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Keplar, an AI-powered market research platform, today announced the general availability of Keplar Voice, a conversational AI system that conducts in-depth customer interviews through natural voice interactions. The company also announced their $3.4 million seed funding led by Kleiner Perkins, with participation from SV Angel, Common Metal, and South Park Commons. Keplar will use the funds to accelerate technical investments in conversational AI and scale headcount in order to meet accelerating market demand.

Traditional research methods like phone surveys and in-depth interviews can take months and cost tens of thousands of dollars, putting meaningful customer insights out of reach for many businesses. Keplar makes this fast, affordable, and scalable: hundreds of AI voice interviews conducted simultaneously, real-time analysis of responses, and actionable reports delivered within hours.

"Every company wants to understand their customers deeply, but the current tools make it nearly impossible," said Dhruv Guliani, co-founder and CEO of Keplar. "A single moderated interview can cost hundreds of dollars and takes weeks to schedule. We're making it possible for any company to have real conversations with hundreds of customers simultaneously, getting rich qualitative insights at quantitative scale."

Keplar Voice combines multiple agentic AI technologies to deliver an end-to-end research solution:

• Natural voice conversations: AI moderators conduct dynamic, adaptive interviews and respond to participant answers in real-time
• Instant deployment: Studies launch in minutes with customizable voice personalities and languages. Participants are recruited through Keplar’s high-quality panel or through a company’s CRM
• Automated analysis: AI agents code responses, identify themes, and quantify insights as interviews complete
• Enterprise-ready reporting: Sharable reports and executive dashboards are automatically generated to help marketers and researchers land impact

Fortune 500 companies across CPG, software, and retail sectors are already using Keplar Voice for foundational research, concept testing, user experience research, and win-loss analysis. Early customers report reducing research timelines from months to days while significantly expanding the number of customers they can engage.

The seed round, led by Kleiner Perkins, will accelerate product development and market expansion. "Keplar is solving a massive problem that every company faces," said Mamoon Hamid, partner at Kleiner Perkins. "Their approach to combining voice AI with automated analysis creates a step-function improvement in how companies understand their customers."

For more information, visit www.keplar.io or contact us at hello@keplar.io.

About Keplar

Keplar is an AI-powered market research platform that enables companies to conduct qualitative research at quantitative scale. Using advanced voice AI and automated analysis, Keplar helps businesses have natural conversations with hundreds of customers simultaneously, transforming months of research into hours of insights. Founded in 2022 and backed by Kleiner Perkins, SV Angel, and other leading investors, Keplar serves Fortune 500 companies across multiple industries. For more information, visit www.keplar.io.

With European technology issuance showing fresh traction in year-to-date 2025, Sycamine Capital Management frames SumUp’s exploration of a public listing as the clearest real-time read on risk appetite, valuation discipline and depth of demand for profitable fintechs.

Operating reach spans about 4 million merchants across 36 markets, with more than 1 billion transactions over the preceding 12-month period and a business-account user base reaching roughly 1 million over the same interval. In-person card acceptance pricing holds near 1.69%. Guidance for 2024 points to EBITDA of approximately $188.8 million. Earlier private marks near $23.6 billion in 2022 reset to roughly $9.4 billion following a $696.2 million capital raise. Current discussions point to a public valuation goal close to $15 billion, subject to market conditions and free-float design.

Institutional screens now reward breadth of monetisation rather than single-product reliance. Payments, software subscriptions, business accounts and working-capital features together support more predictable cash generation, which in turn underpins public-market narratives focused on operating leverage and unit-economics quality. For Richard Kelly, Director of Private Clients at Sycamine Capital Management, “investors in 2025 are paying for cash conversion and revenue recurrence, not land grabs, and a SumUp float provides a clean read on that preference.”

Venue selection remains pivotal. A London debut would represent a high-signal technology win for the domestic market, supporting the case for deeper pools of growth equity on the LSE. A New York route offers broader liquidity, a concentrated technology investor base and well-tested valuation frameworks for payments platforms. In Kelly’s view, “the choice between London and New York is both a valuation question and a policy signal, and whichever market secures this deal will influence European tech issuance through 2026.”

Capital deployment priorities focus on targeted consolidation across Europe’s fragmented payments and software landscape. The 2021 purchase of Fivestars reached approximately $356.9 million and illustrates the bolt-on approach that management highlights. IPO proceeds, once sized and allocated at pricing, would likely support selective M&A, product development and balance-sheet flexibility, with the precise mix calibrated to conditions at the time of listing. Kelly observes “a consolidation thesis is credible when management sequences acquisitions against explicit return thresholds and keeps unit economics front and centre.”

Macro conditions support renewed selectivity rather than indiscriminate risk taking. Policy-rate stability improves underwriting for cash-generative growth, digital adoption sustains secular demand, and the funding mix shifts towards issuers that can invest while preserving self-financing capacity. UK fintech investment declines about 5% year on year to roughly $8.1 billion in the first half, a pattern that concentrates attention on profitable issuers. Over the preceding week, U.S. exchanges process approximately $4.5 billion of higher-profile technology listings, reinforcing the liquidity advantage that many European issuers continue to weigh.

For asset allocators, the analytical lens is straightforward. Diversified merchant exposure can stabilise revenue across cycles, software attachment can lift revenue per client, and lending or cash-advance features require measured risk controls. If a transaction prices near $15 billion this year, subsequent execution against acquisition hurdles, operating-expense discipline and cash-flow conversion over the next four quarters will determine whether investors continue to capitalise the multi-product thesis at premium multiples. As reported by Sycamine Capital Management, the significance of this prospective float lies less in headline valuation and more in how it validates institutional frameworks for assessing fintech resilience, guiding portfolio positioning and shaping sector allocation decisions through the remainder of 2025.

About Sycamine Capital Management

Established in 2008, Sycamine Capital Management Pte. Ltd. applies rigorous, data-driven research to keep clients positioned ahead of shifting market dynamics. The firm’s forward-looking work across AI and sustainability themes supports early identification of potential opportunities, helping investors prepare for evolving market conditions with greater precision. For more information, visit scmgt.com. For additional articles, visit scmgt.com/sycamine-investment-focus-articles.

Media Contact

Simon Lau
Media Relations
simon.lau@scmgt.com

VoLo Earth Ventures today announced the close of its second fund at $135 million, a 50% increase over its inaugural $88 million fund. The raise grows VoLo Earth’s total assets under management to around $250 million and underscores investor conviction in its disciplined, capital-efficient strategy. The announcement comes at a time when venture fundraising is at decade lows, making VoLo Earth’s Fund II close a standout signal of where capital is moving.

Anchored by Voloridge Investment Management and supported by other leading global financial institutions and family offices, including Carbon Equity, Cathay Innovation’s InnoSquare fund, Morgan Stanley | Graystone, and WovenEarth Ventures, Fund II will focus on next-generation innovations in energy, mobility, buildings, and industry. These sectors represent trillion-dollar opportunities for resilient, decarbonized systems and repeatable financial performance.

Fund I (2021 vintage) has already validated VoLo Earth’s strategy, ranking in the top decile of venture performance (Carta, Q4 2024). Two realized exits in 2025 (Pearl Street Technologies and Gaiascope), both acquired at above book value, provide rare proof of realized returns in early-stage climate ventures.

“Fund II reinforces that energy transition investing is driven by superior economics and large market demand for safer, cleaner, and more resilient technology,” said Kareem Dabbagh, co-founder and managing partner at VoLo Earth Ventures. “Our companies provide better products and services at lower costs, while creating jobs and strengthening supply chains in ways that reach across the aisle. That’s why investors continue to back VoLo Earth.”

VoLo Earth has developed one of the most respected portfolios of companies in the sector. Fund I companies such as Blue Frontier, Ion Storage Systems, Skyven, and Nth Cycle are scaling technologies that deliver unprecedented value to customers while saving money and lowering carbon footprint. Software companies like Banyan Infrastructure and AICrete are market movers in sustainable finance and concrete, respectively, while Rain is automating rapid wildfire suppression with real aircraft today. Fund II is already in deployment, with companies like XGS Energy scaling next-gen geothermal technology, Cambium Carbon disrupting the timber industry with cost-effective mass timber, and just-announced Reframe Systems applying AI and robotics to fix America's housing crisis.

