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James Vincent Eade, author, founder and chief executive officer of The Eade Foundation, has been honored with the Top 50 Fearless Leaders Award for 2026 by the International Association of Top Professionals. The recognition highlights his decades of influence in the chess community and his expanding work as a recovery advocate and media voice.

The International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) selects recipients based on professional accomplishment, leadership and impact in the respective fields. Mr. Eade's selection reflects a career spanning competitive chess, publishing and nonprofit leadership, as well as his recent advocacy efforts supporting individuals in addiction recovery.

Chess Education and Literacy Influence

Mr. Eade is widely known in chess circles as an accomplished player and author. Over the years, he has written eight instructional books, such as “Chess for Dummies.”

“The most recent one, just released, is 'Chess Openings for Dummies,' the second edition, for which I am a co-author,” he says.

The books are designed to make the game accessible to players at all levels. His work has been featured in Fortune Magazine, CEO Weekly, USA Today, and other media outlets. Additionally, he continues to promote the educational and cognitive benefits of chess through public speaking and community outreach.

According to the International Association of Top Professionals, the Top 50 Fearless Leaders award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to service. Mr. Eade's career reflects both.

An Expanded Mission of Service

In addition to his literary contributions, Mr. Eade founded The Eade Foundation to support initiatives related to chess education and recovery awareness. Through the organization, he distributes chest sets and equipment worldwide to people who can’t afford them. The nonprofit also promotes chess literacy. “I think the theme for me is the charitable work that I've been doing for the last 25 years, including for the Eade Foundation, and that it's better to give than receive,” he says.

Mr. Eade also hosts the podcast “Calm Down with James Eade,” where he engages in candid conversations about mental health, recovery and personal development. The platform reflects his commitment to open dialogue and practical guidance. “My goal is to help people find stability and purpose,” he says.

Mr. Eade's transition from chess master to recovery advocate has drawn attention for his authenticity. His personal experiences have informed his outreach efforts and public messaging. “We can use our past struggles to help others,” he says.

A Career Defined by Impact

Throughout his professional life, Mr. Eade has balanced competitive achievement with educational outreach. His publications have served as entry points for thousands of players seeking to improve their skills. At the same time, his advocacy work addresses the pressing need for accessible recovery resources and supportive communities. 

In response, he has written two books, “Freedom: Your Path to Recovery” and “No Blame No Shame.”

“I have some success that people can look to, to say 'you can recover and do great things, so don't give up,'” Mr. Eade says. He wishes to raise awareness for alternatives to traditional 12-step-based programs, such as Yoga and the 12 Steps, a recovery-oriented course taught in a spiritual center and yoga studio in Palo Alto, Refuge Recovery and Recovery Dharma.

The IAOTP honor places him among a select group of leaders recognized for influence and integrity. The organization's award program celebrates professionals who demonstrate courage in addressing complex issues and who contribute meaningfully to industries and communities.

Mr. Eade's recognition arrives at a time when conversations about mental health and addiction recovery continue to gain national attention. By leveraging his public profile and communication platforms, he aims to reduce stigma and encourage constructive action. “I'm making all of my efforts now to give hope to the hopeless and empower the powerless,” he says.

About The Eade Foundation

James Eade is a bestselling author, podcast producer and chess master who aims to make chess accessible worldwide through his nonprofit, The Eade Foundation. He is also a recovery advocate, using personal experience to help guide people toward sobriety. He has been featured by Apple News, Business Insider, Fortune Magazine, CEO Weekly and USA Today. He is the recipient of the Marquis Who’s Who Humanitarian Award, among other honors. For more information, follow on LinkedIn. 

Media Contact

James Eade
info@airu.tv

In partnership with Radisson Hotel Group and its senior leadership, BNW Developments revealed the first Radisson Blu Hotel and Radisson Blu Residences. Developed in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Central with the support of real estate and hospitality industry stakeholders, the addition of these organizations promises elevated urban living within the emirate and new heights for branded hospitality.

BNW Developments’ official launch was attended by more than eight thousand people, including real estate industry leaders. Live performances from international and Bollywood artists engaged audiences and lent hype to the two projects.

Ras Al Khaimah has become known for its leisure-led identity, especially on the Al Marjan Island. RAK Central, an emergent commercial and lifestyle hub for the region, reflects such principles. The Radisson Blu Hotel and Radisson Blu Residences each aim to bring internationally-recognized service standards and design ethos to this mixed-use address at the heart of the emirate’s next phase of growth.

Just as RAK Central is set to define Ras Al Khaimah as a future business hub integrating offices, residences, and lifestyle, BNW Developments’ strategy positions its latest projects as defining for the hospitality industry. Indeed, its investment in RAK Central underpins the hub as the emirate’s next engine of success.

As of writing, BNW Developments’ portfolio includes more than ten strategic projects across Ras Al Khaimah. With these initiatives, the company makes its intention to scale in the northern emirate known, and likewise accentuates its enduring resolve to inform destination-led growth. In addition, the company aims to deliver real results for residents, partners, and investors alike.

“Radisson Blu Hotels and Residences mark a defining step in our Ras Al Khaimah vision,” BNW Developments Chairman and founder Dr. (CA) Ankur Aggarwal stated. “[It was] conceived to deliver durable investor returns alongside a globally-benchmarked living experience. Positioned within RAK Central’s integrated live-work-play ecosystem, it brings business, lifestyle, and hospitality into one cohesive address. Our partnership with Radisson Hotel Group introduces international brand depth and operational excellence, placing this development and BNW’s growing hospitality portfolio firmly within a global standard of distinction while strengthening long-term value and confidence.”

“RAK Central is a clear statement of where Ras Al Khaimah is headed,” BNW Developments Managing Director and co-founder Dr. Vivek Anand Oberoi remarked. "BNW is proud to help drive that momentum alongside partners of global caliber. Radisson Blu Hotel and Residences is designed to elevate both investor confidence and everyday lifestyle, bringing an international brand experience to a destination where living, working, and leisure come together seamlessly.”

When complete, the Radisson Blu Hotel in RAK Central will include 361 keys in a newly-built property. These spaces will be positioned above curated retail and cinema offerings, creating a vibrant day-to-night address with appeal as its own destination. Designed for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel will include five food and beverage venues, a rooftop terrace and pool bar, meeting and event spaces, a spa and gym, a business class lounge, and a kids’ club. Adjacent to the hotel, the Radisson Blu Residences in RAK Central will incorporate 222 branded residences.

“This partnership with BNW Developments reflects our shared belief in Ras Al Khaimah’s momentum as both an investment market and a visitor destination,” Radisson Hotel Group Chief Development Officer for the Middle East, Northeast Africa, Cyprus, and Greece, Elie Milky, stated. “Entering RAK Central for the first time is an exciting step for us. With Radisson Blu Hotel and Residences, we’re bringing a premium hotel and residential offering that’s rooted in strong operations, consistent service, and the quality people expect from the Radisson Blu brand.”

As BNW Developments continues to expand its presence across Ras Al Khaimah at scale, Radisson Blu Hotel and Radisson Blu Residences, RAK Central stands as a milestone collaboration bringing a global hospitality brand into a district designed for the emirate’s future.

About BNW Developments

BNW Developments is a premier UAE-based real estate developer with a gross development value exceeding AED 32 billion, led by Chairman and founder Dr. (CA) Ankur Aggarwal and Managing Director and co-founder Dr. Vivek Anand Oberoi. Backed by a team of more than 500 professionals, BNW blends design intelligence with an investor-first strategy to deliver ultra-luxury developments that balance legacy, returns, and long-term value. Serving high-net-worth individuals, global investors, and leading financial institutions, BNW continues to set new benchmarks in quality, sustainability, and sophistication across the region. For more information, visit bnw.ae. 

Media Contact

Aashna Suresh
aashna.suresh@bnw.ae

Caja de Ahorros concluded fiscal year 2025 with solid financial performance, reinforcing its strategic position within Panama’s banking system. The state-owned bank reached total assets of B/. 6.911 billion, consolidating a trajectory of responsible and sustainable growth.

Net income reached B/. 41.1 million, representing an approximate 18.7% increase compared to 2024. These results reflect prudent resource management, disciplined credit expansion, and a strategy centered on operational efficiency and innovation.

Sustained Financial Growth and Strengthened Capital Position

The loan portfolio closed the year at B/. 4.943 billion, demonstrating the bank’s continued support for Panamanian families, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and key productive sectors. Meanwhile, local deposits exceeded B/. 5.630 billion, underscoring sustained customer confidence in the institution.

From a solvency perspective, the capital adequacy ratio stood at 14.41%, remaining above regulatory requirements and reinforcing the bank’s capacity to continue expanding responsibly with a strong financial foundation.

Additionally, the institution maintains a AAA (pan) credit rating with a stable outlook, reaffirming its credibility and financial stability within the national banking system.

Andrés Farrugia Reaffirms the Strategic Vision and Commitment to Panama

General Manager Andrés Farrugia emphasized that the 2025 results are the outcome of a clear roadmap focused on sustainability, inclusion, and institutional modernization.

“The 2025 results reflect a solid, responsible financial institution committed to Panama. We have strengthened our financial base while advancing the modernization of our services and expanding access to credit for thousands of Panamanians,” he stated.

Farrugia underscored that the combination of financial discipline and social impact will remain central to the bank’s strategy in the years ahead.

Improved Operational Efficiency and Profitability

The institution also reported notable improvements in operational efficiency. The efficiency ratio stood at 67.61%, supported by profitability indicators that reflect more effective resource management: a Return on Assets (ROA) of 0.61% and a Return on Equity (ROE) of 10.41%.

These results consolidate a balanced and sustainable financial structure aligned with industry performance standards.

Digital Transformation as a Driver of Modernization

During 2025, more than 51 million transactions were conducted through online and mobile banking platforms, further strengthening the bank’s digital transformation process. The growing adoption of digital channels reflects progress toward a more agile, accessible, and customer-centric banking model.

Social Impact and Outlook for 2026

Beyond financial performance, Caja de Ahorros advanced high-impact social initiatives throughout the year, including programs supporting entrepreneurs and MSMEs, partnerships to facilitate homeownership for thousands of families, and the digitalization of government payments, contributing to greater transparency and efficiency in public administration.

With more than 650,000 customers, nationwide presence, and over 2,100 employees, the institution reaffirms its commitment to evolving as a modern, sustainable, and community-focused state bank.

Looking ahead to 2026, Caja de Ahorros will continue strengthening its growth strategy, with a clear emphasis on innovation, operational efficiency, and financial inclusion, consolidating its role as a strategic partner in Panama’s economic and social development.

About Caja de Ahorros

Caja de Ahorros is the state-owned bank of the Republic of Panama, with nationwide presence and a strategic role within the country’s financial system. The institution provides personal, mortgage, commercial, and digital banking services aimed at promoting financial inclusion and supporting national economic development. For more information, visit www.cajadeahorros.com.pa.

Media Contact

Communications Department
Caja de Ahorros
comunicaciones@cajadeahorros.com.pa
+507 508-3584

Campfire, the AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams, today announced the launch of its "Superpower" campaign — a brand initiative rooted in the company's founding belief: that accounting and finance professionals deserve tools that genuinely rise to meet their ambition.

The campaign takes its name from the language Campfire CEO and founder John Glasgow has used since the company's earliest days. Before founding Campfire, John spent over 12 years as a finance executive, experiencing firsthand the gap between what finance teams are capable of and what their software lets them do. That experience became the founding premise of Campfire — and "giving accountants superpowers" became the mission he kept returning to.

"Superpower isn't a feature. It's a force multiplier," said Glasgow. "It's the word finance leaders kept using when describing what our platform unlocks for their team. And if you look closely at the word itself — superpower — you'll notice ERP was always a part of it."

When Campfire launched, the goal was straightforward: get finance teams out of spreadsheets and into real software. Revenue reporting, consolidations, lease accounting — work that wasn't being done inside an ERP before. Today, Campfire customers are closing in hours instead of weeks, surfacing insights that were previously buried, and enabling lean teams to 10x their output and focus on the strategic work that drives their businesses forward.

The campaign arrives as Campfire has scaled rapidly — raising $100 million across its Series A and Series B from Accel and Ribbit, achieving 10x revenue growth year-over-year, and growing headcount from 10 to 100 in six months. The company's customers include some of the fastest-growing AI companies in the world, including Replit, Decagon, and PostHog, with teams reporting up to 5x faster closes and significant operational cost savings.

