air+djibouti

SMC Enters into Acquisition Agreement to Purchase 100% of the Assets of ChainTrade Ltd. Launches AI-Powered Research Platform.

SMC Entertainment, Inc.

Boca Raton, FL - June 7, 2024 - SMC Entertainment, Inc. ("SMC" or the "Company") (OTC: SMCE), a versatile incubator company focused on acquisition and support of proven commercialized financial services and technology (Fintech) companies, is excited to announce the launch of the Chaintrade AI powered research platform and that the Company has entered into an Acquisition Agreement to acquire 100% of the assets of ChainTrade Ltd.’s AI-powered Trading Platform (the “Platform”). The closing of the Acquisition is pending the completion of customary due diligence, which is expected to be completed within 30 days Chaintrade is a Joint Venture between Plato Data Intelligence and Redmatter.Capital. and was built to revolutionize trading and investing by leveraging AI's predictive capabilities. ChainTrade, is a UK-registered Fintech company. Chaintrade has developed a Platform to allow users to trade Equities, ETFs, Commodities, and Indices with the support of a personalized AI-powered trading assistant. The Platform was built to revolutionize trading and investing by leveraging AI's predictive capabilities. This will improve research, risk management and asset allocation. The Platform provides the user personalized and customized investment strategies and utilizes AI to evaluate assets within a portfolio. The launch of the AI research tool will enable investors to analyze thousands of data points including live price data, performance, investor sentiment, fair value, and risk factors simultaneously. These enable The ChainTrade AI Research tool to provide insights, enabling investors to make informed decisions to optimize their portfolio performance. ChainTrade and its founding members have spent the last three years building the required infrastructure to deploy it to the market. Once fully enabled the platform will be able to facilitate all transactions in a highly secured environment. The Platform’s development and features continue to evolve so it can be marketed across emerging markets. “I want to thank our shareholders for being patient with the management team. We continue to work towards the development of our vision for the company. With the pending acquisition of Chaintrade AI our vision is now on a solid executable foundation.” quoted Erik Blum, Chairman & CEO of SMC. “With the launch of the Chaintrade AI Research Tool we have another foundation block in place. We plan to deploy a fully functioning AI enhanced SaaS model to market by the end of the quarter. As well we will continue to build on the platform both organically and through acquisition. We have developed a very strong team internally which we believe can enhance our platform and increase our shareholder value We expect to see positive revenue growth from the acquisition quickly. Nobody else can do what we do, we intend on being the best in class, what every other platform is measured against. This is an extremely exciting time for the company, and I look forward to executing on plan and uplisting to a senior exchange We are planning on providing a complete shareholder update within the next few weeks.” Prem Couture / Founder of Redmatter Capital: “We have developed a specialized language model tailored specifically for finance, with a focus on stocks, companies, revenue statements, balance sheets, and cash flow. This advanced model is adept at retrieving and analyzing data from live data feeds, providing real-time insights and analysis for financial professionals and investors. We have spent the last 3 years building our infrastructure around facilitating both OnChain and Offchain transactions in a highly secured environment.” Bryan Feinberg, Founder of Plato Data Intelligence: “As the underlying technologies we are developing continue to evolve, we can play in making AI more accessible to everyone, especially across emerging markets.” About SMC: https://smceinc.com SMC is a versatile holding company focused on acquisition and support of proven commercialized financial services and technology (Fintech) companies. SMC's multi-discipline growth by acquisition approach is to enhance revenues and shareholder equity. About Chaintrade: https://chaintrade.ai Chaintrade LTD is a UK Registered Entity and is affiliated with Red Matter Capital LTD a registered financial service company, with its subsidiary licensed under a securities trading license granted by the Montenegro Capital Market Authority (CMA) Authorized by the law on capital markets by the government of Montenegro. Safe Harbor Statement Some of the statements in this press release may be forward-looking statements or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. Such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors such as the development of general economic conditions, future market conditions, unusual catastrophic loss events, changes in the capital markets, and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. The Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or updated status of such forward-looking statements or information provided by the third-party. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will the Company and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction with the information and/or statements in this press release or any related damages. Contact Details SMC Entertainment, Inc. Erik Blum / CEO +1 360-820-5973

