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Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (“the Trust”) has filed a Form 8-K containing its monthly report for the period ended January 31, 2024. An aggregate total distribution of $6.34 million or $0.084562 per trust certificate will be paid on February 12, 2024, to certificateholders of record as of February 9, 2024. This distribution is lower than the Trust’s typical monthly distribution primarily due to annual expenses paid in January, particularly insurance and Trustee fees. In addition, the Trust obtained its required semi-annual BOV’s in January.

Additional information, including the Trust’s Monthly and Quarterly Reports, as well as other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) can be accessed via the Trust’s website at www.ctltrust.net.

About Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust

Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (the “Trust”) was established to acquire 160 retail properties and 6 warehouse distribution centers (the “Properties”) from J.C. Penney as part of its Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. The Trust’s operations consist solely of owning, leasing and selling the Properties. The Trust’s objective is to sell the Properties to third-party purchasers as promptly as practicable. The Trustee of the trust is GLAS Trust Company LLC. The Trust is externally managed by an affiliate of Hilco Real Estate LLC. The Trust is intended to be treated, for tax purposes, as a liquidating trust within the meaning of United States Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-4(d). For more information, please visit https://www.ctltrust.net/.

Forward Looking Statement

This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements”. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “our vision,” “plan,” “potential,” “preliminary,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” or “would” or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology and include, but are not limited to, the Trust’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events and stock price performance. The Trust has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While the Trust believes these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond its control. These factors, including those discussed in the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), may cause its actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Trust’s filings with the SEC that are available at www.sec.gov. The Trust cautions you that the list of important factors included in the Trust’s SEC filings may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may not in fact occur. The Trust undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

Media Contact

Jessica Cummins, Investor Relations

+1 847-313-4755

jcummins@hilcoglobal.com

Media Contact

Jessica Cummins
jcummins@hilcoglobal.com

Strategikon, provider of cloud-based solutions that optimize and accelerate the budgeting, planning, outsourcing, and vendor management of clinical trials, has recently closed an over-subscribed $7.0M Series A1 financing round. This achievement underscores the high demand and investor confidence in Strategikon's pioneering technologies and strategic vision within the pharmaceutical sector.

The round was oversubscribed. Investments came from Osage Venture Partners, Debiopharm Innovation Fund, HearstLab, Golden Seeds, and other highly reputable investors. Strategikon serves global pharma and biotech clients across the U.S., Europe, and Japan. With this round of funding, Strategikon plans to further build out the sales, and customer success teams to support and scale growth.

"We originally invested in Strategikon in 2021 and have seen the company grow dramatically since that time while expanding their product footprint and serving some of the largest global pharma companies.  Anca Copaescu and her team have embedded deep domain knowledge into the Clinical Maestro solution and the market is rapidly responding. We are pleased to invest additional capital in the business and are excited to see the next phase of the Strategikon journey," said Nate Lentz, Managing Partner at Osage Venture Partners.

"This milestone underscores the shared belief in Strategikon's vision to redefine strategic intelligence in the pharmaceutical landscape. As we embark on this exciting journey, the trust and partnership from our esteemed investors fuels our commitment to innovation, driving us to new heights in shaping the future of strategic decision-making. Together, we are poised to amplify our impact and set a transformative course for the pharmaceutical industry, guided by a collective vision of excellence and success," commented Anca Copaescu, CEO of Strategikon.

"Debiopharm Innovation Fund is dedicated to advancing clinical development by supporting innovative solutions. We believe Strategikon has made great strides in revolutionising clinical trial operations with its unique software platform, Clinical Maestro, that transforms the way clinical trials are planned, budgeted, and sourced. By replacing outdated methods with their platform, they provide business users with actionable insights and faster processes. Together, we plan to shape a future where clinical trial operations will be revolutionised in terms of rapidity, accuracy, and efficiency," said Vincent Lepreux, Investment Principal of Debiopharm Innovation Fund.

"We have all been impressed by Anca and are excited to welcome her to the HearstLab community. She knows her business and her numbers and is forthright about the company’s key successes and challenges. Her go-to-market strategy is sensible, and she is positioned with this raise to accelerate growth globally via direct sales and partnerships with professional services organizations," says Beth Devin, HearstLab’s Co-Lead, who oversees HearstLab’s Series A investment pipeline. 

"From the beginning Golden Seeds believed in Anca and her team's ability to bring a much-needed product to the marketplace. They have listened to customers and built a company that responds to those customers. Golden Seeds has continued to reinvest in Strategikon and are pleased to see other investors joining in supporting Strategikon as it accelerates its growth," said Debra Kemper, Partner, Golden Seeds Venture Fund.

About Strategikon

Strategikon’s mission is to lower the cost and expedite the time to market of new medical treatments through built-for-purpose cloud-based solutions that improve and accelerate the planning and outsourcing of clinical trials. The company’s flagship product, Clinical Maestro®, replaces manual processes and outdated procurement tools with a modern end-to-end outsourcing management platform, while also reducing regulatory compliance risk related to vendor oversight. The system was developed and nurtured by financial and clinical business operations executives with both Sponsor and Clinical Service Provider experience. Our founders believed there had to be a better way—and so they created one.

Media Contact

Karen Wills

SVP, Marketing and Investor Relations

kwills@strategikonpharma.com

Media Contact

Karen Wills
kwills@strategikonpharma.com

Salus GRC recently welcomed Alan Knepfer as Chief Revenue Officer. Reporting to Chief Executive Officer William Mulligan, Mr. Knepfer is responsible for leading Salus GRC’s global revenue operations, with a focus on driving sales and marketing excellence and identifying strategic growth initiatives. He joins Salus GRC during an impressive period of growth. Amassing clients with over $200B in AUM over the past two quarters alone, Salus GRC has also created a collective of talented, deeply experienced, and highly respected resources in the field, with the singular mission of providing unparalleled service.

Salus GRC provides a full suite of tech-enabled Governance, Risk and Compliance ("GRC") support to private fund managers and other financial services firms, with offerings that include regulatory registration and filing services, compliance program development and ongoing support, regulatory exam assistance, compliance training and education, regulatory due diligence, and cybersecurity. Salus GRC aspires to be the employer of choice in the GRC space, attracting experienced professionals who bring a singular focus on providing the highest level of client service. Over time, Salus GRC expects to expand its service offering to include ESG, regulatory technology (RegTech), and GRC support for other industry verticals.

Mr. Knepfer brings over 25 years of experience leading, building, and reinventing scalable revenue organizations. Most recently he was the Chief Revenue Officer at RadarFirst, a Privacy Incident Management software provider. In addition, he has held numerous senior management positions including President and Chief Revenue Officer of Comodo Cybersecurity and Global Head of Sales and Customer Success at NASDAQ.

"I am thrilled to welcome Alan as our Chief Revenue Officer and member of the Executive Management Team,” said Mr. Mulligan. “With a proven track record of achieving exceptional results and building sustainable, profitable businesses, Alan is the right visionary leader to join our great team in helping drive our next phase of strategic growth at Salus GRC. His passion for Customer Success and Marketing will be invaluable as we continue to help clients maximize our tech-enabled solutions."

"Salus GRC is uniquely positioned to capitalize on a fragmented market in search of a leader," said Mr. Knepfer. "I’m thrilled to join this experienced team of industry superstars – who have each built an incredible following in this space – and to combine our efforts towards building the leading tech platform for GRC services. Our people and our collective focus are a powerful combination, positioning us well for years of growth, at an accelerated rate rarely seen in any business."

About Salus GRC

Launched in the Spring of 2023, in partnership with financial sponsor Charlesbank Capital Partners, Salus GRC provides GRC services to private fund managers, registered investment advisers, CFTC-registered managers, and broker-dealers. Offerings include regulatory registration and filing services, compliance program development and ongoing support, regulatory exam assistance, compliance training and education, and regulatory due diligence. For more information, please visit www.salusgrc.com.

