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ToolsGroup Recognized in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Supply Chain Planning Solutions

ToolsGroup

ToolsGroup, a global leader in retail and supply chain planning and optimization software, is proud to announce that it has been recognized in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Supply Chain Planning Solutions. Gartner Magic Quadrant research methodology provides a graphical competitive positioning of four types of technology providers in fast-growing markets: Leaders, Visionaries, Niche Players and Challengers. In the 2024 report, Gartner recognized ToolsGroup for its “ability to execute and completeness of vision.” ToolsGroup’s software solutions offer retailers, distributors and manufacturers a comprehensive set of capabilities that enhance the resilience and performance of their operations. Through a unique probabilistic planning approach that leverages AI and real-time enterprise data, ToolsGroup enables decision-making at the pace of modern business. These capabilities include proactive risk monitoring for anticipating and managing uncertainties, as well as advanced probabilistic techniques for precise demand and supply planning. Timely detection of supply chain events is also ensured through adept data latency handling, facilitating swift re-optimization. “We are honored to be once again recognized in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Supply Chain Planning Solutions,” said ToolsGroup CEO, Inna Kuznetsova. “We believe this recognition reflects our continuous efforts to drive supply chain efficiencies for our customers around the globe, making supply chain a force for good. Proud of the powerful results we deliver to our customers, we are committed to continued innovation as we expand the use of AI and decision-centric planning across the platform.” Get a complimentary copy of the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Supply Chain Planning Solutions here. This recognition in the Gartner Magic Quadrant follows ToolsGroup’s other recent recognitions in the Gartner® Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer: Supply Chain Planning Solutions and as a Notable Vendor in the 2023 Mid-Market Context Magic Quadrant™ for Supply Chain Planning Solutions. Read more about these reports and download a copy. Join ToolsGroup at the Gartner conference in Orlando ToolsGroup is exhibiting at the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium in Orlando, FL May 6-8. Attendees looking to experience the latest AI-based solutions should visit Booth #817 in the Planning Village. Book a meeting with our experts today! Chris Gonzales, Vice President, Operations & Supply Chain Shelter Solutions at Cornerstone Building Brands, one of ToolsGroup’s leading customers, will present on May 6 at 4:35 pm in the Supply Chain Expo, Stage 3 - Pacific Hall, discussing how a fast growing U.S. exterior building products company is leveraging digital supply chain technology from ToolsGroup and partner River Logic to unlock value as it embarks on a fast-paced growth journey with an aggressive acquisition strategy. Gartner Disclaimer: GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant and Peer Insights are a registered trademark, of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences with the vendors listed on the platform, should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo CSCOs and supply chain leaders are continuously confronted with increasingly complex challenges and are expected to outperform and overdeliver. Top supply chain organizations navigate through the turbulence by solving present-day issues and positioning themselves for long-term success. The Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™ 2024 conference offers pragmatic advice and future-focused insight for supply chains to deliver now and in the future. Network with 3,000+ peers and vet new technologies at our Exhibit Showcase. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and SUPPLY CHAIN SYMPOSIUM/XPO is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. About ToolsGroup ToolsGroup’s innovative AI-powered solutions enable retailers, distributors and manufacturers to navigate through supply chain uncertainty. Our retail and supply chain planning suites empower a new level of intelligent decision-making and unlock powerful business improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels and inventory – delighting customers and achieving financial and sustainability KPIs.. Stay in touch with ToolsGroup on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or visit www.toolsgroup.com. Contact Details Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://www.toolsgroup.com

April 30, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Gold Stocks Outperformed Bullion During Gold Bull Runs Over Past 20 Years – Junior Miners Like Austin Gold Offer Leveraged Bet On Gold Price