Looking ahead, Campfire is entering what it calls the era of the continuous close — powered by Accounting Intelligence, the company's proprietary foundational model, which runs in the background to categorize, match, and reconcile data automatically; Ember, a conversational AI interface for on-demand analysis and insights; and an MCP server that connects Campfire directly to any tool in a finance team's workflow.

"The teams scaling on Campfire today are forward thinkers and category leaders," John continued. "They know that great software is how lean teams 10x their output, up-level their roles, and drive organizational growth. That's what a superpower actually looks like."

The Superpower campaign is the first in a series of initiatives rolling out in the weeks ahead, including a major product announcement the following week.

About Campfire

Campfire is the AI-native ERP for high-growth companies. They give modern, mid-market and enterprise accounting teams superpowers by automating the work that nobody wants to do: manual transaction categorization, bank reconciliation, revenue recognition, and variance analysis. Their customers close 5x faster and save up to hundreds of thousands annually. Campfire is privileged to work with some of the fastest-growing AI companies in the world, including Replit, Decagon, and PostHog, as well as services providers, health tech, and aerospace companies. For more information, visit campfire.ai.

Media Contact

Katrina Queirolo
katrina@campfire.ai

LegalBison, a global boutique legal and business services firm specializing in legal structuring for fintech and digital asset projects, is expanding its team in Kuala Lumpur to meet rising demand from Asian companies pursuing Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorization under the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).

The expansion responds to a practical gap in the market. Companies based in Asia that want to access the EU's 450 million consumer market through MiCA's passporting regime need a partner that understands both the regulatory requirements in Europe and the operational realities of working with Asian clients. LegalBison's physical offices across the EU (among others in Warsaw and Estonia), as well as the Kuala Lumpur office, allow the firm to manage the full authorization process across time zones. With EU regulatory engagement handled from Poland and direct client support delivered on the ground in Malaysia.

"Most firms advising on MiCA sit in Europe. Their clients in Asia are left coordinating across a 6-to-8-hour time zone gap, often with no face-to-face engagement during the most complex stages of the application process," said Aaron Glauberman, co-founder and managing partner of LegalBison. "We built our Kuala Lumpur presence specifically to close that gap and bridge our global licensing know-how. Our team here works directly with clients on operational architecture mapping, documentation preparation, and the practical coordination that MiCA authorization demands, while our EU based team manages regulator relationships and application submissions."

The MiCA framework, which replaced fragmented national VASP registration regimes across the EU, requires full CASP authorization by July 1, 2026. Several EU member states have already closed their transitional windows, and companies that have not started the process face a licensing timeline of six to twelve months. For Asian operators, the complexity is compounded by substance requirements, local director mandates, and banking relationships that require hands-on engagement in Europe. LegalBison is a licensed Corporate Service Provider operating across more than 50 jurisdictions worldwide, with offices in Poland, Estonia, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Panama, and Malaysia. The firm's client portfolio includes leading global cryptocurrency exchanges, institutional-grade payment infrastructure platforms, and digital asset projects across multiple continents.

For more information, visit legalbison.com.

Media Contact

Aaron Glauberman
Managing Partner
hello@legalbison.com
+65 3159 1377

Hoangmai (Mai) Pham — a Vietnamese American refugee, physician, artist, mother, and debut memoirist — announces the publication of her first memoir, “Bridge from Saigon: A Viet-American Memoir of Family and Mind” (McFarland Books; publication date: March 3, 2026). The book was recently shortlisted for Black Spring Press’ International Beverly Prize for Literature.

At six, Mai fled with her family from Saigon on a cargo plane at the end of the war to the United States. She went on to earn degrees from Harvard and Johns Hopkins.

“I thought that holding my published book would be the end of a journey started in 2010, but I'm learning it's the start of one. It has triggered so many discussions with friends who read the book and so much of my own internal dialogue about how this story intersects with our current reality -- raising questions like "When does immigration start or end?" or "When is the right time to leave a country?” says Pham about the experience of writing her memoir and reactions she is receiving.

As a young Vietnamese refugee, Hoangmai Pham suddenly lost her sense of safety and belonging when her family fled Saigon at the end of the war. But her later success in navigating life in America as a physician and health policy leader at the top of her profession paradoxically triggered a psychological unraveling during middle age. This unusual memoir depicts her struggle in confronting her hidden multiple personalities to heal, luring the reader into parallel slipstreams of discovery — one of family secrets and epic history before and during the Vietnam War, the other of traumas masked behind a child’s vivid imagination. 

Stories of ghostly ancestors, a fraught return to Vietnam as an adult, and her kaleidoscopic inner characters unfurl in a voice that is at once dreamlike and brutally incisive. Her final triumph crystallizes the immense price that immigrants pay for a chance at a better life, and their resilience in achieving every sense of integration.

Jean Kwok, novelist and New York Times bestselling author of “The Leftover Woman,” has said that Hoangmai Pham’s “'Bridge from Saigon: A Viet-American Memoir of Family and Mind' weaves her harrowing escape from war-torn Vietnam with the intimate unraveling of hidden traumas, revealing the profound psychological toll of immigration through a physician’s unflinching gaze."

Harvey Weiner, a reviewer for Vietnam Veterans of America: Books in Review, wrote of Pham: “Joanne Woodward received an Oscar for her portrayal of Eve, and Sally Field received an Emmy for her portrayal of Sybil. Pham deserves some kind of award for what she has gone through and for what she has accomplished. She is one tough cookie.”

Pham will be in conversation with Marika Ravitz about “Bridge from Saigon” on Takoma Radio on Tuesday, March 3, at 10 a.m. EST on 94.3 FM in the Washington, D.C./Maryland area.

She will also be reading and signing at People's Book in Takoma Park, Maryland, on Sunday, March 22, at 3 p.m.

About Hoangmai Pham

Hoangmai Pham is a physician, national health policy leader, visual artist, and author. For more information, visit hoangmaipham.me or watch on YouTube.

Media Contact

Hoangmai Pham
hoangmaiphamauthor@gmail.com

Susannah Greenberg
Principal, Susannah Greenberg Public Relations
publicity@bookbuzz.com

Longbridge Securities today announced the launch of the world’s first pre-market U.S. options trading capability. This innovative feature allows users to trade options on major U.S. stocks and ETFs during the pre-market session, ahead of the regular market opening. It significantly extends the U.S. options trading window, enabling global investors to position themselves earlier and plan trading strategies in advance of key market developments.

At launch, this feature supports prominent underlying assets, including QQQ, SPY, AAPL, and TSLA. From the launch date until further notice, Longbridge Securities is offering zero commission^ and zero platform fees* for pre-market options trading.

Key Highlights: Industry-First Innovation with Clear Cost Advantages — World’s First Pre-Market U.S. Options Trading

Investors can participate in options trading before the U.S. market opens, without waiting for regular trading hours, extending trading hours and enabling more flexible responses to key market events.

Zero Commissions^ and Zero Platform Fees*

During the initial launch phase, Longbridge Securities offers industry-leading pricing for pre-market options trading, effectively lowering transaction costs for investors.

Coverage of Major U.S. Stocks and ETFs

The initial rollout includes highly liquid stocks such as QQQ, SPY, AAPL, AMD, AMZN, GOOGL, META, NVDA, MSFT, TSLA, INTC, PLTR, MSTR, GOOG, and UNH, with further expansion planned.

Fast, Streamlined Order Execution

Users can view pre-market pricing and place order directly from the options chain with a simplified two-step workflow, enabling faster execution with minimal friction.

Breaking Time Constraints to Serve Global Investors

Traditionally, U.S. options trading has been limited to regular market hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This limitation often prevented investors in Asia and Europe from responding promptly to overnight developments. With the introduction of pre-market options trading, investors can now execute strategies between 4:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Singapore Time), significantly enhancing flexibility and responsiveness.

This launch positions Longbridge Securities as the first online brokerage globally to provide full-platform access to pre-market U.S. options trading. This represents a substantial extension of trading hours, offering investors in various time zones greater freedom and immediacy in participating in the market.

Driving the Global Shift Toward Extended and 5×24H Trading

As demand for more flexible trading strategies continues to grow worldwide, extended trading — including pre-market, after-hours, and round-the-clock access — is becoming a key competitive differentiator. Pre-market trading has historically been reserved for institutional and professional participants. By opening this window to retail investors, Longbridge Securities aims to enhance market liquidity while enabling individual investors to engage earlier with market information and adjust portfolios more proactively. Looking ahead, Longbridge Securities plans to further expand this capability toward 24-hour U.S. options trading, moving closer to a continuous global trading model.

Previously, Longbridge Securities introduced an AI-powered financial assistant built on large language models, making institutional-grade research and analytical capabilities accessible to all investors. The AI assistant helps users interpret market developments, identify potential opportunities, and make data-driven decisions, narrowing the information gap between retail investors and professional institutions.

Through continuous technological innovation, Longbridge Securities remains committed to removing traditional barriers in trading and advancing both user experience and investment efficiency. The launch of pre-market U.S. options trading further underscores the company’s forward-looking approach within the global fintech landscape. Additional details on Longbridge Securities’ pre-market U.S. options trading, including supported instruments, trading hours and fee structure, are available on the on Longbridge Securities’ official page for pre-market U.S. options trading.

^ Other fees apply
* Terms and conditions apply

About Longbridge Securities

Long Bridge Securities Pte. Ltd. ("Longbridge Securities Singapore" or "Longbridge Securities," Co. Reg. No. 202111825D) is an AI-driven online brokerage dedicated to delivering best-in-class trading experiences through its global trading infrastructure and network. Founded in March 2019, Longbridge Securities holds a total of 22 financial licenses or regulatory approvals across markets including the United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and has raised over US$150 million from leading financial and investment institutions. Long Bridge Securities Pte. Ltd. is a licensed entity regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) (Licence No. CMS 101211), holding a Capital Markets Services licence and operating as an Exempt Financial Adviser. For more information, visit longbridge.com/sg.

Disclaimer

Options are complex financial instruments and, due to their leveraged nature, involve a high degree of risk and the potential for rapid losses.

Before participating in options trading, investors should fully understand how options work, the nature of the contractual relationship, and the associated risks, and carefully assess whether they are able to bear losses that may exceed their initial investment.

In addition, pre-market U.S. options trading typically involves higher price volatility, and market liquidity may be lower than during regular trading hours. Such trading may not be suitable for all investors. Investors should make trading decisions prudently after considering their investment objectives, financial situation and risk tolerance.

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Media Contact

Natalie Lau / Kang Jia Rui
media@longbridge.global
+65 9451 4873

SpotOn, a top provider of software and payment solutions, has highlighted findings on the growing profitability divide in the restaurant industry, as operators face mounting cost pressures and tightening margins in 2026. The company reported that operators leveraging its unified restaurant technology ecosystem have been able to grow beyond the typical 5%–7% profit margin range to reach double digit profit margins. In one example, a SpotOn partner reported a $25,000 revenue increase after shifting from a standard menu to a data-backed dessert cart strategy informed by Product Mix (PMIX) insights.

According to market data cited by the company, businesses actively using integrated operational data are 19 times more likely to be profitable than those that do not — underscoring the increasing role of real-time intelligence in long-term solvency.

With average restaurant profit margins hovering between 3% and 5%, and food and labor costs having risen more than 35% since 2019, the margin for operational error has narrowed considerably. Industry analysts note that high-fidelity, real-time data has moved from a discretionary advantage to a core infrastructure requirement.

From Lagging Reports to Real-Time Intelligence

Historically, many operators relied on end-of-day reports to assess performance. However, as digital channels are projected to account for 70% of restaurant sales by the end of 2026, the need for real-time, actionable data has intensified. While 79% of operators say real-time data is essential, 27% still report being unable to reliably track foundational KPIs such as food-cost-to-sales ratios.

SpotOn’s cloud-based platform centralizes sales, P&L, labor, and guest behavior data into a single portal, allowing operators to monitor multi-unit performance remotely and make adjustments in seconds rather than days.

“Plans meet reality, and every decision counts,” said Jonathan Gillespie, partner at Adalina. “SpotOn gives our team the speed and precision we need: coursing and pacing in the dining room, item-level routing in the kitchen, and a seamless link between POS and online ordering. That foundation lets us focus on hospitality.”

