Btab Ecommerce Group (OTC: BBTT), a dynamic e-commerce support company, announces its Business Combination Agreement (“BCA”) with Integrated Wellness Acquisition (NYSE: WEL) (“WEL” or “Integrated Wellness”), a special purpose acquisition company. This pivotal agreement signifies a major milestone in Btab’s growth trajectory.

Key Highlights:

• The transaction is set to close by the end of Q4 2024
• The BCA values Btab at an equity value of $250 million
• Integrated Wellness will issue 25 million shares of its common stock valued at $10 per share

Strategic Implications:

For Btab, this agreement is a strategic step towards expanding its global reach and enhancing its mission to support small businesses worldwide. The e-commerce market is projected to reach $18.81 trillion by 2029, presenting significant opportunities for growth, especially in underserved markets.

Leadership Insights:

Binson Lau, CEO of Btab, stated, “With the global e-commerce market projected to reach $18.81 trillion by 2029, we aim to capitalize on this growth, particularly in underserved markets where small businesses are eager to establish an online presence.”

Btab’s Value Proposition:

Btab is dedicated to providing comprehensive e-commerce solutions tailored to the needs of small business owners. Its platforms, including Btab Commerce and Marketplace Deals, empower entrepreneurs to focus on growth without the complexities of e-commerce operations. This agreement underscores Btab’s commitment to addressing the unmet needs of the market.

Global Expansion:

“This move underscores our commitment to expanding our reach and providing greater support to small businesses worldwide, from our headquarters in Australia to key markets including the United States, United Kingdom, and Asia,” added Mr. Lau (https://ibn.fm/mT5T7).

Transaction Details:

Under the BCA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of WEL will merge with and into Btab, resulting in Btab becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of WEL. This merger provides WEL an opportunity for growth and access to Btab’s expanding market share and potential.

Suren Ajjarapu, CEO of WEL, remarked, “It is gratifying to work with Mr. Lau to accelerate BBTT’s growth strategy. This transaction offers our WEL investors a chance to participate in BBTT’s anticipated growth. We look forward to closing the business combination agreement.”

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.BtabCorp.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to BBTT are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/BBTT

• The article titled “Quantum Computing Gets Real: It Could Even Shorten Your Airport Connection” showcases how recent technological advances make it possible for businesses and researchers to explore quantum computing for practical use cases
• D-Wave’s quantum computer is well-suited to optimize complex tasks, from managing cargo movement at our nation’s ports to planning promotional tours and even grocery delivery routes
• D-Wave is the only company commercially offering annealing quantum computing

D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS), a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services and the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, recently announced that it has been featured in a Wall Street Journal article on quantum computing, highlighting its technology’s strength in tackling real-world optimization problems. The article, titled “Quantum Computing Gets Real: It Could Even Shorten Your Airport Connection,” showcases how recent technological advances are making it possible for businesses and researchers to explore quantum computing for practical use cases (https://ibn.fm/1kW0J).

D-Wave’s customers have used its quantum computer to optimize complex tasks, from individual business needs such as scheduling grocery delivery drivers or planning promotional tours, to major operations like managing cargo movement at a major port. These tasks are categorized as optimization problems, which involve finding the most efficient solution among countless possibilities. Classical computers struggle with such problems due to the sheer volume of possible solutions. In contrast, quantum computers, with their ability to handle vast amounts of data simultaneously, show great promise in this area.

D-Wave’s Advantage(TM) quantum computer, with more than 5,000 qubits, along with its Leap(TM) real-time quantum cloud service are available in the market today, assisting customers in accelerating the adoption and implementation of quantum and hybrid-quantum applications. D-Wave has already integrated a customer’s commercial application into production, indicating its systems are actively used in their operations. D-Wave is the only company commercially offering annealing quantum computing, which is particularly well-suited for solving optimization problems that are common in commercial enterprises.

Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, said The Wall Street Journal’s acknowledgment of quantum’s growing relevance and importance reflects the steadily increasing appetite and enthusiasm of D-Wave customers to harness the power of quantum to solve their most computationally complex problems (https://ibn.fm/789D3). “We believe there is no other company right now in the world delivering the same level of commercial-grade, production-ready quantum technology as D-Wave,” he added. “It’s an incredibly important moment for the industry, and this recognition of D-Wave’s leadership is gratifying.”

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.DWaveQuantum.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to QBTS are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/QBTS

• Hawk Point Media recently interviewed SuperCom President and CEO Ordan Trabelsi to discuss the company’s remarkable 2023 performance and future growth
• SuperCom’s extensive investment in R&D, over $40 million since 2014, further solidifies its position as a sector trailblazer
• SuperCom plans to retain its position and continue providing practical, effective, and scalable monitoring solutions for tracking offenders, benefiting all stakeholders

SuperCom (NASDAQ: SPCB), a global leader in secured solutions for the e-government, IoT, and cybersecurity sectors, offers a comprehensive suite of field-proven RFID and GPS tracking technologies. SuperCom’s services span various industries, including security, public safety, law enforcement, domestic violence prevention, and electronic monitoring of offenders. Exploring SuperCom’s success, Hawk Point Media recently interviewed SuperCom President and CEO Ordan Trabelsi to discuss the company’s remarkable 2023 performance and future growth drivers (https://ibn.fm/CvJ4B).

Despite being under-the-radar among investors, SuperCom is entering its 37th year of business and is highly recognized in the professional world. According to Trabelsi, the company’s focus has always been on innovation and providing top-tier traditional and digital identity monitoring solutions. Trabelsi believes that the company’s world-class solutions portfolio has the potential to reshape the identification, monitoring, and public safety landscape. This potential is reflected in the recent record revenues and EBITDA.

As the company continues to demonstrate consistent performance, market cap valuation could be more in line with the company’s operational success, similar to the period between 2012 and 2014 when the stock price appreciated by over 2,000%.

SuperCom’s 2023 results highlight its impressive operating performance. The company posted 5-year-record revenues of $26.6 million, a 51% increase year-over-year, and an EBITDA of $4.8 million, a 2350% increase year-over-year. Gross profit surged 60% year-over-year to $10.2 million, bolstered by a strong Q4 performance. The company has also started 2024 strongly, securing new contracts in California and Canada, and receiving $5 million in new orders from European governments. This strategy of winning more contracts while streamlining operations and demonstrating improved performance could help close valuation gaps.

Significant project wins have also driven SuperCom’s success. In 2022, the company secured a $33 million project with Romania’s Ministry of Interior, further establishing its reputation for executing large-scale national projects. Additionally, SuperCom launched a $3.6 million national electronic monitoring (“EM”) project in Finland and a $4.25 million contract for adult re-entry services in Northern California. Technological advancements, such as the PureProtect solution for domestic violence monitoring and the all-in-one ankle-bracelet solution PureOne, have been well-received and significantly expand the company’s addressable market, supporting expansion into the U.S. market.

SuperCom’s products and service platforms offer several advantages over competitors. For instance, the battery of the Pure Tag bracelet can last over a year without charging, while competitors’ battery usually requires daily charging. Additionally, the company’s location tracking technology is more accurate and works even underground and within buildings. These products are ergonomic, lightweight, and cost-effective, providing a humane-centered alternative to incarceration and improving rehabilitation outcomes.

The company’s solutions can enhance the protection of vulnerable populations, such as victims of domestic violence, through rapid response mechanisms, secure communication channels, and real-time monitoring. SuperCom’s extensive investment in R&D, over $40 million since 2014, on top of the long track record of success of its R&D teams, has resulted in over 100 patents, solidifying its position as a sector trailblazer. These technological advantages have led to a contract win rate of over 65% in National Government Tenders in Europe. As the company expands its footprint globally, it aims to achieve similar success in new markets like the U.S. and Canada.

