News Hub | News Direct

How Lytus Technologies (NASDAQ: LYT) Is Expanding Its Footprint From India To The USA

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga The internet is booming in India and is poised for more growth as 5G rolls out across the world’s most populous nation. As of the start of this year, there were over 1.2 billion internet users in the country. By 2050, that’s projected to grow to more than 1.6 billion. That’s a big market opportunity to bring cutting-edge internet services to the masses, which is what Lytus Technologies Holdings PTV. Ltd. (NASDAQ: LYT) is aiming to do. Lytus Technologies is a platform services company enriching the experience for users whether its streaming content, telemedicine or fintech services. The company reports that its ability to provide a cutting-edge platform regardless of the digital offering is what makes it so unique. The company operates telecasting, telemedicine and OTT platforms, leveraging its 5,000-kilometer network of installed fiber and broadband infrastructure to serve more than four million users in India and the USA. As one of the few Indian companies listed on the NASDAQ, Lytus potentially provides investors with a unique opportunity in the growing Internet market in India. Potentially Big Market Opportunity The opportunity for Lytus Technologies is large. India has the second largest pay-TV market in the world and the highest fintech adoption rate globally. The telehealth and telemedicine market in India is forecasted to reach $285.7 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.6% over 2022-2030. That strong demand is showing up in Lytus’s results. The company, which was founded in 2017, has achieved positive EBITDA and $20 million in revenue. The market opportunity seems similar to China where Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NASDAQ: BABA), the e-commerce giant, dominates by leveraging its vast platform. As a company operating a similar model to the commerce giant, Lytus hopes to emulate AliBaba’s success in India. Lytus' business model is potentially disruptive but easily repeatable and scalable across geographies. Its recent launch of Lytus Studios is an example of how the company is leveraging technology to give consumers and businesses advanced internet services. Lytus Studios is a content creation and technology services business bringing virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality and extended reality to the film, video, commercial, corporate and digital markets. Growing Demand For Fintech Services Lytus Technologies has also forayed into fintech. The company recently launched a payment gateway for consumers in India. The initial rollout is focused on a B2B model, but it plans to expand the payment service to individual users in the next 12 months. Recognizing the big market opportunity, the company is investing $50 million to grow its fintech business in India during the next five years. Like the other markets it enters, technology underpins all its offerings and sets it apart from its rivals. "Over the course of the next several months, Lytus intends to expand the scope of its fintech services to include AI-driven next-generation payment platforms, P2P lending, blockchain, insurtech, digital shareholder services, cross-border payments, among other services. Lytus also plans to offer its subscribers e-wallet and credit card services using AI-based technology for personalized financial insights. Users will be able to set spending goals based on their priorities, earn rewards and leverage the features to develop good financial habits and achieve their long-term goals," said Huzaefa Lokhandwala, CEO of Lytus Fintech. The fintech opportunity alone is large given India is one of the fastest-growing fintech markets in the world, expected to hit $2.1 trillion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of over 18%. Acquisition Makes It Happen Lytus’s expansion is helped by its acquisition of a 51% stake in Sri Sai Cable and Broadband Private Ltd., the regional Multi Service Operator (MSO) based in Telangana, India. The MSO has a subscriber base of more than one million, giving Lytus Technologies a bigger presence in the Indian market. With 5G rolling out in India, Lytus Technologies is only scratching the surface in terms of what internet services it can offer. With 5G it can reach more customers, deliver enhanced connectivity, support a multitude of devices, introduce new and immersive applications and ultimately provide a superior broadband experience. All of that almost ensures it gets more subscribers as it attempts to become the Alibaba of internet streaming. 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

October 26, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Athletech News, New Multimedia Platform Focused on the Fitness & Wellness Industry, Launches with 50,000 Subscribers

