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Sightly, the leader in real-time media, marketing and intelligence, announced today that it has signed Walt Cheruk, respected digital media and marketing leader, as EVP of Growth. Cheruk will help expand the company’s media execution portfolio and escalate proliferation of its patented, award-winning Brand Mentality® platform at a time when an accelerating and ever-shifting information stream intensifies the need for reliable brand safety and contextual alignment throughout the industry.

“More and more brands and media agencies want AI-fueled solutions that provide real-time insights, planning and activation tools under one roof that are both grounded in their own unique DNA and authentically aligned with their audiences,” said Sightly CEO Adam Katz. “Walt understands the incredible potential that our platform unlocks for these organizations and has already begun to bring the Brand Mentality story to life for them. We’re pumped to have an all-star of his caliber join our team who will not only help grow our business, but our clients’ businesses, too."

Cheruk brings more than three decades of media, technology, sales and leadership experience to help guide Sightly in this growth stage. Most recently, he was Head of Agency Strategy & Insights at Flashtalking by Mediaocean. Prior to that, he served as Managing Director of Digital Strategies & Insights at Morgan Stanley, and President of Varick, an innovator and leader in programmatic media trading services.

Walt also ran digital media at Dentsu Aegis’ Carat and Vizeum agencies, driving extensive client growth, and he led ad sales and marketing teams for Hearst New Media, Discovery and National Geographic—including the digital sales and brand marketing efforts for NationalGeographic.com.

“The decision to join Sightly was easy. It came down to the two Ps—people and product,” said Cheruk. “I’m ecstatic to join this great team, led by CEO Adam Katz. They are some of the most genuine, innovative and intelligent people I’ve encountered in my career. Brand Mentality truly is a game-changing product for agencies and brands. I’m impressed with the value it provides for media teams and marketers of all disciplines that I can’t wait to help drive its expansion across our industry.”

To learn more about Sightly and the revolutionary Brand Mentality platform, please contact Walt Cheruk, walt@sightly.com.

About Sightly

Sightly is the leader in real-time media, marketing and intelligence, as driven by each brand's unique perspective, opinions and outcomes. We work with key media, news and social data partners to monitor the information pulse of our world moment by moment. Our award-winning, patented Brand Mentality platform combines this speed with brands’ mindsets and values, so they can make advertising and marketing decisions instantly and authentically without sacrificing ROI. Learn more and master the mayhem at https://www.sightly.com and https://brandmentality.ai.

Tech Incubator at Queens College, an organization supported by the New York City Council as a startup incubator for entrepreneurs, announced today the initiation of the TechImpact Startup Competition in collaboration with Accompany Capital. The application for the competition will be open from October 30 to November 30 and is open to all NYC startup founders. A total of $100,000 will be awarded across four categories. Each finalist will receive additional rewards, including mentorship, co-working space, or interns support.

Participants will have the opportunity to compete for a chance to win $25,000 in each of the following categories:

1. Community Betterment
2. Health and Wellness
3. Financial Empowerment
4. B2B Innovations

Visionary founders from all sectors are encouraged to apply, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and impact.

The Tech Incubator at Queens College recognizes the importance of fostering entrepreneurship and supporting tech-enabled startup companies. By providing resources and guidance, we aim to create more job opportunities and drive innovation and technology development. Our mission is to accelerate economic development in Queens, NYC, and beyond by building a collaborative and sustainable ecosystem that educates, engages, and inspires entrepreneurs to turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses.

According to Ying Zhou, the Executive Director of Tech Incubator at Queens College, "The TechImpact Startup Competition presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and make a lasting impact in their respective industries. We are excited to partner with Accompany Capital and support visionary founders who drive positive change through their ventures."

Looking ahead, Tech Incubator at Queens College plans to continue its mission of fostering entrepreneurship and supporting startups by providing valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Through initiatives like the TechImpact Startup Competition, the organization aims to create a thriving ecosystem that nurtures innovation and fosters the growth of tech-enabled companies.

For more information about the TechImpact Startup Competition and Tech Incubator at Queens College, please visit https://techincubatorqc.com/techimpact-startup-competition or email  pitch2023@techincubatorqc.com.

Bucketsquad, the media and e-commerce company started by top YouTube sports creator Jesser (Jesse Riedel), today announced the hiring of first-ever president, Zach Miller. Zach comes to Bucketsquad from Spotify where he led strategy and business development for the content business across podcasts, music, and emerging media formats. Miller will support Bucketsquad’s expansion into new revenue channels such as content subscription and retail for Bucketsquad’s apparel brand. Additional focuses include new content formats and series as well as international syndication.

The news comes on the heels of Jesser and team’s recent Streamy’s win for Sports Creator of the Year for the second consecutive year. In addition to being recognized for best-in-class content, Bucketsquad has doubled revenue annually over several years and will reach a subscribership of 17 million by the end of 2023.

“Zach is a key piece of the puzzle for us. When I first started creating content, I never could have imagined that we’d have one of the most popular sports YouTube channels with 16 million subscribers. Creating the content is the thing I love the most and bringing Zach onboard to run and grow Bucketsquad will allow me to double down on making videos. I couldn’t be happier that Zach is part of our team and I’m excited to see what we can do together with Bucketsquad,” said Jesse Riedel of the expansion. 

“This is a dream role for me. It’s really incredible what Jesse and the Bucketsquad team have built to date, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help them take it to the next level. Jesse is the most dynamic sports creator in the market today, and the team’s success with Gen Z speaks volumes about their knowledge of the market and relationship with their audience. I’m excited to bring my experience with startups and big media across ecommerce, video, audio, subscription and licensing to help Bucketsquad diversify and grow into a next generation leader in sports media.”

In addition to expanding the executive team, Bucketsquad has also elevated Marko Preocanin to Senior Executive Producer, responsible for all creative direction alongside Jesse. Bucketsquad President Zach Miller said, “Marko is the creative glue that brings our videos to life. His presence makes a huge difference in how the process runs from initial idea to finished video, and his creative work is the secret sauce. We’re excited to see him growing within the business and taking on even more responsibility, playing a wider role within Bucketsquad in creative direction overall.”

Miller brings extensive experience in tech and media to his new role with Bucketsquad. His work has covered the film world and high-growth startups to consulting for and working within Fortune 500 media and tech companies. Throughout his career Miller has primarily been focused on helping companies bring in new audiences and expand their digital businesses. Most recently at Spotify, Miller helped scale video podcasting and develop the company's creator platform strategy. Miller joins Bucketsquad at a time when the creator economy and YouTube ecosystem are maturing and legacy media is losing market share. 

Miller said, “It’s hard to argue with where the world is headed when creators like MrBeast have businesses valued at above $1 billion. Consumers are not only spending more time with their favorite creators than legacy media brands, their passion for and loyalty to those creators is on another level. Jesse and the team are deeply committed to delighting their fans with new and exciting offerings. I couldn’t be more excited to join Bucketsquad at this pivotal moment for the business.” 

