• The $10 million loan agreement, carrying a 12% interest rate and secured by all assets of Clene, was signed with three lenders affiliated with the company.
• The funds will be used to repay the remaining $7.9 million debt of an Avenue Capital Group loan, and will improve the company’s cash position, enabling it extra runway to generate additional data to support the new drug application of CNM-Au8 for ALS.
• The FDA earlier suggested that Clene leverage additional neurofilament light (“NfL”) data from the company’s three Expanded Access Protocols (compassionate use programs) and the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial to support earlier clinical trial findings, with a follow-up meeting with the FDA to be held in early 2025.

Clene (NASDAQ: CLNN) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Clene Nanomedicine Inc., is a late 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”). The company has now secured a new $10 million debt facility, enabling the pay-off of another loan at higher interest rates to significantly improve its cash position as well as finance operations to generate of additional data to support the new drug application of lead drug candidate CNM-Au8 for ALS (https://ibn.fm/Maor9).

The new debt facility was signed with three entities affiliated with Clene and was closed on Dec. 20, 2024. Under the terms of the deal, the three lenders provided the aggregate principal amount of $10 million for the secured, partially convertible debt facility, with a fixed interest rate of 12% and a maturity eighteen months after closing. The first 12 twelve months are interest-only. Sixty-five percent of the debt facility is convertible into shares at a fixed conversion price of $5.67, a 130% premium to Clene’s closing stock price on the day of signing.

The funding will be used to pay off the remaining debt of an existing senior loan taken with Avenue Venture Opportunities Fund, L.P., a fund of the Avenue Capital Group, in May 2021. Over the course of the loan agreement, Clene borrowed $20 million. Repayment under the loan agreement began in July 2024 with $7 million of principal outstanding as of December 2024 plus a final payment fee of $0.85 million, for a total payoff of approximately $7.9 million, including a prepayment penalty.

The new loan will help improve the company’s cash position, enabling the cash runway to generate additional biomarker data to support the new drug application of CNM-Au8 for ALS via an accelerated regulatory pathway. The company met with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) to discuss a potential accelerated regulatory pathway in November and has since received additional guidance from the regulatory body to gather further clinical trial data.

CNM-Au8, an oral suspension of gold nanocrystals, works by improving cellular energy production and utilization, which is critical for maintaining neuronal health. The drug candidate has already been shown to improve central nervous system cells’ survival and function via a mechanism that targets mitochondrial function and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (“NAD”) pathway while reducing oxidative stress. Phase 2 clinical trial data, as presented to the FDA, revealed significant improvement in survival rates, functional status and combined assessment of function and survival.

The FDA recommended that Clene leverage additional NfL data from its three expanded access protocols (“EAPs”) and the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial to support earlier findings. Clene will have another meeting with the FDA in early 2025 to review and finalize its analysis plan for the EAP NfL biomarker analyses.

Commenting on the new debt facility, Clene CEO and President Rob Etherington said the company was grateful for the trust of its long-standing investors who remain supportive of the company’s efforts to provide potentially lifesaving therapies for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

“We believe that the proceeds from this new debt facility, including an extended interest-only period, will allow Clene the cash runway to generate the additional data the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has requested from our expanded access programs,” Etherington added. “The data are being gathered to support the existing clinical study data for inclusion in an application seeking approval of CNM-Au8 for ALS through the accelerated regulatory pathway.”

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

• SportLync is expanding its platform to include new sports starting Q1 2025, offering users the opportunity to connect, compete and collaborate across a wider range of athletic pursuits.
• Their popular GolfLync app will receive advanced features to enhance the golfer experience, including dynamic matchmaking, deeper personalization options, and expanded course discovery features.
• A new in-app voting system will empower users to shape the platform’s future by proposing and voting on future sports, features and updates.
• SportLync is investing in its technology stack to improve app performance and scalability and support all upcoming updates.

SportLync, a technology company focused on fostering community-driven platforms within the sports world, is charting a bold course for 2025. Known for its fast-growing flagship app, GolfLync, which connects golfers based on shared interests and skill levels, the company is now setting its sights on expanding into new sports. In its 2025 roadmap, detailed in a company news release, SportLync outlined plans to broaden its reach, improve user experiences, and solidify its position as a hub for sports enthusiasts (https://ibn.fm/wq6Ui).