Athletech News

October 25, 2023, New York—Today marks the official launch of Athletech News, a new media venture by Edward Hertzman. Athletech News is a multimedia platform, seeking to fill a need for business news and reporting in the fitness and wellness space valued at $30.8 billion in the U.S. and some $87 billion globally. “We took Athletech News from idea to execution over the course of couple of years thoroughly analyzing the market and its opportunities,” Athetech News founder and CEO Edward Hertzman said. “I saw an industry experiencing unprecedented transformation and growth but having no single resource to bring together the entire community. Athletech is a single venue industry leaders can now visit to pick up the day’s key headlines, hear thought leaders discuss consumer trends, read analysts' recaps of market movements and deal flow, and learn best-in-class practices from their peers. I drew from my experience founding Sourcing Journal, which created a community that had previously been experiencing a similar industry void.” The new venture showcases Hertzman’s ability to build a media company, regardless of industry. Having successfully built and his previous platform, Sourcing Journal, he sold it to Penske Media Corporation in 2017. Hertzman stayed on with the company for the next six years to run Sourcing Journal; during his tenure he was promoted to EVP of Fairchild. Athletech News is quickly becoming the media of record for this growing industry. More than 50,000 Fitness and Wellness executives have already subscribed to the new platform, drawn to the executive interviews with industry luminaries and the daily feed of breaking industry news. Soon after its launch, Athletech News signed on leading industry partners, including companies such as ISSA, Xpotential Fitness, XPLOR, Life Fitness, Body20, Sweathouz, Trainerize, SportsArt and Bloomreach. The platform targets the top decision makers in all business-facing aspects of the space—owners and operators of fitness clubs/studios, fitness and wellness and recovery executives, technology and equipment companies, analysts, venture capitalists, private equity, and more. Athletech's event series: Athletech also recently released a comprehensive video series called DISRUPT, featuring on-camera interviews with more than 30 of the industry’s top executives, from companies such as Technogym, CrossFit, Tonal, Pvolve, FitOn, Xpotential, Centr, Hyperice, Freemotion, Madabolic, Restore, Life Time, TRX and Zumba. Edward Hertzman commented: “It's time the fitness and wellness industry had a serious seat at the table. From boardrooms to Capitol Hill to mainstream media, there is more to our business than diet hacks, before-and-after infomercials and body-building stereotypes. We are committed to building a platform for the fitness and wellness industry, to share news and opinions, even if those opinions are somewhat raw), to network, celebrate wins, and most importantly, do all of it in a collaborative, pre-competitive environment.” # # # About Athletech News Athletech News provides comprehensive media coverage of the most impactful news and trends shaping the fitness and wellness sector. Our newsletter and website cover emerging fitness technology, brick and mortar gyms, wellness trends, new fitness formats and the industry’s economic outlook. We aim to spark ideas and shape agendas for fitness executives in this constantly evolving and fast moving sector. We set out each day to inform these leaders with proprietary content and analysis that will help them make more informed business decisions. Please visit Athletech News at athletechnews.com. About Edward Hertzman, Athletech Founder & CEO Edward Hertzman is a serial entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio spanning media, fitness, wellness, and sourcing. As a subject matter expert, he's become a prominent voice in these industries and an early-stage investor in promising startups, contributing significantly to their growth. His latest venture, Athletech News, addresses the need for community, representation, and transparency in the fitness and wellness sector. Prior to this, Hertzman founded Sourcing Journal in 2009, now the world's largest trade publication for sourcing and supply chain in apparel and textiles. He sold the company to Penske Media Group in 2017 and served as President, later becoming EVP of all Fairchild Media Titles. Contact Details Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://athletechnews.com

October 25, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

We Need To Shift How Transportation Infrastructure is Viewed to Successfully Transition to EVs - Wallbox is Helping Power This Evolution

