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HTX Ventures Invests in Kelp DAO to Accelerate Restaking Innovations

HTX Ventures

Singapore / May 21, 2024 – With a commitment to broadening the reach and usability of blockchain technologies, HTX Ventures, the global investment arm of the cryptocurrency exchange HTX, has announced a strategic investment in Kelp DAO, a triple-income re-pledge protocol based on EigenLayer. Kelp DAO has secured $9 million in its latest round of strategic private sales, which will support its vision to reshape the DeFi and restaking ecosystem. This funding will enable Kelp DAO to further develop its cutting-edge technology, expand its offerings, and refine its liquid restaking solutions. Currently, Kelp offers liquid restaking across the Ethereum mainnet and nine Layer 2 solutions, including Arbitrum, Blast, Linea, Base, and Scroll. "We are excited to support Kelp DAO," said Edward, Managing Partner at HTX Ventures. "Their focus on enhancing user experience and driving developer experimentation is pivotal to the early success of restaking. We believe Kelp's innovative approach will transform the DeFi landscape, and we are thrilled to be part of their journey." Dheeraj Borra, Co-founder at Kelp, shared, "This fundraise not only fuels our operational capabilities but also validates the vision we have for Kelp, which is now shared by our investors. We're excited to scale our solutions and enhance user experience even further with their support.” HTX Ventures is thrilled to support innovative projects like Kelp DAO, which offers a much-needed, user-friendly, and scalable solution. Users can stay connected with Kelp DAO through their official website and social media channels for the latest product updates. About HTX Ventures HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, integrates investment, incubation, and research to identify the best and brightest teams worldwide. With a decade-long history as an industry pioneer, HTX Ventures excels at identifying cutting-edge technologies and emerging business models within the sector. To foster growth within the blockchain ecosystem, we provide comprehensive support to projects, including financing, resources, and strategic advice. HTX Ventures currently backs over 200 projects spanning multiple blockchain sectors, with select high-quality initiatives already trading on the HTX exchange. Furthermore, as one of the most active Fund of Funds (FOF) investors, HTX Ventures collaboratively forges the blockchain ecosystem alongside premier global blockchain funds, including Figment Capital, Dragonfly, Bankless Ventures, Animoca, Shima, and IVC. Contact Details Michael Wang glo-media@htx-inc.com Company Website https://www.htx.com/en-us/ventures About HTX Ventures HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, integrates investment, incubation, and research to identify the best and brightest teams worldwide. With a decade-long history as an industry pioneer, HTX Ventures excels at identifying cutting-edge technologies and emerging business models within the sector. To foster growth within the blockchain ecosystem, we provide comprehensive support to projects, including financing, resources, and strategic advice. HTX Ventures presently backs over 200 projects spanning multiple blockchain sectors, with select high-quality initiatives already trading on the HTX exchange. Furthermore, as one of the most vigorous Fund of Funds (FOF) investors, HTX Ventures collaboratively forges the blockchain ecosystem alongside premier global blockchain funds, including IVC, Shima, and Animoca. Contact Details Michael Wang glo-media@htx-inc.com Company Website https://www.htx.com/en-us/ventures

May 23, 2024 10:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Makers of STEPN, take major leap with STEPN GO, a social-lifestyle app with new gaming token, GGT

