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Brand Engagement Network Brings AI Assistants To Medical Coaching And The $6.7 Billion Concierge Medicine Market Following The Expansion Of Its Board

Benzinga

By Anthony Termini, Benzinga The world of healthcare is rapidly changing, with holistic, accessible care as a key element. In the aftermath of a global pandemic, many patients are demanding a wider range of services that meet a broader range of needs. We may even potentially be entering a golden age of healthcare where patients are being prioritized more than ever, and technology is rapidly advancing to assist physicians in achieving these goals. Brand Engagement Network (BEN) (NASDAQ: BNAI), an artificial intelligence (AI) company, aims to enhance support in this radically expanding industry. The company is an emerging provider of personalized patient engagement. It uses AI to power technology that can see, hear and understand the input it receives from a patient. Using human-like avatars as the interface, BEN says its HIPAA-compliant technology can support highly specific patient requests and can remember, analyze, speak and gesture in a similar way that a person would in a human-to-human interaction. The company’s AI assistants can provide insights about preventative medicine and healthcare options based on a patient’s insurance and health plan while also protecting sensitive medical information. These human-modeled AI assistants are also designed to help augment health and wellness coaching. BEN’s AI Assistants Are Filling Gaps In The Healthcare Industry In August 2024, the company entered an agreement with Members Only Health, a full-service concierge healthcare company. The members-only agreement sets up the development of an AI assistant to serve a number of patient needs. These may include the 24/7/365 availability of a personal concierge to navigate and coordinate the global network Members Only Health (MOH) maintains across providers, health plans and preventative medicine data. Now, MOH expects to have the ability to scale its business much faster and more efficiently by deploying AI assistants to support its growing client base. Nicholas Argento, CEO of Members Only Health says that patients who use healthcare concierge services benefit from professional care around the clock. He adds that AI technology like BEN’s can help ensure that patients “have access to up-to-date healthcare information and the most convenient options for treatment.” The concierge medicine market in the U.S. reached $6.7 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow annually by nearly 10.4% through 2030. Not to mention, concierge services’ focus on accessibility will be even more important in the coming decades, as our population continues to age; by 2054, 84 million adults ages 65 and older will make up an estimated 23% of the population. BEN also entered into an agreement with INTERVENT International, a key player in the health coaching industry. The agreement with INTERVENT is intended to incorporate human-modeled AI assistants into INTERVENT’s scientifically proven health coaching programs. The goal is to scale a cost-effective, in-depth and conversational support system for both professional health coaches and patient participants. Led by physicians, INTERVENT is a high-tech/high-touch health management company. It delivers evidence-based behavior change and entity-wide or population-based health and wellness coaching. The agreement with BEN is aimed at helping INTERVENT train coaches faster and serve more program participants at a lower cost than would be possible with human interaction alone. INTERVENT’s CEO, Neil Gordon, MD, PhD, MPH, believes AI-driven technology will benefit healthcare providers and patients. He says that “AI will not replace appropriately trained health coaches, but appropriately trained health coaches who leverage purpose-built AI and other technologies are likely to replace those who do not.” How BEN Is Ensuring It Has A Strong Team To Herald In This New Age Of Healthcare And Technology “AI technology offers an incredible opportunity to vastly improve patient outcomes,” said Richard Isaacs, MD, FACS, Dean of the College of Medicine and Professor of otolaryngology at California Northstate University. Isaacs has an intimate understanding of the intersection of technology innovation and medicine and in 2021 was regarded by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare. Isaacs is a recent addition to BEN’s Board of Directors. At the time of his appointment, he said that he has “always pursued the realization of what is possible in healthcare with new technologies” and that he looks “forward to helping guide BEN’s development of new applications … in the industry.” With the increasing adoption of AI technologies, BEN’s commitment to creating a team of innovators and experts can help set it apart from competitors. Issacs has a long history of embracing new technologies to benefit physicians and patients alike. While he was the chief physician at South Sacramento Medical Center, Issacs led the development and implementation of Kaiser Permanente’s electronic health record system. Under his direction, the facility first began using smartphone applications to help enhance personalized care and improve overall patient experiences. At the company’s core, it is interested in using its proprietary technology to advance industries that require support. It does not seem to be interested in the model of AI for the sake of AI, but rather in developing a robust AI product and connecting with partners to see how it can best assist in bringing evolution to industries in flux. “Improving patient experiences and healthcare outcomes starts with elevating the education and training of healthcare professionals, and enhancing access to healthcare,” said Paul Chang, CEO of BEN. “Supplementing training programs, health coaching (digital and otherwise), and patient engagement with AI technology helps to address significant resource and labor gaps in the healthcare industry while empowering professionals and patients to make informed decisions for optimal health.” Brand Engagement Network believes these agreements will help drive the development of healthcare AI assistants to augment and automate business processes ranging from professional health coaching to patient engagement. The collaborations are expected to help people access specialized healthcare, which may improve patient outcomes. To see more ways BEN is empowering the healthcare industry – as well as other important business sectors worldwide – visit the company’s website. Featured photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 19, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Industry Update: 3 Exciting Precision Oncology Players to Watch Following Summit’s Meteoric Rise: Silexion, Nuvectis, Scorpian

