All Industries

VISIONARY DIRECTOR JONATHAN BAKER ANNOUNCES FINAL FILM “ICON” AND SETS PRODUCTION FOR 2025

FATE

Los Angeles, CA (May 28, 2024) - Baker Entertainment Group, a film development and production company rooted in the tradition of classic Hollywood romance by visionary filmmaker Jonathan Baker, announced today it has wrapped production on “Fate” and is looking ahead to its next and final film. Baker’s next project “ICON” will be his final act as he sets sail on his directorial career in Hollywood. ”ICON” is about a soul that moves through a hundred years until it reaches its destiny as a rock star, using one family’s saga through immigration and musical history as its backdrop. “ICON” will head into production in 2025. "I've waited my entire life to share this story," said Jonathan Baker. "This narrative of ICON is crucial to America, highlighting the significance of immigration and how it shaped our nation. Our past is integral to our identity. A film like ICON is truly unique; it blends a historical perspective with a musical lens like never before." Baker envisions a star-studded ensemble cast coming together to create what he calls “a musical masterpiece” for “ICON”. Production on Baker’s last film “Fate” has wrapped, featuring an all star cast that includes Academy Award-winning actor Faye Dunaway (“Bonnie & Clyde”, “Chinatown”), Academy Award-nominee Harvey Keitel (“Bugsy”, “Taxi Driver”), Actor, Director, Writer, Andrew McCarthy (“The Blacklist,” “Orange is the New Black”, “Brats”), Brandon Routh (“Superman Returns”), Mena Suvari (“Grace and Grit”), Cheech Marin (“From Dusk Till Dawn”), and Janet Montgomery (“Black Swan”, “Black Mirror”). “The magic of the film is that everyone is not what they appear to be”, said Academy Award-winner Faye Dunaway. Jonathan Baker spent two years crafting the cast of “Fate” by hiring against type for each role. “Fate” and “ICON” are both co-written by Micheal Buhlman and Jonathan Baker. “Fate” is currently looking for a domestic distributor who believes in theatrical releases. Highland Film Group is handling international sales which kicked off at this year's Cannes Film Festival. For more information, please visit https://www.bakerentertainmentgroup.com/. ### Contact Details Jive PR + Digital Jordan Parlee jordan@jiveprdigital.com Company Website https://www.bakerentertainmentgroup.com

June 04, 2024 02:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time

HTX Issues Security Alert Regarding Exchange Accounts Amid Rising Cyber Treats

HTX

Singapore / June 3, 2024 – In light of the increasing sophistication of recent cyberattacks targeting cryptocurrency exchange accounts, HTX, the crypto exchange giant, reportedly issued an urgent security alert to its worldwide users to enhance their security vigilance for safeguarding assets. Recent Cyberattacks and Analysis Case 1: A user's Chrome browser was infiltrated via the malicious "Aggr" plugin, resulting in the hijacking of browser cookies. Attackers exploited these cookies to access the user's account of a certain exchange without a login password and 2FA code and transfer out $1 million assets by wash trading. Case 2: Another user fell victim to a sophisticated attack where attackers purchased their personal information on Telegram. The attackers manipulated the user's exchange account through email login and the forgot password option. Subsequently, they applied to change account settings, such as phone number, email address, and even Google Authenticator with AI-generated videos. This breach culminated in the theft of over $2 million assets after 24 hours of changing the account password. These cases underscore the evolvement of cyber threats, particularly as AI technology is increasingly leveraged by malicious actors. It would be the best if users adopt robust security measures to protect their personal information and assets. For those holding substantial investments, it is critical to implement measures for stringent privacy and isolation, such as disabling third-party plugins and regularly logging out of accounts. HTX’s Commitment to User Asset Security: Timely Upgrade of Security System As a world-leading cryptocurrency exchange, HTX is unwavering in its priority for user asset security. The exchange's security team continuously enhances its security management including security reserves and real-time security upgrades to counteract emerging threats. HTX advises users to adhere to the following security practices: 1. Phone Security: When accessing HTX on smartphones, ensure your device security by avoiding the installation of untrusted third-party apps. Only download the HTX app from official app stores and authorized channels. 2. PC Security: For login via PC, ensure your device is protected with robust antivirus software. Avoid installing untrusted third-party applications and browser extensions. Moreover, HTX maintains a reserve ratio exceeding 100%, assuring users that their assets are always fully withdrawable. The exchange provides monthly disclosures of reserve ratios and open-source verification tools for Merkle tree data, wallet address ownership, and on-chain assets. Looking ahead, HTX is poised to employ even higher financial standards to ensure the long-term security of user assets. About HTX Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved over a decade from a simple cryptocurrency exchange to a comprehensive blockchain business ecosystem. This expansion covers a wide range of services including digital asset trading, financial derivatives, wallets, research, investments, incubation, and more. As a world-leading portal to Web 3.0, HTX is committed to a growth strategy focused on global expansion, ecological prosperity, wealth effect, and safety and compliance. This approach enables us to offer comprehensive, safe, and reliable services and value to virtual currency enthusiasts around the world, reinforcing our position as a global gateway to Web3. Contact Details Michael Wang glo-media@htx-inc.com Company Website https://www.htx.com About HTX Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved over a decade from a simple cryptocurrency exchange to a comprehensive blockchain business ecosystem. This expansion covers a wide range of services including digital asset trading, financial derivatives, wallets, research, investments, incubation, and more. As a world-leading portal to Web 3.0, HTX is committed to a growth strategy focused on global expansion, ecological prosperity, wealth effect, and safety and compliance. This approach enables us to offer comprehensive, safe, and reliable services and value to virtual currency enthusiasts around the world, reinforcing our position as a global gateway to Web3. Contact Details Michael Wang glo-media@htx-inc.com Company Website https://www.htx.com/