About Bucketsquad

Bucketsquad is the media company started by top YouTube creator Jesse Reidel (aka Jesser). The company oversees the YouTube video businesses for both Jesser and Jesser Reacts channels, as well as various additional products and initiatives under the Jesser brand. In 2022, the company launched Bucketsquad Apparel, a direct-to-consumer sportswear line in partnership with Garrett James, founder of popular sports/streetwear line Ryoko Rain. Bucketsquad Apparel drove over $1 million in sales in its first 12 months of operation and has been growing aggressively since launch.

Media Contact

Kara Silverman

kara@variousand.com

Schreiner University of Kerrville, Texas, is the first school in Texas to reach an agreement to accept all class credits for students wishing to transfer from the Art Institute of America (AIA), which is closing its campuses in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston.

According to reporting from my mysanantonio.com, hundreds of students once enrolled with the Art Institute are now scrambling to find out where and how they are going to complete their degrees as the private university abruptly announced its shutdown in October.

“We believe this is an opportunity for institutions such as Schreiner University to offer transfer-friendly options such as linking to available financial aid, scholarships, easy access to advisors, and generous transfer credit articulation,” said Wilbert Lleses, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment. “Support such as that will help AIA students who transfer to graduate on time.”

According to Lleses, Schreiner University approached this situation with “a heart to help” the estimated 670 students who are being affected.

“After AIA announced their closing, we knew that Schreiner would be a good fit for many of their students affected by the closure,” Lleses said. “We will provide an easy path for their students to transfer credits they have already earned, and secondly we can help them finish their degree affordably”

The university stepped up by offering a pre-award $16,000 scholarship for all AIA transfer students that ends up attending Schreiner University. Application fees and essay requirements also will be waived.

According to Dr. Charlie McCormick, President, Schreiner University is committed to providing an academic pathway for these and all transfer students.

“Schreiner is delighted to invite the Art Institute students to Enter with Hope and complete their educational aspirations in a seamless and efficient manner,” McCormick said. “We know that many higher education institutions are facing difficult days; we intend to be the most welcoming of places for their students to finish their degrees.”

Any student affected by the AIA closure is encouraged to contact Admissions at Schreiner University by visiting schreiner.edu/admissions, emailing admissions@schreiner.edu, or calling 830-792-7217.

Firstmark Credit Union is pleased to announce it has donated over $5,000 in school supplies to 13 school districts, following their first-ever classroom supply drive for educators.

Ranging from notebooks and pens to folders and classroom manipulatives, the donations aim to assist educators within our community in providing an interactive learning environment for their students. Rooted in education, Firstmark remains committed to carrying out the legacy established by its ten educator founders. The donations would not have been made possible without the Firstmark members, employees, and the countless people within the community who selflessly contributed to the drive.

“We are humbled by the generosity of our members, team members, and broader community who came together and showed up for our schools,” said Marisa Pérez-Díaz, executive director of the Firstmark Foundation. “We are grateful for every single school employee’s dedication toward inspiring our students. The donation of supplies is just one way Firstmark, and all those who donated, show appreciation for their tireless work.”

The supplies were distributed across 13 school districts throughout San Antonio, Fredericksburg, La Vernia, and New Braunfels, Texas, with a focus on reaching underserved communities and schools facing resource challenges. Firstmark is thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with local schools, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, and other partners to make a positive difference in the communities it serves.

To learn more about Firstmark and the ways the credit union supports the education community on behalf of its members, please visit firstmarkcu.org/foundation.

Once again, Dallas FAN FESTIVAL brought some of the best and brightest icons to North Texas this fall.  With tens of thousands of die-hard fans and the pop-culturally curious alike, crowds were treated to intimate conversations with stars like Edward James Olmos, Andy Serkis, Paul Bettany, and Mira Sorvino; hundreds of unique shopping experiences; ongoing cosplay community interactions and contests; and fun for the record-breaking family attendance at this year’s most anticipated festival.  

“We couldn’t be happier to see how many of our dedicated fans come year after year because there is always something new to discover at the Irving Convention Center during Dallas FAN FESTIVAL weekend,” says Andrew Moyes, VP of FAN EXPO HQ. “We love to see generations pass down the traditions of fandom and this year amazed us with the sheer number of families who came to see their favorite characters, comics, community organizations, and even adoptable dogs at our second annual Pup Culture Adoption Event with Dallas Animal Services.”

Video recap can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-zt8tWbsEY

Now that the curtains have come down on Dallas FAN FESTIVAL, the countdown has begun for the organizers to pull off another monumental event, as FAN EXPO Dallas has announced that tickets are on sale now for the spectacular three-day event that runs from June 7–9, 2024 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Downtown Dallas. 

Early bird pricing is available until December 14, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Early bird single-day tickets start at $24 (full price from $35), early bird 3-day passes start at $84 (full price from $110 each), and the early bird price on the Ultimate Fan Package starts at $124 (full price from $150).

“We know that our fans are eager to get their tickets secured, at the lowest price of the season, for what we already know will be an extraordinary event. Each year, we play host to more than 60,000 fans at our pop culture playground in Downtown Dallas,” says Katie Loomis, Show Manager for FAN EXPO Dallas.

To order tickets go to www.fanexpodallas.com

Details on FAN EXPO Dallas 2024

When:

• Friday, June 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Special preview at 2 p.m. for VIP, Ultimate, and 3-Day pass holders who purchase in advance.)
• Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, June 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center at 650 S. Griffin St. Dallas, TX 75202

Tickets: Tickets are currently priced from $24–$124. Hours and information are available at fanexpodallas.com.

About FAN EXPO HQ

With over a million fans and counting, FAN EXPO HQ attracts pop culture enthusiasts, locally and internationally, to come together to celebrate all things fandom. Collectively it hosts nearly one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Dallas™, FAN EXPO Canada™, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Boston™, FAN EXPO Denver, FAN EXPO San Francisco, CALGARY EXPO, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Cleveland FAN EXPO Vancouver™, Toronto Comicon, Dallas FAN FESTIVAL, and EDMONTON EXPO.  The latest schedule of events is available here on their website, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong.

Media Contact

Dana Cobb

FAN EXPO Dallas/The Vokol Group

dana@thevokolgroup.com

972-955-9747

Voosh.ai, a data-driven restaurant analytics platform that reduces order issues, increases sales and boosts delivery margins, announced today it's offering a free 30-day trial for all its features. Its one-stop AI-powered solution enables restaurant operators to manage and grow their businesses on third-party delivery platforms. The trial gives operators real-time access to their data across all third-party marketplaces to immediately experience improved efficiencies and savings.

Voosh's rich restaurant data and analytics are gaining popularity in the industry. The company currently serves ten customers, representing over 300 restaurants that rely on the platform to make data-driven decisions and enhance operational efficiencies. Its fast-casual customers have reported an average return of $4,500 within the first 30 days, showcasing the platform's immediate impact on revenue and profitability.

Voosh does not follow the industry-expected percentage-based subscription fee; it charges a flat fee for subscribers based on their feature needs. Key features of Voosh are as follows: 

• Dispute Management: Disputes can account for up to 5% of a restaurant’s revenue. Voosh empowers restaurant operators to identify, track and dispute unwarranted chargebacks across all marketplaces, safeguarding revenue and ensuring payment for every order.
  
