Newsroom

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) commends ReFuel Market for its promise to activist David Bregger to remove the prohibited product 7-Hydro from its Texas retail locations. The GKC also commends ReFuel for its pledge to eliminate synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine products (also called “7”) in other states where the company does business.

The GKC’s recognition comes in response to a recent exposé by Houston Chronicle columnist Chris Tomlinson, highlighting the proliferation of illegal 7 products in Texas. In his column, Tomlinson specifically named ReFuel Market as a retailer selling products branded 7-Hydro marketed by The Collective Group, LLC (doing business as Real Botanicals), manufactured by Charlotte Extraction Labs LLC in Pineville, NC. A "secret shopper" investigation conducted by the Global Kratom Coalition—a central part of the story—confirmed the sale of these dangerous products at multiple ReFuel locations.

ReFuel’s decision follows a call to action from activist David Bregger, who is dedicated to addressing the dangers of mislabeled and highly potent synthetic substances falsely marketed as kratom. Bregger, a retired businessman turned activist, has made it his mission to eliminate illegal access to dangerous products like 7 after his own son passed away due to complications involving unlabeled, highly potent substances.

Concerned that a reputable retailer like ReFuel was selling 7 products, Bregger contacted ReFuel CEO Mark Jordan on February 26. Just one day later, Jordan responded positively with a commitment to remove these products from Texas locations, with a full nationwide removal to follow. This shows ReFuel’s and Jordan’s commitment to ensuring their customers' well-being and safety.

“This is a significant victory for consumer safety and a testament to the power of advocacy and investigative journalism,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “ReFuel Market should be commended for recognizing the dangers of these products and taking swift action to remove them. Their leadership sets a precedent for other retailers, manufacturers, and law enforcement to follow.”

Products known as 7 are often deceptively branded as kratom and are synthetic derivatives that pose serious risks to consumers. Unlike natural kratom, which is derived from plant leaves and contains a spectrum of naturally occurring alkaloids, these synthetic compounds are far more potent, highly addictive, and associated with severe health risks.

Many state laws, including Texas, limit the amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine in kratom products to 2% or less of total alkaloids to prevent dangerous, adulterated substances from being marketed as kratom. Leading scientists have warned that synthetic 7 products exceed these limits, posing serious risks to consumers.

The Global Kratom Coalition urges other retailers to follow ReFuel’s example and remove these hazardous products from their shelves. Additionally, manufacturers like Charlotte Extraction Labs must cease selling 7 products in states where they are prohibited. In states that have banned these products, the Attorney General must enforce the law to prevent further harm to consumers.

“Whilst this development marks a major step forward, the fight against illicit 7 products is far from over,” said Lowe. “GKC will continue to call for law enforcement and responsible retail practices to ensure that what is sold to the public is both legal and safe.”

About the Global Kratom Coalition 

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

The rapid expansion of globalization has drastically reshaped the landscape of financial markets across the globe. Amid this transformation, TelpyX Exchange stands out as a key player in pioneering the next generation of international financial hubs. Through its strategic global market placements and innovative financial services, TelpyX is positioning itself to be a leader in the evolving world of cryptocurrency exchanges. With an emphasis on diversification, regulatory compliance, and robust market ecosystem construction, TelpyX is building a more inclusive and transparent financial future.

TelpyX's Global Market Placement Strategy

One of TelpyX’s core strengths is its aggressive and calculated market expansion. The company has focused on targeting high-growth regions like Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America to establish a solid presence in global markets. By tapping into emerging markets, TelpyX positions itself to benefit from the rapid rise in cryptocurrency adoption in these regions.

In Europe, TelpyX has formed strategic partnerships with local financial institutions to enhance its credibility and reach. This move is particularly crucial as Europe represents one of the largest cryptocurrency markets, with increasing demand for digital assets and blockchain technology. TelpyX’s efforts in Southeast Asia aim to cater to the rapidly evolving crypto landscape, providing users in countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia with seamless access to a broad range of digital asset services. Finally, in Latin America, where inflation and currency devaluation have spurred interest in decentralized financial systems, TelpyX aims to offer a trustworthy platform that can support regional users looking for financial stability through cryptocurrency.

Competitive Differentiation Against Mainstream Exchanges

In a market dominated by well-established exchanges such as Binance and Coinbase, TelpyX is distinguishing itself through a combination of innovative offerings, user-friendly features, and a commitment to decentralization. While Binance and Coinbase have captured a large portion of the market share, TelpyX focuses on creating a more niche but highly tailored platform. The exchange supports a broader range of trading options such as contract trading, spot trading, options, initial exchange offerings (IEOs), and liquidity mining, ensuring that it caters to a diverse set of traders with varying risk profiles.

TelpyX’s technology-driven approach enables faster transaction processing and better security, which is essential for attracting high-value institutional users. Furthermore, TelpyX’s dedication to maintaining an agile response to market needs—such as incorporating the latest blockchain innovations and tools—sets it apart from the competition.

Promoting Global Regulatory Compliance and Trust

One of the critical challenges facing cryptocurrency exchanges today is global regulatory compliance. The regulatory landscape for digital assets is constantly evolving, with different countries enforcing distinct rules. TelpyX has strategically aligned itself with regulatory requirements across jurisdictions by working closely with local governments and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.

To build trust among institutional users, TelpyX emphasizes transparency, data protection, and security. It implements cutting-edge security protocols, such as multi-signature wallets, and employs a comprehensive know your customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) policy. These initiatives not only ensure compliance but also provide peace of mind to institutional users, who require a high level of accountability and trustworthiness in their financial dealings.

TelpyX's Market Ecosystem Construction

TelpyX Exchange’s diverse and comprehensive market ecosystem is another major factor that contributes to its success. The exchange offers a wide range of trading options designed to cater to both retail and institutional investors. This includes spot trading, which allows users to trade digital currencies at current market prices, and contract trading, where users can speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.

Options trading also offers more sophisticated financial instruments that appeal to experienced traders looking to hedge risk or profit from price fluctuations. Furthermore, TelpyX’s liquidity mining program encourages users to provide liquidity to the exchange in exchange for rewards, boosting market activity and reducing slippage. The inclusion of IEOs gives TelpyX an additional competitive edge by enabling new token projects to raise capital while offering early investors the chance to participate in promising opportunities.

Conclusion

As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve and global financial integration deepens, TelpyX Exchange is making its mark by strategically expanding into key international markets, promoting regulatory compliance, and offering a comprehensive suite of trading options. By focusing on both the needs of individual traders and the requirements of institutional users, TelpyX is positioning itself as a leading player in the next generation of global financial hubs. With its innovative ecosystem and commitment to transparency and security, TelpyX is poised to redefine how the world interacts with digital assets in the years to come.

For more information, you can visit TelpyX's official website or reach out via email at telpyx@telbtc.vip.

About TelpyX

Headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, and established in 2023, TelpyX (TEL) Exchange was founded by a team of top global financial technology experts, and has rapidly emerged as a rising star in the financial industry in just two years. TEL is driven by technology-driven innovation, committed to providing global investors with secure, efficient, and diversified trading services, allowing users to easily position in global markets regardless of their location. For more information, visit https://www.telbtc.com.

On March 3, 2025, Nanjing's WanMiaoYiWang Pet Services Co. in collaboration with nearly 200 Chinese wildlife conservationists, hosted a special event in Times Square, New York, to honor one of the most legendary lions—Lorkulup, a member of the Black Rock Boys. The event featured an immersive video exhibition and the distribution of informational brochures to raise awareness about the immense challenges facing African lions.

At the event, a memorial video created by Chinese lion enthusiasts was played on the LED screen on 41st Street in Times Square. The video vividly showcased Lorkulup’s majestic presence on the African savanna, expressing the deep remembrance of his admirers. Additionally, posters and flyers featuring heart-touching images drew the attention of  passersby.

A tourist, Mr. Peris, commented: “This event is very meaningful. I had never realized how challenging the survival environment for African wildlife is. From now on, I will pay more attention to them and contribute to wildlife conservation.”

Lion fans were there to support the event and share information about Maasai Mara’s wild lions and other wildlife challenges with pedestrians.