June 04, 2024 02:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Mediavine Builds Out C-Suite with New Executive Promotions

Kite Hill PR

Mediavine, the largest exclusive full-service ad management firm in the U.S., is building out its C-Suite with key executive promotions. Amanda Martin is taking the newly created role of Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), while Jamie Lieberman expands her role from Chief Legal Officer to Chief Legal Officer & Chief Operations Officer (CLO/COO). These strategic additions to the leadership team enable Mediavine to proactively find solutions within the media industry while continuing to propel Mediavine’s business growth by bringing the highest value to the buy and sell sides including agencies, brands and publishers. Martin joined Mediavine over a year ago as SVP of Monetization and Business Strategy to optimize growing relationships across the buy and sell sides and has been a key representative for Mediavine in the industry. Martin will lead all revenue related activity including Sales, AdTech, Ad Operations, Partnerships & Commercial Data Strategy, while overseeing Mediavine’s growing DSP and SSP relationships. Martin will also be responsible for Mediavine’s marketing efforts which include a strategic move to tie marketing initiatives more closely to revenue. Previously, Martin served as SVP of Corporate Development and Strategic Partnerships at digital agency Goodway Group. “I have always been a firm believer that collaboration between the buy and sell sides is what yields the best results for both. This has been how I approached my role at Mediavine, helping our extensive publishing community navigate big industry changes and expand Mediavine beyond supply to highlight the audience strengths of mid to long tail publishers,” said Amanda Martin. “In my new role as CRO, I remain focused on the connection between demand generated from the buy side to the benefit of the publisher and sell side.” The strategic decision to combine the legal and operations roles at Mediavine is a reflection of the industry's changing landscape and Lieberman's experience as Mediavine's General Counsel, during which she operationalized numerous aspects of the business. This experience has allowed her to integrate processes to create a more sophisticated data-driven organization. In her new role, she continues to influence strategic direction on policies and procedures, intellectual property, contract negotiations and compliance, while also taking on Operations, including Project Management, InfoSec, IT, and Business Intelligence. "Privacy and data are two important pillars to our organization, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to oversee the legal and operations teams at Mediavine to ensure we are leading the industry through our approach,” said Jamie Lieberman. "I look forward to working closely with our team to ensure that we continue to navigate the legal and operational challenges of the digital media industry successfully." “We are excited to build out our C-Suite with the introduction of these two important roles. Amanda and Jamie have proven themselves to be highly strategic and innovative leaders who are helping to evolve our company in a way that sets us up for continued success. By streamlining operations, legal, marketing and sales, we become more agile, effective and ultimately a stronger partner to our publishers as well as brand and agency partners,” said Eric Hochberger, Mediavine Co-Founder and CEO. “I am also personally proud to expand the leadership team with two women who are strong believers in supporting and promoting other women in AdTech, a value that Mediavine and I share and will continue to champion.” About Mediavine Mediavine is the largest exclusive independent full-service ad management company, representing and monetizing approximately 11,000 publisher partner websites with 1.6 billion monthly pageviews in addition to its owned and operated properties. Mediavine proudly ranks as a Comscore top two lifestyle property with 150+ million unique monthly visitors and 17 billion monthly ad impressions. Mediavine is a Google Certified Publishing Partner - Premier, Great Place to Work®, I nc. 2022 Best Workplace, Fortune 2022 Best Medium Workplace, Ad Age 2022 Best Place to Work, and 2023 Inc. 5000. To learn more about Mediavine, visit www.mediavine.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Contact Details Kite Hill PR Geanna Diaz mediavine@kitehillpr.com

