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HTX Ventures's EthCC 2024 Insights: Infrastructures are Strong, Applications Need Innovation

HTX Ventures

Singapore / July 24, 2024 – 2024 marked the 10th year anniversary of Ethereum ICO. To learn from front-end developers and connect with like-minded VCs and ecosystem users, several investment analysts from HTX Ventures have attended the largest annual European Ethereum event EthCC last week. This article outlines some of our observations about the current market situation. Optimize Ethereum Vitalik Buterin delivered a keynote speech in Brussels on "Hardening the L1: Optimizing Ethereum as a Highly Robust, Dependable and Permissionless Base Layer for L2s." In his speech, Vitalik reaffirmed Ethereum's roadmap to provide the most decentralized and secure settlement Layer 1 for various Layer 2s, with five main improvement directions for Ethereum outlined: Decentralized DeFi: To maintain the decentralized nature of the Ethereum network, encouraging solo staking is essential. This can be achieved by lowering its barriers to entry through things like easing node operation and reducing the staking monetary threshold. Other risks that need to be considered include the risk of liquidity staking and the related risk of MEV (Miner Extractable Value). Layer 2 Solution: To achieve Ethereum’s roadmap, efforts need to be focused on increasing the data availability bandwidth for Layer 2 storage and lowering the cost of storage on Ethereum. Security and Privacy Protection: Vitalik encourages validators to prepare for 51% attacks by providing automatic coordination on the same minority fork when an attack occurs. He also suggests potential solutions for future quantum attacks. Light Clients: Promoting the adoption of light clients like Helios for Layer 1s, and developing similar solutions for Layer 2s, user's secure blockchain interactions can be ensured without relying on centralized servers. Protocol Simplification: To ensure Ethereum remains a robust base layer, its technical debt needs to be reduced. 2. Investment Slowdown The pace of investment for VCs across the market is temporarily slowing down due to three main reasons: the ambiguity of market liquidity, listing trends/macro situation, and high FDV (Fully Diluted Valuation) VC rounds. As the market makes some value corrections and the political and economic situation clarifies in the latter half of 2024, VCs are expected to resume a more active investment pace. 3. Misaligned Invest Direction The consensus agrees that having strong consumer applications is crucial to getting more people to use blockchain technology. However, VCs’ funding is telling a different story. Currently, a large part of funding is still going towards infrastructure, especially AI, security, privacy, and blockchains. This investment trend is even more significant within the Ethereum ecosystem. The current misalignment of investment direction is partly due to the lack of innovative narratives among consumer applications. 4. Alternative Ecosystem Focus: Outside of the main Ethereum ecosystem discussion, three other main types of blockchain are at the center of attention: Community-Driven Blockchains: Blockchains like Ton focus on creating good user experiences and consumer applications that can be used by millions of non-crypto users. Parallel EVM Blockchains and Modular Solutions: Solutions such as Monad and Avail leverage Ethereum while offering improved functionalities. BTC Ecosystem: The Bitcoin ecosystem is also exploring user applications. 5. Macro Expectation Due to the release of blockchain ETFs, the crypto market is becoming more in sync with the traditional financial system. The upcoming US presidential election and the expected Fed rate cut will affect crypto regulations, economic direction, and the liquidity of the U.S. dollar and related pegged currencies. Currently, as the probability of Trump winning the election is increasing, the market holds an optimistic view toward the future of the crypto market post the end of 2024. HTX Ventures' Engagement Alongside attending the main event, HTX Ventures sponsored and spoke at several side events, such as the LSDFI Summit and VC<> Start-Up Connect. Our researchers and Managing Partner shared insights on "Restaking Development'' and "How to Successfully Launch a Web3 Ecosystem." This year's EthCC conference showcased an unshakeable status of the Ethereum ecosystem and provided forward-looking technical discussions and application explorations. HTX Ventures is committed to supporting the long-term development of the Ethereum ecosystem and continually seeking technologies and projects that will advance the crypto user experience. == About HTX Ventures HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, integrates investment, incubation, and research to identify the best and brightest teams worldwide. With a decade-long history as an industry pioneer, HTX Ventures excels at identifying cutting-edge technologies and emerging business models within the sector. To foster growth within the blockchain ecosystem, we provide comprehensive support to projects, including financing, resources, and strategic advice. HTX Ventures currently backs over 300 projects spanning multiple blockchain sectors, with select high-quality initiatives already trading on the HTX exchange. Furthermore, as one of the most active Fund of Funds (FOF) investors, HTX Ventures collaboratively forges the blockchain ecosystem alongside premier global blockchain funds, including Dragonfly, Bankless, Gitcoin, Figment, and Animoca. Feel free to contact us for investment and collaboration at VC@htx-inc.com. About HTX Ventures HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, integrates investment, incubation, and research to identify the best and brightest teams worldwide. With a decade-long history as an industry pioneer, HTX Ventures excels at identifying cutting-edge technologies and emerging business models within the sector. To foster growth within the blockchain ecosystem, we provide comprehensive support to projects, including financing, resources, and strategic advice. HTX Ventures presently backs over 200 projects spanning multiple blockchain sectors, with select high-quality initiatives already trading on the HTX exchange. Furthermore, as one of the most vigorous Fund of Funds (FOF) investors, HTX Ventures collaboratively forges the blockchain ecosystem alongside premier global blockchain funds, including IVC, Shima, and Animoca. Contact Details EE glo-media@htx-inc.com Company Website https://www.htx.com/en-us/ventures