Ms. Yingxi, one of the attendees, shared: “My boyfriend and I happened to be in New York during this event and we feel honored to speak up for Lorkulup and other wild animals. Lorkulup’s tragic passing was heartbreaking for many lion enthusiasts and we need to learn about the Maasai Mara lions—they need our help.”

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most renowned wildlife sanctuary, famous for its Great Migration and the “Big Five.” Lions, in particular, are key species in the ecosystem and major attractions for tourists worldwide. Many lions in the region receive officially recognized names, and Lorkulup was one of them.

As one of the most influential lion kings in recent years, Lorkulup was admired for his exceptional hunting skills and gentle, family-oriented nature. Visitors traveled from all over the world just to catch a glimpse of him. However, despite being in his prime at 7.5 years old, he was tragically found dead on January 25, 2025.

Notably, exactly one year and one day earlier, on January 24, 2024, another famous lion from the Black Rock Boys coalition, Olobor, died due to human-wildlife conflict. Then, just a few weeks after Lorkulup’s passing, on February 6, 2025, a more severe incident occurred at the border of Maasai Mara and Serengeti.

In retaliation for a livestock attack by lion king Osopia and a sub-group of the Oloolaimutia pride, which killed a cow on February 1, local herders poisoned five lions and over 13 hyenas.

These consecutive deaths of iconic lions highlight the serious survival crisis of African lions, calling for an urgent reassessment of human-wildlife relationships.

While Maasai Mara is a top wildlife tourism destination, its booming industry has led to habitat fragmentation due to the expansion of tourism facilities, shrinking territories for animals. Additionally, some irresponsible tourist behaviors, such as chasing or feeding wild animals, further intensify ecological pressures.

However, the greatest threat to African lions remains human-wildlife conflict—particularly conflicts with the local Maasai herders and illegal grazing activities. In recent years, over 50 documented lions, 6 leopards, and 15 cheetahs have reportedly died due to human-wildlife clashes in the Maasai Mara region. The actual number of unrecorded deaths remains unknown.

Mr. Chen, the event organizer, emphasized: “This event is not just about remembering Lorkulup but also a global call to action. We want people everywhere to recognize the importance of wildlife conservation.”

This Times Square event marks the second major tribute to Lorkulup, following the first memorial held in Westfield London, Europe's largest shopping and leisure destination, on February 15, 2025.

In an era where the intersections of spirituality, academia, and cultural heritage are being increasingly explored, a recent event at Indiana University Bloomington provided a profound platform for such discourse. Sheikh Mohamed Faouzi al-Karkari, a leading figure in the Karkariya Sufi path, participated in an academic discussion on the esoteric dimensions of religious attire, focusing on the significance of the patchwork cloak (al-khirqa al-muraqqa‘a) in Sufism. This event, attended by university professors and researchers from diverse fields, underscored the importance of scholarly engagement with Islamic spiritual traditions.

The session featured contributions from prominent academics, including Professor Yousef Casewit of the University of Chicago and Professor Maria Hamilton Abegunde. Sheikh al-Karkari offered a Sufi perspective on the patchwork cloak, describing it as a fundamental practice of the Karkariya path that fosters self-refinement, opposes the ego, and nurtures virtues of humility and love. He emphasized how the Karkariya order has revived this practice in the modern era, ensuring its continued relevance in contemporary spiritual life.

Professor Casewit provided a historical overview of the patchwork cloak in Sufi tradition, tracing its roots back to the time of the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him. He highlighted how Sufi brotherhoods throughout history have used this practice for spiritual and educational purposes, making its revival in the 21st century a natural extension of authentic Sufism. Meanwhile, Professor Maria Hamilton Abegunde explored the cultural significance of attire in traditional West African society, particularly within the Yoruba tradition, offering a comparative perspective on the symbolic role of clothing in spiritual and communal identity.

A significant aspect of the event was a conversation between Sheikh al-Karkari and Professor Heather Akou, an expert in the intellectual history of fashion design at Indiana University Bloomington. Moderated by Professor Casewit, this discussion delved into the intellectual and spiritual dimensions of the patchwork cloak in Islamic Sufism. Sheikh al-Karkari elaborated on the cloak’s role in guiding seekers toward humility and divine love, while also drawing connections to the broader tradition of garment patching in Islamic history. He noted that this practice is deeply woven into various Islamic cultural contexts where Karkariya disciples live and practice today.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the Sheikh also illuminated the psychological and ecological aspects of the patchwork cloak. He explained how the act of patching garments fosters environmental consciousness, reduces waste, and cultivates an appreciation for divine blessings. This, he argued, leads practitioners toward the Station of Praise (maqām al-ḥamd), a state of deep gratitude and reverence for God’s creation.

The event aligns with the mission of the Karkari Institute for Sufi Studies, which seeks to bridge academic research and lived Sufi experience. The Institute advocates for the study of Sufism within a rigorous academic framework, encouraging researchers to engage with both its theoretical and practical dimensions. Through initiatives like these, the Institute aspires to deepen Western scholarly appreciation for the enduring relevance of Islamic Sufi heritage in contemporary discourse.

By bringing together scholars and spiritual practitioners, this discussion at Indiana University Bloomington not only reaffirmed the academic value of Sufism but also highlighted the transformative power of its teachings in addressing modern spiritual, cultural, and environmental concerns.

About Al-Karkari Institute

The Al-Karkari Institute aims to engage in research and discourse on the diverse dimensions of Sufism. By exploring the historical significance and contemporary relevance of tasawwuf, we aim to illuminate the path of Islamic inner transformation for a global audience of seekers. For more information about Al-Karkari Institute and their initiatives, visit https://www.karkari.org.

Guy Galboiz Marketing Firm is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking AI solution, Neural Optimization with Adaptive Heuristics, a next-generation platform. Its core mission is designed to help businesses of all sizes automate, optimize, and elevate their marketing processes, leading to improved outcomes while maximizing operational efficiency.

The core mission of Neural Optimization with Adaptive Heuristics is to empower businesses with an AI-driven framework that automates key marketing tasks, enhances decision-making, and provides real-time insights based on consumer behavior. By continuously adapting to data and market trends, the solution allows businesses to remain competitive and agile in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

This innovative platform combines the power of machine learning with real-time data analysis, enabling businesses to streamline processes such as audience targeting, ad placement, and performance tracking. As a result, teams can focus on strategic decision-making, creativity, and growth initiatives. Moreover, by leveraging AI-driven insights, companies can better understand consumer behavior, predict trends, and optimize campaigns for maximum effectiveness.

A New Era of Digital Marketing Efficiency

Guy Galboiz, founder and CEO of Guy Galboiz Marketing Firm, expressed his enthusiasm for the new launch, stating, “Our new AI framework represents a major step forward in the way businesses approach digital marketing. It’s not just about automation—it’s about empowering companies to make smarter, more data-driven decisions that drive growth and remain competitive. By leveraging adaptive heuristics, we are helping businesses stay agile and responsive in an ever-evolving digital environment. This solution ensures that marketing strategies continuously evolve to meet changing consumer behavior.”

The Neural Optimization framework offers businesses several key benefits. It significantly improves efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, which allows marketing teams to focus on strategy and high-value creative work. Additionally, the platform helps optimize marketing budgets, ensuring resources are allocated to the most effective campaigns based on real-time data. The result is a measurable improvement in return on investment (ROI).

With the ability to scale operations without incurring additional costs, the platform also provides businesses with the flexibility to grow while maintaining streamlined marketing processes. The data-driven insights generated by Neural Optimization help businesses refine their marketing strategies over time, leading to higher customer engagement and better conversion rates.

Versatile Applications Across Industries 

The Neural Optimization framework has broad applications across several key marketing sectors. For example, in e-commerce, the solution can automate personalized product recommendations and email campaigns, driving higher sales and improving customer retention. Content marketers can optimize social media strategies, blog posts, and video content to maximize reach and engagement with target audiences. Additionally, the platform enhances pay-per-click (PPC) advertising efforts by improving ad targeting, bid management, and overall campaign performance.

Businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts and stay ahead of the competition are invited to explore Neural Optimization with Adaptive Heuristics by visiting www.galboiz.com. Interested parties can request a personalized demo or consultation to see the platform in action and learn how it can revolutionize their digital marketing strategies.

