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OLB Group (NASDAQ: OLB) Acquires Controlling Interest In Prepaid Phone Platform, Potentially Expanding Its Services For The Underbanked To An Additional 31,000 Locations

Benzinga

By David Willey, Benzinga OLB Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: OLB) is a diversified payment and omnicommerce technology services provider that provides the benefits of traditional banking to financially underrepresented communities. It is boosting its services to the underbanked through the acquisition of a controlling interest in Cuentas SDI LLC, a company that owns the platform of Black011.com along with a network serving over 31,000 convenience stores. OLB acquired an 80% share in the company and will offer its services, including the prepaid General Purpose Reloadable (GPR) program, to the stores and customers already on SDI’s network. The company has appointed a new Vice President (VP) of Sales, Jeff Jorgge, to lead the expansion. Jorgge has over 15 years of experience leading similar projects with other major companies. His campaign will involve rebranding the SDI platform under the OLB Payment Platform and ECO payment system and offering OLB’s services to the 31,600 convenience stores currently part of SDI’s network. The campaign will highlight the ability of members on the Black011 platform network to use one integrated Point-of-Sale (POS) system so their customers can purchase products and reload their phones from the same system. Jorgge commented, “I have been involved in indirect channel distribution for the past 15 years in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area and am very excited about all the additional unique services that OLB will bring to the merchants on the SDI network. The OLB Group applications of in-store and on-mobile online App and will help to bridge the digital divide for the unbanked, underbanked, and underserviced population.” OLB’s Current Focus – The First 1,000 Locations OLB believes this controlling acquisition of SDI will increase its service to convenience stories and their customers. The company is starting its campaign by targeting 1,000 prime locations, including convenience stores and ‘bodegas,’ in the tri-state area. These locations often serve unbanked or underbanked households, which represent almost 18% of America’s more marginalized communities. There are over 150,000 convenience stores in the U.S., and it is estimated that over 90% of Americans live within a short distance of one of these stores. However, these stores can struggle in the changing economic environment, and OLB’s acquisition will allow it to better serve this significant market. OLB Group CEO Ronny Yakov commented on the acquisition, “We are excited to move forward with this exciting next step in our relationship with Cuentas. Our plan is to immediately focus on adding as many as 1,000 new stores to the network in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut area and then ramp up from that initial base.” Expanding SDI Services Cuentas Inc. (NASDAQ: CUEN), which used to own Cuentas SDI, still owns almost a 20% share of the company. It will continue helping SDI serve financially underrepresented communities and plans to add the network to its new Cuentas Mobile Wireless Service. It will also continue working with the leading global financial services company InComm, to add innovative digital solutions to the SDI network in aid of the underbanked. OLB will be able to offer these locations numerous benefits, including access to OLB’s network of customers, wallets with instant credit and the ability to issue loans and other financial services. The acquisition of the SDI network will also enhance OLB’s GPR program. GPR cards function like debit cards, except they are pre-paid and reloadable, and unlike debit cards, they are not connected to a bank. Integrating the SDI network with OLB’s financial services means owners of merchant locations will be able to reload funds to their accounts as well as use OLB’s electronic portal to offer customers instant access to digital products. Other companies that offer services similar to OLB, including integrated fintech/payment, are large-cap names like Shopify, Inc. (NYSE: SHOP) and BigCommerce Holdings (NASDAQ: BIGC). This initiative to expand into a very large underserved market could be a major contributor to OLB’s revenue and income growth going forward as the company executes on their roll out plan to the new market sector of bodegas and convenience stores. Want to read more about what OLB Group is doing to serve the underbanked? Check out its website. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 15, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority Opens New Preserve to the Public: Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve

Santa Clara County Open Space Authority

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority) will open the 1,859-acre Máyyan ‘Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve to the public on Thursday, August 31. Five miles of new trails – including a new 3-mile segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail and a wide range of accessible experiences – will be open for free to hikers on a schedule that balances recreation and nature experiences with the sensitive habitat for the many species that make their home in the preserve’s rare serpentine grasslands. For members of the media only: There will be a private preview of the preserve on Wednesday, August 30, followed by a trail dedication ceremony with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. To attend, please RSVP to news@openspaceauthority.org On October 14, 2023, the Authority will host a free Community Day celebration at the preserve. The event will feature special speakers and fun family-friendly activities. Details to come at openspaceauthority.org. The public may sign up to receive updates here. About Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve Less than 15 miles south of downtown San José and nestled between the Santa Cruz and the Diablo mountain ranges, Máyyan 'Ooyákma in Northern Coyote Valley connects over one million acres of core habitat and open space. "Máyyan 'Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge is a biodiversity hot spot in Santa Clara County, and its opening as a preserve presents an unparalleled opportunity to educate the public about the importance of protecting habitats for endangered plants and animals and helping them adapt to a changing climate," said Andrea Mackenzie, general manager of the Open Space Authority. "With our free Butterfly Pass, bilingual interpretation, special hours and docent-led programs, the Open Space Authority is embarking on a novel approach to enlightening visitors about the pressing climate crisis and the sensitive species that rely on these lands. This place will serve as an inspiring outdoor classroom, welcoming people of all ages and abilities to learn about wildlife, climate science and how to responsibly care for the land." Trails and Access The trails at the preserve are organized as follows (see map below): MÁYYAN WÁAYI (COYOTE VALLEY) OVERLOOK TRAIL Distance: 1,000 feet | Average Grade: 5% SERPENTINE SPRING TRAIL | BUTTERFLY PASS REQUIRED | Distance: 1.3 miles | Elevation change: 1,000 feet TULE ELK TRAIL | BUTTERFLY PASS REQUIRED | Distance: 1.3 miles | Elevation change: <50 feet BAY CHECKERSPOT TRAIL | BUTTERFLY PASS REQUIRED | Distance: 2.5 miles | Elevation change: 1,000 feet Three of the preserve’s trails are located inside a “Habitat Protection Area,” where 1,830 acres are enrolled in the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan. To help safeguard the vulnerable species and natural resources present inside the preserve, the Habitat Protection Area will be carefully observed for human impacts and managed by Open Space Authority staff and volunteers. The area’s serpentine grasslands provide refuge for a wide variety of rare plants and wildlife, some of which have teetered on the edge of extinction. Among them are the Bay checkerspot butterfly, the Metcalf Canyon jewelflower, California red-legged frogs and tiger salamanders, tule elk, Western burrowing owls, golden eagles and numerous other birds of prey. Please note: A free annual Butterfly Pass is required year-round to access the trails inside the Habitat Protection Area. Passes are available at https://news.openspaceauthority.org/butterfly-pass-2023 To ensure that the Preserve’s sensitive habitat remain protected, all trails within the Habitat Protection Area will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays, with seasonal hours that will vary based on the needs of the local wildlife. Additionally, wildflower season traditionally attracts a lot of visitors on Bay Area trails, so starting March through May 2024, weekend access to the trails within the Habitat Protection Area will be available only via free docent-led hikes and events that require advance registration. Other important details about the visitor experience at Máyyan 'Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge: Parking at the preserve is limited to 42 vehicles. Amenities include an ADA all-gender restroom and paved pathways inside the central gathering area, seating and shaded picnic areas, shaded overlooks and multilingual educational interpretation signage in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Due to the sensitivity of the preserve’s habitats, dogs and drones are not permitted anywhere on the property. No water is available at the preserve. Full details about preserve access schedule and regulations are online at https://www.openspaceauthority.org/preserves/coyoteridge.html “We are excited to welcome visitors to enjoy the trails," said Derek Neumann, field operations manager for the Open Space Authority. “This preserve is unlike any other in the Bay Area. It's home to many rare, endangered and endemic plants and animals, which is why our hours of operation and access to the Habitat Protection Area are seasonal and require the free Butterfly Pass. We want visitors to witness firsthand how unique this place is. We are asking everyone to do their part to help respect and protect the sensitive plants and wildlife that call this place home.” History of Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve The preserve is located within the ethnohistoric territory of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area, which worked with the Open Space Authority to integrate a Chochenyo translation of “Coyote Ridge” into the preserve’s name. Máyyan 'Ooyákma is pronounced “ My-yahn Oiy-yahk-mah.” The Tribe also helped develop bilingual interpretive materials at the preserve to give further visibility to the Chochenyo language. In 2015, the Open Space Authority permanently protected the property after successfully securing a total of $8.6 million in funding to protect the rare serpentine grasslands, the Bay checkerspot butterfly population found on the preserve and the r wildlife connectivity this location provides between the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Range. The acquisition was made possible through the generous support of various public and private partnerships, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the State Coastal Conservancy, the Wildlife Conservation Board, California State Parks, the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Resources Legacy Fund. Prior to its preservation, the property served as a buffer between the bustling Santa Clara Valley and a 5,127-acre facility for rocket and missile testing that United Technologies Corporation operated just a stone's throw away from San José. Funding for this public access project totaled $4 million, provided by the Open Space Authority's Measure Q, a $400,000 grant from the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, $400,000 in funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Priority Conservation Area Grant Program and over $2.5 million from California State Parks. ### Click here for photos, B-ROLL, and brochures About the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority conserves the natural environment, supports agriculture, and connects people to nature, by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. Since 1993, the Authority has protected almost 30,000 acres of open space, natural areas and working lands, watersheds, and wildlife habitat – providing ecologically friendly outdoor recreation and preserving the natural beauty and environmental health of the Santa Clara Valley. For more information, please visit openspaceauthority.org Contact Details Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority Charlotte Graham, Public Information Officer +1 408-439-6541 cgraham@openspaceauthority.org Company Website https://www.openspaceauthority.org/