Benzinga

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga The allure of gold has once again captured the market's imagination, hinting at the onset of a potential bull run that could see prices soaring to unprecedented heights. In the midst of this financial fervor, gold exploration companies like Austin Gold (AMEX: AUST) could be positioned to reap significant benefits. The company is forecasting a wide range for gold prices this decade, but its upper bound is $35,000, largely based on the precious metal’s historic relationship to the monetary base. With that in mind, historical patterns have shown the tendency for gold mining stocks to significantly outperform bullion in bull markets over the past twenty years – setting the stage for a potentially lucrative era for miners and investors alike. Miners: The High Beta Beneficiaries In the world of gold investment, miners hold a unique position, offering what can be described as a leveraged bet on the price of gold. This leverage comes from their operational efficiencies and the ability to sell gold at higher margins during price surges, which can translate into substantial profit expansions. This capacity for increased cash flow not only enhances shareholder value through a higher stock price, dividends and a stronger balance sheet, but it also helps fund future exploration and development activities crucial for sustained growth. Despite their volatility and inherent risks, mining stocks present an attractive opportunity for those seeking outsized returns, especially in a climate where gold's role as a financial safe haven is increasingly relevant and a potential bull market sits on the horizon. The Lassonde Curve Austin Gold says it stands out in the exploration sector due to its high reward/risk position on the Lassonde Curve, which is central to the company’s approach, guiding it through the exploration lifecycle and toward discovery. The Lassonde Curve was conceptualized by mining expert Pierre Lassonde and charts the growth phases of junior mining companies from their start to potential acquisition. Lassonde is known for his leadership at Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) and for co-founding Franco-Nevada, as well as his successful application of a royalty model to gold mining that helped deliver substantial returns. The curve highlights the following key stages: Exploration: Initial geological assessments and drilling to identify potential deposits. Discovery: Positive assay results that confirm the presence of valuable minerals, generating market excitement. Feasibility: Conducting engineering assessments and studies on economic viability to determine if mining is financially feasible. Construction: Mobilizing significant capital to develop the mine and prepare for extraction. Ramping Up: Operations begin, gradually reaching full capacity and operational efficiency. Reserve Depletion: The mine's value decreases over time as resources are extracted and reserves diminish. In essence, the curve points out investment hotspots at discovery, post-feasibility and after construction before mines operate at full scale. This model aids in understanding junior miners' development while offering insights into potential strategic and high-return investments. The model has underscored the high return potential during the early stages of exploration, particularly for its properties like Austin Gold’s Stockade Mountain and Lone Mountain. Austin Gold says these projects exhibit untapped potential, with previous explorations by industry majors not fully exploring the depth or extent of these sites. At Stockade Mountain, Austin Gold's targeted exploration aims to uncover the high-grade veins that lie beneath, with preliminary drilling results already showing promise. Austin Gold’s Unique Position As Austin Gold marches forward in its promising exploration endeavors, it has likened its efforts to the pharmaceutical industry's R&D model, systematically pursuing high-value targets with the potential for "multibagger" returns upon discovery. By employing modern exploration techniques and adhering to a disciplined exploration strategy, Austin Gold says it is investing in the future with the hope of securing significant discovery results that can buoy it to new heights in its early stages along the Lassonde Curve. In other words, Austin Gold sits at the early stages of this curve where it holds the most potential for returns. As one of the few listed gold exploration companies on the NYSE American, the company is figuratively and literally looking to strike gold that could return significant multiples on its investment, especially if gold prices continue to rise much higher. Gold On The Horizon As the gold market teeters on the brink of a possible new bull run, the spotlight turns to exploration companies like Austin Gold. With the potential for gold prices to reach new heights, the company's strategic position, experienced team and promising projects potentially place it at the forefront of the industry's next wave of success. In a world increasingly attuned to the value of gold as a hedge against uncertainty, Austin Gold's exploration efforts offer a vivid illustration of the sector's growth possibilities and the lucrative opportunities that lie ahead. The journey of gold exploration is fraught with challenges, but for those like Austin Gold, it's a path paved with golden opportunities. Featured photo by Zlaťáky.cz on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

April 30, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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3 Penny Cryptos With Massive Potential in 2024: Dogecoin, Hedera, and Raboo