STEPN

FSL, the global gaming and development studio behind web3 lifestyle app STEPN, NFT marketplace MOOAR, and social-strategy game Gas Hero, has officially announced the launch of STEPN GO. The new product is a social lifestyle app that rewards your daily movement and social interactions. Today marks an exciting milestone with the release of the STEPN GO Whitepaper and Tokenomic model. The game introduces a new token, GO GAME TOKEN (GGT), which users can earn by walking, jogging, and running with digital NFT Sneakers. There will also be a PvP game feature that allows users to earn GMT, the FSL Ecosystem token. The original STEPN app was launched in 2021 and remains the world’s leading ‘Move and Earn’ application, pioneering the genre of gamified web3 fitness applications. With over 5.6 million registered users and over 1 million Sneaker NFTs owned by players, STEPN achieved monumental success, acquiring a global community. STEPN has partnered with prolific brands over the years including ASICS, Steve Aoki, and most recently adidas. STEPN was also the first blockchain gaming app to integrate Apple Pay, creating a seamless onboarding experience for web2 native users. Yawn Rong, Co-Founder of FSL commented, “The STEPN community has been requesting social features within the app since the early days of STEPN. Therefore, we’re so excited to reveal these new features, which will propel STEPN GO into mainstream adoption. In addition to the Haus Mechanism and Interactive Map, we will also implement PvP elements within the app. Community is at the heart of everything we do at FSL, and we are ecstatic to announce this monumental milestone today, reinforcing our commitment to empowering and engaging our users.” Building on the success of STEPN, FSL has designed unique social features within STEPN GO. The first key social element is the ‘Haus System’, which is a lending system that allows users to share their Sneaker NFTs with friends and family members who are new to the app, and split their earnings. This system will enable easy onboarding for new users to enjoy the app and kickstart their fitness journey. Another unique feature will be the ‘Interactive Map’, which will allow users to see other players' avatars and even add them as friends within the platform. This Interactive Map will also allow users to drop messages that can be found by other players out doing STEPN GO runs. Jerry Huang, Co-Founder of FSL added, “With STEPN GO, anyone can onboard their friends and family to web3 without needing to create a wallet or even buy NFTs. Exercise will be more fun and rewarding. We will combine fitness with many enjoyable experiences, including having your own customizable avatars with unique outfits!” The Alpha Version of STEPN GO is set to launch by Q3 2024 with a Sneaker NFT Alpha Prize Draw lasting one month. A total of 3,000 Sneaker NFTs will be distributed within the app. To enter, users will be required to lock GMT. Access to the Alpha Prize Draw will be limited to FSL ID users, ensuring the most loyal FSL community members are rewarded. An additional 2,000 Sneakers will also be given away via the STEPN X account and STEPN GO Discord. Make sure to follow STEPN on X for your chance to win a Sneaker and gain early access. About STEPN GO Building on the success of STEPN, the pioneering move-and-earn platform, STEPN GO revolutionizes social fitness in everyday life. Buy, borrow, or lend your Sneakers to earn rewards by staying active. Your rewards can be used to level up, cash out, or flex your online appearance, fostering both physical activity and social connections. About STEPN STEPN is Web3’s leading lifestyle app with over 5.6 million registered users. By incentivizing exercise through rewards, the app requires users to purchase a virtual Sneaker NFT and earn rewards through walking, jogging, or running. Over the years, STEPN has partnered with some prolific brands, including adidas, Atlético De Madrid, Steve Aoki, ASICS, and DeGods. About FSL Founded in 2021, FSL is a global gaming and development studio connecting players to Web3 through fun and rewarding gaming experiences. FSL’s mission is to introduce individuals to Web3 while encouraging healthy living and combating climate change. The FSL ecosystem includes STEPN, MOOAR, DOOAR, and Gas Hero. For more information, visit fsl.com. Contact Details FSL Mattina Hiwaizi +44 7582 408538 mattina@stepn.com Company Website https://fsl.com/

May 23, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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DB Schenker Americas Earns IATA Lithium Battery Transport Certification