Benzinga

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga Transportation is undergoing an era-defining metamorphosis. With the increased global adoption of electric vehicles, traditional infrastructure – like gas stations – is becoming outdated. This is paving the way for EV charging stations to take center stage. However, whether you’re a driver or investor, a number of questions still remain about exactly how the transportation industry will evolve alongside this new technology. One key factor that’s rapidly changing how we interact with our cars is charging, and companies like Wallbox (NYSE: WBX) are working hard to address the unique challenges the evolution of the industry is presenting. The Electrification Market First, let's take a look at the landscape. The Vehicle Electrification Market – which includes EVs, hybrids, batteries as well as charging infrastructure – is set to reach $215.1 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 9.8%. Driven by an increasing demand for alternative fuels and concerns over carbon emissions, the electrification wave is already in motion. Especially notable is the electric vehicle segment, which already represents 8.6% of new-car sales in the U.S. While other regions like China and the European Union have already surpassed 20% EV adoption, North America is catching up fast, thanks to growing awareness about environmental sustainability and a proactive effort to expand adoption and charging infrastructure through legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act. The Reality Of EV Charging The average U.S. driver covers about 37 miles daily, while all-electric vehicles offer a range of 250 – 500 miles per charge. This suggests that most drivers won't need daily charging, especially when a fast public charger can take up to an hour. Instead of focusing only on public chargers – hubs that resemble traditional gas stations – it may be more practical to focus first on integrating charging at places where vehicles are typically parked for extended periods, like homes and apartments, which will make up 80% of total charging ports in the U.S., as well as offices or malls. By doing so, charging becomes a seamless part of a consumer’s current daily routines without the need for frequent detours. This is where Wallbox solves a major problem. A potential game-changer in the truest sense, Wallbox specializes in creating intelligent electric vehicle charging and energy management systems that fit seamlessly into current infrastructure at homes, apartment buildings, businesses or shared spaces. As the amount of electric vehicles increases, it will be necessary to have infrastructure in place that fits in with consumers' daily routines. Charging while running errands will be the norm, and Wallbox is prepared to meet that need. With a team of over 1,000 professionals, a presence in 9 countries and a customer base in more than 100 countries, Wallbox is dedicated to revolutionizing how the world consumes energy. Their mission is clear – to promote EV adoption globally and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. Breaking Down The Numbers Many EV owners charge their cars at home. It’s simple, doesn’t take time out of the day and the majority simply prefer charging their vehicles where they live, utilizing AC Level 2 charging equipment. With EVs consuming roughly 33 kWh over 100 miles and electricity costs pegged at $0.13 per kWh, the U.S. Department of Energy's data suggests that home charging can cost as low as $0.04 per mile. Public stations, in contrast, often have steeper rates. The 2030 National Charging Network report finds that to support a mid-adoption scenario of 33 million EVs on the road by 2030, the nation will need 28 million charging ports. Given already visible shifts in consumer behavior, private residential chargers are expected to form the core of the national ecosystem, complemented by reliable public fast charging. Thus, by encouraging at-home charging, not only are we making the switch to EVs more economical for the end-user, but we're also ensuring that the need for ultrafast chargers on highways remains an outlier scenario, covering only the rare long-distance travels. The Electric Future When it comes to industry-defining changes, what’s being observed in the electrification market is more than a trend; it's a potentially tectonic shift in how we perceive, use and manage transportation. While it's easy to focus only on electric vehicles, the electric future is just as much about intelligent charging solutions that cater to consumers right where they are – at home, at work and in shared spaces. Wallbox, with its innovative technologies and expansive reach, stands at the forefront of this shift, beckoning drivers and investors to be part of this transformative journey in transportation. 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

October 25, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Pet Owners Are Spending More And More On Vet Visits, Meds And Higher Quality Pet Food – Here Are The Key Trends Investors Should Watch

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga Pet ownership is on the rise in the United States, with an estimated five million more pets today than there were before the pandemic. But this isn’t just a pandemic boom that’s doomed to fade. The number of homes with pets has been trending upward for decades. As the number of pets grows, so, too, does the demand for supplies and services to care for them. According to Morgan Stanley, the pet services industry is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% over 2022-2030, reaching a projected total of $277 billion. Here are some of the key trends to watch in the booming pet services industry. More Pets And More Spending On Those Pets Is Creating A Surge In Demand Morgan Stanley pegs that 8% CAGR not just to the rise in the number of pets but to the rise in how much owners are willing to spend on them. The annual spend per pet is expected to increase from $980 million in 2020 to $1.9 billion in 2030 as owners take pet health and wellness more and more seriously. In addition to the increased spending, that piece of the household budget is becoming increasingly inelastic. Nearly half of pet owners in a recent Ally Consumer Research survey said they would cut spending on themselves or take on debt before cutting their pet budget. That increased pet spend isn’t just going to higher quality food or dog sweaters. It’s going toward more frequent visits to the vet, increased spending on prescription medications, pet insurance premiums and a more proactive routine of preventative and surgical care for pets. These trends have sparked a wave of new companies entering the space or expanding their reach. In April, PetMed Express (NASDAQ: PETS) acquired PetCareRX for $36 million in a bid to add new health and wellness verticals to its business. The online pet pharmacy will now add PetCareRX’s marketplace of pet wellness supplements and nutritious food to its portfolio. In September, Walmart (NYSE: WMRT) opened its very first pet services center, providing both veterinary care and grooming services to Walmart customers. The Dallas, Georgia location is Walmart’s pilot initiative, but the company says it plans to expand it to other locations in the future. In August, Wag! Group Co. (NASDAQ: PET) expanded its online platform for comparing and buying pet insurance, finding dog walkers or sitters, and getting one-on-one training into Canada as the company eyes global expansion. That same month, the vet services segment saw its first publicly traded company enter the market with the closing of Inspire Veterinary Partners Inc.’s (NASDAQ: IVP) $6.4 million IPO. The owner and operator of vet hospitals is strategically building a nationwide network of hospitals and clinics, with 13 locations across nine states so far. The fast-growing company plans to acquire 10 locations per year while also expanding into related services like emergency care, pet boarding, lab testing, and more. 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

October 25, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Roberts & Ryan partners with Allspring Global Investments to launch a new Money Market Fund share class to benefit military veterans

Roberts & Ryan, Inc.