  
• Reviews and Response Management: The platform allows restaurant operators to efficiently monitor and respond to reviews instantaneously across all marketplaces in one centralized place, saving hours of time each week. Automated replies enhance customer engagement, helping maintain a positive brand image and fostering stronger customer connections.
  
  
• Real-time Analytics for Informed Decisions: Voosh provides real-time analytics to help restaurant operators understand sales trends, identify top-performing items and discover growth opportunities. The actionable insights empower businesses to make data-driven decisions that boost profitability and efficiency.
  
  
• Unified Financial View with Reconciliation Tool: Voosh’s reconciliation tool provides a unified view of financial data, simplifying the tracking of sales, fees, and payouts. The platform enables accuracy and allows restaurant operators to focus on what matters most – running their establishments.

"At Voosh, we’re striving to enhance relationships between restaurants and third-party marketplaces,” said Voosh Co-founder and CEO Priyam Saraswat. “Our commitment to our customers is reflected in our flat-fee subscription model, disruptive features and our customers' success stories. We are not just providing a service; we are pioneering a new standard for restaurant data and analysis.”

For more information, please visit voosh.ai.

About Voosh.ai

Established in 2020, Voosh is a revolutionary solution in the restaurant industry, empowering operators to maximize their potential on third-party marketplaces. Born from a need for a unified data platform, Voosh's Restaurant Marketplace Intelligence Platform enhances operational efficiency, customer experience, and profitability. Backed by reputable venture capital funds, including Y Combinator, Voosh has helped over 200 restaurant locations grow their third-party sales by 20%. With a mission to provide clear, actionable insights for data-driven decisions, Voosh is committed to revolutionizing restaurant technology and shaping the future of the industry. Visit voosh.ai to learn more.

Bold Reuse, an industry leader in providing reusable solutions for food packaging, is thrilled to announce its official launch into the Seattle market. Bold Reuse launched with Seattle Public Schools & Seattle Public Utilities to support their efforts in implementing reusable foodware districtwide by providing an offsite washing solution.

Seattle Public Schools has embarked on a remarkable strategic initiative to transition much of their single-use food packaging to durable and reusable plates and bowls. This transformation aligns perfectly with Bold Reuse's mission to reduce single-use waste. With this partnership, Bold Reuse aims to play a pivotal role in supporting the district's commitment to environmental responsibility while addressing some of the challenges that individual schools face in this endeavor.

The results of the piloted program at Denny International Middle School have been impressive. The school achieved a 92% average return rate in the first month and had an 89% reduction in cafeteria landfill waste. “This program is making a significant impact at Denny. The results speak for themselves and our kids are fully embracing it and thriving,” said Doree Fazio-Young, Kitchen Manager at Denny International Middle School.

"We're thrilled to expand into the Seattle region, especially with a bold and visionary partner like Seattle Public Schools,” said CEO of Bold Reuse, Jocelyn Quarrell. 

“Supporting reuse within schools is helping teach the next generation how to be better stewards of our environment. This partnership will help drive positive change not just for today, but for generations to come.”

"Bold Reuse has helped us continue our journey to implement reusable foodware within Seattle Public Schools. Their commitment is not only to support the transition process but to make change easy for our staff and students,” said Rina Fa'amoe-Cross, Resource Conservation Specialist for Seattle Public Schools. "We look forward to more positive growth and getting closer to our vision for a waste-free future."

Bold Reuse's expansion into the Seattle market is a significant milestone, solidifying its commitment to fostering sustainable practices within the Pacific Northwest. This expansion builds upon previous successful engagements in Seattle, including collaborations with prominent names like Starbucks, Folklife Festival & NextCycle Washington.

“The response to Bold Reuse’s collaboration with events like Northwest Folklife and the NextCycle Washington Circular Accelerator Showcase was incredibly positive,” said Christy Chow of Cascadia Consulting Group and Reuse Seattle. “The reuse movement continues to gain tremendous momentum here in Seattle, and thanks to Seattle Public Schools’ partnership with Bold Reuse, reuse as a service is expanding beyond the entertainment sphere and reaching a critically important sector: K-12 education.”

“At Bold Reuse, we specialize in driving transformational business change for both consumers and enterprises alike. The Bold Reuse system is designed to ensure the success of reuse initiatives for our clients. Having engaged in conversations with many of the largest employers and prominent venues in the state, we're thrilled by the interest they've shown in partnering with us for large-scale implementations within the region,” said CRO of Bold Reuse, Heather Watkins.

Bold Reuse is at the forefront of creating innovative solutions for enterprises seeking to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Their expansion to Seattle is another step towards their mission of ending single-use waste by making reuse easy for all. 

About Bold Reuse

Bold Reuse supports companies incorporating reusable packaging into their business operations to reduce their waste footprint while expanding brand awareness and customer loyalty. Oregon Convention Center, Loop, Starbucks, Imperfect Foods, and the Portland Trail Blazers have partnered with Bold Reuse to help implement and scale reuse systems into their organizations. Recognized as a leader in the reuse industry, Bold Reuse received the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network 2022 Early Stage Entrepreneurs Award. Bold Reuse has helped customers divert nearly 3 million pounds of waste from the landfill. For more information, visit https://www.boldreuse.com

About Seattle Public Schools

Seattle Public Schools is the largest K-12 school system in Washington state, and has a deep commitment to every student’s journey—to ensure that each of our nearly 50,000 students will graduate ready for college, career, and life. We support student learning through collaborative inquiry, family engagement, building academic mindsets, recognizing and cultivating the strengths and gifts of every student, and anti-racist practices. For more information, visit https://www.seattleschools.org

India Gary-Martin, a former Wall Street managing director with two decades of experience as an expatriate in Europe and Asia, has launched Relucent Learning to revolutionize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and sustainability education. This innovative, self-funded, and fully accredited edtech-focused SaaS platform is poised to make a significant impact on DEI and sustainability e-learning for consumers, small businesses, and enterprise customers.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, chief diversity officers (CDO) have been more vulnerable to layoffs, experiencing 40% higher turnover with CDO searches down 75% in the past year. Despite the challenging climate of cutbacks on DEI funding and commitments, Gary-Martin recognized the importance of scaling and finding alternate solutions to in-person labor intensive DEI programs and took the initiative to create a solution.

“While the shape of DEI is changing, it isn’t going away. For example, by December 31 of each year, all operating companies listed on Nasdaq's U.S. exchange will need to disclose board-level diversity data. Given the hyper focus on the economy and the reduction in DEI roles, Relucent offers an alternative to continue engagement and learning despite reductions in DEI and ESG staff and program funding,” said Gary-Martin.

The name Relucent embodies the platform's vision, fusing "renew" and "lucent" to reflect Gary-Martin's goal of reinvigorating DEI and sustainability efforts, even in the face of prevailing headwinds.

Key features of Relucent Learning include:

• Cutting-edge technology developed in partnership with Qintess, a leading Brazilian tech and outsourcing outfit;
• Fully accredited content featuring interactive video content, high-quality animations, actor-based videos, and real-time polling to engage learners; and
• Expert content development team comprising business executives, educators, ESG, DEI, and sustainability practitioners.

Gary-Martin demonstrated her determination and dedication by bootstrapping the development of Relucent Learning as she encountered challenges in raising the seven-figure investment. This endeavor serves as a testament to the resilience and innovation of Black female founders, who have historically received a disproportionately low share of private equity and venture capital investment.

