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Ideanomics, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDEX) Enters 2021 with Optimism Over Improving EV Market, Battery Outlook

  • Ideanomics is a New York-based global company driving the adoption of commercial electric vehicles
  • CEO, Alf Poor noted at a conference last week that commercial EV adoption is advancing and that the char4ging infrastructure market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 33.4 percent between now and 2028
  • The U.S. Department of Energy has also declared that developing solutions for better and more cost-accessible EV batteries is a critical element of its mission

As the electric vehicle market ramps up worldwide, EV owners are pushing for higher performance from the batteries that power their vehicles, which analysts in turn expect to drive further adoption and help to bring down the costs associated with electric vehicles.

“Battery cost is coming down. This is great for the EV industry because this will put us at a parity with the cost of the competitor in the space, which is obviously the internal combustion engine,” Alf Poor, the COO of Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) said during a March 25 webinar that discussed the market outlook for batteries and charging solutions (https://ibn.fm/rgM9s).

“(But) battery tech is largely old tech,” Poor said. “The charging experience isn’t there yet and the range anxiety and things that go with that is coming on as a result. We need to see a lot more innovation in the battery sector. The good news is billions of dollars are pouring into battery innovation and the density and charging improvements will obviously follow on from that.”

As a publicly held company working to ease the adoption of commercial electric vehicles, Ideanomics has an interest in seeing its revenue stream become more predictable, which the company hopes to accomplish through a battery leasing model in Asia, Poor said.

China leads the EV trade globally, but industry publication Utility Dive recently reported that the number of electric vehicle models available to U.S. consumers is expected to more than triple during the next three years as well, as ancillary solutions for consumer needs such as battery cost parity take place.

Developing solutions for better EV batteries is a critical element of the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission, the agency’s acting deputy assistant secretary for transportation said during a separate webinar hosted by the DOE in December (https://ibn.fm/vZfK1).

Poor’s presentation during the Future of Green ETFs Summit hosted by KraneShares noted that the global EV charging infrastructure market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 33.4 percent between now and 2028, reaching revenues of $144.97 billion — a reflection of the enthusiasm and urgency worldwide for Main Street policies to counter global warming trends.

Poor predicted that commercial EVs will move into mainstream use this year and noted that Bloomberg NEF anticipates commercial EV sales worldwide will reach 1.2 million by 2023.

“We have a unique view across what we believe is the value chain because we have operations in China, South Asia, in Malaysia, in Europe and in North America, and we have interesting subsidiaries and operations and investments in everything in the value chain from charging systems through the two-wheelers and three-wheelers, buses, trucks and even EV tractors on the agricultural side as well,” Poor said.

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

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

FACT Inc. (FCTI) Is ‘One to Watch’