About Guy Galboiz Marketing Firm 

Guy Galboiz Marketing Firm is a leading digital marketing agency specializing in AI-driven technologies and data-powered strategies. The firm helps businesses optimize their marketing operations, improve customer engagement, and achieve measurable growth through innovative solutions. With a commitment to staying at the forefront of the digital marketing space, Guy Galboiz Marketing Firm continues to set new standards for what’s possible in marketing innovation. For more information, visit www.galboiz.com.

Pirix, a media visibility platform for technology companies, redefines how AI startups, fintech innovators, and sustainability-driven businesses establish their market presence with marketing communication.

Fast, High-Impact Media Placement for Founders

Pirix takes a modern approach to PR, moving beyond traditional media pitching to deliver strategic, high-impact placements in leading publications such as Business Insider, Forbes, Financial Times, Entrepreneur magazine, TechCrunch, and specialized curated events. The company also provides SEO-optimized press releases and digital billboard placements in New York, maximizing visibility for fundraising, product launches, and major company milestones.

"We make founders visible," says Çiğdem Öztabak, founder and CEO of Pirix. "PR isn’t just about getting press; it’s about positioning leadership voices and their value propositions in a way that performs exceptionally well, both on Google and AI-powered search engine game."

On March 27, Pirix will be the media sponsor of the AI Insiders: The Launch event in San Francisco, an exclusive AI gathering hosted by Marvelous at AWS GenAI Loft. The event features Merve Isler, Marvelous's founder; Stanford Professor Ronjon Nag, inventor, investor, and entrepreneur; globally acclaimed pianist and composer Ayse Deniz; and Stanford University Cybersecurity Lead Bhavya Gupta. Additionally, five startups will be able to showcase and activate their brands in this exclusive event.

Marvelous is an AI-powered experiential marketing platform that helps brands connect with their ideal customers globally through in-person events, brand activations, and immersive experiences. By leveraging advanced AI agent technology, Marvelous enables brands to amplify product launches, optimize audience engagement in real time, and drive meaningful connections at scale.

“At AI Insiders, we’re curating exclusive activations and immersive experiences for a hand-selected group of industry leaders,” says Merve Isler, founder and CEO of Marvelous.

Pirix Partnership with Miami AI Hub

Pirix’s latest collaboration with Miami AI Hub provides exclusive media visibility services for AI startups. As part of this partnership, Miami AI Hub members receive preferred rates, 10% benefit for entrepreneurs, and 20% for women entrepreneurs.

"We are committed to fostering innovation in Miami’s dynamic tech ecosystem," says Burhan Sebin, founder of Miami AI Hub. "Pirix will help our AI startups cut through the noise with clear storytelling, founder presence, and high-converting content."

Expanding Influence Across Key Tech Hubs

Pirix continues to grow its Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising capabilities, offering clients placements on Nasdaq’s Times Square billboard and major digital displays across the U.S. Beyond digital media, the company is expanding its footprint in major tech hubs, organizing events for NY, Miami, San Francisco, and Los Angeles Tech Weeks.

At SXSW 2024, Öztabak, who moderated a panel at a speakeasy event in Austin, remarked: "Traditional PR built on big budgets and endless pitching is a thing of the past. In the AI age, the impact comes from real insights, readable storytelling, and smarter curated event content. The key is content to convert."

A Global Perspective on Media Communication

With a multicultural enterprise background spanning Europe and the U.S., Öztabak has led multi-million-dollar marketing budgets and award-winning digital campaigns. She is a CIM Fellow Member, The Marketing Society New York member, and a published author on AI storytelling and early-stage entrepreneurship.

For VCs, startup accelerators, and tech communities looking for media partnerships, visit pirix.co.

About Pirix

Pirix is redefining media visibility for tech founders, delivering high-impact coverage across top-tier publications and digital platforms. Founded by seasoned marcom leader and journalist Çiğdem Öztabak, Pirix specializes in AI, fintech, and sustainability-driven startups, securing strategic media placements and DOOH advertising. With a result and data-driven and multidisciplinary approach, we ensure founders are seen, heard, and recognized. For more information, visit www.pirix.co.

Lucra, the leading provider of social gamification technology, and FoodFight, an innovative platform connecting sports fans with their favorite restaurants and food & beverage (F&B) brands, today announced a partnership that will enhance and proliferate competitive entertainment experiences for bar and restaurant patrons across the United States.

Traditional sports bars face challenges with customer retention and spend, particularly during slower games or blowouts when engagement wanes. Lucra's proprietary gamification software will be seamlessly integrated into FoodFight's mobile application, enabling users to digitally connect and compete through friendly wagers on live sports and in-venue games like pool, darts, and ping pong. Using Lucra's white label technology, users can challenge others to competitions using food and beverages as currency instead of cash, embodying FoodFight's motto "Losers Pay, Winners Eat!" model. This digital experience will be embedded directly within FoodFight's iOS app, with web functionality planned for future rollout.

This partnership strengthens Lucra's presence in the hospitality sector, which represents one of the company's key target verticals for 2025, while providing FoodFight with sophisticated backend technology to power their existing platform.

"What excites me most about this partnership is our aligned vision of the gaming ecosystem," said Dylan Robbins, founder and CEO at Lucra. "We're both focused on the casual fan, and we both understand that not everybody wants to challenge each other for money. Sometimes they want to play for a burger or beverage, which is FoodFight's core mission and something Lucra's technology can seamlessly facilitate."

The partnership will launch in phases, with beta testing planned for this summer in select locations, followed by a full launch ahead of the upcoming football season. The integration will be available in the 44 states where Lucra operates its real money recreational games product and all 49 states where its free-to-play sports offerings are available.

"By partnering with Lucra, FoodFight now has sophisticated backend infrastructure to power critical functions like banking, payments, KYC compliance, geolocation, and fraud prevention," said Troy Lenihan, CRO and co-founder at FoodFight. "This technology layer takes our platform to the next level from an infrastructure standpoint, while making the experience more seamless for our customers and partners."

For FoodFight and its network of bar and restaurant partners, the partnership delivers several key benefits:

• Enhanced customer experience: Digital challenges that are built with confidence and trust in mind creates a more engaging and frictionless experience.
• Extended visits: Features like rematches and double-or-nothing increase average visit duration
• Increased consumer spending: More engagement leads to higher food and beverage sales at partner establishments.
• Digital wallet functionality: Lucra's technology enables a "FoodFight wallet" where users can win at one venue and spend at another.

The partnership is another milestone in Lucra's continued expansion into the hospitality sector and represents a significant advancement in modernising the traditional sports bar experience. By digitising the age-old practice of friendly wagers over drinks and food, the collaboration creates a more engaging, trackable ecosystem that meets the expectations of today's digitally-native consumers while helping venues and brands boost customer retention and increasing revenue.

About Lucra

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

About FoodFight

FoodFight connects hungry sports fans with their favorite restaurants and brands through an innovative social competition platform. The company allows fans to compete via live sports picks and contests using food and beverages as currency instead of cash, creating their signature "Losers Pay, Winners Eat!" experience. FoodFight delivers measurable results by adding a gamification layer to their restaurant and venue partners’ entertainment stacks—increasing on-premise dwell time and spend, boosting takeout orders for at-home viewers—and providing food & beverage brands with direct access to high-intent sports consumers. By connecting the social passions for sports with the joy of dining, FoodFight delivers value across the entire hospitality ecosystem. For more information, visit www.getfoodfight.com.

Brighthive, the AI-led data infrastructure, process, and visualization platform that empowers every team to be a data team, today announced the launch of Brighthive 2.0, a system of seven AI data agents supporting the full enterprise data management and analysis workflow.

Through this platform enhancement, Brighthive is launching its "Data Team in a Box" solution, a proprietary set of seven special agents designed to support end-to-end data management across every corporate function. Built to digest formats ranging from spreadsheets, unstructured and structured data, flat files, as well as data warehouses, lakes and cloud environments, the seven agents translate deep data sets into insights, accelerating the speed to strategy within any group across the enterprise, across supply chain, customer success, marketing, strategy and engineering.