The Financial Impact of Unified Systems

SpotOn’s internal analysis indicates that margin improvements are typically realized across three primary operational areas:

• Menu engineering: PMIX data helps operators identify high-profit, high-popularity items and adjust offerings accordingly.
• Inventory automation: Real-time ingredient depletion tracking helps reduce the 4–10% waste commonly seen in unmonitored kitchens.
• Labor optimization: AI-driven sales forecasting aligns staffing levels with demand, reducing overtime and overstaffing while maintaining service standards.

SpotOn also emphasizes the importance of integrated systems. When inventory management, labor scheduling, reservations, marketing, and loyalty programs communicate directly with the central POS, operators gain a holistic view of performance and cost structure.

Integrated inventory tools can reduce food waste by up to 10%, while seamless synchronization with labor platforms helps minimize unnecessary overtime. Automated marketing tools tied to actual order history can increase visit frequency and customer lifetime value.

Building for 2026 and Beyond

As the restaurant industry navigates a volatile economic landscape, the divide between operators using unified data systems and those relying on disconnected or legacy tools continues to widen. The decision surrounding restaurant POS infrastructure has become one of the most consequential choices for long-term scalability.

For operators facing continued cost pressures, the message is increasingly clear: leveraging integrated, real-time intelligence is no longer optional — it is foundational to margin protection and sustainable growth.

About SpotOn

SpotOn is a top provider of software and payment solutions, delivering the tools and hands-on support local businesses need to thrive on their own terms. Recognized for adaptable cloud-based products and tailored service, SpotOn offers an all-in-one platform that helps businesses take payments, grow revenue, simplify operations, and elevate guest experiences. With everything from fast, intuitive POS systems to integrated restaurant management features, SpotOn creates technology designed to fit how teams actually work — supported by a 24/7 expert team that keeps it running smoothly with fairness, flexibility, and a human touch. For more information, visit www.spoton.com.

Media Contact

Megan Palmer
mpalmer@spoton.com

Felician University, a private, co-educational Catholic Franciscan university in New Jersey, announced today that it has been named one of the nation’s top colleges for women in Newsweek's "America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026." The university ranked No. 1 in New Jersey in the competitive 2026 rankings.

America’s Best Colleges for Women is a ranking developed by Newsweek in partnership with Gender Fair to highlight institutions that support gender equality and empower women. The methodology is rooted in the Women’s Empowerment Principles and evaluates colleges across four key areas: leadership, pay and policies, safety, and opportunity.

Felician’s mission is deeply rooted in ensuring that all students and university leaders feel supported, empowered, and motivated throughout their academic journeys. Out of 751 higher education institutions nationwide, Felician ranked No. 30 and received the following scores:

• Leadership: 75
• Pay and policy: 86
• Safety: 94
• Opportunity: 48
• State reproductive status: 5/5
• Overall score: 76.1

According to the university’s most recent statistics, women make up nearly 72% of its undergraduate population and 62% of its faculty. In addition to this strong female presence, three out of four academic deans are women, and the university is led by a female president who previously served as a professor and academic dean of the School of Arts & Sciences.

“This recognition from Newsweek is a meaningful affirmation of our mission,” said Dr. Mildred Mihlon, president of Felician University. “We are proud to continue educating, supporting, and mentoring future women leaders through the foundational principles of our Felician core values.”

The ranking identifies colleges that have established the structural elements necessary to foster education and employment for women by drawing on data from the U.S. Department of Education — including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the Campus Safety and Security Database — as well as additional desk research. Only institutions meeting specific criteria for size and academic roles are included, ensuring the results reflect meaningful progress toward gender equity in higher education.

“Choosing a college is a defining moment for many young women, and it’s about more than academics alone,” said Jennifer H. Cunningham, editor-in-chief of Newsweek. “America’s Best Colleges for Women highlights institutions that are making measurable progress in leadership, equity, safety, and opportunity, helping students identify environments where women are supported and positioned to succeed.”

About Felician University

Felician University is committed to supporting academic success at any stage of life. With over 2,700 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students enrolled across the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education, Felician provides diverse learning experiences that equip all students with the skills to meet the demands of today’s society. Over the past five years, Felician University has consistently ranked third among private institutions in New Jersey for best value according to payscale.com and has been recognized as the No. 1 Safest College Campus in New Jersey according to niche.com. The Master of Science in Nursing program is ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. We are proud to be designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the thirteenth year, a testament to our dedicated support of Veteran students. Our diversity as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority Serving Institution), with underrepresented students comprising more than half of the student population, reflects our inclusive and supportive environment. With campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, our Franciscan values of respect for human dignity, compassion, and social justice are woven into the very foundation and development of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University is proudly sponsored by Felician Sisters International (FSI). For more information, please visit felician.edu.

About Newsweek

Newsweek is the global digital news organization built around the iconic 93-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people monthly with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. For more information, visit www.newsweek.com.

Media Contact

Tricia Perrotti
Director of Marketing & Communications, Felician University
perrottit@felician.edu

Rokid, a global pioneer in AI-powered smart eyewear and human-computer interaction, has released a significant software update for the international version of its Rokid Glasses, becoming the world’s first manufacturer to natively support Google's Gemini on the device. The update integrates four leading large language models — Gemini, OpenAI's ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Alibaba's Qwen — into a unified platform.

This software rollout comes as Rokid maintains its strong sales momentum. According to data from Shangpu Group tracking AI glasses with display functionality in global markets from November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025, Rokid Glasses ranks No. 1 in global sales volume for the AI glasses with display category. The device has also set records on crowdfunding platforms: it broke the historical crowdfunding record for smart glasses on Kickstarter and became the fastest glasses product to exceed 100 million Japanese Yen on Japan's MAKUAKE platform.

The device-to-cloud architecture allows users to toggle seamlessly between AI models, enabling multi-modal interactions and low-latency real-time translation tailored to regional linguistic needs.

This is more than a routine software OTA — it represents a strategic move in Rokid's global expansion. By bridging top-tier AI compute from both U.S. and Chinese developers, Rokid is breaking down technical barriers across different countries and linguistic contexts, delivering localized AI experiences seamlessly for global users and accelerating its international market penetration.

On a deeper level, the move underscores a broader narrative of its era: China is actively embracing and building an open technology ecosystem. From the global ripples caused by DeepSeek's open-source release to Rokid's inclusive approach in integrating global large language models, Chinese technology players are firmly moving toward openness and win-win cooperation — offering a "Chinese solution" to the world.

As AI and AR enters the second half, Rokid is building a unique moat with an open ecosystem. Unlike Meta's glasses, which follow a closed path by binding exclusively to its proprietary Llama models, Rokid chooses to return true choice to the user.

About Rokid

Founded in 2014, Rokid is a global pioneer in augmented reality (AR) and AI, creating human-centered smart glasses that integrate intelligence seamlessly into everyday life. Rokid serves consumers, developers, and enterprises worldwide and hosts China's largest XR developer community. The company has received multiple CES Innovation Awards and five German iF Design Awards. For more information, visit global.rokid.com.

OVIOS today announced the launch of its new modular “Flex-Living” furniture series, introducing three adaptable product lines: the MOLLY 3-in-1 Sofa Bed, the MEGA 80" Convertible Sleeper System, and the VIVA No-Assembly Modular Series. The collection, set for this upcoming spring, is designed to address the growing demand for space-efficient, multi-functional furniture as urban living spaces shrink and hybrid lifestyles reshape how homes are used.

The launch represents OVIOS’s continued focus on modular, reconfigurable designs that maximize usable square footage without sacrificing comfort or durability. Each system is engineered for tool-free setup and flexible configurations, offering practical solutions for apartments, shared housing and multi-purpose living areas.

The MOLLY 3-in-1 Sofa 

The OVIOS MOLLY Bean Bag Folding Sofa Bed is designed to serve as a reading chair, floor lounger, and fully extended single sleeper. Constructed with high-density memory foam for targeted pressure relief, MOLLY is wrapped in a breathable, durable textile intended for long-term use.

Unlike traditional bean bag seating, the internal composition is designed to retain its structural memory through regular use. Without a bulky frame, the lightweight design allows users to easily reposition the unit throughout the home, from a supportive floor reading chair to a fully extended single sleeper. This makes it more suitable for studio apartments and micro-living units that benefit from furniture pieces that serve multiple functions.

The MEGA 80” Convertible System

OVIOS expands its convertible offerings with the MEGA 80" Convertible Sleeper Sofa, a versatile system that functions as a loveseat, folding chair, lounge chaise or floor mattress. Designed for durability, the unit features a rust-resistant metal frame engineered to support repeated reconfiguration.

Upholstered in corduroy fabric and padded with high-density foam, MEGA is built to retain structural integrity and comfort over time. Its modular functionality allows it to transition between seating and sleeping arrangements, providing versatility for households with varying spatial needs, including rental properties and multi-generational homes. 

Available in a curated range of elegant finishes to suit diverse tastes, the MEGA effortlessly complements modern, bohemian, and minimalist decor schemes alike, elevating any living space with understated sophistication. Whether set up for an immersive movie night with friends or converted into a plush sleeping surface for guests, the MEGA balances premium material luxury with reliable stability—a staple for the modern, high-utility home.

The VIVA No-Assembly Modular Series

The VIVA Modular Cloud Lounge eliminates the hassle of traditional furniture assembly through a fully modular, no-tool design. Each segment is delivered ready to expand, regaining its intended form within 72 hours after unboxing.

Constructed with high-resilience foam and performance-grade, pet-friendly textiles, VIVA is designed for daily use while maintaining comfort and durability. Individual segments can be arranged into U-shaped sectionals, chaise lounges or separated ottomans, enabling users to adapt configurations based on room layout or social occasion.

Modular Design for Modern Living

With the launch of MOLLY, MEGA and VIVA, OVIOS continues to prove that limited square footage does not necessitate limited lifestyle possibilities, providing a flexible foundation for how modern consumers actually live, work, and gather. The collection reflects broader shifts in residential design, where furniture must accommodate remote work, entertainment and relaxation within the same footprint.

By integrating adaptable construction with accessible pricing, OVIOS positions its Flex-Living systems as practical solutions for evolving urban and suburban housing needs.

About Ovios

OVIOS is a home furnishings brand specializing in modern, modular furniture designed for flexible living spaces. The company develops adaptable seating and lounge systems that emphasize comfort, durability and ease of setup. With a focus on space efficiency and contemporary design, OVIOS creates solutions tailored to compact urban homes, shared spaces and multifunctional environments. Its product portfolio reflects a commitment to accessible design that balances style and practicality for today’s evolving lifestyles. For more information, visit www.ovios-home.com.

Media Contact

Ovios Media Relations
support@ovios-furniture.com
+1 323-443-1788

YAROOMS, the workplace management platform used in over 50 countries, introduces Yarvis — an AI-powered workplace assistant that understands natural language, connects to your calendar, the YAROOMS platform, and executes multi-step workplace tasks through a single conversation in Microsoft Teams or email. Just ask.

The Problem

The average company runs 101 apps. Employees toggle between 11 daily. 70% of digital transformations fail because people resist learning yet another interface for a five-second task.

What Yarvis Does

Yarvis turns plain-language requests into coordinated workplace actions:

• Desk and room booking: "Book a desk near marketing tomorrow" — confirmed in seconds.
• Multi-resource coordination: complex recurring requests handled in one message.
• Visitor management: CC Yarvis on a guest email and it creates the pass, books a room, reserves parking, and sends directions automatically.
• Team scheduling: checks calendars across Outlook, Google Calendar, and YAROOMS, then books everything in one step.
• Facility requests: "The projector in Room 4B stopped working" — logged and routed automatically.

Yarvis learns preferences over time. After a few interactions, "book my usual" just works.

How It Works

Yarvis lives inside the tools employees already use. In Microsoft Teams, it appears as a chat contact. On email, CC it on any thread and it picks up context and takes action. The interface is simply a conversation.

"The best features mean nothing if people don't use them," said Dragos Badea, CEO of YAROOMS. "Yarvis is your assistant who quietly handles the logistics so your team can focus on actual work."

Availability

Yarvis is available today for all YAROOMS customers on Microsoft Teams and email. SMS-based visitor onboarding and emergency management capabilities are on the roadmap for later in 2026.

About YAROOMS

YAROOMS is a workplace management platform for hybrid organizations, available on the Microsoft commercial marketplace. Since 2010, the company has helped enterprises coordinate workspaces through desk and room booking, hybrid work planning, visitor management, and workplace analytics. Deeply integrated with Microsoft 365, certified ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 9001, SOC 2 Type 2, and GDPR compliant. Serving organizations in over 50 countries, including Verizon, Columbia University, Dr. Martens, Dedalus, and the National Health Service. For more information, visit www.yarooms.com.