The company’s foray into new sports will begin in Q1 2025, offering users the opportunity to connect, compete and collaborate across a wider range of athletic pursuits. While golf remains a core focus, the platform will cater to team and individual sports, preserving the seamless connectivity and social features that have set it apart.

“Our expansion into new sports isn’t just about growing our audience,” said Michael Quiel, COO of SportLync. “It’s about fostering a culture where athletes and enthusiasts across all disciplines feel empowered to connect and thrive in their communities.”

A notable feature in SportLync’s roadmap is its new in-app voting system, which will allow users to propose and vote on future sports, features and updates. This interactive approach places the community at the heart of decision-making. “Our users are our greatest asset,” Quiel noted. “By giving them a voice, we’re ensuring that SportLync reflects the passions and priorities of the people who use it.”

GolfLync, the foundation of SportLync, is also poised for significant updates in 2025. The app will introduce advanced tools for golfers, such as dynamic matchmaking, deeper personalization options, and expanded course discovery features. These updates will ensure GolfLync remains the ultimate platform for connecting golfers and enriching their experiences on and off the course.

“We want every golfer to feel like this is their home base for enhancing their game and building lasting connections,” Quiel said, emphasizing the company’s commitment to evolving alongside user needs.

To support its growing user base and platform expansions, SportLync is investing heavily in its technology stack. These upgrades will enhance app stability, enable faster feature rollouts, and improve the user experience as the platform expands its capabilities and introduces new sports. By bolstering its infrastructure, SportLync aims to position itself as a leader in the sports tech sector, with unparalleled speed and reliability.

Complementing these changes is an ambitious 2025 marketing campaign. Targeting digital, social and traditional media channels, the initiative seeks to attract new users and elevate SportLync’s profile by emphasizing the company’s mission of connecting sports enthusiasts and building a vibrant and inclusive community. “Our goal is to ensure everyone who loves sports, whether they’re seasoned athletes or casual players, knows that SportLync is the place to be,” Quiel said. “This campaign will expand our reach and redefine how sports communities connect.”

You can download the GolfLync app using the following text-anchored links:

• Android: GolfLync – Apps on Google Play
• iPhone: GolfLync

For more information about GolfLync, visit GolfLync, download the app, and connect with community on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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

For additional investor information, visit SportLync Investment.

Executives and professionals from pharma, biotech and medical device companies are invited to attend the West Coast version of the Chief Patient Officer Summit presented by DGE. The event will be held on January 21-22, 2025, in San Diego, CA.

The summit is hosted by Dynamic Global Events (“DGE”), a leading event company that organizes B2B events for healthcare companies. DGE offers an interactive platform for discussion, explorations and collaboration among the new and established players in the healthcare spectrum. Industry stalwarts discuss niche topics and the latest trends at the DGE summits. A live-streaming facility is also available. These DGE events are attended by dignitaries with important experience in their fields.

Topics Of Discussion:

• Explore the latest trends in publishing with partners
• Learn leadership skills in patient advocacy and engagement
• Understand and implement patient feedback in clinical trials
• Involve patients/caregivers/advocates in developing plain language summaries
• Advance patient engagement and regulatory advocacy teamwork
• Build a strategic framework & collaborative roadmap for patient advocacy

The event commences with registration and a networking breakfast, followed by the Chair’s opening and welcome remarks. At the conference, attendees can connect with peers and colleagues and make long-lasting relationships. They can learn tips to develop integral relationships with patient communities to ensure the best possible patient experience.

Industry leaders will impart leadership strategies and tips to ensure that patient feedback is accurately reflected in R&D, clinical and post-approval processes. Best practices for co-creating with patients/caregivers and advocates and cultivating a corporate culture dedicated to providing the best possible patient experience will be shared.

To know more, please visit https://ibn.fm/4JDJY.

The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference 2025 (“VRIC”), by Cambridge House, invites executives and professionals from the finance, commodities and investment sectors, for a two-day conference at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Jay Martin, the CEO of Cambridge House, hosts the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference.

The VRIC will have over 9,000 attending investors networking and collaborating on the event floor. The Cambridge House Conference showcases 120 eminent dignitaries from the finance and investment spectrum presiding over as keynote speakers. They will offer invaluable advice covering the latest market trends and investment insights.

