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Sajuping (co-CEOs Yoonsup Lee and Hyunguk Sun), an AI-based future advice platform, operated an official booth at the KOOM Festival 2025 New York (also known as Dream Festival 2025 New York), to introduce its Korean AI fortune-telling service to Korean Americans and international visitors.

The festival, held Oct. 16–18 at Brooklyn’s Duggal Greenhouse, is organized by United Korean Founders (UKF) and serves as a cross-cultural platform blending performances, exhibitions, startups, and brand showcases.

This year’s edition gathered start-ups across K-content, beauty, AI, and lifestyle under the theme of “globalizing Korean creativity,” and Sajuping’s booth attracted over 3,000 visitors during the event.

“Turning Uncertain Futures into Actionable Choices” — Sajuping’s Global Debut

Sajuping operates under the philosophy of transforming an uncertain future into actionable choices by analyzing users’ birth dates to provide personalized guidance on relationships, marriage, and careers. During the festival, the company ran an interactive booth offering AI fortune consultations and tailored career, relationship, and compatibility insights.

One visitor remarked that the AI seemed to “understand my fortune and speak to my current self,” and many Korean women in their 20s and 30s praised the service as modern and trustworthy.

A Milestone for K-Fortune Tech

Co-CEO Hyunguk Sun commented, “Fortune-telling is an age-old data system that interprets human character and flow; AI is the tool that reimagines it for today. Our participation in KOOM Festival 2025 New York is the first time we have reinterpreted traditional fortune methodology through technology and showcased it to a global audience.”

He added, “Sajuping is a new form of AI adviser that helps people understand themselves and make decisions in uncertain times. We believe the service will resonate worldwide, and we plan to roll out updated versions and expand partnerships in the United States to set a new standard in K-fortune tech.”

About Sajuping

Sajuping leverages AI to analyze individual fortune data and visualize future directions, easing users’ anxieties. With the slogan “See Your Future, Anytime, Anywhere,” it targets women aged 25–35 who face pivotal life decisions. The service is currently available in South Korea and the United States, and its appearance at KOOM Festival 2025 New York marks the beginning of full-scale global expansion. For more information, visit linktr.ee/sajuping.

Media Contact

Yoonsup Lee
Sajuping
cs@sajuping.ai

Unusual Group, a global collective of specialist agencies focused on sustainable and human-led growth, today announced that its chief executive officer, Luke Tobin, has joined the board of Woya Digital as a non-executive director.

The appointment strengthens ties between the two organisations following Woya Digital’s inclusion within the Unusual Group collective earlier this year. It forms part of Unusual Group’s broader strategy to expand its "collaborative" of high-growth agencies across marketing, technology, and performance disciplines.

Expanding a Collective Built for Sustainable Agency Growth

Founded by Luke Tobin, Unusual Group launched in 2025 to support creative and digital agencies through investment, strategic guidance, and shared operational infrastructure. The group brings together independently run agencies that share a focus on measurable growth, sustainable scaling, and creative excellence.

Unusual Group’s model combines access to capital, leadership expertise, and group-wide operational support in areas including finance, legal, technology, and talent. This structure enables founders to retain their independence while benefitting from the stability and insight of a larger organisation.

Since launch, Unusual Group has continued to expand its collective of agencies across the UK, US and Europe, focusing on innovation in sectors such as digital marketing, brand strategy, sales enablement and data-driven performance. The group’s leadership team includes specialists in operations, finance, and legal governance, all aligned around the principle that unusual brands win by combining creativity with commercial clarity.

Online Search Leadership and Sector Expertise

Woya Digital, headquartered in Malta with operations across Europe, the UK and South Africa, is a digital growth and SEO agency recognised for its strong track record in improving visibility and online performance for clients across the Finance, Healthcare, and Sports industries.

Originally founded by Steve O’Brien and Natalie Karr, Woya Digital has established itself as one of Europe’s emerging specialists in organic search, digital PR, and performance marketing. Its approach combines deep sector knowledge with advanced data analytics, ensuring that each campaign is tailored to drive long-term authority, trust, and measurable growth.

“I am delighted to join the board at Woya Digital,” said Luke Tobin, CEO of Unusual Group. “Our mission at Unusual has always been to empower ambitious, founder-led agencies that think differently. Woya’s success is proof that human creativity, supported by technology and data, continues to outperform purely automated approaches. We believe in using AI and technology to enhance our teams and clients, not to replace them.”

“Luke’s appointment comes at an important time for Woya Digital,” said Steve O’Brien, CEO of Woya Digital. “Our focus on data-driven SEO and organic growth is evolving rapidly as AI and automation reshape digital marketing. With Unusual Group’s backing and Luke’s strategic insight, we are well positioned to strengthen our leadership in finance, healthcare, and sports while expanding our reach into new territories.”

Human-Led Innovation in an AI-Driven Era

Both organisations share a belief that while AI and automation can accelerate efficiency, sustainable growth still depends on human insight, creativity, and collaboration. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement, Unusual Group and Woya Digital are investing in technology to improve performance, streamline workflows, and deepen understanding of consumer behaviour.

This human-centric approach stands in contrast to much of the current marketing industry, where cost compression and automation are driving widespread restructuring. Unusual Group is taking a contrarian stance by building a portfolio of independent agencies that prioritise expertise, adaptability, and partnership.

“The next chapter of growth in our industry belongs to those who can harness technology without losing the human edge,” Tobin added. “That’s where we see the real opportunity, and that’s what Unusual Group and Woya Digital are building together.”

Read more about Woya Digital: "Woya Digital Strengthens Board with Unusual Group and Expands Global HQ to Malta"

About Woya Digital

Woya Digital is a digital growth agency headquartered in Malta. Originally founded by Steve O’Brien and Natalie Karr, the agency specialises in SEO and digital PR. Woya Digital specialises in regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, not for profit and legal, plus sports to enhance online visibility, authority, and conversion through data-driven, ethical SEO strategies and technology-supported optimisation. For more information, woya.co.uk.

About Unusual Group

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

Media Contact

Natalie Karr
hello@woya.co.uk

FG Nexus (Nasdaq: FGNX, FGNXP) (the “Company”) today announced that the Company’s common stock is now listed for trading on the Deutsche Börse in Germany under ticker symbol LU51. This international listing expands FG Nexus’s global accessibility, increases our access to capital and provides direct access to the Company’s securities for European investors.

The Deutsche Börse listing represents a significant milestone in FG Nexus’s international expansion strategy, offering European investors the opportunity to participate in the Company’s Ethereum treasury strategy and long-term growth initiatives. The listing is expected to enhance share liquidity and broaden the Company’s investor base across European markets.

“Our listing on Deutsche Börse marks another important step in our global expansion and demonstrates the international appeal of our Ethereum-focused strategy," said Kyle Cerminara, CEO of FG Nexus. “This listing provides European investors with direct access to our mission of becoming the dominant corporate stakeholder of Ethereum, and we look forward to building relationships with the European investment community as we continue to execute our long-term strategic ETH vision.”

About FG Nexus

FG Nexus Inc. (Nasdaq: FGNX, FGNXP), (the “Company”), is on the Ethereum Standard, and singularly focused on becoming the largest corporate holder of ETH in the world by an order of magnitude. In order to enhance our ETH YIELD, the Company will stake and intends to implement other yield strategies while serving as a strategic gateway into Ethereum-powered finance, including tokenized RWAs and stablecoin yield. For more information, visit fgnexus.io.

The FGNX® logo is a registered trademark.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These statements are therefore entitled to the protection of the safe harbor provisions of these laws. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “budget,” “can,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “envision,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “indicate,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possibly,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “probably,” “pro-forma,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “view,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. In particular, discussions and statements regarding the Company’s future business plans and initiatives are forward-looking in nature. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections. While we believe these to be reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may impact our ability to implement and execute on our future business plans and initiatives. Management cautions that the forward-looking statements in this press release are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assume that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. Factors that might cause such a difference include, without limitation, fluctuations in the market price of ETH and any associated impairment charges that the Company may incur as a result of a decrease in the market price of ETH below the value at which the Company’s ETH are carried on its balance sheet, changes in the accounting treatment relating to the Company’s ETH holdings, the Company’s ability to achieve profitable operations, government regulation of cryptocurrencies and online betting, changes in securities laws or regulations such as accounting rules as discussed below, customer acceptance of new products and services including the Company’s ETH treasury strategy, general conditions in the global economy; risks associated with operating in the merchant banking and managed services industries, including inadequately priced insured risks and credit risk; risks of not being able to execute on our asset management strategy and potential loss of value of our holdings; risk of becoming an investment company; fluctuations in our short-term results as we implement our business strategies; risks of not being able to attract and retain qualified management and personnel to implement and execute on our business and growth strategy; failure of our information technology systems, data breaches and cyber-attacks; our ability to establish and maintain an effective system of internal controls; the requirements of being a public company and losing our status as a smaller reporting company or becoming an accelerated filer; any potential conflicts of interest between us and our controlling stockholders and different interests of controlling stockholders; and potential conflicts of interest between us and our directors and executive officers.

