Newsroom

American Kratom Association (AKA) said recent claims from manufacturers that the FDA has failed to meet the standard for scheduling 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I substance completely ignore the real scandal: these products never had a lawful basis for market entry in the first place.

From the moment 7-OH products hit the market in 2023, their manufacturers violated federal law by failing to meet the mandatory requirement that every product have a "reasonable basis for safety under the conditions of use" as stated on its label. That failure means every 7-OH product was unlawfully marketed from day one.

It is absurd for 7-OH manufacturers and their allies to now attack the FDA, HHS, and DEA by claiming insufficient science. The burden was never on federal regulators to prove safety before scheduling; they only evaluate risks to public health from the use of these products. The burden was on manufacturers to prove safety before marketing — and they flagrantly ignored that obligation.

Kratom’s History of Safe Use vs. Reckless 7-OH Products

Kratom itself has been safely used for thousands of years in Southeast Asia, and more than 45 years here in the United States. By contrast, synthetic 7-OH products have been on the market for only two years — and when they were introduced in 2023, not a single piece of safety data on their synthetic products existed to support their lawful entry into commerce. That distinction matters: kratom has a long, well-documented record of safe use, while synthetic 7-OH was pushed onto the market recklessly, with zero scientific foundation, and in direct violation of federal law.

The Facts About 7-OH

• 7-OH is chemically unstable and creates serious complications for identifying synthetic 7-OH substances in any post-mortem toxicology analysis.
• The claim that 7-OH is simply a “natural metabolite” of kratom is only true when describing the trace levels naturally present in the plant or the less than 2% fraction in natural extract products — not the concentrated, synthetically altered versions now being sold.
• Shaman Botanicals founder Stephen “Vince” Sanders II, publicly admitted that his process for creating 7-OH involves the chemicals used to “shock” backyard swimming pools. That is not natural. That is chemical synthesis.

Sanders leans heavily on the reputations of Dr. Smith and Dr. Boyer in his press release. The American Kratom Association calls on them to answer a simple and direct question: Do you agree that synthetically produced 7-OH — manufactured using “pool shock” chemicals — is in any way equivalent, in concentration or proportional mitragynine content, to the trace amounts of 7-OH found naturally in kratom plants?

The public deserves an honest answer.

This is not about regulatory overreach. This is about manufacturers who knowingly violated the law, skipped the safety requirements designed to protect consumers, and then tried to launder their synthetic compound into the legitimate kratom marketplace.

The American Kratom Association will continue to fight to protect consumers from dangerous and unlawful products that undermine confidence in the kratom market and put lives at risk.

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

American Kratom Association (AKA) is a consumer-based, nonprofit organization, focused on furthering the latest science as guidance for kratom public policy. AKA works to give a voice to millions of Americans by fighting to protect their rights to access safe and natural kratom. For more information, visit americankratom.org and learn more at kratomanswers.org.

Media Contact

Mac Haddow
press@americankratom.org

Hexaware Technologies (NSE:HEXT), a global technology and business process services company, today shared insights on how legacy systems can be transformed with generative AI.

Retained for operational continuity, legacy systems frequently inhibit modernization initiatives due to outdated architectures and limited interoperability; however, their outdated architecture often becomes a barrier to the digital transformation process. Developed on outdated technology stacks, these applications often incur excessive maintenance costs, suffer from limited scalability and face significant challenges integrating with modern cloud-native environments. As a result, integration issues arise, which slow down automation, increase delivery timelines and reduce overall system agility.

Furthermore, the inherent strong interdependencies and lack of service decomposition in monolithic architectures impede the migration toward modular, microservices-based frameworks, resulting in increased complexity and higher resource requirements for modernization initiatives. This rigidity leads to slow business response and reduces operational efficiency and customer experience over time. In regulated industries, the compliance risk is further amplified the lack of transparency and auditability in a legacy environment.

Given these constraints, the transformation of legacy systems has become a strategic imperative rather than a technical upgrade. The following sections explore how generative AI facilitates intelligent, accelerated modernization—and how specialized platforms are now enabling enterprises to implement this shift at scale.

1. Generative AI: A New Paradigm in Modernization

As legacy systems reach the limits of conventional modernization methods, generative AI offers a transformative solution—a new way to understand and change complex application landscapes for today and tomorrow. For a deeper dive into how generative AI is reshaping modernization at its core, continue reading below.

• What Sets Generative AI Apart: Generative AI extends traditional automation by moving beyond rigid scripts and rule-based refactoring. By integrating AI into software development, it learns to deal with evolving codebases, determines functional intent and automatically generates equivalent code in a modern style with reduced human dependency, enabling scalability.

• Foundational Capabilities: Driven by transformer models and deep learning, generative AI adds context to legacy code. It converts intricate logic, respects dependencies and uses domain-trained models to generate accurate, production-grade output through layers of the application.

• Why It’s Strategic for Modernization: Generative AI’s ability to reason through embedded business logic makes it a core enabler of intelligent modernization. It automates code transformation, ensures architectural continuity and accelerates delivery with reduced risk.

2. Intelligent Automation Across the Modernization Lifecycle

Modernization projects increasingly require speed, precision and reduced human intervention—requirements which generative AI is specifically designed to address. Outlined below are ways in which automation facilitated by AI facilitates crucial steps in the modernization process, rendering both strategic advantage and operational value.

• Code Translation and Re-Engineering: Generative AI facilitates refactoring monolithic legacy applications into modular, scalable codebases that contemporary platforms can support. With visibility into business rules and app architecture, AI-driven tools simplify the automation of the refactoring process, making it possible to break it down into microservices or APIs with reduced maintenance and scaling requirements. This simplifies manual coding and speeds up cloud-native migration.

• Smart Documentation and Knowledge Extraction: Automating the extraction of technical knowledge from legacy systems, generative AI generates comprehensive architecture diagrams, process flowcharts and detailed documentation directly from existing code. This alleviates reliance on manual documentation, ensuring accuracy and facilitating knowledge transfer critical for modernization projects.

• Data Mapping and Migration Simplified: Generative AI can infer complex data schemas from legacy databases, enabling efficient mapping and accelerating ETL processes required to migrate data to cloud-based systems. This reduces errors and improves consistency in data transformation, a key enabler of seamless legacy-to-cloud migration.

3. Platform-Led Acceleration: The Case for Integrated Modernization Engines

Enterprises facing complex legacy environments are increasingly turning to platform-led strategies to drive efficient, scalable modernization. Read further to explore how platform-led strategies are transforming enterprise modernization.

• Pre-Built Accelerators and Templates: Integrated modernization platforms like Hexaware’s RapidX leverage AI-infused, pre-built accelerators and templates to streamline critical tasks such as API generation, UI modernization, and service decomposition. These reusable components significantly reduce development effort by providing standardized, ready-to-deploy modules that align with best practices and enterprise requirements.

• Industrialized Delivery Models: RapidX exemplifies pipeline-based modernization, embedding generative AI tools directly into CI/CD and DevOps workflows. This integration enables automated, continuous transformation and testing, promoting consistency, rapid feedback and seamless deployment of modernized applications.

• Scalability and Reusability: A platform approach mitigates siloed modernization efforts by enabling cross-system modernization through reusable AI components. This architectural design ensures scalability, allowing enterprises to accelerate modernization across diverse legacy systems while maximizing reuse and reducing duplication of effort.

4. Benefits Beyond the Obvious: Strategic Payoffs

Modernization efforts today are not just technical upgrades—they’re catalysts for broader business transformation. Keep reading to see how generative AI delivers value well beyond initial expectations.

• Reduced Time-to-Modernization: Generative AI-driven modernization compresses development and deployment timelines by automating complex tasks such as code refactoring, documentation and data migration. This accelerated cadence enables enterprises to rapidly realize business value from legacy modernization initiatives.

• Smarter Resource Allocation: By automating repetitive and error-prone migration activities, generative AI frees engineering talent to focus on higher-value innovation and strategic development. This optimization of human resources drives enhanced productivity and improved project outcomes.

• Improved Risk Management: AI-powered impact analysis and automated regression testing reduce failure rates by identifying potential issues early in the modernization lifecycle. This proactive risk mitigation enhances overall project stability and ensures more predictable delivery outcomes.

5. Critical Considerations Before You Deploy

Before deploying generative AI-driven modernization solutions, it is crucial to address key factors that ensure compliance, accuracy and effective collaboration between human expertise and AI capabilities.

• Governance and Data Lineage: Ensuring auditability and explainability in AI-generated code and transformation decisions is paramount. Robust governance frameworks must be established to track data lineage and maintain compliance throughout the modernization process, safeguarding enterprise standards and regulatory requirements.

• Human-AI Collaboration: While generative AI significantly augments modernization efforts, human oversight remains essential. Architectural decision-making, validation of AI outputs and strategic direction require expert intervention to balance automation with business context and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

• Model Accuracy and Domain Training: The effectiveness of generative AI depends on training models with domain-specific codebases and data. Tailored model training enhances accuracy, contextual understanding and relevance of generated outputs, thereby optimizing modernization quality and reducing rework.

Conclusion

Generative AI marks a pivotal shift in addressing the longstanding challenges of legacy systems by enabling intelligent, end-to-end modernization. Through advanced capabilities such as code transformation, automated documentation and data migration, it drives efficiency and precision across the entire lifecycle. 

When integrated into platform-led delivery models, generative AI ensures consistency, scalability and speed—turning isolated modernization efforts into cohesive, enterprise-wide initiatives. Reusable AI components and CI/CD integration further compress timelines, optimize resource deployment and reduce transformation risks. This strategic alignment transforms legacy environments into future-ready architectures, positioning enterprises to lead with agility, innovation and sustained digital resilience.

About Hexaware Technologies

Hexaware is a global technology and business process services company. Every day, Hexawarians wake up with a singular purpose: to create smiles through great people and technology. With offices across the world, we empower enterprises worldwide to realize digital transformation at scale and speed by partnering with them to build, transform, run, and optimize their technology and business processes. Learn more about Hexaware at hexaware.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking, which involve numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases globally, our ability to attract and retain highly-skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Hexaware has made strategic investments, withdrawal of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry.