Today, an enterprise is organized around functional groups representing approximately 97% of an enterprise’s workforce, and the remaining 3% are skilled data practitioners and engineers. This proportion is unlikely to shift given enterprise resource limitations: limited hiring budgets are stretched to recruit the few skilled data engineers available in today’s competitive talent marketplace. This reality leaves many enterprises struggling to manage data analysis, estimated to be growing by 100x daily.

Built for “data consumers”—the 97% of the enterprise workforce sitting within organizational groups that operate on insights but are unable to access them—Brighthive 2.0 is a powerful, simple-to-use, turnkey platform that unlocks insights faster, making automated data storytelling a new way of working across enterprise teams. At the center of the platform enhancement is the release of seven discrete agents designed to unlock the full data lifecycle as a human data engineering team would, but with more speed, efficiency and scale than possible given the current challenges inherent to manual data analysis. The platform is built on a singular agent for each step - ingestion, governance, retrieval, engineering and visualization. After analyzing the data assets, the seven data agents work in unison to process the raw inputs and deliver insights packaged for data consumers to action upon. Brighthive’s simple and easy-to-use experience guides users through a singular conversational interface.

Brighthive's co-founder and CEO, Suzanne EL-Moursi, shared, "We’re creating substance from massive and under utilized data sets at a speed, accuracy and performance never seen before. While there will always be a need for official reports to be issued, the strategy, marketing, or sales teams will no longer wait for the data analysts to crunch numbers and generate reports. Now, anyone in the enterprise can input data into Brighthive and trust that the Brighthive’s agents will deliver visualized insights instantly, unlocking more informed, data-driven conversations faster, regardless of who has access to which data sets. We are pioneering the future of business operations by streamlining data ingestion and governance to accelerate the delivery of automated analytics and visualizations—all in one platform."

Brighthive will be one of the AI companies exhibiting at HumanX 2025, from March 9–13, 2025. To meet the Brighthive team and see a live demonstration, please visit the Fontainebleau Las Vegas in startup booth #E3. To learn more about Brighthive and read the February 2025 profile of Brighthive in Cerebral Valley, visit https://www.brighthive.io.

About Brighthive

Brighthive is an enterprise data management and analysis platform, powering data consumers across an enterprise with a full data management workflow. Powered by seven specialized data agents that work together seamlessly to manage a set of critical data management tasks, Brighthive equips every team inside the enterprise with a complete platform that mimics the technical capabilities of human data teams, empowering everyone in the enterprise to visualize data insights faster, increasing organizations with more data capacity. To learn more, visit https://www.brighthive.io.

Out of home (OOH) advertising revenue surpassed $9.1 billion in 2024, a 4.5% increase from the previous year, according to newly released data from the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA), the leading trade group representing the entire OOH advertising industry. This is the first time OOH advertising revenue has exceeded the $9 billion mark in the history of the medium.

Digital OOH (DOOH) accounted for 34% of total OOH ad spend and grew by 7.5% in 2024, reinforcing its role as a major growth driver. While DOOH continued to fuel industry momentum, OOH also saw gains across key segments, including Billboards, Transit, and Street Furniture. Transit led the category growth with a 10.6% increase.

In 2024, half of the top ten advertising product industries grew by double digits, including (in order of percentage growth): Communications, Government Politics & Organizations, Retail, Automotive Dealers & Services, and Local Services & Amusements. Notably, political advertising generated record OOH spending in a presidential election year.

“This marks the first time OOH revenue has exceeded $9 billion, signaling the continued strength and momentum of out of home advertising,” said Anna Bager, President and CEO, OAAA. “As brands double down on innovation and creativity, OOH remains a powerful driver of engagement across industries. The ongoing adoption by technology and direct-to-consumer brands underscores the channel’s expanding influence. This research reinforces what we already know—OOH is delivering results at every level, from hyperlocal activations to national and global campaigns.”

Top-Spending Categories and Advertisers in 2024

OOH’s top ten advertising categories in 2024 (ranked by spend) were:

1. Legal Services
2. Hospitals, Clinics & Medical Centers
3. Domestic Hotels & Resorts
4. Quick-Service Restaurants
5. Consumer Banking
6. Colleges & Universities
7. Local Government
8. Chain Food Stores & Supermarkets
9. Television & Cable TV
10. Live Theater, Opera, Music, and Dance

Legal Services led with a double-digit increase of 16%, while Chain Food Stores & Supermarkets saw a 15% spending boost.

Ranked in order of OOH spending, the top 10 advertisers in 2024 were Apple, McDonald’s, Amazon, Coca-Cola, Verizon, Disney, Morgan & Morgan Attorneys, Hotels.com, Google, and Samsung. 

Other Notable Findings

• 60% of the top 100 OOH advertisers increased their OOH spend compared to 2023.
• 13 advertisers more than doubled their OOH investment, including (ranked by percentage increase): Stripe, Old Navy, Honda, Nike, Hotels.com, Carnival, Turo, 7-Eleven, QuikTrip, Molson Coors, VRBO, Total Wine & More, and Meta.
• More than 25% of the top 100 OOH spenders were technology or direct-to-consumer brands, including major advertisers such as Apple, Amazon, Verizon, Hotels.com, Google, Samsung, Netflix, T-Mobile, Expedia, Paramount, Uber, Vrbo, Comcast, Meta, Max, Hulu, Live Nation, DoorDash, FanDuel, Sixt, Progressive, Peacock, Stripe, Turo, Spectrum and Cox (listed in order of spend).

OAAA publishes full industry revenue estimates incorporating data from sources such as Miller Kaplan and Vivvix-MediaRadar (which are not adjusted for changes in data sources), alongside member company affidavits. These estimates include spending across digital and static billboards, street furniture, transit, place-based, and cinema advertising.

For more information about specific category spend, please contact Steve Nicklin at snicklin@oaaa.org or 202-833-5566.

About the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA)

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

For many homebuyers, the search for the perfect home begins and ends with homes that are advertising themselves for sale—but what if the ideal property isn’t on the market yet? Off-market properties, which are not publicly listed for sale, offer a different approach to home buying. These homes remain outside traditional real estate platforms. Unlisted, an AI technology startup, is giving people a way to find off-market properties for the first time.

Unlisted helps buyers and homeowners connect privately, making it possible to explore real estate opportunities beyond the limits of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Many homeowners are open to interest but prefer to remain off-market, and Unlisted provides a way for buyers to discover these hidden possibilities. In fact, 66% of homeowners say they would consider selling for the right terms.

“Real estate offers far more possibilities than just what’s listed. There are 121 million homes in the U.S., and less than 5% list for sale at any given time. Historically, buyers consider this the only inventory they can consider,” says Katie Hill, founder and CEO of Unlisted. She goes on to say “Many off-market homeowners would consider selling if they knew there was interest and the timing worked, or if the right price came along. I created Unlisted to normalize having these proactive conversations and tapping into this hidden inventory.”

How Do Off-Market Properties Differ from FSBO and Pre-Market Listings?

While off-market homes are not publicly for sale, other real estate terms—such as FSBO (For Sale By Owner) and pre-market listings—are sometimes confused with true off-market opportunities. Understanding these differences helps buyers and sellers navigate their options more effectively.

• FSBO (For Sale By Owner): FSBO properties are actively for sale but managed directly by the homeowner without an agent. These homes may not be listed on the MLS but are still being marketed through FSBO websites, social media, and other platforms.
  
  
• Pre-Market Listings: Some homes are promoted as “off-market” but are actually pre-market, meaning they will soon be officially listed for sale. These homes may be privately shared with select buyers or agents before being widely advertised.
  
  
• True Off-Market Properties: Unlike FSBO or pre-market listings, off-market homes are not in an active sales process. The homeowner has not publicly listed the property but may consider offers under the right circumstances. These homes are often discovered through direct outreach or word-of-mouth. Now, for the first time, people can discover these homes online through Unlisted.

Why Off-Market Properties Matter

For buyers, off-market opportunities provide access to homes that are not yet—or may never be—on public listing sites. This can be especially valuable in competitive markets where desirable properties receive multiple offers as soon as they are listed. Off-market homes allow for a more direct and seamless path to homeownership.

For homeowners, remaining off-market offers privacy and control. Whether testing interest, waiting for the right offer, or simply staying open to possibilities, keeping a home off-market can provide flexibility that traditional listings do not.

