• NMRD appoints UK-based Dr. Arash Ghadar as Chief Operating Officer, brings decades of healthcare and technology experience
• Dr. Ghadar previously supervised product development lifecycles, feasibility studies, prototyping, validation, quality management, volume manufacturing, certification
• NMRD commercializing sugarBEAT(R) non-invasive, flexible, CGM device, recently completed initial shipment to UK licensee MySugarWatch Limited
• MySugarWatch Limited aims to market devices via subscription-based diabetes coaching and management service

Nemaura Medical (NASDAQ: NMRD), a medical technology company developing affordable non-invasive wearable diagnostic devices and digital tools for chronic disease management, recently appointed Dr. Arash Ghadar as Chief Operating Officer (https://ibn.fm/tj1TZ). Dr. Ghadar brings decades of UK-based technical and healthcare management experience to Nemaura, including his current non-executive director role at Medilink Midlands – the Midlands Life Sciences industry association – where he aims to advance the Midlands life science sector. “I am delighted to join Nemaura, a company with a world-class ambition to transform people’s lives,” said Dr. Ghadar. “I very much look forward to working with management and the wider team to successfully commercialize the transformational line of non-invasive products the company is developing, beginning with our continuous glucose monitoring devices and sensors for patients with diabetes. Dr. Ghadar holds BSc and Masters degrees in Electronics and Control Systems Engineering and a Ph.D. in Biosensors from The University of Warwick. He brings a decade of healthcare and technical management experience to Nemaura from his previous tenure as Technical Director at Datalink Electronics. In that role, Dr. Ghadar managed daily operations, legal affairs, business planning, finance, sales, and business development of the design team. Dr. Ghadar’s also supervised numerous healthcare and industrial-related projects, including product development lifecycles, design, development, feasibility studies, prototyping, validation, quality management, volume manufacturing, and certification. “Ash will play an important role at Nemaura as we begin to scale up our manufacturing and distribution operations,” said Nemaura CEO Dr. Faz Chowdhury. “He brings over 20 years of product development, management and leadership experience spanning both business and technical disciplines. His main area of expertise is in the medical devices sector, and primarily within a contract design and manufacturing setting. That will be a true asset for the company during the commercialization phase of our growth.” NMRD is currently commercializing its sugarBEAT(R) non-invasive, flexible, and affordable continuous glucose monitoring (“CGM”) device in the UK. The company has begun shipment of devices and sensors to MySugarWatch Limited as part of an order of 5,000 CGM devices and 200,000 sensors. Plans to market the devices include a subscription-based diabetes coaching and management service aimed at nearly 5 million diabetics and 13.6 million people at increased risk of contracting Type 2 diabetes in the UK (https://ibn.fm/NTskI). In addition, NMRD recently launched beta trials of Miboko, its new metabolic health program for use by employers and insurers worldwide (https://ibn.fm/Yd5xE), which has started to gain strong traction. The company plan a large scale marketing campaign to grow this subscription based business. Founded in 2011, NMRD first developed a single platform technology to measure blood markers at the skin’s surface. The company since evolved the technology to address a global need for wearable glucose-monitoring devices at the intersection of diabetes, pre-diabetes, and weight loss markets. With several filed and pending patents, along with substantial trade secrets covering its technology platform, Nemaura is positioned favorably within the rapidly growing wearable diagnostic device industry. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.NemauraMedical.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to NMRD are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/NMRD

• PlantX recently launched ‘Medically Speaking,’ a new YouTube series aimed at promoting plant-based education by dispelling myths and misconceptions around plant-based living
• Host Adam Kruger will engage experienced healthcare professionals with a passion for promoting plant-based living and wellness
• The series is part of various education initiatives geared toward making plant-based living more accessible