August 15, 2023 06:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Claravine Makes the Inc. 5000 for Fourth Consecutive Year

Claravine

Inc. revealed today that Claravine ranks No. 2426 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other household name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. "It is an honor to be recognized four consecutive years in the Inc. 5000,” says Verl Allen, CEO of Claravine. “The past four years have been transformative for Claravine and earning a place in the Inc. 5000 is a testament to the incredible success of our clients, which include over a quarter of the Fortune 100, and our world-class team. We plan to continue building on this momentum to power higher quality data decisions across our customers using data standards.” The Inc. 5000 class of 2023 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate ticked up to an astonishing 2,238 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 1,187,266 jobs to the economy over the past three years. For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 23. “Running a business has only gotten harder since the end of the pandemic,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “To make the Inc. 5000—with the fast growth that requires—is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future.” This acknowledgement comes on the heels of a milestone year for Claravine. Recently, Claravine acquired Netra, Inc, a content classification company powered by artificial intelligence, and added its services to AWS Marketplace. Claravine was also recently named for the second consecutive time to AdExchanger’s Programmatic Power Players list, as well as awarded the 2022 AdExchanger Award for Best Data Technology. Claravine was also named a cool vendor in the 2022 Gartner Cool Vendors in Marketing Data and Analytics report. More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Methodology Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2022. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2019 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places. About Inc. Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work reaches more than 50 million people across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com. For more information on the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, slated for October 31 - November 2 in San Antonio, visit http://conference.inc.com. About Claravine Claravine is The Data Standards Company aiming to give people, teams and technology a shared understanding of their data. Claravine helps brands and agencies deliver on the promise of modern marketing by standardizing taxonomies, naming conventions, and metadata across all digital experiences at the source of data creation. The Data Standards Cloud empowers a proactive approach to marketing metadata naming conventions and taxonomy for fast, accurate and rich business insights that help deliver the experiences customers want. Claravine partners with a quarter of the Fortune 100 to define, apply and connect standards across their ecosystem for faster decisions, greater agility, and increased ROI. For more information, visit www.claravine.com. Contact Details Kite Hill PR Michael Kocher +1 704-960-2295 michael@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.claravine.com/

August 15, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Second Full-Scale Laser System Module Completed