DB Schenker

DB Schenker, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, is proud to announce the successful acquisition of the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Lithium Batteries Certification for its United States airfreight operations from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This significant achievement underscores DB Schenker's commitment to setting the standard for safely and efficiently handling lithium battery shipments, a critical component in today’s technology-driven market. John McDonald, EVP of Americas for Airfreight, DB Schenker, said, “The CEIV Lithium Batteries program, crafted by IATA, is an industry-recognized certification that represents a company's ability to meet the stringent guidelines and standards for the logistics of lithium batteries. The certification confirms DB Schenker's proficiency in the safe transport of these items, which are essential for powering a vast array of devices and systems essential to modern life and commerce.” DB Schenker embarked on a rigorous certification journey marked by a series of in-depth training sessions, self-assessments, and meticulous documentation reviews. Barbara England, Sr. Director of Operations for Airfreight, DB Schenker, said, “The process began with comprehensive training, where Air Export Operations personnel and Air Product Management teams completed the IATA Lithium Battery Logistics Safety Management Certification Program. Following this, DB Schenker conducted a thorough self-assessment to ensure alignment with IATA’s exacting standards.” Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, said, "Congratulations to DB Schenker for achieving CEIV Lithium Batteries Certification for their operations in the United States. This accomplishment underscores the company's unwavering commitment to excellence in logistics within the rapidly growing sector. DB Schenker’s dedication to the safe handling of shipments is something their customers will undoubtedly value. Furthermore, the industry stands to benefit from the quality benchmark that they are helping to establish.” The assessment phase took place at DB Schenker's facility in Franklin Park, IL, where an IATA assessor meticulously evaluated the company's operations, processes, and adherence to the CEIV Lithium Batteries audit checklist. This checklist, featuring over 200-line items, required DB Schenker to demonstrate the highest level of precision and commitment to safety standards. Upon completion of the assessment, the findings underwent a rigorous validation process by IATA, culminating in the certification being awarded on January 29, 2024, with the notable distinction of zero non-conformities – a testament to DB Schenker's diligent preparation and dedication to excellence. The implications of receiving the CEIV Lithium Batteries certification are far-reaching for DB Schenker. This certification is not only a validation of DB Schenker’s unwavering dedication to safety and quality but also positions the company to meet the surging demand for the transportation of lithium battery products. Clients and partners can now have even greater confidence in DB Schenker’s capabilities to handle their shipments with the utmost care and expertise. Looking to the future, DB Schenker views this certification as a cornerstone of its ongoing strategy to expand its specialty in transporting dangerous goods. The company is already planning to extend the CEIV Lithium certification to additional global sites and is confident in pursuing further certifications for other dangerous goods, irrespective of the mode of transport. This certification aligns with DB Schenker's strategic vision to lead the logistics industry in safety, efficiency, and reliability. With the growing reliance on lithium batteries across multiple sectors, DB Schenker is well-prepared to support its customers with the highest level of service. The CEIV Lithium Batteries certification is valid for two years, during which DB Schenker will engage in continuous improvement and compliance to maintain this status. Refresher training for key personnel will be conducted, and new assessments will ensure ongoing adherence to the rigorous standards set forth by IATA. ### About DB Schenker Americas DB Schenker is one of the largest Integrated Logistics Service Providers in the Americas, with more than 10,000 employees in 123 locations providing over 27 million sq. ft. of distribution operations to its clients. DB Schenker's Americas presence includes Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, United States, and Venezuela. DB Schenker offers land transport and air and ocean freight, as well as comprehensive logistics solutions and global supply chain management services from a single source. With integrated partners across the Americas, DB Schenker provides the best combination of intimate local practices, knowledge, and global capabilities. About DB Schenker With around 72,700 employees at more than 1,850 locations in over 130 countries, DB Schenker is one of the world's leading logistics service providers. The company operates land, air, and ocean transportation services, and it also offers comprehensive logistics and global supply chain management solutions from a single source. Aiming for a sustainable future of the logistics industry, DB Schenker continuously invests in innovative transport solutions, renewable energies, and low-emission products for its customers. Contact Details Nicholas Leighton +1 949-478-5880 nick.leighton@nettresultsLLC.com Company Website https://www.dbschenker.com

May 23, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast Announces Major Fiber Network Expansion in UT