June 07, 2024 09:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

On The Horizon: How One Company Plans To Use Its Innovative Aircraft Design To Revolutionize Regional Air Travel

Benzinga

By James Blacker, Benzinga Investment in Regional Air Mobility (RAM) is on the rise, driven by innovative flight technologies that promise to transform short-haul travel and improve connectivity between small cities and rural areas. As the demand for efficient, sustainable and flexible transportation increases, companies like New Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR) are positioning themselves to capitalize on a global market that could grow to $115 billion by 2035, with some 300 to 700 million passengers annually. Rising Demand For RAM In the United States, regional airports are underutilized, partly because most airlines use hub-and-spoke networks that require passengers to transit at larger hubs. Most Americans therefore choose to either drive to their final destination or fly from a larger airport, even if it is further away. The idea of RAM is to use smaller aircraft to connect regions that are underserved by traditional airline routes. It brings the convenience and speed of air travel to everyone, wherever they are located across the country. A NASA-funded study carried out by the Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Aerospace Engineering predicts a resurgence in demand for regional flying. Based on door-to-door travel costs and travel-time savings, the researchers identified how many people taking journeys of more than 100 miles would choose to fly if they could do so from a nearby regional airport. Technological Advances In Aviation McKinsey & Company notes that innovations in propulsion, aircraft design, manufacturing, navigation and control are making small aircraft more viable. These technological advances promise to push down operational costs and reduce the environmental impact. In the future, we could even see fully autonomous aircraft, which would cut costs even further as labor accounts for around 20%-30% of small aircraft operating costs. According to McKinsey, more than 50 companies are developing battery-electric, hybrid, or hydrogen small aircraft. Players working on new aircraft designs include Airbus and Embraer (NYSE: ERJ). eVTOL For Regional Mobility? Another player looking to tap into the RAM market is New Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR), a developer of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. While eVTOL aircraft are typically designed for very short flights within urban areas, Horizon’s Cavorite X7 uses a patented wing design that allows it to fly further and carry heavier loads, making it suitable for the regional air mobility market. New Horizon’s Cavorite X7 is a next generation hybrid-electric eVTOL aircraft that can move people and cargo across distances of between 50 and 500 miles at speeds of up to 250 mph. It is a seven-seater aircraft that can take off and land vertically, like a helicopter. However, once it reaches a safe altitude, the Cavorite X7 reconfigures and flies like a normal plane, allowing it to fly faster and further than a helicopter. With a hybrid electric power system, the Cavorite X7 can also recharge mid-flight. In addition to passenger travel for the RAM market, New Horizon envisages that the X7 will also be used in various sectors, including medical evacuation, natural disaster response, emergency surveillance and search and rescue. A Promising Horizon Recent investment in the RAM market represents the start of a seismic shift to more efficient and sustainable short-haul travel. New Horizon Aircraft is at the forefront of this transformation, offering an innovative product that addresses the growing demand for regional connectivity. For investors, this could present a compelling opportunity to be part of a market poised for substantial growth. Featured photo courtesy of New Horizon 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 06, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Legendary House of Bacha Coffee Establishes New Era of Coffee Appreciation