Media Contact

Hexaware Technologies
marketing@hexaware.com

Merifund Capital Management views the current wave of initial public offerings as a turning point for global markets, with activity strengthening through the summer months and investor discipline sharpening around issuers with sustainable economics. August alone records twelve listings worth about $3.2 billion, almost twice the August average of the past decade, while July brought twenty-nine transactions raising nearly $5.8 billion. Equity indices reinforce the backdrop, with the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 both reaching new highs this month.

Large investment banks confirm the trend. Equity underwriting revenue at one leading Wall Street house rises 42% from the previous quarter to $558.2 million, while another reports investment banking fees of $2.3 billion, up 24% over the same period, with equity underwriting within that total growing by 98%. Developed markets count thirty-six technology IPOs by the end of June, raising more than $7.1 billion, already above the $6.9 billion total across all of 2024.

“Investor allocations this year concentrate on issuers with recurring revenues, strong unit economics and governance frameworks that withstand scrutiny,” notes Anthony Saunders, Director of Private Equity at Merifund Capital Management. “Our analysis of the year to date shows selectivity is now decisive, with software, fintech and digital assets leading order books where operational scale and cash conversion are demonstrable.”

High-profile debuts illustrate the scale of demand. In July 2025, Figma records a 250% first-day gain, opening at $36.84 and closing at $128.95, implying a fully diluted value of $53.5 billion. Its annual revenues of $836.2 million are up 48% over the preceding 12-month period, with a quarterly profit of $50.3 million further supporting investor appetite. Circle’s June offering follows a similar trajectory, closing 168% higher on day one and sustaining gains of about 400% above its IPO reference, underpinned by quarterly revenue growth of 53% to $734.61 million and USDC circulation rising 90% year-on-year. Bullish, the cryptocurrency exchange backed by Peter Thiel, prices at $41.31, peaks above $131.74 on its first day and settles near $103.38, equating to a valuation close to $14.7 billion against its $6.0 billion IPO reference, after handling $279.1 billion of trading volume during 2024.

Saunders interprets such moves less as anomalies than as signals that pricing dynamics are normalising. “Order books in the third quarter are clearing at narrower discounts, with quality growth securing sponsorship while cash-burning models encounter resistance,” he comments. “Where gross margins, governance and customer retention meet higher thresholds, we expect participation to remain broad through the second half, provided volatility continues to ease.”

Pipeline data support the constructive stance. As of late August 2025, there are about 168 active U.S. filings, with potential aggregate raises approaching $7 billion. Thirteen larger candidates target at least $111.6 million each. High-profile issuers include Klarna, exploring valuations near $22.3 billion following prior swings between $51.4 billion and $7.8 billion, and Databricks, tracked at $69.2 billion following an $11.2 billion December funding round.

Policy contours remain important. The Securities and Exchange Commission under acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda is emphasising disclosure proportionality and lighter burdens for growth issuers. Exchanges are in dialogue with regulators over listing frictions that have discouraged companies in the past. Saunders cautions, however, that “regulatory adjustments may encourage activity, but issuers must still prove that business models deliver durable returns across cycles.”

Investor participation continues to split between retail and institutional dynamics. Retail enthusiasm is capable of inflating day-one valuations, while institutions increasingly target issuers with free cash flow visibility, revenue above $250 million and gross margins above 70%. “Dispersion is widening,” Saunders observes. “Our research shows institutional sponsorship focuses on profitability, not simply growth at all costs.”

For investors, the message is clear: opportunities are real but uneven. Merifund Capital Management’s analysis highlights that developed markets have already exceeded last year’s total technology IPO proceeds by June, and the outlook suggests momentum continues into the autumn window. Companies with proven scalability and resilient fundamentals are commanding sustained attention, while those with weaker models struggle to secure meaningful sponsorship.

About Merifund Capital Management

Based in Singapore since 2010, Merifund Capital Management Pte. Ltd. is a specialist hedge fund manager with a global perspective on investment opportunities. The firm manages a diversified set of strategies spanning traditional long-only portfolios, long/short equity, global macro, event-driven and systematic trading. Derivatives are deployed selectively to optimise exposure while ensuring capital preservation, liquidity and rigorous risk controls remain at the core. Environmental, social and governance principles are embedded into its processes in line with international standards. Merifund serves accredited investors, family offices, foundations and endowments, and is progressing towards making certain offerings available to retail investors.

For general information, visit merifund.com. Additional insights can be found at merifund.com/insights.

Media Contact

Tao Yang
media@merifund.com

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today praised Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier for swiftly updating its emergency rule on concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) opioid products, reducing the allowable concentration from 1% by total weight to 0.04% by dried weight (or 400 parts per million). The adjustment follows concerns that the original “by total weight” threshold created a loophole enabling manufacturers to produce large-format products and evade restrictions. Directly after the announcement, concentrated 7-OH opioid producers moved to exploit the new rule, creating ‘Florida Compliant’ concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products.

“Florida has taken another important step to protect consumers from dangerous concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “We strongly support this move, which preserves access to safe, natural kratom while closing a loophole that allows concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products to enter the market.”

The original 1% by weight allowance permitted products like 10 mg 7-OH tablets to be manufactured at 1 gram each. With the new 0.04% limit, such tablets are effectively removed from the market. Natural kratom leaf products contain natural 7-OH, at between 0.0021% and 0.0079% by dried weight, well below the 0.04% threshold set in Florida. Natural kratom leaf products remain fully unaffected.

“This update highlights Florida’s leadership in distinguishing between synthetic 7-OH concentrated opioid products and natural kratom leaf,” Lowe continued. “As shown by manufacturers coming out with a ‘Florida Compliant’ product within hours of the announcement, bad actors move quickly to take advantage of any areas that they can find to continue to reap profits over public safety.”

The Global Kratom Coalition remains committed to ensuring responsible regulation of kratom, protecting consumers from synthetic, concentrated 7-OH opioid products, and preserving safe access to natural kratom leaf products for millions of Americans.

For background, see this video of U.S. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.

About Global Kratom Coalition

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

Media Contact

Patrick George
info@globalkratomcoalition.org
+1 916-202-1982

Shaman Botanicals has issued a formal response to the FDA’s recent warning letter on its 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, backed by reports from leading researchers at Johns Hopkins, Harvard, UCLA, and other institutions. The company argues that current scientific evidence supports the safety of 7-OH, directly countering FDA’s claims. Experts consulted — including those previously cited by FDA — stress that 7-OH should not be considered a public health crisis and that available data shows no evidence of overdose deaths, respiratory depression, or widespread dependence.

The experts also emphasize that 7-OH is a naturally occurring kratom-derived compound, not synthetic, and that preclinical studies commissioned by Shaman found no serious toxicity. Collectively, the findings point toward a favorable safety profile and call for continued study rather than scheduling. Shaman Botanicals maintains its commitment to scientific transparency and consumer safety, urging FDA to follow the science.

Key Points

• Experts previously cited by the FDA now disagree with its recommendation to schedule 7-OH. They argue the agency’s position is not supported by the latest scientific evidence.
• No deaths or confirmed cases of respiratory depression have been linked to 7-OH. Researchers clam this is significant given millions of adults are estimated to have tried it.
• Researchers say that 7-OH has “no unreasonable risk of overdose deaths” based on reviews of nationwide databases. Poison control and toxicology centers across the U.S. confirm no evidence of widespread harm.
• Scientists confirm that 7-OH is a natural metabolite of kratom, not a synthetic substance. It is produced both by the plant itself and through metabolism in the human body.

See the full Shaman Botanicals, LLC response below:

Shaman Botanicals, LLC Responds to FDA Warning Letter with Scientific Reports by Renowned Experts

Shaman Botanicals, LLC, a leading innovator in botanical wellness, has formally responded to a recent warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products. In support of its mission and to defend its products, attorneys for Shaman Botanicals have assembled an interdisciplinary team of renowned researchers, scientists, and clinicians to prepare reports that directly address the FDA’s claims concerning 7-OH.

"The FDA asserts that there is insufficient information about the safety of our 7-OH products. However, the scientists consulted by our legal team have found that the evidence to date supports the safety of our products,” stated Stephen “Vince” Sanders, II, founder of Shaman Botanicals.

Scientists Cited by the FDA Express Concerns About the Scheduling of 7-OH

Scientific reviews were provided by Dr. Kirsten Smith, PhD, widely regarded as the leading clinical researcher on kratom in the United States and an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University, and Dr. Edward Boyer, MD, PhD, a Harvard-educated medical toxicologist with extensive experience in kratom research.

The support for further study and regulation of 7-OH products by Drs. Smith and Boyer reflects a growing and dynamic shift in the scientific community’s perspective on 7-OH. Work by Drs. Smith and Boyer was cited by the FDA in their recent report recommending the scheduling of 7-OH. Both Drs. Smith and Boyer are currently leading projects to better understand 7-OH use patterns in the United States. But, having looked at the latest data, they do not agree with FDA’s position.

Other scientists cited in Shaman’s response to the FDA include Dr. Michael Levine, MD, a medical toxicologist educated at Chicago Medical School and an associate professor at the University of California-Los Angeles, recognized for his research in botanical toxicology, and Dr. Jackob Moskovitz, D.Sc., a Technion-Israel Institute of Technology-trained biochemist and internationally recognized expert in molecular biology. Drs. Levine and Moskovitz were provided with three preclinical studies commissioned by Shaman and asked to comment on them. Shaman’s response also cited Dr. Glenn Prestwich, PhD, a Stanford-educated chemist and internationally recognized authority on natural products chemistry and chemical biology, and Dr. Andrew Monte, MD, PhD, the Associate Director of the Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Center in Denver, Colorado, and an expert in nationwide monitoring for adverse events from opioids.