Over 300 mining companies will pitch their innovative products and services on the exhibition floor. Investors looking for lucrative avenues of investments can connect with the best talents in the industry, identifying relevant companies to understand their vision and prospects.

Top reasons to attend the conference:

• As reliance on the U dollar is decreasing, commodity prices witness an impact, and hence, the global currency scenario is on the threshold of a change.
• Due to the volatile market conditions, new investment opportunities are emerging as geopolitical connections are being redefined.
• Get geared to tap the market opportunities in the emerging market landscape.
• Artificial intelligence and new energy solutions will accelerate commodity demand.
• The lack of capital in the mining and hard commodities sectors has led to a supply crunch and skyrocketing prices.

The conference offers an important opportunity to learn the tips and tricks of the trade, network with key industry leaders, and grab the best opportunities the market offers. Tickets are available and slots are filling up fast.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/pFxuf.

• Thumzup Media Corporation, a company at the forefront of modernizing the social media branding and marketing industry with its unique approach, looks to expand advertiser reach through strategic platform integration with X and TikTok
• These strategic moves will complement the company’s current integration with Instagram, and will allow for unified campaign management to create and customize branded content across all the platforms
• So far this year, Thumzup has realized a 202% growth in advertisers, underscoring the platform’s escalating appeal across diverse business sectors
• The new integrations highlight the company’s commitment to maximize advertiser reach with their revolutionary approach of turning everyday users into brand ambassadors

Thumzup (NASDAQ: TZUP), a Los Angeles-based company that is disrupting the social media branding and marketing industry with its unique platform, designed to connect advertisers directly with everyday social media users, is looking to further expand its advertiser reach through strategic integrations with the two leading social media platforms, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. The launch with X is already underway (https://ibn.fm/R8doq), and TikTok upcoming (https://ibn.fm/5ieBW). These ambitious moves complement the company’s current integration with Instagram and will disrupt traditional advertising models, mainly through scalable user-driven content monetizationn (https://ibn.fm/vJoN8).

Such initiatives highlight Thumzup’s commitment to maximizing advertiser reach and turning everyday users into brand ambassadors. Today, the company is the only platform that makes it easy for any brand or business to pay people cash to share a brand or business with their personal friends on their social media. This overall market is currently valued at over $400 billion, and the approach has already allowed Thumzup to achieve a 202% growth in advertisers in 2024 alone, underscoring the platform’s escalating appeal across diverse business sectors.

With its X integration, Thumzup looks to expand its potential reach to a massive and engaged audience, ultimately positioning itself for continued growth in the digital advertising space. So far this year, X has experienced a 12.5% year-over-year (“YoY”) growth in time spent on the platform, with the numbers expected to grow as time progresses. Thumzup looks to tap into this growth, broadening its reach and amplifying its impact.

“Our planned integration with X Corp. marks a transformative milestone for Thumzup,” noted Thumzup’s CEO, Robert Steele. “Since our inception, Thumzup has aimed to expand to other social media platforms. Having achieved milestones such as paying out over $250,000 to our users with approximately 25,000 Instagram posts, and recently listing our company on Nasdaq, we are now aggressively moving forward to broaden our reach. We expect this integration to occur by the end of January 2025. Once implemented, it should significantly amplify Thumzup’s impact, enabling advertisers to leverage trusted user voices to drive scalable and authentic engagement,” he added (https://ibn.fm/vJoN8).

The integration will support unified campaign management to create and customize branded content for both X and Instagram. It will also offer enhanced audience targeting to boost campaign efficiency further. It will use monetization for users to revolutionize influencer marketing by enabling individuals to earn variable cash rewards for authentic brand endorsements.

Thumzup is taking on a similar approach with TikTok, a platform with over 1.5 billion active monthly users. The company looks to drive value creation with plans specifically designed to offer unified content management across the platform, alongside Instagram and X. The features will cover seamless multi-platform posting with a single post workflow. It will also feature campaign optimization and monetization through direct user compensation.

“Tapping into TikTok’s user engagement metrics is expected to be a game-changer,” noted Mr. Steele. “This planned integration will enhance our competitive advantage and establish our role in redefining modern digital advertising,” he added (https://ibn.fm/x3QNh).