About Charlesbank Capital Partners

Based in Boston and New York, Charlesbank Capital Partners is a middle-market private investment firm with more than $17 billion of capital raised since inception. Charlesbank focuses on management-led buyouts and growth capital financings, and engages in opportunistic credit and technology investments. The firm seeks to build companies with sustainable competitive advantage and excellent prospects for growth. For more information, please visit www.charlesbank.com.

Media Contact

Salus GRC

Monique Stehle

mstehle@salusgrc.com

Charlesbank

Ryan FitzGibbon / Dan Ivers / Peter Gavaris

pro-charlesbank@prosek.com

Media Contact

Monique Stehle
mstehle@salusgrc.com

Prodigy and MSK have entered into a sponsored research agreement through the MSK Therapeutics Accelerator program to evaluate Prodigy’s product candidate for the improvement of outcomes in patients undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). The MSK Therapeutic Accelerator project will be led by Jonathan Peled, MD, PhD, Assistant Attending Physician, MSK.

Through his pioneering research, Dr. Peled and his team at MSK have significantly advanced the role of the microbiome in impacting outcomes in patients undergoing allo-HCT. Dr. Peled’s work revealed that patients undergoing allo-HCT have enterococcal domination events and these domination events lead to worse overall survival and higher graft vs. host disease (GvHD)-related mortality. Dr. Peled has previously demonstrated in preclinical models that resetting the gut microbiome has profound outcomes in mitigating disease severity.

In this collaboration, Prodigy’s Enterococcus sp. neutralizing antibodies will be evaluated in preclinical models of GvHD and product candidates will be developed to move into clinical development. Furthermore, Prodigy is pleased to have Dr. Peled join and help build its allo-HCT Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).

In addition to the sponsored research, MSK will provide expertise and institutional resources through the MSK Therapeutics Accelerator to aid in the development of a drug candidate for patients undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. MSK’s Therapeutic Accelerator Program is a partnership program between MSK and technology and pharmaceutical companies to advance novel therapeutics through all stages of drug development. The program brings together innovative healthcare companies with MSK’s community of clinical and scientific experts to establish groundbreaking collaborations that can have a tangible impact on treatment or management of cancer.

Satish Chandran, CEO of Prodigy said, “We are delighted to collaborate and partner with MSK’s Therapeutic Accelerator Program and Dr. Peled to develop product(s) for patients undergoing allo-HCT. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, it is incumbent upon all of us to find solutions that have the potential to save lives and restore normalcy to these patients. We have been very pleased with the robust preclinical proof-of-concept data of our product PROD-AH-001, (Hepatology, 2023) for alcoholic hepatitis which is currently being readied for an IND submission with the FDA.”

Dr. Jonathan Peled of MSK said, "Patients who are treated with allo-HCT experience the most extreme microbiome injuries observed in any clinical setting. There is an urgent need to develop approaches that can mitigate this and prevent the expansion of potentially pathogenic bacteria. We hypothesize that attenuating the expansion of Enterococcus within the gastrointestinal tract will prevent bloodstream infections with this bacterium and potentially also ameliorate GVHD.”

Dr. Chandran presented information about this important new collaboration at the MSK Life Sciences Innovation Summit in New York City on January 26, 2024.

About Allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Allo-HCTs have a chance to cure malignancies but are associated with high rate of complications and mortality. Allo-HCT can lead to various complications, affecting different organs due to the intense conditioning regimen and introduction of foreign immune cells. A significant concern after allo-HCT is graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), where the donor's immune cells mount an attack against the recipient and is a major cause of morbidity and non-relapse mortality in this patient population. There is a clear need of therapies that are able to improve outcomes in patients undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

About Prodigy Biotech, Inc.

Prodigy Biotech is a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on developing products using its polyclonal Immunoglobulin Y technology to selectively edit the microbiome while avoiding deleterious effects to the commensal microflora. The versatility of avian antibodies, IgY, allows for pathogen- specific neutralization capabilities not only to bacteria but also viruses, fungi, endotoxins, and even human secreted proteins such as cytokines and chemokines. A target agnostic approach and strategic collaborations with leading researchers in the microbiome field has allowed Prodigy to build a diverse pipeline ranging from modulating the gut microbiome in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) to modulating the lung microbiome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Media Contact

Satish Chandran

satish.chandran@prodigybiotech.com

Media Contact

Satish Chandran
satish.chandran@prodigybiotech.com

Leaders in the tech industry, Angel N. Livas and Yusuf Henriques, celebrated their engagement with an exclusive party, bringing together esteemed guests including Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Charrisse Jackson-Jordan among others. This event marked a momentous occasion for these distinguished tech founders as they embark on their journey towards matrimony.

Angel N. Livas, renowned founder and CEO of the ALIVE Podcast Network, is revolutionizing the podcasting industry through a proprietary app (available for iOS and Android) that's empowering underrepresented voices and helping them maintain ownership and monetize their content.

Yusuf Henriques, esteemed founder and CEO of IndyGeneUS AI, a genomics company specializing in enhancing research and development capabilities through increased diversity in genetic and clinical research. These two have captured the attention of the entrepreneurial world with their innovative ventures. Henriques' commitment to advancing genomics research aligns perfectly with Livas' mission to uplift underrepresented voices and communities. This latest chapter in their lives, their engagement, promises to be as groundbreaking and inspiring as their respective careers.

Both Livas and Henriques share a deep connection beyond their entrepreneurial journeys. They proudly hail from Howard University, an institution known for fostering excellence and producing visionaries. The couple's shared alma mater has undoubtedly played a vital role in their success and has shaped their unique perspectives in the tech industry.

As they embark on this exciting new chapter in their lives, Livas and Henriques remain focused on their professional pursuits while planning for their future together. While a wedding date has not been set, the couple has set their sights on August 2025 for their nuptials, promising an affair that will undoubtedly leave an indelible imprint on the tech and entrepreneurial communities.

Media Contact

Ashley Todd

content@alivepodcastnetwork.com

Media Contact

Ashley Todd
content@alivepodcastnetwork.com

FIR VN (the "Company"), well known as First Real JSC, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a strategic investment commitment with High West Capital Partners, a leading global investment firm. The Company has a firm commitment from High West for USD 10,000,000 to be drawn down based on the Company’s cash flow needs over the next 36 months. This agreement allows the Company to control the amount, timing, and minimum purchase price of any investment which guarantees operational flexibility for the group. This equity commitment will also strengthen the Company’s balance sheet as it continues to grow in 2024.

The Chairman of First Real JSC, Mr. Tuan Nguyen, said: "We are extremely pleased to be partnering with High West Capital Partners. High West’s investment grants us the operational and financial flexibility to generate new growth opportunities while maximising shareholder value. We are thankful for the confidence that they have conveyed in us, and we look forward to a fruitful partnership with them over the coming years."

The Managing Partner of High West Capital Partners, Mr. John Hall said: "High West could not be prouder to have selected First Real JSC as a long-term investment to our portfolio. We look to partner closely and cooperatively with management teams and entrepreneurs that have track records of success such as First Real JSC. We believe that the combination of our industry knowledge, investment experience, and operational expertise provides High West with an edge in identifying and creating value in investment opportunities. Our strategy is not only to work as partners with the management of First Real JSC, but also to assist in the operations of their business and leverage all of the resources of our global platform."