To start exploring off-market homes, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

About Unlisted

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

Bold Reuse, in partnership with the Oregon Convention Center (OCC), Levy, and PepsiCo, is expanding its industry-leading reusable packaging program at OCC in 2025. This expansion is expected to double the volume of reusables at OCC, reinforcing the commitment to making reusable solutions accessible at high-traffic event spaces.

Building on its success as the first convention center to launch an initiative with a reuse service provider in 2023, OCC is taking the next step toward waste diversion by introducing reusable soda cups supported by PepsiCo and rolling out reusable food baskets at primary restaurants and cafes. This will be PepsiCo’s fourth reuse project with Bold Reuse, demonstrating a growing commitment to advancing reuse initiatives at large venues.

In 2023, Bold Reuse and OCC launched a reuse pilot, offering reusable trays to guests at select restaurants and cafes. The program has been a growing success, with a 93% average return rate since the system launch and over 39,385 single-use trays diverted from landfills. The expanded program aims to continuously reduce waste generated at OCC, which welcomes millions of visitors annually. Beginning in early March, guests purchasing meals at several restaurant and cafe locations will receive their food in reusable trays, and all poured PepsiCo Beverages will be served in reusable cups. This initiative is another way PepsiCo is making an impact through its pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) program, which strives to inspire positive change for the planet and people.

“At the Oregon Convention Center, sustainability is at the core of everything we do, said OCC Executive Director Cindy Wallace. “By expanding our partnership with Bold Reuse and PepsiCo, we’re setting a new standard for waste reduction in the events industry and demonstrating how large-scale venues can successfully implement reuse.”

As a national leader in reusable packaging solutions, Bold Reuse will manage the supply, sanitization, and logistics of the reusable cups and trays, ensuring a smooth transition and high-quality experience for guests and event organizers. The company’s expertise has been instrumental in making reuse scalable and accessible for large venues.

“We are thrilled to continue our work with the Oregon Convention Center and continue to prove that reuse does work at scale,” said Jocelyn Quarrell, co-founder of Bold Reuse. “By collaborating with forward-thinking organizations like the Oregon Convention Center, Levy, and PepsiCo, we’re setting a new precedent for how large venues think about waste.”

The LEED® Platinum-certified Oregon Convention Center is a proud leader in sustainable events, allowing guests to be part of sustainability just by being there. The collective commitment to a greener and more sustainable future is strong, with the expansion of reusables debuting at The Pac West Cheer and Dance Nationals from February 28 to March 2.

About Bold Reuse

Bold Reuse is leading the reusable packaging revolution, helping companies transform their operations to reduce waste, achieve sustainability goals, and enhance customer loyalty. Trusted by iconic brands like Starbucks, PepsiCo, Portland Trail Blazers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Levy, and more, Bold Reuse delivers seamless, scalable reuse solutions for large venues, campuses, and corporations. With operations in Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Kansas City, Chicago, and Charlotte, and a proven track record of innovation, Bold Reuse has supported its partners in diverting over 5 million pounds of waste from landfills and creating tangible environmental impact. For more information, visit https://www.boldreuse.com.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About Oregon Convention Center 

The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is a premier gathering place in the Pacific Northwest, showcasing the Portland experience and contributing to the regional economy. OCC has been a sustainability pioneer, earning LEED Platinum® certification and recognition from the Events Industry Council for our commitment to green practices. We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all decision-making, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. From hosting innovative events and fostering human connection to advancing equitable outcomes and sustainability initiatives, OCC is where ideas flourish, culture is shared, and communities thrive. To learn more, visit https://www.oregoncc.org.

Defector Media, the worker-owned, independent sports and culture website, has partnered with BuySellAds, a leading digital advertising platform, to manage and drive their digital ad sales. This collaboration aims to optimize ad monetization while maintaining Defector's commitment to delivering high-quality, independent journalism to its readers.

Since its inception, Defector has provided a unique, subscriber-first model of journalism, owned and operated by its writers. By partnering with BuySellAds, Defector seeks to better serve advertisers and enhance revenue from non-subscriber traffic, allowing the publication to remain financially sustainable and independent.

Expanding Ad Revenue from Non-Subscribers

As highlighted in their Fourth Annual Report, Defector reported a strategic shift in serving ads to non-subscribers. This move aims to diversify revenue streams without compromising the reader experience for loyal subscribers.

With BuySellAds' extensive experience in managing ad sales for independent publishers, Defector can deliver targeted, high-impact ad placements to non-subscribers, ensuring maximum value for advertisers while supporting the publication's mission-driven journalism.

"We’re excited to work with BuySellAds, whose understanding of the independent media landscape makes them the ideal partner to help Defector grow our ad revenue in a way that aligns with the goals of our employee-owners," said Jasper Wang, Defector’s Vice President of Revenue & Operations. "This partnership allows us to maintain our independence while building new revenue opportunities that can help Defector grow sustainably."

A Platform for Independent Voices

BuySellAds brings a tailored approach to ad sales, connecting quality publishers like Defector with relevant advertisers. This partnership empowers Defector to continue offering thoughtful sports and culture commentary, free from the constraints of traditional ad-supported media models.

"Defector represents the kind of bold, independent journalism that deserves sustainable revenue solutions," said Matthew Kammerer, VP of Sales. "We are excited to help Defector achieve its financial goals while supporting their editorial mission."

About Defector Media

Defector Media is a worker-owned sports and culture website founded in 2020. Owned and operated by its writers and editors, Defector is committed to producing independent, subscriber-driven journalism. For more information, visit defector.com.

About BuySellAds

BuySellAds is a digital advertising platform that connects publishers with quality advertisers through direct ad sales and automated solutions. BuySellAds supports independent publishers by helping them maximize ad revenue while maintaining editorial integrity. For more information, visit buysellads.com.

Botanic Tonics has been named to Bain & Company's 2025 Insurgent Brands list, which identifies companies redefining growth in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Botanic Tonics and its feel free tonic is one of 120 brands to make this year's list.

"Being characterized as an insurgent is fitting—we are reshaping the energy supplement category,” said Cameron Korehbandi, CEO of Botanic Tonics.

“Surpassing a quarter of a billion dollars in annual sales profitably in just our third year clearly establishes us as a leader in the space. More than doubling our store count in 2024 to over 30,000 doors and gaining full distribution in two of the top convenience chains has allowed us to surpass household brand names like Alani Nu, C4, Ghost and 5-Hour Energy in a matter of months,” Korehbandi continued.

“We’ve done all this while maintaining full control of our distribution through our own direct store distributor model and vertically integrating the supply chain for our most fragile raw material in Kava Root. To be recognized alongside these other insurgents is an honor,” he added.

Bain & Company defines insurgent brands as those that generate more than $25 million of annual revenue in tracked channels, have grown more than 10 times their category's average growth rate over the past five years, and maintained positive growth over the past two years while remaining independent or having been acquired by a large consumer packaged goods company only within the past two years.

"Bain's Insurgent Brands list offers valuable insight into where innovative, disruptive growth is taking place within the consumer packaged goods sector," said Charlotte Apps, executive vice president of Bain's Consumer Products practice. "While the broader sector continues to grapple with stagnating volumes, limited pricing power, and consumer headwinds, these insurgent brands are unlocking incremental growth by addressing unmet consumer needs in new, authentic, and often founder-led ways.

These brands provide a roadmap for sustainable growth in this evolving marketplace, and they showcase the power of compelling consumer-centric value propositions, strong brand engagement, and superior velocity on the shelf.

Looking ahead, we anticipate these insurgents will continue to capture an increasing share of category growth and play a meaningful role in shaping the future of the industry."

About Botanic Tonics

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

About Bain & Company

Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world's most ambitious change makers define the future. Across 65 cities in 40 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today's urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. We earned a platinum rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings for global supply chains, putting us in the top 1% of all companies. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry. Visit https://www.bain.com for more information.

In a compelling new video interview, The European’s Juliette Foster sits down with Dr. Christian Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, to discuss the future of citizenship by investment in light of recent legal developments. Dr. Kaelin, a pioneering expert in the field, provides his insights on the European Commission's landmark case against Malta's Golden Passport scheme and its broader implications for the global investment migration sector.