“Our platform’s capability to engage consumers directly through social media and reward them for their endorsements has met with enthusiastic response from a wide spectrum of businesses,” stated Mr. Steele. “This includes retailers, restaurants, home furnishings, clothes, coffee shops, and consumer brands in beverages and breakfast cereals. The Thumzup platform is continuing to resonate with advertisers, and we are thrilled by the continued adoption of our platform,” he added (https://ibn.fm/AmEDd).

For company information, visit www.ThumzupMedia.com.

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

Audra Moran, the head of a global charity (“OCRA”) focused on researching ovarian cancer, says her area of expertise is underfunded and very deadly. Most cases of this disease originate within the fallopian tubes and spread to the ovaries. The problem is, by the time the malignancy spreads to the ovaries, there is a high likelihood that it has also spread to other parts of the body. This is why early detection is critical as life-saving interventions can be carried out.

The life-changing window of detection is approximately 5 years before the onset of ovary cancer symptoms, but it is currently difficult to detect the condition within this period.

That is where artificial intelligence (“AI”) comes in. New testing techniques are exploring how AI can be leveraged to detect ovarian cancer early enough to make a difference in the mortality of patients. Other deadly infections, such as pneumonia, can also benefit from this AI-testing method.

Doctor Daniel Heller, a biomedical engineer based at the cancer center at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, heads a team developing technology to conduct blood tests using nanotubes. Nanotubes were discovered two decades ago, but how to leverage them during diagnostic tests had eluded scientists. Dr. Heller and his team are working to solve this challenge.

They took blood samples from two groups of patients; one group contained samples from people who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The other group didn’t have the disease. This data was uploaded into an algorithm that uses machine learning to detect patterns within those blood samples. One challenge the team encountered was the limited data on ovarian cancer patients. This is because the condition is rare, and the patients who are diagnosed with the cancer are treated by different hospitals whose data isn’t readily available to research teams.

Dr. Heller says they took a chance and used data from just 100 patients to train their AI model. It was a desperate attempt, and they were pleasantly surprised to see that the AI model was able to perform more reliably than other biomarkers currently in use to detect the cancer.

He says the system is undergoing further development and it could be 3-5 years away from commercialization. Nevertheless, the team is hopeful that this AI model can be deployed to detect other gynecological disorders so that doctors can use the tool to positively identify which particular condition a patient is suffering from.

As more use cases of AI emerge, not just in the biomedical field but also in other walks of life, the demand for minerals like gold and copper that are critical in the burgeoning AI industry will increase. Companies like McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE: MUX) (TSX: MUX) that focus their efforts on extracting these AI metals are well positioned for the future ahead.

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

The 5th Risk-Based Quality Management conference hosted by DGE will be held on January 29-30, 2025, in Philadelphia. Industry leaders attending the event will share insights on improving clinical quality through compliant and risk-based quality management.

Organized by DGE, a leader in life sciences events, the conference provides a platform for professionals to exchange ideas, learn from peers, and tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges. Industry experts will highlight the latest topics and trends in RBQM, engaging with an immersive and informed audience.

This two-day event will bring together industry leaders to explore innovative strategies for RBQM. Attendees will dive into real-world case studies focusing on the RBQM maturity model, how AI is affecting clinical research, strategies on implementing change management into your company, and much more!

Topics covered will include:

• Prioritize Data-Driven Quality Improvement for Research Compliance
• Assess the Best Ways to Implement Change Management in Your Company
• Discover the Key to the Implementation of Quality by Design
• Consider Ways to Improve Diversity in Clinical Trials by Assessing the FDA Diversity Action Plan
• Address Different Techniques Related to QTL Positioning

Whether you’re looking to refine your clinical strategies or stay ahead of industry trends, this conference offers valuable insights for professionals at all levels. Do not miss the chance to connect with experts and gain practical tools to implement RBQM in your organization.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/t4Usg.

The longest-running annual, in-person podcasting conference in the world, the PODFEST Expo invites the podcast community from all over the globe. The event will be held from January 16, 2025, to January 19, 2025, at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®. The event venue offers world-class amenities and is within walking distance of all local attractions.

PODFEST Expo will be running for its 11th consecutive year in 2025. Witness the greatest gathering of the brightest minds in the podcast industry. The event offers robust networking that leads to lasting relationships. Attendees can connect with the industry leaders and build a stronger podcast community, the ‘PODFAM’ a place where Podcasters learn, inspire and collaborate.