  • FACT Inc. combines advanced forensic technology, analytical tools and blockchain structure in a proprietary software and device solution for collectors worldwide
  • F.A.C.T. Software and Methodology are currently patent-pending products
  • The company leverages advances in forensic technology to capture surface profiles of an asset for authenticity verification in minutes
  • Scanning of the image is done down to two microns, which acts as a “digital fingerprint” showing details as minute as a 50th of the diameter of a human hair
  • All information on the pieces is kept in a secured database that standardizes collection management through scans, condition reports and provenance documentation
  • In March 2021, FACT announced its plans to integrate Non-Fungible Tokens (“NFTs”) within its blockchain technology platform
  • The art market was valued at $64 billion in 2019, with an estimated 50,000 pieces stolen per year
FACT (OTC: FCTI) is a global leader of fine art and collectibles authentication technology that focuses on providing innovative solutions to address the challenges faced in the collectibles industry. The company’s proprietary forensic technology and management platform enable all parties, from collectors to insurers, to manage collections worldwide by leveraging advanced forensic technology, analytical tools and blockchain structure to protect assets. In addition, FACT Inc. will be offering its clients the ability to create Non-Fungible Tokens (“NFTs”) on both their physical and digital fine art assets. It is the only company that can provide a secure link from the digital asset to the physical assets on a seamless platform. FACT Inc. is currently onboarding a system to allow its user to create, sell and trade their NFTs. FACT Inc. was founded in 2020 as a collaboration by a team with art, business and forensics backgrounds. FACT Inc. is led by Patricia Trompeter, its CEO. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, but operates all over the world. The F.A.C.T. Solution FACT’s solution for the collectibles industry is Forensic Asset Certification Technology (F.A.C.T.). The F.A.C.T. Secured Database standardizes collection management through centralized storage of F.A.C.T. scans, condition reports and provenance documentation throughout the life of the work. The patent-pending software and methodology provide solutions that leverage advances in forensic technology to capture an asset’s surface profiles for authenticity verification in a matter of minutes. The F.A.C.T. secured device is the only portable solution of its kind that utilizes “digital fingerprints” from the physical asset for verification and condition reporting.
  • Information Management –The F.A.C.T. System provides users with a secure interface that offers unique data entry, scanning specifications and asset information before it is securely stored on the blockchain.
  • Visualization – The company’s device can be deployed quickly offsite, allowing for scans to be captured anywhere. These scans are instantaneously transmitted to the F.A.C.T. Secured Database. The scan is then reviewed by F.A.C.T. analytics software. The verification certificates and condition reports are auto-generated and added to the secure reporting.
  • Confirmation – Multiple scans of the asset are captured by the F.A.C.T. Secured Device. These scans serve as unique “digital fingerprints” for the asset for verification purposes. To establish authenticity, scans are compared to the originals that are on record for the asset.
  • Non-Fungible Tokens – FACT’s service offerings will include the creation of the token, smart contract integration, and dozens of optional terms and conditions. Each NFT is customized to the client’s specifications featuring any number of complex mechanics, such as usage analytics, royalties and value enhancements.
F.A.C.T. Interferometer Scanning The F.A.C.T. Secured Device (patent pending) is powered by a proprietary white-light interferometer that captures ultra-high-resolution scans for comparative analysis that verify the authenticity and assess degradation at the lowest levels possible. The “digital fingerprints” are transferred and stored in the F.A.C.T. database. Each scan with the Secured Device captures the area at a resolution of two microns or better, which is equivalent to a 50th of the diameter of a human hair. The scan can detect and document even the most minute details and characteristics of an asset. “Smart Pixel” Technology offers a 3D image with real-time communication to the master controller. It creates topographic and tomographic renderings while providing up to 100x magnification for viewing the 3D images. The F.A.C.T. Analytic Tools allow for efficient measurement of roughness, layer thickness, wear, volume, patterns and defects of each scan for verification. The F.A.C.T. solution addresses needs in a number of market sectors, including:
  • Valuable Assets Insurance– The company’s platform provides records of provenance, verification and condition reports protecting against fraud and simplifying due-diligence. Title insurance for a piece runs between 1% and 7% of the total value of the asset. Insurance companies justify this by claiming that rightful owners are difficult to track down, especially if there are gaps within ownership history records.
  • Valuable Assets Secured Lending– Last year, approximately $24 billion in outstanding loans were secured by art. Borrowers face high-interest rates on these loans due to incomplete authenticity, condition and provenance records.
  • Valuable Asset Transportation Companies– Over 14,000 paintings and prints were transported across international borders in 2019. Accidental damage during transport accounts for 50% of insurance claims. F.A.C.T. provides security and assistance with on-the-go reporting.
  • Valuable Assets Business– Auction houses, museums and dealers can benefit from access to thorough, up-to-date information regarding the condition and provenance of assets.
  • Non-Fungible Tokens– NFTs can be created to represent the entire asset or sections of the asset which can be offered as a standalone item or through fractional ownership. This versatility is expected to unlock new opportunities to expand the art and collectibles market and enhance value for collectors.
Collectibles and Asset Market The collectibles market is a multi-billion-dollar industry that is vulnerable to fraud, theft and forgery. The overall art market was valued at $64 billion in 2019, and the numismatic market was valued at $4.1 billion in 2019. Statistics show that:
  • Approximately 50,000 pieces of art are stolen each year
  • $2 billion is paid for art on the black market annually
  • Per Interpol, 10% of the market is subject to fraud
  • The FBI estimates that 80% of all art crimes are fraud, forgeries and fakes (not theft)
  • The FBI also estimates that 50% of sports memorabilia on the market is fraudulent
  • Art crime is the third highest-grossing type of crime
With its unique blend of innovative forensic technology, advanced data analytics and collection management, FACT is primed to capitalize on this market opportunity and provide a wealth of solutions to art collectors worldwide. The company is also strategically positioned to capitalize on the recent growth in interest relating to NFTs. According to data from Statista, global transactions involving NFTs in 2020 were valued at $338.04 million, marking an increase of 138% over the previous year. In March 2021, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s first tweet sold for roughly $2.9 million as an NFT, further highlighting the continued growth of the space. Management Team Patricia Trompeter is the newly appointed CEO of FACT Inc. She has spent over 15 years in the financial services industry working with GE Capital. During her tenure with GE Capital, she held several positions, including CFO, operations leader, controller and M&A coordinator. Ms. Trompeter took a short break to focus on her philanthropic opportunities and family and afterward founded Webbs Hill Partners and Ceres Capital Holdings. She holds a B.S. in Finance and Economics and Management Information Systems from Marquette University. Michael Arbach is the company’s CIO. He has over 17 years of experience working with business-oriented software and a track record of building high-performance solutions for top-tier companies. Code written by Mr. Arbach has processed millions of dollars in securities transactions. Today, some of the biggest banks and organizations rely on his software. Mr. Arbach is also an early blockchain developer and investor. He holds degrees in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science and is fluent in four languages. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.FactSecured.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to FCTI are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/FCTI

United Medical Equipment Business Solutions Network Inc. Positioned to Assist as Widespread Rapid Testing Gains Momentum