Silex Systems Limited

August 15, 2023 (AEST): Silex Systems Limited (Silex) (ASX: SLX) (OTCQX: SILXY) is pleased to announce the completion of another significant milestone in the SILEX uranium laser enrichment project being conducted in collaboration with exclusive licensee, US-based Global Laser Enrichment (GLE). The milestone involved the accelerated construction and successful completion of testing of the second module of full-scale laser technology required for GLE’s commercial pilot demonstration project being conducted in Wilmington, North Carolina. The second laser system module was constructed and tested at Silex’s Lucas Heights laser technology development centre in less than 12 months, in line with the accelerated schedule for the commercial-scale pilot demonstration project, which may be completed as early as mid-2024. Authorised for release by the Silex Board of Directors. Further information on the Company’s activities can be found on the Silex website: www.silex.com.au or by contacting investor.relations@silex.com.au Forward Looking Statements and Risk Factors: About Silex Systems Limited (ASX: SLX) (OTCQX: SILXY) Silex Systems Limited ABN 69 003 372 067 (Silex) is a technology commercialisation company whose primary asset is the SILEX laser enrichment technology, originally developed at the Company’s technology facility in Sydney, Australia. The SILEX technology has been under development for uranium enrichment jointly with US-based exclusive licensee Global Laser Enrichment LLC (GLE) for a number of years. Success of the SILEX uranium enrichment technology development program and the proposed Paducah commercial project remain subject to a number of factors including the satisfactory completion of the engineering scale-up program and nuclear fuel market conditions and therefore remains subject to associated risks. Silex is also at various stages of development of additional commercial applications of the SILEX technology, including the production of ‘Zero-Spin Silicon’ for the emerging technology of silicon-based quantum computing. The ‘Quantum Silicon’ project remains dependent on the outcomes of the project and the viability of silicon quantum computing and is therefore subject to various risks. Silex is also conducting research activities in its Medical Isotope Separation Technology (MIST) Project, which is early-stage and subject to numerous risks. The commercial future of the SILEX technology in application to uranium, silicon, medical and other isotopes is therefore uncertain and any plans for commercial deployment are speculative. Additionally, Silex has an interest in a unique semiconductor technology known as ‘cREO®’ through its 100% ownership of subsidiary Translucent Inc. The cREO® technology developed by Translucent has been acquired by IQE Plc based in the UK. IQE has paused the development of the cREO® technology until a commercial opportunity arises. The future of IQE’s development program for cREO® is very uncertain and remains subject to various technology and market risks. Forward Looking Statements The commercial potential of these technologies is currently unknown. Accordingly, no guarantees as to the future performance of these technologies can be made. The nature of the statements in this announcement regarding the future of the SILEX technology as applied to uranium enrichment, Zero-Spin Silicon production, medical and other isotope separation projects, the cREO® technology and any associated commercial prospects are forward-looking and are subject to a number of variables, including but not limited to, unknown risks, contingencies and assumptions which may be beyond the control of Silex, its directors and management. You should not place reliance on any forward-looking statements as actual results could be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various risk factors. Further, the forward-looking statements contained in this Announcement involve subjective judgement and analysis and are subject to change due to management’s analysis of Silex’s business, changes in industry trends, government policies and any new or unforeseen circumstances. The Company’s management believes that there are reasonable grounds to make such statements as at the date of this Announcement. Silex does not intend, and is not obligated, to update the forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law or the ASX Listing Rules. Risk Factors Risk factors that could affect future results and commercial prospects of Silex include, but are not limited to: ongoing economic and social uncertainty, including in relation to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; geopolitical risks, in particular relating to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and tensions between China and Taiwan which may impact global supply chains, among other risks; uncertainties related to the effects of climate change and mitigation efforts; the results of the GLE/SILEX uranium enrichment pilot plant demonstration program; the market demand for natural uranium and enriched uranium; the outcome of the project for the production of ‘Zero-Spin Silicon’ for the emerging technology of silicon-based quantum computing; the outcome of the MIST program; the potential development of, or competition from alternative technologies; the potential for third party claims against the Company’s ownership of Intellectual Property; the potential impact of prevailing laws or government regulations or policies in the USA, Australia or elsewhere; whether IQE’s commercialisation program for cREO® is resumed, the results from the program and the market opportunities for cREO® products; actions taken by the Company’s commercialisation partners and other stakeholders that could adversely affect the technology development programs and commercialisation strategies; and the outcomes of various strategies and projects undertaken by the Company. Contact Details Silex Systems Limited Michael Goldsworthy | Julie Russell +61 2 9704 8888 investor.relations@silex.com.au Company Website https://www.silex.com.au/

August 15, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Sekur’s Suite Of Encrypted And Private Communication Tools Will Now Be Available To Morocco’s Largest Telecommunications And Banking Companies Thanks To New Agreement