Comcast Utah

Comcast announced today it will continue to significantly expand its next-generation Xfinity network across several Utah counties over the next three years. The media and technology company will invest more than $138 million to install hundreds of miles of new fiber highways capable of delivering multi-gigabit speed. The planned expansions add to Comcast’s ongoing $500 million investment in Utah over the last three years. In 2024, Comcast’s fiber network expansion will include communities in the counties of Box Elder, Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, Utah, Wasatch, Weber and Utah County, parts of which already have access to Xfinity and Comcast Business services. These locations will have the foundational next-generation network in place to begin deploying DOCSIS 4.0, setting the stage for the introduction of new symmetrical multi-gigabit Internet options. “Comcast’s $138M multi-gig speed fiber network expansion in Utah is a visionary investment in our state’s future,” said Utah Governor Spencer Cox. “By bolstering our fiber infrastructure, we’re not just enhancing connectivity; we’re future-proofing Utah’s economy and ensuring more Utahns have access to the digital opportunities of tomorrow.” “Reliable high-speed Internet is essential in today’s digital economy, which is why Comcast continues its commitment to connect more Utahns to the moments that matter most,” said J.D. Keller, Senior Vice President, Comcast Mountain West Region. “By establishing the best broadband infrastructure today, we are securing the economic prosperity of these communities for tomorrow.” Comcast’s commitment to new communities goes beyond the build, addressing digital opportunities in communities through Project UP, the company’s $1 billion dollar commitment to help tens of millions of people connect to the Internet and build futures of unlimited possibilities. Last year, Comcast Utah invested more than $4.6 million dollars to help local community organizations provide hands on digital skills training, offer workforce development/readiness workshops and other tech education to students, adults and people with disabilities. The funding also supports ongoing efforts to build awareness about affordable connectivity services like Internet Essentials, which offers eligible households high-speed Internet for $9.95/month or Internet Essentials Plus for $29.95/month. Affordable computers are also available through Internet Essentials. “Comcast’s major fiber network expansion in Tooele heralds a new era of connectivity for Tooele County,” said. Andy Welch, Tooele County Manager. “With this expansion, we’re not just bridging the digital divide; we’re laying the foundation for our community’s future. As the fastest growing county in Utah, Tooele is poised for unprecedented population growth and business development. This investment ensures we have the infrastructure in place to support and empower every resident and entrepreneur as we pay the way for a vibrant, connected future.” Through Project UP, Comcast is partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake to offer youth opportunities to develop the technology skills necessary to compete in today’s competitive workforce and obtain sustainable employment. Over the last two years, Comcast provided $140,000 in cash and in-kind to Utah Boys and Girls Clubs to fund technology training and six community WiFi-connected Lift Zones so families can get online when they need it most. One of those Lift Zones is the Tooele Boys and Girls Clubs, where Comcast is supporting their STEM learning – specifically in Esports. "Comcast's network expansion is pivotal for Tooele Youth," said Amanda Hughes, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake, CEO. "With this project and the new Comcast Lift Zone, we're not just connecting homes; we're overcoming the digital divide. Partnerships – like this one with Comcast – empower our young minds with vital tech skills and ensure access to the tools they need to thrive in today's digital landscape." For more construction details and updates, visit https://utah.comcast.com/network-expansion/ Powered by Xfinity Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes today and into the future. Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect more than 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. With the next-generation Xfinity gateways we deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously. Fastest Internet: Approximately a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products. Recently Comcast connected the first customers in the world to a DOCSIS 4.0 connection, delivering symmetrical gig speeds over existing connections in customers’ homes with plans to continue to rollout these speeds across the country over the coming years. Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home. Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network that passes 62 million homes and business and counting. The company launched Storm-Ready WiFi, a new device that comes powered with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out. Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home. The Xfinity network is also self-monitoring and uses artificial intelligence to detect potential problems before they arise, delivering a reliable connection that is up and running in customers’ homes 99.9% of the time. For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. Contact Details Deneiva Knight +1 520-345-9792 deneiva_knight@comcast.com Company Website https://utah.comcast.com/