About High West Capital Partners

High West Capital Partners is a private investment firm focused on global equities, special situations and structured finance in 20+ markets spanning from South America to Europe and the Asia-Pacific. The firm’s primary objective is to provide immediate funding to companies and Borrowers who need liquidity. HWCP is able to manage risks inherent in today’s equity markets and across multiple sectors, based on a unique blend of financial market experience and proprietary algorithmic models. For more information, visit: https://highwestcapitalpartners.com

About First Real JSC

First Real JSC is an emerging growth real estate developer based in Da Nang City, Vietnam.  The company was founded in 2014 by a group of youthful, dynamic individuals with passion and integrity to innovate and contribute to realizing the dream of settling down for Vietnamese people.  Established in the auspicious real estate sector, First Real provides clients with high-quality real estate products and project development. It has been recognized with esteemed accolades, including Best Real Estate Developer in Da Nang, Top 10 Investors—Real Estate Developers in Vietnam, and Top 10 Brands—National Quality Products.

Media Contact

High West Capital Partners

+65 3158 7420

deals@highwestcapitalpartners.com

pr@highwestcapitalpartners.com

R91, 3rd Floor,

Eton Tower, 8 Hysan Ave.

Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Media Contact

High West Capital Partners
deals@highwestcapitalpartners.com

The NCMA Contract Management Institute (CMI) announces that Soraya Correa, who has served as the dedicated Executive Director for the past year, will be joining the team at National Industries for the Blind as their new President and CEO-Elect.

Ms. Correa will be transitioning into a governance role, maintaining a crucial connection with CMI and its strategic direction. This shift reflects her continued dedication to the institute's mission and the desire to contribute to its future success at a governance level.

Kraig Conrad, CEO of NCMA and Chair of the CMI Governance Board, "We express our gratitude for the invaluable contributions Soraya has made to the relaunch of the Contract Management Institute. Her enduring legacy is marked by a steadfast commitment to remaining actively engaged in the NCMA community and continuing her involvement in the governance of CMI."

Amid expressions of gratitude for her contributions, Ms. Correa reflected on her time at the Institute, underscoring the impact she has had on its relaunch, community engagement, and governance.

"While I am excited about this new opportunity with the National Industries for the Blind (NIB), I am sad to leave CMI. As Executive Director of CMI I had the opportunity to work with the outstanding leadership, team, and members of NCMA, an experience I will always appreciate and remember fondly. I remain committed to the success of CMI and the vital role it plays in advancing the contract management profession. As I embark in my new role at NIB, I will continue to support NCMA initiatives, especially those of the CMI!"

In the interim, taking over the Executive Director position for CMI will be Mr. Conrad. Stay tuned for more updates and CMI’s research projects begin this Spring. For inquiries and paper submissions, please contact info@ncmahq.org.

About the Contract Management Institute

The Contract Management Institute (CMI) is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of contract management. With a mission to drive innovation, promote excellence, and enhance the role of the contracting professional, CMI provides valuable resources including collaboration and partnership opportunities for individuals and organizations involved in contract management across government, industry, and academia. The Institute serves as a catalyst for the study of the profession to elevate engagement, standards, and professional development. The CMI mission and vision are aligned with its parent, NCMA. CMI is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

About the National Contract Management Association

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA)—www.ncmahq.org—stands as the premier contract management organization whose mission is to collaborate towards a globally recognized contract management profession that strengthens its nexus with related acquisition communities. Serving approximately 20,000 members in both the public and private sectors, NCMA propels the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners through a steadfast commitment to serve through the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums.

Media Contact

Holly DeHesa

281-865-3296

holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org

Media Contact

Holly DeHesa
holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org

England & Company, a leading independent investment bank, announced today that Richard F. NeJame has joined the firm to enhance its Capital Structure Advisory Practice, focusing on corporate restructuring and special situations. Mr. NeJame brings over 25 years of experience advising leveraged and distressed corporate clients, as well as institutional, private equity, and other investing clients. During his career, Mr. NeJame has executed over $100 billion in aggregated transaction value in over 80 deals.

Based in its New York office, Mr. NeJame will work with the England Debt Advisory practice, expanding the firm's coverage of issuers and creditors for special situation financings and distressed M&A transactions. As with the broader debt advisory effort, Capital Structure Advisory will be coordinated with England's experienced industry bankers who are focused on business services, consumer, energy, healthcare, industrial & infrastructure, and technology & media.

"While the U.S. economic picture looks promising, the sustained period of higher interest rates created a complex set of challenges for many companies that could linger for the next few years," said Craig England, CEO of England & Company. "Rich's restructuring experience and industry reputation enhance our capability to provide clients the highest quality services in both ideal and challenging circumstances."

"I am excited to join England & Company, as it provides an outstanding, independent advisory platform for me to expand the scope of their debt advisory practice," said Mr. NeJame. "With the evolving market for leveraged credit, there is a greater need for investment banks that can complement restructuring expertise with new capital solutions. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to deliver on these capabilities on behalf of established and future clients of the firm."

Mr. NeJame started his career at Alex. Brown & Sons, where he became an integral part of the team that established the restructuring group at Lazard Frères & Co. He later led restructuring groups at Gleacher & Company and Oppenheimer & Co. Most recently, Mr. NeJame was a Senior Managing Director at B. Riley / FocalPoint prior to joining England & Company. Mr. NeJame earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Media Contact

Melody Bailiff

713-357-9446

melody.bailiff@englandco.com

Media Contact

Melody Bailiff
melody.bailiff@englandco.com

Comcast announces expansions of its smart, fast, reliable fiber-rich network to seven new cities in Minnesota by the end of 2024. The cities of Corcoran, Cologne, Nowthen, and parts of Grant, Hugo, Rogers and Stillwater Township will see 5x-10x faster upload speeds and smoother connections with the Xfinity Network. The 2024 planned expansion is part of the company’s nationwide rollout of multi-gig Internet speeds and adds to Comcast’s ongoing $473 million investment across Minnesota over the last three years.

The new planned expansions fulfill a need for fast, reliable, secure broadband service across the state. In June 2023, Comcast completed an expansion to more than 2,300 homes and businesses in the City of Wayzata. Area businesses enjoy broadband speeds of up to 100 Gbps and speeds faster than 1 gigabit per second for residents over standard connections in the home. By the end of 2024 Comcast will also expand into Cologne and extend its network into Nowthen, Corcoran, and throughout parts of Rogers, Grant, Hugo and Stillwater Township with funding support from the State of Minnesota’s Border-to-Border Broadband program.

“Access to reliable, high-speed broadband is a powerful driver of economic growth and development in our community,” said Corcoran Mayor Tom McKee. “Internet access is at the center of our modern lives and the quality of those lives will be greatly enhanced thanks to the partnership with Comcast, Hennepin County and the Minnesota Office of Broadband. Together we will be bringing broadband to nearly 500 unserved homes and businesses in Corcoran.”

These locations will have the foundational next-generation network in place to begin deploying DOCSIS 4.0, setting the stage for the introduction of new symmetrical multi-gigabit Internet options that will enhance performance across Comcast’s existing networks.

“The Internet has increasingly become the epicenter of our existence, influencing many aspects of our lives, and people and businesses are consuming more data,” said Kalyn Hove, Senior Vice President, Comcast Midwest Region. “We are building a future of unlimited possibilities in the Twin Cities and across the Midwest. These expansions, plus planned networks enhancements, will service nearly 14,000 additional homes.”

Powered by Xfinity

Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes and businesses today and into the future:

• Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect more than 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. With the next-generation Xfinity gateways we deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously.
  
  
• Fastest Internet: More than a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products. Recently, Comcast connected the first customers in the world to a DOCSIS 4.0 connection, delivering symmetrical gig speeds over existing connections in customers’ homes with plans to continue to rollout these speeds across the country, including the Twin Cities, over the coming years.
  
  
• Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home.
  
  
• Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network that passes 62 million homes and business and counting. The company launched Storm-Ready WiFi, a new device that comes powered with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out.
  
  
• Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity Network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home.
  