  • New York City ramps up rapid testing efforts, opens 11 rapid-testing sites; others to follow
  • Mayor notes that low-cost, rapid-testing made available to public is key to accelerating economy’s re-opening
  • UME offers rapid -testing kits, provides products and services essential for curbing pandemic and jumpstarting economic recovery
United Medical Equipment Business Solutions Network (“UME”), a trusted supplier of COVID-19 antigen and antibody testing kits, is offering a key product that could impede the spread of the virus and speed up economic recovery. A top U.S. testing official announced a scale-up in the country’s diagnostic efforts, touting both health and economic benefits of rapid testing outside the lab. New York City is wasting no time to leverage the power of this low-cost, high-impact option as the city has announced the launch of its Forward Rapid-Test Program (https://ibn.fm/c1SAa). The program will make low-cost rapid testing available to the broader public to support economic recovery by enabling businesses to more safely re-open. The city has initially announced that 11 sites will open with the capacity to conduct more than 5,000 tests every day. Additional locations are planned across the city and other parts of the state in the coming weeks. State officials have noted that testing will be a key part of New York’s post-pandemic recovery because it will help the state accelerate the re-opening of its economy. Testing sites have been situated throughout the city to encourage and support economic activity while minimizing risks to people’s health. The widespread rapid testing is being rolled out in other countries too. The UK government is also looking at introducing rapid lateral-flow testing to open the parts of the economy that could not open last year, including night clubs and theaters. “That [rapid testing], in combination with vaccination, will probably be the route forward,” said UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson (https://ibn.fm/d9o0f). As a company committed to providing essential products and services during the pandemic, UME is a trusted supplier of FDA-approved COVID-19 rapid test kits (https://ibn.fm/LiG9n). The rapid test is designed to detect coronavirus antibodies in the bloodstream of infected individuals within 10 minutes, which helps position the company at the core of the strategy to bring both economy and society back to normal. The test can also help identify whether a person has protection against the coronavirus. Finally, UME also offers a unique mobile solution that involves on-call onsite COVID-19 Rapid Testing Mobile units. These units involve mobile testing specialists and experienced medical staff members who provide onsite COVID-19 rapid testing. Capable of nationwide deployment for extended periods, they are especially beneficial for securing employee safety. With an offering deemed essential during the pandemic, UME is well-positioned as an all-around provider of highly-sought-after products and services that may prove crucial for getting the society and economy back to normal. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.UnitedMedSolutions.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to United Medical Equipment are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/UnitedMed

Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. (GRYN) Embracing Momentum, Set to Come Out on Top

  • “Cannabis manufacturers that ignore the obvious progression toward an FDA-like industry will not survive the long game,” writes industry expert
  • GRYN farm and facilities have already gained USDA Organic certification, FDA registration
  • Green Hygienics ideally positioned to innovate, drive new commercial products entirely compliant to USDA and FDA regulatory requirements
As government entities more closely analyze cannabis and the federal regulations that surround the industry, savvy companies such as Green Hygienics (OTCQB: GRYN) are already working to position themselves to offer safe, high-quality products and services. Anticipating what future regulations might look like — and working to meet those guidelines right now — is a hallmark of GRYN. “Cannabis manufacturers that ignore the obvious progression toward an FDA-like industry will not survive the long game,” writes Kathleen May, a regulatory professional with more than two decades of experience in the Good Manufacturing Practice space, in a recent “Cannabis Industry Journal” article (https://ibn.fm/NiJCp). “Those that embrace the momentum and properly plan to mitigate product and business risk — those who demonstrate integrity and are truly in this space to ensure safe, effective and quality products to consumers will come out on top, gain credibility and secure brand recognition.” Strategic planning and a long-running commitment to quality are hallmarks of Green Hygienics. The company has a track record of working to obtain significant government approvals and certifications. In April 2020, Green Hygienics received USDA Organic Certification for its 824-acre farm, which includes 400,000 square feet of greenhouse space (https://ibn.fm/ac2Cw). The USDA Organic seal is one of the most recognized certifications among U.S. consumers and provides assurance to consumers who may be concerned about the safety of CBD products. In addition to assuring that no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides have been used in the cultivation of hemp, the USDA organic certification ensures that farmers are using tillage and cultivation practices that maintain or improve the condition of soil and minimize soil erosion through crop rotations, cover crops and the application of plant and animal materials. “GRYN owns the largest single, USDA Organic-Certified Industrial Hemp for CBD farms in North America,” said GRYN CEO Ron Loudoun. “Having the capacity to provide a secure supply chain of considerable size is a very significant and a clear strategic advantage. . . . This is a great milestone to have achieved. The demand for organic product is growing rapidly with increasing consumer concerns around product efficacy. USDA Organic Certification is the foundation in our objective to supply the underserved medical and pharmaceutical industry.” In October 2020, Green Hygienics announced that it was registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pursuant to the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 (https://ibn.fm/pQEHH). “The achievement of FDA registration strengthens our company’s core mission to provide product efficacy to the pharmaceutical industry and consumers alike,” said GRYN chief scientific officer Dr. Levan Darjania. “The company is well positioned to instill consumer confidence and change the landscape of the industry by bringing safe and consistent products to market. With our previously announced USDA Organic Certification and FDA Facility Registration, we are well positioned to continue to innovate through the research our teams are involved in and drive new commercial products entirely compliant to USDA and FDA regulatory requirements.” Clearly Green Hygienics is positioned to come out on top. The California-based, innovative, technology-driven enterprise is focused on the high standard cultivation and processing of industrial hemp and manufacturing of pharmaceutical-grade bioactive cannabinoids. The company aims to be a leader in compliance and capabilities in the hemp and cannabinoid supply marketplace. By leveraging state-of-the-art technologies, GRYN intends to open up a whole new world of novel cannabinoids and targeted bio-delivery technologies never before explored, thus solving the issues of stability, pharmacokinetics, biological tissue penetration and bioavailability. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.GreenHygienics.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to GRYN are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/GRYN

Khiron Life Sciences Corp. (TSX.V: KHRN) (OTCQX: KHRNF) (Frankfurt: A2JMZC) Poised to Be a Global Medical Cannabis Frontrunner