Global Markets News

Summit Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SMMT) recently captured headlines with the release of its Phase 3 data for ivonescimab, a targeted NSCLC therapy that has generated substantial buzz. The results from its trial conducted in China showed a dramatic 49% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared to Merck’s Keytruda, signaling a potentially disruptive force in NSCLC treatment. However, the news wasn’t without its concerns—since the trial data originates from China, there are questions about its applicability to broader, global populations. As noted by BMO Capital Markets’ Evan Seigerman: “Results may or may not be generalizable beyond the China-focused patient population initially assessed.” Despite this, Summit’s valuation has risen by over 100%, now approximating $19 billion. With such a high valuation, the company could see limited room for further significant gains, leading many in the industry to explore other emerging opportunities in precision oncology. Alongside Summit, there are quite a few other players in the field. Some if these companies have even already shown promising initial results and could see similar success in the future if they were to report positive results. These emerging players are worth watching for those interested in following precision oncology drug candidates and pipelines. Among them are precision oncology innovators such as Silexion Therapeutics, Nuvectis Pharma, and Scorpion Therapeutics, which we discuss below. Silexion Therapeutics: Disrupting the KRAS-Driven Cancer Space Silexion Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SLXN) is another under-the-radar player in the precision oncology space, with a focus on KRAS-driven cancers—a notoriously difficult target in oncology. While current small-molecule KRAS inhibitors are making progress, they are often limited to specific mutations, such as KRAS G12C, which accounts for a small percentage of cancers. Silexion’s RNA interference (RNAi) approach offers a broader solution, targeting a wider spectrum of KRAS mutations, particularly in pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest and most treatment-resistant cancers. At the heart of Silexion’s approach is its LODER™ platform, which delivers siRNA directly to the tumor site, silencing KRAS mutations at the genetic level. This localized delivery not only increases efficacy by concentrating the treatment in the tumor, but it also reduces systemic side effects. Silexion’s next-generation candidate, SIL-204, is an optimized siRNA formulation designed to target pan-KRAS G12x mutations, positioning it to treat a broader range of KRAS-driven cancers beyond pancreatic cancer, such as lung and colorectal cancers. In Phase 2 trials for locally advanced pancreatic cancer, Silexion's LODER™ platform showed a 9.3-month improvement in overall survival when combined with standard chemotherapy. Additionally, the objective response rate (ORR) increased from 20% with chemotherapy alone to 55% with the combination, and in some cases, tumors that were initially non-resectable became operable after treatment with LODER™. These results are especially encouraging given the limited options available for pancreatic cancer patients. SIL-204, is expected to enter Phase 2/3 clinical trials in 2025-2026. What makes Silexion particularly intriguing is its current market valuation. Valued at aproximatly just ~$9 million following its SPAC merger, the company’s valuation could be perceived as low when compared to some of its peers, especially given its innovative technology and promising clinical achievements. Some have wondered whether this low valuation has more to do with dynamics post-SPAC companies. If Silexion can report positive results in its later-stage trials, the company’s outlook could dramatically improve, reflecting the potential of its RNAi-based platform. Like NXP900, SIL-204 could potentially have vast applications across multiple KRAS-driven cancer types, making Silexion a company to watch closely as it advances through clinical development. Nuvectis Pharma: Targeting NSCLC and Beyond by Inhibiting SRC/YES1 Kinases Nuvectis Pharma (NASDAQ: NVCT) has been quietly making strides in the precision oncology sector, developing innovative therapies aimed at overcoming treatment resistance in hard-to-treat cancers. Its lead candidate, NXP900, targets NSCLC by inhibiting the SRC/YES1 kinases, which play critical roles in cancer cell survival and resistance to current therapies. This approach positions NXP900 as a potential game-changer in the treatment of NSCLC, particularly in patients who have developed resistance to EGFR and ALK inhibitors, such as AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso and Novartis’ Alecensa. NXP900 is still in the early stages of clinical development, currently undergoing Phase 1 trials. However, preclinical studies have already shown that it has strong anti-tumor activity in resistant NSCLC models. Even more promising is its potential application beyond NSCLC. Like Summit's ivonescimab, NXP900 focuses on resistance, but it also has broader applications due to its ability to target multiple cancer types driven by SRC/YES1 pathways. This versatility makes it a promising asset not just for NSCLC but also for other difficult-to-treat cancers like squamous cell carcinomas. In addition to NXP900, Nuvectis is advancing NXP800, another precision oncology candidate that is further along in the clinical development process. NXP800 is currently in Phase 1b trials, targeting ARID1a-mutated cancers such as ovarian and endometrial cancers. The early clinical data for NXP800 is promising, showing positive responses in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. With two strong candidates in the pipeline, Nuvectis is positioning itself as a formidable player in the precision oncology landscape. As Summit’s ivonescimab continues to gain attention, Nuvectis’ earlier-stage NXP900, with its NSCLC focus and beyond, could see similar success in the future if clinical results continue to trend positively. Scorpion Therapeutics: Pioneering Mutant-Selective Therapies Scorpion Therapeutics is redefining the frontier of precision oncology with its focus on delivering highly selective small molecules targeting validated and previously undruggable cancer mutations. Its lead candidate, STX-478, is a mutant-selective, allosteric PI3Kα inhibitor currently in Phase 1/2 trials for advanced solid tumors. Early data presented at the ESMO Congress 2024 highlighted its potential, with STX-478 demonstrating a 23% overall response rate in breast cancer and a 21% response rate across all tumor types, positioning it as a potentially best-in-class PI3Kα inhibitor. STX-478 is notable for its ability to spare wild-type PI3Kα activity in normal tissues, avoiding the toxicities seen with previous PI3Kα inhibitors, such as hyperglycemia and rash. Tumor reductions were seen in 72% of patients treated with STX-478 as a monotherapy, with circulating tumor DNA levels dropping in 86% of patients. This mutant-selective precision could help overcome the limitations of existing PI3Kα inhibitors, which have struggled with dose-limiting toxicities. In July 2024, Scorpion raised $150 million in a Series C financing round, co-led by Frazier Life Sciences and Lightspeed Venture Partners. The additional funding will support the advancement of STX-478 and other pipeline assets, positioning Scorpion for further clinical success. Scorpion’s pipeline includes a broad range of wholly-owned compounds that target both validated and novel cancer targets, positioning the company for future expansion into larger patient populations. As STX-478 progresses through clinical development, Scorpion is poised to become a significant player in the precision oncology space, making it another company worth watching closely. Optimistic Outlook for Precision Oncology The precision oncology space is experiencing a golden era of innovation, with companies like Summit Therapeutics, Nuvectis Pharma, Silexion Therapeutics, and Scorpion Therapeutics leading the charge. As the focus shifts towards targeted therapies that address resistance mechanisms, the market is increasingly favoring companies with novel approaches and broad applications. Summit’s meteoric rise has shown that there is tremendous potential for companies that can demonstrate efficacy in overcoming cancer resistance. While Summit has already captured much of the current attention, companies like Nuvectis, Silexion, and Scorpion, with their earlier-stage pipelines, offer exciting opportunities for the industry to keep a close eye on. As these companies continue to report clinical data and advance through trials, the potential for breakthroughs in treating some of the most difficult cancers grows stronger. With targeted therapies offering the possibility of overcoming resistance without the need for chemotherapy, the future of cancer treatment looks brighter than ever. For those in the oncology space, keeping a close eye on emerging players like Nuvectis, Silexion, and Scorpion could lead to transformative developments as the field of precision oncology continues to evolve. * * * This update may include speculative forward looking statements. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. the BioTech and Pharma industries are volatile and risky and readers are advised to seek out preffesional advice in the relevent feilds from licensed profesionals. This update is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as financial, investment or any form of professional advice, recommendation or endorsement. Please review the full documentation detailing financial compensation disclosures and disclaimers the article is subject to. [ https://justpaste.it/ch2qt/pdf ]. Global Markets News Network is a commercial digital brand compensated to provide coverage of news and developments related to innovative companies as detailed in the full documentation and it is thus subject to conflicts of interest. Contact Details News Coverage ronald@futuremarketsresearch.com