  

The Xfinity Network is also self-monitoring and uses AI to detect potential problems before they arise, delivering a reliable connection that is up and running in customers’ homes 99% of the time. Visit Xfinity to learn more and sign up for these exciting new products.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

Media Contact

Jill Hornbacher

651-425-1695

Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com

Media Contact

Jill Hornbacher
Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com

22nd Century Group new CEO Larry Firestone joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss his role and the company's strategic direction.

22nd Century Group is an agricultural biotech firm specializing in tobacco harm reduction and developing low-nicotine content plants for cigarettes. Notably, the company received FDA authorization for modified risk tobacco products in December 2021, with its flagship brand, VLN (Very Low Nicotine), aimed at addressing smoking-related health issues.

Firestone emphasized the strategic shift the company is undergoing, which includes streamlining operations, divesting non-core assets such as the hemp cannabis business, and refocusing solely on the tobacco sector.

The company's primary goal for 2024 is achieving financial self-sustainability, with a focus on cost optimization, gross margin improvement, and streamlining the overhead structure. 22nd Century Group is also committed to expanding its presence in established markets, particularly in the United States, and delivering its core products.

Firestone's leadership will play a crucial role in guiding the company through these transformative changes and positioning it for growth and success in the coming years. This strategic shift and renewed focus on tobacco harm reduction reflect 22nd Century Group's commitment to addressing health-related issues associated with smoking and its determination to make a positive impact in the tobacco industry.

Media Contact

Proactive United States

347-449-0879

action@proactiveinvestors.com

Media Contact

Proactive United States
action@proactiveinvestors.com

digiDirect, one of Australia’s leading retail destinations catering to the consumer electronics needs of content creators, has now launched the digiDirect Marketplace, called digiMarket.

With a thriving community of over 500,000 customers and over 18 years commitment to delivering exemplary shopping experiences both online and in stores, digiDirect has been a leader in the industry, catering to a diverse consumer base, including photographers, videographers, podcasters, social media creators, gamers, filmmakers, students and businesses.

The digiMarket Marketplace launch is the latest example of digiDirect leading with its technology-first focus, and dedication to sustaining a positive shopping experience, delivering greater choice in products for its online consumers.

Integrating robust security features and offering diverse customer support options, the digiDirect Marketplace is powered by the Marketplacer platform, the Adobe Commerce/Marketplacer connector. This integration streamlines the incorporation of third-party seller inventory into the existing e-commerce platform, significantly reducing complexity and time-to-market for the addition of online marketplace functionality.

“We are thrilled to join forces with digiDirect, embarking on a journey to elevate their business by offering an ever-expanding spectrum of products. Together, we aim to make digiDirect the go-to destination for electronic, tech, and digital shopping experiences,” commented Jason Wyatt, CEO of Marketplacer.

Addressing the opportunity to enhance customer offerings, the digiDirect Marketplace adds depth across various categories, including Consumer Electronics, Home Appliances, Digital Wellness, Digital Baby and Kids Care, Pet Tech, Office Tech, and the company’s core focuses of Photo & Video, Computers & Mobile and Gaming & Streaming. With an enriched shopping experience featuring an additional 2,500 products, digiMarket seamlessly complements digiDirect’s physical stores, creating a unified omnichannel experience for customers.

General Manager of digiDirect, Haig Kayserian said: “The launch of our online Marketplace marks a milestone in digiDirect’s journey, enhancing depth across current categories by thousands of products while staying rooted in our consumer electronics focus.”

“This expansion complements our greater online and bricks-and-mortar strategy across Australia, creating greater choices for our customers, with an experience that is carefully curated to always prioritise quality meeting convenience at every click,” Kayserian added.

In anticipation of this launch, digiDirect appointed experienced retail and technology leader, Luke Goldsworthy as their digiMarket Division Manager. He and his team are in the process of onboarding dozens of sellers who have signed up to list their thousands of items on the digiDirect Marketplace.

“We have been greatly encouraged by our burgeoning seller community, who recognise the opportunity of opening up their consumer-base through digiDirect’s loyal community, who purchase large average carts regularly on our website,” Goldsworthy said.

“To maintain the absolute trust of our customers, we have been very selective in the sellers and products we have onboarded, to ensure our service levels are maintained and we continue to provide a range of products that fit our consumers’ broader expectations when shopping at digiDirect,” he added.

The digiMarket Marketplace continues to set itself apart by offering an extensive range of categories, enabling targeted advertising, and ensuring a seamless omnichannel experience for its community. With the added AI integration into the digiDirect Marketplace, the user experience is further enhanced, providing their sellers with valuable insights.

The benefits for digiDirect include, but not limited to:

• The ability to quickly and easily integrate third-party seller inventory into its existing e-commerce platform,
• Develop and showcase a curated shopping experience for its online visitors;
• Attract new customers and nurture existing ones with a newly expanded inventory of available products, and;
• Grow revenue more rapidly in a highly competitive and steadily expanding Australian market.

As digiDirect solidifies its place as a pioneer, the Marketplace symbolises innovation, customer commitment, and community empowerment. Customers are invited to explore the new Marketplace, while sellers are encouraged to inquire about joining this groundbreaking platform.

About digiDirect

digiDirect is one of Australia’s largest retailers of consumer electronics. Having started as a retailer specialising in cameras and imaging, digiDirect’s seven brick-and-mortar stores across the country maintain that speciality with expert staff and the widest range of products.

Their website, digidirect.com.au is one of the most popular online retail destinations in Australia, offering tens of thousands of products shipped to thousands of loyal customers from the company’s state-of-the-art Sydney headquarters.

Founded by Managing Director Shant Kradjian in 2005, digiDirect employs over 150 staff across multiple states and enjoys important relationships with multinational supplier partners, payment, loyalty rewards, logistics and other service providers.

About Marketplacer

Marketplacer is a global technology Software as a Service (SaaS) platform equipped with all the tools and functionality needed to build successful and scalable online marketplaces, at speed. To date, Marketplacer has helped build and deploy over 100 Marketplaces connecting over 13,000 businesses worldwide. The Marketplacer platform exists to make growth simple, from implementing marketplace strategies such as shipment from drop-ship sellers, adding new categories or third-party range extension, through to consolidating markets and rolling out modern revenue models such as recurring memberships that allow businesses to grow faster and beyond the constraints of capital inventory.

For more information, visit www.marketplacer.com.

Media Contact

Luke Goldsworthy

Head of Marketplace

digiDirect

luke.g@digidirect.com.au

Livia de Beaurepaire

Marketing Manager

Marketplacer

livia.beaurepaire@marketplacer.com

Media Contact

Luke Goldsworthy
luke.g@digidirect.com.au

Battery Mineral Resources Corp. (TSXV: BMR) (OTCQB: BTRMF) (“Battery” or “BMR” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide project updates and also announce an extension to the final closing date of its private placement (the “Private Placement”) of up to US$6,000,000 in senior unsecured convertible debentures (the “Debentures”), which was previously announced on October 17, 2023.

Operational Readiness

The Company is pleased to announce that effective January 26, 2024, it has received an exploitation permit from Chile's National Geology and Mining Service (SERNAGEOMIN) with regards to the Cinabrio mine, which forms part of the Punitaqui mining complex. The Cinabrio mine is the original mine which supported copper concentrate production during the approximately 10 years of historic copper production, primarily operated by Glencore PLC.

The exploitation permit allows BMR to extract copper ore and barren rock from the Cinabrio mine as the mine is being prepared for resumption of full production. The Company anticipates commencing pre-production maintenance activities at Cinabrio in the very near-term, including rehabilitation of existing workings, drifting and establishment of access for drilling and exploitation—all of which allows for the resumption of ore extraction.

As previously announced, an exploitation permit for the San Andres mine has been granted. The permit allows for BMR to commence drifting, ramp construction and mine development on two different elevation levels and allows for establishment of new underground exploration drilling platforms. This mine development will establish access to new zones of copper mineralization for the forthcoming mine production. Mining equipment and supplies to support these activities has been delivered and personnel recruitment is progressing well.