Unlike many early-stage investors, VoLo Earth often leads rounds and takes board seats with 96% of Fund I AUM involving board participation. The team combines scientific rigor, investor discipline, and an operator mindset, embedding that rigor early so companies can scale smarter.

“In 2021, Voloridge anchored VoLo Earth Ventures to fill a gap identified in the early-stage energy transition market. Our view was that a systematic strategy focused on superior economic returns would unlock a landslide of capital into climate solutions. The firm’s top-decile performance along with a strong Fund II raise provides early validation of that strategy,” said David Vogel, CEO of Voloridge Investment Management.

VoLo Earth’s partners bring over 75 years of combined operating and investing experience in the energy transition. Their approach centers on inevitable winning economics, backing technologies in energy, mobility, buildings, and industrial decarbonization that deliver cost savings, strengthen supply chains, and are ready to scale commercially. The economy depends on these backbone sectors, where emissions reductions and superior returns align.

“VoLo Earth is among the most exciting funds investing in innovations that can provide a secure, clean, and affordable energy future for all,” said Amory B. Lovins, co-founder and chairman emeritus, RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute).

The announcement comes in the lead-up to Climate Week NYC (Sept. 21 to 28, 2025), where VoLo Earth partners will join global leaders to highlight how capital is moving into the solutions that will define the next decade. At a time when overall venture capital fundraising is shrinking, VoLo Earth’s close of Fund II signals that market-tested energy innovations are gaining momentum.

About VoLo Earth Ventures

Founded in 2020 and based in Snowmass, Colorado, VoLo Earth Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm backing capital-efficient solutions across the energy, mobility, building, and industrial sectors. Led by former RMI leaders and seasoned quantitative investors, the firm combines rigorous techno-economic analysis with hands-on portfolio engagement to accelerate decarbonization while generating superior returns. With more than 75 years of combined operating experience in the energy industry, VoLo Earth invests with clarity and conviction in the sector’s complexity — screening and winning high-quality deals, creating value from the first founder conversation, and driving portfolio companies toward successful exits. For more information, visit www.voloearth.com.

Media Contact

Fiana Tulip
Mahoney Communications Group
fiana@mahoneycommunications.com

Hipoges, a leading servicer in asset management in Southern Europe, closed the first six months of the year with the sale of nearly 10,000 real estate assets in Spain, Portugal and Greece, further consolidating its position as a key player in the sector.

“These results confirm that we continue to deliver top-tier services — offering all kinds of solutions to our clients throughout the entire life cycle of a real estate asset, consistently bringing thousands of assets to the market," said Margarida Maia, general manager at Hipoges. "Beyond the figures, what truly matters is that Hipoges has established itself as a benchmark in the market, continuously expanding its capabilities through the group’s companies, while also exploring new business lines and markets."

By asset type, most of the sales formalised by Hipoges up to June were concentrated in the residential segment, followed by land and commercial assets. This distribution reflects the strength of housing demand, urban development opportunities, and the growing interest in tertiary assets.

At group level, Hipoges managed an asset portfolio worth over €48 billion, distributed across the four countries where it operates: Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy. In addition, the company already manages more than 160 portfolios globally, as well as the debt associated with over 190,000 mortgage loans.

Transformation, diversification, and sustainable growth strategy

Beyond its commercial activity, the company has, during the first half of the year, deepened its strategy of transformation, diversification, consolidation, and sustained growth in Southern Europe, a strategy that has been part of its DNA since its founding nearly two decades ago.

Expanding its footprint beyond Spain and Portugal, Hipoges has doubled down on its commitment to Italy in 2025, with the integration of its affiliate Axis SPA — now operating as Hipoges SPA — and the launch of a strategic plan aimed at seizing market opportunities and opening new business lines, such as a dedicated Real Estate division. The goal is to achieve double-digit organic growth in the coming years. The integration also includes the in-house law firm Axis Law, now Hipoges Law, which will continue to support investment funds and financial institutions in complex transactions, offering integrated legal coverage and reducing operational risk.

At the same time, the company has also made progress in its consolidation strategy in the Greek market, where it has contributed to capital raising, strengthened relationships with key local players, and successfully executed several acquisitions of non-performing exposure (NPE) portfolios. Additionally, Hipoges is actively exploring inorganic growth opportunities in the Greek market.

Meanwhile, the companies within the Hipoges Group have continued their growth trajectory. KPI Hotel Management signed an exclusive agreement with NextGen Sports to manage hospitality assets integrated into the sports complexes being developed by the company across Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy. Domus RS has launched its new 2025–2027 strategic plan, which aims to consolidate its presence in Spain and expand in Portugal, exceeding 18,000 assets under management with a portfolio value between €2.5 and €3 billion.

Finprop Capital has launched new funds and entered the Spanish market, while Finanwin has processed more than 10,000 financing applications, referring operations worth nearly €20 million in mortgage debt to its partner financial institutions — doubling its activity compared to the previous year.

These milestones reinforce the company’s strategic plan, which focuses on diversifying and expanding its service offerings as well as strengthening its footprint in the countries where it operates.

About Hipoges

Founded in 2008, Hipoges is currently a leading platform in the asset management sector, managing approximately €48 billion in assets. These assets include residential mortgages and repossessed properties, developer loans, unsecured consumer loans, SME loans, and loans to large corporations secured by various types of collateral, as well as invoices with public administrations. Additionally, Hipoges provides advisory services in valuation and acquisition processes, consultancy in process design and implementation of management tools, as well as management solutions for diverse assets and investments. Hipoges manages these activities through a team of over 1,800 professionals across four countries (Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy), supported by an advanced proprietary technology platform that enables the optimal strategy for managing each asset. For more information, visit www.hipoges.com.

Media Contact

Raquel Nueno
rnueno@atrevia.com

Carlos Ungría
cungria@atrevia.com

At the 10th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong, jointly organized by the Government of the Hong Kong SAR and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, AnchorX, a leading stablecoin issuer from Central Asia and the first recipient of a stablecoin license from the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) in Kazakhstan, officially announced the launch of AxCNH, a stablecoin pegged to the offshore Chinese Yuan (CNH). The company signed key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Zoomlion, Lenovo, China Brilliant Global, ATAIX, and Conflux to explore AxCNH’s applications in cross-border payments, trade settlements, digital asset trading, and Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization.

AxCNH is designed to facilitate seamless cross-border payments and settlements for offshore Chinese enterprises and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. In 2024, China’s total trade volume with BRI nations reached RMB 22.1 trillion, accounting for 50.3% of the country’s total trade volume.

Among its strategic collaborations, AnchorX has partnered with Zoomlion, a global leader in mechanical equipment manufacturing with operations in over 100 countries and a significant presence across BRI regions. In 2024, Zoomlion reported overseas revenue of RMB 23.4 billion, accounting for more than 50% of its total revenue. AnchorX and Zoomlion have successfully tested AxCNH transactions on the Conflux blockchain network. Looking ahead, the two companies will collaborate to enhance cross-border payments using AxCNH, enabling Zoomlion and its BRI partners to streamline settlements with greater efficiency and reduced costs.

AnchorX has also secured a listing agreement with ATAIX Eurasia, a leading licensed cryptocurrency exchange in Kazakhstan, and deployed AxCNH on the Conflux blockchain, where initial testing took place. AxCNH will be available for trading on the ATAIX platform in two pairs: AxCNH:KZT and AxCNH:USDT, with access currently limited to professional clients.

The launch of AxCNH marks a significant milestone as the first licensed offshore Yuan-pegged stablecoin. As trade between China and BRI countries continues to expand, AnchorX positions AxCNH as an important infrastructure tool to enhance trade efficiency, reduce exchange rate volatility, and lower transaction costs for enterprises operating across BRI economies, thereby supporting the internationalization of CNH.