May 22, 2024 03:00 PM Mountain Daylight Time

TRON DAO at DC Blockchain Summit

TRON DAO

Geneva, Switzerland, May 22, 2024 – TRON DAO, a leading innovator in blockchain technology, showcased its prowess as a Silver Sponsor at the prestigious DC Blockchain Summit held in Washington DC on May 15, 2024. This pivotal event gathered the most influential figures in blockchain and digital assets to engage with top policymakers and regulators, shaping the discourse on the future of blockchain technology. Engagement and Advocacy in the Capital The DC Blockchain Summit is renowned for its focus on connecting leaders within the blockchain space with key policymakers to advocate for the technology’s potential and address regulatory challenges. As a Silver Sponsor, TRON DAO played a crucial role in these discussions, emphasizing the need for a regulatory framework that supports innovation and growth within the blockchain sector. Panel Discussion on Blockchain for Social Good Highlighting the conference was a panel discussion featuring Dave Uhryniak, Ecosystem Development Leader at TRON DAO, who spoke on the topic "Blockchain for Social Good" on May 15th from 3:20-3:40 PM. Moderated by Jackie Price, Marketing and Communications Advisor at The Digital Chamber, the discussion provided a platform to explore how blockchain technology can drive social impact globally. Dave Uhryniak began by defining "social good" to set the stage for the discussion. He then shared several use cases and stories of companies leveraging blockchain technology to enhance social welfare: Uhryniak emphasized the global impact of blockchain technology, steering the conversation away from US-centric political issues and focusing on how blockchain fulfills its original purpose of improving lives worldwide. Networking and Strategic Collaborations A significant aspect of the event was the successful networking opportunities with various projects and leaders in the blockchain community. These interactions fostered discussions about potential collaborations, reinforcing TRON DAO’s strategic position within the global blockchain landscape. Future Commitments and Outlook Looking ahead, TRON DAO remains dedicated to playing a significant role in shaping the blockchain landscape through ongoing dialogue with policymakers and continued participation in key industry events. The insights gained and relationships forged at the DC Blockchain Summit will aid TRON DAO in its efforts to advance blockchain technology and advocate for policies that benefit the wider digital asset community. For more updates on TRON DAO’s initiatives and future engagements, please follow our social media platforms and stay connected with the evolving blockchain ecosystem. About TRON DAO TRON DAO is a community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet via blockchain technology and dApps. Founded in September 2017 by H.E. Justin Sun, the TRON network has continued to deliver impressive achievements since MainNet launch in May 2018. July 2018 also marked the ecosystem integration of BitTorrent, a pioneer in decentralized Web3 services boasting over 100 million monthly active users. The TRON network has gained incredible traction in recent years. As of May 2024, it has over 230.22 million total user accounts on the blockchain, more than 7.64 billion total transactions, and over $22.12 billion in total value locked (TVL), as reported on TRONSCAN. In addition, TRON hosts the largest circulating supply of USD Tether (USDT) stablecoin across the globe, overtaking USDT on Ethereum since April 2021. The TRON network completed full decentralization in December 2021 and is now a community-governed DAO. Most recently in October 2022, TRON was designated as the national blockchain for the Commonwealth of Dominica, which marks the first time a major public blockchain partnered with a sovereign nation to develop its national blockchain infrastructure. On top of the government’s endorsement to issue Dominica Coin (“DMC”), a blockchain-based fan token to help promote Dominica’s global fanfare, seven existing TRON-based tokens - TRX, BTT, NFT, JST, USDD, USDT, TUSD, have been granted statutory status as authorized digital currency and medium of exchange in the country. TRONNetwork | TRONDAO | Twitter | YouTube | Telegram | Discord | Reddit | GitHub | Medium | Forum Media Contact Hayward Wong press@tron.network Contact Details Hayward Wong press@tron.network Company Website https://trondao.org/