Media Contact

Egle Pacebutaite
egle@yarooms.com

Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ: SEZL) (“Sezzle” or the “Company”), a purpose-driven digital payment platform, today provided an update on key financial metrics for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2025.

“Our tenth year as a company was our most transformative yet, as we achieved new highs in our top and bottom-line results while advancing our shopping ecosystem,” stated Charlie Youakim, Sezzle Executive Chairman and CEO. “By prioritizing higher LTV subscribers and scaling our proprietary shopping features, we have created a platform that delivers daily utility to our consumers. This momentum is clear in our performance: Monthly On-Demand and Subscribers reached a record 918,000 and app sessions surged 51% year-over-year by December. As we enter 2026, we are positioned to sustain this quality of earnings, guiding to Adjusted Net Income of $170 million, representing a 31% year-over-year increase in Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share.”

Fourth Quarter 2025 Highlights

• Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) reached a new quarterly high of $1.2 billion, a 35.3% YoY increase. This performance was primarily driven by the strategic investment and focus of scaling Subscription offerings, alongside peak holiday demand. Consumers transacted 6.6x on average during the quarter, compared to 5.5x last year, supported by targeted subscriber marketing and continued adoption of new shopping features driving higher engagement.

• Total Revenue advanced 32.2% to a new quarterly high of $129.9 million, equating to 11.2% of GMV.

• Monthly On-Demand & Subscribers (MODS) reached 918,000 (rounded to the nearest thousand), reflecting 134,000 new additions during the quarter, primarily driven by Premium and Anywhere, and consistent with the Company’s strategic focus on acquiring higher lifetime value consumers.

• Total Operating Expenses grew 10.8% YoY to $74.6 million, well below revenue growth of 32.2%. Despite marketing spend increasing 73.3% YoY to support MODS acquisition, Total Operating Expenses decreased 11.1 percentage points to 57.5% of Total Revenue and 1.5 percentage points to 6.4% of GMV.

• Transaction Related Costs³ declined 1.1 percentage points to 4.0% of GMV from 5.1% in the prior-year period. Favorable repayment performance and conservative holiday season underwriting contributed to Provision for Credit Losses declining 80 bps YoY to 2.0% of GMV, which represented a majority of the margin gain. In absolute terms, Transaction Related Costs rose 5.5% YoY to $46.3 million.

• Operating Income climbed 79.0% YoY to $55.2 million in the quarter. Operating Margin improved 11.1 percentage points to 42.5% of Total Revenue and 1.2 percentage points to 4.8% of GMV, reflecting improved Transaction Related Costs relative to GMV and operating leverage.

• Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs² jumped 53.8% YoY to $83.5 million. This represented 7.2% of GMV and 64.3% of Total Revenue, reflecting YoY gains of 0.8 and 9.0 percentage points, respectively.

• Non-Transaction Related Operating Expenses² grew 18.9% YoY to $32.0 million, including marketing expense of $9.3 million compared to $5.4 million in 4Q24. As a percentage of Total Revenue, the metric declined 2.8 percentage points YoY to 24.6% despite higher marketing spend.

  • The quarter included $1.3 million in Corporate Strategic Project Costs, consisting of professional services expenses related to the ongoing support for the antitrust litigation and bank charter application, as well as the completion of the Company’s capital markets exploration.

• Net Income reached $42.7 million, advancing 68.3% YoY and representing 32.9% of Total Revenue compared to 25.8% in 4Q24. Earnings per Diluted Share⁴ rose 72.9% YoY to $1.21.

  • Adjusted Net Income⁵ jumped 64.2% YoY to $42.8 million, representing 33.0% of Total Revenue. The bottom line performance drove a 68.1% YoY jump in Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share⁴ to $1.21.

• Adjusted EBITDA⁵ increased 79.1% YoY to $58.3 million in 4Q25. Adjusted EBITDA Margin expanded 11.8 percentage points to 44.9% of Total Revenue from 33.1% in 4Q24.

Full Year 2025 Highlights

• GMV increased 55.1% YoY to $3.9 billion in FY2025, exceeding the prior-year level of $2.5 billion. Growth reflected the continued expansion of Subscription offerings, the introduction of On-Demand, and higher consumer engagement that supported increased transaction frequency.

• Total Revenue climbed 66.1% YoY to a new annual high of $450.3 million and reached 11.4% of GMV.

• Operating Expenses as a share of Total Revenue declined 9.0 percentage points to a new Company low of 60.7%, while absolute Operating Expenses in FY2025 rose 44.8% YoY to $273.5 million.

• Transaction Related Costs⁵ improved to 4.3% of GMV in FY2025, down from 4.7% in the prior year. The improvement reflects a lower Transaction Expense as a percentage of GMV, supported by payment processing enhancements and greater adoption of ACH for repayments, along with a lower Net Interest Expense as a percentage of GMV versus the prior year.

• Non-Transaction Related Operating Expenses⁵ declined 4.1 percentage points YoY to 26.3% of Total Revenue in FY2025, extending Sezzle’s track record of year-over-year margin improvement as the Company scaled efficiently.

• Operating Income more than doubled, rising 115.0% YoY to $176.8 million. Operating Margin expanded 9.0 percentage points to 39.3%, marking the fourth consecutive year of margin improvement and exceeding the prior annual high of 30.3% from FY2024.

• Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs⁶ grew 86.1% YoY to $281.0 million. This represented 7.1% of GMV and 62.4% of Total Revenue, up from 5.9% and 55.7%, respectively, in FY2024.

• Net Income increased 69.5% YoY to $133.1 million, equating to $3.72 per Diluted Share⁷. Net Income Margin grew 0.6 percentage points to 29.6%.

  • Adjusted Net Income⁶ totaled $128.4 million, representing 28.5% of Total Revenue, with Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share⁷ of $3.59.

• Adjusted EBITDA⁶ jumped to $187.7 million in FY2025, more than doubling from $88.7 million in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA Margin expanded 9.0 percentage points to 41.7%.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

• As of December 31, 2025, Sezzle had $102.6 million of cash and cash equivalents, $38.5 million of which was restricted.

• The Company had an outstanding principal balance of $141.3 million on its $225.0 million credit facility as of quarter end.

  • On October 30, 2025, Sezzle expanded its total borrowing capacity from $150.0 million to $225.0 million by exercising the $75.0 million accordion feature on its existing facility.

• On December 4, 2025, the Company completed its previously authorized $50 million share repurchase program. Furthermore, on December 15, 2025, the Board of Directors authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program, underscoring management’s confidence in Sezzle’s long-term value and capital position.

Guidance⁸⁹

2025 Guidance (November 2025) vs. 2025 Actual vs. 2026 Guidance:

• Total Revenue Growth: 2025 Guidance (Nov 2025): 60%–65% | 2025 Actual: 66% | 2026 Guidance: 25%–30%
• Adjusted Net Income⁸⁹: 2025 Guidance (Nov 2025): $120.0M | 2025 Actual: $128.4M | 2026 Guidance: $170.0M
• Adjusted Net Income Per Diluted Share: 2025 Guidance (Nov 2025): $3.38 | 2025 Actual: $3.59 | 2026 Guidance: $4.70

Initiatives Update

• In 2025, Sezzle expanded its ecosystem with a comprehensive suite of in-app enhancements, including Price Comparison, Browser Extension, Express Checkout, Earn Tab, Wishlist, Products Tab, and Sezzle Balance, designed to drive discovery and engagement, contributing to a 51% YoY increase in Monthly Sessions¹⁰ by December.

• The Company also strengthened its financial empowerment initiatives, with MoneyIQ surpassing one million lessons completed in its first year, demonstrating strong adoption of Sezzle’s embedded financial education tools.

• Building on this momentum, the Company is accelerating toward its all-in-one app vision in FY2026, seamlessly integrating shopping, flexible payments, and essential services within a single, cohesive ecosystem. Key product and feature launches slated for FY2026 include:

  • Agentic Commerce: An AI-powered shopping assistant designed to personalize product discovery and improve conversion rates.

  • Sezzle Mobile (waitlist live): A competitively priced wireless service on the AT&T network, starting at $29.99 per month. By offering this essential utility, the Company aims to help consumers reduce their recurring monthly phone expense, extending the Company’s value proposition beyond the standard checkout to provide tangible savings on everyday bills.

  • Enhanced Long-Term Lending¹¹: Higher credit limits, flexible monthly payments, and broader merchant acceptance across all product groups.

  • User Community and Receipt Scanning & Rewards: Interactive engagement tools designed to foster deeper platform interaction and reward everyday spending activity.

Awards and Accolades

• Sezzle achievements garnered significant national recognition in 2025 from prestigious outlets including TIME, CNBC, and U.S. News & World Report. Additional honors from Bankrate, the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal, and the Global Brand Frontier Awards further underscored the Company’s growing influence across fintech, consumer finance, and brand leadership.
• The Company joined the S&P SmallCap 600 Index in December 2025, marking a milestone in Sezzle’s evolution as a publicly-traded U.S. company.

Chief Financial Officer Transition

Effective February 1, 2026, Lee Brading was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Sezzle, succeeding Karen Hartje, whose retirement was announced in November 2025. Prior to his appointment, Brading served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Investor Relations at Sezzle.

Upcoming Investor Events

Sezzle Management will participate in the upcoming investor events:

• March 10, 2026: Wolfe Research FinTech Forum.
• March 11, 2026: Oppenheimer Non-Deal Roadshow.

Quarterly Conference Call and Presentation

The Company will host its fourth quarter earnings conference call on February 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

To register for the call, please navigate to: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10206440/10341e70e10

All participants can access the webcast using the following link: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=WpZCVlkA

Upon registration, participants will receive the dial-in number. Those without internet access or unable to pre-register may dial in by calling: 1-866-777-2509 (US/CA toll free) or 1-412-317-5413 (international toll). A replay will be available until March 4, 2026. To access the replay dial 1-855-669-9658 (US toll free) or 1-412-317-0088 (International toll). Replay access code: 1508112.

In conjunction with the earnings call, the Company will release its presentation on the Sezzle Investor Relations website before the call. Please navigate to the Sezzle Investor Relations website for the presentation that management will review on the call.

4Q25 GAAP Operating Results

(For the three months ended December 31, 2025 vs. December 31, 2024, $ in thousands)

• Total Revenue: $129,869 (2025) vs. $98,223 (2024) — YoY Change: +32.2%
• Operating Expenses: $74,622 (2025) vs. $67,352 (2024) — YoY Change: +10.8%
• Operating Expenses as % of Total Revenue: 57.5% (2025) vs. 68.6% (2024) — YoY Change: −11.1 ppt
• Operating Expenses as % of GMV: 6.4% (2025) vs. 7.9% (2024) — YoY Change: −1.5 ppt
• Operating Income: $55,247 (2025) vs. $30,871 (2024) — YoY Change: +79.0%
• Operating Income as % of Total Revenue: 42.5% (2025) vs. 31.4% (2024) — YoY Change: +11.1 ppt
• Operating Income as % of GMV: 4.8% (2025) vs. 3.6% (2024) — YoY Change: +1.2 ppt
• Net Income: $42,691 (2025) vs. $25,367 (2024) — YoY Change: +68.3%
• Net Income as % of Total Revenue: 32.9% (2025) vs. 25.8% (2024) — YoY Change: +7.1 ppt
• Net Income per Diluted Share: $1.21 (2025) vs. $0.70 (2024) — YoY Change: +72.9%

4Q25 Non-GAAP Operating Results¹²

(For the three months ended December 31, 2025 vs. December 31, 2024, $ in thousands)