7-OH Should Not Be Considered a Public Health Crisis 

Dr. Smith strongly disagrees with the FDA’s recent recommendation to schedule 7-OH. According to Dr. Smith, the use of 7-OH does not constitute a public health crisis. Furthermore, Dr. Smith asserts that, much like kratom, 7-OH currently offers a net benefit to its users.

According to Dr. Smith, who estimates that at least 4 million adults have tried 7-OH, there are no confirmed human cases of respiratory depression caused by 7-OH. Additionally, reports of physical dependence or substance use disorder related to 7-OH are even rarer than those associated with kratom.

7-OH Is Not Causing Widespread Illness or Injury

Dr. Boyer reviewed nationwide toxicology databases, including poison center data, and found limited evidence of acute overdose risk from 7-hydroxymitragynine. No deaths have been attributed to 7-hydroxymitragynine, a finding confirmed by America’s Poison Center in their August 12, 2025 report.

As Dr. Boyer stated, “A signal arising from overdose death from 7-hydroxymitragynine is absent. Based upon data available at this time, given the degree of population exposure, the lack of findings suggests that 7-hydroxymitragynine carries no unreasonable risk of overdose death.”

Dr. Monte arrived at the same conclusion as Dr. Boyer, that there is currently no evidence of a safety signal regarding 7-OH as reported by independent poison control and toxicology centers across the United States.

Dr. Boyer also disagreed with the FDA’s report regarding the putative safety or danger of 7-OH. According to Dr. Boyer, the FDA assessment relies on animal studies receiving intravenous 7-hydroxymitragynine (a route of administration never used in humans) and overlooks existing data indicating low bioavailability, rapid clearance, and poor brain penetration characteristic of oral 7-hydroxymitragynine.

7-OH is a Natural Product; Not Synthetic

Opponents of 7-OH often mistakenly label these kratom-derived products as “synthetic.” According to Dr. Prestwich, “7-OH is not manufactured synthetically.” Instead, 7-OH is a naturally occurring selective oxidation product of mitragynine, already present among the indole alkaloids in kratom plant extract. These products contain 7-OH that is chemically identical to the natural metabolite of mitragynine produced by the kratom plant and through metabolism in the human body. Thus, 7-OH is a natural product.

Pre-Clinical Data Conducted by Shaman Botanicals Supports the Favorable Safety Profile of 7-OH

Drs. Levine and Moskovitz each reviewed three preclinical studies commissioned by Shaman: (1) “Acute Toxicity Assessment of 7-Hydroxymitragynine in Rodents,” (2) “Pilot Safety Study of Escalating Doses of 7-Hydroxymitragynine and Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl Administered Daily for 7-day Intervals to Mature Dogs,” and (3) “An In-Vitro Pre-Clinical Safety Comparison of Mitragynine and its Oxidative Metabolites: 7-Hydroxymitragynine and Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl.” In the two animal studies, no serious clinical toxicity or adverse events were observed.

Dr. Levine stated these studies support initial safety and warrant further evaluation. Dr. Moskovitz concluded, “Based on all the obtained data (i.e., in vitro studies, mice and dogs’ models), it seems that the therapeutic potency and safety profile of 7HMG are either the same or better compared to mitragynine.”

Current Science Supports a Reasonable Basis of Safety and Recommends Continued Study, Not Scheduling

Full copies of each expert report have been provided to the FDA. “The FDA pledged to follow the science. The aforementioned experts, some of the top scientists in the world, maintain the science supports a reasonable basis of safety in our 7-OH products,” said Sanders.

Commitment to Transparency and Consumer Safety

Shaman Botanicals remains deeply committed to transparency, scientific rigor, and consumer welfare. The company welcomes continued dialogue.

About Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART)

Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART) is a national nonprofit organization advocating for science-based policy, regulatory transparency, and access to safe, plant-based alternatives to opioids and other pharmaceuticals. 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a metabolite of mitragynine, the most abundant alkaloid found in kratom, is a new tool being used to combat opioid misuse and improve public health. HART strongly supports robust regulation to mandate that all 7-OH products are manufactured safely, are marketed transparently, and are kept out of the hands of children. Learn more at hartsupporter.com.

Media Contact

HART Media
media@hartsupporter.com

Assembled, the all-in-one platform trusted by the world's most discerning customer support teams, today unveiled its support orchestration suite, combining AI agents with intelligent workforce management. This is the industry's first comprehensive solution for turning AI automation into measurable cost savings by intelligently connecting AI performance to workforce optimization and staffing decisions.

"Great customer support needs AI and humans in perfect balance," said Ryan Wang, CEO of Assembled. "Support orchestration isn't just about deploying AI — it's about intelligently connecting your automation strategy to real workforce decisions. We're solving the fundamental challenge of how to capture ROI by helping teams identify where AI can take work off their plate, then automatically adjusting staffing to realize those savings."

As support teams increasingly deploy AI agents alongside human staff, Assembled's breakthrough solution addresses the critical challenge of maximizing automation impact while optimizing workforce allocation for superior customer experiences.

The announcement comes as support organizations worldwide struggle to realize the promised ROI from AI initiatives. While AI agent adoption has surged, most teams lack the operational framework to effectively balance automation with human resources, leaving significant efficiency gains unrealized. A recent KPMG report shared that only 31% of leaders anticipate being able to evaluate ROI of generative AI initiatives within six months, and none report achieving positive ROI yet, while 85% of leaders cite data quality as their most significant challenge in AI strategies for 2025. Support teams are facing challenges, including unclear ROI on AI investments, difficulty balancing human and AI resources, and limited visibility into AI performance impact.

"The complexity of modern support operations requires a fundamentally new approach to workforce management," added Olivia Teich, Chief Product Officer at Assembled. "Our unique position managing in-house teams, BPOs, and AI agents gives us unprecedented insight into how to optimize these blended workforces. Workforce management and AI support orchestration delivers the actionable intelligence layer that makes automation actually work for both your business and your customers."

A three-pillar approach to support orchestration

The support orchestration suite introduces three integrated capabilities that transform how support teams approach AI deployment and workforce optimization:

Increase AI adoption: Assembled guides customer experience teams through their automation journey by identifying where AI can take work off their team's plate, flagging knowledge gaps to increase automation, and analyzing open cases to boost automation through workflows and integrations. The platform provides data-driven recommendations based on actual case history, helping teams pursue automation based on specific case topics and queues.

Optimize staffing: Teams can make staffing adjustments to take advantage of automation by redistributing agents across multiple skills, queues, and channels. The platform shows where teams are over- and understaffed, incorporates AI coverage into staffing plans, and can automatically adjust staffing plans based on actual AI performance. Advanced forecasting capabilities help teams model different scenarios and evaluate automation targets based on potential ROI.

Delight customers: Support orchestration ensures the best possible customer experience by adjusting handoffs based on real-time agent capacity. When occupancy rates are high, AI agents focus on containment; when in-house teams have more capacity, AI agents can hand off cases more quickly. The platform guarantees quality with complete visibility and audit trails, ensuring seamless handoffs between AI, in-house, and BPO agents.

Jake Alster, Sr. Manager Product Support at Patreon, and his team rely on this approach daily:

“What makes support orchestration work is that it treats AI and workforce management as one challenge, not two. We’re solving real problems like, ‘How do we use AI when queues are running hot?’ and ‘How do we rebalance when AI’s volume impact shifts day to day?’ Having a platform that can answer those questions with live data has changed how we staff, how we prioritize, and ultimately how we deliver for creators and fans.”

Proven results from a unified platform

Assembled's comprehensive platform already helps leading companies optimize their blended workforces. Flexcar, the Boston-based car-leasing company, uses Assembled AI Agents to resolve over 85% of their chat and email inquiries without human intervention. As Lesley Ong, Director of Infrastructure and Strategic Planning at Flexcar, noted: "Having workforce management and AI support under one roof was a major differentiator. It's not just about having agents handle contacts quicker — it's about orchestrating the entire operation."

Amazon aggregator Thrasio achieved $1.8 million in savings and a 10% boost in CSAT scores through smarter orchestration and increased automation. Gershwin Exter, Chief Experience Officer at Thrasio said: “Assembled is the only company that blends these functions in a single platform. I can make a business decision — do I want to temporarily hire an extra 50 people for the 8-day Prime Day spike? Having Assembled workforce management and AI agents gives me so much more agility and means I don’t have to go through that headache.”

The support orchestration suite is generally available today, with added features to come in the second half of 2025.

About Assembled

Assembled is the modern, unified platform for managing in-house teams, BPOs, and AI agents. The company's comprehensive solution includes AI agents for chat, voice, email, and SMS; an AI copilot to assist human agents; and workforce management tools to forecast, schedule, and monitor blended workforces. Founded in 2018 by machine learning engineers from Stripe, Assembled serves hundreds of leading companies, including Stripe, Robinhood, Canva, and Intercom. The company has raised $71 million from NEA, Emergence Capital, and top angels, with more than 130 employees across San Francisco, New York, London, and remote locations. Learn more at assembled.com.

Media Contact

Katy Goldstein
katy@katygoldsteincomms.com

Ribeye Media, a provider of programmatic advertising solutions designed specifically for local media companies, has appointed Philip Inghelbrecht, CEO and co-founder of Tatari, a leading technology company modernizing TV advertising, to its board of directors.

Amid growing industry buzz, Ribeye is entering a new phase of accelerated growth fueled by record-breaking revenue, new product releases, rapid expansion into new market segments and a strategic investment from Tatari — driven by the widespread adoption of its end-to-end advertising platform for local advertisers, delivering a unified alternative to fragmented point solutions.

Inghelbrecht is widely known as a co-founder of Shazam, one of the world’s most iconic music discovery apps. His background spans high-growth startups and major tech platforms, including leadership roles at TrueCar, Google/YouTube and Boomerang. Since founding Tatari in 2016, Inghelbrecht has led Tatari to become one of the leading ad platforms for buying and measuring TV ad campaigns, attracting over 400 brand partners and securing platform licensing agreements with more than 60 agencies.