Bacha Coffee

Legendary brand Bacha Coffee enchants coffee drinkers with an exceptional collection of over 200 coffees from 35 of the most consistent and well renowned coffee producing countries around the globe. Renowned for elevating a daily commodity into an extraordinary experience, and revolutionizing the practice of coffee gifting, Bacha Coffee invites you to embark on a sensorial expedition with their selection of loose coffee beans sold by weight, coffee gift boxes, the innovative Coffee Bag collection, gift boxes, coffee accessories and more - all available through their online boutique, BachaCoffee.com. Bacha Coffee traces its origins back to 1910 and the Dar el Bacha, a palace hidden in the heart of the old city in Marrakech, Morocco. Nestled behind the millennia-old walls, a coffee room beckoned, shrouded in whispers of secrecy and graced by the likes of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill, filmmaker Charlie Chaplin, entertainer Josephine Baker and other cultural and political names of the day. Uniting over glittering pots of “coffee of Arabica”, the Bacha Coffee room offered an escape and was a secret oasis known for its style and beauty, but above all, for its coffee. A Passion for Craftsmanship Today, driven by a fervent commitment to excellence and a deep reverence for the art of coffee making, Bacha Coffee is dedicated to preserving the timeless traditions of coffee craftsmanship while embracing innovation to meet the evolving tastes of modern coffee connoisseurs. Bacha Coffee offers a collection of more than 200 meticulously sourced Single-Origin, Fine Blended, Fine Flavoured, and naturally CO₂ Decaffeinated 100% Arabica coffees sourced from 35 countries around the world including Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia, and beyond. Bacha Coffee’s expertly trained Coffee Masters work with farmers to gather the best and freshest beans and then process them according to age-old traditional methods. Since each variety of coffee requires a different degree of roasting to bring out its unique taste profile, Bacha Coffee Masters hand-roast each harvest individually before gently air cooling them for the best taste and preservation. By sourcing coffee beans from diverse origins, Bacha Coffee celebrates the unique terroir and flavour characteristics of each region, offering customers an authentic taste that makes it a true haven for coffee lovers. Spoilt for Choice Discover the luxury of choice and 100% Arabica in every cup. The coffees available on BachaCoffee.com mirror the extensive list offered in their original boutique in Marrakech and around the world, and invite coffee lovers to venture beyond the familiar to try harvests from unique farms and provenance. Bacha Coffee’s retail selection includes loose beans as well as beautifully packaged coffees and single serve coffee bags. Loose beans can be purchased by weight and ground to the specifications of each customer, from 7 different grind sizes. Consider the sought-after single origin Yirgacheffe Heirloom Coffee, a rare Ethiopian harvest that takes centre stage in the history of coffee. Grown at altitudes of over 6,500 feet above sea level, this unique varietal feature delicate notes of cane sugar, lemongrass, and bergamot. Combining two of the finest coffees in the world, Happy Arabia Coffee is a fine blended coffee that features a delicate acidity and rich flavours of red fruits, chocolate, and caramel. Fans of fine flavoured coffees may indulge in the 1910 Coffee, with aromas of freshly picked wild strawberries and jugs of cream perfect for a balmy summer’s day. Back to “Slow” Coffee What if we finally took the time to enjoy our coffee? Bacha Coffee allows you to indulge your senses by making the perfect, “slow” coffee at home or on the go, without the fuss. Explore over 30 Single Origin and Fine Flavoured coffees in the brand’s exclusive Coffee Bag Collection – individually wrapped, air tight, single-serve pour over coffee bags containing 12g of 100% Arabica each, expertly dosed to ensure a perfectly prepared brew so you only need 3 minutes, a coffee mug and hot water at hand to achieve the perfect pour over. The Explorer Taster box allows you to begin your journey, with a selection of single origin and fine flavoured coffee favourites. A Bespoke Gift Bacha Coffee’s series of elegant accessories and gourmet delights will elevate any coffee brewing, hosting, or drinking ritual. The exclusive, special edition Bacha Coffee x Alessi La Conica Espresso Coffee Pot pays homage to the heritage of Bacha Coffee and the tradition of Italian design and adds a touch of elegance to any table. Bacha Coffee’s selection of gourmet treats, such as Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans, will delight on any occasion. To share the love of coffee, explore artfully curated gift boxes or design your own bespoke hamper according to five sizes and assortments. Each gift includes complimentary gift wrap and a personalised note on Bacha Coffee’s signature gift card and envelope. A World of Discovery The Bacha Coffee online boutique ships internationally to over 40 countries and Bacha Coffees are distributed in luxury hotels, restaurants, and airlines worldwide. Bacha Coffee currently has 22 boutiques across ten countries and regions in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. Discover the world of Bacha Coffee and full range of products via BachaCoffee.com/US. A full press kit with visuals may be accessed here. All credits for images belong to Bacha Coffee. No royalties payable if Bacha Coffee is stated as the source. Additional images are available on request. About Bacha Coffee: Bacha Coffee was founded in Marrakech, Morocco in 1910 in the spectacular Dar el Bacha palace, where the greatest cultural and political minds of the century gathered over glittering pots of freshly brewed Arabica coffee. The original Marrakech location reopened in 2019 and launched its first international outpost in Singapore in the same year. With unique and exclusive Coffee Rooms & Boutiques, Coffee Bars, Travel Retail, and Takeaway concepts, Bacha Coffee has since expanded exponentially across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Today, Bacha Coffee serves customers in over 40 countries, including online at BachaCoffee.com. Renowned for its legendary 100% Arabica coffees, gifts and coffee accessories, the Bacha Coffee concept also incorporates international distribution and wholesale to professionals. Bacha Coffee is a V3 Gourmet brand. Contact Details Rell Marketing & Communications Linsey Tilbor Rubin ltilbor@rellmc.com Pape PR Kathy Pape kathy@papepr.com Company Website https://bachacoffee.com/us/en/