Relucent is pioneering a new era in DEI and sustainability engagement and is set to become the industry standard for accredited ESG centered e-learning at scale. With its immersive and interactive approach, the platform is a catalyst for employee engagement that remains crucial to fostering workplace inclusion and sustainability.

For more information about Relucent Learning, visit https://relucentlearning.com. For Mrs. Gary-Martin’s media kit click here.

About India Gary-Martin

India Gary-Martin is a former Wall Street technology and operations managing director. A public and private portfolio board director, she is the Chair of the Board for Travalyst, an organization that focuses on sustainability in travel. She is the founder of Relucent, an advisor to global CEOs, and a passionate advocate for DEI and sustainability. She is a multi-award winning (U.S. and UK) leader in technology, leadership, DEI, and entrepreneurship.

Media Contact

Chi Hinson

chi.hinson@leadershipforexecs.com

202-602-6111

Mixpanel, a leader in event analytics*, has released a new native connector for cloud data warehouse BigQuery, making it easier for users to quickly explore and gain insights from trusted data.

Syncing a cloud data warehouse with Mixpanel is significant because it allows different types of data like product, support, marketing or revenue, and the connections between those business domains, to be easily explored. Ultimately, this means companies can now measure the impact of the decisions they take right through to the bottom line impact.

For example, a user might ask 'which marketing campaigns have driven the most revenue?’ or ‘what’s our win rate against competitors in the following key markets? Answers are returned in seconds and displayed as visual Mixpanel charts that help teams collaborate around the same trusted view.

Adam Kinney, VP of Analytics at Mixpanel, said: “This is about breaking down barriers between teams. We’re not trying to replace data scientists or the strategic analysis they perform with BI tools, but we want to empower non-technical users to ask questions of their data without knowing how to code. This relieves pressure from the data team, increases data accessibility and improves collaborative decision making.”

"BigQuery creates extensive business value by helping customers connect their data to better optimize their performance,” said Rodrigo Rocha, Director of Global Partnerships at Google Cloud. By syncing data to Mixpanel via cloud data warehouses, customers can now explore trusted and consolidated data in seconds to improve business outcomes."

Dubbed ‘Warehouse Connectors', the new native integration is available to all Mixpanel customers that consolidate data with BigQuery. Synchronization is achieved without writing a single line of code and is already being trialed by select Mixpanel customers. This update follows the recent release of ‘Spark’, which integrated OpenAI’s Large Language Model so anyone can ask questions of their data in Mixpanel with generative AI.

“Warehouse Connectors allows us to seamlessly integrate Mixpanel with enriched data from BigQuery. This helps us unlock new insights without adding technical overhead transporting data between two systems,” said Pasha Putra, Data Science Lead at Zalora.

* About Event analytics

Event analytics captures every action (or event) that each user performs within a digital product, like an e-Commerce site or a ride hailing app. This very granular view helps companies understand how different groups of users behave at various points during their experience, to answer questions like: which cohorts of users drop off during sign-up? Using Mixpanel, it’s now also possible to understand the knock-on revenue impact of such customer experience issues. 

This approach is faster and easier than traditional Business Intelligence (BI) tools that require data to be prepared and tabulated, with BI queries coded in SQL. While BI analysis is valuable for specialized analytics teams, it is not as easily accessible for cross functional teams to help themselves to data explorations. That’s why event analytics is so crucial for teams that seek to democratize data access and collaborate on building the most effective digital experiences.    

About Mixpanel

Mixpanel is an event analytics platform that allows anyone to get answers from their customer and revenue data in seconds. It offers powerful real-time charts and visualizations of how users interact with digital products. Regardless of technical expertise, anyone can focus on what’s working, and spend more time on their best ideas with Mixpanel. To learn more visit: www.mixpanel.com

The community of Unity of Walnut Creek is committed to helping people grow spiritually. Their updated website, www.unityofwalnutcreek.com, is a resource providing information about the community, its events, and its services. The website also provides resources for spiritual growth and development.

"Unity's intent with this new, updated website is to provide ease in finding the information that meets people's needs—whether they be long-established members, searching for a spiritual home, or simply wanting to attend an event. I am especially thrilled with the expanded calendar capabilities and the featured aspects of the community that are growing in importance such as the EarthCare Alliance and inclusivity. Our team loved working with Lorene at loreneandersondesign.com," stated Rev. Kristin Powell.

The website has been designed to be more user-friendly and intuitive. You'll find what you're looking for more easily and quickly. And, we've added some great new features too!

Here are some of the highlights:

• A completely new look and feel
• An expanded and improved calendar of events
• New ways to connect with and learn about Unity
• A focus on the growing importance of EarthCare and inclusivity

We hope you enjoy the new website. To learn more and provide feedback, please visit www.unityofwalnutcreek.com.

Charleston Literary Festival is proud to announce an exceptional lineup of leading contemporary Irish literary voices at this year's event, demonstrating the Festival's commitment to bringing international literary excellence to the stage each year. Internationally acclaimed Irish authors Claire Keegan, Fintan O'Toole, and Paul Muldoon will be in conversation, offering festival-goers captivating insights into Irish culture and literature. The Festival is also honored to confirm the attendance of Geraldine Byrne Nason, the Irish Ambassador to the United States, who will attend the sold-out session featuring Claire Keegan and Fintan O'Toole on the Opening Day of the Festival on November 3.

“I am delighted to attend the wonderful Charleston Literary Festival showcasing some of Ireland’s most talented authors. Ireland has always had a rich literary tradition, but even in a country of storytellers, poets, and writers, rarely has Irish literature been as prolific as it currently is. I look forward to experiencing Charleston’s southern hospitality as we share new ideas and experience the transformative power of great literature,” says Ambassador Byrne Nason about the upcoming visit. 

With ‘Embrace the Conversation’ as the theme for this year’s Festival, attendees can expect a thoughtful exploration of the connection between poetry and music from Muldoon and stimulating discussions from Keegan and O'Toole on themes of community, secrecy, and power. In this boutique setting, festivalgoers can expect to connect, converse, and immerse in the communal spirit of literary exchange and exploration.

"As a Dubliner now living in Charleston, it’s an honor to showcase the best of Irish writing here in the Lowcountry and to welcome Ambassador Byrne Nason. In many ways, Charleston Literary Festival is a confluence of great international and national literature and this year, the Irish component is stronger and richer than ever before," added Sarah Moriarty, Charleston Literary Festival's Executive Director.

With its deep Irish roots, the city of Charleston presents an ideal backdrop for the sessions. Charleston Literary Festival is grateful for the support from the Irish Consulate based in Atlanta, run by Caoimhe Ní Chonchúir. The partnership with the Irish Consulate highlights the strong cultural ties between Ireland and the United States. It reinforces the Festival's commitment to showcasing world-class Irish writers in the Southeast U.S.

Consul General Caoimhe Ní Chonchúir remarked, "Ireland is a country that loves a good book and wholly embraces the importance of storytelling, conversation, culture, books, and the joy of reading. Local themes have universal resonances, and we are thrilled that world-class Irish writers will be at Charleston Literary Festival to share their work and, in turn, contribute to the striking up of cross-cultural conversations."