Total Media

As the crypto landscape continues to evolve post-Bitcoin halving, investors are keenly scouting for opportunities that promise high returns without the hefty investment. Penny cryptos, known for their affordability and moonshot potential for substantial gains, are attracting attention. In 2024, three such cryptos — Dogecoin, Hedera, and Raboo — look set to make significant impacts. Among these, Raboo stands out not only for its price, but also for its innovative approach and growing community support. Dogecoin: The popular favourite Dogecoin, the original meme coin, remains a favourite among investors for its viral appeal and robust community. Despite its origins as a joke, Dogecoin has seen substantial real-world application and adoption by retailers and even fundraisers. While Dogecoin’s price often benefits from social media hype and celebrity endorsements, it maintains a resilience that could see new heights in this current market phase, especially with growing mainstream acceptance. Hedera: The enterprise mover Hedera has carved a niche for itself with its highly efficient hashgraph technology, setting it apart from typical blockchain models. Known for its low fees and high-speed transactions, Hedera appeals to enterprise clients looking to integrate blockchain solutions without the environmental cost associated with traditional models. As businesses continue to prioritize sustainability, Hedera’s practical applications in the real world could lead to increased demand and higher token valuation. Raboo: The Innovative Challenger Raboo is swiftly climbing the ranks as a noteworthy contender in the penny crypto space. This AI-backed meme coin distinguishes itself through technological innovation — leveraging artificial intelligence to scan, analyze, and propagate only the highest quality memes, ensuring viral potential and engagement. With a third stage price of just $0.0042 and predictions of a 100x return, Raboo’s presale phase has already attracted massive levels of attention. The token’s structure promises not only profitability but also active community involvement and rewards, which could solidify its place as a staple in the portfolios of both meme coin enthusiasts and serious investors. Investment potential and market trends The investment appeal of penny cryptos like Dogecoin, Hedera, and Raboo lies in their low entry cost and potential for moonshot returns. For Dogecoin, its enduring popularity and increasing integration into payment systems provide a stable growth outlook. Hedera’s appeal lies in its revolutionary tech and green credentials, which are likely to attract institutional investors as the market shifts towards sustainability. Raboo, however, offers a unique proposition by combining the virality of meme coins with sophisticated AI technology, making it the top investment for those looking to capitalize on quick gains while engaging in a vibrant, interactive community. With its strategic marketing and solid tokenomics, Raboo is not just another meme coin but a potential market mover in 2024. As the crypto market continues to mature, the penny cryptos segment presents exciting opportunities for investors willing to explore less traditional paths. Dogecoin, Hedera, and Raboo each offer unique attributes that could lead to substantial returns. Particularly, Raboo, with its innovative use of AI in the crypto market, is set to not just participate but potentially lead the next wave of crypto trends. For those looking to diversify into dynamic and potentially lucrative realms of the crypto world, these three penny cryptos present compelling cases for consideration. You can participate in the Raboo presale here. Contact Details Total Media Solutions media@Totalsolutionspr.io

April 30, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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EcoAi Coin: A Sustainable Digital Token For A Greener Planet