Roberts & Ryan Inc, America’s first service-disabled veteran-owned broker-dealer, announced a partnership with Allspring Global Investments (Allspring), launching Roberts & Ryan share classes in all three of Allspring’s Government and Treasury Money Market Funds. Allspring is a global asset management firm with $551 billion* in assets under advisement. The share classes will be available on market leading cash management platforms. “Roberts & Ryan is honored to partner with Allspring and its leading Money Market Funds’ team. This addition to our suite of services provides our institutional customers with a way to manage their liquidity and generate competitive returns while also having a positive impact on the veteran community, which has provided all of us the freedoms we enjoy every day,” said Ed D’Alessandro, Roberts & Ryan Chief Executive Officer and a U.S. Navy veteran. Roberts & Ryan specializes in underwriting and executing debt and equity capital markets transactions for corporate treasuries, hosting corporate access events, and secondary fixed income and equity trading. Through its social mission, the firm donates a portion of its top-line revenue to world-class nonprofits and foundations that focus on supporting veterans in general wellness, mental health, and career transition through partner nonprofits. “We’re excited to provide cash management solutions to Roberts & Ryan’s clients,” shared Andrew Owen, President of Allspring Funds. “We are proud to work with an organization committed to supporting the veteran community.” “As part of Roberts & Ryan’s social mission and corporate ethos of supporting the veteran community, we will be donating 10% of the gross revenue from our share classes to support our nation’s veterans through our nonprofit partners like Boulder Crest, The Children of Fallen Patriots, and The Robert Irvine Foundation,” said Ed D’Alessandro. About Roberts and Ryan, Inc. Roberts & Ryan, Inc. is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVO) broker dealer providing services in debt and equity capital markets, equity and fixed-income secondary trading, as well as corporate access events. The firm was founded in 1987 by a United States Marine Corps Vietnam combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient. With over $1.8 million in committed donations since 2018, Roberts & Ryan is active in donating to charitable foundations that make significant positive impacts in the lives of Veterans and their families, focusing on general wellness, mental health, and career transition. To learn more about Roberts & Ryan, please visit www.roberts-ryan.com. About Allspring Global Investments Allspring Global Investments ™ is an independent asset management firm with more than $551 billion in assets under advisement*, over 20 offices globally, and investment teams supported by more than 460 investment professionals. Allspring is committed to thoughtful investing, purposeful planning, and inspiring a new era of investing that pursues both financial returns and positive outcomes. For more information, please visit www.allspringglobal.com. *As of September 30, 2023. Figures include discretionary and non-discretionary assets. This material is provided for informational purposes only and is for professional, institutional, or qualified clients/investors. Not for retail use outside the U.S. THIS MATERIAL DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION AND IN ANY CASE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED IN ANY JURISDICTION OR TO ANY PERSON WHERE IT WOULD BE UNAUTHORIZED OR UNLAWFUL TO DO SO. Contact Details Roberts & Ryan, Inc. Michael C. Del Priore +1 646-859-4061 mdelpriore@roberts-ryan.com Company Website https://www.roberts-ryan.com

October 25, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

FUZE Technology Acquires MobileQubes Expanding its chargeFUZE network in Transit, Gaming & Healthcare

Full Scope PR

Los Angeles, CA - FUZE Technology (“FUZE”), a distinguished IoT company recognized for seamlessly merging hardware and software technology, has revealed its strategic acquisition of MobileQubes, a pioneering entity in portable charger vending solutions. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of FUZE Technology's network of smart charging stations, firmly establishing it as a leading provider of out-of-home mobile charging solutions across North America. FUZE, operating under its prominent brand chargeFUZE, is already a significant player in the out-of-home mobile charging landscape. Their portfolio includes extensive partnerships with Live Nation Entertainment, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), ASM Global, Simon Property Group, and more. FUZE also powers guest experiences for the majority of professional sports organizations in North America, spanning all five major sports leagues. Furthermore, FUZE is a prominent presence at various festivals and large flagship events nationwide, including F1, US Open, Live Nation, Insomniac and C3 events. MobileQubes, widely acknowledged for pioneering portable charger vending, has made remarkable strides in mass transit by securing partnerships with major public transit operators in the US. Their influence also extends into the casino, gaming, and healthcare industries, showcasing their exceptional prowess in portable charging solutions over the past decade and earning them recognition as the original vending solution. Co-Founders Brandon Afari and Ryan Levy expressed their enthusiasm regarding the acquisition, stating, " We are thrilled to welcome MobileQubes into the FUZE family. Their expertise in portable charging and strategic partnerships in transit and gaming perfectly align with our objectives in expanding into IoT and other hardware/software avenues, including the healthcare sector." With this strategic acquisition, FUZE Technology aims to combine its strengths with those of MobileQubes, creating synergies across large-scale distribution verticals that encompass public transit systems, digital out-of-home solutions, and now healthcare. Sean Carrigan, Co-Founder and CEO of MobileQubes, stated, " This merger is a significant step forward for MobileQubes, aligning perfectly with our vision to innovate and provide accessible mobile charging solutions to a diverse range of users, particularly in the transit and gaming sectors, as well as in healthcare." This acquisition signifies more than just a merger of two innovative companies; it represents a strategic move to connect brands and advertising, offering unprecedented opportunities for businesses to engage with consumers through the widespread deployment of mobile charging solutions in high-traffic areas, including healthcare facilities. The combined strengths of FUZE Technology and MobileQubes will undoubtedly drive future innovation and redefine the landscape of out-of-home mobile charging, encompassing various sectors, including healthcare. FUZE Technology looks forward to a future of enhanced offerings and expanded reach, continuing to revolutionize the way people stay charged on the go. Contact Details Charge Fuze Press press@chargefuze.com

