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News Release Digital Asset Direct

MarketFinance Business Booster Fund announces first winners of grants

Stockwood Strategy

Fintech business lender MarketFinance has today made three grants of £5,000 each to winners of the MarketFinance Business Booster Fund. Over 500 virtual pitches were received and 5 were shortlisted. These businesses were put to a social media vote before three winners were selected. The three winning entries came from ethical breastfeeding clothing brand The Bshirt, smart food labelling specialist BlakBear and independent children’s literacy charity The Economist Educational Foundation. Inner city young people’s charity XLP and creative agency Collaborative Creations were the other two businesses to make the shortlist. Anil Stocker, CEO of MarketFinance commented: “We launched this initiative as a small boost to help the successful businesses pivot, scale or grow in 2021. We want to support more of the UK’s hardest working and most exciting SMEs. In addition to the grant, we will offer the time and skills of our expert staff to help their leadership teams. Whether they need tech, marketing, finance or communications support, we will provide the resources to help them get to where they want to go. The winners' applications were highly commended and we wish them all the very best for the year ahead. ” On being the first beneficiaries of grants from the MarketFinance Booster Fund, the winners’ comments: Lisa Lessaware, co-founder of The Bshirt said: “This means so much to our business. This grant will be used to launch exciting new ethical products to help women breastfeed more comfortably and ultimately for longer.” Michael Kasimatis, co-founder at BlakBear said: “We’re thrilled to receive this grant. It will help drive the technical and regulatory development. Initiatives like this truly help deliver research and innovation to the market. Thank you, MarketFinance". Harriet Boland, Fundraising & Partnerships manager, at The Economist Educational Foundation said: “We are delighted to receive a grant from the MarketFinance business booster fund! This money will help us grow and reach thousands more young people and enable them to have inspiring discussions about current affairs in schools." The Business Booster Fund was established in December 2020 and forms part of a commitment from MarketFinance to SMEs. The Fund makes grants of £5,000 available to UK small businesses, along with expert advice from MarketFinance’s team. The fund has been designed to develop innovative entrepreneurs even further. MarketFinance looked for entrepreneurs that represent our community as a whole, and is keen to support companies that value diversity, inclusion and giving back. Anil Stocker added: “We know that the winners, and all SMEs in general, face challenging times as we deal with both the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic challenges ahead. For that reason, it has been exciting to see a very wide range of innovative approaches from so many applicants to grow their businesses. It was difficult to narrow the awards down to a small number of outstanding winners and we look forward to supporting them with a variety of talent and resources at MarketFinance”. ENDS About MarketFinance MarketFinance is a business finance company with offices in London and Manchester. The online platform enables businesses to access a range of flexible finance solutions - quickly and easily. This smart technology is backed by help from real people so business owners can save time and focus on growing their business. Since 2011, MarketFinance has advanced over £3 billion to companies across a range of sizes and sectors, providing working capital and finance for everything from paying staff and suppliers to launching new products or services and accelerating growth. MarketFinance is backed by Barclays, Santander InnoVentures, European venture capital fund Northzone (invested in Klarna, iZettle and Trustpilot), and private equity group MCI Capital (also invested in iZettle, Azimo and Gett). Contact Details MarketFinance Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@marketfinance.com Company Website https://marketfinance.com/

February 03, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Jennifer Lang Financial Services Releases New 2021 Tax Planning Guide

Jennifer Lang Financial Services, LLC

Contact Details Jennifer Lang +1 877-487-8926 mail@jenniferlangfinancialservices.com Company Website https://www.jenniferlangfinancialservices.com

February 02, 2021 10:05 AM Eastern Standard Time

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New Suzy Research Shows Shift in Valentine’s Day Date Plans This Year