June 04, 2024 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

CPV Begins Operations at Stagecoach Solar in Macon County, GA

CPV

Today, Competitive Power Ventures’ (CPV) affiliate CPV Renewable Power announced the commencement of operations at CPV Stagecoach Solar, an 80-MW ac solar power generation facility in Macon County, Georgia. Utilizing over 180,000 bi-facial solar panels and single-axis tracking to maximize energy production, the project will help avoid nearly 80,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year by displacing generation from older, nonrenewable facilities. This is equivalent to removing approximately 16,000 cars from the road. “Our vision for a reliable, low carbon electric supply includes a substantial amount of solar and wind which requires an accelerated build out of this technology,” said Gary Lambert, CEO of CPV. “Having the plan is only one part of the equation - actual execution takes a tremendous amount of collaboration and effort from everyone involved. We are proud to be celebrating alongside the local community and our partners as we bring emission free generation to the grid.” “Bringing our second utility-scale solar project online in just a few months shows CPV’s commitment to a lower carbon future. By working with partners and the local community, we can use our industry experience to help create a reliable, sustainable grid,” said Sean Finnerty, President of Renewables for CPV. “Of course, we would not be reaching this milestone if it were not for the support of both Andersonville and Macon County throughout the development and construction process. Our team looks forward to our continued engagement and being part of this community for many years to come.” “This was something our team worked on for a long time, bringing a solar project to this county. We are excited to see CPV Stagecoach come online and grateful to CPV for their hard work in making it a reality,” said Gerald Beckham, Executive Director of The Development Authority of Macon County and Chamber of Commerce. “Already we have reaped the economic benefits of the project, allowing us to inject funds into critical resources all while helping bring new clean energy to Georgia.” CPV Stagecoach Solar was constructed with the expertise of Vanguard Energy Partners, a leading solar Engineering, Procurement, Construction firm, which will also manage the day-to-day operations of the facility. “Safety was our highest priority during construction,” said Geoffrey Fairclough, President of Vanguard Energy Partners. “The dedication of everyone involved is evident in the high-quality result, reflecting our commitment to project excellence.” CPV Stagecoach Solar is the company’s second recent utility scale solar project to enter operations after CPV Maple Hill Solar. It joins five operating wind projects in the company’s renewable portfolio alongside nearly 4 GW of additional renewable projects in development. CPV remains committed to developing and bringing online a mix of renewable and low carbon dispatchable generation to ensure grid reliability and help drive decarbonization in a responsible way. About CPV CPV Group LP, a partnership majority owned by OPC Energy Ltd., has 25 years of unprecedented success in the development and operation of highly efficient and low emitting electric generation and renewable projects in the United States. CPV is focused on applying its development, financial and project management expertise to advance the next generation of technologies. After bringing on 5.3 GW of natural gas, wind, and solar generation since 2010 and with a current pipeline of over 10 GW of renewable and dispatchable generation projects, including utility-scale carbon capture, CPV is well positioned to help drive the nation’s decarbonization goals forward. For more information: please visit www.cpv.com and follow CPV on LinkedIn. About OPC Energy OPC Energy Ltd. (OPCE:Tel Aviv), is an energy company leading the Energy Transition revolution in Israel and the USA, and provides electricity in an efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly manner while combining solar energy, wind and natural gas with high efficiency. In Israel, OPC is the first and leading private electricity producer, offering its customers an integrated energy solution that includes the supply of all energy needs through the company's production sites and in the customer's yard using natural gas and solar energy, as well as charging electric vehicles. In the USA, the company operates through the CPV Group, which supplies electricity using efficient natural gas and wind energy, and also builds and develops Powerhouse using natural gas, natural gas with reduced emissions, as well as solar and wind energy. For more information: please visit www.opc-energy.com/en Contact Details Competitive Power Ventures Sam Loftus +1 617-347-8094 sloftus@cpv.com Company Website http://www.cpv.com