Entering Q2, SuperCom remains committed to revolutionizing government sectors through superior technology and solutions. This approach has made the company a leader in offender tracking and monitoring solutions. By staying ahead of technological advancements, SuperCom plans to retain its position and continue providing practical, effective, and scalable monitoring solutions for tracking offenders, benefiting all stakeholders involved.

The company’s strategic innovations, top-notch technology, and focus on public safety have propelled it to record growth and established it as a leader in its field. As it continues to expand globally, SuperCom is well-positioned to further enhance its impact and drive continued success.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.SuperCom.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SPCB are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SPCB

• Clene’s CEO Rob Etherington and CFO Morgan Brown presented highlights and updates on the company’s pipeline – as well as answering questions from the audience
• Clene has conducted several clinical trials to test the efficacy of CNM-Au8(R), focusing on the diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis
• CNM-Au8 has shown a favorable safety profile, with over 650 collective years of subject exposure without any major safety signals attributed to CNM-Au8
• Negotiations are underway to extend the cash runway into 2025, including potential licensing deals and the exercise of warrants that could bring in up to $130 million in additional capital for the company

Clene (NASDAQ: CLNN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on improving mitochondrial health and protecting neuronal function to treat neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (“ALS”) and multiple sclerosis (“MS”), recently participated in the 72nd Emerging Growth Conference. EmergingGrowth.com is a leading independent small cap media portal that identifies companies with strong management teams, innovative products, focused strategy and overall potential for long-term growth. Its audience includes potentially tens of thousands of Individual and Institutional investors, as well as Investment advisors and analysts. Clene’s CEO Rob Etherington and CFO Morgan Brown presented highlights and updates on the company’s pipeline – as well as answering questions from the audience.

The Emerging Growth Conference, moderated by award-winning journalist Ana Berry, is considered an effective way for public companies to engage with the investment community. Companies present new products, services, and make other announcements significant to their industry. During the event, Clene’s CEO presented the company’s groundbreaking asset, CNM-Au8, a suspension of gold nanocrystals designed to improve mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress. This novel treatment utilizes catalytic activity to enhance neuronal energy utilization, which is critical for maintaining brain function.

Neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Parkinson’s, and MS, are among the most challenging medical issues. These conditions involve the progressive degeneration of neurons. In ALS, degeneration of the motor neurons leads to compromised muscular functions, including breathing, swallowing, and motor skills. Despite various treatments, a definitive cure remains elusive. Clene is tackling this challenge with an innovative approach to neuroprotection.

Clene has conducted several clinical trials to test the efficacy of CNM-Au8, focusing on diseases like ALS and MS, and the results have been promising:

• RESCUE-ALS: A Phase 2 study involving 45 subjects showed significant improvements in survival rates and in delaying disease progression.
• HEALEY-ALS Platform Trial: This major study demonstrated a 70-90% risk reduction in death among participants, marking a significant breakthrough in ALS treatment.
• VISIONARY-MS Study: This study focused on MS patients with optic neuritis. Results indicated significant improvements in vision, cognition, and fine and gross motor skills, with continued benefits over time.
• Compassionate Use Program: Over 256 patients have participated in these programs, with many participants showing extended survival and improved quality of life compared to historical controls.

CNM-Au8 has shown a favorable safety profile, with over 650 collective years of subject exposure without any major safety signals. The most common side effects are mild to moderate, primarily gastrointestinal issues, and headaches.

Clene is preparing for a potential accelerated approval from the FDA, based on the promising data from its clinical trials. The company is also exploring partnerships and non-dilutive funding opportunities to support further development and commercialization of CNM-Au8.

According to Brown, as of the first quarter, Clene holds approximately $28 million in cash, with an average burn rate of $7 million per quarter. Negotiations are underway to extend the cash runway into 2025, including potential licensing deals and the exercise of warrants that could bring in up to $130 million in additional capital.