June 06, 2024 08:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Culturelle® Probiotics and Re:wild Team Up to ‘Protect the Gut Microbiome’

YourUpdateTV

A new campaign from Culturelle® Probiotics and global conservation non-profit, Re:wild, is highlighting the similarities between endangered ecosystems on Earth and the endangered ecosystem within: the human gut microbiome. Recently, Dr. Robin Moore from Re:wild, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the new initiative. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/JT_Nv2wpwrU Earth’s ecosystems are what sustain us. They are our first line of defense against emerging diseases and climate chaos, and they provide everything from clean air and water to food and medicines. But research shows that the populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish have declined by nearly 70% since 1970. And a loss of biodiversity can significantly disrupt an ecosystem – lowering its productivity and quality. The gut microbiome – made up of trillions of living, breathing bacterial species – is also facing a loss of biodiversity and is under constant siege from a variety of modern-day stressors, like anxiety, lack of sleep, and poor eating habits, that can put it out of balance and hinder its ability to thrive. This led the Culturelle brand to make a poignant connection between the vulnerable state of our gut microbiome and the other ecosystems of the world. The gut is a critical ecosystem — and it's at risk. Culturelle Probiotics and Re:wild have teamed up to draw attention to the similarities between the endangered ecosystems of our world and the ecosystem within – the human gut microbiome – and raise awareness on the importance of protecting biodiversity in all ecosystems, both inside and out. To learn more about the campaign, visit ProtectTheGut.com. About Dr. Robin Moore Dr. Robin Moore blends his scientific training with his passion for photography and storytelling to connect a broad audience with the urgency and opportunity for saving endangered species and critical ecosystems. Recognizing the importance of communications for challenging perceptions and changing behaviors, Robin has spearheaded innovative campaigns to raise the profile of too-often overlooked species. The Search for Lost Frogs, a global quest to find species missing for decades, attracted significant media attention and inspired the book, In Search of Lost Frogs, which was named one of The Guardian’s best nature books of 2014. Robin is an award-winning photographer and Senior Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers. The Search for Lost Species, a signature initiative of Re:wild, builds on this success. About Culturelle® Probiotics For more than 25 years, Culturelle® Probiotics have helped individuals, children and families support their health. Covering digestive, immune, feminine, and pediatric health, Culturelle® product formulations are based on science, utilizing clinically studied probiotics to support the unique benefits of each product. Plus, the ingredients are proven effective and work in harmony with the human body.* About Re:wild Re:wild protects and restores the wild. They have a singular and powerful focus: the wild as the most effective solution to the interconnected climate, biodiversity and human wellbeing crises. Re:wild brings together Indigenous peoples, local communities, influential leaders, nongovernmental organizations, governments, companies and the public to protect and rewild at the scale and speed we need. Learn more at rewild.org. © 2024 dsm-firmenich group, Culturelle® is a trademark of the dsm-firmenich group. * The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 05, 2024 03:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Zingly launches a bold AI-driven future of customer experience for a world beyond 1-800 calls and chatbots