Repairs, replacements and upgrades of the crushing, grinding and flotation plant are progressing well, and operational commissioning of the facility is expected to begin in the latter part of Q1 2024, followed by copper concentrate production in Q2 2024.

Private Placement

The TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) has approved an extension to the Private Placement to February 14, 2024. The proceeds from the Debentures will be applied towards working capital and the restart of copper concentrate production at the Company’s Punitaqui mining complex in Chile (the “Restart”).

The Company continues to progress towards securing the balance of the capital required for the Restart and, to date, has successfully raised US$3,285,000 (C$4,407,484) in Debentures. The Company estimates the total capital required for the Restart to be approximately US$13 million (approximately C$17.4 million) (prior to corporate costs and other asset holding costs and inclusive of amounts to be raised in the Private Placement). The Company looks forward to providing additional updates to the market in the coming weeks as Punitaqui is propelled back into sustainable, profitable production for all stakeholders.

Offering Terms (as previously disclosed)

The Debentures will mature on September 30, 2026 (the “Maturity Date”) and will bear interest at 10% per annum, compounding annually on September 30 of each year, not in advance. Interest accrued from the date of issuance up to and including March 30, 2025, will be paid by way of issuance of common shares of the Company. Interest accrued following March 30, 2025, will be, at the option of the holder, paid either in cash or by way of issuance of common shares of the Company. The issuance of common shares as payment of interest will be at the then current market price of the Company’s common shares at the date the interest becomes payable and will be subject to the prior acceptance of the TSXV and applicable securities laws.

The holder of a Debenture may, at their option, at any time from March 31, 2024, and prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the Maturity Date, convert all, but not less than all, of the principal amount of such Debenture into common shares of the Company at the conversion price of US$0.22 per share (approximately C$0.30 per share).

All Debentures issued in the Private Placement are subject to a four month hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws and under the policies of the TSXV. The Private Placement is subject to final approval by the TSXV.

Exchange Rates

All USD amounts for which CAD equivalent amounts are given in this news release were calculated at CAD/USD exchange rate of 1.3417, the exchange rate published by the Bank of Canada on January 30, 2024.

MI 61-101 Matters

Weston Energy LLC and Weston Energy II LLC are “related parties” to BMR pursuant to pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101“). Prior to giving effect to the transactions disclosed in this news release and in the refinancing transactions disclosed in the Company’s press release dated October 17, 2023, Weston Energy LLC and Weston Energy II LLC and its affiliates owned or controlled (directly or indirectly) 107,578,740 BMR Common Shares on an undiluted basis and 122,491,305 BMR Common Shares assuming the conversion of all the Company’s previously outstanding secured convertible debentures (representing approximately 60.60% and 63.31%, respectively, of the outstanding BMR Common Shares).

Disclaimers

The Debentures (including any issued in future closings) will be sold in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and will be sold only to persons reasonably believed to be accredited investors in the United States under Rule 506 under the Securities Act and outside the United States only to non-U.S. persons in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

The Debentures and the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures, if any, have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an applicable exemption from such registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Debentures or any shares of common stock potentially issuable upon conversion of the Debentures nor shall there be any sale of Debentures (or shares issuable upon conversion thereof) in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state.

There can be no assurance that any future offerings of Debentures will be completed.

About Battery Mineral Resources Corp.

Battery Mineral Resources is a battery minerals company providing shareholders exposure to the global mega-trend of electrification while being focused on growth through cash-flow, exploration, and acquisitions in favourable mining jurisdictions. Battery Mineral’s mission is the discovery, acquisition, and development of battery metals (namely cobalt, lithium, graphite, and copper), in North America, South America and South Korea and to become a premier and responsible supplier of battery minerals to the electrification marketplace. BMR is currently pursuing a near-term resumption of operations of the Punitaqui Mining Complex, a past copper-gold-silver producer, in the Coquimbo region of Chile. BMR is the largest mineral claim holder in the historic Gowganda Cobalt-Silver Camp in Ontario, Canada, and continues to pursue a focused program to build on the recently announced, +1-million-pound high-grade cobalt resource at McAra. In addition, Battery Mineral owns 100% of ESI Energy Services, Inc. (including ESI’s wholly owned USA operating subsidiary, Ozzie’s, Inc.), a profitable mainline pipeline and renewable energy equipment rental and sales company with operations in Alberta, Canada and Arizona, USA. Battery Mineral Resources is based in Canada and its shares are listed on the Toronto Venture Exchange under the symbol “BMR” and on the OTCQB under the symbol “BTRMF”. Further information about BMR and its projects can be found on www.bmrcorp.com.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of the Company on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing (including through the Private Placement) to complete exploration and development activities, the ability of the Company to close further tranches of the Private Placement, the completion, timing and size of the proposed Private Placement, the intended use of the proceeds of the Private Placement, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the ability of the Company to meet its anticipated development schedule, government regulation and fluctuating metal prices. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Battery undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. For further information regarding the risks please refer to the risk factors discussed in Battery’s most recent Management Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR+.

Media Contact

Martin Kostuik, CEO of Battery Mineral Resources Corp.

604-229-3830

info@bmrcorp.com

Media Contact

Martin Kostuik
info@bmrcorp.com

HearstLab is thrilled to announce that one of its $100,000 pitch competition winners will be eligible for a bonus prize package from The Martin Group at Pitch HearstLab New York on April 17, 2024. 

The pitch competition series, started in 2022, is designed to specifically find and fund early-stage female founders building B2B and B2C businesses. In the last year, Hearst has invested more than $3,000,000 in 13 startups through these pitch events, and their global portfolio of more than 70 women-led companies has a collective valuation of over $2,500,000,000.

As one of Hearst’s premier marketing agency partners, The Martin Group will offer $10,000 of in-kind services to help one winning company scale their business by providing services tailored to its needs. Services include public relations, digital marketing, branding, strategy, website development, and more.

"We are delighted to partner with HearstLab on this competition and to have the opportunity to work with one of the exciting women-led startups that are changing the business landscape,” said Matt Davison, Chief Business Officer at The Martin Group. “This is an amazing chance to make a difference, combining our resources with HearstLab’s to help the winning company stand out, reach new audiences and expand their business.”

HearstLab remains committed to closing the gap in venture capital funding by providing cash investments and services to early-stage, women-led startups innovating across fintech, data analytics, health, transportation, enterprise technology and media. 

HearstLab’s next signature $100,000 pitch competition for early-stage female founders will be held at the Hearst Tower in New York on April 17, 2024. Founders can apply to pitch in front of a live audience and panel of judges here. 

Applications close February 4.

About The Martin Group

The Martin Group is a leading integrated communications firm headquartered in downtown Buffalo with office operations in Albany, Rochester, and New York, NY. The firm works with best-in-class organizations ranging from small businesses to global enterprises and has extensive experience in several industry verticals, including food and beverage, sports and lifestyle, healthcare, financial services, education, professional services, and not-for-profit support. Continually recognized for marketing communications excellence by the American Advertising Federation, the American Marketing Association, the Public Relations Society of America, and the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, among others, the agency has been previously selected as a “Top Private Company” and “Fastest Growing Company” by various regional news publications. For more information on The Martin Group, visit www.martingroup.co, or follow the agency on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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.

Media Contact

Nico Gendron

nico.gendron@hearst.com

Media Contact

Nico Gendron
nico.gendron@hearst.com

Strategikon, a leading provider of innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical industry, is proud to announce a groundbreaking multi-year partnership with a top 20 pharmaceutical company. This partnership will leverage Strategikon's cutting-edge Clinical Maestro® platform to enhance global sourcing and vendor performance management capabilities, revolutionizing the landscape of clinical trials.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Strategikon's commitment to delivering transformative solutions that optimize clinical trial business operations and drive outsourcing efficiency in the pharmaceutical sector. Through the utilization of Clinical Maestro, Strategikon’s partners aim to streamline core sourcing processes and elevate vendor performance management to unprecedented levels of effectiveness.