July 24, 2024 12:42 PM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Golden Shield Resources Announces Acquisition of Tucano Gold

Golden Shield Resources

Golden Shield Resources Executive Chairman Leo Hathaway joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce a strategic move for the company. Golden Shield Resources has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Tucano Gold to acquire all issued and outstanding securities of Tucano Gold in exchange for securities in Golden Shield Resources. This acquisition positions Golden Shield Resources to benefit from continued exposure to exploration opportunities at Marudi and the potential of Tucano Gold to unlock the value of a near-producing, high-grade gold asset in Brazil. Both Marudi and Tucano Gold are situated in the same geologically rich but poorly understood gold belt, providing the resultant company with significant geological knowledge, operational synergies, and strategic advantages for future discoveries. Tucano Gold's primary asset, Mina Tucano, is an open-pit operation with substantial underground development potential. It is fully equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure capable of processing up to 3.5 million tonnes of ore per year. Currently on care and maintenance, Mina Tucano is scheduled for a production restart in Q4 2024. This acquisition is expected to enhance Golden Shield Resources' operational capabilities and expedite its path to production, thereby delivering significant value to its shareholders. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

July 24, 2024 11:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Hive Digital Technologies to Establish Major 100MW Digital Asset Mining Operation in Paraguay

HIVE Digital Technologies

Hive Digital Technologies Executive Chairman Frank Holmes joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share exciting news about the company's ambitious plans to build a 100-megawatt digital asset mining operation in Paraguay. Following a comprehensive tour of the country and meetings with President Santiago Peña and his senior cabinet ministers, the company has identified Paraguay as a business-friendly environment that aligns with its vision. Holmes highlighted that this potential project is expected to significantly boost Hive's Bitcoin mining operations, potentially adding up to an additional 6.5 Exahash per second (EH/s). This increase would raise Hive's global mining capacity to 12.1 EH/s, marking a substantial milestone in the company's diversified growth strategy. This expansion supports Hive's commitment to broadening its global footprint, which already includes data center operations in Canada, Sweden, Iceland, and now Paraguay. In Paraguay, Hive Digital Technologies plans to leverage its extensive experience and expertise in grid balancing and demand response to support ongoing industrial development. By monetizing surplus or under-utilized power assets, the company aims to provide significant economic benefits. Additionally, with energy bills being paid in U.S. dollars, Hive's operations in Paraguay present a unique opportunity for the government. This arrangement ensures stable monthly U.S. dollar income, acting as a strategic currency hedge and contributing to financial stability in the face of a volatile global currency market. In 2023, electricity exports accounted for approximately 13.2% of Paraguay's total exports. Hive's new operation is poised to enhance this figure further, underscoring the country's growing importance in the global energy and digital asset sectors. The company's commitment to sustainable and innovative energy solutions positions it as a key player in Paraguay's industrial and economic development. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

July 24, 2024 11:27 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Direxion to Change Name of QQQU and QQQD