Irish Authors in Conversation

On November 3, Festival attendees are in for a thrilling dialogue as esteemed Irish writer Claire Keegan, renowned for her short story collection "Antarctica" and acclaimed story "Foster," joins Fintan O'Toole, a distinguished literary critic and columnist for The New York Review of Books and The Irish Times. Keegan grew up on a farm in Ireland and has continued captivating global readers since her literary debut in 1999. She is set to do so again with her new story collection, "So Late in the Day," to be released this November. The November 3 session is sponsored by Culture Ireland, which operates various funding programs to support and promote the presentation of Irish arts internationally.

• During this sold-out session on the opening day, the authors will delve into a vibrant discussion on Keegan's Orwell Prize-winning novel, "Small Things Like These." This compelling novel, shortlisted for the Rathbones Folio Prize and the Booker Prize in 2022, explores themes of community, secrecy, and abuses of power.
  
  
• Award-winning writer and social critic Fintan O'Toole will be the interlocutor for the Keegan session. O'Toole, a renowned literary critic and esteemed columnist for The Irish Times and The New York Review, has built a distinguished career on excavating social, political, and cultural issues.
  
  
• "Small Things Like These" is currently being adapted into a film, produced by and starring Cillian Murphy, recently seen in the leading roles of the film "Oppenheimer" and television series "Peaky Blinders."

On November 10, renowned Northern Irish poet Paul Muldoon, a contemporary of Séamus Heaney and a celebrated member of their generation, brings his distinguished career to the stage. In conversation at the Festival, he will read from his work with Paul McCartney and delve into the relationship between poetry and song while examining the impact of these genres on his creative process and that of other artists. Festival-goers can anticipate an enthralling conversation that uncovers the meeting of two distinct artistic realms.

As an accomplished poet and academic, Pulitzer Prize-winning Paul Muldoon has made significant contributions from his tenure at Oxford University to his current role as Professor of Humanities at Princeton University. His collaboration with Paul McCartney on two volumes of the former Beatles' lyrics (2021) highlights his deep understanding of the intricacies of language. Widely regarded as one of the most captivating poets of our time, Muldoon writes and performs rock music with Princeton-based bands. 

Charleston Literary Festival 2023 runs November 3–12 at various historic venues with stories of their own featuring a blend of today’s leading contemporary writers alongside emerging writers, including young writers. See here for more information about this year's event. Each year, the Festival welcomes the community to gather for intimate conversations around the ideas from great literature while also being exposed to new voices and topics from around the world.

Event Details

Claire Keegan with Fintan O’Toole: "Small Things Like These" Book Discussion

Date: November 3, 2023

Time: 2–3 p.m.

Venue: Circular Congregational Church

Tickets: Sold Out

Paul Muldoon: Ways With Words

Date: November 10, 2023

Time: 4–5 p.m.

Venue: Dock Street Theatre

Tickets: Available here

About Charleston Literary Festival

Charleston Literary Festival is a boutique literary festival that runs every November for ten days in Charleston, South Carolina. With roots in the Charleston House in the UK—home of the radical writers, artists, and thinkers of the Bloomsbury Group—Charleston Literary Festival is committed to maintaining an international perspective while building up and giving back to the local community on which it is built. Founded in 2017, we specialize in high-quality Festival events that create perspective-altering conversations with world-renowned authors and thinkers. Charleston Literary Festival’s distinctive international ethos allows attendees to engage with renowned authors in unique settings and contribute to conversations around outstanding books and ideas.

The Festival’s programming is carefully curated based on literary and artistic excellence, originality, and critical acclaim. The Festival has established a reputation for presenting exceptional speakers from diverse backgrounds in intimate venues. Pulitzer, Booker, and Nobel Prize-winners take the stage for unscripted conversations—then meet and sign books for the audience immediately after the sessions. Speakers and attendees return year after year to experience the Festival’s unrivaled hospitality and social events. Charleston Literary Festival is committed to offering a diverse program of events regarding speakers and topics, reaching out to all communities, and initiatives that widen access to its programs.

For more information, visit https://www.charlestonliteraryfestival.com or @CharlestonLitFest.

About Culture Ireland

Culture Ireland promotes Irish arts worldwide. We create and support opportunities for Irish artists and companies to present and promote their work at strategic international festivals and venues. We develop platforms to present outstanding Irish work to international audiences through showcases at key global arts events, including the Edinburgh Festivals and the Venice Biennales. For more information, visit https://www.cultureireland.ie or @CultureIreland.

About the Consulate General of Ireland

The Consulate General of Ireland is responsible for Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. We are honored to work for Ireland, to serve our citizens, to engage with the Irish community and those of Irish heritage, to build relationships, and to promote Irish interests and values in the Southeast. This is an incredibly diverse and dynamic region, bursting with economic potential, rich culture, and deep links to Ireland going back centuries. For more information, visit https://www.dfa.ie/irish-consulate/atlanta/ or @IrelandAtlanta.

Media Contact

Sterling Eason, Eason Creative Studio

sterling@easoncreative.com

843-300-8879

Sinecure.ai, a pioneering SaaS software company dedicated to revolutionizing talent discovery through AI and Large Language Model (LLM) innovation, announced today the appointment of Wenda Harris Millard to Chairman of the Board of Directors. A distinguished and accomplished industry veteran, Millard brings an exceptional track record of leadership and innovation in technology, advertising and media to the Sinecure.ai team.

"We are honored to welcome Wenda as our Chairman of Sinecure.ai," said Joel Wright, Co-Founder and CEO of the AI-powered talent discovery platform. "Wenda has an impressive history of growing businesses with her strong guidance and innate ability to empower teams to realize their fullest potential. Her unparalleled experience will be invaluable as we redefine talent discovery through cutting-edge AI solutions."

The recruiting industry today demands products and services that make the process of talent acquisition more efficient and effective. Sinecure.ai is at the forefront of developing AI-powered products to meet those demands while matching prospects to job specs with precision, speed and predictability.

Commenting on her appointment, Millard said, “I look forward to partnering with Joel and the Sinecure.ai board on this exciting next stage of growth for the company. The ongoing advancements in AI that power the Sinecure.ai platform offer a new vision of the future for the entire recruiting industry. They represent an unprecedented business opportunity for Sinecure.ai to deliver impressive hiring outcomes for our customers and candidates alike.”

Millard is a seasoned professional whose career spans over four decades. She started in the traditional publishing industry and then pivoted to digital media during the early days of the internet revolution—first as a founding member of the executive team at DoubleClick and later as chief sales officer at Yahoo!, where she built the #1 sales organization in media and is widely credited as establishing brand advertising on the web. After Yahoo!, Millard was co-CEO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and was more recently vice chairman of the prominent strategic advisory and business development firm, MediaLink.

Millard is the past chairman of the Interactive Advertising Bureau, former president of the Advertising Club of New York, and served on the boards of the Ad Council and the American Advertising Federation (AAF). She is the recipient of numerous industry awards in advertising, including being named as one of Ad Age’s “100 Most Influential Women in Advertising in the Last 100 Years” and as an inductee into AAF’s Advertising Hall of Fame, the industry’s highest honor. More information about Millard’s past accomplishments and current contributions can be found on the About page on the Sinecure.ai website.

