• Nextech AR Solutions Corp. recently launched the live holoportation feature in its AiR Show app
• During the launch, Nextech CEO, Evan Gappelberg, provided a live demonstration of the holoportation technology, through which viewers could beam his hologram into their homes
• Nextech purchased the AiR Show app from TRICK 3D, and since then, it has rolled out improvements that now make it ideal for use in multiple industries

In a statement released back in February as Nextech AR Solutions (CSE: NTAR) (OTCQB: NEXCF) launched AiR Show version 2.0 – an app that turns people into holograms that users can then interact with or listen to – Nextech’s Director of Interactive Experience, Elliott Rothman, noted that the company had several improvements in the pipeline (https://ibn.fm/E1Qvg). Thus, with the launch of the LIVE holoportation technology on the mobile app on March 26, Nextech made good on its promise to keep revamping the platform. The launch featured a live demonstration that enabled viewers to beam the hologram of Nextech CEO Evan Gappelberg into their homes. Speaking in an interview with Steve Darling from Proactive (https://ibn.fm/I4xCi) that aired shortly after the launch, Evan went into great detail to explain what the app will achieve through the new holoportation technology. He described holoportation as the transportation of a product or person from a particular location, for example, a home or warehouse, virtually, all around the world. Evan also noted that the live holoportation demonstration did not require any sophisticated technology to bring it to fruition and could, in fact, be done from anywhere. “In this case, it was my home,” he explained, “which shows you how little equipment you need. You didn’t need to be in a studio. There were no crazy cameras. It was literally my iPhone 12 Pro, mounted on a tripod, with some lights and a green screen.” Evan also stated that future improvements would eliminate the need for green screens by using artificial intelligence to chroma key out the green screen. Notably, Nextech added AiR Show to its growing list of AR brands in the last quarter of 2020 following an acquisition closed on October 1, 2020. At the time, AiR Show, which was previously owned by TRICK 3D, was primarily used in the music industry. It enabled users to purchase tickets to watch performances from music artists and other people in the comfort of their homes (https://ibn.fm/CwQkh). But Nextech has since expanded this focus to encompass other industries, including automotive, medical, dating, fashion shows (apparel), education and art (for instance, during auctions). “You can beam in a professor from any top school all over the globe,” Evan continued. “This technology could be used to holoport teachers from cities to rural areas, where they normally wouldn’t be able to get access to that kind of education. So, it could be a gamechanger for some countries as far as education.” Nextech views AiR Show as an opportunity to gain more AR revenue and increase its earnings potential in its fast-growing AR business. The purchase of AiR Show late last year was the company’s seventh acquisition and grew its portfolio of AR applications to three. It was part of a strategy to bring together various AR offerings to create the world’s first complete AR ecosystem. With the roll-out of improvements, such as the holoportation technology, Nextech is inching closer to realizing this strategy by availing a product suitable for use in different industries. The company is also looking into using NFT technology in combination with its AR and AirShow app. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.NextechAR.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to NEXCF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/NEXCF

• SBEV inks agreements with Gulf Distributing of Florida, Alabama—one of area’s most-established distributors
• TapouT is first advanced-performance drink that focuses on all three levels of physical support: activation, hydration and recovery

Splash Beverage Group (OTCQB: SBEV), a holding company of leading portfolio of beverage brands, is expanding the reach of its TapouT performance drink into Alabama and Florida. Splash has finalized agreements with Gulf Distributing of Florida and Gulf Distributing of Alabama to distribute TapouT beverages, its complete line of high-performance sports drink that contain a proprietary blend of essential vitamins, minerals and electrolytes (https://ibn.fm/wjqw2). “We have a 20-year relationship with Gulf Distribution and we are extremely excited to be working with their team again,” said Splash Beverage CEO Robert Nistico. “Our brand TapouT joins their blue-chip portfolio of Coors, Heineken, Corona, Red Bull, Essentia Water, 7-Up and Snapple, with statewide coverage in Alabama, including TapouT’s new authorization of 74 MapCo stores in the state. . . . This adds to TapouT’s rapidly growing list of distributors in Southeast United States, particularly in Florida as they will cover Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties.” The two divisions of Gulf Distributing Holdings (“GDH”) manage and operate seven individual beverage distributors that encompass central and southern Alabama and the panhandle of Florida. One of the most-established distributors in the area, GDH in its entirety represents more than 100 suppliers and services more than 10,000 retail accounts in the Southeastern United States. TapouT is the first advanced-performance drink that focuses on all three levels of physical support — activation, hydration and recovery resulting in increased endurance and performance. The line features a proprietary blend of nine essential vitamins, five minerals and all five electrolytes that are formulated for maximum absorption to enhance cellular health and function. The beverages offer tasty, light and refreshing flavors. The current Splash portfolio features four unique beverage brands. In addition to its TapoutT performance drinks, the company offers Salt Naturally Flavored Tequila, a 100% blanco agave 80-proof tequila that offers a clean and delicate taste; Copa Di Vino, the leading producer of premium “wine by the glass” in the country; and Pulpoloco Sangria, a premium-crafted sangria imported from Spain. Each of these brands offers one or more of the qualities that the company specifically seeks in an acquisition. Specializing in manufacturing, distributing, sales and marketing of various beverages across multiple channels, Splash operates in both the alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage segments, allowing it to leverage efficiencies and dilute risk. The company’s business strategy is to quickly develop and accelerate pre-existing brands to exit for cash events. The company’s management team has invaluable expertise and insight, and the company strives to identify brands it perceives to have highly visible preexisting brand awareness or pure category innovation. Specifically, the company look for brands and products that are on trend and deliver natural quality, health benefits, freshness and refreshment within their beverages. The company looks to maintain highest performance standards and focus on execution as it works with distributors and retail partners achieve and exceed all goals. In addition, the company offers support for members of the U.S. armed forces, first responders and health-care professionals. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.SplashBeverageGroup.com. NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SBEV are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SBEV

• 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. 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

• 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

• “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 (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. 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

• 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

• 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

• Low Noise Amplifiers
• Cryogenic Amplifiers
• Limiting Amplifiers
• Waveguide Amplifiers
• Medium/High Power Amplifiers
• Surface Mount Amplifiers

Passive Components

• End Launch Rectangular Adapters
• Rectangular Adapter to COAX
• Power Dividers

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