• Non-Transaction Related Operating Expenses: $31,982 (2025) vs. $26,899 (2024) — YoY Change: +18.9%
• Non-Transaction Related Operating Expenses as % of Total Revenue: 24.6% (2025) vs. 27.4% (2024) — YoY Change: −2.8 ppt
• Transaction Related Costs: $46,323 (2025) vs. $43,894 (2024) — YoY Change: +5.5%
• Transaction Related Costs as % of Total Revenue: 35.7% (2025) vs. 44.7% (2024) — YoY Change: −9.0 ppt
• Transaction Related Costs as % of GMV: 4.0% (2025) vs. 5.1% (2024) — YoY Change: −1.1 ppt
• Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs: $83,546 (2025) vs. $54,329 (2024) — YoY Change: +53.8%
• Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs as % of Total Revenue: 64.3% (2025) vs. 55.3% (2024) — YoY Change: +9.0 ppt
• Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs as % of GMV: 7.2% (2025) vs. 6.4% (2024) — YoY Change: +0.8 ppt
• Adjusted EBITDA: $58,307 (2025) vs. $32,560 (2024) — YoY Change: +79.1%
• Adjusted EBITDA Margin: 44.9% (2025) vs. 33.1% (2024) — YoY Change: +11.8 ppt
• Adjusted Net Income: $42,815 (2025) vs. $26,080 (2024) — YoY Change: +64.2%
• Adjusted Net Income Margin: 33.0% (2025) vs. 26.6% (2024) — YoY Change: +6.4 ppt
• Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share: $1.21 (2025) vs. $0.72 (2024) — YoY Change: +68.1%

FY25 GAAP Operating Results

(For the year ended December 31, 2025 vs. December 31, 2024, $ in thousands)

• Total Revenue: $450,279 (2025) vs. $271,128 (2024) — YoY Change: +66.1%
• Operating Expenses: $273,490 (2025) vs. $188,882 (2024) — YoY Change: +44.8%
• Operating Expenses as % of Total Revenue: 60.7% (2025) vs. 69.7% (2024) — YoY Change: −9.0 ppt
• Operating Expenses as % of GMV: 6.9% (2025) vs. 7.4% (2024) — YoY Change: −0.5 ppt
• Operating Income: $176,789 (2025) vs. $82,246 (2024) — YoY Change: +115.0%
• Operating Income as % of Total Revenue: 39.3% (2025) vs. 30.3% (2024) — YoY Change: +9.0 ppt
• Operating Income as % of GMV: 4.5% (2025) vs. 3.2% (2024) — YoY Change: +1.3 ppt
• Net Income: $133,130 (2025) vs. $78,522 (2024) — YoY Change: +69.5%
• Net Income as % of Total Revenue: 29.6% (2025) vs. 29.0% (2024) — YoY Change: +0.6 ppt
• Net Income per Diluted Share¹: $3.72 (2025) vs. $2.19 (2024) — YoY Change: +69.9%

¹ Effective March 28, 2025, we performed a 6-for-1 stock split of the Company’s common stock, effected through a stock dividend. Share and per-share amounts have been retroactively adjusted.

FY25 Non-GAAP Operating Results¹³

(For the year ended December 31, 2025 vs. December 31, 2024, $ in thousands)

• Non-Transaction Related Operating Expenses: $118,231 (2025) vs. $82,503 (2024) — YoY Change: +43.3%
• Non-Transaction Related Operating Expenses as % of Total Revenue: 26.3% (2025) vs. 30.4% (2024) — YoY Change: −4.1 ppt
• Transaction Related Costs: $169,280 (2025) vs. $120,141 (2024) — YoY Change: +40.9%
• Transaction Related Costs as % of Total Revenue: 37.6% (2025) vs. 44.3% (2024) — YoY Change: −6.7 ppt
• Transaction Related Costs as % of GMV: 4.3% (2025) vs. 4.7% (2024) — YoY Change: −0.4 ppt
• Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs: $280,999 (2025) vs. $150,987 (2024) — YoY Change: +86.1%
• Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs as % of Total Revenue: 62.4% (2025) vs. 55.7% (2024) — YoY Change: +6.7 ppt
• Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs as % of GMV: 7.1% (2025) vs. 5.9% (2024) — YoY Change: +1.2 ppt
• Adjusted EBITDA: $187,726 (2025) vs. $88,716 (2024) — YoY Change: +111.6%
• Adjusted EBITDA Margin: 41.7% (2025) vs. 32.7% (2024) — YoY Change: +9.0 ppt
• Adjusted Net Income: $128,400 (2025) vs. $65,326 (2024) — YoY Change: +96.6%
• Adjusted Net Income Margin: 28.5% (2025) vs. 24.1% (2024) — YoY Change: +4.4 ppt
• Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share¹: $3.59 (2025) vs. $1.82 (2024) — YoY Change: +97.3%

¹ Effective March 28, 2025, we performed a 6-for-1 stock split of the Company’s common stock, effected through a stock dividend. Share and per-share amounts have been retroactively adjusted.

² See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.

Appendix — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Reconciliation of Operating Expenses to Non-transaction Related Operating Expenses

($ in thousands)

For the three months ended December 31:

• Operating expenses: $74,622 (2025) | $67,352 (2024)

  • Less: Transaction expense: ($18,966) (2025) | ($16,074) (2024)

  • Less: Provision for credit losses: ($23,674) (2025) | ($24,379) (2024)

• Non-transaction related operating expenses: $31,982 (2025) | $26,899 (2024)

For the year ended December 31:

• Operating expenses: $273,490 (2025) | $188,882 (2024)

  • Less: Transaction expense: ($65,961) (2025) | ($51,364) (2024)

  • Less: Provision for credit losses: ($89,298) (2025) | ($55,015) (2024)

• Non-transaction related operating expenses: $118,231 (2025) | $82,503 (2024)

Reconciliation of Operating Expenses to Transaction Related Costs

($ in thousands)

For the three months ended December 31:

• Operating expenses: $74,622 (2025) | $67,352 (2024)

  • Less: Personnel: ($13,776) (2025) | ($14,580) (2024)

  • Less: Third-party technology and data: ($3,934) (2025) | ($2,871) (2024)

  • Less: Marketing, advertising, and tradeshows: ($9,298) (2025) | ($5,364) (2024)

  • Less: General and administrative: ($4,974) (2025) | ($4,084) (2024)

  • Plus: Net interest expense: $3,683 (2025) | $3,441 (2024)

• Transaction related costs: $46,323 (2025) | $43,894 (2024)

For the year ended December 31:

• Operating expenses: $273,490 (2025) | $188,882 (2024)

  • Less: Personnel: ($54,825) (2025) | ($51,765) (2024)

  • Less: Third-party technology and data: ($14,441) (2025) | ($9,595) (2024)

  • Less: Marketing, advertising, and tradeshows: ($32,191) (2025) | ($9,740) (2024)

  • Less: General and administrative: ($16,774) (2025) | ($11,403) (2024)

  • Plus: Net interest expense: $14,021 (2025) | $13,762 (2024)

• Transaction related costs: $169,280 (2025) | $120,141 (2024)

Reconciliation of Operating Income to Total Revenue Less Transaction Related Costs

($ in thousands)

For the three months ended December 31:

• Operating income: $55,247 (2025) | $30,871 (2024)

  • Plus: Personnel: $13,776 (2025) | $14,580 (2024)

  • Plus: Third-party technology and data: $3,934 (2025) | $2,871 (2024)

  • Plus: Marketing, advertising, and tradeshows: $9,298 (2025) | $5,364 (2024)

  • Plus: General and administrative: $4,974 (2025) | $4,084 (2024)

  • Less: Net interest expense: ($3,683) (2025) | ($3,441) (2024)

• Total revenue less transaction related costs: $83,546 (2025) | $54,329 (2024)

For the year ended December 31:

• Operating income: $176,789 (2025) | $82,246 (2024)

  • Plus: Personnel: $54,825 (2025) | $51,765 (2024)

  • Plus: Third-party technology and data: $14,441 (2025) | $9,595 (2024)

  • Plus: Marketing, advertising, and tradeshows: $32,191 (2025) | $9,740 (2024)

  • Plus: General and administrative: $16,774 (2025) | $11,403 (2024)

  • Less: Net interest expense: ($14,021) (2025) | ($13,762) (2024)

• Total revenue less transaction related costs: $280,999 (2025) | $150,987 (2024)

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

($ in thousands)

For the three months ended December 31:

• Net income: $42,691 (2025) | $25,367 (2024)

  • Plus: Depreciation and amortization: $389 (2025) | $258 (2024)

  • Plus: Income tax expense (benefit): $8,890 (2025) | $2,362 (2024)

  • Plus: Equity and incentive-based compensation: $1,340 (2025) | $1,370 (2024)

  • Plus: Other income, net: ($17) (2025) | ($300) (2024)

  • Plus: Loss on extinguishment of line of credit: — (2025) | — (2024)

  • Plus: Fair value adjustment on warrants: — (2025) | — (2024)

  • Plus: Corporate strategic projects: $1,331 (2025) | $62 (2024)

  • Plus: Net interest expense: $3,683 (2025) | $3,441 (2024)

• Adjusted EBITDA: $58,307 (2025) | $32,560 (2024)

For the year ended December 31:

• Net income: $133,130 (2025) | $78,522 (2024)

  • Plus: Depreciation and amortization: $1,356 (2025) | $965 (2024)

  • Plus: Income tax expense (benefit): $29,761 (2025) | ($11,205) (2024)

  • Plus: Equity and incentive-based compensation: $6,520 (2025) | $5,193 (2024)

  • Plus: Other income, net: ($123) (2025) | ($354) (2024)

  • Plus: Loss on extinguishment of line of credit: — (2025) | $260 (2024)

  • Plus: Fair value adjustment on warrants: — (2025) | $1,261 (2024)

  • Plus: Corporate strategic projects: $3,061 (2025) | $312 (2024)

  • Plus: Net interest expense: $14,021 (2025) | $13,762 (2024)

• Adjusted EBITDA: $187,726 (2025) | $88,716 (2024)

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share

($ in thousands, except for per share numbers)

For the three months ended December 31:

• Net Income: $42,691 (2025) | $25,367 (2024)

  • Discrete tax (benefit) expense¹: ($1,190) (2025) | $951 (2024)

  • Plus: Corporate strategic projects: $1,331 (2025) | $62 (2024)

  • Plus: Loss on extinguishment of line of credit: — (2025) | — (2024)

  • Plus: Fair value adjustment on warrants: — (2025) | — (2024)

  • Plus: Other income, net: ($17) (2025) | ($300) (2024)

• Adjusted net income: $42,815 (2025) | $26,080 (2024)

  • Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding: 35,328 (2025) | 36,174 (2024)

• Adjusted net income per diluted share²: $1.21 (2025) | $0.72 (2024)

For the year ended December 31:

• Net income: $133,130 (2025) | $78,522 (2024)

  • Discrete tax (benefit) expense¹: ($7,668) (2025) | ($14,675) (2024)

  • Plus: Corporate strategic projects: $3,061 (2025) | $312 (2024)

  • Plus: Loss on extinguishment of line of credit: — (2025) | $260 (2024)

  • Plus: Fair value adjustment on warrants: — (2025) | $1,261 (2024)

  • Plus: Other income, net: ($123) (2025) | ($354) (2024)

• Adjusted net income: $128,400 (2025) | $65,326 (2024)

  • Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding: 35,744 (2025) | 35,890 (2024)

• Adjusted net income per diluted share²: $3.59 (2025) | $1.82 (2024)

¹ Adjusted prior periods to include the windfall/shortfall to income tax expense for equity-based compensation.

² Effective March 28, 2025, we performed a 6-for-1 stock split of the Company’s common stock, effected through a stock dividend. Share and per-share amounts have been retroactively adjusted.