Millard’s appointment to Chairman is effective immediately.

There’s an auto dealer stereotype. Almost everyone’s experienced it. No one likes it. And yet, that stereotype continues to persist: Asking women when their husbands are coming. Dealers judging people’s credit worthiness by their wardrobe. Salespeople misrepresenting details easily found online. The classic “let me go talk with my manager.” It’s all so much dumb, unnecessary behavior. 

“As a second generation auto dealer, the last thing I want to be associated with is that tired old stereotype,” said Chris Gulbrandson, President of Apple Autos, headquartered in Apple Valley, Minnesota. “And yet, when we surveyed prospects and customers recently, we couldn’t believe the horror stories still existed—which inspired us to try and stand apart from that status quo.”

“Don’t Get Screwed” is Apple Autos’ promise to ensure everyone gets treated with dignity and respect. Because if the company, which has over 600 employees, has learned anything in 30 years selling and servicing tens of thousands of Lincolns, Fords, Jeeps, Chevys, Rams, Dodges, and Chryslers, it’s that people don’t like getting screwed. So the employees at Apple Autos don’t do that. Just read their Google and Yelp reviews.

The team at Apple Autos knows that people like being seen and respected. Auto shoppers like fixed pricing, not haggling. And cash for trade-ins. People like how Apple Autos delivers all the benefits of online car buying but are in the neighborhood if their clients ever need help. Customers especially love Apple Auto’s unique 7-day money back guarantee. Y les gusta trabajar con un representante que habla español cuando es necesario. And they appreciate that Apple Autos gives generously to local charities every year to support their communities.

That’s what “Don’t Get Screwed” means. “It’s also a potent reminder to ourselves that we have a high standard to uphold,” notes Gulbrandson.

The campaign launched Monday, October 16, 2023 across the Twin Cities market utilizing a mix of television, radio, out of home billboards, and social media.

Campaign elements can be viewed and downloaded here: https://bit.ly/AppleAutosDGS

About Apple Autos

Founded in 1993, Apple Autos is a family-owned automotive dealership in the Twin Cities representing seven U.S. brands and six (soon-to-be seven) locations in the South Metro. Built on the belief that people come before profit, Apple Autos’ best-price dealerships uphold a people-first culture, empowering them to provide extraordinary customer experiences. Apple Autos has ranked among the StarTribune’s Top Workplaces from 2018–2023. Their combined Ford dealerships have won the coveted President’s Award 32 times. In 2022, Apple Ford Apple Valley won the Ford One Hundred Club and Ford Triple Crown, recognizing the most elite dealers in the nation. The Apple Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store won the Chrysler Pentastar Club award after ranking in the top 30 for sales as well as Mopar Masters Club recognition for being a Top 100 parts purchaser. Apple Chevrolet Northfield has won the Chevrolet Mark of Excellence seven times since 2012. The company strongly believes in supporting local communities and is honored to have dedicated employees and customers who make it possible for them to give back.

Media Contact

Tim Brunelle

tim@timbrunelle.com

612-670-9091

Maker's Post, a shop that offers a delightful blend of artistry and island charm through its unique haven of artisanal treasures on Sullivan's Island, today announced the upcoming Nathan McClements Art Show.

The event will take place at Maker's Post located at 2019 B. Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, on October 26 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Following the art show, an after party will be held at Home Team BBQ on Middle Street from 8:30 to 11:00 p.m., featuring live music by The Reckoning. All proceeds from the event will be donated to The Center for Literacy Excellence.

The Nathan McClements Art Show at Maker's Post is an important event as it showcases the talent and craftsmanship of local artists. By hosting this art show, Maker's Post aims to support the local art community and provide a platform for artists to showcase their work in a unique and enchanting environment.

Maker's Post is known for its curated selection of handmade crafts and locally sourced goods. With their dedication to showcasing the artistry and talent of local artisans, Maker's Post has become a haven for those seeking one-of-a-kind treasures on Sullivan's Island. The Nathan McClements Art Show is a testament to their commitment to promoting local artists and contributing to the cultural richness of the community.

Looking ahead, Maker's Post plans to continue hosting art shows and events that celebrate the artistic spirit of Sullivan's Island. They are committed to providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work and creating a vibrant cultural scene on the island.

For more information about Maker's Post and the Nathan McClements Art Show, please visit Maker's Post at https://www.makers-post.com.

Charleston Literary Festival proudly announces the premiere of its documentary film "From the Bloomsbury Group to the Lowcountry: Charleston Literary Festival" at 7:30 p.m. ET on November 2 on South Carolina ETV (SCETV). The hour-long film, made possible thanks to Atomic Focus Entertainment, SC Humanities, and the Fiederowicz Family Fund, provides an insider perspective on the standout 2022 Festival and paves the way for the eagerly awaited 2023 Festival, scheduled from November 3–12. 

Featured in the film are lively discussions featuring preeminent authors who are globally recognized and at the pinnacle of their careers, such as Geraldine Brooks, Imani Perry, Tim Bouverie, Tina Brown, Eddie Glaude Jr., and Patrick Radden Keefe, alongside esteemed individuals such as Charleston’s Mayor John Tecklenburg, as well as a glimpse into the community bonds between the writers, readers, and lovers of ideas.

The documentary showcases Charleston Literary Festival's impact, emphasizing the importance of humanities-focused events featuring speakers alongside emerging literary voices while engaging conversations with readers that inspire intergenerational learning and widen the reach of impactful authors and cultural exchanges throughout the community. 

Sarah Moriarty, Executive Director of Charleston Literary Festival, stated, "The Festival is a unique platform for literary discussions each year. With the film, we aim to extend this stage to an even larger audience, preserving the unforgettable moments from our past festival and allowing viewers to see what we do. We hope to see viewers turn into attendees as they are inspired by the level of dialogue we bring.”

Since its inception in 2017, Charleston Literary Festival has embraced conversations around books and ideas with leading and emerging authors and the readers who follow them. The Festival is a curated boutique-sized festival whose roots began at Charleston House in the UK—home of the radical writers, artists, and thinkers of the Bloomsbury Group. With this sentiment at heart, Charleston Literary Festival is committed to maintaining an international perspective while building up and giving back to the local community on which it is built.

T.J. Wallace, Assistant Director at SC Humanities, echoes, "The documentary is an embodiment of SC Humanities' commitment to enriching the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. We believe that 'From the Bloomsbury Group to the Lowcountry: Charleston Literary Festival' will draw more people to the Festival's literary programs."

Atomic Focus Entertainment, the production partner to Charleston Literary Festival, documented this remarkable literary journey over ten days. The documentary, directed by Tom Wiggins and produced by Jenn Dumas Wiggin, embodies the frenetic energy, spontaneous connections, meaningful content, and poignant moments as the reader community and authors embraced the Festival. 

Watch the premiere of "From the Bloomsbury Group to the Lowcountry: Charleston Literary Festival"at 7:30 p.m. ET on SCETV on November 2 to relive the exceptional 2022 Festival and prepare for the 2023 event running November 3–12, 2023 at historic venues around Charleston.

Program details and ticket information can be found at Charleston Literary Festival.