Benzinga

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga Environmental sustainability is a topic garnering more and more attention (and concern), which leaves innovative approaches to fostering greener, more sustainable practices highly valued. The ECOAI Coin initiative is one such innovation, creating an economic system designed to reward individuals and organizations for their sustainable actions. This digital token aims to build a symbiotic relationship between ecology and economy by incentivizing positive environmental behaviors. How The ECOAI Coin Works The ECOAI Coin operates on a simple yet effective principle: perform sustainable actions, earn ECOAI Coins. These actions can range from cycling to work, choosing meat-free meals, recycling or even attending educational workshops on sustainability. Each action is verified through a tailored web-based app and earns participants ECOAI Coins, which are stored in a digital wallet. However, the appeal of ECOAI Coin doesn't just stop at earning; it extends to spending. The ECOAI Coin marketplace offers a diverse range of products and services that embody sustainability. Participants can use their coins to access circular products (items kept in the economy without using new virgin resources), eco-friendly experiences or even rent a Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) for the weekend. The marketplace not only provides an avenue to spend earned coins but also encourages a continuous engagement with sustainable practices by offering discounts on environmentally friendly items and services. The ECOAI Coin Marketplace And Incentives The ECOAI Coin initiative creates a robust marketplace and serves as a hub for the circular economy, promoting the reuse and recycling of resources as opposed to the make-consume-throw away model generally practiced today. It includes exclusive content, upcycled products like water bottles and opportunities to engage in eco-friendly activities such as attending music festivals with a green agenda. The system incentivizes individuals by making sustainable choices rewarding but also assists organizations and municipalities in reducing environmental footprints. By integrating the ECOAI Coin into daily activities and corporate operations, a broader adoption of green practices is encouraged, thereby fostering a culture of sustainability within communities. The ECO Award Annually, the ECOAI Coin initiative goes a step further to recognize and honor those who have made significant contributions to sustainability through the ECOAI Award. This accolade celebrates individuals and projects that have shown exceptional dedication to enhancing our planet’s health. Past recipients include innovators like Yoyo Yogasmana, who shared sustainable farming techniques in Indonesia, and Dave Hakkens, known for his development of open-source recycling machines. The criteria for this award focus on community-driven projects that blend nature with technology and broadly share that knowledge, reinforcing the initiative's mission to collectively create a more sustainable world. The Future Of ECOAI Coin The ECOAI Coin initiative represents a promising shift toward integrating sustainability into the economic systems that drive daily life. By rewarding eco-friendly choices with a digital currency that can be spent on sustainable goods and services, it can potentially contribute to closing the gap between ecological responsibility and economic incentive. As the ECOAI Coin continues to evolve, its potential to expand and adapt to various community goals offers a scalable solution to one of the most pressing issues of our time: how to sustain our planet for future generations. Through its innovative approach, the ECOAI Coin sets a precedent for how money can contribute positively to the world, encouraging us all to take part in the movement for a greener earth. Featured photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

April 30, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Why Gold Prices Are At Record Highs And What It Means For Miners

Benzinga

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga After years of consolidation, the price of gold has surged to record highs, with the precious metal’s price reaching more than $2,250 per ounce. There are a number of factors driving this push to new heights that are worth exploring, and this trend could have serious implications for gold miners. Gold prices and miners are naturally highly correlated, but the latter has lagged behind the precious metal, potentially creating a favorable investment opportunity as prices head higher. Factors Fueling Gold’s Record Surge There are three main drivers of gold prices at the moment, First is the anticipation of interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve. As an asset, gold typically moves inversely to interest rates. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold, making it more attractive compared to fixed-income assets such as bonds. As such, predictions of rate cuts in 2024 have fueled speculation and investment in gold. Second, economic uncertainty – compounded by geopolitical conflicts in regions like the Middle East and Eastern Europe – has reinforced gold's role as a safe haven investment. During periods of volatility, gold tends to perform well, offering investors a hedge against inflation as a stabilizing asset for their portfolios. Growing concerns around unsustainable levels of debt in and outside the U.S. have also led many to gold as a trusted store of value. Coupled with the current geopolitical risks, this seems to present an ideal environment for gold to thrive. Finally, an increase in purchases by central banks and foreign investors has significantly contributed to the surge in gold prices. Central banks, particularly those in countries like China, Poland and Singapore, have been amassing gold in record amounts, driven by the need to diversify reserves and mitigate geopolitical risks. Additionally, retail purchases in countries like China, India and Turkey underscore the widespread appeal of gold as a hedge against economic instability and currency volatility. Gold Miners And Gold Prices The relationship between gold miners and the price of gold has been a complex one, especially since the turn of the millennium. Initially, during the first decade of the gold bull market, mining equities surpassed bullion in performance. However, this trend reversed after August 2011 when gold mining stocks began to underperform relative to gold's price. This shift was attributed to a variety of factors, including skepticism about the sustainability of high gold prices, which dampened the perceived value of mining stocks. Despite these obstacles, the potential for a resurgence in the value of gold mining equities remains, particularly if gold prices experience another significant breakout. Sprott's Gold ETFs For investors looking to gain exposure to gold, Sprott’s Gold ETFs offer a viable solution. The Sprott Gold Miners ETF (ARCA: SGDM) is designed to provide investors with access to the gold mining sector, tracking the Solactive Gold Miners Custom Factors Index. This index selects companies based on their revenue growth, free cash flow yield and low long-term debt-to-equity ratios, prioritizing larger gold mining companies in Canada and the U.S. Similarly, the Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (ARCA: SGDJ) caters to those interested in the small-cap segment of the gold mining industry. By aiming to replicate the performance of the Solactive Junior Gold Miners Custom Factors Index, SGDJ focuses on smaller capitalization gold companies, offering a blend of junior gold producers and exploration companies as investment opportunities. The Golden Opportunity As the global economic landscape contends with growing uncertainty, gold's role as a safe haven asset and store of value appears very much intact. In light of everything we are seeing – from lower rates, global conflicts and central bank buying – many investors are beginning to believe we are on the cusp of another major bull run that could send prices and miners to unprecedented levels. It’s anybody’s guess where markets are headed, but with tools like Sprott's Gold Miners ETFs providing avenues for exposure, investors have the opportunity to capture this potential golden opportunity. Featured photo by Zlaťáky.cz on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