Media Contact

Jozey Zhou
enquiry@anchorx.org

EchoTwin AI, a global leader in AI-powered digital twins and urban intelligence, will showcase its groundbreaking “See, Think, Act” technology stack at GITEX Global 2025, the world’s largest technology and innovation event. Visitors can experience EchoTwin’s live demonstrations at Hall 14, Stand H14-D15.

EchoTwin AI’s mission is to build cognitive cities—urban environments that continuously sense, interpret, and act to sustain livability, resilience, and efficiency. By unifying edge vision systems, proprietary vision-language models (VLMs), and city-scale digital twins, EchoTwin transforms municipal fleets into AI-powered sensing networks that not only monitor infrastructure and environmental conditions, but also predict and resolve issues before they escalate—creating what the company calls “self-healing cities.”

Technology Showcase at GITEX

At GITEX Global 2025, EchoTwin AI will present live demonstrations of its flagship solutions:

• CityVision One: Edge-mounted vision devices that turn municipal fleets into real-time compliance and infrastructure monitoring platforms, capturing road, asset, and environmental data at scale.
• CityWide Platform: A cognitive digital twin environment that fuses AI-powered sensing with predictive analytics to deliver actionable intelligence for municipalities.
• CitySync: A virtual data layer that unifies and delivers data from diverse sources through a seamless, centralized access point. It allows users, applications, and analytics platforms to interact with real-time data as though it were coming from a single, integrated system—without physically replicating or moving the data.

Vision and Global Reach

“GITEX Global 2025 is the perfect stage to demonstrate how cities can move beyond ‘smart’ and into truly cognizant, responsive infrastructure,” said Chris Carson, founder and CEO of EchoTwin AI. “Our mission is to give municipalities the tools to move from reactive problem-solving to predictive, self-healing operations—helping cities everywhere become cleaner, safer, and more sustainable.”

EchoTwin AI’s solutions are already being deployed at scale, with pilots and contracts underway in the UAE, Qatar, and major U.S. cities. The company’s strategic partnership with multiple cities across the Gulf countries has positioned the region at the forefront of global smart city innovation—demonstrating how everyday fleets can become the digital backbone of cognitive cities.

About EchoTwin AI

EchoTwin AI is a leader in infrastructure intelligence, redefining how cities are managed. Powered by a proprietary visual intelligence engine with full spatial reasoning, EchoTwin transforms municipal fleets into mobile urban sensors—creating living digital twins that provide real-time insights into infrastructure, compliance, and safety. By enabling municipalities to proactively monitor, predict, and resolve issues, EchoTwin helps build resilient, self-healing, and sustainable urban ecosystems. More than “smart cities,” EchoTwin is advancing the era of cognitive cities—urban environments with the awareness to see, think, and act on challenges in real time. Learn more at www.echotwin.ai.

Media Contact

Chris Carson
CEO, EchoTwin AI
chris.carson@echotwin.ai

Today, Atlanta businessman, community servant and principled conservative Clark Dean announced his candidacy for governor of Georgia, positioning himself as the outsider candidate focused on delivering results for Georgia families.

A proven innovator in business and community leadership, Dean is the founder of Transwestern's Transaction Sciences Group. There, he has built a nationally recognized practice that helps companies, nonprofits and communities thrive. With a background in biomedical engineering, management consulting and financial structuring, Dean has spent his career focused on building businesses, growing jobs and strengthening communities.

"As an outsider and business leader, I will stand firm in our shared conservative American principles, put Georgia families first and deliver real results," Dean said.

Dean is running for governor because he believes Georgia families deserve leadership that puts focus on them. Like President Donald Trump, Dean is a businessman and outsider who wants to prioritize solutions over politics. He knows too many families are struggling with the rising costs of housing, healthcare and everyday essentials, and he is committed to building an affordable Georgia where every family has the opportunity to own a home and provide for their family's future. Dean believes Georgia needs a leader who will build on the successes of Governor Brian Kemp to ensure Georgia keeps moving forward.

"My agenda is clear: unleash Georgia's potential, strengthen our communities, and deliver tangible results that help Georgia families," Dean stated. "I'll be a governor who represents ALL Georgians.”

He also believes prosperity should be shared across every corner of the state and will champion innovation, workforce development and public-private partnerships to grow Georgia's economy, attract new investment and prepare the next generation for success. The key to a prosperous future begins in the classroom. Dean will focus on improving Georgia's education system so Georgians can dream big and achieve even bigger.

Dean has always lived by the values of service, integrity and leadership. He and his wife raised their family in Georgia, and his roots run deep in the communities he has served. He is a past president of the Rotary Club of Atlanta and currently serves on numerous boards, including the Shepherd Center, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and Café Momentum Atlanta. Dean studied biomedical engineering at Harvard, where he played varsity football and served as a class officer before launching his business career. Now he is ready to bring the same innovative spirit, business expertise and leadership to the governor’s office so Georgia families can thrive in a more affordable, accessible and prosperous state.

About Clark Dean for Governor

Clark Dean is a Georgia business leader, community servant, husband and father running for governor. Founder of Transwestern’s Transaction Sciences Group, Dean has built a nationally recognized practice supporting companies, nonprofits and communities. With a background in biomedical engineering, management consulting and financial structuring, he has focused his career on building businesses, creating jobs and strengthening communities. A past president of the Rotary Club of Atlanta, Dean serves on boards including Shepherd Center, YMCA of Metro Atlanta and Café Momentum Atlanta. He lives in Georgia with his wife and family. For more information, visit www.clarkdeanforga.com.

Media Contact

Lynn Smith
Founder and CEO, Lynn Smith Media & Communications
lynn@lynnsmithtv.com

Larder & Vine, a premium heirloom cookware brand, announced its collaboration with celebrity chef Joe Sasto to co-design and launch an exclusive enameled cast iron cookware collection, which will be available on October 1st, 2025.

The Chef Joe Sasto Cookware Collection features three cookware staples in a distinctive purple hue known as Grappa, inspired by Italian wine and late-night culinary creativity. Combining chef-crafted performance with design, each piece showcases Sasto’s style and features brushed gold finishings, his iconic mustache engraved on each knob, and his signature on the bottom of each piece.

The launch coincides with Sasto’s highly anticipated upcoming cookbook, “Breaking the Rules: A Fresh Take on Italian Classics,” available October 21 and now on pre-order through Amazon. The cookbook represents Sasto’s bold approach to Italian-inspired cooking, and the recipes complement this custom-designed cookware collection perfectly. Both make great gifts for home chefs and help bring his recipes to life.

“I partnered with Larder & Vine because they understood my vision from the start - cookware that performs like a chef’s tool but feels approachable and fun in any kitchen,” says Chef Sasto. “Purple has always felt a little rebellious to me. We called it Grappa because, like the spirit, it’s bold, vibrant, and unapologetic — a color that makes you want to cook and celebrate. It was also my late Mom's favorite color and will always have a special place in my heart.”

The Larder & Vine x Chef Joe Sasto Collection Includes:

• Enameled Cast Iron Skillet with Lid: Versatile for frying, baking, and late-night culinary creations.
• Enameled Cast Iron Chef’s Pan with Tempered Glass Lid & Steam Vent: Designed for sautéing and simmering, with a vent to prevent boiling-over.
• Enameled Cast Iron Round Braiser with Lid: Ideal for browning and slow cooking, its lid is interchangeable with the Chef’s Pan for double the use.

Performance Meets Personality:

• Performance-driven design, crafted down to the detail by Chef Joe Sasto himself, using his flavor-first approach.
• Compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F for maximum versatility
• Triple-layer enamel coating is designed for even heat distribution and reliable heat retention.
• Moisture-locking lids ensure food remains tender and flavorful.
• Clean cooking, the enamel coating is free from PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, and free from added lead and cadmium.
• Dishwasher-safe yet beautifully made to be hand-washed.

The Larder & Vine x Chef Joe Sasto Exclusive Collection will be available October 1 at www.larderandvine.com.