October 25, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Southern University’s World-Famous “Human Jukebox” Marching Band Partners with SIGMA to Elevate Video Production Quality

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

Southern University’s esteemed Human Jukebox Marching Band has entered into an exciting and exclusive partnership with SIGMA Corporation of America, a leading camera and lens manufacturer for both photography and cinema applications, to enhance the quality of their video production when chronicling and producing their prestigious performances. This is the third academic year that SIGMA has sponsored the Human Jukebox. A world-famous marching band with a rich history of performances at prestigious events such as the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and college and professional football games’ halftimes, the Human Jukebox is known for its captivating shows and choreography, which includes the talented Dancing Dolls ensemble. The band's reputation plays a vital role in attracting students to Southern University and cultivating valuable partnerships, and sharply capturing their performances is of utmost importance. In 2014, Eric Johnson, the Human Jukebox’s Marketing and Brand Manager, along with Jabari Morgan (marketing) and Media Director Garrett Edgerson, embarked on a journey to develop a strong brand identity and elevate the band's presence in the world of collegiate marching bands. Their success in building an impressive online presence on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and beyond has garnered attention from notable artists such as Lizzo, Adele, 50 Cent, DJ Khaled, and Janet Jackson. The Human Jukebox's ability to capture their performances and share them with the world relies heavily on consistent high-quality video production. In 2020, the band turned to SIGMA, drawn to SIGMA's reputation for providing premium yet affordable lenses. SIGMA's dedication to customer service and a shared passion for creative excellence led to the establishment of a productive partnership. "An appreciation for art is cultivated during a person’s formative school years and is something SIGMA has always been passionately supportive of," says Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of SIGMA America. "Having the opportunity to help bring the Human Jukebox’s work to life for the past three years with crisply captured video, and to contribute to the long-term growth of this HBCU, has been an honor.” Southern University’s Media Director Garrett Edgerson, a photographer and filmmaker, heads a team of four students and three alumni responsible for creating captivating content for the Human Jukebox. To ensure top-notch video quality, Edgerson and his team have embraced SIGMA lenses as their go-to choice for capturing the band's performances. "Like many HBCUs, Southern University's marching band plays a crucial role in attracting students from all over the world," said Eric Johnson, the Human Jukebox's Marketing and Brand Manager. “SIGMA lenses have taken our production level to a whole new height with compact form factor, lighter weight, and excellent build, making it easier for the team to capture stunning footage during performances and events. Hollywood-quality video has advanced our reputation, leading to additional sponsorships and partnerships that help support students' education and band expenses.” To learn more about how the Southern University Marching Band Media team utilizes SIGMA gear for their work, please visit this behind-the-scenes piece. About SIGMA Corporation of America SIGMA Corporation of America, founded in 1984, is the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation, a family-owned manufacturer of lenses, cameras and photo accessories. With U.S. headquarters in Ronkonkoma, NY, SIGMA Corporation of America expanded with a showroom and office in Burbank, CA in 2018 to support the Hollywood filmmaking industry. Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Leica, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA Cine lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA Cine lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with over 35 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more users can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products. Follow SIGMA America on social media! SIGMA Photo: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram SIGMA Cine: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Contact Details SIGMA +1 631-201-7381 SIGMA.PR@Sigmaphoto.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

October 24, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

News Release

India's MAJOR Gaming Growth!