April 30, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

Transak Enables Fiat Purchases on VeChain’s NFT Marketplace Service, Supports Gresini Racing’s First Collection

Transak

Transak’s NFT Checkout has made its way on VeChain’s Marketplace-as-a-Service (MaaS) (MaaS) platform. The partnership and consequent integration opened fiat-to-NFT purchases for the platform in over 160 countries and at a low purchasing limit of just $0.01 — an industry first rate. On the heels of the partnership, Gresini Racing offered the team’s NFTs on the platform, as a part of its collaboration with Transak. The partnership with Transak ensures the most simple and seamless checkout solution for Gresini Racing’s largely web2-native community. The combination of VeChain and Transak’s technologies are helping to streamline the use and adoption of blockchain tools, by abstracting away the technical nuances that would otherwise be necessary to perform an NFT transaction. MaaS was recently announced by VeChain as a new platform that fulfills an important role within the digital asset space — a no-code NFT marketplace platform that represents both digital and physical products, for use by both individuals and businesses. The platform’s launch is a response to the growing demand for tools that facilitate the onboarding of tokenized real-world assets, streamlining the process for those unfamiliar with blockchain intricacies. For sports clubs and racing teams like Gresini Racing, the advent of MaaS coupled with Transak’s Web3-gaming-focused NFT Checkout solution is a game-changer. It opens up new avenues for fan engagement and monetization, allowing them to offer exclusive, tokenized content to a global audience. Alessandro Raboni, Head of Growth at Transak, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Gresini Racing and for their new NFT marketplace launch on VeChain. This collaboration represents a significant leap in Web3 innovations as it effectively connects the world of motorsports with the new ownership-driven internet economy. With Transak’s NFT Checkout solution, fans worldwide can now effortlessly purchase NFTs using their preferred payment methods, from as little as one cent to up to seventy-five thousand dollars per transaction. This integration enhances accessibility and promotes a new dimension of fan engagement in motorsports.” The partnership also brought into play the concept of ‘phygitals’, a blend of physical and digital assets made possible through NFC technology. This means fans can own a piece of memorabilia that is both tangible and enhanced with digital features, creating a more immersive and interactive experience. Ben Moran, Product Manager at the VeChain Foundation, noted: “The launch of Marketplace-as-a-Service is a huge achievement for our team, representing a powerful new addition to our tool suite – we can’t wait to see it deployed by users even more widely in the coming years. This collaboration with Transak as NFT checkout service provider, allows us to greatly streamline the ease of use for Gresini Racing’s Motorsport fans, and make the whole experience a simple and enjoyable one.” About Transak Transak is a global web3 payment and onboarding infrastructure provider, facilitating seamless transitions between traditional finance and crypto assets. Web3 platforms using Transak can embed the best way to onboard users by enabling them to buy or sell crypto assets from 160+ countries, as Transak abstracts away the complexity of user KYC, risk monitoring, compliance, payment methods and customer support. Transak’s product suite includes robust fiat-to-crypto services (On/Off-Ramps), a fiat-to-smart-contract solution (Transak One), and a fiat-to-NFT checkout solution. As a regulated, non-custodial payments layer, Transak supports onboarding to 170+ crypto assets across 75+ blockchains. Trusted by over 350+ applications, including MetaMask and Coinbase Wallet, Transak is making web3 applications more accessible. For more information, visit https://transak.com/ or follow us on https://twitter.com/Transak. About VeChain VeChain, headquartered in San Marino, Europe, is the curator of VeChainThor, a world-leading smart contract platform spearheading the real-world adoption of blockchain technology. By leveraging the capabilities of ‘trustless’ data (information without intermediaries), smart contracts, and IoT technologies, VeChainThor has enabled enterprise solutions across a wide array of fields. VeChain now turns its attention to the greatest challenge of all — building digital ecosystems to drive sustainability and digital transformation at global scale. Learn more about VeChain on vechain.org Contact Details Transak Aman Kalra amankalra@transak.com