About Larder & Vine

Dedicated to bringing people together through the art of cooking and the joy of shared meals, Larder & Vine’s cookware transforms every culinary moment into an experience of creativity, connection, and elegance. Crafted to be both functional and timeless, Larder & Vine designs cookware to become a future heirloom, carrying the stories of cherished recipes across generations. For more information, visit www.larderandvine.com.

About Chef Joe Sasto

Celebrity chef Joe Sasto discovered his love for cooking and Italian classics as a child at his mother’s side. His passion for pasta deepened while working at Quince, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in San Francisco. In 2018, Sasto forged his own path with the dream of opening a restaurant. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, he pivoted to teaching virtual pasta-making classes.

With more than half a billion likes and countless viral social media videos, Sasto has become a recurring judge and chef personality on multiple Food Network shows. He also has competed on “Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions,” “Guy’s Grocery Games” and “Chopped,” as well as Bravo’s “Top Chef” and “Top Chef All-Stars.”

In 2022, Sasto made the Food Network’s first “Hot List.” Beyond his career as a chef, he developed a high-end customizable pasta and pizza tool line. He also created Tantos, a puffed pasta chip, and Ripi, a gourmet frozen ravioli brand. His first cookbook, “Breaking the Rules” — a fresh take on Italian classics — will be published in October 2025 by Simon Element. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Kait, and their dog, Tito.

Media Contact

Savanah Modesitt
savanah@presshook.com

Joining the World Series of Trading (WSOT) can be intense. Hundreds of competing traders are fighting for multi-million USDT prize pools, and the leaderboard can change by leaps and bounds in a matter of hours. Without a solid framework, it's easy to overtrade, chase setups, or succumb to FOMO. That’s why having realistic weekly targets isn't a "nice-to-have"; it can be an edge.

Weekly targets give structure. They turn a long, multi-week contest into manageable blocks. Each week becomes a tactical unit, a chance to optimize entries, adjust position sizing (PS), and control leverage without being weighed down by previous wins or losses. It’s about focusing on what’s controllable: trade execution, risk management, and incremental growth.

Key Takeaways

Use SMART metrics tailored to trading: ROI, drawdowns, PS, leverage, and ATR.

• Track performance and adapt goals based on data, not emotion.
• Consistency, discipline, and incremental gains compound over time, both on the leaderboard and in trading skill development.

Breaking WSOT Into Manageable Phases

The World Series of Trading format makes the weekly reset a fundamental aspect. Having every week form its own phase helps with the handling of mental load and keeps focus on executable performance rather than the leaderboard as a whole. Even if the first week did not go according to plan, good execution in the next cycle can catch up, thanks to the reset mechanics.

Phased planning also encourages disciplined strategy. Each week, traders can review P&L, tweak leverage, or adjust margin types (isolated vs. cross). For example, if last week’s aggressive isolated trades led to overexposure, lowering leverage or consolidating positions this week can stabilize equity. Thinking in phases keeps attention on immediate tasks instead of the overwhelming volatility of the total leaderboard.

Achievable Goal Frameworks

Once weekly cycles are mapped, setting measurable, actionable objectives is critical. The SMART framework—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—fits well in trading, but it needs a practical edge.

Goals might include:

• “Hit 3% ROI this week while keeping single-trade risk below 1% of account equity.”
• “Limit open positions to five per day unless ATR or volatility signals justify additional trades.”

Incorporating risk/reward ratios (RR) adds discipline. Maintaining a minimum 2:1 RR ensures trades aren’t chasing upside at the expense of excessive risk. Goals like these keep strategies precise, measurable, and realistic while allowing flexibility for high-volatility setups.

Risk Management as Goal Discipline

In WSOT, protecting capital is just as important as hitting ROI targets. Weekly objectives tied to drawdown limits reinforce discipline. Here’s a practical example: “Stop trading if a 5% drawdown occurs this week.”

Drawdown limits are not limitations—they're cushions. Leverage accentuates both gains and losses, and hence, strictness in drawdowns is crucial. The integration of risk management as a component of weekly goals can prevent long-term participation at the cost of missing opportunities to capitalize on favorable market conditions. Capital protection is not an option—it's part of winning.

Tracking and Adapting Goals

Tracking every trade is highly essential in WSOT. It’s easy to think “I’ll remember this,” but setups get messy, numbers blur, and patterns are missed. Everything—P&L, entries and exits, position sizing (PS), leverage, whether weekly targets were hit—needs to be logged. Over time, the same mistakes show up. Same setups get skipped. The same strategies make money again and again. Noticing these things is how edges actually appear.

Every week, take a look at what happened. Hit the ROI target? Maybe the plan was too cautious. Missed it? Something went sideways—execution or strategy slipped somewhere. Adjustments don’t have to be complicated: move stop-losses, tweak leverage, change PS. The point isn’t sticking to a rigid plan. It’s seeing the data, figuring out what’s broken, and adapting fast. Markets aren’t static, and neither should a trader’s approach be. Discipline comes from observing, adjusting, and doing it consistently, not from hoping luck carries trades.

Milestone-Based Strategy for WSOT

Weekly milestones turn WSOT from a long, stressful grind into something a lot more manageable. Instead of staring at a leaderboard that seems to change by the minute, each week becomes its own little battlefield—a chance to focus on trades, control risk, and actually stick to a plan. Breaking the event into phases, setting SMART goals, keeping an eye on drawdowns, and tracking execution gives you a repeatable routine. It’s the kind of workflow that keeps discipline from slipping when the market gets messy.

Winning in WSOT isn’t just about reading charts or knowing indicators. Mental toughness matters. Sticking to your plan matters. Adapting on the fly matters. Milestones let small wins pile up, make mistakes feel like data instead of failure, and give you a chance to tweak your strategy week by week without panicking.

The leaderboard may move fast, but disciplined trades compound quietly. Each weekly cycle is a chance to learn what worked, fix what didn’t, and adjust without ever breaking your own risk rules.

China Center for International Communication Development (CCICD) issued a press release on Friday to promote a series of Suzhou classical garden art events held in Canada, aimed at enhancing cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between China and Canada.

With a history of nearly 2,500 years, the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou is often referred to as the "Venice of the East." The events included the launch of a Suzhou classical garden art exhibition in the Canadian tourist city of Victoria on September 9, and a Suzhou Garden Aesthetics Exhibition opened in Vancouver on September 11.

The Suzhou classical garden art exhibition in Victoria, titled "A Miniature Universe: Gardens from Suzhou – Lion Grove Garden Meets Butchart Gardens," is divided into four sections: "Tracing the Roots of Jiangnan," "A Miniature Universe," "The Language of Flowers in Four Seasons," and "Garden Celebrations."

The exhibition highlights the interplay between Eastern garden philosophy, which creates a "miniature universe," and Western horticultural aesthetics, which transforms gardens into a "fairyland of four seasons," serving as a cultural bridge connecting the peoples of China and Canada.

The event also featured an interactive Suzhou garden workshop where guests crafted garden-themed seals symbolizing friendship, experienced the art of Suzhou embroidery, and enjoyed performances of Kunqu opera excerpts from "The Peony Pavilion" and a symphony quartet. Through these multidimensional experiences, attendees gained a deeper appreciation of Jiangnan culture and the artistic charm of Suzhou’s classical gardens.

As a flagship initiative for Suzhou’s international cultural exchanges, the Suzhou Garden Aesthetics Exhibition at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver centered on the theme of “The Aesthetic Life of Suzhou Gardens.”

The event, marking the 28th anniversary of the sister garden relationship between the Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver, features a poetic prelude titled "Tracing the Cultural Roots" and six distinctive sections: "Elegant Artifacts of Suzhou Study Rooms" showcases the refined elegance of traditional scholarly spaces; "Ink Wash Jiangnan: Garden Inscriptions" conveys the profound beauty of calligraphy and poetry in gardens; "Fleeting Beauty: Four Seasons in Gardens" captures the dynamic charm of changing garden scenery.

Through diverse displays including garden furnishings, replicated museum paintings and calligraphy, and seasonal photography, the exhibition vividly interprets the philosophical wisdom of Chinese classical gardens — "creating a universe within a tiny space," the press release added.