Direxion

Direxion, a leading provider of tradeable and thematic ETFs, announced the name change of QQQU and QQQD. Effective August 16, 2024, the new fund names will be the Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X Shares (Ticker: QQQU ) and the Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bear 1X Shares (Ticker: QQQD ). Coinciding with the name changes, QQQU and QQQD will seek to achieve 200%, or 100% of the inverse (opposite), respectively, of the daily performance of the Indxx Magnificent 7 Index. The Index will continue to track to track the performance of the seven largest Nasdaq 100-listed companies, all of which are household names, including Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Apple Inc. (AAPL), Meta Platforms, Inc. (META), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Nvidia Corporation (NVDA) and Tesla, Inc. (TSLA). “QQQU and QQQD capitalize on key market drivers, to include artificial intelligence, cloud computing and semiconductors," said Direxion Managing Director and Head of Sales and Alternatives, Edward Egilinsky. “The new fund names better align with the opportunities traders have expressed with their short-term convictions on the Magnificent 7.” All Direxion leveraged and inverse ETFs are intended only for investors with an in-depth understanding of the risks associated with seeking leveraged investment results, and who plan to actively monitor and manage their positions. There is no guarantee these ETFs will meet their objective. Please visit the Direxion Leveraged and Inverse ETF Education Center, where you will find educational brochures, videos, and a self-paced online course to help you understand if leveraged ETFs are right for you. About Direxion: Direxion equips investors who are driven by conviction with ETF solutions built for purpose and fine-tuned for precision. These solutions are available for a broad spectrum of investors, whether executing short-term tactical trades, or investing in thematic strategies. Direxion’s reputation is founded on developing products that precisely express market perspectives and allow investors to manage their risk exposure. Founded in 1997, the company has approximately $42.9 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2024. For more information, please visit www.direxion.com. There is no guarantee that the Funds will achieve their investment objectives. For more information on all Direxion Shares ETFs, go to www.direxion.com, or call us at 866.301.9214. An investor should carefully consider a Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. A Fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about the Direxion Shares. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus call 866-476-7523 or visit our website at direxion.com. A Fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus should be read carefully before investing. Leveraged and Inverse ETFs pursue daily leveraged investment objectives which means they are riskier than alternatives which do not use leverage. They seek daily goals and should not be expected to track the underlying index over periods longer than one day. They are not suitable for all investors and should be utilized only by sophisticated investors who understand leverage risk and who actively manage their investments. Direxion Shares Risks – An investment in each Fund involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Each Fund is non-diversified and includes risks associated with the Funds’ concentrating their investments in a particular industry, sector, or geographic region which can result in increased volatility. The use of derivatives such as futures contracts and swaps are subject to market risks that may cause their price to fluctuate over time. Risks of each Fund include Effects of Compounding and Market Volatility Risk, Counterparty Risk, Market Risk, Rebalancing Risk, Intra-Day Investment Risk, Other Investment Companies (including ETFs) Risk, Passive Investment and Index Performance Risk, Cash Transaction Risk and risks specific to the information technology sector. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles. Additional risks include, for the Direxion Daily Concentrated Qs Bull 2X Shares, Daily Index Correlation Risk and Leverage Risk, and for the Direxion Daily Concentrated Qs Bear 1X Shares, Shorting or Inverse Risk and Daily Inverse Index Correlation Risk. Please see the summary and full prospectuses for a more complete description of these and other risks of each Fund. Distributor: Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Contact Details Ditto Public Relations Danielle Black, SAE direxion@dittopr.co Company Website https://www.direxion.com/

July 24, 2024 10:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time

CITY GEAR HOSTS SIXTH ANNUAL CUTZ 4 KIDS BARBERSHOP & BACK-TO-SCHOOL CELEBRATION

Hibbett, Inc.