The PODFEST Expo believes in the following three principles:

• World-class Education
• Collaboration
• Community Building

Witness top industry speakers discussing trending topics, meaningful content, and sharing important new tips on podcasting in 2025. On January 15, 2025, attendees can go for early registration, followed by a special pre-opening session, a meet-and-greets session, and a private dinner.

Attendees can participate in discussions on key topics hosted by eminent speakers, podcasters and leaders from their respective fields.

The main event starts on January 16, 2025, with the four-day event agenda covering engaging sessions by experts, keynote sessions, panel discussions, one-on-one meetings, etc. The expo hall will be open to all pass holders.

Some topics covered by the podcasters at the tracks include Beginner, Technology, Audience Growth, Monetization, Video Podcasting, Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), Authors, Comedy, Panel Track, Deep Dive Case Study Talks, & Wildcards.

The PODFEST Expo will also host several social events like private socials, Podfest Ambassadors private parties, and influencer meet and greet, accessed by special passes. PODFEST Multimedia Expo 2025 closes with a gratitude ceremony on January 19, 2025.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/hM3AG.

• The outlook for both copper and gold in the coming year is highly optimistic, supported by robust demand trends and supply dynamics.
• Aston Bay is positioned to play a critical role in the anticipated growth of these metals.
• Looking ahead to 2025, Aston Bay plans to expand its exploration activities.

The outlook for both copper and gold in the coming year is highly optimistic, supported by robust demand trends and supply dynamics. This bodes well for companies operating in the space, including Aston Bay Holdings (TSX.V: BAY) (OTCQB: ATBDF), a publicly traded mineral exploration company exploring for high-grade critical and precious metal deposits.

Copper, a backbone metal of green energy, is projected to experience growth, with its demand bolstered by the global green-energy transition and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (“EVs”). By 2025, copper prices are forecast to reach $15,000 per metric ton (https://ibn.fm/l4PDL), reflecting increased consumption for renewable-energy infrastructure and EV components. Supply constraints, including declining ore grades and limited new mining projects, are expected to contribute to a significant supply-demand imbalance.

The global shift toward renewable energy, including wind and solar installations, heavily relies on copper’s unparalleled conductivity and durability. As the world invests in electric grids, EV-charging infrastructure and energy-storage solutions, copper demand is expected to surge dramatically.

Gold prices are coming off a year of historic highs and are projected to continue their upward trajectory in 2025, with several financial institutions forecasting significant increases. Estimates from Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and Citigroup predict prices reaching $3,000 per ounce by the end of the year, reflecting a bullish sentiment driven by ongoing economic uncertainties and strong central-bank purchases (https://ibn.fm/UNk90). Analysts attribute this optimism to factors such as inflation concerns, geopolitical instability and increased investor appetite for safe-haven assets.

The metal’s role as a hedge against economic instability remains central to its value proposition. Moreover, the ongoing energy transition is expected to maintain industrial demand for gold, particularly in electronics and renewable-energy technologies.

Aston Bay, a junior exploration company focused on high-grade copper and gold exploration, is positioned to play a critical role in the anticipated growth of these metals. The company’s flagship project, the Storm Copper Project, a joint initiative by Aston Bay and American West Metals, in Nunavut, Canada, has made significant advancements in 2024 and is poised for further progress in 2025.

The Storm Copper Project has gained attention for its promising assay results and high-grade copper mineralization. Spring/summer 2024 marked another successful exploration season that identified extensive copper zones, demonstrating the project’s potential as a major contributor to global copper supply.

The partnership between Aston Bay and American West Metals combines technical expertise and resources to advance the known deposits toward development. As exploration continues, the companies aim to confirm the commercial viability of these deposits. Aston Bay and American West are working together on the Storm Project property, having formed a 20/80 unincorporated joint venture. According to the agreement, Aston Bay maintains a free carried interest until the decision to mine upon completion of a bankable feasibility study.

Looking ahead to 2025, Aston Bay plans to expand its exploration activities, looking to replicate the success of Storm with its Epworth Copper Project, also located in Nunavut, where surface samples have yielded up to 61% copper with 5600 g/t silver as well as cobalt, zinc and gold. The company is also exploring the high-grade (up to 62.51 g/t Au) Buckingham Gold Vein and critical-metals prospects in central Virginia. These are among the benefits that Aston Bay is eyeing as it focuses on exploring for high-grade critical and precious-metal deposits in both Canada and the United States.