"This multi-year partnership represents a testament to Strategikon's commitment to innovation and excellence in serving the pharmaceutical industry. We are confident that our partnership will yield transformative outcomes, drive operational efficiency, and accelerate the pace of clinical trial execution," said Anca Copaescu, CEO at Strategikon. "This partnership underscores the value of our Clinical Maestro platform in addressing critical challenges faced by pharmaceutical organizations, across the spectrum of clinical trial planning, sourcing, and strategic alliance management."

For more information about Strategikon and its innovative solutions, visit www.strategikonpharma.com.

About Strategikon

Strategikon is a leading provider of innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical industry, dedicated to revolutionizing clinical trial business operations and driving efficiencies across the drug development lifecycle. Their flagship platform Clinical Maestro is recognized for its advanced capabilities in centralizing and automating critical functions across the entire clinical outsourcing spectrum by supporting professionals engaged in R&D procurement, budget development, contracting, vendor category and performance management. Clinical Maestro addresses longstanding challenges by modernizing clinical business operation transactions and empowering pharmaceutical companies to make data-driven decisions, mitigate risks, and optimize resource allocation throughout the entire R&D process.

Media Contact

Karen Wills

617-899-0986

kwills@strategikonpharma.com

Media Contact

Karen Wills
kwills@strategikonpharma.com

Mariner Wealth Advisors, a national wealth advisory firm, today announced it will be acquiring Winter Park, Fla.-based AndCo Consulting and Covington, Ky.-based Fourth Street Performance Partners in a simultaneous transaction. The acquisitions significantly bolster Mariner’s institutional presence, adding 100 associates and bringing the firm an additional $104 billion in assets under advisement. Based on its approximately 25 years of operational experience, the AndCo team will drive the new business vertical, Mariner Institutional.

Recognizing the evolving landscape of retirement-to-wealth solutions, Mariner’s strategic addition of these two firms supports the firm in offering a comprehensive suite of complementary services, catering to both institutional and individual clients. The expansion enhances Mariner’s capabilities and growth potential, solidifying its commitment to a client-first approach.

“The complementary nature of our clients and services will support our joint growth and offer existing clients and prospects additional services that will help enhance the overall client outcome,” said Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner Wealth Advisors. “Mariner, AndCo and Fourth Street share an objective and client-first approach, a focus on associate development and unyielding support for our communities. This leads to a strong cultural alignment and great opportunities ahead.”

Fourth Street will merge with AndCo upon closing of the transaction, each maintaining their existing teams and focus on serving institutional clients under the Mariner Institutional brand. Joining Mariner allows them to augment services through enhanced infrastructure and financial resources.

“Since the inception of the firm, we have consistently approached business decisions through a simple three-pronged question: how will this impact our clients, our colleagues and our community?” said AndCo CEO Mike Welker. “We truly believe we have found a partner in Mariner that shares the same philosophy, and I’m confident this opportunity will enhance the services we deliver to our existing clients, provide opportunities for our team members and give us capacity to give back to our local communities at scale.”

The agreements were finalized on January 29, 2024, and the transition is expected to reach its completion in early April 2024. Berkshire Global Advisors served as financial advisor to AndCo Consulting in this transaction. AndCo and Fourth Street will retain their 100 professionals and continue serving clients out of their locations in Covington, Winter Park, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Reno, Nev.

About Mariner Wealth Advisors

At Mariner Wealth Advisors, we provide 360° advice designed to last. We focus on one thing—partnering with clients to create a financial strategy for today and beyond that’s flexible enough to change along with them. The ultimate goal? Helping clients identify what is important so they can achieve their goals—we’re committed to being here for everything life brings their way. We’ve built our firm around what our clients need. We began by offering wealth planning resources and then added services from tax planning to insurance—all under one roof. We believe this integrated approach to wealth management helps simplify our clients’ lives. Founded in 2006 with $300 million in assets under advisement, Mariner and its affiliates now advise on over $122 billion in assets as of 12/31/23. To learn more, visit marinerwealthadvisors.com.

Media Contact

Remi Yuter

mariner@hotpaperlantern.com

Media Contact

Remi Yuter
mariner@hotpaperlantern.com

As people live longer and as emphasis on early detection of disease increases, there is a mounting burden on the healthcare services industry globally. This is being especially felt in radiology teams who are witnessing an acute shortage of radiologists. Currently, there are over 200 companies building applications using AI to automate parts of the radiologists’ work to bridge this talent gap. Today, CARPL, an enterprise imaging AI marketplace platform, is announcing a $6 million funding round to enable healthcare providers to access, assess and integrate these radiology AI applications into their clinical workflows through a single user-interface, single data channel and single procurement system.

The seed funding round was led by Stellaris Venture Partners, a leading enterprise software investor, with participation from strategic angel investors from Novo Holdings, Leapfrog PE, Bain & Co, Boston Consulting Group, UnitedHealth Group among others. CARPL will use the fresh funds to expand the team in North America and continue to build its tech stack.

With more than 700 US-FDA approved AI applications, healthcare providers grapple with navigating the complex landscape of niche AI solutions. The daunting task involves determining the best AI solution for them and their patients, then seamlessly integrating it in the radiologists' workflows. This complexity has resulted in the sluggish pace of AI adoption in healthcare.

A recent joint statement by the world’s top radiology associations also brings to light the importance of validation, deployment and monitoring of AI while being used in clinical practice. CARPL’s technology platform addresses this need using its proprietary DEV-D framework allowing healthcare providers to first Discover (D), Explore (E) and Validate (V) AI applications from CARPL’s AI marketplace, and subsequently Deploy (D) the most appropriate application across their clinical workflows.

CARPL stands out as the only platform in the market with deep AI validation and monitoring capabilities, thereby ensuring safe and seamless AI deployment while upholding patient-centricity at its core. Additionally, CARPL’s universal AI viewer serves as a single user interface for radiologists, enabling them to accept, reject or refine AI outputs, which can subsequently be used to improve the performance of the AI itself.

Operational since 2021, CARPL was founded by Dr. Vidur Mahajan, a physician with an MBA from Wharton who has spent more than 12 years in the diagnostics industry. CARPL’s leadership comprises Dr. Vasanth Venugopal as Chief Medical Officer, Rohit Takhar as CTO and most recently Dhruv Sahai as COO. CARPL has also ramped up its advisory team with the appointment of Dr. Vijay Rao, SVP of Enterprise Imaging at Jefferson Health and a past president of the Radiology Society of North America.

“Over the past two years, we have onboarded more than 50 AI developers having 100+ AI applications, which made us the largest AI marketplace in terms of number of AI applications offered to customers. We are proud that some of the largest healthcare enterprises in the world have vetted our technology and trust us to be their partner in their AI and automation journeys,” said Dr. Mahajan, CEO of CARPL.

Drawing parallels with the lab medicine industry, Dr. Mahajan added, “We are democratizing radiology in the same way that automation and robotics revolutionized lab medicine, where a single pathologist signs out thousands of tests each day. We envision a future where CARPL creates ‘super-radiologists’—AI-enabled radiologists who are ten times more productive than traditional radiologists.”

Dr. Mahajan brings deep domain expertise having previously grown revenue 10x to $20 million in 10 years at his family business Mahajan Imaging, a leading radiology service provider. He conceptualized CARPL under the guidance of his father Dr. Harsh Mahajan, a pioneer in radiology, while working on validation and deployment of AI at Mahajan Imaging.