April 30, 2024 08:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

With Demand For Japanese Beauty Products Growing, Yoshitsu Sets Its Sights On The US, Gears Up For More Brick-And-Mortar Expansion

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga The Japanese beauty market is growing as consumers from the U.S. to England seek to get their hands on a class of products with a reputation in the marketplace for being high-quality, effective and long-lasting. These beauty products also offer consumers a minimalist approach to skincare instead of a multi-step, complicated morning and bedtime routine. It is something consumers are increasingly embracing. Endorsements from social media influencers and celebrities are also helping drive demand for Japanese-based beauty products in the U.S. and beyond. As of 2022, the global J-beauty products market size was valued at $33.11 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2023 through 2030. That strong demand for J-beauty products is an opportunity for Japanese health and beauty companies including Yoshitsu Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: TKLF). The company makes and sells beauty, health and household products to consumers and businesses, operating physical and online stores in Japan, Hong Kong, China and Korea. Yoshitsu also operates franchise stores in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. and is focused on expanding more in the U.S., building on the momentum it had in 2023. USA In Its Sights “Our primary focus in 2024 will be on brand expansion, particularly in the United States. We plan to open more flagship stores, offering an unparalleled shopping experience that showcases the essence of our brand,” Mei Kanayama, the principal executive officer of Yoshitsu, said in a recent letter to shareholders. “Building on our successful launches in 2023, we plan to inaugurate more direct-sale stores in key cities including New York, Boston, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The move is a critical step in our global expansion strategy. We expect these stores to not only serve as retail outlets but also as cultural ambassadors of the unique value and exceptional quality that Yoshitsu represents. We hope the flourishing of our direct-sale model will develop deeper customer connections and enhance our brand awareness in the local market.” Yoshitsu is taking a multi-prong approach to build its brand awareness in the U.S. and drive sales. For starters, it is inking alliances with established retailers in the U.S. to get the word out about its products. Among these alliances is Yoshitsu’s deal with CROSSING Inc., the Los Angeles-based collectible card retailer and live-streaming distributor. As part of the deal reached last fall, CROSSING has the exclusive rights to procure and distribute Yoshitsu’s products through its sales channels including live-streaming e-commerce channels and online shops. Seen as a springboard for future similar alliances, Yoshitsu said at the time that the alliance is a mechanism to amplify the company’s visibility in the U.S. market, elevate its brand and drive customer demand. Reaching US Consumers Directly In addition to selling its products through partners' sales channels, Yoshitsu is also reaching consumers directly in the U.S. by opening up retail locations in big cities around the country. The goal is to launch stores in New York, Boston, Seattle, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. In December it opened its first U.S. store in Seattle near the University of Washington. The U.S. flagship store is 6,000 square feet, featuring a range of more than 8,000 in-stock items, and is located near the expressway and the light rail station, which enhances accessibility, the company said. To cater to local customers, Yoshitsu said the store sells a lot of tech-related products. In New York, Yoshitsu plans to focus on introducing a variety of cosmetics that cater to international tastes, and in Las Vegas, the store displays and counters will be full of products for customers traveling to Sin City. The goal with its U.S. stores is to stock them with a diverse portfolio of products including cosmetics, skincare, over-the-counter drugs, nutritional supplements, home goods, food and alcoholic beverages. The stores will also have a local warehouse to support operations. Yoshitsu also created two new subsidiaries in the U.S.: Tokyo Lifestyle Holding Inc. and REIWATAKIYA BOS LLC. The company said it will use the two units to grow in the U.S., streamline international logistics and improve cross-border communications. With a local U.S. presence, the company has established a broad U.S. presence to better meet domestic U.S. market demands. “Launching our direct-sale Stores in the U.S. is a transformative step for Yoshitsu. By streamlining operations in-house in the U.S., we’re not just aiming to build closer ties with the U.S. market, but we are also seeking to enhance operational control to improve our service standards,” said Kanayama. “We believe that the opening of the Stores will be instrumental in elevating our customers’ shopping experience, from their initial interaction to post-purchase support.” Featured photo courtesy of Yoshitsu. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