Media Contact

Simon Shi
simon_sg@163.com

Peter Law Group today announced the settlement of a nearly five-year legal battle to resolve claims that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), discriminated against more than 1500 female corrections officers and CDCR employees who were denied reasonable accommodations while pregnant between June 15, 2015 and May 31, 2020.

Under the settlement, which covers three individual pieces of litigation, CDCR will pay monetary relief totaling $5.1 million. After court-approved administration fees, award of attorney fees and costs, and service awards for Plaintiffs who brought and filed the litigation, participating class members will get individual payments, estimated to be over $3.1 million plus accrued interest at the time of payments. The Superior Court judge supervising the case cited the “outstanding” legal representation, especially given the case’s complexity and public impact.

 “We are very pleased to be concluding this matter with the CDCR and look forward to working with their team to implement the terms of this agreement,” said Arnold Peter of Peter Law Group, counsel to the plaintiffs. “Attorney General Rob Bonta and his entire team, along with Deputy Attorney General Joshua Irwin, worked collaboratively with us to craft a fair and meaningful outcome that also produced important revisions to internal CDCR regulations raised in this lawsuit.”

The agreement resolves all claims arising out of a now-ended CDCR policy that previously required female prison guards at any stage of their pregnancy to either:

1. Stay in their current position, waive any medical restrictions, confirm their ability to perform each and every essential job function and assume liability for any injury caused by their decision to ignore medical restrictions;
2. Accept a demotion, resulting in reduced pay, loss of peace officer status, loss of seniority, loss of benefits and loss of right to bid for shifts; or
3. Take a combination of paid and unpaid leave as an accommodation.

Under the terms of the agreement, the parties worked to identify corrections officers and other employees who may be eligible for compensation. Although the initial plaintiffs included just nine women, the total number of female CDCR employees impacted by the settlement is anticipated to include more than 1500 individuals.

“The fight for equality in the workplace is far from over. The remarkably brave women who brought this case were forced to make extremely difficult choices that no man in the same role would ever have to make,” Peter said. “It has been a privilege to represent them and, in doing so, bring to a close an archaic practice replaced with new regulations that should be a model for corrections institutions across the nation.”

In mounting and pursuing this matter, the Peter Law Group worked closely with the legislative policy team at the California Employment Lawyers Association, who assisted in advancing legislation to address the issues at the heart of the case. While zealously protecting the interests of the State of California and the CDCR, the Office of the California Attorney General engaged creatively to construct a complex settlement framework which provides fair, equitable compensation and meaningful justice to the individuals harmed while the challenged policy was in effect.

As a direct result of the lawsuit, in April of 2020 the CDCR modified regulations pertaining to limited term light duty assignments (LTLDA) and adopted regulations pertaining to a temporary modified work assignment (TMWA). These changes in the law, which were implemented immediately, now grant all CDCR employees the benefit of light duty positions and waiver of essential functions due to a pregnancy related disability.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2021, women comprised roughly 28% of all corrections officers employed in the United States.

Case Number: 19STCV09935 JACQUELINE CARREON, ET AL. VS CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS & REHABILITATION
Case Number: 20STCV10154 KAREN BAGUBE, ET AL. VS CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS & REHABILITATION

About Peter Law Group

Peter Law Group is a boutique law firm founded and managed by Arnold P. Peter, a former U.S. reserve military officer who also served as chair of the California State Bar Labor and Employment Law Section and vice president of legal and business affairs at Universal Studios. The firm represent clients based in California, across the United States and internationally. For more information, visit peterlawgroup.com.

Media Contact

Bennett Kleinberg
bkleinberg@jupiterstrategies.com

Out of home (OOH) advertising is proving to be one of the most powerful tools in sports marketing, according to a new national study released today by the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) and The Harris Poll.

The findings reveal that sports fans are not only noticing OOH ads, but also acting on them. Nearly 6 in 10 U.S. adults recall recently seeing an OOH ad for a major sporting event, and of those, 90% took real-world action, whether by watching the game, talking about it with friends, or engaging on social media.

Perhaps most striking, 99% of fans who attended a game following OOH ad exposure spent money locally, underscoring the medium’s role in driving economic impact for host cities through hotels, restaurants, and transportation.

“OOH doesn’t just sell tickets. It fuels the entire sports economy,” said Anna Bager, President and CEO, OAAA. “Sports audiences are primed for action when they encounter OOH in context. What stands out in this research is the combination of high recall and immediate action steps, from social engagement to ticket purchases and event attendance. From building anticipation for the World Cup to filling stadiums and energizing local businesses, OOH captures the energy of live sports like no other medium.”

Key Findings

• Fans act, and they post about it: Among those who see sports OOH ads, 90% take action and 61% engage on social media. Humor and star power features are leading reasons for posting.

• Local economic driver: Nearly every fan who attended a game after seeing an OOH ad spent money locally, highlighting the channel’s measurable impact on host city economies.

• Practical messaging resonates: Fans most value event schedules, ticketing, and viewing options in OOH ads, showing the medium’s role as a planning tool in addition to brand building.

• World Cup momentum: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, 62% of U.S. adults say they want to see OOH ads connected to the tournament. Nearly all those interested say they would take further action, and 96% would look up more information, discuss it with friends, or engage on social media.

Why It Matters

OOH has long been a fixture of the live sports experience, from stadium signage to citywide billboards. This research shows its influence now extends far beyond the venue. Sports OOH is building fan excitement, amplifying social buzz, and driving measurable local economic impact.

With nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults eager to engage with OOH campaigns tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, advertisers, leagues, and sponsors have a clear opportunity to reach fans in the moments that matter most.

As fans gear up for the biggest sporting moments, OOH is not just building awareness. It is sparking conversations, driving ticket sales, and boosting local economies.

For more information or to access the full report, contact Steve Nicklin at snicklin@oaaa.org or 202-833-5566.

About 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 oaaa.org.

Media Contact

Cassady Nordeen
cassady@purposenorthamerica.com

With the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) drawing nearer, preparations are accelerating across all fronts. As the world's first import-themed national-level expo, the CIIE has consistently provided a stage for governments, businesses and international organizations to expand cooperation and unlock new opportunities in China's dynamic market.

CIIE Wins Global Praise

At the United Nations Global Development Initiative Seminar in Geneva, the CIIE was endorsed as the gateway linking China and the global economy. UN officials noted that the Expo has become a premier platform for debuting global products, unveiling cutting-edge technologies and advancing innovative services, while demonstrating China's commitment to openness, sustainable growth and inclusive development.

Preparations in Full Swing

This year's event is taking shape with wide international participation. So far, more than 50 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in the Country Pavilion, reflecting global recognition of the Expo's value. Overseas companies are showing robust enthusiasm: exhibition bookings have already exceeded 330,000 square meters. Notably, 170 overseas enterprises and 27 institutions will appear as eight-time full-attendance exhibitors, continuing their long-standing engagement with the CIIE.

Comprehensive Corporate Pavilion

The Corporate Pavilion will again showcase six major sectors.

From frontier technologies and sustainable solutions featured at CIIE-TECH, to global food and agricultural products presented at CIIE-FOOD, the Expo emphasizes both innovation and daily consumer needs.

Emerging industries will take center stage in CIIE-NOVA, while CIIE-MOVE introduces future-oriented mobility solutions. Meanwhile, CIIE-LIFESTYLE highlights premium consumer goods under the vision of "Better Quality, Better Life".

Together, these areas offer participants a broad spectrum of opportunities to engage with China and strengthen global cooperation.

As the countdown continues, the 8th CIIE warmly invites exhibitors and professional visitors worldwide to join this landmark event in Shanghai this November.

Exhibitors may register here: https://www.ciie.org/exhibition/f/book/new/register?locale=en®isterFrom=no.

Professional visitors can pre-book here: https://www.ciie.org/ciie/f/visitor/pre-book?locale=en.

The 8th CIIE is ready to play a vital role in revitalizing multilateral cooperation and advancing a more open global economy.