Our expectations and future plans and initiatives may not be realized. If one of these risks or uncertainties materializes, or if our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, entities are required to measure certain crypto assets at fair value, with changes reflected in net income each reporting period. Changes in the fair value of crypto assets could result in significant fluctuations to the income statement results. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof and do not necessarily reflect our outlook at any other point in time. We do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect new information, future events or developments.

Investor Contact

invest@fgnexus.io

Media Contact

media@fgnexus.io

Humanity Protocol, an on-chain digital identity solution provider, today announced a new integration that brings together Mastercard's open finance connectivity with Humanity Protocol’s identity verification platform Human ID. Rolling out first in the United States, the enhanced platform will enable users to tap into open finance technology to access credit, loans, and real-world financial services through Humanity Protocol.

Human ID is designed from the ground up to support cross-platform verifications, allowing users to carry their verified identity and financial credentials portable across all extant blockchain and centralized ecosystems. Whether verifying eligibility for RWA on Ethereum, accessing embedded lending in a neobank, or unlocking personalized Defi products on Solana, the same Human ID can be reused privately, securely, and compliantly. For example, users can cryptographically demonstrate specific personal attributes like “I earn over $75,000,” “I own a qualifying asset,” or “I meet the collateral threshold,” safely and securely, with selective disclosure made possible through zero-knowledge cryptography.

Verifying personal financial information when opening an account can often be time-consuming and involve manual touchpoints. Powered by an integration to Mastercard’s open finance technology, Human ID holders will now be able to quickly verify their personal financial details, such as income level, cash flow, or asset ownership when opening a Human ID account. Data is validated and turned into cryptographic proofs that lenders and services can trust.

“We believe that identity is foundational to the future of finance,” said Terence Kwok, founder of Humanity Protocol. “Together with Mastercard, we’re enabling our Human ID holders to demonstrate they meet financial requirements, without spending valuable time on manual processes.”

One key use case is leveraging Open Finance to validate critical elements tied to their Human ID — verifying bank account ownership and validating identity attributes used to link the financial account. These reusable and privacy-preserving credentials facilitate efficient and trusted interactions across traditional and decentralized financial platforms and can simplify and accelerate participation in RWA markets.

“Data — securely permissioned by the consumer who owns it — can be a powerful asset, in many parts of our daily lives,” said Jess Turner, Global Head of Open Finance & Developer Experience at Mastercard. “We’re tapping into the power of open finance to fuel more convenient, secure financial experiences that people can depend on.”

To learn more about Human ID, please visit www.humanity.org.

About Humanity Protocol

Humanity Protocol is a decentralized identity platform that enables individuals to prove they are real, unique, and human without disclosing sensitive personal data. It combines palm-based biometrics with zero-knowledge proofs to create a secure, privacy-first identity layer for Web3 and beyond. For more information, visit www.humanity.org.

Charleston-based Clutter Cleaner South Carolina is setting a new standard in relocation services for seniors and their families. Dedicated to making sure the emotional and logistical challenges of moving and estate management easier, Clutter Cleaner offers white-glove concierge service than manages every aspect of the process with empathy, compassion and care.

Founded by a team passionate about helping seniors and their families navigate one of life's most challenging events, Clutter Cleaner offers support, including home inventory, packing, moving, unpacking, space planning and the responsible sale or disposal of unwanted items. Each service is designed to reduce stress, preserve cherished memories and ensure families can focus on what matters most: their loved ones.

"Moving a lifelong home or managing your loved one's estate is a complicated and deeply emotional journey," said Andy Brusman, CEO of Silver Gen Holdings, the owner of Clutter Cleaner South Carolina. "Our goal is to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible."

With South Carolina's senior population growing rapidly, Clutter Cleaner fills an important community need — combining expertise in every aspect of move management with genuine compassion.

"Families often feel overwhelmed by the physical and emotional toll of downsizing or sorting through a loved one's treasured belongings," added Seth Gregg, the company's president. "Clutter Cleaner exists to lift that burden and simplify the process."

About Clutter Cleaner South Carolina

Clutter Cleaner is a Charleston-based franchise providing moving and transition management services specializing in compassionate, full-service relocation support. From packing and organizing to coordinating moves, selling or donating items, and setting up new homes, Clutter Cleaner helps seniors and their families navigate change with dignity, empathy and expert care. For more information, visit cluttercleaner.com/location/south-carolina.

Media Contact

Andy Brusman
andy.brusman@cluttercleaner.com

7-HOPE Alliance, ("7-HOPE"), a trailblazing nonprofit coalition dedicated to protecting legal access to 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), today released a statement following reports that several middle school students ingested kratom products, resulting in hospitalization.

“We are deeply saddened by reports of children ingesting kratom products in Georgia,” said Jackie Subeck, founder and executive director of 7-HOPE Alliance. “No parent should have to worry about their child getting access to products like these. They are meant for adults and the kratom industry and regulators should take every step to protect children wherever possible. This is exactly why we’ve been calling for stronger state and national regulations — to protect kids, support parents, and make sure these products are responsibly manufactured and sold only to adults.”

The 7-HOPE Alliance emphasized that while kratom and its alkaloids, including 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), have shown potential as harm-reduction tools for adults, they should never be accessible to minors. The group is renewing its call for federal and state legislation that:

• Establishes 21+ age restrictions nationwide for all kratom and 7-OH products.
• Prohibits child-focused marketing, packaging, and placement in stores.
• Requires verified ID checks, independent lab testing, and accurate labeling.
• Mandates clear dosage and warning information for all retail sales.

“Even in states like Georgia, which have 21+ kratom access laws, we’re still seeing gaps that let these products reach children,” Subeck added. “Those laws didn’t go far enough. They left out bans on youth-targeted marketing and didn’t establish strict enough retail controls. We need consistent, nationwide rules that work.”

The Alliance warned that banning individual compounds, like 7-OH alone, does not make communities safer. Instead, such bans push products into unregulated underground markets where quality and age restrictions disappear. According to 7-HOPE, the solution is strong regulation, not prohibition.

“This tragedy is a wake-up call,” Subeck said. “We can’t pretend that banning one compound will keep kids safe. Only comprehensive regulation, covering every kratom-derived product, will prevent this from happening again.”

The 7-HOPE Alliance continues to work with scientists, lawmakers, and public-health advocates to advance national standards that protect youth, support responsible adult access, and ensure ongoing safety research.

About 7-HOPE Alliance

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

Media Contact

7-HOPE Alliance
media@7hopealliance.org

Draftboard today introduces the Whisper List, the world’s first ranking of venture capitalists by their network strength, rather than quantity of deals or magnitude of returns.

This marks a significant shift in how founders evaluate potential investors: no longer do they have to rely on rumors and unverifiable claims — they can now easily vet which VCs can be most helpful in making intros to their specific buyer persona, enabling smarter cap-table decisions. The Whisper List provides founders with a transparent, data-backed view of a VC’s real-world reach and influence.

The impact is immediate for founders looking for an edge: by surfacing the strongest, most relevant VCs (and providing a way to get intros to them), the Whisper List helps startups accelerate fundraising, accelerate time-to-value from investor relationships, and reduce the guesswork often involved in courting the right partner.

The Whisper List product is an outgrowth of its founding company's (Draftboard) mission to help founders find warm intros to their highest value prospects from within their existing networks. Draftboard’s relationship intelligence engine maps, validates, scores, and surfaces the optimal intro paths to every VC in the Whisper List, making it simple to request meaningful introductions that align with a company’s stage and needs.

"The Whisper List embodies our commitment to transparency and practical usefulness for founders. It arms them with verifiable, action-oriented insights about VC networks, so they can choose investors who genuinely amplify their chances for success," said Zach Roseman, founder of Draftboard.

Looking ahead, Draftboard plans to broaden the Whisper List’s reach to additional markets and cohorts, continually refining network-scoring models and expanding coverage to more VC segments and geographies. The company will also deepen integration with its existing platform tools to streamline outreach and intro requests, helping teams turn network intelligence into tangible fundraising momentum.