QYOU Media Inc

ValueTheMarkets News Commentary - The Indian gaming market is projected to rapidly grow in size, nearly tripling from $2.6bn to $8.6bn between 2022 and 2027 according to projections from Statista. Perhaps this is no surprise, considering the country's huge population of young consumers and rapid adoption of tech. This article will discuss the issue with reference to Alphabet Inc ( NASDAQ: GOOGL ), Tencent Holdings Ltd ( OTC: TCEHY ), Microsoft ( NASDAQ: MSFT ) and QYOU Media ( TSXV: QYOU ) ( OTCQB: QYOUF ). As this article has already shown, gaming is set for a massive uplift in India. A major part of this opportunity is the mobile gaming market, with the vast majority of gamers in the country using their smartphone to play. Indeed, 94% of gamers use their phones in India according to KPMG, compared to less than 10% using PC or consoles respectively. That's why we're looking at QYOU Media, Tencent, Microsoft and Alphabet from a largely mobile perspective. QYOU Media ( TSXV: QYOU ) ( OTCQB: QYOUF ) is an entertainment company with a focus on bringing creator-led content to the Indian market. While the business already owns a slew of successful TV channels across traditional and app-based platforms, it took the jump into the mobile gaming space at the start of this year. In January, the business acquired Maxamtech, a specialist in free-to-play mobile games and owner of the Gaming360 platform. Now, the business is moving into the real-money gaming space, taking advantage of its huge popularity in India. The business will launch a new version of its casual mobile gaming app, QGAMESMELA, which comes with 'freemium' capabilities. Players will be able to win cash prizes and awards via both free and real-money gaming engagements. With India's real-money gaming market expected to reach 60bn rupees by 2025, this looks like it could be an astute move from this rapidly evolving business. Alphabet Inc ( NASDAQ: GOOGL ) has a major opportunity in India due to the strong growth of app users in the country. Indeed, according to 42Matters, India is the top country in the world in terms of number of apps installed and used per month. The company has enjoyed huge growth in India, with its mobile play store seeing a 200% increase in active monthly users and an 80% jump in consumer spending in 2021 compared to 2019. While a large amount of app downloads are by gamers, with titles like Ludo King exceeding 500 million downloads, the company said in 2022 that it had also seen "stupendous growth" across categories like education, payments, health and entertainment. With 2022 representing the first year of declines in Google App Store revenues, the company could decide that focusing on a major potential market like India is a route to strong future growth. Tencent Holdings Ltd ( OTC: TCEHY ) is an absolute titan when it comes to mobile gaming. In India, the company owned PUBG Mobile, which WAS the top mobile gaming IP back in 2021. The company also owns Finnish videogame developer Supercell, makers of the Clash of Clans titles. This further demonstrates the Chinese multinational's tight grasp on the nation's mobile gaming space at the time. So, what's changed? September 2020 saw the Indian government banning titles like PUBG Mobile and other Chinese-owned apps, citing data privacy issues. Replacement versions of some titles have resurfaced, but the ban has damaged Tencent in the country. But Tencent is wading back into India, having launched new mobile title Undawn in the country back in June 2023. With no bans in place yet, despite noise from some interest groups, this could be the start of a new concerted push into the territory. Tech giant Microsoft ( NASDAQ: MSFT ) is another outfit which is pushing into the Indian mobile gaming market. This is largely due to the company's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which bolsters its PC and console gaming offering but also crucially offers major new inroads into the mobile gaming space. As one of the biggest markets in the world for mobile gaming, India is sure to be a target for the company. The company will already have a strong presence in the nation. Research published by Statista in 2021 indicated that Activision Blizzard's growing share of the Indian gaming market would represent more than 14% of the total in 2022. Indeed, immensely popular mobile titles like Candy Crush are already under the company's wing and offer it significant opportunity. Additionally, the clear challenges already in place for Chinese competition mean that further growth is a realistic possibility. While its clear that India presents a huge opportunity for gaming companies, this article has outlined the radically different states some of the main competitors find themselves in. Tencent is dogged by uncertainty as it attempts to bounce back from mass bans, while Microsoft has suddenly become a key player. Alphabet's platform is seeing major growth and new kid on the block QYOU Media is astutely swooping in to corner the real-money gaming opportunity. IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER PAID ADVERTISEMENT This communication is a paid advertisement. ValueTheMarkets is a trading name of Digitonic Ltd, and its owners, directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents and assigns (collectively the "Publisher") is often paid by one or more of the profiled companies or a third party to disseminate these types of communications. In this case, the Publisher has been compensated by QYOU Media Inc. to conduct investor awareness advertising and marketing and has paid the Publisher the equivalent of one hundred and twenty five thousand US dollars to produce and disseminate this and other similar articles and certain related banner advertisements. This compensation should be viewed as a major conflict with the Publisher's ability to provide unbiased information or opinion. CHANGES IN SHARE TRADING AND PRICE Readers should beware that third parties, profiled companies, and/or their affiliates may liquidate shares of the profiled companies at any time, including at or near the time you receive this communication, which has the potential to adversely affect share prices. Frequently companies profiled in