Suzy

Suzy, a real-time market research platform, today announced its new research report, “State of the Consumer: Valentine’s Day 2021,” shows that nearly 70% of consumers are planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home this year. The report found that while many Americans and their significant others will change their romantic dinner plans compared to last year, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates still have the hearts of those planning to give candy to the people they love. According to Suzy research, top Valentine’s Day gifts include: Candy (66%); Flowers (60%); Jewelry (54%); Greeting Cards (52%); Wine/Alcohol (42%); and Perfume/Cosmetics (45%). A night in and dinner at home for most Likely due to COVID-19 restrictions or concerns, more than one-third of respondents (38%) who went out for Valentine’s Day last year are staying home this year. Suzy’s research also revealed that 31% who stayed home in 2020 are sticking to the same plan this time around, while nearly a quarter (24%) plan to go out for Valentine’s Day – just as they did last year. Most respondents are cooking dinner at home this year (36%), followed by ordering takeout from a restaurant (28%). Only 23% are planning to dine at a restaurant this year. Candy remains Cupid’s arrow Despite the shift in Valentine’s Day plans, candy remains a Cupid’s arrow for consumers who are planning to give gifts this year. In fact, 86% of those surveyed plan to buy Valentine’s Day candy this year, most often for a significant other (69%), their children (49%) or themselves (41%). The most popular candy purchases are the timeless heart-shaped box of chocolates (29%), followed by Hershey’s Kisses and chocolate-covered cherries (tied at 22%), M&M’s and conversation hearts (also tied at 11%). Most Americans will spend between $10 and $30 on candy (36%). A smaller percentage will spend between $33-50 (18%), $50-100 (15%), and more than $100 (12%) on candy. More than half of consumers are planning to buy greeting cards for Valentine’s Day (53%), with 41% of cards going to a significant other, and 11% to their children. “Research shows that Valentine’s Day this year means a candlelight dinner in the kitchen instead of a night out on the town, and brands will have to adjust accordingly,” said Suzy President Avi Savar. “While spending is still expected to be on par with previous years, sales strategies will need to be adjusted to meet consumer’s ever-changing needs during the pandemic.” Suzy’s State of the Consumer: Valentine’s Day 2021 survey was conducted on Jan. 14, 2021, and included 538 respondents. A full report is available upon request. About State of the Consumer: Valentine’s Day 2021 Suzy’s State of the Consumer: Valentine’s Day 2021 study surveyed 538 U.S. consumers in January 2021. The samples are directionally representative of U.S. consumers and census-weighted across age, gender, ethnicity, and region to accurately reflect attitudes across the broader American consumer population. About Suzy Founded in 2017, Suzy is an enterprise software platform that puts the voice of the consumer at your fingertips. Whether you’re a novice or an expert researcher, Suzy delivers advanced tools combined with the highest-quality audience to deliver insights in minutes. Many of the biggest brands in the world use Suzy to deliver breakthrough products and experiences backed by data-driven decisions. To date, Suzy has raised over $35MM in venture capital funding from investors that include Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments, Foundry Group, Tribeca Venture Partners, Triangle Peak Partners, and Kevin Durant’s 35 Ventures. Learn more at www.suzy.com. Contact Details Catrine Thorrud suzy@trustrelations.agency Company Website http://suzy.com/

February 02, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

A Toast to the Big Game: Celebrate the Big Game from Home and Help Out Local Businesses While You Do

YourUpdateTV

On a night when many would typically be flocking to their favorite bars and restaurants to watch the Big Game, this year will be a little different. Recently, Emily Arseneau, Director for Collectif 1806, teamed with Cointreau and YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to discuss what people can do to support local bars and restaurants. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/6yqrz1ggz1k It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a calamitous effect on local bars and restaurants, with the industry facing a long road to recovery. 1 in 6 restaurants have closed since March and 85% of local establishments are still at risk for permanent closure. Local bars and restaurants and their staff are core to the memorable experiences we all hold near and dear and these cherished establishments remain at risk for closures and jobs lost. So, on one of the biggest nights of the year, Cointreau is lending its microphone and raising awareness for the industry with its first ever Big Game campaign in partnership with the Independent Restaurant Coalition for “Love Letter,” which encourages people to express gratitude to their favorite places on social media. It’s a testament to our love for the industry and we’re looking forward to seeing love letters from people nationwide. For everyone enjoying the game at home this year, try the Original Margarita with Cointreau. It’s easy to make and will be sure to elevate any game day celebration. Here’s how to do it: Ingredients: 1 oz Cointreau 2 oz Blanco Tequila 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice Steps: Combine all ingredients in a shaker and add ice Shake and strain into a salt-rimmed rocks glass Garnish with a lime wheel For more information, visit Cointreau.com/SaveRestaurants About Emily Arseneau: Based in NYC, Emily Arseneau is the Director for Collectif 1806, Remy-Cointreau USA's flagship bartender engagement program. Emily has consulted on concepts and menus all across the United States and has been a guest on streaming platforms for Bustle, Refinery 29, and more as a cocktail expert. She has hosted cocktail master classes throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and China. Emily and her creations have been featured in publications such as Food & Wine, Modern Luxury, American Airlines Magazine, and Liquor.com. Currently, her career focuses on people management and the development and recommendation of incredible heritage brands. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 01, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Taste of the NFL Goes Virtual to Feed 30 Million School Kids