May 22, 2024 09:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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NAVEX Releases 2024 Regional Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, has released its 2024 Regional Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report. A deeper dive into the global data, it offers valuable insights into workplace culture by analysing 1.86 million global reports spanning 3,784 organisations that together employ more than 50 million employees. NAVEX analysed its global 2023 data by four main regions: Europe, North America, South America, and Asia Pacific (APAC). “Understanding how regional differences may impact the level and types of incident reporting is a key component of evaluating the effectiveness of a whistleblower program. Consistent analysis and benchmarking of whistleblowing hotline data empowers organisations to take action and evaluate their risk and compliance programs,” says Carrie Penman, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at NAVEX. “NAVEX remains the gold standard in risk and compliance data analytics, continually innovating our benchmarks to enhance corporate compliance programs and offer insights into the trending risk areas. New this year, we analysed critical third-party reporting trends in our research to involve a group that represents a diverse and distinct view. In this way, business leaders will better understand how to nurture ethical culture throughout the business including the supply chain.” Europe-based organisations saw a larger share of reports from third parties In a first for this report, NAVEX analysed its database by both employees and third-party reporters. Europe-based organisations appear to have received a larger share of their reports from third parties than peers based elsewhere in 2023 (apart from South America, where some metrics in this analysis are subject to greater swings). This may be related to a greater focus on third-party due diligence in Europe driven by regulations such as the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (commonly referred to as LkSG), the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and sanctions regimes. Third-party reporters are less likely to be anonymous than employees across almost all measures, but some nuances remain. For example, organisations based in Europe and APAC have roughly the same anonymity rate for employees, but third parties were more likely to stay anonymous when reporting to an organisation based in APAC. The Substantiation Rate (the rate of reports that when investigated prove to be correct or partially correct) for third-party reports made to organisations based in Europe was actually better than the rate for employees in 2023 – a surprising finding given the decreased proximity third-party reporters have to the organisation, its policies, and training. European headquartered organisations received the greatest share of reports of Bribery and Corruption The greatest share of reports pertaining to Bribery and Corruption by headquarters were for those based in Europe, which also showed a 10% year-over-year increase; 1.78% of reports in 2023 compared to 1.62% in 2022. Conversely, when looking at this category by report origination, reports in North America and Europe were far less likely than in APAC and especially South America to involve this Risk Type. March and October are peak months Interestingly, report volume is typically lower in the summer months. This appears true when looking at reporting by company headquarter location and by the region in which a report originated. Reporting shows two peaks across regions and measures – March and October. Europe shows increase in reporting…except the UK There were expectations that the implementation of the European Union Whistleblower Protection Directive would increase internal reporting activity across Europe, given that the regulation requires a wide swath of organisations to implement internal reporting systems. Data shows median Reports per 100 Employees is indeed increasing across mainland Europe. However, for the UK – notably not an EU member state and thus not subject to the Directive – report volumes fell. Comparing 2022 to 2023, organisations based in Europe saw median Reports per 100 Employees increase from 0.53 to 0.63, while in the UK, those values decreased from 0.53 to 0.43. This trend may change as the nation considers updates to its own internal reporting regulations, a process still under discussion in Parliament. Workplace Civility reports for European-based organisations more than doubled Workplace Civility issues (bad behaviour, bullying or abuse of power) experienced a major increase in frequency for organisations based in Europe; reports jumped 123% (2022 versus 2023). This trend was also evident in Europe by region of report origination, which experienced an 83% increase. By both measures, all regions saw this Risk Type grow year-over-year, yet Europe was particularly notable. Retaliation reports still low but are on the rise Finally, although always relatively low, retaliation reports represented a greater share of reports made for all four geographies in 2023 than in 2022, both in terms of headquarters and report origination region. Among the greatest increases were for organisations based in Europe, which saw a noticeable rise in frequency. Individuals who experience retaliation are much less likely to report again to the same channel, and this is likely a factor in the low overall volume of these types of reports. When reporters feel they cannot safely speak up internally, they may turn to an external regulator, revealing the need to address misconduct directly and for organisational change. Noting the protections provided to whistleblowers in various regulatory regimes, and that the EU Directive places the burden of proof on the organisation - not the reporter - proactive retaliation prevention processes are becoming more important than ever. Join our webinar for more insights on the 2024 Regional Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report. NAVEX is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide to help them achieve the business outcomes that matter most. As the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software and services, we deliver solutions through the NAVEX One platform, the industry’s most comprehensive governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) information system. For more information, visit NAVEX.com and our blog. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact Details NAVEX anita.lo@navex.com Company Website https://navex.com

