors, boosting its valuation and accelerating its expansion into multiple emerging markets. Its business performance continues to scale at an impressive pace. In the first quarter of 2025, OPay’s total transaction volume increased nearly 60-fold compared with the first quarter of 2021, reflecting both market demand and the platform’s ability to support daily financial activities across millions of users.

OPay’s growth has been driven by its focus on reliability, user experience, and localized financial solutions that address gaps in traditional banking systems. As digital finance becomes increasingly essential across Africa, Asia, and other developing regions, OPay is positioning itself as a next-generation financial partner for consumers and businesses seeking secure, seamless, and inclusive financial services at scale.

Tanzania Safaris, a pioneer in bespoke African travel, has unveiled its 2026 Luxury Adventure Collection, redefining what it means to explore Tanzania in style. These exclusive new journeys combine untouched wilderness, world-class comfort, and meaningful sustainability, offering travelers an intimate connection with nature far from the crowds.

“True luxury is found in experiences that move you — in silence, space, and authenticity,” says Saif Kilewo, CEO of Tanzania Safaris. “Our 2026 Collection is designed for travelers who want the wild without compromise.”

Highlights of the 2026 Luxury Adventure Collection

• Private Great Migration Safaris: Follow the Great Migration with a private guide and vehicle, witnessing over 1.5 million wildebeests and zebras as they cross the Serengeti — in complete exclusivity.
• Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Rise above the plains at sunrise and drift over the Serengeti National Park or Tarangire for a once-in-a-lifetime view of the landscape below.
• Remote Wilderness Lodges: Stay inhandpicked, secluded lodges — from private Serengeti National Park conservancies to hidden corners of Ngorongoro — where tranquility replaces crowds and wildlife roams freely.
• Eco-Luxury Stays: Enjoy elegant, solar-powered suites, infinity pools with panoramic views, and locally inspired gourmet cuisine that honors Tanzania’s natural abundance.
• Cultural Encounters: Experience the spirit of Tanzania through guided visits with the Maasai, learning about traditions, music, and sustainable ways of life.
• Zanzibar Beach Extensions: End your adventure in Zanzibar with a private beachfront villa, ocean-view spa treatments, and Swahili cooking experiences curated by local chefs.
• Luxury with a Purpose: Tanzania Safaris continues its long-standing commitment to responsible tourism, ensuring every journey supports conservation and local communities. A portion of each 2026 booking contributes to anti-poaching patrols, community education, and reforestation projects across Tanzania.
• Exclusive Launch Offer: To celebrate the release of the 2026 Collection, guests who confirm their itinerary before December 31, 2025, will receive an exclusive 10% early booking discount.

Design Your Journey

Visit www.tanzania-safaris.com or email sales@tanzania-safaris.com to design your journey.

About Tanzania Safaris

Based in Arusha, Tanzania Safaris delivers tailored experiences for luxury travelers, honeymoons, families, photography enthusiasts, and travelers seeking both classic safaris and unique off-the-beaten-path adventures. We invite you to explore Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultures with our expert local guides and sustainable travel principles. For more information, visit www.tanzania-safaris.com.

Esports viewership analytics company Esports Charts and betting brand GG.BET have announced an update to their joint project, the Esports Map, an interactive map featuring esports data from over 110 countries worldwide. The latest version introduces a new filter that allows users to explore detailed viewership stats for various games and compare their popularity across specific regions.

The Esports Map's new feature lets users discover fresh esports insights. For example, Tekken rivals Dota 2 in popularity across various countries (with the Japanese fighting game topping the charts in 43 countries, compared to Dota 2's 47 countries), while Counter-Strike leads as the top game in 76 countries.

The largest tournaments for Free Fire, one of the most popular mobile games, have reached record peak viewership in countries with massive audiences, like Singapore (5.4 million), Brazil (2 million), Thailand (1 million), Mexico (around 900,000), and Saudi Arabia (over 555,000). Legendary in every sense of the word, League of Legends (LoL) continues to dominate markets with well-developed esports infrastructure, such as the U.K. (6.8 million), South Korea (6.4 million), and the U.S. (5.1 million). Fun fact: Iceland also made it into the top five (4.1m), despite its small local market, as the country boasts a surprisingly active esports community and has hosted international events like the Mid-Season Invitational and LoL Worlds.

The interactive Esports Map covers data on tournaments from 2017 through 2025, clearly illustrating how the global esports landscape is evolving. Users can explore peak viewership figures, detailed tournament information regarding winners, prize pools, major upsets, and surprising underdog victories, and much more.

About GG.BET

GG.BET is an international betting brand represented in the U.K., Ukraine, and other European countries, as well as Asia. The betting brand is well-known for supporting major esports events. GG.BET has served as the official sponsor of top-tier tournaments such as the BLAST Premier CS2 series, Dota 2’s The International 2022, and many others. The brand is now expanding its focus into traditional sports and actively supports professional teams and events. For more information, visit gg.bet.

Media Contact

Press Office
pr@gg.bet