City Gear, with more than 200 stores in 17 states, today announced the sixth annual Cutz 4 Kids barbershop and Back-to-School campaign. Kickstarting the new school year with giveaways, fun and freebies for school-aged children, Cutz 4 Kids events will run from July 27 through August 11 at select * City Gear locations nationwide. “We started Cutz 4 Kids back in 2018 to provide a meaningful way to give back to the communities and neighborhoods we serve,” said Derrick Hines, VP Store Operations – City Gear. “It’s always a popular event and we are happy to help out local families shopping for the new school year and to get kids hyped about getting back to class.” Each year, City Gear hosts multiple Cutz 4 Kids Back-to-School appreciation events at select stores across the country. Each event is a community celebration to kick off the new school year, complete with giveaways, music, refreshments, free haircuts, school supplies and fun for family and friends. Professional barbers are onsite at each participating location, providing complimentary professional children’s haircuts for boys and girls. Children of all ages are welcome to get a free haircut and complimentary school supplies on a first-come, first-serve basis, while supplies last. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the fun and no purchase is necessary. City Gear Back-to-School Shopping Tips Stop by a local * Cutz 4 Kids event for a free haircut and school supplies Check out the sneaker launch calendar to find the hottest new releases and launch dates Join City Gear Rewards and earn rewards while you shop Find the latest trends and toe-to-head curated looks in store and online Find deals and stock up on Back-to-School essentials like backpacks, the hottest kicks, trending graphic tees and shorts, socks, headwear and accessories In a hurry? Try buy online, pick up in store or same day and next day options Learn the origin story of your favorite kicks on the blog *Cutz 4 Kids Back-to-School Events 7/27, City Gear, Atlanta, GA 8/3, City Gear, Memphis, TN 8/4, City Gear, Jackson, MS 8/4, City Gear, Jennings, MO 8/11, City Gear, Cincinnati, OH 8/11, City Gear, Houston, TX 8/11, City Gear, Kansas City, MO About City Gear With over 200 City Gear stores located in 17 states nationwide, City Gear has a proven history of giving back to their communites, providing personalized customer service and access to coveted footwear, apparel and accessories from top brands like Nike, Jordan, Grindhouse, New Balance and New Era. Follow us @citygear on Facebook, Instagram and X and @CityGear on TikTok. Contact Details Wendy Yellin pr@hibbett.com Company Website https://www.Hibbett.com

July 24, 2024 09:03 AM Central Daylight Time

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The Fastest Growing Entertainment Concept In The World Opens Today In Roseville, Minnesota!

Activate

Activate, the world’s first active gaming facility, and TikTok viral sensation, is thrilled to have opened its doors in Roseville, Minnesota today. Riding high on the wave of success from its openings in Chicago, New Jersey, Atlanta, Dallas, and Kansas City, Activate delivers an unparalleled entertainment experience that captivates gamers' imaginations everywhere. Activate Roseville, MN is located at 1955 County Road B2 W, Unit 10, Roseville, MN 55113, United States. Activate is reshaping the gaming frontier, spanning 12 sites across the United States and 14 across Canada, with its momentum only gaining. With a global community of over 2.6 million players, and a massive global social media following, this immersive experience merges state-of-the-art technology with heart-pounding challenges, delivering an adventure fueled by adrenaline. “Launching our interactive and immersive gaming universe in Roseville marks a pivotal moment as we step into the Minnesota market," said Adam Schmidt, Founder & CEO of Activate. "We're thrilled to invite locals into our world of high-octane, tech-infused adventures that seamlessly blend physical prowess with digital thrills. This debut signals our entry into a vibrant new arena, reaffirming our dedication to crafting unforgettable journeys.” With over 9,750 square feet of fun, Activate Roseville’s new state-of-the-art gaming facility welcomes all skill levels, encouraging players to explore and create their unique experiences. Through progress tracking via Activate’s high-tech electronic RFID wristbands, players can rack up points, level up, and earn prizes along the way. Here’s what to expect: Each game lasts 1-3 minutes, 10 different game rooms to conquer; with the full gaming experience lasting 75 minutes. Top gaming rooms include the TikTok viral sensation Mega Grid with 500+ multi-activated rainbow-colored tiles, blasting the beaming bullseye in a game called Strike, and feeling like a modern-day spy in the Laser room Wear activewear and indoor runners. When: Mon-Thurs: Sun-Thurs 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Fri-Sat 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Where: 1955 County Road B2 W, Unit 10, Roseville, MN 55113, United States. Guests can sign up in groups of two to five players Additional Activate locations are set to open in 2024 across the United States in markets such as New York (Roosevelt Field), and Detroit, MI, along with internationally, including Dubai opening in the Fall, 2024 and launching in the UK in 2025. Activate operates over 30 locations across Canada, and the U.S. For a sneak peek into Activate’s dynamic gaming experience, click here. Join the Inner Circle to be the first to hear about new locations, behind-the-scenes information, deals, and more. Please find imagery assets here. Activate is the world’s first active gaming experience where players #EnterTheGame. Activate offers a unique blend of physical activity and gaming that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Each Activate location provides fun and interactive rooms for players to compete, earn stars and track achievements. With the global headquarters located in Winnipeg, Canada, Activate has grown to 30 locations across Canada, the U.S. and now the world! To join the active gaming movement, visit playactivate.com. Follow Activate on social media: Facebook: Activate Instagram: @activategames TikTok: @activategames Contact Details Jalila Singerff +1 613-614-6777 jalila@jiveprdigital.com Company Website https://playactivate.com