As the world continues its transition toward cleaner energy and heightened economic resilience, gold and copper are poised for strong performance in 2025. Both metals will benefit from robust demand driven by global economic trends, technological advancements and supply constraints. Aston Bay stands ready to capitalize on these opportunities. With its focus on high-grade projects and sustainable exploration practices, the company is well-positioned to contribute to the burgeoning demand for copper and gold, ensuring it remains a key player in the resource sector.

For more information, visit AstonBayHoldings.com.

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

• Thumzup Media’s advertiser base expanded from 183 to 554 in the first ten months of 2024, with targets estimating 1,000% increase through 2025.
• The company’s advertising technology platform has already been adopted by a wide range of businesses across multiple verticals, including local retailers and national consumer brands.
• Thumzup also announced engagement of Tedras Global Solutions, and principal Courtney Doutherd, to spearhead AI integration and accelerate growth and adaptation of its ad-tech platform.
• Doutherd brings over 25 years of experience in AI, software engineering, and program management, having led projects for SpaceX, Oracle, Microsoft, and IBM.
• The partnership reflects Thumzup’s mission to empower businesses and consumers with advanced social media advertising tools.

Thumzup (NASDAQ: TZUP), an emerging leader in social media branding and marketing solutions, reported a robust 202% growth in the number of advisers subscribing to its proprietary ad-tech platform, with over 500 advertisers joining since the beginning of the year. According to a recent press release, Thumzup has grown from 183 advertisers to 554 as of Oct. 31, 2024, underscoring the platform’s escalating appeal across diverse business sectors and the company’s innovative approach that enables businesses and brands to pay customers and fans cash through Venmo and PayPal for their posts on social media (https://ibn.fm/BzUqO).

“Our platform’s capability to engage consumers directly through social media and reward them for their endorsements has met with enthusiastic response from a wide spectrum of businesses,” stated Thumzup CEO Robert Steele. “This includes retailers, restaurants, home furnishings, clothes, coffee shops and consumer brands in beverages and breakfast cereals. The Thumzup platform is continuing to resonate with advertisers, and we are thrilled by the continued adoption of our platform.” The company aims to increase its advertiser base by 1,000% or more than 5,000 subscribers through 2025.

With a goal of democratizing the multi-billion dollar social media branding and marketing industry through its unique approach, Thumzup also announced a strategic partnership with Tedras Global Solutions, LLC and its principal, Courtney Doutherd, a globally recognized software engineer and artificial intelligence expert (https://ibn.fm/MC9F5). Under the terms of the partnership, the company will integrate state-of-the-art AI into its flagship ad-tech platform, marking a bold step toward redefining social media advertising.

Doutherd brings over 25 years of proven experience in AI, software engineering and program management, to lead Thumzup’s AI initiatives. With a career that includes contributions to industry leaders like SpaceX, Oracle, Microsoft, and IBM, Doutherd’s leadership will help ensure that the Thumzup platform can undergo unparalleled scalability and personalization, leveraging groundbreaking AI frameworks and large-scale systems to drive transformative growth.

Commenting on the partnership, Steele underlined that the company was very excited to welcome Doutherd to the team as his vast expertise should accelerate the execution of the Thumzup vision to deliver next-generation technology to consumers and businesses. The partnership underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing s shareholder value through continued technological innovation that can help Thumzup stand out as a unique provider of personalized marketing solutions that offer businesses a way to connect directly to their audience while rewarding users for authentic engagement.

Highlights of the strategic partnership include:

• Advanced AI integration will enhance platform performance by improving recruiting, training and support of gig economy salespeople, advertisers and users.
• Introduction of a unique and democratized approach to social media advertising by allowing brands to easily pay consumers for their posts.
• Doutherd’s leadership will help the company deliver rapid innovation and remain at the forefront of ad-tech advancements.

“Integrating advanced AI capabilities will not only streamline our platform’s operations but also significantly broaden our market reach and effectiveness, accelerating our growth and efficiencies to enhance the platform experience for both advertisers and creators,” Steele added. “This milestone establishes a robust foundation for our ongoing growth and innovation, solidifying Thumzup as a leader in the social media advertising landscape.”

The Thumzup app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

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

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