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga This month, Sekur Private Data Ltd. (OTCQB: SWISF) (CSE: SKUR) (FRA: GDT0) announced a new distribution agreement with Digital Smart Solution Sarl (DSS), a Morocco-based IT services consulting company. The agreement will see Sekur’s suite of privacy solutions, including SekurMesenger, SekurVPN and SekurMail offered to some of Morocco’s largest companies in the telecommunications and banking sectors. Sekur Is A Leader In Developing Truly Private And Secure Communication And Internet Access Among the solutions that will be distributed under the new agreement is SekurMessenger. The proprietary chat, voice-message and file-sharing app allows users to communicate via a secure and very private channel without disclosing their phone number or other contact information. It also comes with a self-destruct timer that users can set to automatically clear message history at regular intervals. That’s true even when using the app to chat with someone who doesn’t have SekurMessenger through its chat-by-invite feature. The enterprise version archives all communications at server level for compliance, and offers full users’ permissions and onboarding, offering a compliant true private closed loop communications solution for businesses and their client base and offering an alternative to other non-compliant messaging applications in use today by many employees in the financial, legal and medical sectors. According to a CNBC article dated Aug 8th, 2023, U.S. regulators announced a combined $549 million in penalties against Wall Street firms that failed to maintain electronic records of employee communications. That level of privacy and data protection could be a game changer in a market that currently suffers from a lack of robust cybersecurity. “Approximately 90% of African businesses are operating without cybersecurity protocols in place, making them vulnerable to cyber threats, such as hacking, phishing, and malware attacks,” said Sekur CEO Alain Ghiai. Privacy is still an issue even within the cybersecurity services market, though. Data mining and third-party leaks are major issues among virtual private network (VPN) providers, for example. VPNs are meant to offer users a way to browse the internet while concealing their IP address and making the rest of their data less vulnerable to hackers. But many VPN providers structure their service in a way that leaves glaring loopholes for data leaks. In July, for example, Meta (NASDAQ: META) was fined AU$20 Million by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission after its subsidiary, Onavo Protect VPN, was found to be monitoring and logging user activity and sharing that data with its parent company. Even when a VPN provider promises that it doesn’t log user activity, it might use third-party servers or bundle its VPN with third-party services like ad blockers or anti-virus software that don’t make the same data privacy guarantees. That’s what Sekur wanted to solve with its SekurVPN launched in April. The VPN service is hosted entirely on Sekur’s own servers based in Switzerland, where data privacy laws are especially strict. It’s also a pure VPN service with no other third-party add-ons bundled into the plan. The result is a no-frills, easy-to-use VPN that not only guarantees that it won’t monitor or log user data but avoids the risk of third-party providers tracking or sharing that data as well. This level of privacy and security is especially important for businesses that are often handling not just their own data but that of customers and, as a result, are more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals. DSS Distribution Agreement Aligns With Sekur’s Recent Push Into Enterprise Security Market Under the new deal, DSS will start by approaching two of the largest telecom operators in Morocco which serve a combined mobile subscriber base of well over 20 million users. This comes as Sekur takes major steps to grow its enterprise services segment, including plans to launch major marketing campaigns by the fourth quarter of this year targeting the 30 million small businesses in the United States, where two-thirds of today’s VPN users are based. Alongside its expanded distribution and marketing strategy, the company is also developing a suite of Sekur Enterprise solutions to better cater to this segment as its network of enterprise customers grows. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 15, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Zuma Payroll & Processing Makes the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Zuma Payroll & Processing