The digital face of the plant-based community, PlantX Life (CSE: VEGA) (Frankfurt: WNT1) (OTCQB: PLTXF), has launched a new YouTube series titled ‘Medically Speaking’ intended to promote plant-based education and offer consumers the necessary knowledge-based resources to help them attain their plant-based objectives. “‘Medically Speaking’ is designed as an informative series that centers around conversations with the PlantX Medical Advisory Board on plant-based topics. Beyond providing evidence-based information to clarify potential questions and knowledge gaps in the plant-based space, the series also aims to offer creative solutions to overcoming plant-based challenges as approved and discussed by trusted healthcare professionals,” explained PlantX in a news release announcing the launch (https://ibn.fm/PJUUA). In the first episode, which went live on January 20, host Mr. Adam Kruger engaged Dr. Edward Tam, a clinical hepatologist (liver expert) based in Vancouver, British Columbia. In highlighting the proven benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr. Tam touched the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition attributable to lifestyle choices, noting that medical literature has evidenced that a more plant-based diet can be healthy for the liver and general wellbeing. Dr. Tam also dispelled the myth that adopting a plant-based lifestyle needs an all-or-nothing approach, underlining that making incremental changes to one’s diet as one journeys gradually toward a 100% plant-based diet “makes sense.” It eliminates the challenges associated with an abrupt shift from an omnivorous diet to 100% plant-based. According to Dr. Tam, this gradual approach leads to a more sustainable change. In addition, Dr. Tam shared the advice he offers patients attempting to modify their lifestyles. “I think that people are just used to the way they have always eaten. People are not opposed to change. It’s just that they haven’t really thought about it much, and they haven’t been presented with the thought of making change and what possible benefits can come along. For me, [while] counseling patients and asking them to consider a different way of eating, it’s more about introducing the idea of making the change and talking about what’s going to happen at the end of that – a healthier life,” Dr. Tam added, further highlighting that his counsel aims to give patients the steps to get there. You can watch the full episode here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQDWD5htUtw. This interactive discussion is the first of many others that are also part of the new series. The episodes will focus the conversation around high-impact and novel topics, discussing how plant-based lifestyles can improve health and wellbeing. As part of the series, Kruger will engage guests drawn from PlantX’s Medical Advisory Board, with the first season featuring experienced healthcare professionals with a passion for promoting plant-based living and wellness. Besides Dr. Edward Tam, other guests include Amy Gensel, a registered dietitian; Dr. Paul Gross, a family physician; and Dr. Eva Weinlander, a clinical professor and family physician. “As the interest in plant-based diets increases, so does the need and demand for engaging plant-based educational opportunities. ‘Medically Speaking’ was created as a dynamic and evidence-based educational tool that can explain plant-based myths and misinformation and empower people to overcome barriers to change,” commented PlantX Founder Sean Dollinger. The new series feeds into the company’s strategy to leverage education to make the plant-based lifestyle more accessible. Consumers interested in starting out on the plant-based journey can also access a vast library of online videos offering tips from experts and showcasing delicious plant-based recipes from different locales. For more information, visit the company’s websites at www.PlantX.com, www.PlantX.ca, and https://investor.plantx.com/ and view PlantX for Plant-Based Investors. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to PLTXF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/PLTXF

• Canada-based Flora Growth Corp. operates cannabis cultivation and extraction processes in-house at its Cosechemos lab and growth facility in central Colombia
• The company has been building a portfolio of cannabis and wellness products and obtaining a variety of licenses and GMP certifications as it establishes partnerships to economically distribute its portfolio worldwide
• Flora Growth recently announced the addition of pioneering cannabis genetics innovator Derek Pedro in an advisory role for its Cosechemos facility
• Pedro will help the company build on its more-than-190 product offerings with cannabis flower cultivation and distribution