June 04, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

GOLDEN TECHNOLOGIES PARTNERS WITH ROBOOTER TO INTRODUCE CUTTING-EDGE MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

Robooter

OLD FORGE, PA - June 4, 2024 - ( ThriveNewsWire ) - Golden Technologies is proud to announce its collaboration with Robooter, marking a significant milestone in the mobility industry. As the exclusive distributor of Robooter's E40 in the United States, Golden Technologies is excited to offer a diverse range of innovative products to consumers. With this partnership, Golden Technologies introduces the GP303 Golden Ally powered by Robooter, a groundbreaking folding power wheelchair designed to enhance mobility and independence for users nationwide. Rich Golden, CEO of Golden Technologies, expressed his delight at the successful collaboration between the two companies, stating, "The GP303 Ally has been exceptionally well-received, and our retailers are eager to introduce this state-of-the-art product to our customers. We are thrilled to partner with Robooter and look forward to further strengthening our relationship by introducing additional products in the near future." The Golden Ally, a result of the collaboration between Golden Technologies and Robooter, combines cutting-edge technology with ergonomic design to provide users with unparalleled comfort and functionality. Featuring a tight turning radius, luxurious memory foam seating, and ergonomically designed foot positions, the Golden Ally offers users a superior mobility experience. Additionally, users can control the wheelchair remotely via a smart mobile app, further enhancing its convenience and usability. In addition to the E40 series, Robooter's X40 and E60 series offer users a comprehensive range of mobility solutions tailored to their specific needs. With the introduction of these innovative products, Golden Technologies and Robooter reaffirm their commitment to delivering exceptional quality and innovation in the mobility industry. For more information about Robooter and Golden Technologies, please visit: Robooter: https://www.robooter.com/ Golden Technologies: https://goldentech.com/ To explore our range of products, including the X40 and E60 series, please visit: Robooter X40: https://www.robooter.com/robooter-x Robooter E60: https://www.robooter.com/robooter-e60 Contact Information Keira Zhou info@robooter.com https://www.robooter.com/ Contact Details Robooter Keira Zhou info@robooter.com Company Website https://www.robooter.com/