May 22, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

UnifyApps secures $11Mn to transform enterprise integrations with generative AI

UnifyApps

The average enterprise uses nearly 400 SaaS applications that are not connected to each other, leading to data silos and scattered insights across the organization. In a significant move to streamline this process, UnifyApps has announced an $11 million seed funding round to build a unified integration platform that will allow enterprises to create custom applications 10x faster, build workflow automations and sync data between applications in real-time. The funding, led by Elevation Capital, along with participation from the founders and angel investors, underscores the growing demand for real-time connectivity between applications in the enterprise technology landscape. UnifyApps was co-founded by Pavitar Singh (CEO), who served as the CTO at NYSE-listed enterprise software company Sprinklr, along with Sumeet Nandal (COO), Abhishek Kurana (CPO), Rachit Mittal (CTO), Abhinav Singi (VP Engineering), Rahul Anishetty (VP Engineering), Kavish Manubolu (VP Engineering) and Shivam Satrawal (VP Product Management). The idea for UnifyApps was born after the founders realized that enterprise companies lacked a solution for seamless app integration, leaving tremendous untapped value from cost optimizations and efficiency gains. Pavitar Singh, CEO of UnifyApps, said, "The rapid adoption of SaaS applications has led to building silos within the organization with each team using their own set of tools which are not connected to the rest of the organization. Our vision is to change this by making integration simple and accessible, enhancing experiences for both customers and employees". What sets UnifyApps apart is its comprehensive approach to integration, addressing four critical areas: data sync, workflow automation, no-code application development, and the creation of generative AI agents. While competitors may focus on individual areas, UnifyApps offers a holistic solution that delivers a better return on investment (ROI) and lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for customers. Currently, UnifyApps is targeting large, forward-thinking enterprises globally. The platform is designed to be ready for enterprise scale and complexity. Looking ahead, UnifyApps plans to expand its platform to support over 5,000 applications and give organizations the flexibility to build their own custom integrations in less than a day. The company is also committed to advancing the capabilities of generative AI and building fine-tuned, purpose-built LLM-powered agents that will leverage these integrations. "Our goal is to deliver value first products and obsess over customer satisfaction. We want enterprises to truly unlock the full potential of their technology investments. By using UnifyApps, they can unlock a lot of hidden value from their current SaaS ecosystem and propel the next level of growth.” added Pavitar Singh. Mukul Arora, Co-managing Partner, Elevation Capital, said, “We are really excited to partner with Pavitar, who has deep experience in building a large enterprise-focused SaaS business, and was instrumental in growing Sprinklr to a multi-100mn dollar revenue company. With UnifyApps, he wants to build a future where seamless unification across applications and data can help large enterprises automate complex business processes and bring unparalleled efficiency. We believe this can be a massive opportunity and are thrilled to be a part of this journey.” The announcement of UnifyApps' seed funding marks a significant milestone in the company's journey to redefine the SaaS unification landscape. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, UnifyApps is poised to reduce fragmented systems & bridge data silos by enabling teams to build complex applications, automate workflows and unify data across multiple applications. About UnifyApps Unifyapps is a cutting-edge ‘Unified Integration Platform’ powered by generative AI, revolutionizing how enterprises connect disparate applications. Founded in 2023 by Pavitar Singh, along with a team of visionary Co-founders, Unifyapps operates globally with headquarters in India, Dubai, and the US. In its seed round, the company raised $11 million, with funding from Elevation Capital, co-founders, and angel investors. Unifyapps empowers enterprises to create sophisticated applications, automate business workflows, and construct robust data pipelines, catering to the needs of forward-thinking organizations worldwide. Designed for enterprise scalability and complexity, Unifyapps is at the forefront of innovation, transforming the digital landscape with its cutting-edge solutions. About Elevation Capital Elevation Capital is a leading venture capital firm that provides seed and early-stage capital for emerging companies in India. Having invested in India since 2002, Elevation has deployed over $2.6 Bn of capital in 190+ companies. The firm announced its eighth pool of capital of $670 million in April 2022. Co-led by Managing Partners Ravi Adusumalli and Mukul Arora, along with Partners Mridul Arora and Mayank Khanduja, the firm has invested across Consumer Internet, SaaS, Fintech, Consumer Brands, Edtech, Healthtech and Deeptech. Elevation Capital has offices in Bengaluru and Gurgaon. Contact Details UnifyApps Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.unifyapps.com/

May 22, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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JustiFi Raises New Capital to Help Platforms Reach Their Fintech Potential