Cannabis cultivator and worldwide cannabidiol (“CBD”) brand builder Flora Growth (NASDAQ: FLGC) is continuing to aggressively build a collective of plant-based wellness and lifestyle brands in 2022. The company recently announced its excitement over appointing renowned cannabis industry pioneer Derek Pedro as an advisor to its in-Colombia cultivation facility. Flora Growth operates the diverse business divisions of cosmetics, hemp textiles, and food and beverage products, all of which contain cannabis derivatives supplied by the Cosechemos facility in central Colombia where conditions are naturally conducive to growing and harvesting cannabis year-round. Pedro will build on the facility’s existing register of high-THC and high-CBD strains to bring to market uniquely Colombian cannabis flower that will serve both domestic and international markets for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and nutraceuticals, according to the company’s statement. “As an internationally recognized industry expert and innovative cultivator, the appointment of Derek Pedro aligns perfectly with our goals to optimize our expanding Cosechemos facility operations and increase our varietal offering of cannabis flowers,” Flora Growth President and CEO Luis Merchan stated (https://ibn.fm/Iv4WO). “Mr. Pedro has a well-earned reputation as one of the world’s leading experts on cannabis cultivation, and we are thrilled to have him join us as we develop our growing portfolio of brands and expand our global distribution.” Pedro, who has consulted internationally on cannabis genetics and commercialized more than 50 strains within the legal Canadian market, including his wildly successful high-THC strain “Pedro’s Sweet Sativa,” described the Cosechemos facility as “one of the most beautiful and well-designed EU-GMP built processing facilities I have visited across the world.” Flora Growth owns a 90 percent interest in Cosechemos (correcting a recent news release erroneously stating the facility is wholly owned). Cosechemos is a 100-hectare (about 247-acre) site regarded as ideally situated for cultivation conditions and therefore a means of helping Flora Growth to preserve an economically efficient bottom line with growing costs estimated at about 6 cents per gram of dried product, contrasting with the 50 cents to $2 per gram reported in the United States (https://ibn.fm/h1PrT). “I am excited to join this talented team, contributing to the management of Cosechemos’ large-scale grow in Colombia. … We look to match both EU-GMP export capabilities with some of the most successful and sought-after genetics that were designed to be grown in equatorial Colombia,” Pedro stated. Flora Growth already distributes more than 190 cannabis-derivative products through e-commerce and a variety of retail partners. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.FloraGrowth.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to FLGC are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/FLGC

• Friendable began the New Year by announcing the acquisition of Artist Republik – a platform for music production, distribution, marketing, and management
• The acquisition of Artist Republik brings close to 100,000 artists to the company and triples the technology deck
• Services are provided on a subscription basis or a la carte, depending on the need of the artist

So far, 2022 has been kind to Friendable (OTC: FDBL), a mobile technology and marketing company focused on the development and identification of products, services, and brand opportunities with mass-market potential and scalability. During mid-to-late-2021, the company successfully completed its 90-day plan, with significant milestones achieved, including the release of a new Fan Pass Live app on popular mobile app stores, as well as a new website version. Since celebrating the New Year, one of the biggest announcements by the company has been the acquisition of Artist Republik, a 360-degree platform for independent artists that provide:

• Music production: Submit songs, EPs, and albums to professional audio engineers who can then mix and master your song.
• Music distribution: Independent artists can stream their songs on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
• Music marketing: Artists can promote their music and grow their fanbase.

Paired with Friendable’s flagship offering, the Fan Pass Live artist streaming platform, Artist Republik adds close to 100,000 new artists to the company’s artist portfolio and triples the technology deck between the two companies. CEO and Co-Founder of Friendable, Robert A. Rositano Jr., has talked extensively about the driving factors behind the acquisition of Artist Republik and the benefits it brings. “Artist Republik has experienced great momentum in music distribution, and now Friendable and Fan Pass are the beneficiaries of approximately 100,000 artists alongside these revenues that exceeded $450,000 in approximately eight months of 2021, of which our combined audit and 10k will provide all the details when filed,” he said. He explained that Friendable has the need to update technologies, bug fix, and expand resources to increase current and historical revenues, so it was a real no-brainer for the company to pursue the opportunity and acquire Artist Republik. “It was a bonus to have such great synergies with our branding, marketing, people, technology, and relationships, as well,” Rositano Jr. added (https://ibn.fm/2xINm). (https://ibn.fm/pAhLs). Artist Republik has an a la carte distribution menu. Independent artists can submit one song, a five-song EP, or an entire album for set pricing – or – for $9.99 a year, artists can purchase an unlimited music distribution package to release as much music as they’d like. Fan Pass Live also offers a la carte services to its artists through their Artist Pro Services offering. Pro Services include artist/band logo design, merchandise design, and marketing material packages. The Fan Pass Live application is available on Google Play and the Apple Store. Fans pay $2.99 per month to access exclusive artist content after their free seven-day trial. Together, Fan Pass Live and Artist Republik offer a complete package, from creating music to distributing it, and sharing it with their fans. Friendable is looking ahead to 2022, and Rositano Jr. confirmed the company has big plans for the year. “We believe these most recent milestone achievements have validated our approach to becoming a true artist partner, listening, testing, supporting, and executing on everything we set out to accomplish, one goal at a time, and now it’s time to monetize as we build scale,” he said, adding that the company’s offering has now caught up with artists’ specific needs, requests, and desires. “We now have the credibility, making 2022 the perfect opportunity for scaling revenues, number of artists, and fan subscribers on the platform. Stay tuned for some exciting service offering announcements as we expand into various channels of music distribution and discuss all there is to know about Artist Republik and our integration path,” he explained (https://ibn.fm/k1kAY). For more information, visit the company’s websites at www.Friendable.com or www.FanPassLive.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to FDBL are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/FDBL