About Charleston Literary Festival

Charleston Literary Festival is a boutique literary festival that runs every November for ten days in Charleston, South Carolina. With roots in the Charleston House in the UK—home of the radical writers, artists, and thinkers of the Bloomsbury Group—Charleston Literary Festival is committed to maintaining an international perspective while building up and giving back to the local community on which it is built. Founded in 2017, we specialize in high-quality Festival events that create perspective-altering conversations with world-renowned authors and thinkers. Charleston Literary Festival’s distinctive international ethos allows attendees to engage with renowned authors in unique settings and contribute to conversations around outstanding books and ideas.

The Festival’s programming is carefully curated based on literary and artistic excellence, originality, and critical acclaim. The Festival has established a reputation for presenting exceptional speakers from diverse backgrounds in intimate venues. Pulitzer, Booker, and Nobel Prize-winners take the stage for unscripted conversations—then meet and sign books for the audience immediately after the sessions. Speakers and attendees return year after year to experience the Festival’s unrivaled hospitality and social events. Charleston Literary Festival is committed to offering a diverse program of events regarding speakers and topics, reaching out to all communities, and initiatives that widen access to its programs.

For more information, visit https://www.charlestonliteraryfestival.com.

About Atomic Focus Entertainment

Atomic Focus Entertainment develops and produces exceptional content for TV, film, livestream, and podcasts. AFE is filming a feature-length documentary about the ongoing fight for intellectual freedom, to be released in 2024. A female-owned company based in Charleston, SC, Atomic Focus is in its fourth year as the film production partner for Charleston Literary Festival. For more information, visit https://www.atomic-focus.com.

About SC Humanities

The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. Established in 1973, this 501(c)(3) organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. It presents and supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos, and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. The National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. For more information, visit https://schumanities.org.

Photo credits: Valerie and Ed Photography, MCG Photography

Voosh.ai, a data-driven restaurant analytics platform that reduces order issues, increases sales and boosts delivery margins, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Munz as the Vice President of Growth. He’s led a distinguished career spanning more than two decades in technology leadership across hospitality and e-commerce industries. As VP of Growth at Voosh, Munz will play a pivotal role in steering the company's strategic initiatives and expanding its footprint in the rapidly evolving restaurant technology landscape.

Voosh.ai is a cutting-edge platform that provides powerful tools that empower restaurant owners to make data-driven decisions, ultimately enhancing their operational efficiency and increasing their bottom line.

“Chris has a wealth of expertise and a passion for propelling hospitality and restaurant brands into the digital age,” said Voosh Co-founder and CEO Priyam Saraswat. “As a growth-oriented technologist, he has a proven track record of optimizing innovation to meet client’s unique needs.”

“It’s an honor to join the Voosh team and its much-needed mission to help restaurant operators maximize the potential from third-party marketplaces.,” said Munz. “Voosh is leading the charge in providing the data needed to understand market share, improve processes and increase revenue and profit margins, while bridging relationships between restaurants and third parties.”

Throughout his career, Munz has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to leveraging technology to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive overall business growth. His extensive background in leading technology businesses makes him a visionary leader ready to propel Voosh.ai to new heights in the dynamic restaurant technology sector.

For more information, please visit voosh.ai.

About Voosh.ai

Established in 2020, Voosh is a revolutionary solution in the restaurant industry, empowering operators to maximize their potential on third-party marketplaces. Born from a need for a unified data platform, Voosh's Restaurant Marketplace Intelligence Platform enhances operational efficiency, customer experience, and profitability. Backed by reputable venture capital funds, including Y Combinator, Voosh has helped over 200 restaurant locations grow their third-party sales by 20%. With a mission to provide clear, actionable insights for data-driven decisions, Voosh is committed to revolutionizing restaurant technology and shaping the future of the industry. Visit voosh.ai to learn more.

Media Contact

Sara Schiffer

Proof PR

sara@proof-pr.com

773-420-7920

Astoria Lighting Co., Central Texas' premier outdoor lighting specialist, is proud to announce its role as the official outdoor lighting sponsor for the Austin Landscape Artistry Showcase & Residential Garden Tour, taking place September 7, 2024.

Nathan Roberts, Astoria Lighting Co. proprietor, is excited about the transformative power of lighting in outdoor spaces. "Our participation allows us to demonstrate to homeowners and professionals alike that landscape beauty isn't limited to daylight. We will be offering an exclusive to attendees this year: A self-guided nocturnal tour for ticket holders will highlight the mesmerizing potential of our landscape and architectural lighting solutions," he added.

This collaboration unites Astoria Lighting Co.'s outdoor lighting prowess with Leaf Landscape Supply's commitment to honoring the exceptional work of local landscape architects and designers. Together, they're set to amplify the charm and atmosphere of residential landscapes after dusk.

"Partnering with Astoria Lighting Co. for the 2024 Austin Landscape Artistry Showcase & Garden Tour was a perfect fit for Leaf," says Brad Seever, owner of Leaf Landscape Supply. "They perfectly complement our goal of featuring Central Texas' finest landscape designs and creating a complete experience for attendees."

For further details on The 2024 Austin Landscape Artistry Showcase & Garden Tour, presented by Leaf Landscape, visit https://austinlandscapetour.com/.

About Astoria Lighting Co.

An Austin original, Astoria Lighting Co. leads in delivering top-tier permanent holiday and architectural lighting, from Gemstone Lights to Kichler's landscape illumination. They're synonymous with unparalleled quality, whether it's seasonal, architectural, or traditional outdoor lighting solutions. For more information, please visit https://astorialightingco.com/.

About Leaf Landscape Supply

Since 2014, Leaf Landscape Supply has been a cornerstone in Central Texas' landscaping sector. Renowned for its extensive selection of over 1,200 plant and tree varieties, it stands as an invaluable resource for industry professionals, offering unique products, expert insights, and an unwavering commitment to community enhancement and service. For more information, please visit https://www.leaflandscapesupply.com/.

Media Contact

IPG Media

IPG Media, LLC | Austin Luxury Homeowner | The Home Syndicate

media@internetpublishinggroup.com

TechGirl, a company that aims to increase the pool of female founders in tech by supporting them early on in their entrepreneurial journey, today announced the official launch of the TechGirl Foundation (TGF), a non-profit dedicated to leveling the playing field for female founders in the tech industry. With a mission to support women early in their entrepreneurial journeys, TGF is set to provide scholarships, guidance, and access to underrepresented and underserved communities.

In recent years, the technology sector has shown significant growth, becoming one of the most influential sectors globally. However, this expansion has not been evenly distributed. Women, particularly those from underrepresented and underserved communities, are significantly underrepresented in the tech industry. TGF aims to change this through a series of initiatives designed to empower and inspire women to pursue and launch their tech startups.

The TechGirl Foundation’s aim is to increase the pool of female founders in tech by supporting them early on in their entrepreneurial journey. TGF will grant scholarships and provide access and guidance to underrepresented founders and underserved communities through workshops, virtual speaker series, and networking events. By doing so, they hope to empower women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and contribute to the growth and innovation of the tech industry.

"We believe that diversity and inclusion are key to innovation. By supporting female founders from the very beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, we can help create a more balanced and diverse tech landscape," says Lynn Fernando, President at TechGirl Foundation and Co-Founder.