To watch a replay of Clene’s presentation at the Emerging Growth Conference, visit the conference’s YouTube at https://ibn.fm/2FyQG.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Clene.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to CLNN are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CLNN

• A recent Bell2Bell interview with HealthLynked Chairman and CEO, Dr. Michael Dent, revealed the company’s technological solution to the common problems in the healthcare industry
• Florida-based HealthLynked Corp. is dedicated to improving the overall ability of patients and medical providers to partner in improving health outcomes by pioneering a tech platform that improves how medical records are kept and shared
• HealthLynked also has a rewards program that incentivizes preventive care and helps lower overall costs of healthcare.  It also sells a wide variety of medical supplies at discount
• HealthLynked recently introduced an AI-powered chatbot to improve patients’ ability to find healthcare providers wherever they may be across the country
• The company’s CEO provided $1 million in financing this month in a show of support for its mission and plans for growth

Healthcare technology solution pioneer HealthLynked (OTCQB: HLYK) is utilizing artificial intelligence and years of industry experience to offer a sophisticated, cloud-based network for managing and archiving health care records, tailoring healthcare solutions to individual needs, facilitating medical research, and streamlining caregiver access, reducing wait times and potential exposure to other illnesses.

“We’ve all probably been to the doctor where he’s asking about records from another physician that he doesn’t have, or he’s asking us about information that we don’t have access to anymore. And that’s a problem,” HealthLynked Board Chairman and CEO, Dr. Michael Dent. said during an interview earlier this month on the Bell2Bell podcast (https://ibn.fm/AkSkB). “For a physician to make an accurate diagnosis, they need all the information they can get on a patient and it’s all important. That’s something that was a big part of our mission — to really provide a more efficient exchange of health information, putting the patient at the center of that.”

That information sharing capability, among the many other features of the HealthLynked app, may also become valuable when patients are traveling, especially outside the country, and encounter situations in which they need access to their records. Likewise, emergency situations may stand a better chance of a healthful resolution if first responders have access to an individual’s important medical information at a time when the patient may not be able to communicate it.

“We’re looking at working with EMS to where we can provide access to medical records in those emergency situations, and those can be life-saving,” Dent said.

As an added benefit, HealthLynked also helps make overall healthcare more affordable to patients by offering a rewards points program through the company’s platform, as well as by offering approximately 15,000 name brand medical supplies that patients or providers can buy at a discount, he said.

As the platform grows in its ability to provide concierge-type services to patients and doctors, technology plays a big part. The company introduced a new AI-powered chatbot last month that is designed to help patients find healthcare providers wherever they may be across the country. “By integrating AI into our platform, we can provide more efficient and timely support to our users, ensuring they receive the care they need without unnecessary delays,” Dent stated in a news release (https://ibn.fm/GkdiU).

At a personal level, the CEO further demonstrated his commitment to the company’s success by providing $1 million in financing this month to help fund expansion of HealthLynked’s services and hasten the company’s growth. “Providing funding to HealthLynked is a testament to my belief in the transformative power of our services and our mission to create a more efficient healthcare system for the benefit of everyone,” Dent stated (https://ibn.fm/tAgTx).

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.HealthLynked.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to HLYK are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/HLYK

• The United States is on track this year to match 2023’s record-level installation of nearly 40 gigawatts of solar capacity
• Idaho-based Correlate Energy Corp. is dedicated to the furtherance of renewable energy adoption by the industrial, commercial, and residential market sectors through Correlate’s financial and analytical services
• Electrical utilities make up the primary sector moving the needle on solar adoption, with Florida and Texas the largest state adopters during the past year
• The U.S. two-year moratorium on some manufactured solar panel imports has freed up supply chain bottlenecks and eased costs to continue advancing the trend

Electric utilities have become the engine moving solar energy adoption in the United States, accounting for 11.8 gigawatts of new energy capacity in the first three months of 2024, according to a June 5 report by Reuters (https://ibn.fm/gmeie).

Last year the nation installed a record-level amount of solar capacity — nearly 40 gigawatts, according to the report — and the United States is expected to install about the same amount again this year.