YourUpdateTV

America’s children are facing a severe hunger crisis, which has been made worse by the pandemic. Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. children under the age of 18 are food insecure – they wake up hungry every day. For many kids, school meals are the only adequate meal they get each day. To help, GENYOUth has partnered with the 30th Annual Taste of the NFL event taking place on Super Bowl Sunday (February 7th). Recently, Alexis Glick, the CEO of GENYouth teamed with celebrity chefs Tim Love and Andrew Zimmern on a satellite media tour to discuss the important initiative. GENYOUth, the nationally recognized leader in creating healthier school communities, is helping schools feed America’s kids. GENYOUth’s COVID-19 Emergency School Meal Delivery Fund has raised over $10.5 million to support 8,800 schools with grants to fund their emergency meal delivery programs. Live from the Tampa Bay Super Bowl, Taste of the NFL @Home will feature super chefs like Carla Hall, Tim Love, Andrew Zimmern and Lasheeda Perry as they help viewers plan the perfect game day menu at home. The purpose is to help provide funds to schools across the country and specifically in your community. The event will also include chalk talk with legendary athletes with experience performing on the biggest stage. “A Hunger to Win” will be hosted by three-time Emmy-award winning broadcaster, James “JB” Brown, host of “The NFL Today” on CBS-TV, “Inside the NFL” on Showtime, Special Correspondent for CBS News and GENYOUth board member. This engaging and entertaining “Chalk Talk” will offer Taste of the NFL livestream viewers a candid conversation with three of the world’s top athletes. Joining Mr. Brown will be two-time Super Bowl-Winning Quarterback, Peyton Manning, five-time World Series Champion, Derek Jeter, and decorated U.S. boxer, Claressa Shields. For information on how to get involved, please visit tasteofthenfl.com About Alexis Glick: A veteran media executive, television personality and former Wall Street executive, Glick helped launch the Fox Business Network, the largest cable news launch in history, where she served as Vice President of Business News and anchored “Money for Breakfast” and “The Opening Bell” before taking on the role of CEO at GENYOUth. GENYOUth, a nonprofit organization, Glick created in partnership with the NFL, all 32 NFL teams, and America’s dairy farmers, is the largest in-school health and wellness program in the nation whose mission is to create healthier school communities. Glick recruited a world-class board of directors comprised of some of the nation’s most powerful leaders in business, sports, academia and politics. GENYOUth supports 40 million kids daily in 73,000 of our nation’s schools and has raised well over $100M in funds for schools. Glick has been called one of the top “business of philanthropy rock stars” by Forbes. About Andrew Zimmern: An Emmy winner and four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, writer and teacher, Andrew Zimmern is regarded as one of the most knowledgeable personalities in the food world. In February 2020, Andrew returned to television with What’s Eating America, which premiered on MSNBC, and in 2021, he will premiere Family Dinner on Chip & Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Network.As the creator, executive producer and host of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods franchise, Andrew Zimmern’s Driven by Food and Emmy award-winning The Zimmern List, he has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food. About Tim Love: Chef Tim Love is known as much for his vibrant personality as he is for his signature urban western cuisine, creating inspired and innovative dishes that have earned critical and popular acclaim. With restaurants spanning the nation from Seattle to Knoxville, Love’s roots remain in Texas, where he is chef and owner of seven beloved Texas restaurants. Host of CNBC’s show Restaurant Startup, he and co-host Joe Bastianich vie against each other to invest their own money in restaurant concepts they believe will make them millions. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 01, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Dating 101 in 2021