June 04, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

FIDE Announces Finalists for the 2024 World Corporate Chess Championship

Freedom US Markets

FIDE, the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (International Chess Federation), has announced the finalists in the 2024 FIDE World Corporate Chess Championship, presented by Freedom Holding Corp. As part of FIDE's centenary celebrations, this landmark event will bring together the biggest and brightest names in chess and business from June 14 to 17 at the historic Cunard Building in the heart of New York’s financial district. The championship includes eight finalists, whose strategic thinking and prowess earned them a trip to New York and seats at the chess board, as well as four wild card teams to turn up the challenge. Blending the intellectual rigor of chess with the strategic acumen of the business world, these teams will compete for international recognition and the glory of being titled the World Corporate Chess Champion. The 12 finalists competing in New York are: Nanjing Spark Chess Technology Co., Ltd. (China) ChessMood Inc. (USA) LLC “LC” “GRECO” (Ukraine) UBS Group AG (Switzerland) Chessify (USA) Tengizchevroil (Kazakhstan) Deutsche Bank (USA) SIG (USA) Wild card teams: Freedom Holding Corp. (Kazakhstan) Google (USA) Goldman Sachs (USA) BlackRock (USA) "This championship is a unique combination of chess and business – a new concept which we are looking to develop further" said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. "Hosting this event in a global financial hub like New York underscores the importance of chess in advancing strategic thinking and decision-making within the corporate sector, and we want to enhance that link. We are thrilled to bring together top corporate minds worldwide and open new pathways for chess in the U.S. and globally." The 2024 World Corporate Chess Championship, presented by Freedom Holding Corp. marks a significant milestone, integrating chess into the corporate sphere for the first time. This event highlights the parallels between the chessboard and the boardroom, celebrating the strategic thinking that drives success in both arenas. The finals will take place in New York City’s Cunard Building, an opulent, historic example of New York City architecture reflecting the spirit of global maritime trade, located just a short walk from Wall Street. “We are delighted to host the inaugural event in New York City, a melting pot of diversity and an incubator of opportunity,” commented Timur Turlov, Freedom Holding Corp. Chief Executive Officer. “We have seen global citizens come together in peace and engagement over the board, and it is that spirit of fellowship and understanding amongst diverse peoples of the world that we would like the Freedom Holding Corp. name to be synonymous with this. It is an honour for us to be presenting sponsors.” Attendees will not only witness a showdown for the championship title but also have the opportunity to engage in a full weekend of thoughtful and enriching activities, such as an insightful conversation with one of the world’s strongest Grandmasters, Hikaru Nakamura, a chance to meet International Master, Levy Rozman, and an exclusive behind the scenes tour of a stock exchange. Additionally, the weekend event offers participants daily opportunities to share a drink and network with business professionals and chess enthusiasts from across the globe. Event Highlights The finals are the culmination of two online qualifying stages with entrants from around the world. The competition will feature group stage matches and intense playoff rounds, ending in the crowning of the World Corporate Chess Champion. The teams will be split into two groups, each comprising four knockout qualifiers and two invited wild-card teams. The competition will unfold in two stages: a 10-round group stage, played over two days, June 15 and 16, followed by the semi-finals with the top two teams from each group facing off, and the finals, both held on June 17. For information about tickets please visit: www.freedomcapmkts.com/chess Regulations and Participation Each team of four, plus one reserve player, may have one player with a FIDE rating exceeding 2400, and no less than three players must be employees of the company represented. This ensures a balance of professional and amateur players, making the competition both challenging and inclusive. The finals will be played at a time limit of 10 minutes plus 5 second increments per move starting from move one. Global Corporate Representation The diversity of the participating teams, representing various industries (financial, tech, energy, investment) and regions (Europe, America, Asia), showcases the global appeal and inclusivity of the World Corporate Chess Championship. This event celebrates chess and aims to enhance international corporate communication and strategic collaboration. The 2024 World Corporate Chess Championship, presented by Freedom Holding Corp. is more than a competition; it's a celebration of strategic excellence and a testament to the enduring connection between chess and business. For more information on the championship, including official regulations, live updates, and results, please visit https://worldcorporate.fide.com/. About Freedom Holding Corp. Freedom Holding Corp., a Nevada corporation, is a diversified financial services holding company conducting retail securities brokerage, securities trading, investment research, investment counseling, investment banking and underwriting services, mortgages, insurance, and commercial banking as well as several ancillary businesses which complement its core financial services businesses, all through its subsidiaries, operating under the name Freedom24 in Europe and Central Asia, and Freedom Capital Markets in the United States. Through its subsidiaries, Freedom Holding Corp. employs more than 6,000 people and is a professional participant in the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, the Astana International Exchange, the Republican Stock Exchange of Tashkent, the Uzbek Republican Currency Exchange, and is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Exchange. Freedom Holding Corp. is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and has operations and subsidiaries in 19 countries, including Kazakhstan, the United States, Cyprus, Poland, Spain, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan, among others. Freedom Holding Corp.'s common shares are registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and are traded under the symbol FRHC on the Nasdaq Capital Market, operated by Nasdaq, Inc. To learn more about Freedom Holding Corp., visit www.freedomholdingcorp.com. About FIDE The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is the governing body of the sport of chess, and it regulates all international chess competitions. Constituted as a non-governmental institution, it was recognized by the International Olympic Committee as a Global Sporting Organization in 1999. FIDE currently has its headquarters in Lausanne, but it was initially founded in 1924 in Paris under the motto “Gens una Sumus” (Latin for “We are one Family”). It was one of the very first International Sports Federations, alongside the governing bodies of the sports of Football, Cricket, Swimming, and Auto Racing. It is now one of the largest, encompassing 201 countries as affiliate members, in the form of National Chess Federations. Chess is nowadays a truly global sport, with dozens of millions of players in all the continents, and more than 60 million games on average played every day. Source: Freedom Holding Corp. Contact Details Freedom US Markets Al Palombo (US), Global Communications Chief +1 646-970-3419 apalombo@freedomusmkts.com Company Website https://www.freedomholdingcorp.com