Zingly

Ex-Avaya, Five9, Glia, and Talkdesk industry leaders join forces to revolutionize customer experience (CX) with the launch of Zingly, a Collaborative Customer Experience (CCX) Platform. The patented customer-facing technology combines GenAI, digital interactions, and telephony, providing infinite scale to enterprises, and hyper personalization to consumers, resulting in revenue acceleration and lasting customer relationships. With this launch, Zingly is today announcing it has raised a $10m seed funding round from Dell Technologies Capital, WestWave Capital, Scribble Ventures, Formus Capital, Geekdom Fund, Array Ventures, Firebolt Ventures, Burst Capital, and from leaders in the CX industry. Today, customers are still primarily required to call 800 numbers and punch numbers into an interactive voice response (IVR) whenever they need to communicate with businesses. For customers, phone calls are an outdated and frustrating experience, and for businesses, they’re an expensive and unscalable method of communication. Meanwhile, businesses are seeing 10x traffic on their website and apps while experiencing declining call center traffic. Technology advancements in CX have typically focused on operational savings driven by cloud migration and agent support tools, but have often neglected the end customer. Zingly rectifies this imbalance by providing customers with Zingly-Rooms™ —a patented, always-on space where customers can instantly connect and collaborate with businesses, eliminating the need for calls. This is driven by the company’s Generative AI product technologies, including Relationship-AI™ and Zingly-Buddy™. Zingly focuses on eliminating friction and accelerating engagement use cases like customer acquisition, onboarding, customer service and success, and many more. This is done through a modern no-code-low-code platform that integrates into any tech stack (CRM, existing contact center technologies, customer support systems, and core operations) and intelligently combines cutting-edge Generative AI, humans, and data. The end result is an innovative collaborative space that can scale to support service and sales operations for businesses of all sizes, while providing hyper-personalization for customers. Founded in 2021 by Gaurav Passi, a former executive at Avaya and Five9, Zingly was born out of a recognition that traditional contact center solutions were becoming obsolete. With global inflationary pressures driving up the cost per call and limiting scalability due to the finite number of agents, the need for industry disruption was clear. Passi teamed up with seasoned CX, CRM, and CCaaS leaders from Five9, Talkdesk, and Glia to launch Zingly. “Traditional contact center solutions are out of date and simply not personable for customers, or scalable for businesses. The math is clear, there are approximately 16.5 million call center agents globally handling potentially billions of customers. More importantly, the frustration and long wait times associated with traditional calling and rigid workflow-driven chatbots have created what we call a fear of reaching out (FORO) among customers. Our vision with Zingly is to destroy FORO and make it collaborative for customers and businesses to come together,” said Gaurav Passi, CEO and founder of Zingly. “Zingly represents a significant leap forward from the traditional trade-off between personalization and scalability in CX. While traditional calls are unscalable and conversational chatbots can feel too robotic, Zingly offers a new CX paradigm that is faster, cheaper, and more secure than both 1-800 numbers and conversational AI chatbots” added Gaurav Passi. Currently focusing on high-value industries such as financial services, healthcare, and product companies, Zingly is able to help organizations modernize their customer experience seamlessly by integrating with their existing technology stacks. As an example, Zingly is working with a Fortune 500 provider to engage with 5x more customers than traditional 1:1 phone conversations, while also reducing typical conversion time from 60 to 18 days, resulting in tens of millions of dollars of revenue uplift. Most importantly, it allowed them to innovate on top of their core infrastructure like Salesforce and Avaya without any disruption. “To truly revolutionize CX, it needed top industry leaders like those from Zingly to step back and fundamentally reimagine a new approach. Incremental improvements to CX were not enough. A deep technology solution intelligently combining data, GenAI, and humans, as well as a dedicated team of CX experts together with forward looking Fortune 500 design partners was required for such a revolution,” said Zeus Kerravala, Principal Analyst, ZK Research. “The vision presented by Zingly happens once in a decade. We are excited to partner with