Khiron Life Sciences (TSX.V: KHRN) (OTCQX: KHRNF) (Frankfurt: A2JMZC) (“Khiron” or the “Company”) is a vertically integrated cannabis leader with core operations in Latin America and Europe. The company trusts in the vast benefits of medical cannabis and is committed to improving the life quality of patients and consumers through the applied use of cannabis and technology. Khiron is licensed in Colombia for the cultivation, production, domestic distribution, and international export of both low and high THC medical cannabis products, having achieved first sales in March 2020 and medical cannabis insurance coverage in December 2020. Additionally, the Company has commenced medical cannabis sales in the United Kingdom, Peru, and Germany, with Mexico and Brazil also anticipated this year. Khiron operates six wholly owned health centres in Colombia, where it completed more than 100,000 patient transactions in 2020. The Company is currently expanding patient access in Latin America through satellite clinics, with plans to accelerate growth in Europe by leveraging assets developed in Colombia, including clinical IP, genetics, and data. Khiron has successfully exported its registered cannabis strains, in the form of live clones, from Colombia to Europe. This significant milestone represents the first shipment of medical cannabis live plant material to Europe from Colombia and is expected to accelerate access to European markets. Tejinder Virk (Khiron’s European Managing Director and President) explains the process of certifying the company’s cannabis strains for export to Europe by way of clones: “A clone is a cannabis plant that is a genetic copy of a mother plant. These clones were cut from our THC and CBD bearing mother plants in Colombia, which are used to make medicines for thousands of our patients in Latin America (over 10,000 prescriptions to date and growing quickly!). Europe has a population of nearly 748 million people and there is enormous patient need for cannabis-based medicines. However, doctors in Europe need solid clinical evidence to confidently prescribe medical cannabis for ailments such as pain, sleep or anxiety. By replicating our Colombian magistrals as EU GMP certified medicines, we aim to provide European doctors with practical clinical evidence from Colombia. This will also help ensure European patients get safe and efficacious treatment. The achievement demonstrates our global regulatory leadership and ability to export our intellectual property to other markets.” As the management team executes its growth strategy throughout the United Kingdom and Germany by introducing branded extracts and dried flower products, Khiron continues to validate its patient-centric strategy with over 13,000 prescriptions written to date amid plans to reach 1 million patients and consumers by 2024. Most recently, the first shipment of Khiron-branded EU-GMP certified cannabinoid-based medicine was successfully completed, providing immediate access to the German market through Khiron’s distribution partner, Nimbus Health GmbH, a leading EU-GMP/GDP certified medical cannabis distributor in Germany, with a network of over 300 pharmacies. Khiron teams continue to educate physicians with plans to leverage clinical evidence from both the UK and Colombia. This major milestone represents a new revenue stream for Khiron and positions Khiron’s European team to execute on its German medical strategy. As a revolutionary, patient-focused, global leader of medical cannabis from Latin America, Khiron offers products that are manufactured in GMP-GEP compliant facilities in Colombia and are standardized and stabilized according to the U.S. Pharmacopeia analytics standard (USP42). Khiron believes, with its extremely skilled management team, that the company will be a frontrunner in the global medical cannabis market, which is expected to reach $44 billion by 2024 (https://ibn.fm/WnVpJ) and $84 billion by 2028 (https://ibn.fm/zqm2Z).

Mohawk Group Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: MWK) Reports Impressive Full-Year Results on the Back of Strategic Acquisitions

  • Mohawk Group Holdings Inc. reported a 62.3% increase in its 2020 revenue compared to 2019
  • It earned a revenue of $185.7 million, and its earnings guidance show that this figure will grow by a further 88% to 105% in 2021
  • This growth is thanks to the company’s acquisition strategy, which has expanded its list of brands to eleven and it is still targeting more companies
  • The acquisition strategy is, however, problematic in a few ways
Mohawk Group Holdings (NASDAQ: MWK) finished the financial year ended December 31, 2020, on a high note reporting $185.7 million in revenue, an increase of 62.3% or $71.3 million compared to a similar period in 2019, backed by an impressive fourth-quarter performance, which included improved profitability, strong growth in sales and revenue, and boosted guidance, as highlighted in a recent Motley Fool article titled “Mohawk Just Wrapped Up a Perfect 2020” (https://ibn.fm/fl95B). This 62.3% revenue increase marked a consistent trend year-on-year for the two most recent reporting periods, given that it reported a growth in revenue of 56.2% in 2019 compared to 2018. Notably, this upward trajectory is likely to continue as its earnings guidance for 2021 indicates that the revenue will grow by between 88% and 105%, buoyed by potential mergers and acquisitions. “We are currently evaluating a strong pipeline of potential M&A targets that in total have trailing twelve month’s net revenue of $522 million and trailing twelve month’s EBITDA of $97 million,” said co-founder and chief executive officer Yaniv Sarig during the release of the 2020 annual report (https://ibn.fm/Z4eJ7). The acquisition strategy, which Mohawk uses only if it believes purchasing a brand is more advantageous than developing its own brands and products, has grown its portfolio to 11 brands that sell products in multiple categories and based on Yaniv’s assertions, it is unlikely to be discontinued. In Q4 of 2020 alone, for example, Mohawk Group spent more than $100 million in cash and stock to purchase five separate e-commerce brands, including $48 million on Healing Solutions, which owns an extensive essential oils and wellness portfolio. However, the strategy has a few issues and limitations. To shareholders, the dilution of shares is inevitable, as Mohawk usually acquires companies using cash and some of its stock. Secondly, new additions could potentially disrupt the company’s core operations and adversely affect its operating results as a result. Thirdly, the impacts of these newly acquired companies on the company’s profitability are not immediate. And this is made clear by looking at the company’s 10-K filing with the SEC. According to the report, Mohawk reported a net loss of $63.1 million, down from $58.8 million in 2019 (https://ibn.fm/zMiqm). This is due, in part, to how the acquisition works. “Once it acquires a brand, the brand typically runs at a loss until its products generate enough ratings and reviews to sell organically” (https://ibn.fm/CSYSH). This is on top of the fact that high competition on the e-commerce platforms could again reduce MWK’s chances of realizing any profits from the products and brands. Fortunately, to deal with such problems, Mohawk could rely on its proprietary AIMEE platform. AIMEE allows MWK to identify product and market opportunities and to execute and manage online marketing strategies. Additionally, it enables the company to increase its products’ and brands’ value propositions by relying on data-driven approaches applicable throughout the entire consumer product value chain. The company believes that by scaling AIMEE, it will gain “purchasing power both at the product level and at the overall fulfillment level,” which will improve its operating results, per its 10-K filing. Although the company’s profitability depends on a few factors that the company may not immediately control, Mohawk is focused on providing shareholder value through other avenues, including more acquisitions and the improvement of its AIMEE platform. Based on the earnings guidance, 2021 looks set to be an equally impressive year for Mohawk. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Mohawkgp.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to MWK are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/MWK