“Philip has built companies that redefine entire industries,” said Joe Marino, CEO and co-founder of Ribeye Media. “We’re honored to have his strategic insight and entrepreneurial firepower on our board. This investment from Tatari is a testament to Ribeye's momentum and will significantly help us accelerate our business even further, enabling us to ensure local media companies and agencies are able to compete and thrive in today’s advertising ecosystem.”

"The impact of CTV is even more pronounced in local TV advertising," said Inghelbrecht. "Ribeye is building the kind of infrastructure that unlocks real power for local media sellers and agencies — bringing clarity, automation and scale. Our investment in Ribeye underlines our commitment to modernizing the infrastructure for TV advertising at all levels. I’m honored to work with Joe to help shape local TV for the future.”

About Ribeye Media

In contrast to the point solutions that dominate the industry, Ribeye unites premium programmatic inventory, transparent pricing and white-glove support with intuitive technology that streamlines every step — from planning and activation to measurement and attribution. The result: local sellers and agencies can compete — and win — in digital advertising under their own trusted brands, with the efficiency, scale and sophistication of enterprise-grade platforms. For more information, visit www.ribeye.media.

About Tatari TV

Tatari is building the infrastructure to modernize TV advertising for brands, agencies and publishers. Our clients include Calm, Tecovas and Chime. Tatari has been recognized by Business Insider as one of the hottest ad tech companies, by AdExchanger as the most innovative TV ad tech and by Digiday as the best CTV ad platform. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Los Angeles and New York. For more information, visit www.tatari.tv.

Media Contact

Jennifer Scilabro
jenn@ribeye.media

While not a substitute for conventional chairs, bean bags (sometimes known as bean bag chairs) offer their brand of seating comfort. Millions of plastic beads stand in place of a rigid frame, displacing as the user shifts their posture. Hours of sitting through an event suddenly become more bearable, if not enjoyable, thanks to these bags.

Brands have taken notice, preferring bean bags over chairs for seating in corporate events and other functions. Slap on the business logo on these bags and watch brand awareness do its magic amid the crowd. As a result, recent analysis projects a rise in demand for bean bags throughout the decade, with one estimate reaching $5 billion (U.S.) by 2030. [1]

Here are reasons businesses are choosing promo bean bags, be it for the office or events.

Weather and Terrain Resilience

Naturally, bean bags need to be made from the right materials to be usable rain or shine. They also must be able to withstand the harshness of outdoor terrain, having to settle for hours on grass, sand, or snow.

One such material for outdoor bean bags is polyester outdoor fabric, specifically 1680 denier (1680D). The denier refers to the density of fibers for every 9,000 meters of a specific commercial-grade fabric. Silk is used as a point of reference; a silk fiber 9,000 meters long weighs a gram and has a denier of 1—or 1D, in this case.

The 1680D polyester in custom promotional bean bags is designed to withstand practically anything Mother Nature throws at it. The fabric comes with water and dirt repellent polyurethane coating and reinforced stitching. As a result, outdoor bean bags can maintain their appearance despite long hours under the elements and keep the printed brand visible.

Good for One’s Back

Contrary to popular belief, sitting straight—as in right-angle straight—is bad health advice. This is because the spine curves slightly in four areas: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper and middle back), lumbar (lower back), and sacral (tailbone). The slight ‘S’ shape it forms helps support the body by distributing the load from various activities. [2]

While some chairs can be designed with the spine’s natural curves in mind, they might not be cost-effective for seating at events. That said, providing uncomfortable seats during the event wouldn’t look great for public relations. Additionally, there aren’t that many available options for outdoor ergonomic seating.

Designer bean bag chairs are ideal for supporting backs of varying conditions, as they’re filled with loose filling material. Two of the most widely used fillers are expanded polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polypropylene (EPP). A quick summary is below. [3]

• EPS Filling: Designed for cushioning cargo, virgin EPS beads are also typically used as bean bag fillers. They’re known to hold their shape in hot and humid environments and are the less expensive of the two due to their abundant supply. However, they lose their original shape faster than EPP ones.
• EPP Filling: EPP beads are more effective at retaining their shape while being longer-lasting than EPS ones. However, these beads are more expensive because they aren’t used as much in the U.S. Also, exposure to heat and oxygen can cause them to degrade, making them less suitable for outdoor use.

The beads displace easily with the user’s weight, which helps them get comfortable. Their spine doesn’t have to be restricted to a fixed backrest. However, it’s important to get the filler amount right, which is doable using online calculators like this one.

Eco-Friendly (with the Right Materials)

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a buzzword among businesses in recent years. As entities with the abilities and resources to inspire positive change, they’re under pressure from the general public to lead by example.

Although price and quality continue to be the primary factors in a customer’s purchase, a growing number of buyers have bought eco-friendly products and will continue to do so. An Accenture study confirms this, with 89% and 84% of respondents still focused on price and quality, respectively, but 72% also said they’ve bought such products. [4]

However, CSR isn’t limited to providing eco-friendly goods and services. Its practices also need to conform to ethical and environmental standards. As U.N. Global Compact CEO Sanda Ojiambo writes following the Seville Commitment, the private sector can no longer be a bystander. Businesses have to embrace sustainability.

Contrary to popular belief, something as minor as choosing eco-friendly materials for branded corporate bean bags can go a long way. For instance, a growing number of bean bags in the market feature plant-based fillers and fabric made from recycled plastics. One substitute made with Miriti leaves is known to be 30 times stronger than synthetic foam. [5]

Conclusion

Bean bags provide a unique means of relaxation while serving as cost-effective branding solutions and, with eco-friendly materials, improving corporate image. With the demand for these soft furnishings for commercial uses rising, expect them to be a more common sight in corporate events and other functions in the following years.

References

1. Bean Bag Chairs Market Size | Industry Report, 2019-2025 [Internet]. www.grandviewresearch.com. Available from: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/bean-bag-chairs-market
2. Spinal curves: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19463.htm
3. Gheorghe S. Types Of Bean Bag Filling and How To Choose. Homedit.com. 2021 [cited 2025 Jul 30]. Available from: https://www.homedit.com/bean-bag-refill/
4. Martins A. Most Consumers Want Sustainable Products and Packaging [Internet]. Business News Daily. 2024. Available from: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15087-consumers-want-sustainable-products.html
5. Balboni BM, Moreira TA de S, Batista AS, Garcia JN, Ribeiro ML, Wessels CB, et al. Mechanical properties and applications of a fiber reinforced biofoam from Amazonian palm leaves. Next Sustainability [Internet]. 2024 Jul 19;4:100063. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949823624000400

About Bean Bags R Us

Bean Bags R Us is a trusted Australian brand specialising in high-quality bean bags for homes, resorts, events, and businesses worldwide. With over a decade of experience, the company has built a reputation for durability, comfort, and style, supplying products to leading hotels, event organizers, and five-star resorts. Known for custom branding, outdoor-ready fabrics, and a wide variety of designs, Bean Bags R Us combines modern lifestyle needs with exceptional customer service, shipping globally to meet the demands of both residential and commercial clients. For more information, visit www.beanbagsrus.com.au.

Media Contact

Geoff Brand
geoff@beanbagsrus.com.au

Axium Wealth, a leading provider of advanced wealth management and tax mitigation strategies, launched a nationwide financial education initiative led by its founder and CEO, Charlie Dombek. The program is designed to help investors, entrepreneurs, and high-income professionals grow their wealth more rapidly through a combination of tax-smart strategies and by improving investment performance through reallocation of market based capital into off market alternative and real estate investments that have the potential to generate returns and yields 3 to 4 times that of traditional financial products.

With more than 25 years of experience as a CPA and wealth architect, Dombek is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on both domestic and international tax planning. Through this initiative, he will host a series of educational events, webinars, and workshops that focus on practical, results-driven strategies for recovering dollars unnecessarily paid in state and federal income taxes, diversifying investments into off market opportunities, and navigating complex financial markets.

“Far too many successful individuals lose significant portions of their wealth to taxes and inefficient planning,” said Dombek. “Our mission is to arm investors with the same tools, strategies, and insights that the ultra-wealthy and institutional investors have long used to protect and grow their capital.”

Dombek’s diverse track record includes raising more than $300 million in equity for real estate acquisitions totaling nearly $700 million in value, sponsoring alternative lending and real estate-backed platforms, and managing capital in foreign exchange and entertainment-related investments. His clients include family offices, professional athletes, entertainers, and healthcare professionals across the U.S.

In addition to his work with Axium Wealth, Dombek is the founding partner of The Optimal Financial Group and Dentistry Wealth. He is also a syndicated radio host and frequent guest on national programs, including “The Trish Regan Show,” “The Hugh Hewitt Show,” and “The Larry Elder Show.”

About Axium Wealth

Axium Wealth provides advanced wealth management and tax mitigation strategies to high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and business owners nationwide. Founded by Charlie Dombek, CPA, MBA, Axium integrates tax planning, real estate, and alternative investments to deliver comprehensive solutions for preserving and growing wealth. Learn more at axiumwealth.com.

Media Contact

Richard Lorenzen
rlorenzen@fifthavenuebrands.com

A comprehensive new analysis of congressional district bias reveals that 28 states have maps that disproportionately favor one party over another, yet these advantages largely cancel each other out nationally, creating a slim one-seat difference in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The study by Purple Values Foundation, released Tuesday, examined all 50 states and found what researchers call a "worst-case scenario" for American democracy: eroding voter trust and representation with minimal partisan gain for either side.

"We're destroying democracy's foundation, voters' trust in government, for essentially nothing," said Mike Saletta, President of Purple Values Foundation. "You've got all this district manipulation happening, alienating voters, and at the end of the day it produces a result that could've happened by random chance."

Study Challenges Abbott and Newsom to End Redistricting Arms Race

The report directly challenges Texas Governor Greg Abbott and California Governor Gavin Newsom to break the cycle of escalating redistricting warfare by simultaneously committing to proportional representation in their states.