September 19, 2024 07:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Join Benchmark International's Exclusive Webinar "Seller Motivation: What Goes Into the Decision to Sell?"

Benchmark International

Are you considering selling your business? Deciding when and why to sell is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make as a business owner. While maximizing financial proceeds is often at the forefront of these decisions, it’s essential to recognize that it’s not the only factor. Life circumstances, time with family, and other qualitative considerations can often outweigh financial gain. To help you navigate this complex process, we invite you to join our upcoming webinar: Seller Motivation: What Goes Into The Decision To Sell? Space is filling up fast, so register today! Why You Should Register Selling a business is about more than just crunching the numbers. In this exclusive webinar, you’ll gain valuable insights into the full spectrum of motivations that drive business owners to sell. Understanding these motivations can help you make a well-rounded and informed decision about your business’s future. This webinar is a must-attend for business owners contemplating the sale of their business, particularly in today’s strong but disciplined market. By attending, you’ll be better equipped to evaluate both the financial and personal factors that play a crucial role in this life-changing decision. Whether you’re focused on securing a comfortable financial future or prioritizing time with loved ones, the information presented will help you weigh these considerations effectively. Spots are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to secure your spot. What You’ll Learn This webinar offers actionable insights into the decision-making process for business owners. Here’s what you can expect to learn: The wide range of reasons why business owners choose to sell, beyond just financial incentives How personal life events, such as family needs and future aspirations, can influence your decision A look at the current M&A market and how buyers are approaching valuations How to balance personal and financial goals using the concept of indifference curves, which help weigh non-monetary values like time with family against financial returns By attending, you’ll gain the tools to make a decision that aligns with your long-term vision—both personally and financially. Spots Are Filling Fast – Register Now! If you’re ready to gain clarity on your motivations for selling and align your decision with both your personal and financial goals, this is the webinar for you. Don’t miss out—register now and take the first step toward making a well-informed, strategic decision about the future of your business. ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL: Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $11 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive Privately-held M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook and Refinitiv's Global League Tables. Contact Details Brittney Zoeller +1 813-898-2350 zoeller@benchmarkintl.com Company Website https://www.benchmarkintl.com/