The rising pace of solar adoption highlights the positive sentiments surrounding alternatives to carbon-based fuels as well as the financial programs being used as incentives for further adoption. At the same time, research shows most Americans oppose major changes to the way automobiles are manufactured and buildings are powered — often because they “don’t believe the country is ready” (https://ibn.fm/6VpCd).

Distributed energy solutions company Correlate Energy (OTCQB: CIPI) is working to make renewable power accessible to industrial, commercial and residential customers through localized clean energy solutions and microgrids that are affordable to customers while being potentially profitable as well.

The company recently gained attention for expanding its renewable energy adoption services into the largely untapped market delivering energy alternatives to low-income communities, drawing on resources available under the massive Inflation Reduction Act and through its partnership with Energetic Capital.

“Our mission is to make sure distributed energy is fairly distributed,” Energetic Capital CEO Jeff McAulay stated in a news release last month (https://ibn.fm/HY4Fi).

“We continually see numerous barriers to deploying renewable energy in cities and towns where most people live and work,” Correlate Energy CEO Todd Michaels added. “We’re working with Energetic Capital to change that.”

A two-year moratorium the U.S. placed on solar panels imported from manufacturing sectors with questionable reputations in countries, such as China, eased supply chain bottlenecks and solar panels costs as well, creating more favorable conditions for solar adoption (https://ibn.fm/uec7w).

“Sustainable power generation — solar, wind, and hydroelectric — has become a fairly mature market in the United States, particularly in the utility and residential markets,” Zacks Small Cap Research noted last year (https://ibn.fm/H5sdp). “Government incentives, lower costs for photovoltaic solar panels, and increasing demand for renewable energy solutions have fueled the expansion of solar generating capacity.”

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Correlate.Energy.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to CIPI are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CIPI

• FNICF’s recent drill program at Gochager Lake deposit showed significant high-grade mineralization
• Historical exploration at Gochager Lake in the 1960s set the stage for modern drilling, revealing high-grade nickel, copper, and cobalt mineralization
• FNICF completed 16 drill holes totaling 5,543 meters, defining a mineralized gabbro unit over 300 meters along a strike and exceeding 400 meters vertically
• FNICF also operates Albert Lake project, former site of the Rottenstone Mine
• Exploration activity at Albert Lake shows promising mineralization, part of a larger magmatic nickel system

Fathom Nickel (CSE: FNI) (FSE: 6Q5) (OTCQB: FNICF), a Canadian natural resource development and exploration company targeting high-grade nickel sulfide discoveries, recently announced significant high-grade mineralization results from its drill program at the historic Gochager Lake deposit https://ibn.fm/T1kKx.

“We have now gained a much better understanding of the potential of the Gochager Lake deposit,” said Ian Fraser, CEO and VP of Exploration. “We now recognize the emplacement of the Gochager Lake intrusion as a multi-phased, complex, chaotic, and open magmatic process; descriptors of many of the world’s operating magmatic nickel sulphide mining camps.”

The Gochager Lake Project is a key component of Fathom’s strategy to meet the increasing demand for critical minerals essential to the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. Spanning 22,000 hectares in Saskatchewan’s resource-rich Trans Hudson Corridor, the project has been expanded due to its significant exploration potential. Historical exploratory work dating back to 1967 laid the groundwork for Fathom’s modern drilling campaigns, which have revealed promising high-grade nickel, copper, and cobalt mineralization.

FNICF’s Gochager drill program has successfully expanded the deposit in all directions and to depth, revealing promising new mineralization patterns. To date, the company has completed 16 drill holes totaling 5,543 meters. This work has defined a mineralized gabbro unit containing interstitial disseminated magmatic pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and chalcopyrite, spanning approximately 300 meters along a northeast-southwest strike and exceeding 400 meters vertically, with potential for expansion in all directions. The unit is intersected by semi-massive to massive sulphide veins and stringers that align within vertically oriented chutes. Both the massive and disseminated sulphides exhibit similar sulphide mineralogy, with a consistent nickel tenor of 3-4% and comparable sulphide chemistry.