The Whisper List is entirely free and will roll out in phases starting Tuesday, November 4, with an initial focus on senior-level VCs in the New York Metro and San Francisco Bay Area regions, and will expand over time.

For more information on the Whisper List, visit whisperlist.draftboard.com.

For more information on Draftboard, visit www.draftboard.com. 

About Draftboard

Draftboard is a relationship intelligence agent that maps who in your network is best positioned to make intros to your highest value prospects. The agent validates, maps, scores and surfaces your best intro paths — and makes it incredibly simple to ask for those intros. To learn more, visit www.draftboard.com.

Media Contact

Zach Roseman
zach@draftboard.com

Amid the ongoing transformation of global industrial structures and deeper supply chain integration, the 6th Jiangxi (Ganzhou) Textile & Garment Industry Expo (GTG), led by the China National Garment Association, will take place from November 24 to 26, 2025, in Yudu, Ganzhou, a city renowned for China’s brand apparel manufacturing. As one of the most prominent and internationally-oriented trade fairs in Central China, GTG 2025, themed “Red Inspires Creation, Weaving a New Chapter of Dreams,” aims to serve as a bridge linking the global textile and apparel industry, showcasing the power of “Made in Yudu, Intelligent Manufacturing in China.”

More than a showcase of industrial achievements, GTG 2025 serves as an open platform for global supply chain collaboration, innovation exchange, and shared value creation. The Expo has attracted apparel brands, department store retailers, and leading distributors from over ten countries, including the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Germany, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, alongside major Chinese brands, e-commerce platforms, and wholesalers. Focusing on intelligent manufacturing, green development, and digital transformation, GTG 2025 highlights China’s global perspective and advanced capacity in textile and apparel manufacturing. Covering more than 30,000 square meters and featuring nearly 300 exhibitors, the Expo encompasses five specialized sections — apparel, fabrics and accessories, intelligent equipment, design innovation, and supporting industries — showcasing a new pattern of collaborative innovation across the entire supply chain.

Global manufacturing resources from leading brands such as Armani, adidas, Ralph Lauren, ZARA, CK, Shein, Anta, Ports, Semir, MO&CO, and INMAN will be showcased, forming a complete industrial ecosystem that connects design, manufacturing, distribution, and consumption. The 6th Jiangxi (Ganzhou) Textile & Garment Industry Expo has become a new gateway for industrial cooperation between China and the world, attracting global buyers and brand representatives. Throughout the event, a series of cross-border procurement meetings, brand partnership signings, and supply chain collaboration activities will be held, facilitating deeper integration between China’s apparel supply chain and the global fashion market. A series of large-scale industry events will be held during GTG 2025, including the 2025 China Fashion Conference and the China (Yudu) Original Women’s Wear Design Week. The 2025 China Fashion Conference, to be held in Jiangxi for the first time, will serve as the intellectual highlight of GTG 2025, bringing together over 500 leaders from China’s textile and apparel industry to explore future trends and innovation pathways in the global fashion sector.

The continued success of the Jiangxi (Ganzhou) Textile & Garment Industry Expo is driving Ganzhou·Yudu toward becoming “China’s Capital of Intelligent Women’s Wear Manufacturing” and a new global hub for the apparel supply chain. It not only reflects Jiangxi’s growing strength in China’s open economy but also provides a strategic bridge for international cooperation, shared resources, and mutual growth across the global textile and apparel industry.

Event: GTG 2025 – Bridging the Global Fashion Industry and Showcasing the Power of “Made in Yudu.”
Date: November 24–26, 2025
Venue: Yudu, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China

Media Contact

Yifan Zhou
zhouyifan2303@gmail.com

The UK has announced the creation and future implementation of digital IDs. While some herald these IDs as innovative, others are concerned about the implications they have for consumer trust and fintech. In this article, we’ll take a look at what digital IDs mean for consumers, businesses and the fintech sector as a whole. From the benefits to the advantages and everything in between, we have you covered.

What is the UK digital ID?

Announced in late 2025, the UK’s digital ID cards are designed to simplify the process of updating personal information and make identity verification significantly easier for citizens. The cards will function like an app, in much the same way that digital bank cards and the NHS App work. Information required from citizens when creating their ID includes residency status, nationality, photo, date of birth, and name.

Perhaps most significantly, digital IDs will be mandatory for anyone seeking a job in the UK. While the digital ID scheme will not be applied retroactively, those applying for work in the country by 2028 (the proposed implementation date) will need to have a valid one. The government claims that in time, digital IDs will make it easier for citizens applying for services such as welfare, childcare and driving licences, as well as accessing their tax records.

While reaction to the announcement has been mixed, so far the government seems resolute in its plan to implement digital IDs in the near future. As you might expect, this kind of change is certain to have a significant impact on both the fintech sector and overall digital trust in business verification.

How does the digital ID affect fintech?

The UK’s proposed digital IDs stand to impact fintech in a variety of ways, both negative and positive. Some of the benefits that the ID offers include enhanced security and privacy as well as streamlined application processes for certain government services. By reducing the need for physical documentation, transactions will be more efficient and secure.

In addition to the positives, digital IDs stand to impact fintech in a few negative ways. The main issue that experts have raised about their implementation centres on innovation in the industry. More specifically, industry leaders are concerned that government-sponsored (and required) digital IDs will stifle private sector solutions revolving around independent verification and innovative solutions tailored to different kinds of users and apps.

None of this is to say that the IDs are an inherently bad or harmful idea for the industry, of course, but it’s worth noting the full range of potential impacts they might have on fintech.

How does the digital ID affect digital trust in business?

Despite the concerns of fintech leaders, digital IDs stand to enhance consumers’ digital trust in businesses of all kinds. This is especially true in online gaming. BetMGM UK, a trusted and well-established name in the online gaming industry, is one example of online gaming platforms planning to implement easier verification processes, strictly adhering to government specifications as IDs are implemented. If corporations are held to stricter data privacy standards, users might feel more comfortable handing over their personal information.

We touched on this briefly above, but digital IDs also help to boost digital trust by simplifying access to government-based services. Instead of requiring extensive paperwork and lengthy verification procedures that sometimes need multiple visits or phone calls, digital IDs can be used to streamline the application process. Because they are designed to reduce fraud and make identity verification as easy as possible, digital IDs might also help to ensure that consumers have an overall safer experience interacting online, whether that means making a purchase or logging into their health records.

The UK’s impending digital ID requirements offer a variety of benefits for both users and businesses. With that said, it is important that they be implemented in a safe and secure way that emphasises data safety without impeding private sector fintech solutions. When used properly, digital IDs stand to reduce fraud and limit unlawful working in the country on both personal and corporate levels. How do you think digital IDs might impact the way that you use the internet?

Workplace safety programs are evolving. For decades, companies relied on compliance-focused approaches. Checklists, protective equipment, and procedures were the standard. Yet, studies increasingly show that human error is the leading cause of incidents across industries, not equipment failure.

Research from the U.S. National Safety Council indicates that human factors contribute to more than 90% of workplace incidents. Fatigue, distraction, and time pressure are common contributors. Modern workplaces, including hybrid and remote environments, create new challenges for maintaining consistent safety practices.

Behaviour-based safety (BBS) programs have emerged to address these human factors. Unlike traditional safety methods that focus on enforcing rules, BBS emphasizes observing behaviour. It identifies unsafe actions and reinforces safer alternatives. BBS programs also focus on the psychological states that influence decision-making, such as stress, fatigue, and rushing.

Evidence behind behaviour-based safety

Recent systematic reviews and studies suggest that BBS programs can reduce behaviour-linked incidents. A 2025 review published in Frontiers in Psychology reported an average 25–40% reduction in incidents in organisations that implemented BBS consistently. Success depends on program design, leadership engagement, and accurate measurement of behaviours.

Key components of effective BBS programs include peer observation, real-time feedback, and reinforcement of positive actions. These components aim to create lasting behavioural change. Unlike traditional methods, they go beyond once-off training or rule enforcement.

Real-world impact of BBS programs

Behaviour-based safety is associated with improvements in both safety culture and operational outcomes.

The leading indicators of BBS are behaviours, observations, and self-assessments. Focusing on these metrics helps companies anticipate risks before they result in accidents. Organisations that track these indicators often see increased near-miss reporting and higher safety awareness. Over time, this proactive approach contributes to a reduction in minor injuries.

BBS also fosters peer-to-peer accountability. When employees observe and reinforce safe behaviours among colleagues, awareness and engagement improve. This approach addresses the limitations of compliance-only programs and encourages proactive safety behaviour.