September 16, 2024 09:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Comcast to Expand Fiber Broadband Services Across Northern California

Comcast California

Comcast announced it will expand its reliable, smart, high-speed, fiber broadband network in both residential and commercial neighborhoods in Northern California’s Marin and Sutter counties. By mid-2026 these expansion efforts will bring Comcast’s next-generation network to over 150 locations in Marin County and over 450 locations in Sutter County, both of which had previously been unserved. This broadband network expansion is made possible by a $14 million Federal Funding Account (FFA) Grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and private funding by Comcast. Comcast also recently announced it has received a $26 million FFA grant to expand its fiber-rich network in Tulare County, which will bring broadband services to nearly 6,200 unserved locations by early 2026. “At Comcast we understand that reliable, high-speed Internet has become a necessity to not only support those looking to participate in the ever-growing digital economy, but also to connect students, families and seniors to those moments that matter the most,” said David Tashjian, Regional Senior Vice President of Comcast California. “This continued investment of funds from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will allow us to expand into unserved communities throughout Marin and Sutter Counties, which will provide residents and businesses with a future of unlimited possibilities.” “This grant project will help level the playing field for a lot of families in Sutter County who have not previously had access to high-speed Internet,” said Mat Conant, Chair of the Sutter County Board of Supervisors. “This is really important for anyone doing any research for school or work, and for small business owners.” “There has always been an overwhelming demand to improve and expand our broadband services in Marin County,” said Eric Lucan of the Marin County Board of Supervisors. “That need is particularly important for our senior community, including my constituents within a mobile home community in Novato. I commend the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and Comcast on today’s announcement and I’m excited to see the lasting impacts these awards will have in connecting more residents to high-speed Internet and the economic opportunities they will create.” Comcast’s commitment to new communities goes beyond network expansion efforts, addressing digital opportunities in communities through Project UP, the company’s $1 billion dollar commitment to help tens of millions of people connect to the Internet and build futures of unlimited possibilities. Over the past three years, Comcast has invested more than $130 million in cash and in-kind donations into California nonprofits focused on helping people build digital skills, expanding WiFi connected Lift Zones and funding connectivity and Internet adoption programs. Comcast’s funding also supports ongoing efforts to build awareness about affordable connectivity services like Internet Essentials, which offers eligible households high-speed Internet for $9.95/month or Internet Essentials Plus for $29.95/month. Affordable computers are also available through Internet Essentials. Since its inception in 2011, the program has connected more than 2.2 million Californians. Residential customers will be able to take advantage of Xfinity’s full suite of products, including Internet, video, mobile, voice and managed home solutions. For local businesses, Comcast Business will offer a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Industry analysts and associations have consistently recognized Comcast Business as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes today and into the future. Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect more than 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. With the next-generation Xfinity gateways, we deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously. Fastest Internet: Nearly a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products. Recently Comcast connected the first customers in the world to a DOCSIS 4.0 connection, delivering symmetrical gig speeds over existing connections in customers’ homes with plans to continue to rollout these speeds across the country over the coming years. Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home. Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network that passes 62 million homes and businesses and counting. The company launched Storm-Ready WiFi, a new device that comes powered with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out. Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home. For local businesses, Comcast Business will offer a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. ### About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers leading global businesses the technology solutions and forward-thinking partnership they need. With a full suite of solutions including fast, reliable connectivity, secure networking solutions and advanced cybersecurity and a range of managed service options, Comcast Business is ready to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Comcast Business has been recognized by leading analyst firms for its continued growth, innovation, and leadership, and is committed to partnering with customers to help them drive their businesses forward. For more information, call 800-501-6000. Follow @ComcastBusiness on social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast California Jon Koriel +1 925-315-2690 jon_koriel@comcast.com Company Website https://california.comcast.com/

September 12, 2024 01:46 PM Pacific Daylight Time

Now Four Years In, Here's How News Direct Leapfrogged the Legacy Newswire Industry