CARPL comprises a multidisciplinary team with clinicians, scientists, engineers and business experts, all working towards the singular goal of driving exponential health outcomes using the encapsulated value of the entire AI ecosystem with the ultimate aim of ensuring access of quality diagnostics to patients. CARPL has more than 120 papers and conference presentations to its credit, and has coined some seminal concepts in clinical AI such as algorithmic audits, clinical explainability failure and unboxing AI. CARPL’s technology platform is used by the world’s top healthcare organizations like the Singapore Government, Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston), Radiology Partners (Los Angeles), University Hospitals (Cleveland), I-MED Radiology (Australia), Albert Einstein Hospital (São Paulo), Clinton Health Access Initiative, to name a few. CARPL is also creating impact in the public health space by working with the Government of India to enable large scale Tuberculosis Screening Programmes in the most remote regions of the country.

As the global disease burden increases, owing to aging populations, early detection of disease and an increase in chronic/lifestyle diseases, the need for radiology services will increase, which increases the need for AI-assistance and automation in the delivery of these services. The global healthcare AI market is expected to cross $170 billion by 2029, of which almost $20 billion will be in the domain of radiology. Today, of the about 700 AI-based applications which are approved by the US-FDA, 80% are related to radiology. This number is expected to grow exponentially as access to training data and computation power becomes cheaper and easier to access.

Alok Goyal, Partner at Stellaris Venture Partners, commented, “The volume of imaging scans show a steady 9% year-on-year growth, outpacing the growth in the number of radiologists at a mere 1.8%. Bridging this demand gap is a crucial challenge for healthcare providers, and we believe AI will be the key. CARPL's integrated platform, designed for testing, deploying, and monitoring radiology AI applications, is poised to empower healthcare providers by seamlessly integrating AI into their clinical workflows. We are thrilled to join forces with Vidur and his team on this transformative journey.”

As it becomes easier to build AI, the number and nature of AI applications used by doctors to deliver healthcare will increase exponentially. A platform approach that builds on connecting these AI developers to healthcare providers is the only way to exponentially improve the access, affordability and quality of care delivered today. CARPL is a new layer in the healthcare CIO’s stack that enables seamless access to the entire AI and analytics ecosystem through a single integrated platform.

About CARPL

CARPL is democratizing access to high quality healthcare by connecting AI applications and healthcare providers, exponentially improving the access, affordability and quality of medical care. CARPL enterprise imaging AI platform provides a single user-interface, data channel and procurement system for healthcare providers to access, assess, integrate and buy radiology AI applications in a safe and seamless manner.

CARPL was incubated at Mahajan Imaging & Labs, India’s largest radiology service provider, as its technology division focused on building scalable clinical tools for AI validation, deployment and monitoring, under the guidance of Dr. Harsh Mahajan, a pioneer in the field of radiology.

For more information please visit https://carpl.ai

About Stellaris Venture Partners

Stellaris is an early-stage tech-focused VC firm that partners with fearless founders who dream big, think differently, and have an unstoppable desire to challenge the status quo. The fund works with these teams at nascent stages to help transform their ideas into resilient businesses. Stellaris does so with a team of seasoned, diverse operators and entrepreneurs who bring significant experience in building businesses and by providing access to some of the most successful founders and professionals.

Since its inception in 2017, Stellaris has backed many market leaders such as Mamaearth, Whatfix, Propelld, Turno, Rigi, and others. For more information on Stellaris Venture Partners, visit https://www.stellarisvp.com

Media Contact

Bilal Mahmood

+44 7714 007257

b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com

Media Contact

Bilal Mahmood
b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com

Forum Health, a national integrative and functional medicine network, is trailblazing the fight against cognitive decline, chronic disease, and aging with a new, state-of-the-art clinic in Lansdowne, Virginia.

Led by renowned multi-certified practitioner Lynese L. Lawson, D.O., Board-Certified in Anti-Aging/Regenerative Medicine (ABAARM), Bredesen ReCode 2.0, and the Institute for Functional (IFM), Proactive Wellness Centers offers advanced therapies for hormone imbalance, cognitive decline, weight loss, Lyme disease, sexual health and health optimization services for patients who want to “bio hack” their health.

Learn about the new Proactive Wellness Centers by Forum Health clinic here.

The clinic previously joined Forum Health mid-year in 2023 with a location in Tysons Corner, Virginia, and merges the latest scientifically validated integrative medicine treatments with conventional therapies. Dr. Lawson has deep expertise in the prevention and reversal of cognitive decline, as one of the elite Bredesen Protocol practitioners under the new ReCode 2.0 protocol, and provides the most comprehensive brain health assessment and treatment in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Dr. Lawson, Founder and Medical Director, Proactive Wellness Centers by Forum Health: “We’re thrilled to expand to a second location under the Forum Health brand and look forward to helping even more patients optimize their health, overcome chronic diseases, stop and reverse cognitive decline and achieve vibrant health.”

Proactive Wellness Centers in Lansdowne opened its doors on December 18, 2023 with a successful open house offering guests a glimpse of the new facility with complimentary body composition testing and clinic tours. Today marks the start of seeing patients at the new location.

The practice has been serving Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania and out-of-state patients since 2006 with precision medicine including:

• Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Bredesen Protocol for Alzheimer's Disease
• Medical Weight Loss
• Sexual Health
• Chronic Disease Treatment for Lyme, Mold, Epstein-Barr virus
• Thyroid Disease

Adam Puttkammer, Forum Health President, said, “With a growing aging population, chronic disease and cognitive decline are two of the greatest health factors many patients are facing. We are also seeing a surge in patients that are healthy but want to optimize their wellness. Forum Health is well positioned to service this population of biohackers and patients that want to prioritize their health. While more people are living longer, it’s not just about years—but the quality of those years. I’m confident Dr. Lawson’s expanded reach will be of great value to our patients.”

About Forum Health

Forum Health, LLC is a nationwide provider of personalized healthcare steeped in the powerful principles of functional and integrative medicine. Our providers take a root-cause approach to care exploring lifestyle, environment, and genetics to help each patient achieve their ultimate health goals. Members have access to advanced medical treatments and technology, with care plans informed by data analytics and collaborative relationships. Visit www.forumhealth.com.

Media Contact

Britt Wittelsberger

410-852-0738

bwittelsberger@forumhealth.com

Media Contact

Britt Wittelsberger
bwittelsberger@forumhealth.com

The ALIVE Podcast Network and Barometer are proud to announce the launch of the MOSAIC Collective, a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming the audio industry by driving equity through transparency. MOSAIC aims to use data to change the narrative surrounding diverse voices, empowering brands to support inclusivity without compromising on brand standards or performance.

In today's world, many creators are unaware of the concept of brand suitability, which is often used against them to exclude their content from advertising opportunities. "With the creation of MOSAIC, we aim to bridge the gap between brands and diverse voices," said Angel Livas, founder of the ALIVE Podcast Network and co-creator of the MOSAIC Collective. "We’re providing more opportunities for support and enhancing transparency by educating creators about brands' requirements when purchasing podcast ads."

MOSAIC’s mission is to focus on diversity in its broadest sense, allowing each member organization to define it based on the diversity it represents. From amplifying female voices to empowering LGBTQ+ and black creators, as well as diverse media owners and advertisers seeking to support underrepresented voices, the collective brings together stakeholders from across the value chain. Approximately 47% of the collective are publishers, 18% are advertisers and the rest are ad tech providers working to help facilitate our noble initiatives. Of the publishers represented, over half (approximately 56%) have diverse ownership. 

The MOSAIC Collective is working on two crucial initiatives:

1. Curating scaled inventory sets: Through this initiative, MOSAIC aims to provide vehicles for brands to buy diverse voices at a scale larger than any individual member could achieve on their own. By curating inventory that represents various diverse communities, MOSAIC will not only amplify diverse voices but also dispel stereotypes about suitability associated with each group of content through research.
   