the team right from its inception”, said Gaurav Manglik of WestWave Capital. While Gokul Rajaram, Board Member at Coinbase and Pinterest, and former executive at DoorDash and Square added: “What I respect about Gaurav Passi as a leader and Zingly as a company is that they have had the same mission from day 1. They work closely with large complex enterprises to solve deep challenges, and as a result, have built the best platform to disrupt the much needed CX industry with clear ROI. This clarity of mission and singular focus has been a big reason for their continued success.” Looking ahead, Zingly is rapidly expanding its teams in data science and engineering, sales, and marketing with plans to double its headcount by the end of next year. On track to be driving millions of quality customer interactions this year, Zingly is accelerating its mission to help companies collaborate with their customers and build relationships bigger than business. About Zingly Zingly.ai is the new way for businesses to meet, onboard and build lasting relationships with customers. Built by industry insiders in collaboration with Fortune 500 service providers, Zingly is a faster, cheaper, more secure, and better-organized solution than today's chatbots and 1-800 calling, eliminating friction and accelerating use cases like customer acquisition, onboarding, and support. Zingly makes online customer experiences delightful and personal by intelligently combining GenAI + Humans + Data to provide infinite scale for businesses and hyper personalization for customers to drive revenue acceleration and create exceptional customer experiences. Zingly serves businesses across multiple industries including Banking and Financial Services, Insurance, Education, and Healthcare. Visit https://www.zingly.ai/ to learn more. About WestWave Capital Deep-Tech takes deep partnerships. Founded by former entrepreneurs, WestWave knows that founders need more than just capital. WestWave Capital invests in market defining pre-seed, seed and series A enterprise start ups. About Dell Technologies Capital DTC invests in determined early-stage founders who push the envelope on technology innovation for the enterprise, connecting them to the capital, expertise, and customers they need to take a company from start to scale. Since its inception in 2012, DTC has backed more than 150 startups, a list that notably includes Arista Networks, Cylance, DocuSign, Exotec, JFrog, MongoDB, Nasuni, Netskope, Nutanix, Nuvia, Redis, Xometry, and Zscaler. DTC has offices in Palo Alto (HQ), Boston, and Tel Aviv. About Scribble Ventures Scribble Ventures is an early-stage venture firm started by operators and investors from Instagram, Twitter, & A16z. We invest in Pre-Seed and Seed, and write initial checks of up to $1.5M. This allows Scribble to collaborate and co-invest with other angel investors and early-stage funds, so founders can bring the best partners into their round. We work closely with our founders alongside The Scribble Network - a curation of world-class operators across sectors and stages - for guidance on product, growth, hiring, fundraising, and more. We aren’t just investors to our founders - we are teammates. More info: scribble.vc About Formus Capital Formus Capital is a global technology investment firm backed by a network of family offices across various sectors & geographies. Our mission is to partner with exceptional, mission driven teams transforming industries and building world-impacting companies. About Geekdom Fund Geekdom Fund is a venture capital fund that invests in early stage tech startups led by the strongest founders. Our partners are in the trenches with our companies. Whether it be hiring, channel development, fundraising, executive coaching, or brainstorming sessions with your team, our goal is to help founders avoid costly mistakes and make high impact decisions. Array Ventures Array Ventures invests in founders passionate about solving problems for businesses. We partner from first round of your journey and help companies hone their go-to-market /10x growth journey. About Firebolt Ventures Firebolt Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on all things software (enterprise b2b application/infrastructure layers, fintech, consumer) to help extraordinary founders build enduring companies. We partner with founders early, invest throughout the lifecycle of the company and aim to be your most impactful investor. About Burst Capital Burst Capital invests in early-stage software and service companies, primarily those with marketplace and SaaS business models. As operators turned investors, we provide our portfolio company founders with on-call operating advice as we support their rapidly scaling businesses. Contact Details Zingly Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.zingly.ai/