Zuma Payroll & Processing (“Zuma”), a leading payroll, processing, and talent management software provider, today announced it was named to the Inc. 5000 Annual List for accomplishing three-year revenue growth rate of 339 percent. It’s the second consecutive year that Zuma was named the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Zuma helps small and medium businesses (SMBs) handle their complex payroll, tax, and human resources obligations more efficiently and effectively. Over the past three years, Zuma has experienced a transformative phase of growth, more than tripling its revenue and doubling its team of experts. Zuma has seen a surge in demand for its award-winning, all-in-one HR platform for SMBs, including tremendous growth from the construction sector. The company specializes in handling intricate union reporting requirements. “We're seeing surging demand for our payroll, tax, and HR services, particularly in our specialty solutions for the construction sector," said Chris Caputo, CEO of Zuma. "Our ongoing investments in people and technology enable us to serve more clients and solve their complex payroll and tax challenges. Being named to the list for the second consecutive year is a testament to our team's hard work, dedication, and commitment to client excellence.” The Inc. 5000 class of 2023 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. “Running a business has only gotten harder since the end of the pandemic,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “To make the Inc. 5000—with the fast growth that requires—is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future.” About Zuma Payroll & Processing Founded in 2006, Zuma has evolved into a crucial solution-provider for businesses, particularly in the realm of payroll and human capital. The company has experienced monumental growth in the construction sector, owing to its expertise in intricate union reporting requirements. A 30% expansion in its dedicated team and pivotal investments into technology have propelled Zuma to redefine the sales process and enhance the client journey. With its headquarters in Melville, NY, Zuma continues its endeavor to streamline operations and offer top-tier services to its ever-growing clientele. For more information, kindly visit https://www.zumapay.com/. About Inc. Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work reaches more than 50 million people across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com. Contact Details LoBello Communications Sivan Ron Sivan@LoBelloCommunications.com Company Website https://www.zumapay.com/

August 15, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

YouSolar Wants to Bring Independent Power To The World – And Millionaires Are Reportedly Its Most Eager Early Customers

YouSolar, Inc.

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Interested in investing in the YouSolar campaign? Click here to get started. The adoption of widespread renewable energy is no longer a question of technology but rather the burdensome bureaucratic processes and financial obstacles faced by utility-scale wind and solar power plants. These projects often have to wait for years to connect to the power grid, only to be hit with expensive fees. The application process – known as the interconnection queue – is not only delaying the distribution of clean power but also effectively impeding the United States from achieving its climate goals. The backlog in the interconnection queue is indicative of a larger issue for the country's climate efforts. The U.S. lacks an adequate number of transmission lines to support the transition from a fossil fuel-dependent electricity system to a decarbonized energy grid. Some industry leaders like YouSolar are looking to decentralization as a solution. Decentralized energy systems or distributed energy systems refer to a network of localized power sources that generate electricity closer to where it is consumed. These systems typically include renewable sources of energy, such as solar panels, wind turbines or small hydropower facilities that produce power on a smaller scale. Decentralized energy systems have a more flexible and resilient design than traditional systems, which rely on large power plants and transmission lines. They offer a wide range of benefits like reduced transmission losses, enhanced reliability, improved energy security and greater flexibility in accommodating new technologies such as electric vehicles. One of the key components of this decentralized power infrastructure is a nanogrid. A nanogrid is designed to provide primary power to an entire home without relying on the grid for peak loads. It acts as a vital building block in creating a 100% clean energy future. YouSolar has developed a fully integrated solar nanogrid, the Powerbloc®. The PowerBloc is a primary power solution for residential and business applications and provides an uninterrupted power supply for the entire building. The PowerBloc is a fully-integrated solar nanogrid that includes advanced solar panel electronics. It acts as an Uninterrupted Power Supply for the entire home and contains an energy management system that uses solar and load forecasts to decide how to optimize the use of the batteries. One of the more unique characteristics of the PowerBloc is its modular design. This design feature means the system is flexible and can be upgraded if needed or desired. YouSolar is already seeing success in California's wine country and along the Big Sur coast. The company’s primary customers are currently affluent, self-reliant homeowners who live off-grid, want a reliable and clean power supply and are willing to pay for it. The demand is clear. In 2021, the residential battery market size was valued at $12 billion. By 2028, the market is expected to rise to over $49 billion with a compound annual growth rate of 17.75%. Part of the driving force toward independent electricity is the unreliability of the main electrical grid. YouSolar aims to become a leading provider of independent power systems in the luxury residential market. The company has cultivated a network of premium electricians, builders and architects who incorporate YouSolar's nanogrid technology into the homes they design and construct. YouSolar also plans to create awareness for its independent power solution and eventually expand into broader markets. In addition to the luxury segment, the company sees potential in the small commercial market, as high-end homes have power and energy requirements similar to small commercial applications. The company is already in preliminary discussions with partners to deploy fleets of nanogrids to businesses, offering them cost savings on utility power and protection against power outages. This market diversification positions YouSolar for continued growth and success in the luxury sector and beyond. Click here to read more about YouSolar’s raise and to invest. YouSolar created the PowerBloc®, a solar nanogrid that delivers reliable and clean power with little or no reliance on utility power. Our first customers are high-end homes in Northern California. The PowerBloc uses a patented modular and highly scalable power architecture. To accelerate sales and take the PowerBloc global, we are developing a stackable PowerBloc that is plug-and-play. The PowerBloc allows people to power their lives independently and accelerates the transition to a clean-energy world. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Rupert Mayer - CFO rupert.mayer@yousolar.com