“When we acquired the Gochager Lake project in September 2022, we hypothesized that high-grade, nickel-copper-cobalt mineralization was confined to steeply oriented chutes and thus, the historic vertical drilling quite simply missed this steep geometry and the high-grade nickel mineralization contained within the deposit,” said Mr. Fraser. “Our decision to approach drilling utilizing variable inclined drillholes but each with a consistent azimuth has allowed us to better define the semi-massive to massive sulphide zones and to better understand the controls and geology of the deposit.”

FNICF additionally operates the Albert Lake project in Saskatchewan’s Trans Hudson Corridor. Albert Lake is the historic site of the Rottenstone Mine which produced 26,000 tons of high-grade ore in the 1960s with 3.28% nickel, 1.83% copper, and 9.63 g/t of platinum, palladium, and gold. Fathom Nickel’s ongoing drilling in the area has revealed similar promising mineralization patterns, suggesting that Rottenstone is part of a larger magmatic nickel system with extensive potential yet to be explored.

Ian Fraser and the FNICF team collectively offer decades of expertise in mining exploration, development, and operations, with a specific focus on magmatic nickel sulfide deposits. As the demand for nickel by the growing EV and green energy industries continues to rise, FNICF’s ongoing exploration and development projects are poised to meet the growing needs of the market.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.FathomNickel.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to FNICF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/FNICF

• Tartisan Nickel Corp., a Canadian mineral and battery materials exploration and mining development company, is positioning itself to take advantage of the rapidly growing global demand for nickel
• This growth is primarily driven by continually developing needs in energy storage and EV applications and many low-carbon technologies
• Canada is currently ranked sixth in the world nickel mine production at 143,000 tons, and Tartisan expects to add to this through its flagship Kenbridge Nickel Project in Ontario

The International Energy Agency projects that by 2040, the demand for nickel will increase by 40 times. This growth will be fueled by a need to meet energy storage requirements, along with the growth in the market for electric vehicles (“EVs”). It is projected that by 2040, EVs and energy storage will account for over 50% of all nickel demand, a significant shift from the current state where 65% of all nickel goes into stainless steel production (https://ibn.fm/G6qmc).

Many enterprises are looking to tap into this growth. However, none is more well-positioned than Tartisan Nickel (CSE: TN) (OTCQB: TTSRF) (FSE: 8TA), a Canadian mineral and battery materials exploration and mining development company. Through its flagship Kenbridge Nickel Project, the company wants to grow Canada’s annual nickel production while further stamping its position as a leader in its space.

The Kenbridge Nickel Deposit hosts a Nickel-Copper Resource with a 622-meter shaft, and the expanded project sits on 4,273 hectares (more than 10,500 acres) that includes 93 contiguous patents and 153 single cell mining claims 100 percent owned by Tartisan Nickel Corp. through wholly owned subsidiaries (https://ibn.fm/sO81q).

With the strides made so far on the property, Tartisan’s management remains optimistic about the property’s potential, citing the ability to increase and upgrade the quality of near-surface mineralization.

“There remains excellent potential to increase and upgrade the quality of the near-surface mineralization at Kenbridge thereby adding additional years of production or providing the basis for an increase in annual throughout,” noted Mark Appleby, Tartisan’s President and CEO (https://ibn.fm/TT8El).

Canada currently ranks sixth in the world nickel mine production at 143,000 tons. It comes behind Indonesia, Philippines, Russia, New Caledonia, and Australia, with China, Brazil, and the United States coming after. From a trade perspective, Canada’s total trade in nickel and nickel-based products in 2022 stood at $7.5 billion. 105,621 tons of unwrought nickel, valued at $3.5 billion, was exported from Canada in 2022 when the price per ton hit an all-time high of US$25,834. Tartisan looks to carve out a significant market share while Canada’s nickel exports and values grow further in the coming years (https://ibn.fm/p848o).