Hero Technologies Inc. (HENC) Is ‘One to Watch’

  • Rapidly positioning itself as a multi-state operator, Hero Technologies Inc. holds a portfolio of subsidiaries with strategic operations within the cannabis industry
  • The company currently has a multi-state vertical business model that includes cannabis genetic engineering, farmland for medical and recreational cannabis cultivation, production licenses, distribution licenses, consumer packaging, retail operations and dispensaries
  • Hero Technologies plans to expand on the proprietary, solar-powered aeroponic cannabis cultivation system of BlackBox Systems and Technologies, as it could help lower the industry’s carbon footprint
  • The company’s management team is comprised of financial industry veterans who have a combined history of mergers, acquisitions and overall company development
  • North America provides the largest revenue share in the cannabis industry, accounting for 91.1% of the global market in 2020; the continent also has the highest number of CBD businesses globally
  • Hero Technologies is currently expanding into the Colorado and Massachusetts cannabis markets via two wholly owned subsidiaries
Hero Technologies (OTC: HENC) is a cannabis company with a vertically integrated business model and plan that includes cannabis genetic engineering, farmland for medical and recreational cannabis cultivation, production licenses, distribution licenses, consumer packaging, retail operations and dispensaries that make the organization a multi-state operator (“MSO”). The company was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Dover, Delaware. Portfolio The company holds the majority stake in BlackBox Systems and Technologies LLC, an aeroponic cannabis cultivation firm focused on providing optimal conditions to enhance photosynthesis and cultivation. Hero Technologies is planning expansion in cultivation and dispensary operations in Colorado through wholly owned subsidiary Mile High Green LLC, while expansion in Massachusetts is planned through another wholly owned subsidiary, MassCannabis LLC. Hero Technologies also owns and operates HighlyRelaxing.com under Highly Relaxing LLC and recently acquired the assets of V Brokers LLC, now operating as Veteran Hemp Co. at VeteranHempCo.com. BlackBox Systems and Technologies LLC BlackBox Systems and Technologies LLC markets a proprietary cannabis aeroponic cultivation system designed for the large-scale production of top-shelf cannabis products. BlackBox offers the optimal conditions to enhance photosynthesis and promote the cultivation of large flowering plants. The system’s dry room, process room and secure storage were designed for precise control through each phase of the cannabis lifecycle. Weekly harvests are achieved using 13 separate BlackBox systems in independent modules. The system provides a series of key benefits, including:
  • High-pressure nutrient delivery, with no nutrient or PH deficiencies
  • Sterile, 100% nutrient solution
  • Drain to Waste (no reuse of wastewater)
  • Low water usage (1 gallon per plant per day)
  • Constant PH and EC in reservoirs
  • Modular design (1 to 100 pods in any configuration)
  • Innovative proprietary engineering
  • Minimal cleanup
  • Media-less growing, suspended in the air, with no media waste
  • No pesticides
Highly Relaxing LLC Highly Relaxing LLC is an emerging Henderson, Nevada-based operation dedicated to providing customers with honestly labeled, high-quality hemp-derived CBD products. Its current offerings include a topical CBD cream that provides localized relief from potential discomfort. Veteran Hemp Co. Veteran Hemp Co.’s mission is to provide a quality, consistent and delicious product for Americans looking to enjoy the hemp smoking experience. Its product is brought in by only the finest farming operations delivering the best genetics. Veteran Hemp Co. has its own custom harvest plans, drying facilities and all of the logistics that fall between. Veteran Hemp Co. prides itself on being a veteran-approved company. Market Outlook The global legal cannabis market is anticipated to reach $84 billion by 2028, expanding at a CAGR of 14.3% from 2021 to 2028. The driving factor for this forecast expansion is the increasingly widespread legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use. Recreational use accounted for 60.3% of industry revenue in 2020. North America provided the largest revenue share in the cannabis market, accounting for 91.1% of the global market in 2020. Due to the early legalization of medical and recreational cannabis in the region, the customer pool has increased exponentially (https://ibn.fm/2L9xN). The global CBD market was valued at $2.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.2% and reach $13.4 billion by 2028. North America is considered the most progressive region for cannabis and its derived products, with the highest number of CBD companies being based on the continent. The B2B (business to business) segment dominates the CBD industry, accounting for the largest revenue share at 59.6% in 2020 (https://ibn.fm/OD1YQ). With its vertically integrated business model and development into a multi-state operator across multiple sectors of the cannabis industry, Hero Technologies is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the fast-growing market and the growing number of opportunities emerging as a result of legalization and increased popularity among consumers. Management Team Gina Serkasevich, CPA, CMA, is the Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of the Hero Technologies. She previously worked for Holloman Corporation as its Director of Finance beginning in June 2012 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Holloman Energy Corporation in August 2014. She has more than 30 years of domestic and international corporate accounting and finance experience. She served as U.S. Controller for EFLO Energy Inc., a company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas assets in North America. Prior to 2012, Ms. Serkasevich worked in the oil and gas tanker transportation industry as a Regional Financial Manager for AET Inc. Limited (2011-2012), as a Financial Consultant for OSG Ship Management Inc. (2009-2011) and as a Financial Controller/CFO for Stena Bulk LLC (1998-2008). During her 11-year tenure at Stena Bulk LLC, she established the financial, accounting and reporting requirements for its new joint ventures and tanker pools with Sonanagol USA and held the Company Secretary position on both of those companies’ boards of directors. Dan McCarthy is the company’s Corporate Development Manager. He has spent more than 12 years in the institutional investment community, holding various investment banking and private equity executive roles. Thus far, he has been a part of over $1 billion in transactional value ranging from debt and equity to acquisitions and diversities throughout his career. Mr. McCarthy’s most recent role was Managing Director at Petro Capital, a Dallas-based private equity and investment bank. He began his career working for a private international consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., helping corporations and funds expand into non-G7 countries utilizing World Bank financing. He is also a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Business and completed the Mergers and Acquisitions program at the New York Institute of Finance. James Rowland is Hero Technologies’ Marketing Advisor and an expert in marketing and e-commerce. He has held many high-level marketing and business-related roles. He is the Founder and current CEO of PerfectCheckout.com and the current Business Development Specialist at Fulfillment.com. Mr. Rowland has held multiple high-level positions throughout his career, which have provided him with the experience needed to bring success-backed marketing leadership skills to his current role with the company. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.HeroTechnologiesInc.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to HENC are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/HENC