our articles experience a large increase in share trading volume and share price during the course of investor awareness marketing, which often ends as soon as the investor awareness marketing ceases. The investor awareness marketing may be as brief as one day, after which a large decrease in share trading volume and share price may likely occur. NO OFFER TO SELL OR BUY SECURITIES This communication is not, and should not be construed to be, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. INFORMATION Neither this communication nor the Publisher purport to provide a complete analysis of any company or its financial position. This communication is based on information generally available to the public and on an interview conducted with the company's CEO, and does not contain any material, non-public information. The information on which it is based is believed to be reliable. Nevertheless, the Publisher does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information. Further, the information in this communication is not updated after publication and may become inaccurate or outdated. No reliance should be placed on the price or statistics information and no responsibility or liability is accepted for any error or inaccuracy. Any statements made should not be taken as an endorsement of analyst views. NO FINANCIAL ADVICE The Publisher is not, and does not purport to be, a broker-dealer or registered investment adviser or a financial adviser. The Publisher has no access to non-public information about publicly traded companies. The information provided is general and impersonal, and is not tailored to any particular individual's financial situation or investment objective(s) and this communication is not, and should not be construed to be, personalized investment advice directed to or appropriate for any particular investor or a personal recommendation to deal or invest in any particular company or product. Any investment should be made only after consulting a professional investment advisor and only after reviewing the financial statements and other pertinent corporate information about the company. Further, readers are advised to read and carefully consider the Risk Factors identified and discussed in the advertised company's SEC, SEDAR and/or other government filings. Investing in securities, particularly microcap securities, is speculative and carries a high degree of risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This communication contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected continual growth of the featured companies and/or industry. Statements in this communication that look forward in time, which include everything other than historical information, are based on assumptions and estimates by our content providers and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the profiled company's actual results of operations. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results and performance to differ materially from any future results or performance expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: the success of the profiled company's operations; the size and growth of the market for the company's products and services; the company's ability to fund its capital requirements in the near term and long term; pricing pressures; changes in business strategy, practices or customer relationships; general worldwide economic and business conditions; currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations; government, statutory, regulatory or administrative initiatives affecting the company's business. INDEMNIFICATION/RELEASE OF LIABILITY By reading this communication, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this disclaimer in full, and agree and accept that the Publisher provides no warranty in respect of the communication or the profiled company and accepts no liability whatsoever. You acknowledge and accept this disclaimer and that, to the greatest extent permitted under applicable law, you release and hold harmless the Publisher from any and all liability, damages, injury and adverse consequences arising from your use of this communication. You further agree that you are solely responsible for any financial outcome related to or arising from your investment decisions. TERMS OF USE AND DISCLAIMER By reading this communication you agree that you have reviewed and fully agree to the Terms of Use found here https://www.valuethemarkets.com/terms-conditions/ and acknowledge that you have reviewed the Disclaimer found here https://www.valuethemarkets.com/disclaimer/. If you do not agree to the Terms of Use, please contact valuethemarkets.com to discontinue receiving future communications. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY All trademarks used in this communication are the property of their respective trademark holders. Other than valuethemarkets.com, the Publisher is not affiliated, connected, or associated with, and the communication is not sponsored, approved, or originated by, the trademark holders unless otherwise stated. No claim is made by the Publisher to any rights in any third-party trademarks other than valuethemarkets.com. AUTHORS: VALUETHEMARKETS valuethemarkets.com and Digitonic Ltd and our affiliates are not responsible for the content or accuracy of this article. The information included in this article is based solely on information provided by the company or companies mentioned above. This article does not provide any financial advice and is not a recommendation to deal in any securities or product. News and research are not recommendations to deal, and investments may fall in value so that you could lose some or all of your investment. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.ValueTheMarkets do not hold any position in the stock(s) and/or financial instrument(s) mentioned in the above piece. ValueTheMarkets have been paid to produce this piece by the company or companies mentioned above. Digitonic Ltd, the owner of valuethemarkets.com, has been paid for the production of this piece by the company or companies mentioned above. Contact Details ValueTheMarkets +44 141 530 4080 editor@valuethemarkets.com Company Website https://www.valuethemarkets.com