August 15, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

2023 OPPO Inspiration Challenge: OPPO Announces 15 Finalists and the Opening of Voting for the People’s Choice Award

OPPO

15 innovative proposals exploring the two categories of "Inspiration for People" and "Inspiration for the Planet" qualified for the Global Final Demo Event where they will compete for the top 5 places and the chance to bring their ideas to life with support from OPPO and its partners. The poll for People's Choice Award will start at 2PM on August 15 th (GMT+8). Click here to vote for your favorite proposal in each of the two categories with the chance to win an OPPO Find N2 Flip phone! SHENZHEN, CHINA - Media OutReach - 15 August 2023 - OPPO today announced the 15 tech start-ups shortlisted for the Global Final Demo Event of the 2023 OPPO Inspiration Challenge following the successful completion of regional demo events in Boston, Shenzhen, and Bangkok earlier this month. The 15 start-ups and their innovations will meet in Singapore in October where they will compete for a spot in the global top 5. The 2023 OPPO Inspiration Challenge received a total of 687 innovative proposals from 66 different countries and regions focusing on the two entry categories of "Inspiration for People" and "Inspiration for the Planet". Following a thorough evaluation process, the top 15 solutions in each region were selected to take part in three regional demo events in Boston, Shenzhen, and Bangkok. Industry Experts Inspire Further Innovation Hosted by OPPO Research Institute in partnership with the Harvard GSAS Entrepreneur Community, the first regional demo event of 2023 OPPO Inspiration Challenge was held at the Harvard Club of Boston on July 27. During the event, 15 selected start-ups from Europe, the United States, and Israel pitched their solutions to the judging panel. Following their pitches, entrants also had the opportunity to engage in in-depth technical discussions with Jason Liao, Head of OPPO Research Institute, and executives from Harvard Business School and investment institutions. On July 31, the second regional demo event took place in Shenzhen in partnership with the China University-Enterprise Collaboration Innovation Alliance (CUEC). OPPO Vice President and President of China Market, Bobee Liu, and the Head of OPPO Health Lab, Leo Zeng, both attended the event, where they were joined by other judges from Qualcomm Ventures, Amazon Web Services, GSMA 5G IN, and Beihang Investment. During the event, attending media and guests also voted for the winners of the "Media Choice" and the "Virtuous Innovation" awards. The last regional demo event took place in Bangkok on August 7. In partnership with one of the APAC region's most influential universities – Chulalongkorn University – OPPO also invited experts from Amazon Web Services and Deloitte to participate in the judging process. Professor Kaywalee Chatdarong, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University said in her closing remark that "Chulalongkorn University is honored to be OPPO's regional partner. Together, we envision a future full of possibilities and innovations for our nations and the global society." 15 Innovative Solutions Shortlisted for Global Final Demo Event Based on the four criteria of feasibility, innovation and originality, long-term potential, and social value, the professional judging panels from each of the three regional demo events have now selected their top 5 respective proposals to make up the shortlist of 15 entrants that will compete in the global final of 2023 OPPO Inspiration Challenge. Together, these solutions and the start-ups behind them are leveraging the power of digital health, accessible technology, and sustainability to build a better world for all. For more information about the 15 finalists and join People's Choice Award to vote for your favorite innovative proposals, please visit https://www.oppo.com/en/proposal/finalists-2023/. To further facilitate the development of the proposals via internal and external collaboration, OPPO will partner with KPMG to hold the Acceleration Camp prior to the Global Final Demo Event. During the camp, senior executives from OPPO will join technology experts, investors, and industry partners to provide assistance to the top 15 global start-ups. Following this, the top 5 winning solutions will be selected at the Global Final Demo Event. Each winning start-up will be awarded a prize of US$50,000 along with opportunities to help further build their ideas, including productization and commercialization opportunities, strategic partnerships, investment, and exposure at global technology events. Together with its partners, OPPO aims to empower global entrepreneurs and technology professionals to bring innovative solutions to life. For more details about the Global Final Demo Event and the 2023 OPPO Inspiration Challenge, please visit https://www.oppo.com/en/proposal/. About OPPO OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find X and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO has footprints in more than 60 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world. Contact Details Media Contact press@oppo.com Company Website https://oppo.com/en/proposal/