YourUpdateTV

2020 was a rollercoaster year, upending all of our norms, including the world of dating. Bumble, the women-first social networking company, recently found that 40% of daters say they aren’t confident they know how to date any more. Recently, Clare O’Connor, Head of Editorial Content at Bumble teamed with YourUpdateTV to share insights from the popular online dating app. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/k-bJv4ejWtc One of the biggest trends coming out of 2020 and into 2021’s cuffing season is the rise in “Slow Dating.” Daters are being more intentional and serious about their online dating lives as they raise the bar on what it means to build trust while dating on Bumble. Another trend is a surge of newly single daters, otherwise known as “New Dawn Daters.” – these are users that were in a relationship that ended shortly following the outbreak of COVID-19 and nationwide lockdowns where daters were not able to see their partners. Despite all of the challenges that this past year presented, data shows that people feel a sense of optimism and are more intentional about finding love in 2021. When it comes to using dating apps, 45% of daters are looking for a serious relationship and 41% are keeping it casual. For more information, tips and advice on getting started, visit bumble.com/datingguide. About Clare O’Connor: Clare O'Connor is Bumble's Head of Editorial Content, working on building out a content platform at the women-first social networking company. Prior to joining Bumble, she spent more than seven years as a staff writer at Forbes, most recently covering women entrepreneurs and workplace equality. During graduate school at Columbia University's School of Journalism she worked at CNN's Anderson Cooper 360. She was born and brought up in Bermuda. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 27, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Engagement Agreement with Choice Cybersecurity

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence ( CMMC COE ), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is excited to announce a partnership with Choice Cybersecurity, a certified Registered Provider Organization (RPO) that provides end to end security and compliance solutions for government contractors working to meet all levels of CMMC compliance. This unique partnership will extend efforts to identify and include proven capabilities within the CMMC COE Marketplace to improve cybersecurity protection and resilience for the global defense industrial base network of contractors, vendors, and suppliers. The executed Engagement Agreement establishes a collaborative engagement between Choice Cybersecurity and the CMMC COE to partner in the furthering of their respective and complementary missions and objectives regarding the adoption, use, and expansion of CMMC based cybersecurity practices, risk management, and compliance for the DIB contractor community and the information and communications technology sectors creating a broader CMMC ecosystem globally to improve security and resilience. Specific actions will include: The co-development of CMMC advisory services, cyber training and education programs to accelerate CMMC certification, increase cyber adoption and improve cyber protection & resilience. Co-sponsor symposiums, training programs and podcasts leveraging their combined cyber and IT expertise. Host regular working groups, with other partners, to enable collaboration and communications. Source qualified CMMC/ cyber professionals to serve as advocates. Establish an independent Industry Cyber Security Advisory Council with peer organizations to advise and educate leaders across government and industry on the continued evolution and effectiveness of CMMC. The CMMC-COE ( http://cmmc-coe.org ) and Choice Cybersecurity partnership will focus on bringing together the many disparate cyber and national security communities of interest to reduce complexity, improve awareness, and accelerate industry effort to become more cyber resilient against the growing threats from nation states and criminal enterprises. The range of capabilities offered by Choice Cybersecurity, including Risk & Compliance Assessment; Security Products & Services; & Continuous Compliance Services, strengthens the portfolio of technology partner providers supporting the CMMC Center of Excellence. “This is exciting opportunity for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. "Choice Cybersecurity is excited to partner with the CMMC COE to improve the overall cyber resilience of companies in the defense industrial supply chain. The collective effort will go a long way in preventing future cyber attacks and data breaches across the entire ecosystem.” said Steve Rutkovitz, CEO, Choice Cybersecurity. The CMMC-COE establishes both a Market Place and Knowledge Clearinghouse that will include resources that support the overall effort, including white papers; tutorials; recorded webcasts; presentations; and more, that will help reduce the cost and burden on small and medium size contractors already struggling from the impact of COVID. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on Choice Cybersecurity, please visit https://www.choicecybersecurity.com/ About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