News Direct

In business parlance, the term “Leapfrog” refers to “ a strategy that involves making a significant change or innovation that goes beyond what is expected or incremental. The goal is to improve a position by either skipping stages or taking an alternative path to achieve a desired outcome”*. *Google AI Overview News Direct represents the latter of those two paths. Founded in 2020 by former Business Wire president, Gregg Castano, and owing to his 32+ year career with the Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, News Direct enjoyed a head start unlike most other “challengers” to the established newswire industry order that also includes PR Newswire and Globe Newswire. Castano leveraged the vast industry knowledge and expertise accumulated across those three plus decades and combined it with a forward-looking vision brought to life with a state-of-the-art, custom-written tech stack sitting atop a cloud infrastructure. The result is what can best be described as a “Next-Gen” news and content distribution platform ideally suited for a 21 st -Century communications ecosystem. News Direct has either vastly improved or completely replaced virtually everything about the legacy newswire model, which Castano believed needed to more strongly embrace and adopt the leading-edge digital technologies that enable the user experience to be modernized and enriched. The features and functions of News Direct are in many ways unrecognizable from traditional wires, with the notable exception of their comprehensive distribution footprint, which is identical to the “Big 3”. Castano stated, “I felt strongly that for the newswire model to be sustainable, remain relevant and to grow, it needed to evolve. But more quickly than the classic interpretation of evolution, which suggests a slow, steady pace. Rapid evolution, I suppose, is what I envisioned, although at some point that becomes revolution. That’s a term I hesitate to use because it’s a bit shopworn and can seem hyperbolic, but there is no doubt that News Direct has changed the game in a big way.” Among the ways in which News Direct has upended and disrupted the traditional newswire model, highlights include: Cutting-Edge Technology: News Direct is built atop a modern, digital cloud infrastructure with a software stack custom-written to precise specifications that perfectly align with today’s communications landscape. Direct-to-SEO Optimization: The platform is engineered to automatically enhance news releases for search engines, ensuring greater visibility and reach. Multimedia Integration: Videos, images, and other rich media are easily incorporated into news releases to stimulate greater engagement – or can be sent as independent assets, no release required. This is a feature unique to the industry. User-Friendly Interface: The workflow is intuitive and designed for speed, efficiency and seamless collaboration, allowing users to create, review and distribute releases in minutes, rather than waiting for remote editors to “process” content. Greater Control and Flexibility: With News Direct, the user maintains complete control over their content throughout the distribution workflow. With no “middleman” editors, the distribution process can be directly managed end-to-end, ensuring that the news reaches the target audience without unnecessary delays, or the security risks of relying on intermediaries. Real-Time Analytics: Customers get instant insights into how their news is performing with real-time analytics that are retrievable on-demand from within the customer interface. Transparent, Cost-Effective Pricing: News Direct offers straightforward flat-rates with no word count limits, no fluctuating, geographically tiered pricing and no opaque hidden upcharges for things such as logos or trade media. Customers know exactly what they’re paying with a pricing model designed to be highly cost-effective and flat rates that make budgeting simple, easy and transparent, a particular advantage for high frequency users. No Distribution Trade-Offs: The News Direct distribution network is identical to that of legacy services, providing a superior user-experience without sacrificing comprehensive reach. Leadership and Industry Expertise: Founder and CEO Castano’s deep understanding of the market and vision for the future of news distribution that has been gained over a 40-year career is embedded into every aspect of News Direct. This wealth of expertise uniquely positions News Direct to meet the needs of modern communicators. News Direct was designed to be thoroughly modern, streamlined and user-friendly, offering unprecedented value, flexibility, and efficiency. The company is committed to helping communications professionals achieve their media outreach goals by meeting the demands they face in today’s fast-paced digital environment. About News Direct News Direct is a technology-driven content distribution and amplification platform for PR, IR, corporate communications and marketing professionals. Our automated platform delivers a completely reimagined, modernized user experience for newswire users that has reshaped the industry landscape. Additionally, the company has expanded its offerings to include an array of technology-enhanced message amplification tools ranging from sponsored content to podcasting products, all from a single online destination. Contact Details News Direct Corp. Media at News Direct +1 917-698-4131 media@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

September 11, 2024 09:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Kevel and Placements.io Announce Strategic Partnership to Address Unique Challenges in Retail Media