Texas currently holds 4 more Republican seats than proportional representation would predict, while California gives Democrats 11 seats beyond what they proportionally deserve, the study notes. Under the proposed arrangement, Texas would move to roughly 21 Republican and 17 Democratic seats, while California would shift to approximately 20 Republican and 32 Democratic seats.

Both governors are on record as being willing to escalate redistricting battles, but the report questions whether they're willing to take steps toward healing the country.

California's Independent Commission Produces Most Disproportional Map

The study's most surprising finding concerns California's celebrated independent redistricting commission. Despite operating transparently with seemingly neutral criteria, the commission has produced the most disproportionate map in America, giving Democrats 11 more seats than their vote share warrants.

Democrats win about 60% of California's votes but hold 83% of House seats—an outcome the study calculates has less than a 1% chance of occurring randomly. California's bias score of 3.14 tops the nation, higher than any state accused of traditional gerrymandering.

Intended or not, California's redistricting system has created the most disproportional congressional map in the country. California’s rule that prioritizes keeping districts as compact as possible, preserves large urban Democratic blocs while disenfranchising millions of Republican voters.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The two states at the center of the gerrymandering feud, Texas and California, rank number 9 and number 1, respectively. If Texas succeeds in implementing its redistricting plan, its Bias Rank would move from ninth to second and its Bias Score from 1.31 to 2.94.

Additionally, the study identified 12 states with a two seat or greater advantage beyond what proportional representation would predict.

Democratic advantages:

• California: +11 seats
• Illinois: +4 seats
• New York: +4 seats
• Massachusetts: +3 seats
• Connecticut: +2 seats
• Washington: +2 seats
• New Jersey: +2 seats

Republican advantages:

• Florida: +4 seats
• Texas: +4 seats
• South Carolina: +2 seats
• Tennessee: +2 seats
• North Carolina: +2 seats

An additional 16 states show a bias of one-seat, of those 13 favor Republicans and three favor Democrats. The net effect of all the bias is one additional House seat for Republicans and millions of dissatisfied voters.

Massachusetts, Oklahoma Exemplify the Problem

The study highlights stark examples of disproportionate representation: In Massachusetts, one-third of voters support Republican candidates, yet Republicans hold zero of the state's nine congressional seats. In Oklahoma, Democrats receive over a third of the vote but hold none of its five seats.

Established research shows that 78% of House races are predetermined before Election Day due to safe seat arrangements. The race is essentially decided in the primary election.

Statistical Analysis Confirms Bias

Researchers analyzed voting patterns using data from the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections alongside the Cook Political Report’s Partisan Voting Index. Their findings show a clear trend: in 28 states, political bias favored the majority party, while only 3 states showed bias toward the minority. Statistically, it’s very unlikely this happened by chance.

Even after accounting for the typical advantages that majority parties tend to have, the odds of this pattern happening randomly were about 1 in 42. Under more realistic models, those odds dropped to less than 1 in 5,000.

Three States Break the Pattern

Colorado, Michigan, and Minnesota present anomalies as Democratic-leaning states that give Republicans extra representation. Researchers attribute this "reverse bias" to court interventions or independent commission decisions that prioritized factors other than partisan balance.

Methodology and Data Sources

The analysis combined multiple data sources to create a robust assessment of partisan preference for each state. Those sources include:

• 2020 and 2024 presidential election results
• Cook Partisan Voting Index ratings
• Current House membership data as of August 2025

Researchers calculated expected proportional seat allocations for each state and compared them to actual representation using standardized statistical measures.

About Purple Values Foundation

Purple Values Foundation is dedicated to reducing political extremism and polarization by educating voters in the areas of fiscal responsibility, social compassion, and constitutional adherence. To learn more, visit purplevalues.org.

Media Contact

Purple Values Foundation
pvmedia@purplevalues.org

In a groundbreaking move for sustainability in sports, the Kansas City Chiefs are taking steps to eliminate single-use beverage cups at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium—becoming the first NFL team to offer reusable cups stadium-wide for every event.

Launching at the home opener on September 14, 2025, this collaborative initiative—led by the Kansas City Chiefs in partnership with Bold Reuse, Levy, Aramark Sports + Entertainment, and supported by a Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) grant—combines implementation of a reusable cup system with the continued availability of souvenir cups to create a single-use-cup-free venue.

The MARC Solid Waste Management District E. is pleased to support the Chiefs' effort to provide an alternative to disposable cups at Arrowhead Stadium. Reusable cups are a cutting-edge waste-reduction solution, and Arrowhead is helping to move the needle in the KC Metro area by introducing reuse to its fans.

This sustainability initiative builds on the Chiefs’ long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation through their Extra Yard for the Environment program. This shift to reuse tackles the waste problem at its source—offering an opportunity to significantly reduce single-use plastic waste and keep it out of landfills and local communities.

While reuse pilots have emerged in other leagues and limited sections of stadiums, this marks the first time an NFL stadium has eliminated single-use plastic cups by enabling reuse systems across every fan zone, club, and suite. The impact is immediate: more than 42,000 reusable cups, provided by Bold Reuse, will be used at every home game and event, collected after use, sanitized, and returned for the next event—forming a closed-loop system that drastically reduces waste.

“This is a milestone moment for our own sustainability journey, and we believe it represents a major shift in the professional sports landscape,” said Brandon Hamilton, VP of Stadium Operations and Facilities with the Chiefs. “We’re proud to be the first NFL team to fully commit to reuse at this scale—and we hope it sets a powerful blueprint for other teams around the league and beyond.”

The shift is about more than waste reduction—it’s about creating a better fan experience. Reusable cups look and feel better, reduce confusion around sorting waste, and make it easy for guests to participate in sustainability without changing their behavior. It’s a premium, frictionless experience that aligns with the Chiefs’ broader commitment to innovation and environmental leadership through their Extra Yard for the Environment program. Souvenir cups and merchandise remain available for fans who want to take home a piece of game day—this initiative now replaces previously used single-use cups with reusable ones for select alcoholic beverages in concessions and in the suites.

“This is the moment reuse moves from theory to transformation,” said Heather Watkins, co-founder and CRO of Bold Reuse. “GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium proves that reuse can scale, deliver operational wins, and elevate the guest experience. With the right systems and partners in place, reuse outperforms single-use—on cost, quality, and impact. We're proud to help lead this shift and to show the world that the future of hospitality is circular, seamless, and fan-first.”

Bold Reuse, a women-owned circular logistics company, launched its Kansas City hub in Independence, MO, in 2024 and currently operates a reuse system at CPKC Stadium, home of the Kansas City Current. This collaboration with the Chiefs is a defining moment in Kansas City’s emergence as a national leader in sustainable sports operations.

“We’re always looking for new opportunities to help our partner teams, venues, and events reduce reliance on single-use cups, containers, and packaging,” said Mary McCarthy, VP of Sustainability for Levy. “Having the opportunity to test, learn, and lead this new Bold Reuse initiative alongside our partners at the Kansas City Chiefs is one we’re particularly proud of because it demonstrates the ability to drive significant and accelerated impact.” 

“This collaboration is a first-of-its-kind opportunity to offer reuse at scale in an iconic sports venue,” said Alan Horowitz, VP of Sustainability at Aramark. “It is a powerful step in our commitment to delivering sustainable, guest-centered hospitality, where convenience, environmental responsibility, and exceptional service go hand in hand. We’re excited to partner with the Chiefs, Bold Reuse, and the fans in this exciting initiative.”

The future of game day is here—and it’s reusable.

About the Kansas City Chiefs 

Founded as the Dallas Texans in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) by sports pioneer Lamar Hunt, the franchise moved to Kansas City in 1963 and became known as the Kansas City Chiefs. The team currently competes in the West Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). Under the ownership of the Hunt Family and the leadership of Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, the core values of the club are to Win with Character, Unite our Community, Inspire our Fans, and Honor Tradition. The Chiefs are deeply committed to the Kansas City community through numerous programs as well as the Hunt Family Foundation. To learn more about the Chiefs, visit www.chiefs.com.

About the Kansas City Chiefs’ Extra Yard for the Environment

Launched in 2013, Extra Yard for the Environment is the Kansas City Chiefs year-round sustainability initiative designed to devise and implement green policies for the organization while raising awareness for green efforts at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, The University of Kansas Health System Training Complex, and for fans at home. For more than a dozen years, the Chiefs have been implementing and tracking sustainability efforts to become a more engaged and socially responsible corporate citizen and have formed relationships with like-minded community allies in the sustainability space. 

About Bold Reuse

Bold Reuse partners with venues, corporate campuses, and institutions to power circular systems through reusable packaging, logistics, and data-driven operations. Headquartered in Portland, OR, the company’s mission is to eliminate single-use waste and build a scalable infrastructure for reuse. For more information, visit www.boldreuse.com

About Levy

The disruptor in defining the sports and entertainment hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Levy has twice been named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and has been honored by Forbes as a Best Large Employer, Best Employer for Diversity, and Best Employer for Women. Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters and music festivals, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games. For more, visit levyrestaurants.com or follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram, and X.

About Aramark Sports + Entertainment  

Aramark Sports + Entertainment serves more than 150 award-winning food and beverage and retail programs in premier professional and collegiate stadiums and arenas along with convention centers, cultural attractions, performance venues, and unique entertainment destinations across North America. The company has received accolades for industry innovations including autonomous markets and dining concepts powered by artificial intelligence and has provided hospitality services at high-profile sporting events like the MLB World Series, MLB at Rickwood Field, NBA All-Star, and Indianapolis 500. Visit Aramark Sports + Entertainment's website to learn more or connect on LinkedIn and X. 

Media Contact

Mya Manibusan
mya@boldreuse.com

Just in time for the fall and football season, VIVAZEN® is shaking up the energy shot category with the nationwide launch of its new Natural Energy Shot, a one-serving, fast-acting blend of plant-based ingredients and cordyceps, crafted to deliver natural, focused energy without the crash associated with caffeine.

Rolling out this month in major convenience chains nationwide, VIVAZEN’s Natural Energy Shot is designed for on-the-go performance, offering a natural alternative to synthetic stimulant-laden competitors.