As part of its launch, TGF is excited to announce its participation at NY Tech Week. The foundation will be attending various events and panels throughout the week, including the InvestHER Roundtables, offering attendees the opportunity to learn more about their mission and how they can support it. They will be joined by other female investors and leaders in VC in the impact space, DEI, AI, and more. This includes A16Z, IFundWomen, Advaita Cap, Alternative Wealth Partners, Emmeline Ventures, iHeartMedia Ventures.  Gritty in Pink and Live Nation lead the discussion to speak on a variety of topics including impact investing, AI, climate tech, marketplaces, and the future of work.

"We invite all philanthropists, donors, and technology entrepreneurs to join us at NY Tech Week. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of these female tech entrepreneurs and the future of the tech industry," adds Rajul Kadakia, Co-Founder of TechGirl.

To learn more about the TechGirl Foundation and how you can support their mission, visit techgirlfoundation.org. Your support can help shape a more diverse and inclusive tech industry.

About TechGirl Foundation

TechGirl Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the number of female founders in the tech industry. By offering scholarships, guidance, and access to underrepresented and underserved communities, TGF aims to create a more balanced and diverse tech landscape. For more information about the TechGirl Foundation and its initiatives, please visit https://techgirlfoundation.org.

Three startups were named winners at Pitch HearstLab Texas, HearstLab’s pitch event for early stage, women-led startups. Out of hundreds of applications from across the country, six companies were selected as finalists to present in-person at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday of San Antonio Startup Week.

The finalists represented industry verticals ranging from clinical trial logistics to fleet transportation safety, and featured two winners from HearstLab’s previous pitch event for university women. Each founder pitched to a live audience and a panel of expert judges, including Hearst EVP & HearstLab Chairwoman Eve Burton and San Antonio Express-News Publisher & CEO Mark Medici.

The event’s winners were as follows: EZ Newswire, a platform that makes it easy and affordable for businesses of all sizes to create and publish their news; Meili Technologies, an AI-based driver incapacitation detection system for fleet and passenger vehicles; and Scope Zero, creator of the Carbon Savings Account™ for home technology and personal transportation upgrades that fosters employee financial wellness and enables corporate ESG strategy.

In addition to a $100,000 investment from HearstLab, each winning company will also receive hands-on support from HearstLab. Previous Pitch HearstLab winners include Clutch, Ema, Givers Health, Junum and Narratize.

"Fundraising is incredibly hard. Today's recognition combined with the relationship I am building with HearstLab is really unique," said Caitlin Kelly, Founder & Co-CEO of EZ Newswire. "The fundraising process can become a one-and-done, in-and-out, very transaction-based experience. This has been completely different."

"I'm super excited to have the opportunity to work with HearstLab for their breadth of industry knowledge and the Hearst business transportation opportunities," said Samantha Lee, Co-Founder & CEO of Meili Technologies.

"We're thrilled to be one of the finalists ... well, one of the winners now!" said Lizzy Kolar, Founder & CEO of Scope Zero. "Partnering with HearstLab can help us continue to build momentum by growing our brand awareness and developing partnerships with corporations across the US and the world."

Pitch HearstLab is the biggest competition for women-led startups in the world. The event series is aimed at finding and funding the best high-growth B2B(2C) women-led startups in the US and select international markets. Texas is the sixth event in the series, and the second iteration in San Antonio. 

With prior competitions in Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Madrid, and multiple winners at each event, HearstLab has invested over $1 million in early-stage women-led startups through the pitch series alone. To date, HearstLab has invested in over 60 women-led startups, currently valued at over $2 billion collectively. Its mission is to help closing the funding gap in venture capital funding for women. Current data shows that women-led businesses still receive just 2% of all venture funding, despite the growing number of female entrepreneurs.

"How many of you are familiar with Shark Tank?" asked MC CJ Kettler, who also serves as President of King Features. "Well, this is not like Shark Tank," she continued. "We're here to highlight the heart and soul of entrepreneurial spirit, and hopefully fund sustainable businesses that are solving real world problems."

"The women we met today who pitched introduced to the world many next generation products," said Eve Burton, "and with the right support, they will make large profitable companies that have tremendous impact. I am proud of the six founders that were selected out of over 400 that applied to pitch here today. They are all going to achieve exceptional things."

"It's really a joy and a dream to be here in my home city of San Antonio again. This is where Pitch HearstLab all started," said HearstLab VP Lisa Burton. "So much of the venture ecosystem is focused around the east and west coast, but as we all know, there are brilliant ideas and people to be found everywhere. Being able to work with the Express-News and have their support in highlighting all that San Antonio has to offer is critical in helping these businesses grow."

Pitch HearstLab Texas was produced in partnership with the San Antonio Express-News as a part of San Antonio Startup Week. Ulta Beauty was the premier national sponsor and shared a special message of mission-alignment with Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. Additional local sponsors & partners included Bridgethead IT, CodeUp, Microsoft, Geekdom, as well as in kind sponsors Supergoop!, heywell, and TÖST Beverages. 

Pitch HearstLab will head next to New York City in Spring 2024, with additional US-based and international competitions on the horizon. Beyond pitch events, female founders can apply for HearstLab investment anytime (up to $1 million) throughout the year. 

For more information, visit the HearstLab website and follow HearstLab on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About EZ Newswire

EZ Newswire is a platform that makes it easy and affordable for businesses of all sizes to create and publish their news. Our technology produces professional announcements in minutes with no writing or public relations experience required, while our publisher network guarantees placement to ensure the news reaches the right audience. From Main Street to Wall Street, find out why thousands of organizations trust us to power their headlines at www.eznewswire.com.

About Meili Technologies

Using existing car sensors, like a driver-facing camera, Meili detects health emergencies like heart attacks, seizures, and diabetic emergencies. Meili then communicates with existing ADAS features for the car to proactively prevent crashes and contacts first responders to reduce time to life saving care. While many are building drowsy and distracted driving detection, we're the first to take this more critical angle and the first to collect the necessary data en masse. This data is very difficult to collect and our focus is what allows us to beat the market to building health emergency detection and enhance other driver monitoring systems.

About Scope Zero

Scope Zero created the Carbon Savings Account™ for home technology and personal transportation upgrades that fosters employee financial wellness and enables corporate ESG strategy. For employees, the CSA increases the affordability and accessibility of upgrades that reduce their utility bills, fuel spend, and carbon footprint. The CSA lowers the upfront costs of upgrades with employer matches and referral discounts from CSA marketplace vendors. For employers, the CSA measures, reports, and reduces scope 3 work-from-home and commute emissions. The CSA addresses the annual 2.3B tons of carbon emissions from U.S. residential energy consumption and personal vehicle use.

About HearstLab

HearstLab provides cash investments and services to early-stage, women-led startups innovating across fintech, data analytics, health, transportation, enterprise technology and media. Its mission is to close the gap in VC funding for women by helping founders build sustainable and highly scalable businesses. With access to Hearst resources across 360+ businesses, HearstLab’s breadth of services includes assistance with privacy and security, software development, legal services, financial analysis, and marketing and design support. To learn more about HearstLab, visit HearstLab.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.