July 24, 2024 09:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Quotient, Inc. and Virtual Technologies Group

Benchmark International

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Columbia, MD-based Quotient, Inc. ("Quotient") and Maumee, OH-based Virtual Technologies Group ("VTG"). Quotient provides a wide range of device-agnostic digital solutions for federal clients. "Quotient President and Co-Founder Clark Lare built a gem of a company in the Federal-IT space, with long-standing relationships at key federal agencies providing highly skilled services to some of our nation's most critical mission sets," commented Benchmark Senior Transaction Director William Sullivan. "We brought this opportunity to market fully understanding its differentiated sector position, and we were well aligned with our client in finding the best combination of cultural fit and enterprise value. After a highly selective process, VTG emerged as clearly the best fit, with a strong plan for future growth and a highly complementary team and structure. We are very excited for the entire Quotient team." Your perfect buyer is out there. Find them today. Founded in 1999 by Clark and Jodi Lare, Quotient provides customized IT solutions to US federal agencies, including systems integration, full-stack software development, cyber security, project management, scheduling, and operational support. The company's employees include developers, engineers, managers, SMEs, and systems administrators with knowledge, skills, and qualifications across various domains, including CISSP, PMP/PMP-SI, RHEL CE/SA, Security+, CSM, and ITILv3. Founded in 1962, Virtual Technologies Group (VTG) is a single-source IT solutions provider specializing in cyber security, infrastructure management, and IT-managed services. VTG prioritizes partner-based relationships to deliver tailored solutions and has continued to adapt alongside rapidly developing technological advancements since its inception. The transaction was backed by New York, NY-based Jacmel Partners, a private investment firm targeting family-operated, lower middle-market companies. The firm focuses on combining traditional private equity best practices with low-cost, high-impact strategies that promote growth while also benefiting employees and their communities. SCHEDULE A CALL Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350/ Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Lawrie@BenchmarkIntl.com Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com 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/

July 24, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Frog-Themed Apu Apustaja (APU) Token Wins Over Crypto Market Community With Positive Blockchain Mission