In 2023, the European Commission initiated a landmark case against Malta over its controversial Golden Passports. This case has significant implications not only for EU member states but also for the global investment migration sector. At the heart of the issue is the right of an EU country to determine who is entitled to be one of its nationals and, by extension, who is a citizen of the European Union. Should this decision be the exclusive and sovereign right of individual member states, as provided by the Treaty on European Union, or should it be the EU that decides?

Dr. Kaelin, who holds master's and PhD degrees in law from the University of Zurich and is the author of numerous publications on citizenship and investment migration, shares his expert perspective on these critical questions. He discusses the potential outcomes of the European Commission case and what they could mean for the future of citizenship by investment programs worldwide.

Juliette Foster, known for her incisive interviews, delves into the complexities of the case and explores the broader ethical and legal considerations. This interview is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of law, migration, and global investment.

The exclusive video interview is available to watch on The European’s YouTube channel and on The European’s website.

About The European

The European is a quarterly business magazine published by CP Media Global Ltd in London, established in 2008. It's available in print and digital, and is also distributed at events, trade fairs and airports around the world. The magazine targets global decision-makers in regions like Europe, MENA, LATAM, North America, and Asia. It covers a wide range of global business topics, including Banking & Finance, FDI, Sustainability, ESG, Energy, Shipping, Aviation, Technology, Real Estate, Business Travel and more. 

The European takes its readers on a thought provoking and objective tour of business, political, geopolitical and cultural initiatives. Readers are provided with the key to success, portraits of achievement, expert advice and the analysis they need to make sense of the changes that are occurring within the world’s economic and political landscape.

For more information, visit https://the-european.eu.

About Henley & Partners

Henley & Partners is the global leader in residence and citizenship by investment. The firm has been instrumental in establishing the concept of citizenship by investment and continues to innovate in this field. With a presence in over 30 countries, Henley & Partners advises governments, international organisations, and private clients on residence and citizenship planning. To learn more, visit https://www.henleyglobal.com.

United Advocates Federation (UAF), a prominent Russian Federation-based law firm led by Managing Partner Mark Lvov, is pleased to announce a landmark partnership with Opulence Capital Advisory. This strategic alliance is anticipated to facilitate more than $20 billion in bilateral trade and investment, reinvigorating opportunities in the Russian market and strengthening ties between Russia, the Middle East, and the United States.

Asked for comment, Mark Lvov stated, “This collaboration marks a new era of investment flows and strategic partnerships, underscoring Russia’s renewed economic dynamism in a new world of friendship and brotherhood between three great nations.”

M. Alexander from Opulence Capital added, “The Middle East continues to expand its global presence through strategic investments, and Russia’s reemergence offers compelling opportunities. Our collaboration is designed to provide turnkey solutions for investors, smoothing the path toward fruitful ventures in energy, infrastructure, technology, and more.”

A Resurgent Russian Economy and Global Connections

As the Russian economy continues to reopen and recalibrate on the global stage, the coalition aims to provide comprehensive legal and advisory solutions to investors and companies looking to capitalize on emerging economic prospects. The partnership’s vision includes leveraging close ties to the Trump Administration and fostering robust connections with Saudi Arabia, where Opulence maintains a deep presence advising major regional sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) such as subsidiaries and affiliates of leading investors like the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA).

Creating Legal Structures and Trust

The cornerstone of this alliance lies in creating the legal frameworks and trust necessary for seamless international transactions and growth-oriented ventures. The combined expertise of UAF and Opulence Capital Advisory will focus on:

• Structuring Cross-Border Investments: Development of secure, compliant frameworks for Middle Eastern entities seeking to invest in Russian markets, and Russian enterprises aiming to expand into the Gulf region.
• Technology Transfer and Innovation: Facilitating U.S. companies looking to bring cutting-edge technology and innovation into Russia through security of jurisdictions in the Middle East.
• Regulatory and Compliance Guidance: Ensuring all transactions meet complex regulatory standards across multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S., Russia, and key Middle Eastern markets.
• Market Access and Strategic Partnerships: Connecting Russian and Middle Eastern firms with major U.S. corporations, fostering the exchange of goods, services, and technical expertise.

Anticipated Partnerships

The alliance is positioned to assist a wide range of prominent corporations and organizations that stand to benefit from heightened bilateral engagements. These include:

• Major Russian Energy and Tech Firms: Gazprom, Rosneft, Sberbank, and emerging technology leaders seeking capital and international partnerships.
• U.S.-Based Multinationals: Companies like ExxonMobil, Boeing, IBM, and other Fortune 500 entities with a strategic interest in expanding into Russian and Middle Eastern markets.
• Middle Eastern Sovereign Wealth Funds & Private Investors: PIF, QIA, KIA, Mumtalakat, and private high-net-worth individuals looking for investment opportunities in Russia’s diverse sectors—from energy and infrastructure to technology and real estate.

About Opulence Capital Advisory

Opulence Capital Advisory (OCA) is a global investment advisory and consulting firm with extensive ties in the Middle East, the U.S., and emerging markets. A subsidiary of Opulence Capital, it is focused on delivering turnkey solutions to the most unique problems facing the world’s largest investors today through structured full-service asset management, legal, compliance, implementation and project advisory. OCA is globally headquartered in Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support the Vision 2040 of His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud. To learn more, visit https://opulence.net.

About United Advocates Federation

Founded in the Russian Federation, United Advocates Federation is a leading law firm renowned for its diverse portfolio of high-profile clients and cases. Under the stewardship of Managing Partner Mark Lvov, UAF has built a strong reputation for delivering robust legal solutions to local and international clients across key industries, including energy, finance, and technology.

FanUp, the premier platform for Gen Z, women, and casual sports enthusiasts to engage in sports and pop culture giveaways, sweepstakes, and fantasy contests, announced today an exclusive strategic financing round with Tru Skye Ventures and 9.58 Ventures—leading figures in the sports, gaming, athlete, and technology sectors.

Tru Skye Ventures, a dynamic $100 million sports tech fund co-founded by NBA Champion Metta World Peace and former Boost Mobile CEO Stephen Stokols, joins forces with 9.58 Ventures, an elite collective of investors and thought leaders driving groundbreaking technological innovation across society.

The strategic financing round is elevated by the support of high-profile athletes and industry icons such as 9.58 Ventures’ co-founders and managing partners Fred Toney and Omar Sillah, investor and American tennis pro Frances Tiafoe, and general partners, NFL safety Jalen Mills, NFL linebacker Deion Jones, and longtime basketball pro and current NBA assistant coach David Vanterpool—all united in their mission to reshape the global future of sports and pop culture gaming for Gen Z consumers.

"I'm thrilled to welcome powerhouse partners like Tru Skye Ventures and 9.58 Ventures to our strategic round," said FanUp founder and CEO, Tej Bodiwala. "Collectively, we'll leverage strong network effects to unlock groundbreaking collaborations with the hottest brands, leagues, teams, and entertainers, to offer our ever-growing audience exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and prizes—while redefining the limits of our dynamic industry."

Funding will facilitate the platform’s continued growth, reach and innovation through partnerships, influencers, targeted campaigns, gaming features and contests, and bespoke prizing, such as exclusive drops and brand prizes, VIP watch parties, and fan experiences. This includes "The Bachelor"-inspired getaways to Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, and Europe, designed to sweep fans off their feet.

“FanUp has unbelievable traction, and we are excited to help accelerate its continued growth,” said Stokols. “This latest round of financing brings together a dream team of advisors, and Metta and I are eager to add as much value as possible.”

“At the focal point of culture, growth, and experiences, FanUp epitomizes the type of investment we seek at 9.58 Ventures,” said Toney. “We are so enthusiastic about our involvement, especially at a time where the company is becoming a household name for sports and cultural experiences with the Gen Z audience. You couple their explosive growth with a top-talent team, and you’ve uncovered a winning formula with escape velocity.”