• Eat Well Investment Group adds Walmart to its growing list of big-box retailers it distributes its products to
• This partnership opens the company to over 400 Walmart locations in Canada, and Walmart’s fast-growing e-commerce platform
• The growing global demand for consumers seeking nutritious plant-based foods has been integral to Eat Well Group’s growth
• The company plans to tap into this demand and leverage on its investments to grow its market presence and become a leader in the plant-based segment

Eat Well Investment Group (CSE: EWG) (OTC: EWGFF), through its majority-owned portfolio company, Amara Organic Foods, partnered with Walmart to distribute its growing line of products across Walmart Canada sores, as well as Walmart’s growing e-commerce platform, Walmart.com. This partnership opens Eat Well Investment Group to over 400 Walmart locations in Canada and one of the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms globally. Additionally, it further strengthens Amara’s retail footprint, having recently signed an agreement to stock its products in Loblaws stores across Canada. This also adds to the list of big-box retailers Amara distributes its products to, including Sprouts Farmer’s Market, Whole Foods, and more (https://ibn.fm/vX5FJ). “We’re thrilled to partner with Walmart in stores and online to continue to deliver highest quality products for everyone,” noted Jessica Sturzenegger, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Amara. Eat Well Investment Group has witnessed a strong demand for its products, mainly driven by the global trend of consumers seeking nutritious plant-based foods to complement their everyday lifestyles. The company has also seen a strong demand in both natural and conventional channels of delivering its products to consumers, hence its focus on developing a blend of natural and traditional big-box retailers. Its ultimate goal is to become a household brand for every family in North America. “We are very pleased to see the accelerated distribution of our leading consumer brand portfolio company, Amara, to one of the largest online marketplaces for consumers in the world, in addition to Walmart brick and mortar locations across Canada,” noted Marc Aneed, the Director and CEO of Eat Well Group. Amara is currently the fastest-growing baby food brand manufacturer in the United States. It seeks to tap into this market, estimated to reach over $109 billion globally by 2027. With investments in sector-leading plant-based foods companies, Eat Well Group aims to become a leader in the plant-based segment. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.EatWellGroup.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to EWGFF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/EWGFF

• The study is available for public viewing and is entitled “Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants” (https://ibn.fm/w6zLQ)
• Dr. Richard van Breeman, who headed the independent study, explained that smoking and vaping cannabinoids are ineffective against preventing SARS-CoV-2, whereas oral delivery methods are effective
• Lexaria has been studying and researching the oral delivery of compounds using its patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology, which enhances bioavailability and absorption, requiring less heat than smoking or vaping and leaving the cannabinoid compounds undamaged