BBS: Challenges and considerations

While digital BBS tools offer benefits, they also introduce considerations around privacy and data governance. Continuous observation and feedback may raise concerns if not implemented transparently.

Experts recommend anonymising behavioural data. They also suggest clear communication about program goals. Employee involvement in program design improves trust.

Effective BBS programs require integration with broader safety systems and metrics. Success is measured by more than reduced incidents. Metrics include near-miss reporting, participation in assessments, and sustained safe behaviours.

Scaling BBS with digital tools

Digital platforms are increasingly used to extend BBS programs to dispersed workforces. Mobile apps can deliver short training capsules, daily check-ins, and self-assessment tools. These digital nudges help workers maintain awareness of potential risks and reinforce safe habits in real time.

One such platform is YouFactors, developed by SafeStart. It uses neuroscience-based methods to reduce human error. The health and safety app delivers short, repeated prompts and gamified microlearning exercises. These nudges are designed to build safer behaviours over time.

Pilot programs show measurable reductions in near-misses and minor incidents. This is particularly true in industries like logistics, construction, and manufacturing. While independent validation is limited, early results suggest digital nudges can complement traditional safety programs.

Looking ahead: Behaviour-based safety’s role

Workplaces are becoming more complex. Behaviour-based safety will likely play a bigger role in risk management. The shift from rule enforcement to behavioural awareness reflects a broader rethink of safety. Companies are now focusing on what employees actually do, not only what they are told to do.

Digital platforms can support human decision-making and reduce errors. They are most effective as part of a holistic safety culture. Tools such as YouFactors show how technology can scale these efforts. They complement traditional programs. The goal is safer workplaces across industries.

Global Z Capital, the performance-based investment advisory founded by Zier Hassan, announced new strategic partnerships and infrastructure expansion across Europe, strengthening its position as one of the fastest-growing independent advisory firms in the region.

Since its founding in 2021, Global Z Capital has attracted a growing network of high-net-worth individuals and family offices seeking a transparent alternative to traditional fund management. The firm’s model allows clients to retain full custody of their capital while receiving conviction-driven stock strategies and portfolio guidance directly from Hassan and his analytical team.

“Our focus has never been on volume — it’s on precision,” said Hassan. “We work with clients who value control, rational strategy, and long-term alignment over short-term speculation. That’s why our model remains fully performance-based and client-centric.”

Global Z Capital integrates advanced data analytics with discretionary insights to identify undervalued equities and emerging sectors across U.S. and European markets. The firm continues to emphasize independence, eschewing pooled funds or custodial management in favor of what it describes as assets under guidance, where investors retain both transparency and authority.

The new European expansion includes the establishment of advisory partnerships in Liechtenstein and Luxembourg, strengthening the firm’s ability to serve cross-border clients under a unified framework of digital infrastructure and regional compliance.

Hassan notes that this growth phase marks a shift from early-stage performance milestones to sustainable scalability. “Global Z Capital was built to prove a concept that transparency and performance can coexist,” he said. “Our next chapter is about building a global institution on those same principles.”

With offices in Dubai and operations now extending through Europe, Global Z Capital continues to position itself as a next-generation investment partner for discerning investors who prioritize autonomy, alignment, and measurable results.

Black Banx Group today announced its results for the third quarter ended September 30 2025, delivering strong performance with further progress toward its full‑year targets.

Key Figures for Q3 2025

• Revenue: USD 4.3 billion
• Profit before tax (PBT): USD 1.6 billion
• Cost‑to‑income ratio: ≈ 62%
• Customer base (period‑end): ≈ 92 million clients

YTD (first nine months) results: Revenue USD 12.7 billion, PBT USD 4.7 billion, positioning the Group on track toward its full‑year ambitions of approximately USD 17 billion revenue and USD 6.4 billion PBT.

“Our Q3 results reaffirm the scalability and resilience of our platform,” said Michael Gastauer, Group CEO. “By continuing to scale our client base, deepen engagement, and drive operational efficiencies, we maintain momentum toward our 100 million‑customer milestone and full‑year ambitions.”

Daniel Dumitrascu, Group CFO, added, “We are pleased to demonstrate sequential improvement in our cost/income ratio despite ongoing investment in growth markets. With the first nine months delivered, our Q4 plan is well calibrated to close the year strongly.”

Business Highlights

• Net customer adds of approximately 8 million during Q3, bringing the total client count to approximately 92 million as of September 30, 2025 — on pace for the 100 million‑customer target by year‑end.
• Continued growth across emerging markets, driven by expansion efforts in Africa, South Asia and Latin America.
• Strong transaction volumes across cross‑border payments and cryptocurrency‑adjacent services, contributing to top‑line resilience.  
• Ongoing initiatives to optimise operations and automate processes delivered a sequential improvement in cost/income ratio to approximately 62% from 64% in Q2.
• Strategic investments sustained in growth markets while preserving profitability and shareholder value.

Outlook

With three quarters behind it, Black Banx remains aligned with its 2025 full‑year targets of approximately USD 17 billion in revenue and USD 6.4 billion in pre‑tax profit. The company anticipates a seasonally stronger Q4 performance, underpinned by ongoing global client acquisition and further monetisation of its platform.

About Black Banx Group

Media Contact

Black Banx Media Relations
mediateam@blackbanx.com

TwentyOneVC, a financial technology firm that offers access to many markets, has launched its new Cross-Market Analysis Engine. This tool is made to help investors and institutions study price moves, liquidity changes, and links between different markets in one place. The company says it will help clients make informed decisions in fast-moving conditions.

The launch comes as more clients want insights that go beyond single markets. According to TwentyOneVC, users will now be able to follow real-time links between commodities, stocks, currencies, and digital assets. By showing these market connections together, the tool is expected to give investors a clearer view of risks and correlations.

A company spokesperson explained, “Many investors only look at charts from one market without seeing how one move affects another. Our Cross-Market Analysis Engine is built to show these links clearly. The idea is to give clients an organized way to view data without using separate dashboards or scattered tools.”

Investor Needs

The launch reflects changes in the wider investment industry, where links between markets are becoming more important. Commodities often respond to currency changes, while digital assets can move with stock market trends. Because of this, demand for tools that allow deeper research has grown. TwentyOneVC says this engine was built to meet these needs and reflect client feedback.

The tool includes features that let users compare assets side by side. For example, an investor can study how an interest rate announcement affects both bond yields and stock prices on the same screen. This design reduces the need to log into multiple platforms or use separate research tools.

An expert from the company said, “Managing portfolio exposure is hard when data comes from many sources. With this release, we want to make the process easier. Our goal is not to predict results but to show investors how markets relate in a clear format.”

The engine is aimed at both individuals and institutions. Retail investors may use it to watch short-term volatility, while larger desks can study long-term correlations. The company stresses that the engine is not a promise of higher returns, but a tool for more structured analysis.

Market Links

The engine is being introduced at a time when asset classes are more connected than ever. Moves in areas like energy prices or central bank policy often spread across other markets. For investors with mixed portfolios, tools that track multiple instruments at once are becoming essential.

TwentyOneVC also pointed out that the tool was built to adapt as markets change. Since new assets and data sources keep emerging, the engine will be updated regularly. The company plans to expand both coverage and features in future versions.

Although detailed targets were not shared, TwentyOneVC confirmed that client onboarding will start right away. Both current users and new accounts will get access through the same platform.

Conclusion

With this launch, TwentyOneVC shows its focus on creating tools that deal with today’s connected financial world. The new engine is presented as part of the firm’s wider set of research tools, with a focus on practical use instead of speculation.

The company also stated that future updates will keep supporting investors who want structured access to data from many markets. By combining markets in one place, TwentyOneVC aims to give investors more useful insights for modern investing.

About TwentyOneVC

TwentyOneVC is a financial technology company that provides access to indices, stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities. It offers different account options, a trading platform with research tools, and educational resources. The firm also has a clear fee structure with competitive spreads and commissions, plus several deposit and withdrawal options. To learn more, visit www.21vc.io.

Media Contact

Tony Weissman
support@21vc.io

The Stop Gas Station Heroin coalition is sounding the alarm after several eight-grade students at Saddle Ridge Middle School in Walker County, Georgia, were hospitalized this week after ingesting illegal gummies containing concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a lab-made opioid up to 13 times stronger than morphine.

Local officials initially described the substance as “kratom,” but the investigation confirmed the gummies contained concentrated synthetic 7-OH, not natural kratom leaf. Across the country, reports of similar poisonings are mounting, revealing the dangerous reality that many products sold as “kratom” are actually chemically manufactured opioids that mimic the dissociative and intoxicating effects of scheduled drugs.