Nickel’s ability to withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion has made it valuable and integral in many low-carbon technologies. The metal has also proven to enhance battery performance by increasing energy density, thereby supporting higher voltages and storage capacities without compromising stability. In addition, nickel is generally cheaper than rival metals, significantly reducing the cost of storing excess renewable energy production. These properties have seen nickel used in lithium-ion batteries, not just in electric vehicles but also in renewable energy storage, such as solar panels, and wind turbines.

By extension, the significant reduction in the cost of lithium-ion batteries has seen increased affordability of electric vehicles. In addition, countries’ substantial investment in EV infrastructure, as seen in the UK, US, and Europe, have further seen a demand for EVs. Government regulation also plays a massive role in this growth. For instance, the EU and UK have mandated that 100% of new cars and vans must be zero-emission by 2035, a factor that has driven up production of EVs, which are expected to hit 21 million by 2030.

With these changes, there is already an uptick in the demand for nickel globally; this is only the beginning. According to the International Energy Agency, EVs and energy storage will account for the lion’s share of expected growth in nickel demand over the next 20 years. Tartisan has positioned itself to take advantage of this growth, asserting itself as a leader in its space.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.TartisanNickel.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to TTSRF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/TTSRF

June 17, 2024 – WEEX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange platform, has announced a strategic partnership with K9 Finance DAO to launch projects on Shibarium, an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain.

WEEX selects premium projects from the thousands available on the Shibarium chain for its Launchpad and will list them on WEEX, supporting the Shiba Inu (“SHIB”) community. Shiba Inu development advocates have identified WEEX as the primary platform for all new qualified projects emerging from Shibarium hackathons and developer communities worldwide.

Additionally, Andrew Weiner, VP of WEEX Global, will attend the Blockchain Futurist Conference, sponsored by Shiba Inu and K9 Finance DAO, in Toronto on August 13-14, 2024. K9 Finance DAO (“KNINE”), as the first collaborative project, will mark the beginning of this deep partnership.

Shibarium is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution designed to address high gas fees and slow transaction speeds within the SHIB ecosystem. It utilizes the BONE token for gas fees, offering faster transaction speeds and lower costs. K9 Finance DAO is the official DeFi protocol of SHIB, aiming to bring decentralized finance to Shibarium and incentivize developers to build products on Shibarium through rewards. Over the next 12 months, hundreds of projects are expected to be created on Shibarium.

The WEEX Launchpad is a key use case for WEEX’s platform token, WXT, offering exclusive airdrops of popular projects to WXT holders.

WEEX, SHIB, and K9 Finance DAO are sponsors of the Blockchain Futurist Conference and ETHToronto this year. Come meet the team at their booths and cabanas and hear about the latest announcements on stage.

Claim your free ticket with the Shib Army at futuristconference.com/shibarmy

• ECGI Holdings signed an agreement in December 2023, creating Pacific Saddlery, Inc., an emerging brand targeting the luxury equestrian apparel, tack, and accessories marketplace, and continues plans to move forward in that market
• In support of growth plans, the company recently secured the first of two $125,000 convertible note financings, with the second convertible note expected to close in July
• ECGI intends to use the net proceeds from the financings to significantly enhance Pacific Saddlery’s product development, helping the brand expand its offerings and capture a significant share of the U.S. luxury equestrian market
• The U.S. luxury equestrian tack and apparel market is valued at $300 million and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4-6%
• Besides tapping into the expected growth, ECGI’s venture into the luxury equestrian market is buoyed by attractive gross and net profit margins

December of 2023 saw ECGI Holdings (OTC: ECGI), a diversified holding company, make a strategic move toward building luxury brands. The company signed a joint venture share purchase agreement, creating Pacific Saddlery, Inc., an emerging brand targeting the luxury equestrian apparel, tack, and accessories marketplace. The agreement aligned with – and continues to align with – ECGI’s ongoing evolution, new strategic direction, and, according to CEO James Steigerwald, “commitment to building luxury brands” (https://ibn.fm/iCPAf).