October 24, 2023 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Shareholder Urges Microsoft to Boot Jeffrey Epstein Pal from Board of Directors

NLPC

In a letter to the lead independent director for Microsoft Corporation, National Legal and Policy Center has asked for the removal of billionaire Reid Hoffman from the company’s board of directors, due to his hyper-partisan political activities and his connections to the late convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, whose private island Hoffman visited in 2014. NLPC owns stock in Microsoft and is also sponsoring a shareholder proposal at this year’s annual meeting, which will be held on December 7, 2023. LinkedIn, which was co-founded by Hoffman, was acquired by Microsoft in December 2016. He joined Microsoft’s board in March 2017. As NLPC’s Paul Chesser wrote in his letter to the company’s top independent director, Sandra Peterson, Hoffman has shown poor discernment in his associations, poor judgment in his political and social actions, and utter disregard for Microsoft’s reputation and shareholder value. “Reid Hoffman’s wealth and arrogance have clearly gone to his head and he appears to think he doesn’t have to be accountable to anyone,” said Chesser, who is director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project (CIP). “Whether its visiting ‘Pedophile Isle’ with Jeffrey Epstein, or calling the likely 2024 Republican presidential nominee ‘The Disease President,’ or simply advising aspiring entrepreneurs to ‘ignore your customers,’ Hoffman obviously would rather satiate his sensual impulses than properly oversee the fiduciary responsibilities of a major technology company,” said Luke Perlot, associate director and chief researcher for the CIP. In the heavily footnoted letter to Microsoft, NLPC pointed out three major reasons that make Hoffman unsuitable for the board: his close association with Epstein; his unrestrained, hyper-partisan political urges; and his hypocritical views regarding “civic participation” and his own company’s censorship practices. Excerpts from the letter: According to Axios, Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Epstein both aggressively fundraised for the [MIT Media Lab], with Mr. Hoffman also inviting Mr. Epstein to join him at an August 2015 dinner in Silicon Valley that included tech entrepreneurs Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Peter Thiel. In an email to Mr. Thiel, according to the Wall Street Journal, “Hoffman wrote that Epstein was a ‘mostly fun, very interesting guy, you may find him perverse, but very smart on biology, computation, macro econ.’”… Mr. Hoffman’s extremely poor judgment leaves many unanswered questions. Recognizing Mr. Epstein as “perverse,” how did Mr. Hoffman justify ongoing collaboration with the convicted pedophile, who maintained his own luxury island to traffic underage girls to fulfill the sexual desires of himself and his associates? How could a highly educated, savvy and instinctive tech billionaire agree to visit such a place, with such a person, with such a detestable reputation, unless it was intentional, showing utter disregard for his own image and that of the businesses and organizations with which he is identified? … MotiveAI, another firm credited with “with backing from billionaire LinkedIn chairman Reid Hoffman,” ran ads through associated limited liability companies that featured offensive content and disinformation…. Facebook pages with MotiveAI associations made sexist comments about former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Republican megadonor Rebekah Mercer. One such page called Rep. Gabbard a “C.W.I.L.F.,” which stands for a “Congresswoman I’d like to f---”… Mr. Hoffman…could easily advocate for [LinkedIn] to remain open to all for reasoned political debate, but there is no evidence that he does. In fact, his own history indicates that he encourages such snubs. As a self-styled expert on venture capital-funded startups…Mr. Hoffman recommends one counterintuitive business practice for an alleged path to success: “Ignore your customers.” Is this an image that Microsoft wishes to project? NLPC called for Peterson to ask for Hoffman’s resignation, and if he refuses to do so, then to seek his removal. Hoffman is listed as a nominee for re-election to the board on the company’s proxy statement. “Reid Hoffman has been very successful in business but he has shown very poor judgment,” said Peter Flaherty, chairman of NLPC. “Wealth should not be an exemption from decent behavior. Microsoft will be a better company when Hoffman leaves the board.” Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 danrenejr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

October 24, 2023 10:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Communications

How Lytus Technologies (NASDAQ: LYT) Is Expanding Its Footprint From India To The USA

Athletech News, New Multimedia Platform Focused on the Fitness & Wellness Industry, Launches with 50,000 Subscribers

We Need To Shift How Transportation Infrastructure is Viewed to Successfully Transition to EVs - Wallbox is Helping Power This Evolution

Pet Owners Are Spending More And More On Vet Visits, Meds And Higher Quality Pet Food – Here Are The Key Trends Investors Should Watch

Roberts & Ryan partners with Allspring Global Investments to launch a new Money Market Fund share class to benefit military veterans

FUZE Technology Acquires MobileQubes Expanding its chargeFUZE network in Transit, Gaming & Healthcare

Southern University’s World-Famous “Human Jukebox” Marching Band Partners with SIGMA to Elevate Video Production Quality

India's MAJOR Gaming Growth!

Shareholder Urges Microsoft to Boot Jeffrey Epstein Pal from Board of Directors