Benzinga

By Gerelyn Terzo, Benzinga Apu Apustaja could become the most significant meme coin in history. One of the most widely used memes out there, with an incredibly active community behind it and financing it, the project is quite unique to say the least. Often mistaken for Pepe, Apu – the innocent and playful frog character, free from political connotations and copyright restrictions – could not be more different to Pepe. Andrew Kang, one of crypto’s biggest thought leaders, iconic investor and owner of the Pepe NFT, affirms that Apu is a distinct character. Since the emergence of Bitcoin (BTC), new iterations of cryptocurrency innovation have been unleashed, leading to developments like decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). However, one of the most exciting niches within the broader cryptocurrency market has proven to be meme coins, which are digital assets designed to reflect market sentiment based on anecdotal evidence, mainly social media. Since Dogecoin (DOGE), the maiden meme coin to come on the scene, this segment has evolved to represent an entire category under the crypto umbrella. Projects like the Apu Apustaja (APU) token, created in Finland by an anonymous artist, demonstrate a balance of resilience and whimsy. The Helpful Frog Originally launched in 2016 on 4Chan and later making its debut on Facebook, the Apu character has always been associated with helpfulness. Since making its way onto the Ethereum blockchain, Apu has risen to become one of the most popular meme coins, with a market cap of $200 million. It has its own unique set of values for which it is known, including joy and innocence over political leanings or intellectual property. Unfortunately, the Pepe community has taken aim at Apu, seemingly for its positive influence as a meme token that has surpassed that of its predecessor. However, for meme coin enthusiasts, there’s no mistaking the “frog-faced visage and spirit of earnest aid” for which the Apu project has become known, including its mission to “build dis blockchain with frenship.” Even Andrew Kang, who purchased the original Pepe the Frog NFT, is quick to point out the difference, noting that, “Pepe is not to be confused with Apu.” Instead, he refers to the newer frog meme coin as a “cousin of Pepe,” saying it’s “arguably as culturally significant and ubiquitous as Pepe itself.” The Apu token has over 16,000 followers on X, and a similarly strong number of followers on Telegram, and the Apu community is growing by leaps and bounds. In fact, were it not for its loyal community, Apu Apustaja wouldn’t be here today. This after the original project developer pulled what’s known as a “rug pull” on participants, selling all of his holdings in one foul swoop in an attempt to leave investors holding the bag. However, those plans backfired when the community banded together, coming back stronger and better than before. Meme Coin Mania While meme coins started as a joke, with the introduction of Dogecoin in 2013, they have grown to become something much more for investors. Over the years, meme coins have captured the attention of high-profile influencers like Elon Musk, whose affection for Dogecoin and Shiba Inu (SHIB) has fueled much of the momentum around meme coin projects. Today, meme coins have amassed multi-billion-dollar market caps, as investors choose dog and frog-themed coins over more conventional projects with complex use cases. While there are thousands of cryptocurrencies to choose from, there are key differences between meme coins and many of the more technical projects out there. For example, many of the utility cryptocurrency projects participants have a command of backend technical knowledge to understand, which can become onerous and complex for mainstream investors, especially during the due diligence process. Meme coins, on the other hand, are famous for their simplicity and transparency, given their entire mission is built around cartoon memes. Investors have been flocking to meme coins in search of relief from the challenging fiscal policies globally that have led to difficult economic times for many households. “Those people are looking for ways to secure a better future for themselves,” Apu Apustaja’s Brand Director Scott Enders said, noting that the recent Wall Street Bets movement around stocks like Gamestop (NYSE: GME) only proved that the stock market is rigged for institutions and sophisticated traders. Meme coins, he believes, offer investors a “beacon of hope” for those in search of a better future through a movement whose origins are both organic and grassroots in nature. That’s not to say that meme coins present zero risks for investors, chief among which is their volatility. Take Dogecoin, which in 2021 reflected a market capitalization of $41 billion compared with a value of $15.6 billion as of July 2024. Additionally, meme coins have low barriers to entry, owing to their simplicity, as a result of which new coins are continually being minted. As of 2024, over 2,200 meme coins were available on CoinMarketCap, worth a total of $50 billion, a combined market cap that rivals that of electric vehicle phenomenon Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) and investment banking giant JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM). This makes it more challenging for investors to separate the wheat from the chaff. However, it’s also what makes trustworthy meme coin projects like Apu Apustaja that much more valuable - a diamond in the rough you could say. Investors Should Thoroughly Vet Meme Coins First To avoid falling for the next rug pull scam, investors should take a few proactive steps when selecting which meme coin to back. First and foremost, they should ensure that a project is being run by reputable team members who have a history of successes in comparable industry roles. Additionally, it is worth choosing projects boasting strong community followings and robust engagement, as this is an indication of demand for that particular project and what it has to offer participants. It is worth ensuring that the meme coin has staying power and is not riding on the coattails of other projects. Incidentally, dog-themed projects have historically dominated the meme-coin landscape. However, a paradigm shift in Internet culture is unfolding online in which demand for dog memes is being outpaced for frog-themed coins like Apu. One of the reasons for this is that frog memes are historically an online favorite, even before tokenization existed. Meanwhile, dog memes owe their popularity to an early mover status in tokenization. Apu Coin’s Growing Community The Apu Apustaja project is more than just another investment. It offers members a “safe retreat” from their troubles, according to Enders, thanks to a supportive community. Awareness of the Apu project is also on the rise, owing in part to the team’s recent acquisition of the coveted Apu.com domain, which incidentally was featured on hit television show The Simpsons. Securing this domain was a clear win for the meme coin and its thriving community, given the strong demand for three-letter URLs. The domain enhances Apu’s competitive advantage among meme coins, including Pepe, which controls the Pepe.com domain. The Apu meme also recently made its debut on the New York’s Time Square billboard, where the average pedestrian count is 225,000. The reception for which was so favorable that the project decided to extend its marketing campaign. The green frog meme can also be found on over four-dozen of the Big Apple’s busiest bus stops, where social media impressions have surpassed 2 million. With a big partnership to be announced soon, Apu is worth keeping an eye on. Investors that are looking to capture the meme coin momentum might want to consider this endearing frog-themed project, which unlike other fly-by-night meme coin projects is here for the long haul. Featured photo by geralt on Pixabay 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