June 05, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

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

Avenix Fzco Launches Litepips: AI-Powered Trading Technology for Gold Market on MetaTrader 4 Platform

Rev Up Marketers

Avenix Fzco, a prominent player in algorithmic forex trading, has announced the launch of Litepips, its latest AI-driven trading technology tailored for the XAUUSD (gold) market on the widely-utilized MetaTrader 4 platform. Litepips introduces a novel trading system aimed at providing traders with a sophisticated tool for conducting comprehensive analysis of market impulses and trends. By integrating technical and mathematical evaluations, the platform enables precise trading decisions with the goal of optimizing profits while minimizing risks. Its advanced algorithms dynamically respond to changing market conditions, providing traders with an adaptive advantage. Emphasizing safety and reliability, Litepips eschews high-risk trading strategies like grid or hedge trading. Instead, it incorporates stringent risk management protocols with strategic stop-loss and take-profit settings, ensuring traders can engage with increased confidence and security. A key highlight of Litepips is its economic model, offering accessibility through a one-time purchase. This distinguishes Litepips from subscription-based trading solutions, appealing to traders seeking to minimize ongoing costs and reflecting the company’s commitment to providing value and transparency. The introduction of Litepips is poised to set a new standard in forex trading, making sophisticated trading tools more accessible and economically viable for traders worldwide. About Litepips: Litepips by Avenix Fzco is a forex trading platform leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies to optimize trading strategies, with a focus on the gold market. Litepips aims to provide traders with powerful, precise, and accessible trading solutions. About Avenix Fzco: Avenix Fzco is a leading provider of Forex trading solutions, specializing in the development of expert advisors and trading tools designed to empower traders to achieve greater precision and profitability. With a focus on innovation and user-friendly design, Avenix Fzco is dedicated to helping traders succeed in the dynamic world of Forex trading. Contact Details Avenix Fzco Robert Swanton support@litepips.com Company Website https://litepips.com/