April 30, 2024 08:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Marti’s Ride-Hailing Service In Growth Mode, Reaches 788,000 Riders And Over 145,000 Registered Drivers – Company Revises June Target Upwards

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Marti Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: MRT), the leading urban mobility app in Türkiye, hit a major milestone earlier this month with more than 788,000 unique riders and over 145,000 registered drivers using its ride hailing service. Marti’s ride hailing service connects riders with drivers of cars, motorcycles, and taxis. Since the end of December, ridership has soared 58% while the number of drivers increased 36%. By June 30, 2024, Marti expects to grow even more and has increased its target from 850,000 unique riders to 900,000 while maintaining a target of 155,000 registered drivers. “The fast growth in both the rider and driver sides of Marti’s ride-hailing marketplace demonstrates the strong need for the service across Türkiye,” Marti said when announcing the growth in riders and drivers. “The service intends to provide readily available, safe and affordable rides for riders, while providing economic opportunities for drivers across the income spectrum.” Demand For Alternatives The ride-hailing market is taking off in Türkiye as consumers look for a convenient and affordable alternative to taxis. It's also being driven by local players like Marti who are gaining market share because they understand the unique needs and requirements of Turkish clients, such as accepting cash payments. Marti currently does not enable online payment for the service over its app or charge a fee for the service. A large portion of the Turkish population lives in congested cities and seeks ways to alleviate traffic jams and pollution. Ride-hailing services like Marti are seen as a way to combat that, and provide an easy way to navigate the cities. As a result, the ride-hailing market in Türkiye is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% between now and 2028. McKinsey & Company estimates the potential size of the Turkish ride-hailing market in 2030 at $15 billion to $20 billion. Leader In The Making? Recognizing that unmet need to help people in Türkiye get around, in 2019 Marti launched its super app and in less than five years has morphed into a leader in the marketplace. Not only does it match riders with cars, but it also has motorcycle-hailing and taxi-hailing services, and operates a large fleet of rental e-mopeds, e-bikes and e-scooters. All of Marti’s offerings are serviced by proprietary software systems and IoT infrastructure. Another claim to fame for this up-and-coming company is its New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) American stock listing, which Marti accomplished this past summer. It is relatively rare for a Turkish company to debut on a U.S. stock exchange, but Marti did exactly that after merging with Galata Acquisition Corp in July 2023 to become the first company from Türkiye to list directly on the NYSE. What sets Marti apart from other ride-hailing services and traditional taxis is its concentration throughout Türkiye, and in particular in Istanbul. With an unofficial population of over 20 million people, Istanbul is the largest city in Europe; bigger than cities like London, Paris, and Berlin. Of the company’s 145,000 registered drivers, more than 122,000 are in Istanbul. That compares to just 19,845 taxis operating in the city. That equates to 6.2 times more registered drivers than taxis serving the city. With widespread coverage across Istanbul, it's not hard to see why Marti is so popular. The company also says it takes care of driver safety, with Marti’s drivers undergoing formal background checks before acceptance into the service. Marti reports that the average rating of its ride-hailing drivers is 4.8 out of 5 stars. The ride-hailing market in Türkiye seems to be taking off thanks to companies like Marti, which saw a need and met it. With operations across Türkiye, Marti is in growth mode, with more of that expected in the months to come. Featured photo by Osman Köycü on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