About China International Import Expo (CIIE)

Media Contact

Cui Yan
cuiyan@sinoexpo.cc

TruSkin, a leader in skin-friendly nutrition, today announced the launch of its new Collagen Peptide Serum, a proactive and potent solution designed to strengthen the skin barrier and deliver visible results. The serum is a holistic solution for skin health, formulated to reinforce the existing skin barrier while also strengthening new skin cells.

Created for people ages 30 to 55 and older, the serum was made for those who prioritize their health and are looking to prevent the visible signs of aging before they appear. It delivers on this by focusing on skin strength and resilience.

The Collagen Peptide Serum is a lightweight, non-tacky formula with a botanical-infused blend. Its key ingredients work together to provide a comprehensive solution for skin health:

• Collagen Peptides: These help support the skin barrier, improve elasticity and hydration, and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
• Ceramides: They work to reinforce the skin barrier, creating a smooth, intact defense against environmental aggressors.
• Green Algae Extract: A nourishing antioxidant that supports elasticity, contributing to a visibly firmer, more youthful look.
• Superfruits: These provide strong antioxidant support, helping to protect the skin from environmental stressors that can lead to premature aging.

"Our new Collagen Peptide Serum is a proactive approach to skincare," said Chris Marschall, CEO of Wellbeam Consumer Health. "We know that strong skin is healthy skin, and this serum is formulated to help maintain that strength long-term by improving elasticity, strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier, and protecting against external aggressors like pollution and UV rays that can cause premature aging."

The new Collagen Peptide Serum retails for $15.99 and is now available on truskin.com and TruSkin’s Amazon storefront as well as in major U.S. retailers including Kroger, Meijer and HEB.

About TruSkin

TruSkin was founded on the belief that skin health is fundamental to overall health and wellbeing, and is committed to nurturing skin health from the outside in with our purposeful, botanical-infused blends, intentionally chosen to work with skin, not against it. With its Skin Friendly, Skin Nutrition™ motto, TruSkin formulas are also cruelty-free, dermatologist and clinically-tested, manufactured in GMP-certified U.S. facilities, and clean (with no parabens, sulfates, phthalates or PEGs). TruSkin's formulas can be used in a customizable way to adhere to all of your skin health needs. From cleansers and toners to serums and moisturizers, there's a product or even a combination of products for every skin type. For more information, visit truskin.com.

TruSkin® is a Wellbeam Consumer Health brand and is available at Amazon, Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and other retailers.

Media Contact

Sophie Reardon
sophie@amp3pr.com

Lucra, the leading social competition platform, today announced a partnership with Save My Play, the AI-powered sports camera system trusted by clubs, coaches, and players across more than 1,000 courts in over 15 countries. The collaboration integrates Lucra’s white-label competition engine with Save My Play’s court-recording platform, letting tennis, pickleball, padel, and table tennis players enter skill-based tournaments and challenges during live play and recorded sessions for cash prizes and exclusive rewards.

This partnership represents Lucra's expansion into AI-driven sports technology, combining Save My Play's automated video capture capabilities with competitive gameplay to create an entirely new category of court-based social competition. With Save My Play already powering more than 1,000 courts globally and having live streamed over 5 million minutes, the integration will bring social tournaments and challenges to thousands of players who are already capturing and analyzing their performance.

Save My Play's innovative camera system automatically follows action on tennis, pickleball, padel, and other court sports, creating professional-quality footage without requiring camera operators. By integrating Lucra's tournament infrastructure, players can now turn their recorded sessions into competitive experiences, challenging friends or joining larger tournaments based on their actual gameplay performance captured through Save My Play's AI technology.

"Save My Play has built something remarkable: an affordable AI-powered court recording that delivers broadcast-quality coverage at scale," said Dylan Robbins, CEO of Lucra. "By adding Lucra’s competition layer, every recorded session becomes an opportunity to compete, whether it's challenging a friend to a skills contest or joining a community tournament. This partnership shows how we can bring social competition to any environment where performance is already being measured and captured."

The integration addresses the growing demand for competitive experiences in individual and small-group sports, particularly as more players seek ways to stay engaged and motivated in their training. Rather than just recording sessions for analysis, players can now participate in ongoing competitions that reward consistency, improvement, and skill demonstration.

"Lucra's technology is the perfect complement to our mission of helping players capture, analyze, and celebrate their best moments," said David Fox, CEO and co-founder of Save My Play. "Now, every serve, every rally, and every highlight can become part of a larger competitive experience that keeps players coming back and pushes them to improve. It's exactly the kind of engagement our facility partners have been looking for."

For Save My Play's facility partners, the integration provides new opportunities to increase court utilization and player retention by offering competitive programming that extends beyond traditional lessons and leagues. The combination of automated recording and competitive gameplay creates a unique value proposition that can differentiate facilities in an increasingly competitive market.

Key features of the integration will include:

• Skill-based competitions powered by AI-captured gameplay footage
• Automated tournaments using recorded session performance data
• Social challenges between players across different facilities and locations
• Reward systems that incentivize both participation and improvement
• Full compliance and payment infrastructure managed by Lucra

The partnership will begin rolling out to Save My Play's existing court network in 2026, with expanded competition formats and community features launching throughout the year.

About Lucra

Lucra is the leading provider of social competition services, offering hospitality, entertainment, and media brands the ability to natively integrate competitive gameplay into their digital platforms. Clients like Five Iron Golf, Puttshack, Backyard Sports, Dave & Buster’s, TouchTunes, and more use Lucra’s white-label technology to power tournaments and challenges, build loyalty, and drive new revenue. Learn more at www.lucrasports.com.

About Save My Play

Save My Play is a functional and cost-effective solution that combines the latest technology with AI-powered tools to offer clubs, coaches, and players top-notch quality at the click of a button. Founded in 2023, Save My Play has pioneered advanced AI-powered recording technology for sports facilities, with camera systems deployed at thousands of pickleball and tennis courts across the country. Having live streamed over 5 million minutes and delivered more than 200,000 AI highlights, Save My Play's technology enhances the booking experience through efficient session replay software and custom-built hardware, helping sports facilities operate more effectively and deliver better user experiences. Learn more at savemyplay.com.

Media Contact

Michael Madding
michael@lucrasports.com

Polymarket, the world’s largest prediction market platform, and Stocktwits, the largest social platform for investors and traders, today announced a strategic partnership to integrate real-time probabilities on market-moving events directly into the Stocktwits experience, starting with earnings markets for widely followed companies. Polymarket becomes the official prediction markets partner for Stocktwits, a milestone deal that represents the company’s largest-ever strategic partnership.

The collaboration brings together two of the most dynamic platforms in trading, speculation and investing to deliver what investors want most: transparent, continuously priced expectations around the events that move markets. For the first time, Stocktwits’ 10 million–strong community will be able to see Polymarket’s real-time, crowd-priced probabilities alongside the conversations they’re already having about earnings, sentiment, and market moves, resulting in a streamlined path to act on these views on Polymarket.

“Prediction markets transform uncertainty into clarity by turning big questions—like earnings — into simple, tradable outcomes with transparent pricing,” said Matthew Modabber, chief marketing officer at Polymarket. “Partnering with Stocktwits allows us to put that power directly into the hands of millions of investors where they already live and engage, reshaping how markets process information.”

Earnings season has long been one of the most consequential and volatile times for investors. Prediction markets transform these moments into simple, tradable questions with transparent pricing (e.g., "Will $TSLA beat earnings?"). By surfacing probabilities that update second by second, the integration gives investors a clean, continuously calibrated signal on expectations, helping them sharpen conviction with clarity.

The partnership will debut with embedded earnings outcome markets on Stocktwits ticker pages and streams, covering select companies during earnings season. Additional experiences include “mention markets” tracking whether specific terms appear on earnings calls, as well as discovery features such as curated collections and watchlists that highlight upcoming earnings with live probabilities. Probabilities will be displayed directly in Stocktwits discussions, with a tap-through to Polymarket for deeper details, order books, and settlement rules. Markets resolve on official company reports/call transcripts per clearly published rules on each Polymarket page. The rollout begins in September 2025 for select U.S. users, with broader availability throughout the earnings season.