   
2. Monitoring success for diversity support: Participating creators' feeds will have the opportunity to monitor monetization using the AB Daily Monitoring solution. This data will help quantify the financial support going to diverse media owners and diverse voices. It will also serve as a baseline and recurring check-up to ensure equitable revenue is being generated for these creators. Additionally, MOSAIC collaborates with participating and external advertisers to track their buys through attribution, demonstrating the buying power of the audiences reached through diverse voices.

"The MOSAIC Collective strives to overcome stereotypes with transparent data about the suitability of diverse voices’ content while capturing data that highlights the performance and buying power of these communities," said Tamara Zubatiy, co-founder of Barometer and co-creator of the MOSAIC Collective. "We are dedicated to reshaping the audio industry and driving positive change for underrepresented voices."

To date, the MOSAIC Collective is composed of publishers, media owners, advertisers, and ad-tech companies, each member of the collective is committed to investing 90 minutes (per month) to change the trajectory of transparency in audio for underrepresented voices. The collective aims to foster community growth and conduct extensive research to gain greater insights. "By working together, we can ensure that investing in audio is inclusive and suitable by design," said Livas.

Committed members of the MOSAIC Collective include (but are not limited to): Soundrise, Brooklinen, Forever Dog Productions, SoundStack, The Qube, Iris.TV, SiriusXM Media, GeminiXIII, Emerald Audio, DCP Entertainment, AdLarge, Claritas, Boss Locks Media, Latina Podcasters, ArtsAI, ALIVE Podcast Network, Barometer, Radio America Network and many more!

With the MOSAIC Collective, a new era of transparency and equity in audio is emerging. Together, we can create a more inclusive and diverse landscape that empowers creators, supports brands, and amplifies underrepresented voices.

To learn more about the MOSAIC Collective and join our efforts, please email collective@wearemosaic.info.

About the ALIVE Podcast Network®

The ALIVE Podcast Network is the first Black-woman owned podcast network to develop proprietary technology to amplify Black voices, while ensuring creators retain ownership of their content. alivepodcastnetwork.com

About Barometer® 

Barometer is an AI-powered platform for contextual targeting and brand suitability in audio advertising. thebarometer.co

Media Contact

MOSAIC Collective

collective@wearemosaic.info

Media Contact

MOSAIC Collective
collective@wearemosaic.info

VTS, the industry's only technology platform that unifies owners, operators, brokers, and their customers across the real estate ecosystem, today announced that GlobeSt has recognized CEO Nick Romito, and Chief Strategy Officer Ryan Masiello as honorees on its 2024 Influencers in Commercial Real Estate Technology list. This is the company’s fourth year being featured on the list, having also won in 2020, 2022 and 2023.

“We at VTS are immensely proud to be recognized as one of GlobeSt’s Influencers in Commercial Real Estate Technology for a fourth year, a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to pioneering innovation for commercial real estate,” said Romito. “2023 was an incredible chapter for our company, and we look forward to continuing to provide the industry with the most comprehensive tech solutions on the market.”

Romito and Masiello were recognized for their leadership throughout 2023 and beyond, having most recently spearheaded the launch of VTS’ tenant experience platform VTS Activate in May. Leveraging the previous acquisitions of Rise Buildings and Lane Technologies in 2021, VTS Activate is a revolutionary tenant experience platform that enables commercial real estate owners and operators to create a fully integrated, campus experience and provide first-of-its-kind ‘one app, access anywhere’ functionality for tenants and employees. VTS Activate comes on the heels of the company’s CBRE-led $125M Series E fundraise in September 2022, which marked another major milestone for the co-founders who started the company back in 2012.

“Having founded VTS over a decade ago, it is incredible to see just how much our company has evolved and continues to be acknowledged as a leader in the PropTech sector,” said Masiello. “We’re thrilled to kick off 2024 with this recognition and to reaffirm our team’s dedication to advancing the industry with meaningful solutions.”

For this year’s Influencer series, GlobeSt Real Estate Forum aimed to highlight the accomplished and impactful individuals and leadership teams that are creating revolutionary solutions solving for today’s industry challenges and market woes. The professionals featured on this list have impacted the marketplace through new and/or improved technology applications, their first-of-its-kind contributions to the industry, the vast successes they boast, and/or the innovations and best practices they’ve introduced to the business.

About VTS

VTS is the industry's only technology platform that unifies owners, operators, brokers, and their customers across the commercial and residential real estate ecosystems. In 2013, VTS revolutionized the commercial real estate industry’s leasing operations with what is now VTS Lease. Today, the VTS Platform is the largest first-party insights and collaboration engine in the industry, transforming how strategic decisions are made and executed by real estate professionals across the globe.

With the VTS Platform, consisting of VTS Lease, VTS Market, VTS Activate, and VTS Data, every stakeholder in real estate is given real-time market information and workflow tools to do their job with unparalleled speed and intelligence. VTS is the global leader, with more than 60% of Class A office space in the U.S., and 13 billion square feet of office, residential, retail, and industrial space is managed through our platform worldwide. VTS is utilized by over 45,000 professionals and over 1.2 million total users, including industry-leading customers such as Blackstone, Brookfield Properties, LaSalle Investment Management, Hines, BXP, Oxford Properties, JLL, and CBRE. To learn more about VTS, and to see our open roles, visit www.vts.com.

Media Contact

Eric Johnson

eric.johnson@vts.com

Media Contact

Eric Johnson
eric.johnson@vts.com

The University of Dayton School of Law (UDSL) proudly announces its commitment to advancing education in Government Contracting & Procurement through the adoption of the National Contract Management Association's (NCMA) ANSI-approved Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™) and Contract Management Book of Knowledge® (CMBOK®).

The Master in the Study of Law (M.S.L.) in Government Contracting & Procurement program at UDSL is dedicated to providing students with the highest quality education and ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the ever-evolving profession of contract management. By incorporating the NCMA CMS™ and CMBOK® into its program and course curricula, UDSL reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and aligns with contract management best practices.

Kraig Conrad, CEO of the National Contract Management Association, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We commend the University of Dayton School of Law for taking this progressive step for their program. This standard is a recognized benchmark in the profession, and its incorporation into UDSL's program reflects the university's dedication to providing students with a competitive edge in their careers."

The NCMA CMS™ and CMBOK® will serve as the foundation for UDSL's M.S.L. program, guiding the development of curriculum that addresses the dynamic and complex landscape of government contracting and procurement. This strategic adoption ensures that students receive comprehensive and up-to-date education and prepares them for success in the workforce.

In response to the adoption, Sabra Tomb, UDSL’s Director of Training Programs and Strategic Business Development stated, "UDSL’s Government Contracting & Procurement Program is committed to delivering excellence in education and preparing our students to excel in their professional pursuits. The integration of the NCMA Contract Management Standard™ into our program is a testament to our dedication to providing a top-notch education that meets the needs of the industry and empowers our students for success."

As UDSL continues to strengthen its position as a leader in legal education, this decision underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of profession advancements and provide students with a competitive advantage in the job market.

About the University of Dayton School of Law

The School of Law offers a fully online master's program in government contracting and procurement designed by seasoned industry and government experts. The program is designed for contract professionals; a law degree is not required. Courses are taught in real-time to encourage active learning and provide opportunities for live feedback and interaction between faculty and students. Each class meets once a week, scheduled for working professionals. Financial aid, military, and veteran benefits; and corporate and government tuition deferment, assistance and reimbursement options are available. For more visit: https://udayton.edu/law/.

About the National Contract Management Association

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA)—www.ncmahq.org—stands as the premier contract management organization whose mission is to collaborate towards a globally recognized contract management profession that strengthens its nexus with related acquisition communities. Serving approximately 20,000 members in both the public and private sectors, NCMA propels the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners through a steadfast commitment to serve through the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums.

Media Contact

Holly DeHesa

281-865-3296

holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org

Media Contact

Holly DeHesa
holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org