June 04, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

White Bridge Capital Expands to Texas, Opening Cross-Border Investment Opportunities in Real Estate Development

White Bridge Capital, LLC

Firm Looks to Serve Cross-Border Real Estate Needs of Family Offices, High-Net-Worth Individuals and Entities Seeking to Invest in Multi-Family, Build-to-Suit, Industrial, and Commercial Development Projects White Bridge Capital, a cross-border real estate investment firm, is extending its reach to Texas to cater to global family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and overseas entities seeking to benefit from the state’s robust economic expansion and the resulting impact on its flourishing real estate market. The portfolio encompasses multi-family residences, build-to-suit properties, industrial facilities, and commercial developments across the state. In Texas, White Bridge Capital will be spearheaded by newly appointed Partner Nat Parsons, a third-generation developer by training and leading real estate and construction veteran with nearly two decades of experience, including the banking sector. Co-founded by Tommy Campbell and Regina Garcia Handal, with headquarters in Miami, Florida and operations in Mexico City, White Bridge Capital sources real estate deals, structures investments, secures financing for underlying assets, and manages client investments throughout the real estate development cycle. “The expansion to Texas marks a significant step in the firm’s growth and its intent to have a strategic physical presence to look after our clients’ overall interests,” said Tommy Campbell, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, White Bridge Capital. “Investors are focused on long-term appreciation and greater control, and White Bridge Capital, with our ‘boots on the ground’ approach, stands ready to source real estate investments in Texas that offer clients active management.” Cross-border family office real-estate investments across the Americas are on the rise, propelled by macroeconomic and geopolitical drivers. White Bridge Capital is bridging this investment opportunity with its unique customized investment platform underpinned by high-touch, local intelligence, and a robust network of experts across the Americas. “Nat is an outstanding business leader. His extensive experience and strategic vision in managing complex real estate deals, leading construction projects and teams, will be invaluable to our firm and clients,” said Regina Garcia Handal, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, White Bridge Capital. “In partnership with Nat, we look forward to our Texas office thriving into the future.” A graduate of Texas A&M University, Nat holds a master’s in business administration and a bachelor’s in construction science, focusing on business, project planning, and construction management of high-quality facilities. A proud and devoted father, Parsons is a U.S. rugby player, the son of architects and grandson of Nathaniel E. Parsons, president of N. E. Parsons Sheet Metal and Roofing Company 1924. “White Bridge Capital’s leadership, client base, and market reach are unparalleled,” said Parsons. Together with Tommy, Regina, and Texas’ pro-business and investor-friendly policies, I look forward to serving new and existing clients. The opportunities to grow in Texas are endless.” Texas is an appealing destination for investors, particularly those from Latin America, given its overall business-friendly environment, infrastructure development, technological advancements, and strong economic growth – accelerated by trade with Mexico – attracting diverse industries to the state, resulting in population growth and an attractive real estate market. # # # About White Bridge Capital: Headquartered in Miami, Florida, with operations in Mexico City, White Bridge Capital sources compelling real estate deals, structures investments, secures financing for underlying assets, and manages client investments throughout the real estate development life cycle. To learn more, visit White Bridge Capital. Contact Details Pia De Lima +1 305-794-1231 pia.delima@novusink.com Dan Diaz +1 347-673-3555 daniel.diaz@NovusInk.com Company Website https://www.whitebridge.capital/

June 04, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

The Hidden Economic And Environmental Cost Of EV Batteries And How To Create A Sustainable Circular Economy