A widely held belief by ECGI’s management is that the luxury equestrian marketplace is an ideal focus for investment in building a globally respected boutique brand. This belief has seen the company secure financing to facilitate further product development for Pacific Saddlery. The financing follows Pacific Saddlery’s successful mobile retail trailer launch earlier this year, and is expected to supercharge the company’s strategic growth and expansion endeavors (https://ibn.fm/nQtFh).

According to the June 4 announcement, ECGI successfully secured the first of two $125,000 convertible note financings, with the second convertible note expected to close in July under similar terms. After deducting applicable fees, ECGI will receive $100,000 in growth capital from each convertible to support major initiatives.

Mr. Steigerwald congratulated the company’s dedicated investors, who have continuously shown unwavering support, adding, “2024 is shaping up to be a transformative year for ECGI. Securing this financing allows us to significantly enhance Pacific Saddlery’s product development. We are thrilled to secure this pivotal financing, reflecting the unwavering confidence in our strategic vision. This capital infusion will propel Pacific Saddlery’s growth and enhance its product development following the success of the mobile retail trailer launch.”

U.S. Luxury Equestrian Tack and Apparel Market

ECGI notes that further product development for Pacific Saddlery will help expand the emerging brand’s offerings, capturing a significant share of the U.S. luxury equestrian tack and apparel market, a market that is uniquely profitable and consistent, with fewer pressures to “go public”. Valued at $300 million annually, the market is expected to experience steady growth at an annual growth rate of about 4-6%. This growth is expected to be driven by increasing interest in equestrian sports and leisure activities among affluent consumers, as well as innovations in product design. The strategic move also positions ECGI Holdings alongside key leaders in the equestrian market, including Hermès, Charles Ancona, and CWD Sellier.

The luxury equestrian market is segmented into two:

• The equestrian apparel segment, which comprises high-end riding gear, including breeches, jackets, boots, and helmets
• The tack and equipment segment, which includes premium saddles, bridles, and other tack, often custom-made or from renowned brands

With promises of affluence, prestige, customization, and quality, the market has spurred interest among the wealthy, affluent, and equestrian sports enthusiasts. Accordingly, major brands like Hermès, Charles Ancona, Pikeur, Animo, and Cavalleria Toscana, which focus on the apparel segment, and CWD Sellier, Hermès, Stubben, and Devoucoux, which target the tack and equipment segment, increasingly compete to deliver on these promises and, as a result, enjoy the attractive revenues and margins the industry has to offer.

Attractive Gross and Profit Margins

On average, apparel like high-end riding jackets, breeches, and boots can cost anywhere between $200 to more than $1,000 per item, while premium saddles and bridles range from $1,500 to over $10,000, depending on the level of customization and brand prestige. Usually, the premium pricing of apparel, tack, and equipment translates to high gross margins and net profit margins. For instance, luxury equestrian brands often enjoy high gross margins of 50-70%, with net profit margins varying between 10-20%.

What makes the luxury equestrian market attractive to the likes of ECGI, Pacific Saddlery, and other players is that these net profit margins are often higher than the retail market’s average. The profit margins translate to higher profitability for equestrian companies, ensuring a continuous flow of working capital. According to observers, this explains why there are no public equestrian companies – such companies are usually so profitable that they consistently have enough working capital to remain private.

As an additional testament to the veracity of this observation, Dover Saddlery, Inc., a leading specialty retailer and the largest omnichannel market of equestrian products in the U.S. at that time, was taken private in 2015. Until its delisting, the company was traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market (https://ibn.fm/D9zTc).

The attractive dynamics of the luxury equestrian market drew the interest of ECGI Holdings, explaining its decision late last year to sign the agreement that created Pacific Saddlery. Since then, the company has made strides to capture a share of the burgeoning U.S. luxury equestrian apparel and equipment market, with the latest financing supporting this resolve.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ECGIHoldings.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to ECGI are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/ECGI