Kevel

Kevel, the API-first ad serving company for building custom, in-house ad platforms, and Placements.io, the leading revenue management platform for media companies, today announced a strategic partnership that will empower retailers and ecommerce brands to seamlessly manage, optimize and scale their retail media networks with unparalleled flexibility and precision. The partnership will integrate Kevel’s state-of-the-art Retail Media Cloud™ solution with Placements.io revenue management system. With this unified platform, retailers can manage, monetize and scale their ad inventory effectively in-house, which will help to maximize return on ad spend and drive more significant results from retail media investments. “At Kevel, we’re committed to providing our clients with the tools they need to succeed and scale their retail media networks,” commented James Avery, CEO of Kevel. “This partnership is a no-brainer for us - we are aligned with Placements.io in our relentless drive to make the internet a better place. Now, we can extend our capabilities even further to offer a more comprehensive solution that meets the complex needs of our retail and ecommerce customers.” As retail media continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, the ability to efficiently manage ad inventory, optimize campaigns, and maximize revenue while maintaining control of data and reporting has become crucial for retailers. “This partnership can help unlock revenue opportunities for retailers, ecommerce and media companies,” said Edwin Fu, Founder and CEO of Placements.io. “By bringing together two powerful platforms, retailers can achieve their goals with greater accuracy and efficiency.” By integrating Kevel’s cutting-edge API infrastructure with Placements.io’s robust order and billing management capabilities, this partnership aims to provide a solution that unifies processes and data across ad operations, sales, and finance to show the true value of advertising and address the unique challenges of the retail media landscape. Key Benefits of the Partnership: Enhanced Customization: Retailers can now build fully-customized ad platforms, streamline operations, and take advantage of advanced revenue management tools. Seamless Integration: Combining Kevel and Placements.io’s tech on one unified platform will help retailers manage and monetize their ad inventory more effectively. Scalable Solutions: Both platforms are built to scale, allowing retailers to expand their retail media networks without the limitation of traditional black-box ad tech solutions. Improved ROI: The collaboration will help retailers and ecommerce brands maximize return on ad spend, driving more significant results from their retail media investments. This partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to raising the bar within ad tech and retail media. By joining forces, Kevel and Placements.io are at the forefront of empowering today’s modern retailers to build custom, in-house, privacy-first, revenue-generating ad platforms that can adapt to the rapidly changing digital advertising landscape. For more information about the partnership and how it can benefit your business, please visit Kevel.com and Placements.io. About Kevel Kevel is powering innovative, flexible ad tech infrastructure APIs that fuel its Retail Media Cloud™. This unique offering is the only API-based solution for in-housing retail media technology that enables multi-brand retailers to differentiate based on their unique brand, improving shopper experience while maintaining total control of their first-party data.Kevel believes that every digital retailer should have the capability to build and scale their own distinct ad platform, just like big tech players like Amazon. Customers like Edmunds, Delivery Hero, Sonae, Leroy Merlin, Slickdeals, and other leading retailers and marketplaces all launched their own retail media networks with Kevel. The company has garnered numerous accolades, most recently earning recognition as one of the leading 100 innovative tech start-ups driving the future of brand-to-consumer in 2023 and awarded the MarTech Breakthrough Award for best overall ad tech company in 2022. Learn more at www.kevel.com About Placements.io Placements.io was founded in 2014 to provide a more modern platform for companies buying and selling digital-focused, omnichannel advertising. Placements.io powers over $12B in annual ad revenue for publishers, broadcasters, OTT/CTV companies, retailers, and emerging media companies. Placements.io has offices across the U.S. and in London, Singapore, and Taiwan. Contact Details Kevel Jennifer Choo Director of Marketing +1 973-343-8819 jchoo@kevel.com Placements.io Lindsey Bradshaw lindseyb@placements.io

September 11, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Alvarez & Marsal Report: Top Private Brand Retailers Outperform the Market: 7 out of Top 10 Retailers by Grocery Dollar Share Are Top Private Brand Players

Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group

· U.S. Private Label spending is 20% of total market, projected to rise to 24% by 2030 · Top 4 Private Brand retailers had 144% stock price growth in past 5 years · Over 250 new stores have been opened by top Private Brand retailers in the past year Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group (A&M CRG) has released its latest report, Accelerate your Private Brand journey to win with customers and shareholders, which looks at how the Private Label market is accelerating even amid slower total grocery market growth, and what retailers need to do to gain and maintain success with their private brands. The report lays out the case for private label traction as a strategic imperative for grocers and provides examples of the ways in which prominent Private Brand retailers have built stronger loyalty and advocacy with their customers while delivering superior returns for their shareholders. “There’s a strong correlation between the most successful private brand grocers and their market share and financial performance,” noted Marco Valentini, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group. “The best players act differently from the rest of the pack. Their C-level executives are committed to growing their own brands and driving differentiation through them. Chief Merchants treat their Private Brands with the same priority and attention as they do National Brands. Marketing and branding efforts are aimed at elevating and differentiating products and increasing overall customer awareness and advocacy of their brands. Finally, product innovation cycles need to reflect the yearly cadence of line reviews and retailers must be able to constantly innovate and update their ‘Own Brand’ products.” The report lays out key enablers to winning with private brands, and the benefits of having a Private Brand strategy, including: · Value perception: Private Brand products should be 30 to 50% less expensive than National Brands and provide same or better quality. The majority of consumers cite value as a key driver of purchase. · Product innovation/differentiation: Private Brand products can be tailored to align with customer demographics and preferences. The second most important attribute that drives purchase of private brands is quality/taste. · Margin management: Private Brand margins typically surpass those of National Brands and the individual product should provide the same or better unit economics (“penny profit”) than their National Brand equivalents. Private Brands are a very effective way to drive value for customers in addition to price and promotion investment, which often dilute margins. · Brand development: More than 8 in 10 shoppers make decisions based on brand trust, so developing private label brands that resonate with consumers and provide strong advocacy is critical. Successful Private Brands can drive positive impact to retailers’ overall banner brand perception. · Sustainable sourcing: Direct control over product development, packaging, sourcing and supply chain can support specific sustainability goals. This is an important factor, especially for Gen Z and Millennial shoppers. "For many grocery retailers today, the lack of a comprehensive Private Brand strategy means that they’ll get left behind,” said John Clear, Senior Director in Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group. “To unlock the value of private label, grocers need to have a clear plan in place: a differentiated brand architecture and consistent positioning across categories; scalable processes and innovation capabilities that will ensure their success is repeatable.” To download a pdf of Accelerate your Private Brand journey to win with customers and shareholders, please visit: https://alvarezandmarsal-crg.com/insight/accelerate-your-private-brand-journey-to-win-with-customers-and-shareholders/ The Alvarez and Marsal Consumer and Retail Group (CRG) is a management consulting firm that tackles the most complex challenges and advances its clients, people, and communities toward their maximum potential. CRG combines the best of A&M’s broader firm bias toward action and practicality with deep consumer and retail industry experience. CRG partners with businesses across a wide range of categories including Grocery, Mass, Convenience, Discount/Dollar, Wholesale/Distribution, Food & Beverage, Beauty & Personal Care, and Apparel & Footwear to drive significant performance improvement. Contact Details David Schneidman dschneidman@alvarezandmarsal.com Company Website https://www.alvarezandmarsal.com/industries/retail/retail

September 10, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Brand Engagement Network (NASDAQ: BNAI) Expands Global Footprint As It Secures $5.9M in Private Placement Financing And Enters $50M Standby Equity Purchase Agreement

Benzinga

By Anthony Termini, Benzinga Brand Engagement Network (NASDAQ: BNAI) (BEN), which creates artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for consumer engagement using human-like avatars as the interface to communicate with customers, hit multiple milestones recently Early in September, the company entered into an agreement with IntelliTek Health. IntelliTek Health is a subsidiary of SmarTek21 and creates solutions for virtual assistants that interact with medical patients. It develops clinical and patient-facing tools and focuses exclusively on bringing AI-enabled productivity and services to the healthcare industry. What The IntelliTek Deal Means For BEN The agreement grants BEN a worldwide license to provide AI-driven solutions to support healthcare operations and optimize patient engagement throughout the United States, Australia, New Zealand, India and Europe. Together, BEN and IntelliTek will offer a suite of AI-driven healthcare solutions to support and execute a broad range of tasks and operations that serve both medical professionals and patients. The agreement is intended to seek synergies in the strengths and solutions of both companies. Brand Engagement Network will combine its Healthcare AI Assistant, Sandy – which serves as a direct interface resource for patients – with IntelliTek’s Personal Virtual Assistant (PVA). Sandy can help patients schedule appointments and obtain up-to-date information on prescription drugs. The IntelliTek PVA is part of a collaboration with Samsung Mobile Solutions and other leading U.S. and multinational telecommunications companies. The deal also combines BEN’s AI technology with IntelliTek’s Clinical Virtual Assistant (CVA). The CVA is specifically designed for clinical teams looking to reduce their administrative burden. BEN reports that it has been shown to improve administrative efficiency by up to 50%, creating the opportunity to improve patient throughput by up to 17%. Another solution rolled into the agreement is IntelliTek’s hands-free and voice-enabled Document Search AI. This device-agnostic tool can quickly and securely search for and retrieve specific medical information in real time from many different document formats sourced from a wide variety of different repositories. Martyn Molnar, Chief Executive of Products at Intellitek Health, says that the “cooperation with BEN will enable both companies to offer a comprehensive suite of AI solutions for the healthcare industry, which is experiencing critical challenges surrounding workforce and resource availability.” “We’re proud to have found a like-minded ally in IntelliTek, as we both strive to elevate patient experiences and healthcare professional productivity with innovative AI technology,” added Paul Chang, BEN’s CEO. The two executives believe that together the platforms can serve as an end-to-end suite of solutions that offers continuous support to improve healthcare access and outcomes. They believe the collaboration will help each company broaden its customer base. It is expected that the agreement will expand the reach of both companies’ solutions to a larger number of healthcare providers and patients and increase access to life-saving AI technology. IntelliTek delivers highly curated products that automate over 2 billion interactions reaching more than 600 million global users, reports the company. The company and its parent, SmarTek21, ensure seamless connectivity of more than 100 pre-built integrations to support AI-driven solutions. Together they provide intelligent workflow automation across healthcare, telecommunications, aviation, finance and global eCommerce platforms. The healthcare industry represents one of BEN’s primary target markets. The company’s full-stack platform includes front-end, middleware and back-end functionality through scalable, customizable solutions that it says are fully optimized to deliver superior customer experiences, productivity and performance. New Financing Transactions Prior to the IntelliTek Health announcement, BEN completed two investment transactions that provide the company with increased financial flexibility and access to capital to support its ongoing strategic growth initiatives. In August, BEN closed a $5.9 million private placement, which will provide funding to the company on a monthly basis through the first quarter of 2025. The investment was supported by a group of BEN’s existing stockholders, who agreed to purchase nearly 1.2 million shares of common stock. The transaction was consummated at a price per share that was materially above the trading price of the company’s common stock at the time. For each share purchased, investors received an additional share of common stock from certain other existing stockholders. In exchange for transferring those shares, certain transferring stockholders received an aggregate of 960,000 warrants to purchase shares of BEN’s common stock at $5.00 per share. Concurrent with the private placement, BEN also entered into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (SEPA) with Yorkville Advisors. The SEPA provides BEN with the ability, but not the obligation, to cause Yorkville to purchase up to the aggregate amount of $50 million of BEN common stock. The SEPA is intended to provide BEN with access to capital on an as-needed basis to fund its business plan as it seeks to execute its growth and revenue strategies. The SEPA cannot be used until a registration statement is declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. These two transactions are intended to help the company expand market validation and scale production of its human-like conversational AI assistants. For more information about BEN, please visit www.beninc.ai. Featured photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 10, 2024 08:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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VOESH New York Launches New 28 oz. Vegan Hand & Body Crème Collection