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga The global push towards electric vehicles (EVs) represents a pivotal shift in efforts to reduce carbon emissions worldwide. In 2022, transportation was responsible for approximately 50% of greenhouse gas emissions and 80% of air pollutants in California. For Californian lawmakers, the solution was simple – a policy to advance carbon neutrality by phasing out the sale of vehicles powered by fossil fuels. While electric vehicles (EVs) are a great way to help decrease carbon emissions, what many are unaware of is that the battery industry is still a contributor to waste and pollution. There are some challenges when using EV batteries as a solution to achieving carbon neutrality, due to the environmental impact caused by the mining and refining processes of materials such as nickel, manganese, cobalt, lithium and graphite. The production of anode and cathode active materials also involves energy-intensive processes that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. However, while the lifecycle of EV batteries does generate waste, the overall environmental impact is less than that of fossil fuel-powered vehicles. That’s why embracing the recycling of batteries is crucial to overall sustainability. However, even the battery recycling industry is facing challenges in achieving sustainability. Some companies, such as Aqua Metals (NASDAQ: AQMS), are looking to change that. Aqua Metals: Addressing Challenges Faced By The Recycling Industry Traditionally, battery recycling has relied on methods like hydrometallurgy, which, while somewhat effective in recovering valuable metals, comes with significant environmental drawbacks. These methods use large quantities of chemicals that lead to substantial waste production, primarily sodium sulfate. In response to these challenges, Aqua Metals has pioneered a radically different approach to battery recycling that it says aligns with the principles of a circular economy. By electrifying the recycling process, Aqua Metals’ patented AquaRefining technology eliminates the need for harsh chemical reactions used in traditional metal recovery. This innovative approach not only reduces the embedded emissions from chemical use but also entirely avoids the production of sodium sulfate waste. Sodium Sulfate Waste Aqua Metals shares that in the recycling process of lithium batteries, the main waste material is sodium sulfate, which is a byproduct of the chemical reactions used to separate metals during certain processes. To put it in perspective, Aqua Metals says a typical battery recycler generates around 2 to 2.5 tonnes of sodium sulfate for every tonne of battery material recycled. Considering that only 50% of the battery material contains valuable substances such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese, the company reports that this means that the amount of waste produced is four to five times greater than the valuable materials recovered. In other words, the recycling process falls short of true recycling and instead contributes to pollution – with a small stream of recovered metals. While regulators aren’t yet cracking down on these recycling issues, inefficient and polluting recycling practices are at risk of facing obstacles and threats as regulations do evolve to address these issues. While moving away from fossil fuels is an essential part of staying below the 2° Celsius threshold that scientists around the world are urging leaders and industries to adhere to, it’s also critical when thinking about how to change existing practices to effectively evolve into sustainable ones. Can The EV Battery Industry Become More Sustainable? Recycling batteries is part of the answer, but sustainable recycling is key. Companies like Aqua Metals are at the forefront of this transition, redefining the recycling landscape with innovative technologies that are helping deliver a path to net-zero battery recycling. The company’s AquaRefining method significantly enhances the sustainability of the recycling process, offering numerous benefits, such as: 1. Reduced Environmental Impact: By eliminating chemical waste, AquaRefining drastically cuts down the pollution typically associated with battery recycling, helping to preserve ecosystems and reduce landfill usage. 2. Economic Efficiency: With lower operational costs due to the absence of chemical handling and waste disposal requirements, the company says AquaRefining presents a more cost-effective solution for recycling batteries. This efficiency is particularly advantageous as the global demand for batteries increases, necessitating more robust and economical recycling solutions. 3. Support for Domestic Supply Chains: AquaRefining contributes to building domestic supply chains for critical battery materials. As more countries and companies look to reduce dependencies on foreign mineral sources, having a reliable, domestically produced supply of recycled materials is invaluable. “The environmental and community impacts of sourcing critical minerals for the clean energy economy are well documented. By pioneering advancements in sustainable recycling technology, we are enabling the circular battery economy and decarbonizing large portions of the clean energy supply chain, setting a new paradigm for the industry—one that minimizes the environmental impacts of critical minerals and offers equitable economic opportunities to host communities. These principles of a circular economy are essential to achieving our most ambitious goals to combat climate change and provide a blueprint for an inclusive energy transition that respects both the planet and its people,” shares Aqua Metals’ Chief Business Officer, Dave McMurtry. The company recently received the title of 'Leader in Sustainability' – bestowed by the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) as part of its Existing Industry Awards. Its sustainable processes have garnered praise from U.S. Congressman Amodei and U.S. Senator Cortez-Masto, as well as accolades from the Office of Nevada Lieutenant Governor Anthony. Aqua Metals' pivotal approach to a sustainable circular supply chain for essential minerals is helping transform recycling as we know it. Given the increasing reliance on battery technology and the imminent task of recycling millions of tons of lithium-ion batteries in the future, the implementation of eco-friendly recycling practices is critical. As the industry continues to evolve, Aqua Metals' innovative recycling process could not only offer a blueprint for future developments but also demonstrate the practical viability of environmentally friendly technology. By reducing the ecological footprint of battery recycling, Aqua Metals is not just processing materials – it is shaping the future of energy and sustainability. Featured photo by Josh Power 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