“We are living in a post real-time world where trust, community, and great signals matter more than speed,” said Howard Lindzon, founder and CEO of Stocktwits. “Polymarket has created an entirely new way to understand news and expectations, and Stocktwits is the place where millions of investors already gather to share ideas and sentiment. Together, we can help investors cut through noise and focus on the probabilities that matter most.”

Polymarket has recently expanded rapidly, setting records for new market creation, and secured key partnerships and investments, underscoring growing mainstream interest in the world’s largest prediction market.

Visit stocktwits.com or polymarket.com/earnings to view live earnings markets and probabilities today.

About Stocktwits

Stocktwits is the leading social platform for active investors and traders, where millions of market participants connect to discuss markets in real-time. Built on the foundation of social conversation, Stocktwits has grown into a dynamic financial media company where social sentiment uniquely powers original news, video, and editorial coverage spanning equities, crypto, and macro trends. With over 10 million users, Stocktwits empowers investors to track traditional and digital asset sentiment, discover trends, and make informed decisions. Stocktwits’ mission is to help investors improve returns through community, data, content, and the latest tools. For more information, visit stocktwits.com.

About Polymarket

Polymarket is the world’s largest prediction market platform. It hosts real-time markets on events across business, sports, politics, and more, providing continuously updated probabilities that investors, media, and institutions can reference. To learn more, visit polymarket.com.

Media Contact

Melrose PR
stocktwits@melrosepr.com

The Sphere Gallery proudly announces its grand opening in the heart of Laguna Beach, California.

The evening began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Paula Hornbuckle-Arnold, former president and CEO of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, alongside the chamber’s new president and CEO, Brittany Ganson.

Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening featuring acclaimed New York artist Alexander Yulish. Known for his large-scale, emotionally charged paintings, Yulish has exhibited internationally and continues to captivate audiences with works that blur the boundaries between abstraction and figuration.

“The Sphere is not just a gallery, but a community dedicated to dialogue, creativity, and discovery…we are honored to launch this space with Alexander Yulish, an artist whose vision and artistry perfectly embody the spirit of what The Sphere represents,” said Philippe Hoerle-Guggenheim, founder of The Sphere Gallery.

When asked why he chose Laguna Beach for the gallery’s newest location, Hoerle-Guggenheim remarked: “There is a great collector community here with a distinguished and elevated taste for important blue-chip collections. We are here to work with these collectors to grow their existing collections, introduce them to our artists, and build strong, lasting relationships.”

The gallery was honored to partner with Rare Champagne, whose distinguished heritage and exquisite vintages offered the perfect accompaniment to an evening of art, dialogue, and celebration.

The Sphere Gallery’s mission is to exhibit blue-chip artists while offering collectors, curators, and the public a new space for meaningful engagement with contemporary art.

About The Sphere Gallery

Founded in 2015 in New York by Philippe Hoerle-Guggenheim, with an international presence in Madrid and Napa Valley, the Sphere Gallery has built a reputation for presenting contemporary artists whose works appear in major museum and institutional collections worldwide.

In September 2025, the gallery launched its Laguna Beach location, continuing its vision of creating a refined yet dynamic cultural destination. “There is a long history of creativity and extraordinary work in Laguna Beach. We are excited to be part of it, bringing new perspectives and introducing our longstanding relationships with blue-chip artists,” said Hoerle-Guggenheim.

Artists represented by the Sphere Gallery have been featured in leading institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Smithsonian, the Venice Biennale, Art Basel and Documenta 11 in Kassel.

For more information about the Sphere Gallery and its collection, visit www.spherehausgallery.com or follow @thespheregallery on social media.

Media Contact

Roxana Vosough
Creative Director, The Sphere Gallery
roxana@thespheregallery.com
+1 949-235-2459

Libya's Government of National Unity (GNU) has successfully reached a comprehensive agreement to defuse the recent tensions in Tripoli, avoiding the outbreak of conflict and protecting civilians from harm. This outcome underscores the GNU’s unwavering commitment to resolving disputes peacefully while maintaining pressure on unlawful actors to safeguard the sovereignty and stability of the Libyan state.

This breakthrough comes only days after a special operation by the Ministry of Interior uncovered and dismantled a terrorist cell in the Andalus district of Tripoli, just meters from the residence of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Aldabaiba. The raid foiled an assassination attempt targeting the Prime Minister, resulting in the killing of three cell members, arrest of two others, and the discovery that several detainees had links to ISIS.

As part of this landmark agreement, GNU institutions secured commitments from the “Rada” (Special Deterrence Force) to withdraw from key sites, including Mitiga Airport, and to hand over major detention facilities to state control under the Ministry of Justice and judicial authorities. This move marks a crucial step toward restoring full sovereignty over critical infrastructure, reinforcing civilian authority, and ending the influence of armed groups over state institutions.

The agreement was achieved through close coordination between the Presidency Council and the GNU, and is a result of combined institutional efforts under the leadership of both Prime Minister Abdulhamid Aldabaiba and Presidential Council President Mohamed Al-Menfi.

This outcome demonstrates the GNU’s ability to use coordinated political, security, and military pressure to achieve its objectives without dragging the capital into armed conflict – a priority consistently emphasized by Prime Minister Aldabaiba. By achieving this peaceful resolution, the government has taken a critical step toward dismantling unlawful parallel security structures, reinforcing state authority, and protecting civilians from the devastating impact of war.

About Government of National Unity (GNU), Libya

The Media Office of Libya's Government of National Unity (GNU) provides up-to-date government updates, official statements, and media briefings, targeting medium- to large-sized media outlets across the UK, Europe, and globally. For more information, please visit our website at gnu.gov.ly.

Media Contact

Adam Fadell
Media Office Team, Government of National Unity, Libya
adam.fadell@outlook.com

Linktour Automotive, an innovative new energy vehicle brand focused on urban mobility, announced its official entry into the European market today during its brand launch event at IAA Mobility 2025.

During the event, Linktour outlined their vision to open a fresh chapter in urban travel for Europe with its debut models L6e and L7e. Set to define a new genre in boutique urban mobility, the models feature avant-garde design, an industry-first 'Art Window', advanced smart features and unprecedented urban performance — delivering on Linktour’s mission to make fashionable, enjoyable and intelligent urban mobility accessible to all.

A Global Journey Beginning in Europe

Vibrant, stylish, avant-garde and eco-friendly, the Linktour L-series was conceptualized and designed specifically with urban drivers in mind. Seeking to alleviate the daily frustrations of city driving, the brand’s debut models combine a compact package with agile handling and advanced intelligence. Matching customer demands for both style and substance are a futuristic design with a focus on premium-quality production that meets and exceeds EU standards. Expertly crafted with Linktour’s philosophy of seamlessly blending industrial precision with people-first practicality throughout the entire creation process.

Four Key Forces Reshaping Urban Mobility

In its quest to become an urban icon, the Linktour DNA starts with "Design-driven." Geometric aesthetics boldly blend with elegant curves for a futuristic silhouette unmatched by any model in its class. The signature frameless door and panoramic sunroof transform each voyage into an artistic dance of light. Further building its futuristic identity, Linktour’s roots in technology have resulted in groundbreaking modular design and human-car interactions. Designed for real human needs, triangulating the connection between people, car and city. The debut models cement Linktour’s status as the future of urban mobility — where smart machines embolden individual lifestyles while offering warm personal spaces and effortless interactions.

Breaking new ground in "Personal Expression," no two Linktour models will be identical thanks to the brand’s innovative “Art Window.” This industry-first feature transforms the Linktour into a smart canvas for creative — or commercial — expression with the ability to seamlessly switch graphics in specialized display areas. Whether it’s a simple color change to match your mood, the courageous decision to display personal artworks or a business logo to turn your vehicle into a mobile billboard, the “Art Window” injects fun and inspiration into each journey with a personal fingerprint.