“Consumers are rethinking what they put in their bodies, and they’re demanding more from their energy,” said Bryan Derr, COO at VIVAZEN. “Our Natural Energy Shot delivers functional energy from the power of plants, with ingredients like cordyceps that help support energy and stamina, without the harsh crash of caffeine or mystery chemicals.”

Key features of VIVAZEN Natural Energy Shot:

• Cordyceps for endurance: Some research suggests that this functional mushroom may support oxygen utilization and stamina.
• Clean tropical flavor: Naturally flavored with no artificial sweeteners or colors.
• Functional botanicals: Users report support in clarity and mental alertness on the go.

Conveniently packaged in a single-serving shot, VIVAZEN’s Natural Energy fits in your pocket, gym bag, or glove compartment, ideal for road warriors, retail workers, fitness fans, and anyone with a full schedule and zero time for burnout.

“It’s everything you want in an energy shot, minus everything you don’t,” said Derr. “Zero caffeine, zero artificial ingredients, just clean, botanical power in a bottle.”

VIVAZEN Natural Energy shots are now available in-store at convenience stores nationwide, as well as online at feelgreatbotanics.com.

About VIVAZEN

For over a decade, VIVAZEN has delivered trusted, high-quality botanical supplements that provide people with functional wellness without compromise. Rooted in centuries of herbal wisdom and backed by modern innovation, VIVAZEN is a functional, feel-good alternative for those who want to live—and feel—on their own terms. Join the millions who trust VIVAZEN to Feel Great™ naturally, and visit feelgreatbotanics.com.

Disclaimer

VIVAZEN products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Media Contact

Paloma Lehfeldt
press@vivazen.com

In Taiwan, checking the results of 539, the country’s most popular official charity lottery, is more than a quick glance at numbers. It’s part of a nationwide ritual that blends cultural tradition, social contribution, and the simple thrill of possibility. With more than 10,000 lottery shops across the island, buying a ticket is woven into daily life. For many, it is not only about the chance of winning a jackpot but also about contributing to social welfare programs funded by lottery revenues. In this way, a habit as ordinary as checking results becomes a small but consistent act that reflects deeper patterns in public behavior and trust in information systems.

The Appeal of Instant Information

The Taiwanese lottery culture reflects a broader global trend: people’s increasing reliance on immediate, accurate information. In the case of 539, the draw results are provided by legal agencies authorized by the government and delivered through digital platforms with speed and precision. The attraction lies in more than the possibility of winning, it is about instant certainty in an uncertain world.

From stock market tickers to real-time sports scores, the human appetite for up-to-the-minute updates has reshaped how information is consumed. Just as lottery participants expect to know the winning numbers without delay, consumers now demand the same immediacy from news, weather alerts, and even health notifications. The speed of delivery is no longer a luxury, it’s an expectation.

A Cultural Routine with Broader Lessons

Taiwan’s daily lottery checks are, on the surface, a leisure activity. But they also demonstrate how repetitive, trusted touchpoints can become ingrained in public routines. This habit shows that when information is perceived as reliable, accurate, and accessible, it becomes part of the daily rhythm, often without conscious thought.

Businesses and public institutions can learn from this. Whether it’s a retailer sending real-time stock availability alerts or a city government pushing emergency weather updates, building consistent and dependable information channels can strengthen engagement and trust.

Public Trust and Information Sources

One of the most significant aspects of the 539 lottery system is the level of trust placed in the results. This trust is rooted in two things: government oversight and transparency in how numbers are drawn and announced. The results are not just timely, they are verifiably correct, which encourages continued public participation.

The same principle applies to other spheres. A notification system is only as effective as the confidence people have in its accuracy. Health agencies, for example, follow strict protocols when releasing updates on disease outbreaks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides real-time public health alerts, relying on credibility and consistency to ensure people act on the information provided. The lesson is clear: in the absence of trust, speed alone is meaningless.

How Instant Updates Influence Behavior

Psychologists and sociologists have long noted that immediacy affects decision-making. The quicker the information, the more likely it is to prompt an immediate reaction, whether that’s placing another lottery bet, stocking up on supplies ahead of a storm, or adjusting a business order based on new market data.

In the case of 539, participants often adapt their buying strategies from one day to the next based on the latest draw. In a similar vein, investors may reallocate funds within hours based on market alerts, and commuters may reroute their journeys in response to live traffic updates. The underlying driver is the same: instant data triggers instant action.

Digital Platforms and the Real-Time Mindset

Over the past two decades, the move from print and broadcast to mobile alerts and web updates has redefined “timely” information. Digital lottery platforms like i539.tw are just one example of how public-facing services have embraced this shift.

For governments, media outlets, and private companies, the challenge is maintaining the speed of delivery without sacrificing accuracy. Misinformation can travel as fast as official updates, so systems must be designed with verification processes that do not introduce significant delays.

The Social Dimension of Alerts

The act of checking lottery results is not always solitary. In many communities, shop owners, family members, and friends share the moment together. This social aspect reinforces the behavior and, in turn, the platform delivering the information.

In broader contexts, this dynamic is seen when neighbors discuss emergency alerts or when sports fans collectively react to live scores. The more an alert becomes a talking point, the more embedded it becomes in community culture. For organizations aiming to encourage public engagement, whether in public health, environmental monitoring, or civic participation, this community factor is critical.

Potential Risks in the “Always On” Model

While instant updates can be empowering, they also bring challenges. Continuous notifications risk creating alert fatigue, where the volume of messages reduces the likelihood that people will act on them. In high-stakes areas like public safety, this can undermine the effectiveness of communication systems.

With the 539 lottery, the stakes are low, missing a result simply means waiting for the next draw. But in critical services, careful filtering, prioritization, and user control are essential to prevent overload.

Cross-Sector Applications

The instant-results approach seen in Taiwan’s lottery system can inspire strategies across multiple sectors:

• Public health: Rapid alerts about outbreaks or vaccination availability.
• Retail and e-commerce: Real-time stock updates and flash sale notifications.
• Transportation: Live tracking of buses, trains, and ride-hailing services.
• Financial services: Instant market trend alerts and portfolio updates.

In each case, the keys are accuracy, timeliness, and an easy-to-access delivery method, whether that’s an app, SMS, or web portal.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Instant Information

As technology evolves, so too will expectations for immediacy. Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics may soon allow alerts not only to inform but to anticipate user needs. In the lottery context, that could mean trend-based notifications on number patterns; in healthcare, it could mean predicting outbreaks before they happen.

Yet the foundation will remain the same: people must trust the source, understand the message, and be able to act on it quickly. Taiwan’s 539 ritual, while simple, encapsulates this dynamic, showing how a small, daily habit can reflect larger truths about human behavior in the digital age.

Media Contact

PressWhiz Support
support@presswhizz.com

The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) announced today its second Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) grant registration period for 2025, running from August 20 through October 1. For the first time, this open registration expands eligibility to include non-primary residential properties, giving landlords and other property owners the opportunity to apply for seismic retrofit grants to strengthen wood-framed, homes built before 1980 with raised foundations against earthquake damage.

Following the successful registration of nearly 19,000 homeowners during the January registration period, CRMP is initiating a second registration phase. With more than 1,100 eligible ZIP Codes across the state — including 303 added earlier this year — qualified homeowners can apply for grants of up to $3,000 to help cover the cost of bolting houses to their foundations and bracing crawl space walls. These seismic retrofit upgrades help to reduce earthquake damage and provide more resilient housing in high-risk areas.

More than $20 million in grant funding will be available to help offset the cost of seismic retrofits. Since the 2013 EBB program launch, more than 32,500 California homeowners have received grant assistance for strengthening

their homes against earthquake damage. The EBB grant program is administered by CRMP, a Joint Powers Authority between the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

“Offering a second registration period this year is a valuable opportunity in helping us meet the strong demand we’ve seen for earthquake retrofit assistance,” said Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer, California Earthquake Authority. “By opening eligibility to include non-owner-occupied residential properties, we are helping ensure more of California’s older homes, including rentals, can be strengthened against earthquake damage. Retrofitting is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe damage in a major quake, protecting both residents and the communities they call home.”

Income-eligible homeowners may also qualify for supplemental grants. Up to $7,000 in additional grant funds are available for households with an annual income at or below $89,040, which may provide up to 100% of the funds needed to cover a seismic retrofit. Grants are contingent upon meeting eligibility requirements and available funds.

"Earthquake retrofits create a safer and more resilient California. Expanding retrofit grants to rental properties means CRMP will provide even greater protection for California’s housing stock and the families who call these properties ‘home,’” said Tom Welsh, CEO of the California Earthquake Authority. “Each retrofit brings us one step closer to a better-prepared California."

Beginning August 20 and running through October 1, 2025, eligible homeowners can register for a retrofit grant at EarthquakeBraceBolt.com, where they can also find detailed program information, select a trained California- licensed general contractor and view the full list of ZIP Codes and program areas.

About Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB)

Established by the California Residential Mitigation Program, EBB offers up to $3,000 to help California homeowners retrofit their house to reduce potential damage from earthquakes. A residential seismic retrofit makes a house more resistant to earthquake activity, such as ground shaking and soil failure, by bolting the house to its foundation and adding bracing around the perimeter of the crawl space. For more information, please visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com.

About California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP)

CRMP was established in 2011 to help Californians strengthen their homes against damage from earthquakes. CRMP is a joint powers authority created by the California Earthquake Authority and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. For more information, please visit www.crmp.org.

Media Contact

Sheri Pierce
spierce@calquake.com
+1 279-203-1426

"The Envoy" is a fast-paced new docuseries from Emmy-winning talent behind Netflix, CBS, YouTube and Anthony Bourdain’s original team. Premiering in 2025 on leading global streaming platforms with an estimated reach of 50 to 70 million households, the series brings a cinematic lens to extraordinary places, showing how what we eat shapes where we travel and how economies grow.