Investors should be aware that generally accepted accounting principles prescribe when a company may reserve for particular risks, including litigation exposures. Accordingly, results for a given reporting period could be significantly affected if and when we establish reserves for one or more contingencies. Also, our regular reserve reviews may result in adjustments of varying magnitude as additional information regarding claims activity becomes known. Reported results, therefore, may be volatile in certain accounting periods.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(As of December 31, 2025 (unaudited) and December 31, 2024, in thousands except per share amounts)

ASSETS

Current Assets:

• Cash and cash equivalents (including amounts held by VIE of $25,921 and $30,899, respectively): $64,054 (2025) | $73,185 (2024)
• Restricted cash, current (including amounts held by VIE of $8,245 and $4,096, respectively): $8,413 (2025) | $4,850 (2024)
• Notes receivable: $283,400 (2025) | $190,665 (2024)
• Allowance for credit losses: ($28,505) (2025) | ($26,103) (2024)
• Notes receivable, net (including amounts held by VIE of $237,062 and $152,174, respectively): $254,895 (2025) | $164,562 (2024)
• Other receivables, net: $6,186 (2025) | $3,629 (2024)
• Prepaid expenses and other current assets: $18,316 (2025) | $11,393 (2024)
• Total current assets: $351,864 (2025) | $257,619 (2024)

Non-Current Assets:

• Internally developed intangible assets, net: $3,331 (2025) | $2,442 (2024)
• Operating right-of-use assets: $665 (2025) | $800 (2024)
• Restricted cash, non-current: $30,134 (2025) | $20,275 (2024)
• Deferred tax asset, net of $0 and $3,742 valuation allowance, respectively: $13,615 (2025) | $16,905 (2024)
• Other assets: $620 (2025) | $331 (2024)
• Total assets: $400,229 (2025) | $298,372 (2024)

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

• Merchant accounts payable: $56,374 (2025) | $68,967 (2024)
• Other payables (including amounts held by VIE of $1,476 and $1,103, respectively): $6,908 (2025) | $7,455 (2024)
• Deferred revenue: $5,431 (2025) | $4,234 (2024)
• Other current liabilities: $21,053 (2025) | $25,021 (2024)
• Total current liabilities: $89,766 (2025) | $105,677 (2024)

Non-Current Liabilities:

• Operating lease liabilities: $661 (2025) | $823 (2024)
• Line of credit, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $1,268 and $1,008, respectively, held by VIE: $139,991 (2025) | $103,992 (2024)
• Other non-current liabilities: — (2025) | $45 (2024)
• Total liabilities: $230,418 (2025) | $210,537 (2024)

Stockholders’ Equity*

• Common stock and additional paid-in capital, $0.00001 par value; 750,000 shares authorized; 35,130 and 34,786 shares issued, respectively; 33,798 and 33,735 shares outstanding, respectively: $194,890 (2025) | $188,589 (2024)
• Treasury stock, at cost: 1,332 and 1,051 shares, respectively: ($24,072) (2025) | ($9,391) (2024)
• Accumulated other comprehensive loss: ($683) (2025) | ($1,588) (2024)
• Accumulated earnings (deficit): ($324) (2025) | ($89,775) (2024)
• Total stockholders’ equity: $169,811 (2025) | $87,835 (2024)
• Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity: $400,229 (2025) | $298,372 (2024)

* Effective March 28, 2025, we performed a 6-for-1 stock split of the Company’s common stock, effected through a stock dividend. Share and per-share amounts have been retroactively adjusted.

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(For the years ended December 31, 2025 (unaudited) and December 31, 2024, in thousands except per share amounts)

• Total revenue: $450,279 (2025) | $271,128 (2024)

Operating Expenses:

• Personnel: $54,825 (2025) | $51,765 (2024)
• Transaction expense: $65,961 (2025) | $51,364 (2024)
• Third-party technology and data: $14,441 (2025) | $9,595 (2024)
• Marketing, advertising, and tradeshows: $32,191 (2025) | $9,740 (2024)
• General and administrative: $16,774 (2025) | $11,403 (2024)
• Provision for credit losses: $89,298 (2025) | $55,015 (2024)
• Total operating expenses: $273,490 (2025) | $188,882 (2024)
• Operating income: $176,789 (2025) | $82,246 (2024)

Other Income (Expense):

• Net interest expense: ($14,021) (2025) | ($13,762) (2024)
• Other income, net: $123 (2025) | $354 (2024)
• Fair value adjustment on warrants: — (2025) | ($1,261) (2024)
• Loss on extinguishment of line of credit: — (2025) | ($260) (2024)
• Income before taxes: $162,891 (2025) | $67,317 (2024)
• Income tax expense (benefit): $29,761 (2025) | ($11,205) (2024)
• Net income: $133,130 (2025) | $78,522 (2024)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

• Foreign currency translation adjustment: $905 (2025) | ($941) (2024)
• Total comprehensive income: $134,035 (2025) | $77,581 (2024)

Net Income per Share*:

• Basic: $3.93 (2025) | $2.33 (2024)
• Diluted: $3.72 (2025) | $2.19 (2024)

Weighted-average shares outstanding*:

• Basic: 33,910 (2025) | 33,711 (2024)
• Diluted: 35,744 (2025) | 35,890 (2024)

* Effective March 28, 2025, we performed a 6-for-1 stock split of the Company’s common stock, effected through a stock dividend. Share and per-share amounts have been retroactively adjusted.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(For the years ended December 31, 2025 (unaudited) and December 31, 2024 (As restated), in thousands)

Operating Activities:

• Net income: $133,130 (2025) | $78,522 (2024)

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:

• Depreciation and amortization: $1,356 (2025) | $965 (2024)
• Provision for credit losses: $89,298 (2025) | $55,015 (2024)
• Provision for other credit losses: $33,475 (2025) | $10,605 (2024)
• Discount on notes receivable: ($735) (2025) | $460 (2024)
• Equity based compensation and restricted stock vested: $6,520 (2025) | $5,193 (2024)
• Amortization of debt issuance costs: $532 (2025) | $526 (2024)
• Fair value adjustment on warrants: — (2025) | $1,261 (2024)
• Impairment losses on long-lived assets: $68 (2025) | $48 (2024)
• Gain on sale of fixed assets: ($21) (2025) | ($55) (2024)
• Loss on extinguishment of line of credit: — (2025) | $260 (2024)
• Deferred income taxes: $3,290 (2025) | ($16,905) (2024)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

• Other receivables: ($36,021) (2025) | ($12,670) (2024)
• Prepaid expenses and other assets: ($6,794) (2025) | ($4,997) (2024)
• Merchant accounts payable: ($13,036) (2025) | ($4,345) (2024)
• Other payables: ($572) (2025) | $1,951 (2024)
• Accrued and other liabilities: ($1,816) (2025) | $13,145 (2024)
• Deferred revenue: $1,193 (2025) | $1,595 (2024)
• Operating leases: $40 (2025) | $74 (2024)
• Net cash provided from operating activities: $209,907 (2025) | $130,648 (2024)

Investing Activities:

• Purchases and originations of notes receivable, net of proceeds from repayments: ($178,874) (2025) | ($89,749) (2024)
• Purchase of property and equipment: ($655) (2025) | ($70) (2024)
• Internally developed intangible asset additions: ($2,040) (2025) | ($1,394) (2024)
• Net cash used for investing activities: ($181,569) (2025) | ($91,213) (2024)

Financing Activities:

• Proceeds from line of credit: $180,860 (2025) | $107,427 (2024)
• Payments to line of credit: ($144,600) (2025) | ($97,427) (2024)
• Payments of debt issuance costs: ($792) (2025) | ($1,106) (2024)
• Proceeds from stock option exercises: $3,731 (2025) | $3,918 (2024)
• Stock subscriptions collected related to stock option exercises: $44 (2025) | $39 (2024)
• Proceeds from warrant exercises: — (2025) | $401 (2024)
• Repurchase of common stock: ($64,655) (2025) | ($23,620) (2024)
• Net Cash Used for Financing Activities: ($25,412) (2025) | ($10,368) (2024)
• Effect of exchange rate changes on cash: $1,365 (2025) | ($1,456) (2024)
• Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: $2,926 (2025) | $29,067 (2024)
• Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period: $98,310 (2025) | $70,699 (2024)
• Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period: $102,601 (2025) | $98,310 (2024)

Noncash investing and financing activities:

• Conversion of accrued profit-sharing incentive plan liabilities to stockholders’ equity: $2,301 (2025) | — (2024)
• Conversion of warrant liabilities to stockholders’ equity: — (2025) | $2,229 (2024)

Supplementary disclosures:

• Interest paid: $15,322 (2025) | $14,047 (2024)
• Federal income taxes paid: $21,040 (2025)
• State income taxes paid: $6,640 (2025)
• Foreign income taxes paid: $385 (2025)
• Total income taxes paid: $28,065 (2025) | $4,766 (2024)

Investor Relations Contact

Jack Fagan
+1 651 240 6001
InvestorRelations@sezzle.com

Media Contact

Erin Foran
+1 651 403 2184
erin.foran@sezzle.com

About Sezzle

Sezzle is a forward-thinking fintech company committed to financially empowering the next generation. Through its purpose-driven payment platform, Sezzle enhances consumers’ purchasing power by offering access to point-of-sale financing options and digital payment services — connecting millions of customers with its global network of merchants. Centered on transparency, inclusivity, and ease of use, Sezzle empowers consumers to manage spending responsibly, take charge of their finances, and achieve lasting financial independence.

For more information visit sezzle.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our management’s current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business.

Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “goal,” “project,” other words or expressions of similar meaning (or the negative versions of such words or expressions). These forward-looking statements address various matters including the timing and nature of anticipated new products, our business strategy, future operations, financial performance or other future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, among others: impact of the “buy-now, pay-later” (“BNPL”) industry becoming subject to increased regulatory scrutiny; impact of operating in a highly competitive industry; impact of macro-economic conditions on consumer spending; our ability to increase our merchant network, our base of consumers, and gross merchandise value (GMV); our ability to effectively manage growth, sustain our growth rate and maintain our market share; our ability to maintain adequate access to capital in order to meet the capital requirements of our business; impact of exposure to consumer bad debts and insolvency of merchants; our ability to comply with the applicable requirements of Visa and other payment processors; impact of the integration, support and prominent presentation of our platform by our merchants; impact of any data security breaches, cyberattacks, employee or other internal misconduct, malware, phishing or ransomware, physical security breaches, natural disasters, or similar disruptions; impact of key vendors or merchants failing to comply with legal or regulatory requirements or to provide various services that are important to our operations; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and third party allegations of the misappropriation of intellectual property rights; impact of the costs of complying with various laws and regulations applicable to the BNPL industry in the United States and Canada; the impact of litigation, regulatory investigations and actions, and compliance issues on our business; significant and sudden declines or volatility in the trading price of our common stock and market capitalization; and other factors identified in the “Risk Factors” section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) and the Company’s subsequent filings filed with the SEC. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including any accompanying attachments or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue, which, except as otherwise noted, speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, any accompanying materials, or oral forward-looking statements made in connection with this press release.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our operating results prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), we present the following non-GAAP financial measures: Total revenue less transaction related costs; transaction related costs; non-transaction related operating expenses; adjusted net income; adjusted net income margin; adjusted net income per diluted share; adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”); and Adjusted EBITDA margin. Definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures and summaries of the reasons why management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to the Company and investors are as follows:

• Total revenue less transaction related costs is defined as GAAP total revenue less transaction related costs. Transaction related costs is the sum of GAAP transaction expense, provision for credit losses, and net interest expense less certain non-recurring charges as detailed in the reconciliation table of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP total revenue less transaction related costs above. We believe that total revenue less transaction related costs is a useful financial measure to both management and investors for evaluating the economic value of orders processed on the Sezzle Platform.
• Non-transaction related operating expenses is defined as the sum of GAAP personnel; third-party technology and data; marketing, advertising, and tradeshows; and general and administrative operating expenses. We believe that non-transaction related operating expenses is a useful financial measure to both management and investors for evaluating our management of operating expenses not directly attributable to orders processed on the Sezzle Platform.
• Adjusted EBITDA is defined as GAAP net income, adjusted for certain charges including depreciation, amortization, equity and incentive–based compensation, and corporate strategic project costs, as well as net interest expense as detailed in the reconciliation table of GAAP net income to adjusted EBITDA. We believe that this financial measure is a useful measure for period-to-period comparison of our business by removing the effect of certain non-cash and non-recurring charges, as well as funding costs, that may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business.
• Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by GAAP total revenue. We believe that this financial measure is a useful measure for period-to-period comparison of our business’ unit economics by removing the effect of certain non-cash and non-recurring charges, as well as funding costs, that may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business.
• Adjusted net income is defined as GAAP net income, adjusted for certain charges including discrete tax items, fair value adjustments on warrants, losses on the extinguishment of our lines of credit, corporate strategic project costs, and other income and expense, as detailed in the reconciliation table of GAAP net income to adjusted net income. We believe that this financial measure is useful for period-to-period comparison of our business by removing the effect of certain charges that, in management’s view, does not correlate to the underlying performance of our business during a given period.
• Adjusted net income margin is defined as Adjusted net income divided by GAAP total revenue. We believe that this financial measure is a useful measure for period-to-period comparison of our business by removing the effect of certain charges that, in management’s view, does not correlate to the underlying performance of our business during a given period.
• Adjusted net income per diluted share is defined as non-GAAP adjusted net income divided by GAAP weighted-average diluted shares outstanding. We believe that this financial measure is a useful measure for period-to-period comparison of shareholder return by removing the effect of certain charges that, in management’s view, does not correlate to the underlying performance of our business during a given period.