June 04, 2024 08:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

XLB ETF: It’s Relevance to Increased Construction Activity

Select Sector SPDR

The United States has recently seen a resurgence in the construction industry. Investors aiming to benefit from this rise in construction activity may want to explore an exchange-traded fund (ETF), the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund ( XLB ), which offers a snapshot of this bustling sector. As of the latest reports, the XLB ETF's strategic holdings reflect its commitment to offering diverse exposure within this thriving industry. Key Holdings Within XLB* XLB encompasses a diverse portfolio of businesses operating in different domains, including chemicals, construction materials, packaging and containers, metals and mining, along with paper and forest products. There are currently 28 companies in the portfolio. Leading the pack we have Linde PLC, a global leader in industrial gasses and engineering, at 21.45%. It is followed by Freeport-McMoRan Incorporated, a leading mining company, holding 7.19% of XLB. Next we have Sherwin-Williams, which is renowned for their excellence in paints, coatings, and related products, at 7.08%. Following is Ecolab, a prominent player in the industrial sector, making a significant contribution to XLB at 5.76%. Finally, there is Air Products and Chemicals, another key player in industrial gasses and related equipment, with 5.27%. This extensive coverage offers investors the opportunity to tap into numerous facets of the materials sector, proving advantageous during phases of economic expansion or heightened infrastructure investment. As the construction industry continues forward, XLB, with its 0.09% expense ratio**, remains well-positioned. Increasing Demand for Building Materials The steady demand for building materials has been a key factor in the growing relevance of XLB. As we continue to navigate the post-COVID-19 era, construction activities are on a significant rise, creating a surge in the need for raw materials. Furthermore, the increasing focus on infrastructure development is adding fuel to this rising demand. The recent passage of the infrastructure bill opens up avenues for substantial investments in diverse fields such as transportation, broadband, and clean energy, thereby making XLB a potentially attractive investment option. The Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund ( XLB ) provides diversified exposure to the thriving materials sector. With its current demand driven by ongoing construction projects and potential infrastructure expenditure, XLB emerges as a compelling choice for investors seeking to tap into these trends. 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 non-diversification 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. SEL007537 EXP 7/31/24 Contact Details Dan Dolan +1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website https://www.sectorspdrs.com/

June 03, 2024 02:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Game ON for Pakistan: Historic Talent Gathering for Game Developers, Animators, and Designers in Islamabad!

IDRAK AI

Islamabad, Pakistan – June 3, 2024 - ( ThriveNewsWire ) - Gaming industry in Pakistan has been on rise for last couple of years. Recently, number of major international investments in Pakistani Gaming tech sector have attracted attention of global tech players. The rising industry has experienced number of acquisitions of local talent in recent past. In this regard, the vibrant heart of Islamabad witnessed a landmark event as over 150 game developers, animators, and designers gathered for an unprecedented meetup. Hosted at the offices of IDRAK AI (Pakistan’s first award-winning AI company) and Design Peeps (a globally recognized leader in digital product design), the evening marked a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s gaming and animation industry. This historic event, organized by IDRAK AI and Design Peeps in collaboration with Arab Play, Miradore, Section Soft, Huawei, and Moonshot Animations, epitomized the spirit of innovation and partnership. Supported by P@SHA, IGI, and Maida Co., the meetup showcased the strength and diversity of Pakistan’s burgeoning creative and technological sectors. Throughout the evening, industry leaders shared profound insights into the current landscape and future prospects of game and animation development in Pakistan, facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise. The event also witnessed the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and two significant contracts, setting the stage for future collaborations in gaming, animation, mobile app development, and event management. These agreements are poised to propel the industry forward, targeting both local and Saudi market business segments. “We are elated by the extraordinary turnout and the enthusiasm from all sectors—government, academia, industry, and students alike,” said Sheikh Abdul Qadir, MD of IDRAK AI, and Usman Fiaz, CEO of Design Peeps, the visionary organizers behind the event, “This gathering is a testament to the immense potential and talent within Pakistan’s gaming industry. It’s truly Game ON for Pakistan.” The event was a celebration of the thriving community of game developers, animators, and designers. Attendees reveled in the vibrant atmosphere of Islamabad’s beautiful evening, engaging in discussions that spanned the latest technological innovations and the artistic nuances of game creation. The gaming industry in Pakistan, now valued at over half a billion dollar, demonstrated its significant growth and vast potential. This event stands as a milestone, heralding future growth and collaboration within the gaming and animation sectors. It created a crucial platform for stakeholders to unite, share knowledge, and drive the industry towards unprecedented heights. As Pakistan continues to make waves in the global gaming and animation markets, such events will be instrumental in fostering a robust and innovative ecosystem. Media Contact Bilal Wasti bilal@designpeeps.net For Further Information: - IDRAK AI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idrakailtd/ - Design Peeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/designpeeps/ Contact Details Design Peeps Bilal Wasti bilal@designpeeps.net Company Website https://idrakai.com/

June 03, 2024 12:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

1 ... 29 30 31 32 33 ... 310