Linktour’s advanced suite of "Smart Experience" features delivers convenience, cutting-edge interactions and enhanced safety designed for the digital age. A 10.25-inch touch screen is paired with a 5-inch intelligent panel to put the driver fully in control. The user-friendly cockpit thoughtfully arranges crucial driving information by importance. One-Click Mobile Screen Projection, Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Bluetooth functionality allows drivers to extend their digital lives wherever they travel — whether for work or for leisure.

With Linktour’s all-in-one app, drivers are always in maximum control of their vehicle, even when they’re not behind the wheel. The brand’s signature app brings convenience and comfort through mobile access to vehicle status, location, locks and windows. Remote climate control equips drivers for all seasons with the ability to pre-heat their vehicle in frigid winter months or cool it off in the summer, ensuring a cozy cabin is always waiting. Meanwhile, a charge status monitor takes the pressure off powering up, freeing drivers to grab a coffee, take a stroll or finish a meeting just in time to get back to their fully charged vehicle.    

Driven by the "Urban Pioneer" philosophy, Linktour’s L-series is designed for the ultimate city driving experience as a master of agile handling and extreme adaptability.

It proudly stands as the world’s first L-series to utilize an all-aluminum frame. This greatly reduces weight, improves energy efficiency and strengthens resilience against corrosion. In another world first, it is the only L-Series with Cell to Body technology, which also increases safety while lowering center of gravity for superior handling. Linktour’s 1800mm wheelbase is leading in its class — meaning more comfortable seating and storage perfectly adapted for daily driving.

One Series, Two Experiences

The Linktour Alumi L6e “Urban Sprite” is designed for families seeking a second source of city mobility, but is equally attractive for young city drivers who prefer a fusion of efficiency and style. Maximizing the benefits of its compact and lightweight design — 2,685 mm long, 1,500 mm wide and 1,555 mm high — the Linktour Urban Sprite is ideal for traversing congested urban traffic or exploring narrow old town alleyways. While engineered for agility, the cabin is focused entirely on comfort with eco-friendly materials and 4-way adjustable sports style seating. Both debut models offer four color options: Starlit Black, Rock Grey, Sprout Green and Moon White.

The performance-oriented Linktour Alumi Elite L7e “Urban Elite” caters to those looking to push the limits. The powerful e-motor delivers a peak output of 23 kW and up to 110 N.m of torque, with acceleration from zero to 50 km/h in 5.5 seconds delivering a sporty driving experience unlike any other in its segment. Its fully loaded gradeability is increased to 35%. Meanwhile, a WMTC range of 180km opens a new world of possibilities for urban drivers. Dual driving modes are standard for the L7e version: D-mode converts the car to focus on maximizing energy efficiency, while S-mode makes city driving not just effortless but also exhilarating. An expertly-tuned chassis also features EPS+ABS+EBD+BA systems, giving drivers full mastery of their vehicle.

Intelligent Global Strategy

Linktour Automotive has initiated plans for a steady sales and service expansion around the world — with a strong dedication to stable global network growth moving forward. A focus on local support ensures convenient access to spare parts, service teams and battery maintenance.

“We believe mobility should be more than just moving from A to B; it should be an extension of one's lifestyle and attitude. Linktour is not just launching a car, we are introducing a platform that inspires self-expression. We are thrilled to embark on this journey with European drivers and look forward to working with our partners to reimagine the future of urban mobility,” said Dr. Tang, CEO of Linktour.

Linktour at IAA Mobility 2025: Hall A1, Booth D20

Media and guests have the opportunity to experience this thrilling new brand in-person by visiting the Linktour booth at IAA Mobility 2025, where a series of specialized experiences, custom vehicle showcases and designer talks have been arranged throughout the auto show weekend.

About Linktour Automotive

Linktour Automotive is a global brand specializing in new energy vehicles designed for boutique urban mobility. Targeting the global market, Linktour’s products have been developed in accordance with global standards and guided with a focus on sustainability. By boldly defining a new class of urban mobility that is vibrant, stylish and avant-garde, Linktour Automotive delivers experiences that exceed expectations through four driving forces: Design-driven, Personal Expression, Smart Experiences, and Urban Pioneer.

Linktour is part of Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group, which is a Fortune Global 500 company and a leader in both the aluminum and textile industries. Established in 1951, the group has 18 manufacturing bases, over 100,000 employees worldwide and possess a vertically integrated aluminum industry chain, complete vehicle manufacturing and end-of-life recycling and reuse solutions.

For more information, visit linktour-auto.com.

Media Contact

Qingyi Li
liqingyi@linktour-auto.com

At the prestigious IAA Mobility 2025, Hongqi made a striking European debut with its all-electric SUV, the EHS5. Liu Yigong, president of China FAW Group Co., Ltd., and Qiu Xuejun, consul general of the People's Republic of China in Munich, attended the event, together with leading international media outlets. Combining Eastern design aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, the EHS5 marks the launch of the brand’s European localization strategy and showcases Hongqi’s ambitious vision and exceptional engineering prowess to global audiences.

A New Vision for European Localization

At the press conference, Wang Lingyu, vice president of China FAW Group Import & Export Co., Ltd., unveiled Hongqi’s European localization strategy. FAW Europe, established in July in Amsterdam, will serve as a regional hub, enabling the brand to gain deeper insights and respond swiftly to Europe’s diverse market demands. Hongqi will integrate top-tier R&D resources, continuously advancing the TianGong (Intelligent Battery Electric Vehicle platform), HongHu (Hybrid Power Vehicle platform), and JiuZhang (Intelligent Software Platform for smart driving & digital interface) technology platforms, enhancing its competitiveness in smart cockpit, smart driving, smart chassis, and green powertrain. By 2028, Hongqi will offer up to 15 models in the European market, across A to E class segments, offering BEVs and HEVs as well as left- and right-hand drive versions, while establishing over 200 sales and service outlets and launching the “Care 365” service brand to provide an unparalleled premium experience. As the first model under this strategy, the EHS5 demonstrates Hongqi’s determination to lead in Europe and reflects its exceptional product capability and brand confidence.

Intelligent Design Tailored for European Families

Mr. Giles Taylor, vice president of global design and creative director of China FAW, unveiled the EHS5, designed specifically for European families. Guided by the core product philosophy of “A Fortress of Safety for Your Loved Ones, Family Camp on the Move, and First-Class Comfort for Every Journey,” the SUV seamlessly combines luxury, safety, and practicality, making it a standout highlight on the IAA exhibition floor.

Fortress-Level Safety Protection

Built on Hongqi’s “Safety First” philosophy, the EHS5 features a body structure composed of 78% ultra-high-strength steel with 2000 MPa submarine-grade protection. Its battery system meets IPX8 standards for water, fire, and puncture resistance and is equipped with multi-scenario AEB and 360° active protection, ensuring all-round safety for all occupants.

A Mobile Family Camp for Worry-Free Long-Distance Travel

The EHS5 also functions as a “mobile family camp.” With a 2,900 mm wheelbase and up to 1,653 liters of flexible storage (42L front + 1,611L rear), it easily accommodates strollers and full camping gear. Vehicle-to-load power and wireless charging further enhance daily practicality. Supporting 20-minute fast charging (10%–80%) and a WLTP range of 550 km, combined with low-temperature, low-degradation battery cells, the EHS5 ensures reliable performance even in harsh European winters, completely eliminating range anxiety for family users.

First-Class Comfort Experience

Inside, the EHS5 delivers a first-class driving and riding environment, featuring an 18-way adjustable, ventilated, heated, and massaging passenger seat, suede cloud-touch interior, dual-layer acoustic glass, and advanced suspension system, creating a serene, smooth, and luxurious experience that truly embodies Hongqi’s pursuit of “Safer Mobility Enhancing Life.”

Shaping a Promising Future Together

The launch of the EHS5 exemplifies Hongqi’s brand philosophy: “Great cars for the people who drive us.” Looking ahead, Hongqi will continue to uphold its core values of “Safety, Intelligence, Sustainability, Wellness and Excellence,” offering diverse and high-quality new energy vehicles to Europe and global markets, and working hand in hand with users to create a promising future of mobility.

About Hongqi

Media Contact

Lu Guan
guanlu1@faw.com.cn