Unrivaled Growth and Engagement

Founded in 2021, FanUp continues to drive exceptional outcomes through an authentic approach to fan engagement and unparalleled user experience. Early milestones include: 

• 41 brand collaborations and 105 college partnerships
• Growing community that drove more than 2.1 billion views across FanUp social media content in 2024 and 65 million views from four Super Bowl-themed reels last month (across TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat)
• Legally compliant sweepstakes and giveaways classification across all U.S. states and users from 31 additional countries

Elevating Experiences Beyond Sports Betting

Traditional sports betting currently serves less than 9% of American fans. FanUp engages a broader and growing audience through an innovative, free-to-play model that offers interactive contests and personalized rewards across sports, pop culture, and entertainment.

From fantasy sports to reality TV-inspired experiences, such as immersive getaways based on “The Bachelor” or “Love Island,” FanUp guarantees every fan a seat at the table. With 76% of Gen Z and 50% of women engaged in reality TV, FanUp capitalizes on the content fans cherish most. It transforms content consumption into an unforgettable and interactive fan experience.

The Future of Fandom: Where Every Fan Wins

While conventional sportsbooks and fantasy platforms have struggled to resonate with Gen Z and female audiences, FanUp has solved the equation. The platform’s ability to deliver inclusive, interactive, and intricate social and brand-centric experiences has led to a diverse user base of 2.3 million global fans that includes 86% Gen Z and 55% women. 

FanUp’s revolutionary platform has introduced the first-ever brand-immersed gaming experience and offers fans VIP Super Bowl trips, exclusive “The Bachelor”-inspired getaways, and premium brand rewards—creating a space where competition, social connection, and pop culture collide.

To learn more about FanUp and its growing roster of offerings, visit FanUp.app or download the platform via the App Store.

About FanUp

FanUp is the leading fantasy sports and pop culture gaming platform designed for Gen Z, women, and casual fans. With a one-of-a-kind mix of contests, rewards, and social-driven experiences, FanUp transforms the way fans engage with their favorite sports, leagues, brands, and entertainment. Learn more at FanUp.app or the App Store.

About Tru Skye Ventures 

Tru Skye Ventures was founded by NBA Champion Metta World Peace and entrepreneur and executive Stephen Stokols. We not only provide capital to early-stage companies but also offer expertise in product development, distribution, partnerships and growth marketing. We have also assembled an extensive network of corporate partners and high-profile influencers to help our portfolio companies grow. For more information, visit truskyeventures.com.

About 9.58 Ventures

Founded by Fred Toney, Omar Sillah, Deion Jones (NFL), and David Vanterpool (NBA), the 9.58 Ventures team has collectively backed hundreds of companies and professionally excelled in business and sports. Focusing on the world's top performers in athletics and tech startups, with typical investment entry points at seed, Series A, and Series B rounds, we express our goal of achieving excellence by honoring Usain Bolt's historic 100-meter record—9.58 seconds.

Our mission is to support top entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds who are building technology companies in health, sports, lifestyle and culture, alongside our team of world-class athlete investors. Believing that success comes from people of all backgrounds, we invest in early-stage startups, mentor their teams, and help build leading companies led by passionately driven founders. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, a leading Silicon Valley- and San Francisco-based law firm in the technology sector, is a major investor in the 9.58 Ventures portfolio. To learn more, visit 958vp.com.

Park Slope Cleaning, a company specializing in commercial cleaning and janitorial services for establishments in New York and Miami, proudly announced today that they have obtained their WOSB certification from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

This certification marks a significant milestone for Park Slope Cleaning as it demonstrates their commitment to ability to support larger government contracts. By obtaining the WOSB certification, Park Slope Cleaning is now positioned to further expand their reach and provide their high-quality services to a broader range of clients, with emphasis on government contracts.

Park Slope Cleaning's WOSB certification not only highlights their dedication to diversity and inclusion but also underscores their expertise in providing exceptional commercial cleaning and janitorial services for corporate businesses in New York and Miami.

According to Diana Ciechorska, General Manager, "We are thrilled to have received our WOSB certification. This milestone lets us expand even further into government contracts."

Looking ahead, Park Slope Cleaning plans to leverage their WOSB certification to pursue new business opportunities, and continue delivering top-notch cleaning services to their clients across the city and Miami, particularly government contracting relationships.

About Park Slope Cleaning

Park Slope Cleaning is a top-rated M/WBE and WBE-certified commercial cleaning company in New York City and Miami, serving all industries. Renowned for its commitment to excellence and client satisfaction, Park Slope Cleaning provides a comprehensive range of cleaning services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses in Miami and the New York City area. To learn more, visit https://www.parkslopecleaning.com.

Pouya Shahbazian, producer of the Divergent franchise, has founded Staircase Studios AI, a new film, television, and gaming studio. In collaboration with Brett Stuart, Head of AI Filmmaking, Staircase has built a proprietary AI workflow, ForwardMotion, that revolutionizes the process of studio filmmaking. The studio aims to produce upwards of 30 projects in the next three to four years by achieving near-major studio quality releases at budgets under $500,000 USD. Joining the company as a partner and working as the lead investor in the venture is Kenneth Lerer, who co-founded The Huffington Post and is currently Managing Director Emeritus of the venture capital firm Lerer Hippeau. Advising the company is Lorenzo di Bonaventura, producer of the Transformers and G.I. Joe franchises.

Staircase has acquired multiple pieces of IP and a number of well-regarded industry scripts, including nearly 20 scripts that appeared on the annual Black List over the past decade. Staircase is committed to working with union members in many production departments, including actors, who will be paid industry rates to voice all of the dialogue in every script.

Shahbazian, Staircase’s CEO, said, “After packaging and selling 150 projects into the studio system over the past 15 years, I’ve borne witness to far too much inefficiency to continue the status quo. Over the past year, I’ve dedicated myself to pairing ethical AI usage with our industry’s most underutilized assets—overlooked stories waiting to be produced from fantastic writers and directors. Thanks to Kenny and our investors, it’s been thrilling to be able to hire those talented artists to do what they do best—make the kinds of films that the industry actually wants but lacks the risk tolerance to currently greenlight.”

Lerer commented, “AI is inevitable across all industries, and it’s crystal clear what’s ahead for movies, television, and gaming. While the industry is invariably dealing with the Innovator’s Dilemma that stagnates innovation, at Staircase, we have been a first mover and have already built out a process that puts us on course to scale a truly stand-out studio and platform for AI content.”

Today, Staircase released a sizzle reel which includes the opening from the studio’s first feature film, "The Woman with Red Hair," directed by Brett Stuart and from Michael Schatz’s 2016 Black List script. "The Woman with Red Hair" is the extraordinary true story of Johanna “Hannie” Schaft, a young woman who dropped out of college to join the Dutch resistance during World War II, eventually becoming one of its most talented assassins and one of the Nazis’ most wanted enemies. It stars newcomer Maya-Nika Bewley, Leander Vyvey ("Vikings: Valhalla"), Angus Castle-Doughty ("Shadow and Bone"), and Geoffrey Breton ("The Crown").

The film has original character designs from Oscar-nominee Teddy Newton, who was formerly a member of the Pixar brain trust and served as one of the character designers of "The Incredibles." It also includes art and designs from Emmy Award-winning animator Alfred Gimeno ("Kung Fu Panda" and "Tiny Toon Adventures").

Currently in pre-production, the studio’s second feature film is "Every Living Creature"—a fully animated four-quadrant adventure thriller directed by three-time Emmy Award winner, Bernie Su ("Artificial"). J.R. Arellano ("Flicka 2") adapted the script from the Truly*Adventurous digital media magazine article of the same name. The film is inspired by the true story of three brave daredevils who risked their lives to rescue every animal left stranded on the Caribbean island of Montserrat after a devastating volcanic eruption in 1997.

On the gaming side, Staircase is partnering with Mother Games, an AI gaming tech company pioneering adaptive, player-driven AI experiences to leverage its Womb suite of foundational AI tools—developed for gaming—to accelerate new game creation. Their first game collaboration will be announced shortly.

Among the investors in the venture are Aryeh Bourkoff, CEO of LionTree, Robert Pittman, Tad Haley of Rafiki Ventures, and New York City-based venture capital firm Red Sea Ventures.