Unlike natural kratom leaf, which contains only trace levels of 7-OH and has been consumed safely for generations in Southeast Asia, concentrated synthetic 7-OH products are chemically manipulated and highly potent, producing opioid-like effects at doses hundreds of times stronger than the natural kratom plant. These lab-made drugs are often sold as candy, drinks, or tablets putting children and teens at serious risk.

“This Georgia incident is not an anomaly. It’s part of a nationwide pattern of children and adults being poisoned by concentrated synthetic 7-OH products disguised as kratom,” said David Bregger, Executive Director of Stop Gas Station Heroin. “The FDA has already acknowledged the danger and called for scheduling. With instances like this occurring across the country every week, it begs the question: when is the DEA going to take action?”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that concentrated synthetic 7-OH is not lawful in dietary supplements or foods and that no FDA-approved drugs contain this compound. Still, these synthetic derivatives remain widely available online and in retail stores, often sold without age verification or ingredient disclosure. 

Stop Gas Station Heroin recognizes that this national threat to American health warrants a national response. Without swift federal action, the line between natural wellness products and illicit opioids will remain dangerously blurred and more children will pay the price.

It’s time for the DEA to act. Every day of delay means more poison on store shelves, more victims in hospitals, and more families shattered by concentrated synthetic 7-OH. 

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

About Stop Gas Station Heroin

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

Media Contact

Media Contact
info@stopgasstationheroin.com

On November 11, 2025, 21 veterans across the United States will receive a gift that goes beyond gratitude: free, safer shower systems designed to restore their independence and dignity. Through Baths for the Brave, home improvement companies nationwide are donating their time, materials, and expertise to transform dangerous bathrooms into safer havens for America's heroes.

Founded by entrepreneur and author Brian Gottlieb in honor of his late father, a veteran, Baths for the Brave addresses a critical safety issue facing many who have served. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, bathrooms are the most dangerous rooms in the home for those with mobility issues, with 60% of falls happening within the home, often with severe or fatal consequences.

"Many veterans face mobility issues where taking a simple shower becomes a challenge," says Gottlieb, who built his home improvement company from $3,000 on a folding table to nearly a billion in cumulative sales. "Safer shower systems restore their ability to care for themselves with dignity and confidence in their own homes."

A Mission Bigger Than Business

For Gottlieb, success isn't measured by revenue. It's measured by community impact. "It's the idea of when you make a positive impact in the life of one individual, is how to take part in changing the world," he explains. "What I love about the blue-collar industry is that there are so many talented people that are great at working with their hands, and they just rise up when there's an opportunity to make a difference doing that. So they get to do what they love, what they're excellent at, and just really change the life of a veteran. It's great for everybody. It's great for the veteran. It's great for the installer, and it's great for the community."

Transforming Lives, One Shower at a Time

The emotional impact of these installations is profound. "There isn't a dry eye in the house, because so many veterans are so proud, and they don't want the help," Gottlieb shares. "You almost have to talk them into saying it's okay to receive, let us do this for you. And when they finally see that new shower and they realize, 'Oh my gosh, I no longer have to grab onto my shower curtain and step over a bathtub and risk slipping and falling in my own home, I can bathe myself and wash myself with dignity,' there's that feeling of pride that they get. It's a very emotional process. They feel cared for as they should."

There are veterans being honored in Texas, Mississippi, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Maryland, Florida, Washington, Arizona, Oregon, Wisconsin, Georgia, and more!

Why This Matters

• Safety crisis: According to the VA, bathrooms are the most dangerous rooms for those with mobility issues. 60% of falls happen at home. Walk-in showers can significantly reduce these risks, the least we can do for those who served.
• Restored independence: "The freedom to care for oneself at home is a privilege our veterans have earned," says Gottlieb. "A safer shower alleviates fears and maintains their independence."
• Community impact: By mobilizing skilled tradespeople across the nation, Baths for the Brave demonstrates how businesses can use their expertise to serve those who served us. They’ve installed about 250 free shower systems, nearly $4 million in free shower projects, in 35 states since inception.

For visual elements, contact us to download assets.

About Baths for the Brave

Baths for the Brave is a nationwide initiative founded by Brian Gottlieb, author of Beyond the Hammer and successful entrepreneur. The program brings together home improvement companies across America to provide free, life-changing bathroom remodels to veterans with mobility issues. Each installation is designed to restore safety, independence, and dignity to those who have sacrificed for our country. To learn more, visit www.bathsforthebrave.com.

About Brian Gottlieb

Brian Gottlieb is an entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist who built his home improvement company from $3,000 to nearly a billion dollars in cumulative sales. He founded Baths for the Brave in honor of his late father, a veteran, believing that true success is measured not by revenue, but by positive community impact.

Brian Gottlieb is available for interviews and can provide access to installation day coverage, veteran testimonials, and before/after transformations. For local markets we can arrange veteran interviews as well as access to installation reveal day with the sponsoring company on November 11.

For more information, visit briangottlieb.com.

Media Contact

Lynn Smith
Lynn Smith Media & Communications
lynn@lynnsmithtv.com
+1 646-717-0354

The global software‑as‑a‑service (SaaS) market is projected to exceed $1 trillion in revenue by 2032. Companies that offer cloud-delivered software reported a 25% median growth rate, showing a consistent growth in recent years. According to various estimates, there are over 40,000 or even 100,000 software-as-a-service providers worldwide, with an increasing number of companies joining this trend.

The reasons are clear: the SaaS business model appeals to startups and SMBs thanks to its reduced infrastructure costs, easy scalability, and predictable revenue. However, it’s not all roses: most tech startups, including SaaS, fail. So if you have an idea and want to reach your target audience with a new cloud-hosted product, you need to have a clear go-to-market strategy and a reliable, experienced development partner.

In this article, we’ll talk about SaaS apps that are growing in adoption, the principles of their work, and the benefits they offer to businesses. We’ll also share insights on how to build a SaaS app that stays successful, highlighting essential things to consider at each development stage.

What is a SaaS application?

A SaaS application is cloud‑hosted software delivered via subscription. Users access it through a web browser or mobile app, while the provider manages the infrastructure, updates, and security.

SaaS solutions can perform virtually any actions and be dedicated to various niches. There are products designed for particular verticals (healthcare, logistics, etc.), while other SaaS products focus on a particular functionality niche (AI automation, team and remote work management, marketing, etc.).

Compared to traditional software, SaaS is more flexible and cost-efficient. Here’s why:

• SaaS reduces infrastructure costs and IT overhead: Instead of buying and maintaining your own servers and hardware, you’ll have a provider that handles all infrastructure.
• SaaS promises a wider reach due to accessibility: Since SaaS solutions can be accessed via a browser on any device, without installation, you can quickly gain customers from anywhere.
• There are lower upfront costs and easier maintenance: You pay a subscription fee rather than investing in hardware, and you don’t face the obstacle of a big upfront licensing cost.

Key characteristics of SaaS products and their development include the following:

• Cloud-based nature: SaaS applications are hosted on the provider’s servers and accessed through a web browser or mobile app.
• Subscription-based payment model: Instead of a one-time license fee, users typically pay a recurring fee (monthly or annually) to access the software. Typically, SaaS businesses offer different subscription tiers based on functionality or usage limits, while some also offer pay-as-you-go models to allow users to only pay for selected features.
• Automated updates: The provider handles all software updates and patches, ensuring users always have the latest version. 
• Multi-tenant architecture: Most SaaS solutions allow multiple customers (tenants) to share the same code, while keeping individual data secure. 
• Scalability: SaaS products are easily scalable by design: they allow adding or removing users and features as needed, which is more flexible than traditional software. 

Types of SaaS applications

As we’ve mentioned, there are SaaS apps for virtually any need and industry. The most popular SaaS categories are:

• Project management: Tools like Trello or Asana help teams organize tasks and manage collaboration in one place. 
• Customer relationship management: CRMs like Salesforce or HubSpot allow businesses to track contacts, manage sales pipelines, and improve customer communication.
• Enterprise resource planning: ERP systems connect finance, HR, supply chains, and other components to give companies a complete view of their operations.
• Accounting and finance: Applications like QuickBooks or Xero simplify invoicing, payroll, and bookkeeping.
• Marketing automation: Platforms like Mailchimp help send targeted emails, while analytics tools like Mixpanel help track campaign performance.
• AI-powered tools: Many SaaS solutions leverage AI/ML development to generate content and automate workflows.
• Industry-specific verticals: A large share of the SaaS market belongs to niche solutions targeted at healthcare, fintech, education, and other industries. Vertical SaaS companies show higher revenues compared to horizontal solutions, but they require a more complex development process, especially for highly regulated niches such as healthcare.