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, commented on an independent January 10 study headed by lead research scientist Dr. Richard van Breeman, which discovered that cannabinoids can block cellular entry of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its emerging variants (https://ibn.fm/gpgt1). The study shows that smoking and vaping are likely ineffective measures, whereas oral delivery methods are. “If these hemp products containing these compounds are smoked or vaped, the heat exposure could cause the chemical decomposition or conversion,” Dr. van Breeman discussed the findings in more detail during an interview with Vice.com (https://ibn.fm/Svub8). “So, we would recommend in favor of an oral administration of these compounds instead of smoking them, inhaling them from vaping.” As a company, Lexaria is already actively exploring and researching DehydraTECH(TM)-enabled cannabinoid formulations across various potential therapeutic applications, including oral formulations that are being prepared for registered clinical trials as a possible new pharmaceutical product. The patented process does not require temperatures as high as those used when smoking or vaping, which has been proven in studies to leave the cannabinoid molecules undamaged. In response to the study, Chris Bunka, CEO of Lexaria Bioscience, said, “Lexaria has led the conversation for years related to oral delivery of cannabinoids and is a world-leader through its pioneering drug delivery technology, DehydraTECH(TM), in more effective delivery of cannabinoids to the human bloodstream through oral means.” The study itself has concluded that cannabinoid acids from hemp (Cannabis sativa) were found to be allosteric as well as orthosteric ligands with micromolar affinity for the spike protein. “In follow-up virus neutralization assays, cannabigerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid prevented infection of human epithelial cells by a pseudovirus expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and prevented entry of live SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant B.1.1.7 and the beta variant B.1.351,” the study found. Lexaria previously announced in June 2021 that the DehydraTECH-enabled remdesivir and ebastine effectively inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Remdesivir is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor available under the name Veklury(R) from Gilead Sciences Inc. It has been shown to interfere with the viral replication process of SARS-CoV-2. Due to the properties of the compound, it has received emergency use authorization in several regions as a treatment for COVID-19. Ebastine is an antihistamine that has the potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 protease (Mpro, also called 3CL protease), blocking viral entry into human cells. These have been shown to produce anti-inflammatory properties. Mpro inhibitors have been gaining attention in the fight against COVID-19 and its variants, as signaled by Pfizer and its novel compound PF-07304814. Since 2016, DehydraTECH has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to increase bioavailability of cannabinoids and nicotine, also offering better efficacy, quicker absorption, and masking the unwanted tastes of the compounds being delivered. Compounds have been shown to be more effective across the blood-brain barrier when using the patented DehydraTECH technology. The company operates its own licensed in-house research laboratory and holds an intellectual property portfolio of 23 patents granted and over 50 patents pending worldwide. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.LexariaBioscience.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LEXX are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/LEXX

• Applied Magix’s product selection for consumers includes The MagixDrive Wireless CarPlay Adapter, The HomeKit Secure Video Camera with iCloud Storage, The Multipurpose Sensor with Alarm, The Environment and Motion Sensor, and The Window and Door Contact Sensor
• The next phase of the ad campaign will ramp up the frequency of the ads and expand upon a higher interest profile of viewers
• Smart home market size was valued at $98.24 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.59% from 2021 to 2028

Technology company SPYR (OTCQB: SPYR), dba SPYR Technologies, announced the expansion of a comprehensive marketing campaign for its subsidiary Applied Magix Inc. to additional markets, further broadening viewership for the brand (https://ibn.fm/UHVRD). SPYR operates through its Applied Magix Inc. subsidiary, developing and reselling Apple(R)-ecosystem-compatible products emphasizing a growing, multibillion-dollar Internet of Things (“IoT”) Smart Home and Connected Car markets. Consisting of both 30- and 60-second commercials, the dynamic TV ad campaign for MagixDrive, Applied Magix’s wireless CarPlay device, is being handled by TVA Media Group (“TVA”) and BB3 Advertising. TVA began this dynamic TV ad campaign by placing “test airings” of the commercials on different channels and timeslots during the last week of December. TVA estimates that more than one million viewers saw these ads based on the channels and time slots they were given. These initial airings serve as a test to determine specific interest from different demographic groups, and after the data was analyzed, a more strategic broadcast strategy was created. The campaign for MagixDrive is moving toward the next phase of development, increasing the frequency of the ads and continuing to focus on the best fit demographic profile of what the company refers to as a “perfect customer.” The plan is to expand upon this and fit a higher interest profile with the aired ads. “We continue to enjoy working with such talented and experienced organizations like TVA and BB3,” Applied Magix CEO, Dr. Harald Zink, voiced his enthusiasm about the campaign. “This has turned out to be an extremely valuable partnership. With their help, we have created an exciting advertising campaign that we expect to be a success.” Applied Magix offers multiple product lines to each of its target markets. The company finds white label products, applies its branding, updates and improves the software, and sells the improved product to consumers. The company is also developing its own proprietary line of smart home and car-related products, including Apple(R)-compatible home cameras, sensors, alarms, and additional compatible smart car products in the iOS infrastructure. Current products being sold to consumers by Applied Magix include:

• The MagixDrive Wireless CarPlay Adapter (https://appliedmagix.com/shop/carplay/magixdrive-wireless-carplay/)
• The HomeKit Secure Video Camera with iCloud Storage (https://appliedmagix.com/shop/cameras/onvis-c3-camera/)
• The Multipurpose Sensor with Alarm (https://appliedmagix.com/shop/sensors/onvis-cs1-smart-sensor-alarm/)
• The Environment and Motion Sensor (https://appliedmagix.com/shop/sensors/onvis-sms1-homekit-motion-sensor/)
• The Window and Door Contact Sensor (https://appliedmagix.com/shop/sensors/onvis-door-window-contact-sensor-ct2/)

These and other products can be purchased at their online shop (https://appliedmagix.com/shop/). The smart home market is growing exponentially, providing multiple opportunities for companies such as SPYR. According to Verified Market Research, the market was valued at $98.24 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.59% from 2021 to 2028 – resulting in an estimated revenue of $495.15 billion by the end of the forecast period (https://ibn.fm/047f1). This growth can be attributed to the increasing number of homeowners turning to smart devices like video doorbells, voice-assisted technological solutions, and surveillance systems. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Spyr.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SPYR are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SPYR

• NA legal cannabis market size projected to grow at CAGR of 16.6% from 2022 to 2028
• More than 3,500 peer-reviewed scientific papers studying cannabis were published in 2020 alone
• SGMD reaches key objectives, seeing key growth in 2021

After a year of impressive progress and growth, Sugarmade (OTC: SGMD) has established an enviable position in the legal cannabis market, a sector that is expected to see an estimated 16.6% growth in the coming years (https://ibn.fm/ELp2X). “The North America legal cannabis market size was valued at USD 12.4 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (‘CAGR’) of 16.6% from 2022 to 2028,” the most recent Grand View Research report stated. “Growing legalization and the rising awareness about the health benefits of the consumption of cannabis are the major factors driving the market growth. “In addition, the rising need for remedies for pain management among the patient population and an increasing number of patients suffering from chronic pain and other conditions in the region are also anticipated to fuel the market growth over the forecast period,” the report noted. “The rising utilization of cannabis for medical as well as nonmedical purposes is increasing in the North American region, thereby paving way for the growth of the market.” The increased awareness of cannabis benefits has come from growing cannabis research. In fact, cannabis research is in full swing, according to the “Seattle Times,” which reported that “after a dormant period, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has moved on authorizing federally authorized marijuana manufacturers for research” (https://ibn.fm/Fjmmc). “Before 1999, there were fewer than 5,000 published cannabis studies in total, but with cannabis reform, over 3,500 peer-reviewed scientific papers were published in 2020 alone,” the article continued. “This critical work helps to destigmatize cannabis and reinforces the potential medical benefits of cannabis. Plus, understanding cannabinoids can lead to more efficient products.” At the beginning of 2021, Sugarmade CEO Jimmy Chan called 2020 a “landmark year” for the company, telling shareholders that in 2021 SGMD would “continue to verticalize our model, creating a full farm-to-door structure that expects to produce high-quality branded cannabis products positioned in a vertical in-house supply chain. We expect that this will provide Sugarmade with optimal margins. “We believe that we will also be better able to make use of 280e tax deductions related to production once we have a more vertical structure in place,” he stated (https://ibn.fm/2MDhW). “With our vertical vision coming together, our advantageous brand development positioning, and an increasingly promising macro context, we are very excited about the year in front of us.” The strategy for 2021 appears to have paid off as Sugarmade’s Nug Avenues hub in the Los Angeles metro area has grown dramatically since opening in March 2021 (https://ibn.fm/phNrt). In addition, the company is making significant progress on opening a second Nug Avenue location and has implemented new cannabis delivery technology to establish a competitive advantage in its core delivery zone. Finally, in 2021 the company moved closer to its goal of first planting at the large 640-acre outdoor cultivation site associated with its recently acquired Lemon Glow subsidiary. Sugarmade has set its eyes on expanding its end-market access as a central player in the growing California cannabis delivery marketplace while also developing its in-house cannabis production capacity to verticalize operations in the space. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Sugarmade.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SGMD are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SGMD