Staircase Studios AI’s first slate of films and television series also includes:

• "Wild Night," a novel by New York Times bestselling author Patrick Lee. Pitched as "Die Hard" in a zoo, the project is currently an open writing assignment and will be produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura.
• "Between the Dog and the Wolf," by Matthew Sand, the veteran screenwriter behind "Deepwater Horizon." Pitched tonally in the vein of "Heat" meets Bram Stoker’s "Dracula," Sand will make his directorial debut.
• "Fully Wrecked," by Josh Feldman and Scott Wolman. Pitched tonally in the vein of "Rush Hour," "Fully Wrecked" appeared on the 2013 annual Black List. Logline: An R-rated talking car from the ’80s is brought back into service and teamed up with the son of his former partner, a befuddled cop looking to earn his stripes.
• "Sundown," by Nick Hurwitch. Pitched as "E.T." meets "A Quiet Place," "Sundown" appeared on the 2023 annual Black List. Logline: Monsters that roam in daylight keep a small rural family confined to a nocturnal lifestyle. But when their son starts to question the monsters’ existence, his parents must see how far they’re willing to go to keep him safe.
• An untitled procedural television series from showrunner Gabe Rotter ("The X-Files"), creator of the upcoming Netflix series "The Beast in Me," starring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys.
• A television series adaptation of Mark Svartz’s graphic novel, "I Hate You Kelly Donahue," pitched as "The Office" meets "American Psycho."

About Staircase Studios AI

Staircase Studios AI is a film, television, and gaming studio telling new, original stories. Staircase combines the expertise of Hollywood screenwriters, directors, actors, animators, visual effects artists, and other union talent, with AI specialists who use our proprietary AI-enabled workflow in order to make movies and television series at a fraction of the cost of traditional Hollywood budgets. To learn more, visit https://staircasestudios.ai and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, X, and Instagram.

About Red Sea Ventures

Red Sea Ventures is a pre-seed and seed-stage VC firm investing in transformative consumer brands and technologies, including Allbirds, Sweetgreen, Nest, Prose, and Novo Bank. For more information, visit https://www.redseaventures.com.

About Kenneth Lerer

Kenneth Lerer co-founded The Huffington Post and Now This News. He has served on the boards of numerous companies including Viacom, and currently, BLADE Urban Air Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: BLDE). He was chairman of BuzzFeed for a decade.

About Pouya Shahbazian

Pouya Shahbazian is a 20-year industry veteran and BAFTA nominee for Andrea Arnold’s "American Honey" (A24). He also produced Greg Berlanti’s "Love, Simon" (Fox 2000) and the Netflix fantasy series "Shadow and Bone."

Marking a global first in the international hospitality sector, Atmosphere Core, a leading hotelier operating in South Asia with Maldives headquarters, announces its ambitious expansion in the Northern Hemisphere with BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE BY ATMOSPHERE, a luxury rural retreat set in picturesque Langhe, Piedmont in Italy.

Over the last decade, this small private hotelier has grown exponentially from a single Indian Ocean island resort to one of the largest operators in the Maldives. With agility and pace as its key strengths and no stranger to disrupting markets, in just the last two years Atmosphere Core has developed a robust pipeline of over 25 properties in India and South Asia, as momentum accelerates for international expansion.

Citing company culture as the catalyst for expansion, Group Managing Director Salil Panigrahi shared, “Since launching our first resort in 2013, we have forged a unique cultural belief in the ethos ‘Joy Of Giving’, the underlying proposition that defines our core brand. By maintaining and strengthening the integrity of this powerful ethos, I am confident we can bring our distinctive hospitality offerings to the world. At Atmosphere Core we craft unforgettable moments that transcend geographical boundaries, as we create experiences, not just hotels”.

As part of its strategic investment into growth, the company cultivates relationships with partners worldwide, and in the last 12 months made alliances across Europe. Most notably in Italy, Atmosphere Core’s unique ‘Wine Program Initiative’ welcomed to its roster Bottega S.p.A., the world’s leading Prosecco brand, who along with supplying award-winning wines, will also collaborate on themed culinary concepts within the wider Atmosphere portfolio.

“Significant partnerships like Bottega take our business to every corner of the planet. This special relationship is just one of many that brought Italy to Atmosphere Core, and now vice versa, we are excited about the launch of our first European destination in Italy in 2026,” concluded Panigrahi.

Built in 1773, BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE BY ATMOSPHERE is a monastery restoration and the second historical property in the company’s ‘HERITAGE BY ATMOSPHERE’ portfolio within the ‘Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ brand. With authenticity at the heart of the heritage brand concept, the property will showcase frescoes and Romanesque architecture, capturing the charm of Italy’s art, culture, and cuisine from the Southern Piedmont region.

Set in a UNESCO World Heritage site as a protected cultural appellation, in a region most famous for Barolo and Barbera wines, the once notable hillside monastery is now converted into a rural country retreat. The property comprises of 19 suites and rooms and once renovations are completed, an on-property chapel will be available for wedding ceremonies along with spa facilities, outdoor pool, fine dining restaurant, indoor and outdoor event space and lounge and terrace bars.

About Atmosphere Core 

Atmosphere Core is a dynamic hospitality company with three distinctive lifestyle brands: THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. The company operates nine resorts in the Maldives and has a strong pipeline of one resort in the Maldives, one resort in Sri Lanka, and seventeen hotels and resorts across India—all set to open within the next three years. Distinctive design, an authentic sense of place, inspiring service styles, and the freshest and finest cuisine lend a unique flavour to every Atmosphere Core property. For more information, visit https://www.atmospherecore.com.

Vivid+Co, banglanatak dot com, IIT-IIT, and Left Of Frame Pictures proudly announce that the documentary "Baul: Soul of Bengal" has been selected for the Indian World Film Festival and is being released through Amazon Prime.

“Baul: Soul of Bengal” follows traveler Kristina Houwer on a transformative journey to West Bengal, India, where she immerses herself in the world of the Bauls—wandering minstrels who share ancient spiritual teachings through music. This heartfelt documentary explores the Bauls’ profound wisdom, showcasing their timeless songs and deep-rooted traditions that bridge cultural divides.

Directed and edited by John Errington, written by Neel Shah and John Errington, and produced by Neel Shah, Caitlin Kelly, Rocky Choi, and David Broad, the film features breathtaking cinematography by David N. Stiles and original music by Dan Crowley. The film also highlights conversations and performances with and by Amitava Bhattacharya, Manas Acharya, Babu Fakir, Khaibar Fakir, Arman Fakir, Rina Das, and Sadhan Das Bairag.

“Baul: Soul Of Bengal” has previously been included in several prestigious film festivals, including the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, the 14th Kolkata Shorts International Bengali Film Festival, the Suchitra Sen International Film Festival, the Goa Short Film Festival, and the Montreal Independent Film Festival. The film recently won Best Series Pilot at the Orinos Film Awards NY.

Indian World Film Festival

• Location: Hyderabad, India
• Screening date: March 8, 2025
• Festival date: March 8, 2025
• Tickets and more information: https://miniboxoffice.com/indian-world-film-festival/

Amazon Prime Rental Information

“Baul: Soul Of Bengal” can be rented at the following link: Baul: Soul Of Bengal

For a poster and press images, download via the link here.

About Vivid+Co

Vivid+Co is a strategy and technology company whose singular mission is to launch brands and build brand value. To learn more, visit https://vividand.co.

About banglanatak dot com

Founded by Amitava Bhattacharya, banglanatak dot com is a Kolkata-based social enterprise working across India with a mission to foster inclusive and sustainable development using culture-based approaches to serve the protection of rights of women, children and indigenous people. The 25-year-old non-profit organization has earned multiple accreditation from various United Nations agencies including UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), ECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council), and UNWTO (World Tourism Organization). For more information, visit https://banglanatak.com.

About IIT-IIT

Led by entrepreneurs Kartik Kilachand and Joe Fernandes, IIT-IIT  which aims to scale social impact across India with an initial focus on education, skilling, and healthcare. IIT-IIT (IITians for Influencing India's Transformation) is a philanthropic effort of IIT (Indian Institutes of Technology) alumni who tap into the IITian community's brand, credibility, experience, and ability to give back to scale social impact across India with a focus on education, trade and skill development, and healthcare. For more information, visit https://iit-iit.org.

About Left Of Frame Pictures

Founded in 2010 by David Broad, Left Of Frame Pictures is a production company that develops and produces film, television and branded content. For more information, visit https://www.leftofframe.com.