AmpliTech Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AMPG) Is ‘One to Watch’

  • The AmpliTech management team is led by Founder, President, CEO, and CTO Fawad Maqbool, who has been in the microwave industry for over 30 years
  • AmpliTech’s current catalog of devices is substantial, and it is always growing and adapting to include new technology
  • Currently, the company’s target markets include 5G/6G infrastructures, AR/VR, Cyber Security, Military/Defense, SATCOM, Autonomous Self-Driving Vehicles, and more
  • Current AmpliTech product offerings support a frequency range of 50 kHz to 44 GHz, with plans to eventually offer designs up to 100 GHz
  • The global microwave devices market was valued at $7.44 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $9 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 3.23%
AmpliTech Group (NASDAQ: AMPG, AMPGW) designs, develops and manufactures custom radio frequency (“RF”) components for the commercial, SATCOM, space and military markets. In addition to developing new products for the 5G/6G wireless ecosystem and infrastructure, the company has placed focus on the development of leading-edge solutions in quantum computing in support of U.S. efforts to reach the coveted position of quantum supremacy. The company maintains a commitment to R&D that allows it to remain at the forefront of emerging technologies. AmpliTech aims to use its advanced techniques and IP to provide tomorrow’s technology today, improving everyone’s quality of life. AmpliTech was founded by Fawad Maqbool in 2002 to fill the need for affordable, high-quality, customized and state-of-the-art amplifiers and components. Headquartered in Bohemia, New York, the company currently has distributors and representatives available worldwide. Product Portfolio AmpliTech’s mission is to develop quality, state-of-the-art microwave amplifiers by leveraging its experience, proven technical expertise and superior design heritage. The company’s products cover a frequency range from 50 kHz to 44 GHz, with plans to eventually offer designs up to 100 GHz. Its current catalog includes: Amplifiers Passive Components All the company’s products come with a satisfaction guarantee, as the company is fully committed to providing only high-quality products free from manufacturing and material defects and guaranteed to perform according to applicable specifications. Consulting Services Leveraging more than 100 years of combined experience in microwave systems and component design ranging from active components to passive devices, AmpliTech also provides valuable consulting services and technical assistance to its customers. With capabilities ranging from initial design to final manufacturing and delivery, the company’s team also offers project management services and advice on both technical aspects and how to handle business issues such as resource allocation, customer contact, budget restraints, time limits and more. Other key benefits of AmpliTech consulting services that can give its customers a definitive edge include:
  • Timely technical assistance
  • Little or no learning curve
  • Less long-term costs associated with full-time employees with benefits and salaries
  • Availability when necessary
  • Customer support with schedules, project management and on the job training
  • Access to technology
  • Partnering for manufacturing and/or complete turn-key product solution
  • Personal guidance from concept to development
  • Custom designs for each application
Market Outlook The global microwave devices market was valued at $7.44 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.23% and reach $9 billion by 2025 (https://ibn.fm/4K2zG). Governmental expenditures in the defense and space communications sectors are expected to expand the opportunities for growth within the industry. AmpliTech continues to follow its strategy of identifying key elements in today’s technological revolution. It is leveraging its technical expertise and experience to align product portfolios and IP with innovation (https://ibn.fm/HOxeY). The company has plans to be a catalyst in the enhancement, development and distribution of breakthroughs in the following sizeable markets:
  • High Speed Terrestrial and Satellite Terminals (SATCOM, “Internet in the Sky”)
  • 5G/Wi-Fi6E and 6G wireless infrastructure (Cellular Base Stations, Small Cells, Private Wi-Fi Networks)
  • IoT (Internet of Things)
  • Cloud Farms, Big Data and MEC architecture
  • Quantum Supercomputers/Quantum Research
  • Deep Space Astronomy
  • Autonomous Self-Driving Vehicles
  • Telemedicine, AR/VR (Augmented and Virtual Reality)
  • Drones, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)
  • Cyber-security
  • Military/Defense ECM/EW