Each 30-minute episode explores how food is shaping the future through three pillars:

1. Health: Food as medicine
2. Wealth: Economic growth and small business
3. World: Sustainable tourism and climate-positive agriculture

At a time when trust in traditional media is low and budgets are being slashed, "The Envoy" stands apart: world-class cinematic quality, creator-led and mission-driven to bridge soft power with real-world impact.

The mission of "The Envoy" is to make audiences smarter, more connected and optimistic about the future.

Governments Spend Billions, Yet Most Miss the Mark

In 2024, governments invested over $642 billion in tourism and cultural promotion. Most of it is lost in ad buys, consultant decks and one-off campaigns with no clear return.

"The Envoy" is the first purpose-built platform for driving action among U.S. consumers, who control more than $8 trillion in global spending across travel, food and lifestyle.

“Sometimes the difference between a local tradition and a global success story is the right spotlight,” said Laura Layousse, CEO of Compagnie Africaine Agroalimentaire, who is featured in "The Envoy: Senegal." “'The Envoy' gives us that spotlight. We’ve always known fonio was something special — a beautiful, resilient grain that’s nourished our communities for generations. This kind of visibility can change everything for farmers, families, and the future of African agriculture.”

Case Study: Thailand’s Culinary Diplomacy Success

In 2002, Thailand launched the Global Thai program to boost its global image through cuisine — a key success for culinary diplomacy, the concept of sharing culture through food. The economic success of pad thai as a global staple resulted in increased demand for rice noodle exports, increased travel to Thailand and improved international perception.

"The Envoy" is the first systematic approach to taking this model further. Using premium global distribution and world-class storytelling, the series accelerates visibility and perception change by spotlighting tourism, trade and technology.

A New Model For Media

“'The Envoy' fills a critical gap in the market, aligning the goals of governments, nonprofits, and viewers to create shared prosperity and stronger global ties,” said Todd Green, strategic advisor to "The Envoy." “Our media model is built to be sustainable and a blueprint for the future of content marketing where premium storytelling, journalistic integrity and real-world impact work hand in hand.”

The series is already being featured at major global forums, including at a highly curated Sundance Film Festival event held alongside executives from Whole Foods Market and The Rockefeller Foundation, to connect storytelling with strategy.

The show's marketing strategy embraces the power of in-person connection, with a presence at key cultural and commercial events including the Fancy Food Show, World Travel Market, U.N. General Assembly and SXSW.

Premiere Episode: Fonio in West Africa

The debut episode features Bill Gates, celebrity chef Pierre Thiam, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Borso Tall and philosopher-farmer Moussa Samb as they explore one of the world’s oldest and most climate-resilient grains.

Fonio was the grain of kings and buried with ancient pharaohs — until it was nearly lost. Today, this nutrient-rich grain is powering a new future across the Sahel by improving nutrition, expanding economic opportunity for women and helping reverse desertification.

"The Envoy" brings this story to life as a blueprint for healthier communities, economic growth and a more resilient planet.

Looking Ahead

“We’ve combined world-class journalism, filmmaking, creator content and marketing into one platform,” said Anne Marie Hagerty, creator and host of "The Envoy." “Our team aims to launch the next ‘Food Wonders of the World,’ using premium content to make our viewers smarter, more optimistic and more aware of how their choices can have a positive impact on the planet.”

"The Envoy" is now inviting select partnerships with aligned brands and foundations seeking purpose-driven content that travels — culturally and commercially — to amplify their mission on a world stage. New episodes will premiere throughout 2026.

For private screening access to view the show, partnership inquiries or more information, visit www.theenvoyshow.com or email hi@theenvoyshow.com.

About The Envoy Show

“The Envoy” is a fast-paced docuseries about food and travel, created by Academy Award- and Emmy-winning filmmakers and former producers of Anthony Bourdain to deliver cinematic storytelling that makes audiences smarter, more connected and optimistic about the future. For more information, visit www.theenvoyshow.com.

Media Contact

Christy Bastin
christy@theenvoyshow.com

Emerging in 2023, Betpanda has rapidly positioned itself as a trailblazer in the crypto gaming space, blending top-tier casino offerings with sportsbook features to deliver a seamless, next-generation platform designed for players who demand speed, privacy, and fun.

A World of Games at Your Fingertips

Crypto casino Betpanda hosts a colossal game library, boasting thousands of slots, table games, live casino titles, and even exclusive originals from some of the industry's leading developers. With over 6,000 titles and more than 75 providers, the platform ensures endless entertainment variety and quality.

Ultimate Crypto Convenience

As a crypto-only casino, Betpanda supports a broad array of digital currencies—including BTC, ETH, USDT, LTC, DOGE, TRX, BNB, and more—ensuring low fees and blazing-fast transactions. Users frequently experience near-instant deposits and withdrawals, often within minutes or even seconds via the Bitcoin Lightning Network.

Earn More with Generous Bonuses

New users are greeted with a compelling welcome offer—100% bonus up to 1 BTC—paired with weekly 10% cashback and frequent reload promotions. Its bonus system converts deposits into playable rewards using a “bounty bonus” model: wager your deposit 80× within 7 days, and the bonus is released as pure, withdrawable cash with no further wagering requirements.

Dedicated Privacy and Security

Betpanda operates under a global crypto-first approach with offshore licensing, allowing players worldwide to enjoy its services. The platform uses SSL encryption and optional two-factor authentication to safeguard accounts, while a “no-KYC” philosophy preserves user anonymity for most routine transactions.

Support and Community Engagement

Players enjoy 24/7 multilingual support through live chat and email. The platform also rewards loyalty via an XP-driven VIP program, offering cashback, free spins, and tiered perks to enhance long-term engagement.

Media Contact

Snack Media
links@snack-media.com

Qwoted, the network built for newsmakers, has received new backing from Mudita Venture Partners, an early-stage firm that supports companies with purpose. Raised as a part of a SAFE round in June 2025, the funding will support Qwoted’s continued growth as it builds faster, smarter ways for journalists to find trustworthy sources and for real experts to showcase their authority and knowledge.

Mudita Venture Partners invests in early-stage companies with big impact potential. Their backing reflects a shared belief in Qwoted’s role as a network that empowers both sides of the media equation.

“Qwoted is democratizing access to the media by giving journalists an easier way to find real experts and putting credible voices front and center in the news cycle,” said Josh Linkner, managing partner at Mudita Venture Partners. “That’s the kind of structural innovation we’re happy to support.”

The investment comes at a time when more journalists are seeking speed, trust, and authenticity in the sourcing process. Since 2017, Qwoted has quietly become the go-to network, making that possible. With over 200,000 professionals on the platform, Qwoted is shaping a new kind of media workflow that doesn’t rely on buried inboxes or unvetted replies but on authentic relationships and better tools for getting the story right. The number of reporters and expert sources in the network has grown by 45% in less than a year, reflecting both demand and trust in a better system.

“This funding allows us to scale with a focus on trust, access, and real relationships,” said Dan Simon, Qwoted’s CEO and co-founder. “We believe the newsmaking process should be more accessible, so we’re building the infrastructure that helps journalists move faster, and experts show up where it counts.”

Qwoted will use the funding to grow its engineering team, enhance moderation tools, and build out data and discovery features. The company will continue to build out its Media Advisory Board, strategic partnerships, and editorial initiatives, including its collaboration with Axios HQ and the rollout of its press release distribution service, to support more authentic storytelling at scale.

About Qwoted

Qwoted is the network for newsmakers, using innovative technology to connect journalists with PR professionals and industry experts. Trusted by hundreds of thousands of media and communications professionals, Qwoted’s network offers valuable insights and tools that empower those working on tomorrow’s news. For more information, visit www.qwoted.com.

About Mudita Venture Partners

Mudita Venture Partners is an early-stage venture fund and advisor, primarily pursuing investments in post-revenue business-to-business software companies. The Mudita team brings decades of entrepreneurial and operational experience to help accelerate growth and mitigate risk. Mudita only pursues investments for its funds in companies it believes will have both a positive impact on the world and drive meaningful economic returns. To learn more, visit muditavp.com.

Media Contact

Bryan Aungst
bryan.aungst@qwoted.com

Rönesans Holding, one of Europe’s leading contracting and investment groups, has initiated one of the largest private sector investments in Türkiye to date: the construction of a new polypropylene (PP) production plant and liquid bulk terminal in Ceyhan. With a total investment of $2 billion (U.S.), these strategic projects aim to increase Türkiye’s industrial self-sufficiency, reduce foreign dependency, and enhance the country’s position in global trade.

Erman Ilıcak, honorary president of Rönesans Holding, said: “Once operational, these projects will directly contribute USD 300 million annually to reducing Türkiye's current account deficit.”

Rönesans Holding recently announced that it has secured total of $1.3 billion in financing for these projects — from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Spain’s export credit agency (Cesce).

Dr. Ilıcak highlighted the group’s longstanding role in advancing Türkiye’s economy through value-added projects: “Our story began with international contracting services. To date, we have undertaken projects worth a total of $50 billion. Seventy per cent of this, approximately $35 billion, was carried out abroad, and we have pioneered many firsts in the world in this field. We have worked on a wide range of projects, from Europe's longest tunnel to its tallest building, from the world's largest GTG facility to the world’s largest seismically isolated building. Following this, we became a large-scale investment holding company operating in real estate, social infrastructure, renewable energy, and more recently, industrial facilities. Over the past 15 years, with the significant contributions of stakeholders such as the World Bank's investment arm IFC and the EBRD, we have structured our business in line with sustainable development goals.”

He continued: “Our model is centred on developing the right project with the right partners, and delivering it at the right time. We have successfully implemented this model with partners such as Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC, Meridiam Infrastructure from France, Japan’s Sojitz, Samsung C&T, and TotalEnergies. Together, we have completed $10 billion worth of investments in Türkiye. These initiatives have laid the foundation for broader transformation, and we will continue to focus on projects that help reduce our country’s trade gap.”