June 04, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Is Gamification The Future Of Advertising? Here’s How One Company Is Shaking Up The Industry

Overplay

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga In the early 90s and even 2000s, ads were a key part of consuming media and advertising was, in a way, fun. Commercials were part of the popular culture monolith and it was clear that advertising budgets were spent with intention. Ask any 90s kid, and they can quote the most popular ads of the time, whether that is Tony the Tiger’s “They’re G-r-r-reat!” or Verizon’s (NYSE: VZ) “Can you hear me now?” Today, the landscape of ads has changed, and the overall feeling is not one of enjoyment but rather fatigue. Advertising seems to be missing its mark for the majority of viewers. While ads have always been looked at through the lens of doubt, only 4% of people in a recent study by Inc. Magazine believed they were trustworthy. Not to mention, people feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of ads they are exposed to on a daily basis, which makes them more likely to tune them out. Additionally, the cultural significance of advertising has diminished due to the increasing amount of ads on the internet, and most ads are not viewed as entertaining or effective at selling products. There has also been recent discourse that criticizes the rise of "woke-wash" advertising or makes false claims about social or environmental responsibility just for profit. “It’s harder to reach audiences, the cost of marketing is going up, the number of channels has exponentially proliferated and the cost to cover all of those channels has proliferated,” Jay Pattisall, the lead author of a recent advertising report, shared in an interview. “It’s a continual pressure for marketers – we’re no longer just creating advertising campaigns three or four times a year and running them across a few networks and print.” What Does The Future Of Successful Advertising Look Like? In a world where everyone seems to despise ads, gamification could be the next frontier for advertising, with 2 out of 3 Americans spending an hour on gaming every day. In this landscape, Overplay emerges as a solution that aims to disrupt the status quo. Overplay leverages the power of gamification and introduces a new approach to advertising that transforms traditional ads into interactive games. By turning ads into engaging experiences, Overplay seeks to capture users' attention and boost their active participation. Overplay's innovative platform empowers creators to effortlessly infuse their videos with interactive elements, removing the need for coding skills and technical expertise. This democratization of interactive content creation opens up a world of possibilities for creators, allowing them to tap into the immense popularity of gaming culture quickly and easily. The result is a more immersive and enjoyable ad experience that stands out amidst the noise of traditional advertising. Not only does Overplay benefit creators, but it also offers value to brands. By harnessing the power of playable game ads, brands can connect with their target audience in a highly interactive and memorable way. Plus, playable ads have been shown to achieve a staggering 7x higher conversion rate compared to other ad formats, making them a powerful tool for driving results. With Overplay, brands can create these effective playable game ads at a fraction of the cost and time traditionally required. The allure of Overplay is undeniable, with hundreds of thousands of app downloads and millions of games played. By recognizing that the current zeitgeist has shifted away from enjoying ads, Overplay has set out to transform the advertising landscape by making ads more enjoyable, interactive and effective through the power of gamification. Featured photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash. Overplay is revolutionizing a $574 billion digital media landscape with the first frictionless platform for user-generated games.With Overplay, everyone can turn their videos into games and share them with the world — in minutes, for free, with no code. Overplay’s app can be used to quickly and easily make games from anything: funny moments with your friends, cat memes, cooking tutorials, extreme sports POVs, and more!Imagine the NBA creating playable highlights reels, movie studios releasing trailers that are games, and car companies making commercials where you virtually test drive their cars. Overplay’s app and licensable technology allows billions of creators, social media users, and brands to amplify audience engagement by making their content interactive.Overplay sits at the intersection of three massive markets: social media, video advertising, and casual gaming. We are merging everything that makes these markets successful into one revolutionary form of digital media that will be consumed and created by BILLIONs of potential Overplayers worldwideWith Overplay’s API, brands can apply a thin layer of gaming on top of videos already being streamed in advertisements. Because our technology is so simple and takes only a few minutes, Overplay cuts down on thousands of hours of production time and millions of dollars in costs for brands to leverage this highly engaging ad format. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Caroline Strzalka caroline@overplay.com Company Website https://overplay.com/

June 04, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

1 2 3 4 5 ... 3597