Additionally, we have included these non-GAAP measures because they are key measures used by our management to evaluate our operating performance, guide future operating plans, and make strategic decisions, including those relating to operating expenses and the allocation of resources. Therefore, we believe these measures provide useful information to investors and other users of this press release to understand and evaluate our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors. However, non-GAAP financial measures have limitations, should be considered supplemental in nature, and are not meant as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These limitations include the following:

• Total revenue less transaction-related costs is not intended to be measures of operating profit or cash flow profitability as they exclude key operating expenses such as personnel, general and administrative, and third-party technology and data, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, significant recurring GAAP expenses.
• Transaction related costs exclude significant expenses such as personnel, general and administrative, and third-party technology and data, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, significant recurring GAAP expenses.
• Non-transaction related operating expenses exclude significant expenses, including transaction expense and provision for credit losses, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, significant recurring GAAP expenses.
• Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin exclude certain charges such as depreciation, amortization, and equity and incentive–based compensation, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, recurring GAAP expenses. Further, these non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain significant cash inflows and outflows, which have a significant impact on our working capital and cash.
• Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin excludes net interest expense, which has a significant impact on our GAAP net income, working capital, and cash.
• Adjusted net income, adjusted net income margin, and adjusted net income per diluted share excludes certain charges such as losses on the extinguishment of our lines of credit, fair value adjustments on our warrants, other income and expense, and discrete tax items which have been, and may be in the future, recurring GAAP expenses. Further, these non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain significant cash inflows and outflows, which have a significant impact on our working capital and cash.
• Long-lived assets being depreciated or amortized may need to be replaced in the future, and these non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect the capital expenditures needed for such replacements, or for any new capital expenditures or commitments.
• These non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect income taxes that may represent a reduction in cash available to us.
• Non-GAAP measures do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs.
• Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate the non-GAAP financial measures differently or not at all, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures.

Because of these limitations, you should not consider these non-GAAP financial measures in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our financial results as reported under GAAP, and these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered alongside other financial performance measures, including net income and other financial results presented in accordance with GAAP. We encourage you to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

Endnotes

¹ Per diluted share figures reflect 6-for-1 common stock split effective March 28, 2025.
² See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.³ See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.
⁴ Per diluted share figures reflect 6-for-1 common stock split effective March 28, 2025.
⁵ See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.
⁶ See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.
⁷ Per diluted share figures reflect 6-for-1 common stock split effective March 28, 2025.
⁸ See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures. FY2026 Non‑GAAP adjusted financial guidance reflects add-backs for estimated FY2026 expenses associated with Corporate Strategic Projects.
⁹ Per diluted share figures reflect 6-for-1 common stock split effective March 28, 2025.
¹⁰ A session occurs when a Sezzle Consumer opens the Sezzle app and ends after 30 minutes of inactivity.
¹¹ Length of loan and APR varies by user and merchant offering and is determined by Sezzle’s long-term lending partner.
¹² See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.
¹³ See appendix for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.

Beauty of Japan, a Japanese destination management company, is positioning the Ishikawa Prefectural Library as a global case study in civic architecture after the library recorded record-breaking visitor numbers for two consecutive years, making it the most visited prefectural library in Japan.

The library received about 1.19 million visitors in fiscal year 2024, up 166,786 from the previous year, continuing to be the best in the nation, according to figures released by the Japan Library Association. Less than three years after its initial opening, the total number of visitors reached more than 3 million in March 2025. This growth has persisted to the current fiscal year, with 579,406 visitors recorded as at the end of August 2025, compared to 489,055 the previous year, that is a 90,351 year on year growth which means that the prefecture is on track to achieve its strategic goal of 1.2 million visitors annually.

A major surge happened way beyond its local audience in July 2022 when the Ishikawa Prefectural Library opened in Kanazawa City. The scale and frequency of the visits have rendered the place a source of exit in the arguments concerning the future of the civic cultural institutions particularly in the period when most libraries and civic spaces in the world are confronted by the challenge of survival.

The library, which opened during the post-pandemic era, was envisioned as a social space that promotes conversation and lingering as a place to rediscover face-to-face interaction and a sense of common life shared by the general population that was hindered during the pandemic.

The performance is directly associated with the functioning and design model of the library. It was built by an architect known as Mitsuru Senda who did not conform to the image of a library as being an extremely quiet and rigid place. Instead it deals with openness, flexibility, and visual interactions.

This building has a big circular atrium at the center with terraced bookshelves in concentric rings commonly referred to as the Hyakumangoku Biblio Baum. The space makes the picture look like rings on trees, which are the symbols of life and continuity. However, the space is designed in such a way that encourages exploration and interaction with the shape rather than categorizing. It is housed in an open stack with outward facing cover and overall the collection of approximately 300,000 books has had over 1.07 million books with an underground large storage.

Photography and conversation can also be used in most parts of the building as compared to the traditional library set up. It has some silent reading rooms, family-friendly areas, as well as adjustable seats that go together with each other to enable the visitors of different ages and intentions to approach the space differently. The library also comes in handy in some practical urban applications where the building is employed as a formal public cooling refuge in hot summer weather and an undeterred place when Kanazawa is littered with snow.

The Ishikawa Prefectural Library has been gradually built in a more expansive architectural layout which makes Kanazawa one of the best cities in Japan in relation to modernist designing of publicity. The other local sightseeing spot is the designs of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by SANAA, which has received global recognition since its open circular shape reconstituted the relationship between the museum and the city and the populace.

These institutions, such as accumulated, show how Ishikawa Prefecture has had the opportunity to handle architecture as long term civic infrastructure rather than spectacle. The area has increased the generation of interaction and ensured that the usage has remained one of the continual growths through human focused design, usability and flexibility.

This is becoming a popular trend that is getting increased attention in the inbound travel industry. Takahiro Noguchi, the CEO of Beauty of Japan, believes that the popularity of the library is the sign of the more interest of the world in the place where architecture and culture integrate with ordinary life. Kanazawa is positioned between Tokyo and Kyoto and is directly connected by the bullet train and has been more approachable with the emphasis on space and continuity since it is not a one destination attraction like the space that can be occupied by a large user base such as children and the aged.

The issues surrounding the sustainability of architecture in the long term in urban centers worldwide in search of sustainable patterns that would transform civic institutions is increasingly becoming a case study to emulate as to how architecture can become a driver of interaction in an experience-based economy.

About Beauty of Japan

Beauty of Japan (BOJ, Inc.) is a Tokyo-based travel company that focuses on designing and operating premium travel experiences of the American, European, and Australian travelers who visit Japan. As a partner of Virtuoso, an international luxury travel agency, BOJ collaborates with local partners around the globe in order to provide culturally rich, tailor-made travels across the Japanese territory. For more information, visit bojinc.com.

Media Contact

Takahiro Noguchi
info@bojinc.com
+81 3-6682-7779

The new Fishing Points app update has introduced expanded nautical maps, integrated rain radar, enhanced severe weather alerts and access to real-time river flow data from more than 35,000 stations across the United States. The update is now available on iOS and focuses on improving environmental visibility for both coastal and inland anglers.

Expanded Nautical Maps and Lake Depth Coverage

Among the most notable additions are expanded lake depth and contour maps covering numerous U.S. lakes. This includes areas in Florida, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Washington and parts of the Great Lakes region. These enhancements provide more detailed underwater structure mapping. This helps anglers better understand bottom contours, drop-offs, submerged vegetation zones and habitat transitions that often influence fish holding patterns.

Improved map layering tools allow users to overlay additional environmental data, while enhanced distance measuring tools support more precise navigation and route planning. New points of interest (POIs) can now be saved and shared within the platform. This improves coordination for group trips and tournament preparation.

Fishing Tides and Environmental Planning Tools

Access to accurate fishing tides data remains central to trip planning for coastal anglers. The updated fishing app continues to provide tide schedules alongside wind forecasts, temperature data and solunar activity predictions. This enables users to evaluate multiple environmental variables in one interface.

Tidal movement plays a critical role in fish behavior. This influences feeding windows and habitat access. By combining fishing tides information with short-term weather forecasts and radar imagery, anglers can better assess optimal timing for their outings and adjust plans as environmental conditions evolve throughout the day.

Integrated Rain Radar and Severe Weather Alerts

The platform now also integrates rain radar directly within its forecast interface. This enhancement reflects broader advances in weather prediction technology. This allows users to monitor approaching precipitation systems and shifting conditions in real time.

Expanded hourly weather details now include wind gust data and precipitation intensity, while severe weather alerts have been refined to provide clearer notifications when hazardous conditions develop. These updates aim to improve situational awareness and safety for anglers planning trips in coastal waters, large reservoirs and fast-moving rivers.

Real-Time River Flow and Water Level Monitoring

One of the most significant additions for inland anglers is the integration of real-time water levels and river flow information from more than 35,000 monitoring stations. River systems can change rapidly due to rainfall, snowmelt or dam releases, and fluctuating flow rates often impact fish positioning as well as boating safety.

By consolidating river flow data with mapping and forecast layers, the fishing app provides freshwater anglers with improved insight into changing water conditions before they arrive on site. This supports both efficiency and on-the-water safety awareness.

Digital Tools and the Future of Fishing Planning

Industry observers note that digital platforms are playing an increasingly important role in how anglers prepare for trips. Modern fishing often requires monitoring multiple environmental indicators simultaneously including tides, atmospheric pressure, wind patterns and water temperatures.

Advances in weather prediction, combined with detailed bathymetric mapping and hydrological monitoring, are helping anglers move beyond static forecasts toward continuously updated environmental intelligence. The integration of these tools into a single fishing app reflects a broader shift toward data-informed outdoor recreation.

While no platform can guarantee fishing success, access to comprehensive environmental data may help reduce uncertainty, support responsible trip planning and improve overall preparedness. By expanding mapping coverage, strengthening severe weather alerts and integrating river monitoring systems, Fishing Points’ latest update aligns with the growing demand for reliable, location-specific fishing tides and forecast tools within the recreational fishing community.

The updated version of the app is now available through the iOS App Store.

GPS Investment Fund Limited has launched Arkus™, a new property investment fund that has already reached $1 million in investor contributions. The fund is designed to make real estate investing accessible to everyday Australians, allowing investors to start with as little as $1.

Arkus provides flexible contributions on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis, with monthly withdrawal options, and targets an annual return of 6.5%. The fund leverages GPS Investment Fund’s 30 years of experience in property-backed mortgage investments, which includes a record of no retail investor capital losses. This disciplined approach underpins Arkus, extending the company’s proven risk management practices to a broader retail investor base.

“Arkus is about lowering the barriers to smart investing,” said Shelby Clark, chief operating officer of GPS Investment Fund Limited. “We believe everyone should have the opportunity to build wealth through real assets. With Arkus, Australians can start small, grow steadily, and maintain access to their funds without being locked in long term.”

Richard Woodhead, founder and managing director of GPS Investment Fund Limited added, “The launch of Arkus marks a significant milestone in our mission to make financial growth more inclusive. We’re extending the same reliability GPS Invest is known for to a new generation of investors through a modern, easy-to-use platform offering accessibility and flexibility.”

Arkus allows Australians to access income-generating property-backed investment opportunities without the need to directly own or manage property. The fund targets both experienced and first-time investors seeking a practical, approachable entry point into property investment, particularly in a period of cost-of-living pressures.

About GPS Invest

GPS Investment Fund Limited (GPS Invest) is the responsible entity of a specialist private lending funds group based in Brisbane, Queensland. Established by founder and managing director Richard Woodhead, the GPS group has its roots in originating and managing registered first mortgages in the residential construction and development sector of South East Queensland, beginning in 1994. GPS Invest holds Australian Financial Services Licence No. 383080, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and is committed to delivering disciplined secured lending strategies, robust governance, and consistent outcomes for investors. For more information, visit gpsinvest.com.au. or call 1800 999 109.

Disclaimer

This announcement contains general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider whether the investment is appropriate for you and seek independent financial advice if required. The target return of 6.5% per annum is not guaranteed. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investors should consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any investment decision. The PDS, available at gpsinvest.com.au/resources, contains important information about the fund’s features, risks, and fees.

Media Contact

GPS Investment Fund Limited
info@gpsinvest.com.au

Andreozzi + Foote has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania (Case No. 1:26-cv-00471-YK) on behalf of Sandra Esther Jusino, administrator of the estate of Yadriel Rivera Jusino. The lawsuit asserts federal civil rights claims, along with wrongful death and survival claims under Pennsylvania law, against the Lebanon School District and multiple school officials, seeking to hold them accountable for their alleged deliberate indifference to repeated and known reports of race-based and disability-based bullying in the years leading up to Yadriel’s death.