April 30, 2024 08:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

Sui Teams Up with Google Cloud to Drive Web3 Innovation with Enhanced Security, Scalability and AI Capabilities

Sui

Collaboration focuses on tackling key Web3 challenges through data-driven insights, AI-powered development tools and zero-knowledge proofs Sui, the Layer 1 blockchain and smart contract platform created and launched by the core research team responsible for building Facebook’s Libra and Diem projects, is collaborating with Google Cloud to support the future of Web3, via a partnership with Mysten Labs. This joint effort will focus on enhancing security, scalability, developer tools, and user experiences across a range of Web3 and AI-powered applications. Key initiatives of this partnership include: Data-Driven dApps Google Cloud strengthened its commitment to Sui’s development ecosystem by integrating Sui blockchain data into BigQuery public datasets, providing developers with powerful analytics tools, unlocking new insights and innovative dApp possibilities. AI-Enhanced Development Sui used Google Cloud’s generative AI platform, Vertex AI, and trained it on the Move programming language, to help Web3 developers debug and augment code generation. Mysten Labs created a new AI-based code auditing tool using Google Cloud’s AI and Cloud capabilities, that identifies security vulnerabilities in Rust, Move, Typescript and Solidity, augmenting security efforts to quickly identify and improve vulnerable code. Seamless User Experience Sui's zkLogin technology already demonstrates the potential of this collaboration, as it bridges some of the gaps between traditional (Web2) and decentralized (Web3) applications. zkLogin is a fundamental cryptographic primitive that uses OAuth credentials from Google and other trusted Web2 platforms, allowing frictionless authentication of crypto wallets and dApps on Sui. Robust and Scalable Infrastructure Sui leveraged Google Cloud's globally scalable infrastructure to power the security and high transaction throughput of its network. This integration ensures high performance and seamless capacity to scale. “Collaborating with Google Cloud helps us propel the development of secure, scalable, and user-centric Web3 experiences," said Evan Cheng, CEO and co-founder of Mysten Labs. "Google Cloud's infrastructure and cutting-edge AI capabilities complement Sui's unique technological strengths, empowering all types of developers to create the next generation of decentralized applications on Sui." "We are committed to supporting Web3 innovation with our secure cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities,” said Amit Zavery, VP and general manager, and Head of Platform, Google Cloud. "Sui's advanced blockchain technology and commitment to user-friendly experiences make them a valuable collaborator for delivering transformative applications that can be easily embraced by Web3 and Web2 developers.” Google Cloud is also committed to empowering the Sui developer community through its Web3 Startup Program. This initiative offers resources including Google Cloud credits, access to Discord channels with Web3 experts, foundation grants and global events, all designed to accelerate the development of innovative applications on Sui. About Sui Sui is a first-of-its-kind Layer 1 blockchain and smart contract platform designed from the bottom up to make digital asset ownership fast, private, secure, and accessible to everyone. Its object-centric model, based on the Move programming language, enables parallel execution, sub-second finality, and rich on-chain assets. With horizontally scalable processing and storage, Sui supports a wide range of applications with unrivaled speed at low cost. Sui is a step-function advancement in blockchain and a platform on which creators and developers can build amazing, user-friendly experiences. Learn more: https://sui.io About Mysten Labs Mysten Labs is a team of leading distributed systems, programming languages, and cryptography experts whose founders were senior executives and lead architects of pioneering blockchain projects. The mission of Mysten Labs is to create foundational infrastructure for web3. Learn more: https://mystenlabs.com About Google Cloud Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner. Contact Details Mysten Labs Lexi Wangler lexi.wangler@mystenlabs.com

April 30, 2024 08:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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