How does a SaaS application work?

SaaS products run on cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or other services). Users connect via browsers or apps; their requests are processed on servers and results returned over the internet.

While most SaaS have a multi-tenant architecture, some employ a single-tenant one for a more targeted, individual approach to customers.

Multi-tenant vs. single-tenant SaaS

In a multi‑tenant solution, individual user data remains separate, but the application itself, including all its databases, is shared. What it means is that updates and bug fixes happen simultaneously for all users (tenants). The biggest advantages of this model are lower setup costs and easier scalability, which are crucial for most startups.

In turn, a single-tenant SaaS implies a dedicated application instance and database per customer, sometimes running in its own virtual private cloud. It’s more expensive to maintain and update a single-tenant architecture, but it offers more customization possibilities.

Many providers use a hybrid approach (multi‑tenant for core services, single‑tenant for data storage) to balance cost and compliance. To choose the right approach for your product, consider a potential user base, current data security challenges, and available resources to allocate for individual update cycles.

Benefits of SaaS application development

The SaaS model attracts founders for a lot of reasons:

• Recurring, predictable revenue streams: Whether you go for a subscription model, other payment options, or a hybrid approach, SaaS allows you to have a steady income that can be calculated from the number of customers, their behavior, and usage statistics for different features.
• Global accessibility: Anyone with access to the internet can use your software from any device, which helps you reach more customers.
• Automated updates: You can roll out improvements and bug fixes without forcing customers to download and install updates.
• Strong security: Security measures like data encryption and compliance certifications are the norm in the SaaS field.
• Built-in analytics: If you integrate analytics from the jump (which is the best practice in SaaS development), you’ll have plenty of real-life user data to work with. It will help you understand customer behavior, identify at-risk customers, build more personalized flows, and so on. 

SaaS offers a simpler entry for startups and small businesses, reducing setup and maintenance costs, speeding up time-to-market, and giving plenty of opportunities to analyze usage data for growing and improving the product. 

The step-by-step guide to SaaS application development

To understand how to develop an effective SaaS app, let’s discover the 8 major steps and things you should take into consideration at each of them.

Step 1. Validate your idea

Start by identifying customer pain points through market research and competitor analysis. Talk to potential customers: interview people in your target audience, participate in online forums, and read reviews of competing tools.

Sketch user personas based on your findings (fictional characters representing your ideal customers) and use the Jobs-To-Be-Done framework to describe how they will interact with your product.

Once the initial research data is collected, you can plan the key features and development steps. But the idea will be fully validated only after you launch an MVP to a test audience to see if it resonates with real users.

Step 2. Define core functionality

Break functionality into must-have and nice‑to‑have categories using prioritization frameworks like MoSCoW (must, should, could, won’t) or RICE (reach, impact, confidence, effort).

Essential elements usually include secure sign‑up and authentication, account management, role‑based access, billing and subscription logic, data export/import, and analytics.

At this early development stage, you should also consider non‑functional requirements like security, accessibility, and compliance. Document your requirements in a product specification that will guide designers and developers.

Step 3. Select a monetization model

While SaaS is normally based on subscriptions, there are many additional options to consider: whether to offer a freemium version, whether to incorporate usage‑based billing (as the main pricing strategy or on top of subscription tiers), how many tiers to include, and so on. You can go for a hybrid approach: combine a subscription base with variable extra fees.

Here are some tips to choose the right monetization strategy for a SaaS app:

• Analyze customer acquisition cost (CAC) and customer lifetime value (CLV) to understand the big picture. A good SaaS business model aims for a CLV that is at least 3x higher than CAC. If your CAC is too high or your CLV is too low, you might be overspending on ads, targeting the wrong users, or struggling with churn.
• Analyze the usage cost on your side (API calls, storage, etc.) to build adequate pricing tiers. Track your cost-per-user based on usage, offer plans that scale with usage, and build in safety nets (usage caps or overage fees).
• Continually test and adjust pricing based on user feedback, conversion rates, and trends among competitors.

Step 4. Choose the best-fitting development stack

The tech stack you pick will affect scalability, development speed, and, ultimately, the longevity of your product.

First of all, it’s essential to find the best cloud service for your needs.

• AWS offers the broadest set of tools, services, and regions. Great for scaling globally, but can feel overwhelming for small teams.
• Azure is a solid choice if your team is already using Microsoft tools (like .NET). It’s also known for strong compliance features.
• Google Cloud is known for its ease of use, competitive pricing, and machine learning capabilities. Works well for startups building data-driven or AI-powered apps.

While it’s possible to migrate later (for instance, when your usage grows), it will require a lot of resources and a carefully curated migration strategy.

For the frontend, choose a modern, responsive framework. Popular options include JavaScript tools like React, Vue, and Angular. For backend development, many SaaS apps use Python (with frameworks like Django and Flask) or Ruby on Rails.

MEAN vs. MERN

A lot of SaaS applications are built on JavaScript development stacks called MEAN (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js) and MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js). Generally speaking, MEAN is suitable for larger, more enterprise-focused solutions, while MERN offers higher flexibility and is easier to get started with.

Step 5. Craft a product roadmap

Define the desired timeline for your software to outline what should be delivered and when. Set major milestones (MVP launch, beta testing, full release) and decide on high-level epics (major functionality components). Note that it’s best to build in some buffer time for unexpected delays.

Having a clear roadmap, you can use Agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban to organize tasks and track progress. Your development team and stakeholders should understand what success metrics exist for each milestone so that it’s easy to measure each step and plan improvement iterations. 

Revisit the roadmap regularly and modify it based on the current progress. It should remain flexible to a certain extent: your priorities might shift based on first real-world feedback or market changes.

Step 6. Build a SaaS development team

If you already have a tech team or want to build one in-house, this will give you better control but cost a lot more resources. On the other hand, partnering with experienced development firms can accelerate delivery and fill skills gaps. With this approach, you can look for companies that have already created similar solutions and know first-hand about the challenges of your niche or particular functionality.

A SaaS app development team typically includes a product owner, UI/UX designers, frontend and backend developers, DevOps engineers, and QA testers (depending on the scope, it might be enough to have one designer / developer / tester on the project).

Step 7. Develop and test your SaaS

This is where your idea is finally getting brought to life. The process of development usually goes through several stages:

• Architecture design: Finalize requirements and select the optimal technical architecture.
• UI/UX design: Designers create wireframes and prototypes that illustrate user flows.
• Coding: Engineers build your SaaS application, with regular code reviews and CI/CD as best practices. 
• QA: Testers use manual and automated approaches to assess different aspects of a SaaS app. Make sure to incorporate testing as early as possible to catch issues before they affect users. 
• Deployment: At this stage, your application is ready to be finalized and prepared for the launch.

Don’t forget that once the development is done and your solution is released, you should have a tech team that handles continuous maintenance and support. 

Step 8. Launch and iterate your SaaS app

Releasing a beta version first is a valid, proven way to see how your application performs in real-world scenarios before marketing it in high gear. It means releasing your SaaS to a limited group of users and collecting feedback from them. 

With in-built analytics, you can monitor adoption, churn, and other valuable metrics to see if the app fulfills customers’ needs the way you expected. Based on the early feedback and KPIs, you can understand where users drop off and which features drive engagement. Then, use these insights to prioritize improvements and fix issues.

A SaaS app is never a “finished” product: continuous iteration is essential to stay competitive and meet evolving customer expectations.

The major challenges of SaaS development (and how to overcome them)

Knowing some of the biggest obstacles you might face with your SaaS app will help you be prepared. SaaS businesses struggle with the following:

• Data security and compliance: SaaS providers need to protect sensitive data and comply with local regulations (for instance, GDPR for EU markets and HIPAA for US-based healthcare products). The solution here is to have an experienced engineer on a team who specializes in security, and implement the best practices such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, regular security audits, and role-based access control. If your SaaS app is designed for a regulated area and targets multiple countries and regions, it might make sense to hire a compliance specialist. 
• Integration complexity: In many ways, SaaS development relies on third-party services, and integration costs range from $1,000 to $50,000 or higher. Adopt API-first design: build your SaaS app with APIs in mind from day one.
• Scalability and performance: Sudden user growth can cause slowdowns if your architecture isn’t prepared. For effective development, plan for horizontal scaling, implement auto‑scaling and caching, and monitor performance metrics.
• User adoption and churn: SaaS companies face an average churn of 5%. You’ll have to constantly analyze metrics and user behavior to prevent churn and improve engagement. Intuitive onboarding and responsive customer support are among the major driving forces to keep your users satisfied. But the most crucial thing is the value your product delivers: it should respond to a particular need and fulfill it the way your target users expect.
• Budget management: Many early-stage SaaS projects stall or fail due to budget issues. Start with a narrow scope and prioritize must‑have features. Speaking of ways to develop your SaaS app, outsourcing can significantly reduce costs and take off many administrative burdens. To understand a rough estimate of how much your SaaS development might cost, micro products tackling a narrow problem can be built for $10-20,000, while average apps will take around $50-100,000 and more.