VOESH New York

VOESH New York is debuting a new 28 oz. Vegan Hand & Body Crème Collection, created to provide salon clients with a luxurious and healthier hydration experience. These larger bottles offer the same high-quality, vegan-friendly ingredients that have established VOESH as a leader in the body care industry. “We’re thrilled about the addition of these generously sized lotions to VOESH’s product line,” said Tom Harrison, Principal of Coleman Harrison. “VOESH consistently outshines the competition with expert formulas. This new size will undoubtedly enhance manicure and pedicure services, delivering superior results for both clients and technicians.” “As a bonus, technicians can pair these lotions with VOESH’s best-selling Pedi in a Box products,” added Kendall Stone, Principal of Jay Stone Sales. Enriched with 94+% natural-origin ingredients, VOESH’s 28 oz. crèmes are formulated with organic virgin olive oil and natural extracts. They are infused with 100% vegan, clean, and certified organic components and are free from parabens, phthalates, gluten, mineral oil, and more than 1,680 other potentially harmful substances. The velvety texture provides long-lasting moisture and a radiant glow without a greasy feel. These larger bottles not only provide a superior experience but also ensure lasting hydration and value. “Our lotions have always been a best-seller, so we’ve brought them back in a more convenient size for salons,” said Joseph Choi, Co-Founder of VOESH New York. “Salon owners have been asking for our popular massage butter in a bottle, and we’re ecstatic to fulfill this request.” The new collection is available in five delightful scents: Olive Sensation, Lavender Relieve, Vitamin Recharge, Jasmine Soothe, and Green Tea Detox. Each scent is made with premium, IFRA-certified fragrances that pair perfectly with VOESH’s best-selling Pedi in a Box Deluxe 4 Step pedicure kits. This allows for a cohesive pampering experience that caters to clients’ preferences. With a transparent ingredient list, dermatologist testing, and U.S. FDA registration, VOESH’s new 28 oz. Vegan Hand & Body Crèmes are the best addition to guarantee clients and technicians feel good about what goes on their skin. For more information about VOESH’s new 28 oz. Vegan Hand & Body Crèmes, please visit voeshpro.com. About VOESH New York: Founded in 2013, VOESH New York has emerged as a premier destination for clean and efficacious body care solutions catering to head-to-toe wellness. Noteworthy products include Pedi in a Box, Mani in a Box, the award-winning Shower & Empower Vitamin C Shower Filter, and Collagen Gloves and Socks. VOESH New York is committed to providing 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable products because every body deserves better beauty! All VOESH New York products are certified by PETA and registered with the US Mocra, EU CPNP and UK SCPN, maintaining vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested standards. VOESH New York proudly excludes all 1,680+ EU-banned ingredients and an additional 400+ potentially harmful ingredients. For more information, visit VOESH New York’s website at Voesh.com or contact press@voesh.com. All VOESH New York products are certified by PETA and registered with the EU CPNP, and UK SCPN. Always vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested, VOESH New York proudly excludes all 1,680+ EU-banned ingredients and an additional 400+ potentially harmful ingredients. Contact Details Colleen Mathis +1 917-690-5560 Colleen@absoluterrelations.com Company Website https://voesh.com/

September 06, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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