Yadriel died by suicide on June 3, 2024. He was 12 years old.

Born in Puerto Rico, Yadriel primarily spoke Spanish. He attended schools in the Lebanon School District from 2020 until his death in 2024. He received special education services under an individualized education program, or IEP, due to dyslexia, which district officials were aware of.

The complaint alleges that the bullying, which included physical assaults and discriminatory taunts, was due in part to his race as a Latino student, and his disability, dyslexia. The filing alleges that school administrators had actual knowledge of the bullying but failed to meaningfully investigate or intervene as required by district policy and federal law.

Allegations of Repeated Reports Without Action

The complaint alleges that in September 2022, Yadriel reported being physically assaulted and bullied to a school counselor. That report was documented in school records. The defendants allegedly did not follow up on this report.

During the 2023–2024 school year, Yadriel’s sister allegedly reported discriminatory bullying directly to the school principal. According to the suit, he told Yadriel and his sister that he would take some action to help, including contacting Yadriel’s parents, but he did not do so. Yadriel’s stepfather also made multiple reports to school administrators during the 2023-2024 school year, including the assistant principal and a social worker. There was no follow up or investigation, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit alleges that even with these repeated complaints, the defendants took no meaningful action in response to these entreaties for help. The complaint further alleges that as a result of the bullying, Yadriel took his own life. According to the lawsuit, despite a documented 2022 report of bullying and additional reports from Yadriel’s sister and stepfather in 2023 and 2024, the principal recorded a notation in Yadriel’s school file the day after his death indicating there were no documented reports of concerns. According to the filing, that notation was untrue, as school records reflect at least one prior documented report, while reports made by family members were not reflected in the official record.

The lawsuit names the Lebanon School District as well as individual school officials and seeks to hold them legally liable under federal civil rights law for the alleged failures that caused Yadriel’s death.

Alleged Violations of Federal Civil Rights and Disability Laws

Despite clear policy requirements, the lawsuit alleges that complaints about Yadriel’s bullying were not investigated promptly, nor was any appropriate corrective or preventative action taken.

The federal complaint asserts claims under:

• Violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (race discrimination)
• Violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, 42
  U.S.C. § 1983
• Failure to train under 42 U.S.C. § 1983
• Violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Violation of § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• Pennsylvania wrongful death and survival statutes

“We believe this tragedy was preventable,” said Nathaniel L. Foote, partner at Andreozzi + Foote. “When a school district receives repeated reports that a child is being targeted because of his race and disability, the law requires action. Schools cannot ignore documented complaints and clear warning signs. The consequences of inaction can be devastating.”

The lawsuit demands a jury trial.

“Families should be able to trust that when they report discriminatory bullying, school officials will investigate and protect their child. When schools fail to act, the consequences can be irreversible.” Foote added.

About Andreozzi + Foote

Andreozzi + Foote is one of the nation’s leading sexual abuse law firms with a history of representing survivors in cases against large and powerful organizations including Penn State University, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Catholic Church. The trauma-informed Pennsylvania-based sexual abuse lawyers at Andreozzi + Foote are committed to obtaining life-changing results for victims and their families. Managing Partner Ben Andreozzi hosts "Justice Interrupted," a podcast that gives survivors of child abuse and their advocates a national platform. For more information, visit www.victimscivilattorneys.com.

Media Contact

Maria Smith
Andreozzi + Foote
marias@vca.law
+1 717-807-5808

RubiScore Limited, the company behind RubiScore, today announced an agreement with Stats Perform, the global leader in sports data and AI, to power RubiScore’s football data coverage across multiple major competitions using Opta data. The partnership reinforces RubiScore’s long-term commitment to delivering reliable, consistent, and high-integrity football data for fans worldwide.

RubiScore is built for speed and clarity — helping users follow football live scores, results, fixtures, standings, and team/player information in real time. By integrating Stats Perform’s football data, RubiScore strengthens the foundation that supports match experiences across its platform — aiming to reduce data discrepancies, improve coverage consistency, and elevate confidence in what users see.

“Trust is everything in live football coverage,” said a RubiScore spokesperson. “This agreement with Stats Perform reflects our focus on data credibility and long-term reliability, so fans can rely on RubiScore for timely, accurate match information across important leagues and competitions.”

The collaboration supports RubiScore’s broader mission: building a scalable football live score destination with multi-language experiences for international audiences, while prioritizing data quality, uptime, and user trust.

About RubiScore Limited

RubiScore Limited is the company behind RubiScore, a global football live score and sports data platform built to deliver fast, accurate, and user-friendly match information. RubiScore helps fans follow football live scores, results, fixtures, league tables, and team/player insights across major competitions worldwide. With a scalable data infrastructure, RubiScore is developing a trusted destination for real-time football coverage and multi-language experiences for international audiences. For more information, visit rubiscore.com.

Media Contact

Media Relations
RubiScore Limited
touch@rubiscore.com

upGrad, Asia's leading integrated skilling and workforce development company, today announced the acquisition of Internshala, the world’s largest early-talent marketplace, for an undisclosed amount — in a 90% stock-swap transaction.

The acquisition strengthens upGrad’s position across the full career lifecycle — connecting education, skilling, and employment on a single platform. Founded in 2010, Internshala has built a community of over 34 million registered users and 450,000 employers, with approximately 3 million active applicants annually. 
The platform sees most of its traffic organically and serves students across India, including more than 40% from Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.

With the integration, upGrad reinforces its commitment to building structured ecosystems for learners and employers, enabling students to discover internships, build job-ready skills, and transition into full- time roles more efficiently. To fuel this growth, upGrad will invest additional resources to accelerate product innovation, AI-led talent matching, and enterprise hiring models, with a target to scale Internshala’s ₹45 crore revenue base to ₹100 crore and beyond.

Commenting on this acquisition, Chirag Samdaria, head of corporate strategy and growth at upGrad, said, “Education and employment in India have operated in silos for too long. This acquisition allows us to strengthen the earliest layer of the career journey — where intent is highest and outcomes can be meaningful. By bridging work opportunities with structured skilling, we are building a more aligned talent ecosystem for both learners and employers.”

Internshala will continue to operate as an independent brand, led by its founder and CEO, Sarvesh Agrawal, leveraging upGrad’s scale, technology, and learning ecosystem to expand its offerings and reach.

“This is a very natural partnership where learning meets opportunity. In the last 15 years, Internshala has democratized career start for students. Joining hands with upGrad will allow us to amplify our impact by skilling millions of candidates, offer pre-trained talent to companies at scale, and together become the default launchpad for every graduate's career,” added Agrawal. Investec acted as exclusive financial advisor to Internshala.

This acquisition marks a key milestone in upGrad’s mission to power India’s skilling economy — supporting millions of learners and organisations through career-aligned education and employment pathways.

About upGrad

Founded in 2015, upGrad is Asia’s leading integrated skilling and workforce development company, powering the complete learning cycle for individuals. It offers a range of online and hybrid skilling programs and certifications through its B2C portfolio and partners with top Indian and global universities to offer diploma, master’s, and executive doctorate programs, with all degrees awarded solely by the respective universities. The company supports learners at every career stage — from first job to boardroom. Additionally, select programs are tailored for enterprise clients through its corporate skilling division, along with recruitment and staffing services. For more details, visit www.upgrad.com.

About Internshala 

Internshala is the world’s largest early-career marketplace, with 35 million registered users and 70,000 companies. Founded by two IIT Madras alumni, Internshala is democratizing career starts for students in India without requiring prior experience or access. Learn more at internshala.com.

Media Contact

Shirin Gupta
upGrad
shirin.rai@upgrad.com

Lucra, the leading social competition platform, today announced a partnership with Epic Padel — the Virginia-based padel club operator, padel investor and incubator. Through the collaboration, Lucra will integrate its gamification platform directly into Zero.40, the padel booking and club management app incubated by Epic Padel, enabling real-money and free-to-play competitions across all Epic Padel locations and every operator that white-labels Zero.40 across the United States.

Padel has become the world's fastest-growing sport, now played by more than 30 million people across 130 countries, and the U.S. market is just beginning to hit its stride. Epic Padel has positioned itself at the center of that growth, not only operating premium clubs but actively investing in and incubating padel ventures across the country. By embedding Lucra directly into Zero.40, competitive gameplay travels with the platform to every operator that runs it, making this both a direct club deployment and a meaningful distribution relationship with reach well beyond Epic's own footprint.

Launching this spring across Epic Padel's clubs in Tyson's Corner, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; Milwaukee; and Charlotte, players will be able to compete in real-money and free-to-play tournaments and games, with all compliance, payments, fraud prevention, and settlement handled automatically by Lucra's plug-and-play SDK. The full feature suite, including peer-to-peer challenges, group competitions, and structured tournament formats, integrates directly into the Zero.40 app, giving players a reason to stay, play, and keep coming back.

"Padel is one of the most exciting growth stories in sports right now, and Epic Padel is building the infrastructure to own that moment in the U.S.," said Dylan Robbins, CEO of Lucra. "What makes this partnership particularly compelling is the dual nature of it. We're not just deploying at their clubs, we're also becoming part of how Epic grows the broader ecosystem. Every operator that runs on Zero.40 is a new venue where players can compete for real money or rewards through Lucra. That's a flywheel that scales with the sport itself."

For Epic Padel and Zero.40, the Lucra integration deepens the club experience without adding operational burden. Players can enter competitions directly from their phones before they even step on court, track their standing on live leaderboards mid-match, and collect winnings or convert them to credits for future play, creating a loyalty loop that drives repeat visits and extends the time and money players spend per session.

"Padel is inherently social, and the players who find it never want to stop playing. Lucra gives us a way to reward that loyalty in real time, turning every visit into a reason to come back. Whether someone is competing for cash or just bragging rights, the experience becomes more meaningful the moment there's something at stake," said Hala Sarkis, co-founder and CEO of Epic Padel.

"Zero.40 was built to be the operating system for padel clubs in America, and Lucra fits naturally into that infrastructure. Every operator that white-labels Zero.40 now gets a best-in-class competition engine out of the box. That's a meaningful upgrade for the entire network, and it's the kind of value-add that makes Zero.40 a more compelling platform for operators to build on," said Kareem Anabtawi, co-founder and CIO of Epic Padel.

"From a technical standpoint, the Lucra integration was exactly what Zero.40 needed to complete the player experience. We handle the booking, the analytics, the community, and now Lucra handles the competition and rewards layer. Together the platform gives operators everything they need to keep players engaged from the moment they book a court to the moment they cash out their winnings," said Ali Hammadi, CTO of Zero.40.

The partnership also underscores Lucra's growing presence in racquet sports, following its recent collaboration with Save My Play across tennis and pickleball courts. By embedding competition infrastructure at the platform level through Zero.40 rather than requiring standalone integrations, Lucra gives operators across the network the ability to launch gamified experiences in weeks, not months, and keep the competitive energy inside their own ecosystem.

The partnership will roll out this spring across all Epic Padel locations. As Zero.40 expands its operator network, Lucra's competition infrastructure will be available at every new venue it powers, extending the partnership's reach with each new club that comes online.

About Lucra

Lucra is a plug-and-play SDK that integrates into apps or websites, enabling peer-to-peer competitions with real-money or rewards. It handles compliance, payments, fraud prevention, and settlement out of the box, so partners can instantly offer gamified experiences without building or managing complex infrastructure themselves. Top entertainment, hospitality, and consumer brands, including Five Iron Golf, Puttshack, Backyard Sports, Chess Kings, TouchTunes, and more, use Lucra's white-label technology to power tournaments and challenges, build loyalty, and drive new revenue. Learn more at www.lucrasports.com.

About Epic Padel

Epic Padel is a Virginia-based Padel Club Operator, Padel Investor & Incubator dedicated to accelerating the growth of padel across the United States. Backed by a $10 million seed round led by NowaisWorld and Stryde Ventures, Epic Padel combines premium club operations with an investment and incubation platform supporting the next wave of padel innovation. The company also incubated Zero.40, a fully integrated padel member app that combines smart court booking, player analytics, ratings, and community engagement, and white-labels its platform to padel operators across the country. With a national expansion underway and a growing network of club and operator partners, Epic Padel is building the infrastructure for padel's American moment. Learn more at www.epic-padel.com.

Media Contact

Michael Madding
Chief Operating Officer, Lucra
michael@lucrasports.com