July 24, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Interested In Investing In Private Companies Like OpenAI, But Don't Have The Capital? Check Out Linqto

Benzinga

By Kyle Anthony, Benzinga The success of companies such as Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB), Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW), and Uber (NYSE: UBER) in recent years has led many individuals to realize their genesis began in private markets, where venture capital firms, private equity institutions and angel investors financed their initial ideas and benefited immensely from their growth over time. The degree of wealth generation these companies have provided investors before their initial public offerings (IPOs) has piqued the interest of the public, particularly individuals who desire to invest in such companies at their early stages – but the capital required to do so is often beyond their immediate access. Linqto recognizes that there is a growing cohort of knowledgeable but capital-constrained individuals who want to invest in pre-IPO companies; as such, the firm’s vision is to democratize private investing by making it accessible, affordable and liquid for individual investors. Staying Private For Longer A paradigm shift has occurred within the capital markets landscape in recent years, with more companies choosing to stay private. In earlier years, an IPO was viewed as a milestone in a company’s history, as it signified a firm achieving the necessary scale and cache to be listed on a public exchange. At present, private funding is readily available from different sources, thus extending the runway for these firms to prove their business model, grow their addressable market and create multiple revenue streams without ever needing to access public markets. A clear example of the success of this approach is Uber and Airbnb, two of the largest-ever technology IPOs that waited 10 and 12 years, respectively, before entering the public markets. Uber seriously impacted public transportation access, while Airbnb redefined vacation lodging. In delaying their public listing, both firms cemented their value proposition and grew their user base over time, resulting in sizable returns for private investors of each firm before they went public, and great anticipation for investors who desired to have some ownership of the company. Accessing Private Markets With Linqto Given the wealth generation that can be attained through private market investments, Linqto’s mission is to make investing in private companies as easy and accessible as investing in the public stock market. Their platform features high-growth, technology-driven companies that they believe will go public or be acquired within five years. Linqto’s approach to private market investing is distinct from that of its peers. Firstly, the company primarily invests in mid-to-late-stage private companies within the technology industry, where selected firms must be generating a minimum revenue amount, with institutional venture capital or private equity investor backing. Linqto seeks to invest in visionary leaders and management teams that have a proven track record of bringing timely products and services to market. The thematic focus of the platform’s investment generally falls within the technology sub-verticals of artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital assets, enterprise software, networking and IoT, hardware and FinTech. Secondly, Linqto conducts in-depth due diligence on the firms it includes on its platform, as the company invests alongside its investors. By investing first and ensuring that Linqto has skin in the game, the firm can streamline the investment process, making it as easy as pointing and clicking to participate in the investment opportunities presented on the platform. Leveraging its in-house research expertise and evaluation capabilities, Linqto can offer access to top private companies with industry-low minimums and no fees. Finally, Linqto’s fee structure is a true differentiator, as it is a zero-fee investment management platform. Given that Linqto purchases shares in large quantities from founders, employees and investors, it receives shares at a negotiated price. Linqto can then make smaller quantities of its shareholdings available to investors at a reasonable markup, thus eliminating the need for further follow-on fees for the investor. Historically, investing in a private company required individuals to invest at least $100,000. Linqto’s initial minimum investment amount is $2,500, with subsequent investment amounts being $5,000. In comparison to the pricing structure of other private investment platforms, such as Forge Global Holdings (NYSE: FRGE), EquityZen, and HIIVE, Linqto says its fee structure is very advantageous to retail investors desiring access to private investment opportunities. Capitalizing On A Growing Opportunity Companies remaining private for longer is not just a passing trend but a deliberate action being taken by many business leaders to attain operational scale and revenue growth without ceding control of their company or being hampered by regulatory oversight. With the depth of private capital available to these private companies, they can grow with a degree of flexibility and freedom that public companies are not afforded. Investors in these private firms can be beneficial participants in the potentially phenomenal growth these firms may experience, which could result in them garnering investment returns far beyond what is attainable in public markets. For retail investors who have been unable to add non-public investment to their portfolio due to high minimum investments and restrictive fee structures, Linqto is revolutionizing the investment journey in the private market by making it more affordable, accessible and easy. Featured photo by Austin Distel 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

July 24, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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