• Six LiDAR companies have gone public since 2020, raising $3.6+ billion as investors look for exposure to autonomous vehicles market
• Cepton is merging with Growth Capital Acquisition Corp GCAC in the coming weeks in a deal valuing Cepton at $1.55 billion, with $231 million in pro forma cash on its balance sheet
• Cepton has worked with the world’s biggest automotive OEMs, including General Motors and Ford, and garnered a $50 million investment for Japan’s Koito Manufacturing

As the race to fully autonomous vehicles (“AVs”) heats up, one particularly important pocket of the AV and advanced driver assistance systems (“ADAS”) markets is gaining momentum right along with it: LiDAR. LiDAR (short for “light detection and ranging”), developed for space applications and hyped for its potential in automotive applications, is moving beyond speculation and into revenue-generating reality. Investors are on board, with six LiDAR companies coming to market via special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”) since 2020, raising over $3.6 billion in the process, and another, Cepton, Inc.,  is dialed-in to go public on or about February 10th through a merger with the Growth Capital Acquisition (NASDAQ: GCAC) SPAC. LiDAR technology uses infrared laser beams to generate a three-dimensional map of the road and surrounding environment, serving, in a manner of speaking, as the eyes of an AV or ADAS. LiDAR is remarkably adept at detecting objects and measuring their distance from a vehicle with incredible precision and speed, even in bad weather and low light conditions. It cannot, however, tell the difference in colors or a rock from a human, which makes it an ideal candidate to work in adjunct with technology such as high-definition cameras, which can provide details on objects. While viewed by many as the future of AVs, LiDAR has faced numerous challenges, including high cost along with integration issues that are commonplace during introduction of any disruptive technology. Cepton was purposely assembled in 2016, developing and patenting its Micro Motion Technology (MMT(R)) LiDAR platform as a new, reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solutions that deliver long-range, high-resolution 3D perception for a range of markets (auto, smart cities, industrial, etc.), with the initial thrust on ADAS, the most robust market today. Unlike most peers that use rotating microscopic mirrors to bounce and measure laser beams, known as MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems), Cepton uses quartz-crystal-like materials, which provides better performance and lower power usage at a better price point. Cepton has also engineered its LiDAR system to work in different installations, including behind windshields, an auto industry first that gives Cepton a competitive advantage. In November, Cepton was named a CES(R) 2022 Innovation Awards Honoree in the Vehicle Intelligence & Transportation category for its Nova lidar, a miniature, wide field of view lidar sensor for near-range applications. The Cepton technology team has captured the attention of upper echelon companies and upstarts alike. Management says it is in negotiations with all the top 10 biggest original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) in the world, as well as four new electric vehicle OEMs. While some of this information remains closely guarded, Cepton has provided some valuable insight on its direction, including deals with Koito Manufacturing, General Motors (NYSE: GM), and Ford (NYSE: F). Tokyo-based Koito, a Tier 1 automotive lighting manufacturer, has licensed the Cepton technology on a non-exclusive basis. Furthermore, Koito made a $50 million investment in the company as part of a PIPE (private investment in a public entity) in connection with the upcoming SPAC merger. On a valuation level, GCAC has $172.5 million in cash and $58.5 million raised through the PIPE giving it $231 million in pro forma cash on the books. The company has a pro forma valuation of $1.55 billion, equivalent to 1.8x estimated 2025 revenue of $861 million. The Koito relationship resulted in Cepton securing the largest ADAS LiDAR production award (based on # of vehicle models) today through a new contract with GM. In fact, the three companies collaborated on development of a special type of glass used by Cepton sensors that are entering the GM ecosystem. With an initial term running from 2023 through 2027, all GM vehicles equipped with the automakers’ Ultra Cruise ADAS – expected to be up to nine different platforms of several models each – will exclusively use Cepton LiDAR sensors. Ultra Cruise is the next generation of GM ADAS, designed to ultimately work on every paved road in North America. Today, LiDAR is used in extremely limited fashion and only on ultra-high-end vehicles in select parts of the world. The agreement with GM positions Cepton as the first company to bring LiDAR sensors to production markets. Introduction to the mass markets is what will help drive Cepton’s production costs down from around $1,000 to down near $500 in the coming years, which will make the option even more affordable, subsequently driving greater adoption until the tech is mainstream. The working relationship with Ford has been in place almost since Cepton’s inception nearly six years ago. Ford is working with Cepton on different projects, including advanced ADAS features and on its some of Ford’s smart city projects, where Cepton LiDAR technology is already deployed. As the company has said, it is first addressing the rapidly emerging LiDAR for ADAS markets, but it has grander plans in the long run to address an array of applications. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.GCACorp.com NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to GCAC are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/GCAC