Management Team Fawad Maqbool is the Founder, President, CEO and CTO of AmpliTech Group Inc. He has been in the microwave industry for over 30 years. Mr. Maqbool spent 14 years developing state-of-the-art amplifiers and components for MITEQ Inc., a leading microwave and communications equipment supplier. He founded AmpliComm in 2000, which was subsequently acquired by Aeroflex Inc. Mr. Maqbool has management and design experience, which has led to the development of microwave technology on a commercial and military level. He holds a B.S.E.E in Microwave Engineering and a B.S.E.E in Bio-Medical Engineering from CUNY and an M.S.E.E from the Polytechnic University of New York. Louisa Sanfratello is the company’s CFO. She is a Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”) and has worked in various industries since 1998. During this time, she held roles as an accountant for charities and schools, consisting of the preparation of official financial documents and day-to-day financial management requirements. Ms. Sanfratello began her professional career in 1987 at Holtz, Rubinstein & Co., a public accounting firm. She gathered two years of experience there before gaining her CPA and taking on more challenging roles. Brandon Worster is the company’s Director of Engineering. He joined AmpliTech at the end of 2019, bringing over 14 years of design and management experience. His specialty is Low Noise and Medium Power Amplifiers, but Mr. Worster also has vast experience with various systems, including RF/Microwave devices and systems. He holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering and is an adjunct professor at Farmingdale University in New York. John P. Pastore is AmpliTech’s Director of Sales. He has worked in the microwave industry for more than 35 years, including time with some of the industry’s leading names. Mr. Pastore is a hands-on professional who has experience that spans over 20 years with progressive roles that blend technical, manufacturing, customer service and management expertise. He is an extremely valuable asset to the company as it moves forward due to his business savvy approach and deep industry knowledge. He has a B.S. in Business Management.
  1. Syed handles Technical Sales and is the company’s Director of IT. He is an electrical engineer with more than 10 years of business experience. Since 2011, he has led Technical Sales for AmpliTech, and he recently became the President and CEO of his own company while also serving as Chief Technical Sales consultant for numerous other companies and groups in New York City. Mr. Syed has been in the IT industry for 25 years. He is a Computer Engineer by trade and a Certified Netware Engineer and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.AmpliTechInc.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to AMPG are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/AMPG

Asia Broadband Inc. (AABB) Launches Sale of AABB Gold Cryptocurrency Token

  • Asia Broadband Inc. announced the sales launch of the Company’s AABB Gold (“AABBG”) cryptocurrency token developed by Core State Holdings, Corp. (“CSHC”)
  • The new token from AABB Wallet will be available for purchase in exchange for other major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin
  • The price of the AABBG token will increase or decrease, reflecting the token’s general market demand, which in turn will be influenced by the overall price of gold (the minimum token piece will increase and decrease with the price of gold, but the upside price of the token will also be influenced by market demand for the token)

Asia Broadband (OTC: AABB), is a resource company engaged in the production, supply, and sale of base and precious metals, mainly to the Asian markets.  Recently, the company announced the sales launch of the company’s AABB Gold (“AABBG”) cryptocurrency token developed by Core State Holdings, Corp. (“CSHC”).

With this launch, Asia Broadband further strengthens its position as a world leader in providing a transparent and trusted gold-backed standard of exchange by expanding token circulation targeting high growth markets globally including China and East Asia (https://ibn.fm/STzhi).

This new token from AABB Wallet will be available for purchase in exchange for other major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Support and guide information for potential customers and users of the AABB Wallet is available on the website at www.AABBGoldToken.com, or through direct contact via the support page at https://AABBGoldToken.com/support. AABB Wallet users must update the app or download to install the latest version of the app and pass the Know Your Client (“KYC”) process to purchase the new AABB Token.

At the current market price of gold, the initial token release available for purchase is 5.4 million tokens at the one-tenth (0.1) gram of gold price (approximately USD 5.60) for each AABBG token. This token release is backed by $30 million (physical gold) the company holds. (The token is and will continue to be backed 100% by gold holdings of the company, even as additional tokens are made available for sale beyond the 5.4m initially offered for sale.) The pricing of the token works in the following manner: as the market price of gold fluctuates, the minimum supported price of the AABBG token will increase or decrease, although the potential upside price of the token will be determined by the token’s market demand.