August 15, 2023 08:48 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Bitget Announces Trading Tournament, KCGI 2023, with a Whopping $2.6 Million and Helicopter Prize Pool

ZEX GLOBAL MEDIA

( ZEX PR WIRE), Bitget, top crypto derivatives and copy trading platform, is thrilled to unveil the much-anticipated King's Cup Global Invitational (KCGI) 2023, an extraordinary global crypto spot, futures, demo trading and copy trading competition. Proudly marking its fourth edition, KCGI 2023 promises a captivating array of contests, an exhilarating roulette game, and a live session that will set the trading world ablaze. Traders worldwide are poised to compete for a breathtaking prize pool of up to 2,650,000 USDT, accompanied by an array of extravagant prizes, including a Tesla Cybersquad and a Airbus H135 helicopter. KCGI 2023 kicks off on August 18 with the adrenaline-pumping Spot Trading Contest, followed by the thrilling Demo Trading, Futures Copy Trading, and Futures Trading Contests. Traders from every corner of the globe can either join the competition individually or form formidable teams to claim their stake of the coveted grand prize. Additionally, participants will be treated to two spectacular events—the riveting roulette game and live roulette session—where fabulous prizes, such as the latest iPhone and the awe-inspiring Tesla Cyberquad, await the lucky victors. Since its debut in 2021, KCGI has experienced nothing short of explosive growth over the past few editions, amassing over 32,000 participants and just shy of 200 teams from all over the world in KCGI 2022: Football Edition amid a bleak crypto winter. Building on this resounding success, Bitget's groundbreaking rebranding initiative and 5th Anniversary has positioned KCGI 2023 as a momentous leap forward, symbolizing Bitget's evolution into a dynamic, diverse, and vibrant cryptocurrency exchange. KCGI 2023 embodies more than just a competition—it's a celebration of smarter trading. As participants engage in this electrifying trading extravaganza, they will unlock the full potential of Bitget's cutting-edge platform, harnessing the power of social trading, derivatives, and immersive educational activities. This rapidly growing CEX offers an unparalleled trading journey, empowering traders to thrive and adapt in the ever-changing crypto landscape. "As we gear up for KCGI 2023, we are thrilled to present traders worldwide with an exceptional opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for the most remarkable prize pool we ever have. At Bitget, we believe in fostering a dynamic and diverse cryptocurrency exchange, and KCGI represents another step towards achieving that vision.” said Gracy Chen, Managing Director of Bitget. “With an exciting lineup of contests, including spot trading, futures, and copy trading, we invite participants to join us in this trading extravaganza and experience the smarter trading journey that Bitget offers. We look forward to witnessing the enthusiasm and talent of our global trading community as we embark on this exhilarating journey together." As Bitget commemorates five years of excellence, the company has launched a series of exciting initiatives and partnerships in addition to KCGI 2023. Of which, the highly-anticipated EmpowerX Summit, set to take place in Singapore this September, will bring together industry experts and crypto enthusiasts for insightful discussions and networking opportunities. Bitget is also undergoing a significant transformation with its rebranding efforts centering around the " Trade smarter " philosophy, symbolizing its commitment to empowering traders with intelligently-designed tools. All these initiatives highlight Bitget's unwavering dedication to growth, innovation, and customer-centricity in the crypto landscape. For more details on Bitget’s KCGI 2023, please visit: www.bitget.com/events/kcgi About Bitget Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange that offers Copy Trading services as one of its key features. Serving over 20 million users in more than 100 countries and regions, the exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter by providing a secure, one-stop trading solution. Bitget inspires individuals to embrace crypto through collaborations with credible partners, including legendary Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi and official eSports events organizer PGL. For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord Contact Details ZEX PR WIRE Media Team info@zexprwire.com Company Website https://zexprwire.com/

August 15, 2023 08:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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