Does it make sense to migrate an existing app to a SaaS model?

Migrating a legacy or on‑premise system to SaaS can unlock recurring revenue, improve user experience, and enhance scalability. However, the migration process has its own costs and requires a lot of qualified resources.

Here are the major things to consider when planning a migration to SaaS:

• The state of current architecture: Evaluate if the current development stack can support multi-tenancy and what on-premise-only dependencies there are, if any.
• Volumes of data to migrate: Estimate how much customer, transaction, and settings data you’ll need to move.
• ROI estimation: Calculate expected recurring revenue based on pricing models and projected user growth, and then compare these numbers with migration costs.

Future trends in SaaS development

In the SaaS field, you need to quickly react to market shifts and adapt to new development technologies. Let’s review some of the biggest trends in SaaS applications.

• Vertical and micro SaaS: Niche solutions continue to gain traction and achieve higher retention.
• AI and automation: Enterprises will increasingly integrate AI to personalize experiences and automate workflows.
• Low‑code platforms: Tools that enable non‑developers to build applications will accelerate product discovery and reduce costs.
• Enhanced security protocols: Continuous authentication methods and automated security testing are among the major trends that appear to respond to rising cyber threats and global regulations.
• Flexible pricing models: Value‑based and usage‑based pricing will grow as companies seek to align cost with delivered value.
• Hybrid and multi‑cloud strategies: Flexible hosting options will become increasingly more common.

It’s important to stay on top of SaaS development trends and emerging tech to improve your solution and survive in a saturated market. 

How can generative AI help create smarter SaaS products?

Generative AI models produce novel content based on patterns learned from large datasets. Integrating these models into SaaS apps can supercharge functionality, reduce costs, and provide more value to users.

Gen AI use cases in SaaS development

Gen AI can enhance SaaS solutions in a lot of ways:

• Personalization: Generative AI can tailor dashboards, recommendations, and messaging based on individual user behavior, preferences, or past actions.
• Marketing content and documentation: AI models can instantly generate or update product descriptions, blog posts, help center articles, or emails.
• Predictive analytics: By analyzing historical user data, AI can forecast trends like churn risk, feature adoption, or revenue projections. 
• Chatbots: AI-powered assistants and chatbots can handle onboarding and support. 
• Coding and testing: AI tools can assist developers with code generation and produce data for testing.

The benefits of Gen AI in SaaS development

AI speeds product iteration and can improve customer satisfaction thanks to personalized flows. The major benefits for companies thinking of implementing AI in SaaS development are:

• Reduced operation costs: Due to automation, you’ll need fewer tech and support staff.
• Increased user retention: Personalization opportunities can keep customers engaged.
• Monetization opportunities: You can offer premium AI features in your SaaS app or optional add-ons to grow your revenue.
• Easier compliance: For regulated sectors, automated governance tools can reduce compliance risks.
• Data-driven insights: AI helps you analyze user behavior and improve your product based on real-life feedback.

Gen AI implementation tips

Don’t adopt AI just for the sake of it. What’s recommended for efficient implementation:

• Partner with experienced tech vendors: Companies that have already successfully integrated AI can help you avoid costly mistakes.
• Start with small AI features: Experiment with simple automation to see how your customers respond and how new functionality impacts your particular product. Expand based on your findings. 
• Monitor performance metrics: Track how your AI features affect user engagement and retention, and how the cost of development and maintenance corresponds to a revenue increase.

Build your SaaS with an experienced development partner

If you have an idea for a SaaS application, you’ll have to navigate a range of strategic and technical challenges to build it. It’s crucial to ensure data security and compliance, plan cost-effective integrations with third-party services, and adopt efficient frameworks for analyzing key metrics. 

You’ll also need to keep track of market trends such as gen AI implementation or the growth of low-code development platforms. Staying ahead of these trends and aligning product development with evolving user needs can help turn a strong idea into a scalable, profitable business.

Ultimately, the success of your product largely depends on strong planning and thoughtful architecture choices. It also relies on the development team that will create your SaaS application. Partner with Binary Studio that has the expertise to turn a rough idea into a full-fledged software, built on a modern tech stack and with real customer demands in mind.

About Binary Studio

Binary Studio is a custom software development company that has been delivering MVPs and full-scale software with custom-trained product teams since 2005, specializing in ideation and product discovery, building MVPs, full-cycle custom software development, dedicated development teams and QA services with core expertise in Node.js, React Native, .NET, Flutter and AI/ML integration. We serve a range of industries, including greentech, healthcare, real estate, construction, fintech, and education. For more information, visit binary-studio.com.

Media Contact

Julia Shevchenko
Head of Operations, Binary Studio
julia.shevchenko@binary-studio.com

Amid the worldwide wave of intelligent transformation across industrial chains, the strategic consulting sector is accelerating its integration with the real economy. In recent days, the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI) visited Leverage Consulting and toured Softide Smart Bed Super Factory, a flagship project empowered by Leverage Consulting's strategic consulting framework. Under the theme "Borderless Strategy, Symbiotic Innovation," the visit showcased China's latest achievements in advancing high-quality manufacturing through strategic consulting. Leverage Consulting's integrated "Consulting + Manufacturing" model has become a valuable reference point for the global management consulting community.

On-site Visit to Leverage Consulting: Global Value of the "China Consulting Paradigm"

ICMCI's in-depth visit to Leverage Consulting underscores growing international recognition of China's innovation in consulting practices. Leverage Consulting's strategic system has been applied on a large scale across multiple industries. Its partnership with Softide has enabled the company's rapid evolution — from a technology-driven manufacturer into a global smart home leader in just three years — setting a benchmark for successful strategic transformation in China.

From Shared Vision to Co-evolution: A Two-way Journey Between Consulting and Industry

The visit combined in-depth theoretical exchange with practical field exploration. Global experts from ICMCI and CMC-Firm accredited institutions conducted an in-depth field study at the Softide Smart Bed Super Factory, examining smart production lines and ESG practices. They explored how Leverage Consulting's Positioning Equation methodology drives product innovation, process optimization, and brand upgrading — helping companies move from scale expansion to value creation.

During the keynote session, Yao Rongjun, founder and chairman of Leverage Consulting, shared his insights on the firm's journey from strategic consulting to industry co-creation, drawing on its value co-creation experience with Softide. He emphasized, "The integration of consulting and industry should be a three-dimensional process. Our collaboration with Softide serves as an effective example of translating strategy into productivity."

Tang Guohai, founder and chairman of Qisheng Technology (Softide), echoed this view from a corporate perspective, noting that "a comprehensive competitive edge built on product utility, efficiency and cost advantages, innovation-driven quality assurance, and a global service network is the key for manufacturers to navigate the challenge and achieve sustainable growth."

Experts noted that Leverage Consulting's cross-sector collaboration model breaks through the traditional limits of consulting, where theory often outweighs implementation. Nicholas Warn, chairman of ICMCI, commended the partnership, stating that the work which Leverage Consulting has done with Softide is emblematic of the collaborative symbiotic relationship which ICMCI wants to foster between the management consulting profession and industry and commerce. Song Jing, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Enterprise Association (SEA), also spoke highly of the collaboration, remarking, "Technology empowers better sleep, and innovation drives transformation. Through Leverage Consulting's strategic empowerment, we have witnessed the resilience and innovative strength of Chinese enterprises." Softide's transformation now stands as an exemplary case for the global consulting industry.

Evolving the Industry Paradigm: From Brand Empowerment to Global Co-Creation

Within just three years, Softide has evolved from a world-class supply chain partner into a world-class brand, fully validating the scientific foundation and practical effectiveness of the Leverage® methodology. This pioneering practice demonstrates that modern strategic consulting must be deeply integrated across multiple dimensions — technological innovation, brand building, organizational evolution, and sustainable development — to establish a new consulting framework that is executable, verifiable, and scalable.