January 27, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

“STOCK MARKET FOR SPORTS” SURPASSES $2 MILLION IN USER TRADES

Jock MKT

Jock MKT (Jock Market), the platform that is turning sports into a stock exchange, announced they have surpassed $2 million in user trades since launching in September of 2020. It took four months for Jock MKT to hit their first $1 million in trades and only 26 days to reach their next $1 million milestone between December 25, 2020 and January 19, 2021. Now approved in 34 states, Jock MKT is planning to host their first “cash market” for the NFL’s biggest game on Sunday, Feb. 7. Users will be able to bid on virtual shares of Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers players during an IPO stage that will conclude prior to kickoff. When the IPO ends, any Jock MKT user can buy and sell shares from other investors during the game in real time for real money. “The early users of Jock MKT have become like a community,” said Tyler Carlin, Co-Founder of Jock MKT. “We’ve gotten to know many of them by their screen names in the app; I think we probably get as excited as they do when someone that’s been around from the beginning nets a big win.” On January 24, Travis Kelce’s IPO price was $11.01 for the NFL’s Conference Championship Round. Investors in Kelce needed to bid at least $11.01 to obtain shares in the IPO or buy shares through a bid and ask model that is similar to a real stock exchange. Kelce ended the day with the most fantasy points and his shares paid out $25 per share for a return of 127%. In the same cash market, Marquez Valdes-Scantling saw the biggest return at +237%, Aaron Jones saw the biggest loss at minus 84%, and Tom Brady was down 23% verses his IPO price. Patrick Mahomes was up 45%. “One person shared a screenshot on Twitter of their $1,200 return after they invested in Kelce shares on Sunday,” added Carlin. “Then, another user saw a $1,500 return during this past weekend’s PGA Tour event. It’s been great to see, and we’re looking forward to giving more fans a fun way to be invested in the action, especially during sports’ biggest event on February 7.” Jock MKT was co-founded by Tyler Carlin, a 2013 graduate of MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Led by Will Ventures, the platform raised its first round of funding in September. Will Ventures’ Founding Partner and Managing Director is Isaiah Kacyvenski, a retired eight-year NFL veteran with a Harvard MBA. Accomplice founding partner Ryan Moore, an early investor and current board member of DraftKings, is also a stakeholder in Jock MKT. Headquartered in Boston and launched in 2020, Jock MKT ( JockMKT.com ) is a fantasy gaming platform where users can make real money – every minute, every second, of every game. Inspired by a traditional stock exchange, Jock MKT allows users to buy and sell shares of athletes in real time. Jock MKT was co-founded by Tyler Carlin and investors include Isaiah Kacyvenski, Ryan Moore, Brandon Adams and Alumni Ventures Group. Available in the U.S. in 34 states, Jock MKT offers gaming options for events tied to the NFL, NBA and PGA Tour. Contact Details Eric Nemeth +1 602-502-2792 nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://jockmkt.com/

January 26, 2021 09:37 AM Eastern Standard Time

TeamSnap Named Best Club Management Software for 2021

TeamSnap

TeamSnap has been named as the best sport management software of 2021 by Digital.com, a leading independent review website for small business online tools, products, and services. TeamSnap’s industry-leading platforms have been evaluated based on its management features and integration capabilities including its registration and payment solutions along with its new Health Check COVID-19 screening tool that has been used for close to 10 million completed screenings since its launch in August. "We are incredibly proud to have created an efficient and easy-to-use platform that millions of sports organizations and teams trust and rely on everyday," said TeamSnap co-founder and CEO Dave DuPont. "This independent industry recognition is a testament to the efforts of our determined product team. As sports events return over the coming months, we are heartened to know that TeamSnap will be helping thousands of community clubs, leagues and associations get back up and running.” Digital.com’s research team has conducted a 40-hour assessment of more than 70 different software solution providers. TeamSnap was assessed for its capacity to manage schedules, payments and communications along with its integration into other external platforms. To access the complete list of best club management software, please visit https://digital.com/club-management-software/. -30- ABOUT TEAMSNAP Since its formation in 2009, TeamSnap has been single-mindedly focused on taking the work out of play. 24 million coaches, administrators, players and parents rely on TeamSnap’s powerful and easy-to-use tools for communication, scheduling, payment collection and registration, organizing every sport and group activity in the world. For more information, visit https://www.teamsnap.com/. Contact Details Greg +1 416-458-3591 greg.mcisaac@teamsnap.com Company Website https://www.teamsnap.com/

January 25, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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