• Psychedelics pose potential as effective treatments for mental-health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse
• Well+Good says psychedelics “poised to change the course of mental health treatment”
• Cybin working to combine novel psychedelic molecules with controllable drug-delivery systems through proprietary deuterated process

A USA Today article is touting psychedelics as the next big thing in mental health treatment (https://ibn.fm/3ZGGE). This forecast aligns perfectly with what Cybin (NEO: CYBN) (NYSE American: CYBN) has been working toward since the company started: a strategic psychedelics to therapeutics model that will transform the mental health space. “If you haven’t heard about psychedelics being used as a treatment for mental health disorders, this year may change that,” the article stated. “While this type of treatment won’t be accessible to everyone in 2022 (and will likely take a while to become widespread), experts say you should expect to hear much more about this emerging wellness trend this year and beyond. “‘For a long time, psychedelics have been sort of frowned upon,’ says Amy Morin, psychotherapist and editor-in-chief at VeryWell Mind. ‘We thought they were more recreational drugs, but with a closer look, we’ve seen they can actually be really good treatments for things like depression, anxiety, even substance abuse issues.’” The article noted that Dr. Matthew W. Johnson, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins and acting director of the Johns Hopkins Center of Psychedelics and Consciousness Research, has seen a gradual increase in interest around psychedelics since he began focusing on them in 2004, but he said interest now is increasing dramatically; he thinks that interest will only increase moving forward. “In their 2022 wellness trend forecast, Well+Good dubbed psychedelics as being ‘poised to change the course of mental health treatment,’” the article stated. “Institutions are also getting ready by opening up specialized centers to study these drugs in a mental health capacity.” This dramatic increase bodes well for one of the leaders in the psychedelic space. On a mission to revolutionize mental health care, Cybin has developed key relationships with a network of world-class partners and internationally recognized scientists as it focuses on creating safe and effective therapeutics for patients to address a multitude of mental health issues. The company is working on turning its psychedelics to therapeutics vision into reality by engineering proprietary drug-discovery platforms, innovative drug-delivery systems, novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens for mental health disorders. At the core of this transformative work is Cybin’s efforts to combine novel psychedelic molecules with controllable drug-delivery systems through its proprietary deuterated process. In doing so, the company is creating patent-protected, commercially scalable drug candidates and establishing itself as a strong player in an industry projected to see significant growth. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Cybin.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to CYBN are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CYBN