From China's Innovation to a Stage of Global Co-Evolution

China's strategic consulting sector is shifting from being a witness to becoming a builder. ICMCI's strong recognition of Softide's innovation and Leverage Consulting's pioneering practices serves as powerful proof that there is no authority in strategy, only strength in execution. It also marks a milestone in building global consensus around the "China Model." Amid a new wave of technological and industrial transformation, Leverage Consulting — representing the emerging strength of China's consulting sector — is offering practical models and innovative frameworks that inspire the global management consulting community. Looking ahead, Leverage Consulting will continue to work at the forefront of the industry, integrating Chinese insights into the global business ecosystem and contributing China's strengths to the high-quality growth of enterprises and the diversified innovation of the world economy.

Media Contact

Cao Yang
cy@qiaodong.net

Quantizr today announced its official launch, introducing the first comprehensive workflow platform built for live entertainment — an industry that, despite generating over $200 billion in revenue annually, has been largely left behind by modern enterprise technology.

While every other sector has embraced digital transformation, the offers, contracts, and settlements in the business of live entertainment still run on scattered spreadsheets, static PDFs, and fragmented email threads.

For decades, traditional systems of record like CRMs, ERPs, and static document repositories were designed to store what has already happened. Quantizr was built as a system of work designed to power how entertainment professionals actually operate: dynamically, collaboratively, and at the speed of live events.

“Our industry doesn’t run on records. It runs on relationships, negotiations, and real-time financial decisions,” said Joshua Litwack, CEO and co-founder of Quantizr.

Before launching publicly, Quantizr spent over a year in stealth, collaborating with some of the industry’s most respected managers, business managers, and agents to ensure that the platform reflects the true complexity and pace of their work. These collaborations have helped Quantizr refine a platform built not just for the industry, but with it.

Randy Nichols, artist manager at Force Media Management and board member for the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), shares his insights: “Touring decisions are often based on instinct and scattered spreadsheets, but the stakes are too high for guesswork. Quantizr brings offers, settlements, and road reports into one view, giving managers the ability to benchmark performance, see true market demand, and negotiate stronger deals — treating touring like the valuable asset it really is.”

Founded by a unique team with diverse backgrounds in fintech, law, and music — Joshua Litwack, CFA; Tim Nielsen, JD; and Jeremy Salken of Big Gigantic — Quantizr represents a rare convergence of domain expertise and technological capability.

With the post-COVID renaissance in live entertainment, the industry faces unprecedented demand but relies on outdated and fragmented infrastructure.

“Live entertainment is one of the world’s most important industries, but it’s been starved of systems that understand its complexity,” added Litwack. “Quantizr gives this industry the same kind of infrastructure that the financial markets have enjoyed for decades.”

Quantizr delivers the comprehensive workflow replacement and modern upgrade the business side of entertainment needs, delivering an integrated system that finally enables true digital transformation for every member of the team, no matter their role.

Visit quantizr.com to learn more or to schedule a demo.

About Quantizr

Quantizr is an AI-powered operations platform purpose-built for the entertainment industry, serving artist managers, business managers, and booking agents. It automates the extraction of critical financial and deal terms from deal memos, contracts, and settlement statements — transforming fragmented, unstructured documents into standardized, actionable data. For more information, visit quantizr.com.

Media Contact

Lital Litwack
Director of Strategy and Operations, Quantizr
lital@quantizr.com

Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, will host the Global Insurance Conference and Exhibition (ingate 2025) from November 10-12 in the historic town of Diriyah, reflecting Saudi Arabia's growing role as a global financial center. The event, held under the patronage of Finance Minister and Financial Sector Development Program Committee Chairman Mohammed Al-Jadaan, is the first of its kind in the Kingdom and the region.

Organized by the Saudi Insurance Authority, the conference brings together insurance experts from more than 40 countries to discuss the industry's future and its expanding influence on the global economy, as the sector undergoes major transformation driven by new technologies and rapid economic shifts.

The conference is particularly significant because it supports Saudi Vision 2030 and aligns with the National Insurance Strategy, making it a strategic meeting point for ideas, innovation, and investment in a sector crucial to economic stability and asset protection.

The event will draw global regulators, major investors, reinsurers, and technology innovators from around the world to map out the future of insurance and share expertise that can drive sustainable economic growth.

The scale of the event is reflected in its comprehensive program of over 40 sessions, workshops, and activities featuring 100 speakers, decision-makers and international experts, plus more than 150 local and international organizations from across the insurance sector. This ensures thorough coverage of today's industry challenges, from AI and big data to regulatory issues and new global standards reshaping the market.

Alongside the conference is a specialized 15,000-square-meter exhibition showcasing the latest insurance solutions, innovative digital technologies, and promising investment opportunities. Expected to attract over 7,000 visitors during the three days, it will create valuable networking opportunities among companies, investors, and policymakers while fostering strategic partnerships between local and international players.

One year after its open-source release, the TEN Framework has gained traction as a foundational tool for developers building real-time voice-based AI systems. Initially launched in 2024, the framework supports the development of voice agents capable of processing speech, generating responses, and understanding context in real time.

Supported by Agora and a fast-growing global developer community, TEN was created to address the technical challenges of building low-latency, multimodal AI applications. Over the past year, it has been adopted in diverse projects ranging from AI companions and language translators to customer support bots and interactive learning tools.

Key Advantages of TEN Framework

TEN Framework provides a production-ready framework for real-time, low-latency, multimodal AI.

• Real-time and production-ready: Built for stable, full-duplex audio streaming with millisecond-level latency.
• Extensible and vendor-neutral: Integrate easily with any customized LLM/STT/TTS service.
• Developer-friendly: Build with Python, Node.js, C++, or Go — or use the visual TMAN Designer for drag-and-drop development.
• Multimodal support: Combine voice, vision, and contextual signals for richer, more human-like interactions.

With TEN, developers can transition from prototype to production more efficiently, without being tied to a specific vendor or managing complex infrastructure behind the scenes.

Expanding the Voice AI Toolkit

Earlier this year, TEN introduced two open-source components that have become essential building blocks for the real-time conversational AI stack: TEN VAD and TEN Turn Detection (TTD).

TEN VAD — Lightning-Fast Voice Detection, Backed by Industry Experts

TEN VAD is a lightweight, high-performance Voice Activity Detection (VAD) system that minimizes latency and boosts transcription accuracy in real-time voice agent applications. Developers worldwide are already seeing tangible results.

TEN Turn Detection — Making Conversations Feel Natural and Effective

TEN Turn Detection (TTD) is TEN’s context-aware dialogue manager that helps AI engage in human-like, flowing conversation.

With over 98% accuracy in detecting natural turn-taking — knowing when to pause, listen, or speak — TTD enables smooth, interruptible dialogue and more natural user experiences.

By precisely identifying user intent and conversational flow, developers can build human-like voice agents that respond fluidly, even in fast-paced or emotionally nuanced scenarios.

From Tools to Ecosystem: Accelerate Conversational AI Development with Templates

To accelerate innovation, TEN launched more than 10 open-source voice agent templates, allowing developers to deploy agents — from voice AI assistants to real-time transcription or SIP integration — in minutes.

A Global, Developer-Driven Community

Over the past year, the TEN team organized developer meetups in San Francisco, Tokyo, Paris, Beijing, and Kyoto, bringing together hundreds of participants to exchange technical ideas and feedback. Insights from these events have contributed to improvements across the framework.

TEN also held its first online hackathon, which drew developers from multiple countries experimenting with new voice-agent applications such as real-time translation and conversational companions.

Defining the Next Era of Conversational AI

TEN Framework will continue to evolve as an open-source conversational AI framework built for real-time, scenario-driven voice interactions. It will further deepen collaboration with developers worldwide, enabling every idea to be rapidly transformed into production-ready applications.

Together with the global developer community, TEN Framework is shaping an open, supportive, and continuously evolving ecosystem for intelligent voice interaction.

Join the TEN Community

Explore the ecosystem, contribute, and start building the future of conversational AI today.

• Website: theten.ai
• GitHub: github.com/ten-framework/ten-framework

About TEN Framework

TEN Framework is an open-source ecosystem that empowers developers and enterprises to build, deploy and scale real-time multimodal conversational AI agents. With support for voice, vision, text and immersive avatar interactions, TEN delivers ultra-low latency, cross-platform performance and flexible extensibility. As part of its community-driven framework, TEN enables integrations across edge and cloud, multiple languages (C++, Go, Python and more), and plug-and-play extensions for rapid AI agent development. Visit theten.ai or explore the code on GitHub at github.com/ten-framework/ten-framework.

Media Contact

June Wang
developer@theten.ai