Rally Ventures

JustiFi, the fintech platform for platforms, today announced it raised $10 Million in a funding round co-led by existing investors Rally Ventures, Emergence Capital and Crosslink Capital and a debt facility from Silicon Valley Bank. This infusion of capital underscores JustiFi's dedication to enhancing the fintech capabilities of its expanding roster of platform customers. By seamlessly integrating payments, insurance, and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions into a single, user-friendly Unified Fintech Checkout, JustiFi empowers its clients to streamline their operations and unlock their full fintech potential. With the Unified Fintech Checkout (UFC), platform companies gain access to a comprehensive suite of white-label fintech products ready for deployment to their existing customer base. This empowers platforms to tap into new revenue streams while offering essential fintech solutions to both their customers and the businesses they serve. The UFC's implementation is seamless, utilizing a web component that enables platforms to launch embedded payments, insurance, and BNPL in a single sprint, significantly reducing deployment time from months or even years to just a few weeks. According to a recent Goldman Sachs report, achieving transformative fintech results hinges not only on cutting-edge technology but also on widespread adoption. While an embedded fintech infrastructure lays a solid foundation, for platforms, true success and customer satisfaction stem from comprehensive fintech integration. Recognizing this, JustiFi's Engage™ fintech team works closely with its platform customers to drive fintech activation from onboarding and beyond. Offering a range of services including fintech goal setting, UI and UX design, technical implementation, and go-to-market strategy, JustiFi aims for nothing short of 100% payments adoption for each and every one of their customers. "This new investment underlines the confidence of our investors in JustiFi and our belief that vertical platforms should not only facilitate seamless financial transactions for their customers but also retain the majority of the benefits derived from them," said JustiFi Co-Founder and CEO Joe Keeley. "In a world where fintech integration is a strategic imperative for platforms, JustiFi makes it easy to seamlessly integrate payments and other valuable fintech products." “JustiFi has made huge strides since our initial investment in 2021,” said Justin Kaufenberg, Managing Director at Rally Ventures. “They’ve built an unparalleled fintech platform, put together a world-class team of fintech and SaaS+ veterans and onboarded over 40 platform customers who bring more than $10.6 Billion in annual processing volume. We believe JustiFi represents the future of fintech for platforms and we look forward to the journey ahead.” In other recent news, JustiFi announced the release of 11 cutting-edge web components, providing platforms with an even easier and more customizable method to embed fintech products into their existing ecosystems. Additionally, in November of 2023, JustiFi entered into a new partnership with Sezzle, enabling hundreds of platform companies to offer Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services easier than ever before. For more information about the JustiFi platform, please visit www.justifi.tech. About JustiFi: JustiFi, the fintech platform for platforms, enables software companies to monetize white-label fintech products like embedded payments, Buy Now, Pay Later, lending, and insurance faster than ever before. As a registered payment facilitator, JustiFi offers world-class support, assisting our platform partners in achieving 100% customer activation, while guaranteeing seamless fintech experiences for their end users. Contact Details Rachel Subasic rachel@rallyventures.com Company Website https://justifi.tech/

May 22, 2024 08:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) Continues to be a Mainstay in Technology Investing

Select Sector SPDR

The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund ( XLK ), with its comprehensive coverage of U.S. technology, remains a pillar in investment strategies for individuals and institutions alike. With its focus on the components of the S&P 500 in technology industries, XLK offers an efficient way to gain exposure to this dynamic sector. The ETF is carefully structured, featuring a roster of technology giants that have shown resilience. The fund's composition reflects substantial holdings in some of the most influential and innovative companies in the U.S. Key Holdings* of the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) Include: Microsoft Corporation (22.59%) Apple Inc (20.41%) Broadcom Inc (4.72%) Nvidia Corporation (4.58%) Salesforce Inc (2.92%) Advanced Micro Devices Inc (2.87%) Adobe Inc (2.35%) Cisco Systems Inc (2.14%) Accenture (2.12%) Qualcomm Incorporated (2.08%) The XLK ETF's large market position is reflective of the sector's ongoing importance and innovation, with total assets surpassing $62 billion and an expense ratio of 0.09%**. Investors looking for diversified exposure to the tech sector will find XLK's concentrated yet comprehensive portfolio alignment appealing. The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund allows for participation in the exciting XLK ETF composed of these tech behemoths, while offering diversification across multiple technology industries. DISCLAIMER: This is a work of research and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Therefore, Select Sector SPDRs or the publisher is not liable for any decision made based on the publication. About the Company: Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer flexibility and customization opportunities. Many investors have similar outlooks, but no two are exactly alike. Select Sector SPDR ETFs let investors select the sectors that best meet their investment goals. *Holdings, Weightings & Assets as of 4/30/24 subject to change **Ordinary brokerage fees apply DISCLOSURES The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing. One may not invest directly in an index. Transparent ETFs provide daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings All ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. Sector ETF products are also subject to sector risk and nondiversification risk, which generally will result in greater price fluctuations than the overall market. Diversification does not eliminate risk. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 1-866-SECTOR-ETF (732-8673) or visit www.sectorspdrs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. Media Contact: Company: Select Sector SPDRs Contact: Dan Dolan* Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203 Country: United States Email: dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ *Dan Dolan is a Registered Representative of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is the distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. SEL007521 EXP 7/31/24 Contact Details Dan Dolan +1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website https://www.sectorspdrs.com/

May 22, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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