Ceyhan Projects Developed with Expertise from 12 Countries

Reflecting on shifting global economic trends, Dr. Ilıcak said: “Protectionism is increasing, and supply chains are being reshaped. Energy and production are becoming localised. This transformation holds significant opportunities for countries like ours. In particular, strategic heavy industry investments are needed to reduce the foreign trade deficit arising due to imports of industrial machinery, plastics and chemicals, as well as industrial and precious metals. Over the past 10 years, industrial investments totalling approximately $20 billion have been made in Türkiye, including projects worth over $500 million. But this is not enough ...”

He further emphasised: “To close the gap, Türkiye needs to allocate at least $12 billion annually over the next five years, totalling $60 billion. If an investment initiative of this scale is undertaken, we could see a $15 billion annual increase in GDP and a $10 billion reduction in the foreign trade deficit. At Rönesans Holding, we have secured international financing for our Ceyhan polypropylene production facility and liquid bulk terminal investments, totalling $2 billion, which serve this very purpose. The construction of these projects, developed in collaboration with expert solution partners from 12 countries, are ongoing. Once operational, these investments will directly contribute $300 million annually to reducing Türkiye's current account deficit.”

Attracting Foreign Investment Through Strong Partnerships

Dr. Ilıcak also reflected on the importance of international collaborations: “Perhaps the most challenging project we undertook with the EBRD was Türkiye's transformation in healthcare. The EBRD shared its expertise from around the world. As a result, Türkiye was able to attract $15 billion in financing from abroad and carry out its healthcare transformation. We also worked with the IFC for many years on project financing. In difficult conditions, IFC has always stood by our side. We have formed company partnerships with them. Most recently, we have been developing a PPP hospital in Kazakhstan together. In every project we have undertaken, the first question they asked was, 'What will be the social impact of this?' Profitability was always the last topic. Those are the reasons why I am grateful to both banks.”

He concluded: “Our relations with Central Asian countries, in particular, have developed substantially. Then, our ties with African countries began to strengthen. Today, Türkiye has become a hub that serves a population ten times its own, meeting needs such as healthcare and education. We closely follow these developments and ensure that growing diplomatic relations are also reflected in trade. We are working to support the progress of Türkiye's industrialisation initiative. We secure financing from abroad to carry out our projects wherever possible instead of using our country's limited resources.”

About Rönesans Holding

Rönesans Holding, the conglomerate's leading investment entity headquartered in Ankara, is the 53rd largest international contracting company globally and one of the largest in Europe. With operations spanning 30 countries across Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, including subsidiaries such as Ballast Nedam in the Netherlands and Heitkamp Industrial Solutions GmbH in Germany, Rönesans has been operating as the main contractor and investor successfully for more than 30 years in construction, real estate, concession, renewable energy, and industrials. Putting resilience and growth through innovation at the core of the company, with a priority on sustainability and social development, Rönesans has developed projects supporting students with scholarships, academic platforms, and initiatives; been a signatory of the UN Global Compact since 2015; and a signatory of the UN Women's Empowerment Principles since 2016.

Under the leadership of its President Emeritus, Erman Ilıcak, Rönesans, along with its partners GIC, Meridiam Infrastructure, Sojitz, Samsung C&T, TotalEnergies, and IFC of the World Bank Group (minority shareholder in the group), has invested more than EUR 8 billion into pioneering projects globally.

For more information, visit ronesans.com.

For media inquiries, email bensu.celik@ronesans.com or meric.kocabey@ronesans.com.

Media Contact

Rönesans Group
bensu.celik@ronesans.com

Black Banx Group today reported a pre-tax profit of $1.5 billion (U.S.) for the second quarter of 2025, slightly down from the record $1.6 billion in Q1 2025 but significantly above the $1.3 billion achieved in Q4 2024. The Group’s Q2 revenues totaled $4.1 billion, driven by continued customer acquisition, high transaction volumes, and strong platform usage across global markets.

As of June 2025, Black Banx’s global customer base reached 84 million, up from 78 million at the end of Q1, reflecting the Group’s continued momentum in attracting new users, particularly in emerging markets across Africa, South Asia, and Latin America.

The cost/income ratio stood at 64%, marginally higher than 63% in Q1 2025 but continuing the Group’s downward trajectory from 68% at year-end 2024, highlighting sustained efforts in operational optimization and automation through AI.

Michael Gastauer, Group CEO, commented: “While Q2 performance slightly softened compared to Q1’s record-breaking results, we remain firmly on track to deliver another outstanding year. Our strategic focus on underbanked regions, platform innovation, and scalable growth is yielding measurable progress. With 84 million customers already onboarded mid-year, we’re closer than ever to surpassing the 100 million mark by year-end.”

Daniel Dumitrascu, Group CFO, added: “We are encouraged by the robust profitability and strong customer engagement in Q2. The slight dip in revenue and profit was anticipated as part of seasonal trends and continued investment into expansion. Our disciplined cost management and AI-driven efficiencies ensure we stay well-positioned to achieve our 2025 targets.”

The Group cited growth in international payment activity, expanding product uptake across private and business segments, and ongoing integration of AI tools for onboarding, compliance, and client servicing as key contributors to the quarter’s results.

2025 Half-Year Financial Highlights

• Q2 2025 pre-tax profit: $1.5 billion
• Q2 2025 revenue: $4.1 billion
• Total H1 2025 profit before tax: $3.1 billion
• Customer base: 84 million as of June 30, 2025
• Cost/income ratio: 64%
• Employee base: over 8,800 globally
  

Strategic Priorities for the Remainder of 2025

• Reach 100 million customers by year-end
• Deepen market penetration in Africa, South Asia, and Latin America
• Continue enhancing AI-driven efficiencies across all operations
• Deliver consistent value creation and capital returns to shareholders

About Black Banx Group

Black Banx Group is a leading global fintech, serving over 78 million customers across more than 180 countries. With over 8,700 employees and offices on four continents, we deliver secure and all-inclusive digital banking services to individuals, businesses, and institutions worldwide. Black Banx is committed to innovation, financial accessibility, and seamless cross border financial solutions. For more information, visit www.blackbanx.com.

Media Contact

Black Banx Media Relations
mediateam@blackbanx.com

As the digital world becomes more deeply intertwined with daily life, privacy concerns have taken center stage. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the online gaming industry, where users often hand over significant amounts of personal and financial data to access platforms. Blockchain technology, however, is poised to disrupt this model—bringing transparency, decentralization, and most notably, enhanced privacy to online gaming experiences.

The Privacy Problem in Traditional Online Gaming

Most online casinos and gaming platforms require extensive personal information from their users. Verification processes often involve submitting identity documents, banking details, and even proof of address. While these protocols are aimed at ensuring security and compliance, they also create centralized data repositories that are vulnerable to hacking, data leaks, and misuse.

For many users, especially in regions with unclear gambling regulations or restrictive financial policies, this presents a serious barrier to entry. Privacy is not merely a preference—it’s a prerequisite for participation.

Decentralization as a Game Changer

Blockchain technology, originally designed to power cryptocurrencies, offers a fundamentally different model. Its decentralized ledger allows for anonymous and verifiable transactions. Every interaction is recorded transparently, yet individual identities remain concealed behind encrypted wallet addresses.

In gaming, this allows users to interact with platforms using only their crypto wallets, avoiding the need to share sensitive personal information. Smart contracts—self-executing digital agreements stored on the blockchain—automate everything from game logic to payouts, reducing reliance on centralized operators or intermediaries.

The Rise of Anonymous Casinos

Leveraging blockchain’s capabilities, a new generation of gaming platforms has emerged: anonymous casinos. These platforms allow users to deposit, play, and withdraw using cryptocurrency alone. Registration processes are minimal, often requiring nothing more than a connected wallet.

One notable example is AnonCasino, which has become a pioneer in privacy-first online gaming. Built on decentralized protocols, it enables users to gamble securely without revealing their identities. All transactions are transparent and traceable on the blockchain, yet pseudonymous—offering the best of both worlds: accountability without surveillance.

This model is especially appealing to users in countries where online gambling is either heavily restricted or stigmatized. It offers them a legitimate, secure, and anonymous way to engage with games of chance without compromising personal safety.

Local Impact, Global Potential

While blockchain gaming is global in scope, its effects are acutely felt at the local level. In developing countries, where traditional banking access is limited, cryptocurrency and decentralized apps offer a way to bypass infrastructural hurdles. People can engage with these platforms using nothing more than a smartphone and an internet connection.

For example, in parts of India and Southeast Asia, local developers are building blockchain-based gaming ecosystems that prioritize privacy and inclusion. These platforms aren’t just about entertainment—they’re about creating new forms of digital economic participation. Users are learning how to manage crypto wallets, understand smart contracts, and explore decentralized finance—all through the gateway of gaming.

Regulatory Considerations

As with any disruptive technology, anonymous casinos bring regulatory challenges. Without KYC (Know Your Customer) protocols, concerns arise around underage gambling, money laundering, and responsible gaming. However, some blockchain platforms are proactively integrating safety mechanisms—like transaction limits, geofencing, and provably fair algorithms—to protect users and deter abuse.

More forward-thinking regulators are beginning to explore how blockchain's transparency can actually aid compliance. Since all transactions are recorded on an immutable ledger, it's possible to audit activity without breaching individual privacy. This opens the door to new regulatory frameworks that are more collaborative and tech-integrated, rather than strictly punitive.

The Future of Gaming and Privacy

The convergence of blockchain and online gaming signals a paradigm shift. No longer must players choose between entertainment and personal data security. Platforms like anoncasino.com demonstrate that it’s possible to create immersive, fair, and fully anonymous gaming environments that still adhere to transparency and accountability.

As public awareness grows around digital rights and data ownership, user demand for private online experiences will intensify. Blockchain offers a foundation on which privacy-by-design platforms can flourish, giving rise to a more secure and equitable online ecosystem.

Whether through decentralized finance, smart contracts, or anonymous gaming, blockchain is proving itself to be more than a financial tool—it’s a vehicle for individual empowerment in the digital age.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with professionals before engaging in online gambling or cryptocurrency transactions.

Media Contact

Anon Casino Support
info@anoncasino.com