In October last year, Asia Broadband acquired a high potential mineral property in the state of Colima, Mexico. Geophysics and groundwork have revealed significant mineralization in various segments of the Colima property. Early this year, the company announced an allocation of $10 million for the construction of exploration and development facilities and infrastructure roads on this high potential property. It’s important to note that the company intends to leverage their past production and development success in Mexico to rapidly expand and move toward production with their current projects, such as Colima.

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

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

Friendable Inc. (FDBL) Retains Sheppard Mullin as Legal Counsel Amid Exponential Growth Stage

  • Nationally recognized top music lawyer Sidney (“Sid”) S. Fohrman will handle all legal aspects related to Friendable’s Fan Pass media offering
  • Fan Pass has seen exponential growth since the beginning of 2021 – noting increased social media engagement
  • Global livestream market is expected to reach $247.275 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 28.1%
  • Fan Pass expects that even with venues opening, the livestream industry will remain just as strong and continue to grow
Friendable (OTC: FDBL), a mobile technology and marketing platform focused on distributing proprietary mobile and desktop applications, has experienced exponential growth since the beginning of 2021. The company is now securing the investment and future of its fast-growing Fan Pass application, which launched in July 2020 amidst pandemic conditions, and has retained the services of Sheppard Mullin as lead counsel for all Fan Pass music, entertainment, technology, and advertising (https://ibn.fm/En7Pq). Sheppard Mullin is a multidisciplinary group but provides a full-service Entertainment and Digital Media practice led by nationally recognized top music lawyer Sidney (“Sid”) S. Fohrman. The Entertainment and Digital Media practice of Sheppard Mullin represents major motion picture studios, television networks, and other domestic and international entertainment groups in areas including:
  • Music
  • The development of motion picture and television
  • Advertising and sweepstakes
  • Production, distribution, and finance
  • Licensing and merchandising
  • Branded entertainment
  • Convergence, online, technology, and publishing
  • Intellectual property
  • Esports
Fohrman has significant experience representing a diverse client base that includes private and public companies, artists, influencers, on- and off-screen talent across the entire spectrum of the entertainment industry. In addition to advising on new business models and handling licensing and content deals, sponsorships, publishing, copyright and trademark transactions, and other related aspects, Fohrman is also an experienced commercial litigator on issues such as copyright and trademark infringement, antitrust and finance, business torts, contractual disputes. “Our team continues to be blessed with relationships that strengthen our ability to grow the Fan Pass business and opportunity. The entertainment marketplace is uniquely diverse, and we are excited to have Mr. Fohrman join our team,” said Friendable CEO Robert A. Rositano Jr. “With experience and relationships that are simply unmatched in our opinion, Sid has the ability to solidify certain foundational items Fan Pass needs as we proceed with our growth strategy.” Since the beginning of 2021, Fan Pass has seen over 100% growth due to the company’s attention to metrics and feedback, continuously improving and optimizing the platform and experience for fans and artists alike. The platform is Friendable’s flagship product. I   t offers artists and fans a space to connect, providing VIP treatment without the VIP pricing. For $4.99 per month (annual pricing of $38.30 available), fans can connect and stay up to date on their favorite artists, including:
  • Live performances and online concerts
  • Studio sessions
  • Livestreams
  • Special interviews and one-on-one videos
  • Behind-the-scenes footage
  • Streams that highlight the artists’ daily life
The intuitive Fan Pass platform brings each artist through a streamlined onboarding process, which includes building artist “channels,” scheduling live events, and designing special edition merchandise that is offered only through Fan Pass merchandise stores. Fan Pass sign-up for artists is free, allowing them to participate in an ecosystem that embraces both the artist and the fans, connecting both in one place. Artists earn revenue from monthly fan subscriptions, merchandise sales, tickets sold for streaming events, and from content views or impressions on their channels. Each artist has a dashboard that expresses their content views and sales, including real-time payout and earnings. Since July 2020, the Fan Pass offering has grown to include artists with a pro service platform that extends the benefits provided by the company. The pro service offerings include three pricing tiers for services that accommodate artist/band logo design, merchandise design and marketing materials. At the midway point in March 2021, Fan Pass already had the momentum to surpass February figures, being ten artist sign-ups away from passing that number. Social media engagement had also increased exponentially. This rapid growth indicates that the Fan Pass model is a successful approach to supporting artists and fans in maintaining engagement in an industry heavily affected by the ongoing pandemic, positioning Friendable in a leading role in the livestreaming industry. The global livestreaming market is expected to reach $247.275 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 28.1% (https://ibn.fm/jRNUg), also largely due to the pandemic. Even with venues reopening stages to artists and fans, the livestreaming industry is expected to remain strong. Fan Pass is leveraging this expectation, offering a platform with exclusive content and pay-per-view concerts that are more affordable than in-person events. 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

From Our Blog

From Ghost Mines to Geophysical Clarity: How Fairchild Gold Corp. (TSX.V: FAIR) (OTCQB: FCHDF) Is Reframing Nevada Titan’s Copper-Gold Potential

January 2, 2026

Disseminated on behalf of Fairchild Gold Corp. (TSX.V: FAIR) (OTCQB: FCHDF) and may include paid advertising. For much of mining history, districts were defined by what could be seen at surface. Shallow workings, hand-dug shafts, and narrow stopes extracted high-grade material where it outcropped, often leaving deeper mineral systems unexplored. Today, the most compelling exploration […]

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