• ETST is focused on its developing role as an international leader in the CBD space
• The company recently filed a securities registration statement with the SEC
• ETST recently named a pharmaceutical and orthopedic expert as head of its new sales division

Earth Science Tech Inc. (OTCQB: ETST) is an innovative science-based biotechnology company operating in the fields of hemp-derived cannabinoids, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and research and development (R&D). The company, based in Doral, Florida, recently announced its establishment of a new sales division specifically focusing on CBD products of therapeutic and pharmaceutical grades.

The company’s CBD (cannabidiol) oil is 100 percent natural and organic. In contrast to its competitors, which may use dangerous hemp extraction methods including toxic solvents or high heat, ETST’s CBD-rich hemp does not contain any synthetic cannabinoids and is not an isolate. Through its subsidiaries, Earth Science Tech is focused on developing its role as a world leader in the CBD space.

The impetus behind this new division comes from increased interest in CBD products across multiple medical communities, including medical, holistic and alternative medicine (http://ibn.fm/ugOM9). The division will be headed by Erika Franck, who has been serving as the company’s clinical and therapeutics sales director for several weeks. In her new role, Franck will be working with medical providers, chiropractors, acupuncturists, holistic wellness practitioners and veterinarians, utilizing her years of experience in the medical field to bring the benefits of CBD to a myriad of industries.

Franck’s expertise includes CNS (central nervous system), psychiatry, cardiology, pulmonology, asthmas, allergy and dermatology, which she cultivated through working in the pharmaceuticals and orthopedics industry for over 15 years. During her time in pharmaceuticals, Franck launched two new drugs into the medical market: Lexapro (a type of antidepressant) and Benicar (a drug used to treat high blood pressure).

“I am thrilled to be part of this amazing team and to have the opportunity to apply my expertise in spearheading this new clinical division for ETST,” Franck said in a news release. “Our shared vision is to improve patients’ quality of life, and I am honored to participate in ETST’s growth as we achieve this mission.”

ETST president, director, and chairman Nickolas Tabraue announced his excitement at adding Franck’s leadership experience to the division. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team that will be invaluable as we pursue opportunities through this exciting new sales channel,” Tabraue added. “We pride ourselves on hiring the very best and brightest, and Erika certainly fits that criteria.”

Recently, ETST filed its Form S-1/A securities registration statement (http://ibn.fm/7ebl1). It was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 10, 2019. The document details the company’s long-term strategy, partnerships and strategic focus, as well as providing an overview of its subsidiaries.

The company continues to expand its work in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors through its subsidiaries, which include Nutrition Empire Inc., Earth Science Pharmaceutical Inc., Cannabis Therapeutics Inc. (CTI), and KannaBidioiD (KBD). ETST also has its Canadian subsidiary, Canna Inno Laboratories Inc.

ETST continues to focus on the CBD market with its broad array of well-branded products and premier distribution. For investors, the company has a strong in-house team and strategic partnerships to foster continued growth. ETST is advancing further projects using its high-grade and inventive products.

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

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

• PLUS partnerships support the company’s launch of new CBD-infused gummies
• The company’s new gummies line contains no THC and offers three choices
• Plus Products exec said in a news release that its CBD line will allow the company to expand to “nearly all 50 states overnight”

Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF) has launched a 100 percent hemp, CBD-infused line of gummies that’s available in three flavors. The company also announced two new brand partnerships – one with philanthropist and celebrity singer/actor/producer John Legend and one with Casper Sleep Inc. – as it executes its mission of offering customers a ‘just-right’ balance in their lives (http://ibn.fm/p8Sb7).

The new line of CBD-infused gummies has three products: Balance (blueberry), Uplift (grapefruit) and Sleep (blackberry tea with melatonin). All three are available on the company’s newly launched website, www.PlusProducts.com.

To support the launch, PLUS has brand partnered with celebrity John Legend and Casper Sleep Inc. Legend will advocate on behalf of the line, while Casper Sleep will partner with PLUS to endorse the new CBD sleep gummies. “Like PLUS, we believe sleep is a key part of the wellness equation,” Neil Parikh, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Casper, stated in a news release (http://ibn.fm/s9ZyC). “Partnering with their team of experts to introduce CBD sleep gummies brings a new way to relax and rest to those who need it.”

While CBD-focused companies have flooded the market, superstar John Legend was specifically attracted to PLUS Products. “I have been a believer in the benefits of CBD for some time,” Legend added. “I was drawn to the PLUS team because they’re an innovative, family-run company, and they use science to deliver a consistent, high-quality product.” Legend also expressed his appreciation for the “high standard” PLUS has set in the industry.

“Giving the world a simple way to achieve balance has always been our mission, and the PLUS CBD line allows us to expand from California to nearly all 50 states overnight,” PLUS CEO Jake Heimark stated in a news release. “We are thrilled that John Legend and Casper have partnered with our team to support this exciting new initiative.”

Earlier this month, Heimark presented at the KCSA Cannabis Virtual Investor Conference. On-demand viewing of the September 12 presentation is available for the next 90 days. Analysts and investors are invited to view the presentation by registering on the event website (http://ibn.fm/ypWQw). Investors, advisors and analysts are also invited to download shareholder materials from the PLUS virtual trade booth for the next two weeks.

San Mateo, California-based PLUS is a cannabis-infused, branded-products manufacturer selling to regulated medicinal and adult-use recreational markets. The company is focused on building the largest cannabis brand by growing organically and through acquisitions.

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

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

• Texas-based CloudCommerce has filed a Form 1-A with the SEC as it seeks permission to offer up to $20 million in Tier II preferred stock quotable on the OTC market
• The stock would sell at $25 per share, with a minimum of 20 shares ($500) available to interested public investors and an annual dividend of 10 percent with payments made monthly
• CloudCommerce is developing a flagship suite of solutions under the SWARM banner, utilizing artificial intelligence to help businesses identify and appeal to potential new and repeat customers
• Business intelligence is expected to be a $34.3 billion worldwide market by 2022

Business intelligence innovator CloudCommerce Inc. (OTCQB: CLWD) recently announced that it has filed an offering statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in its bid to offer up to $20 million of preferred stock to qualified investors in a Reg A+ public offering.

The Reg A+ offering, sometimes known as a ‘mini-IPO’, provides the general public an opportunity to invest in companies rather than limiting the investment pool to accredited investors. The company benefits from the opportunity to appeal to a large pool of investors that may include its own clientele fanbase.

CloudCommerce is preparing to offer Tier II preferred stock at a price of $25 per share that will return an annual dividend of 10 percent with payments made monthly. The company intends to file an application to be able to quote the preferred stock on the OTC market, according to a September 3 announcement (http://ibn.fm/sEX5l).

“Although the overall market for business analytics software is well-established, the market for business analytics software like ours is relatively new, rapidly evolving and unproven. Our future success will depend in large part on our ability to penetrate the existing market for business analytics software, as well as the continued growth and expansion of what we believe to be an emerging market for analytics solutions that are faster, easier to adopt, easier to use and more focused on self-service capabilities,” the company’s Form 1-A SEC filing states (http://ibn.fm/Jm1Ky). It continues, “As part of our strategy, we seek to acquire other businesses and technologies to complement our current products, expand the breadth of our markets, or enhance our technical capabilities.”

The offering would include up to 800,000 shares of Series F Preferred Stock and require a minimum investment of 20 shares ($500).

In July, CloudCommerce launched an end-to-end data science and market behavior solution that is designed to provide consistent and steady revenue with predictable forecasts. The flagship solution is titled SWARM and uses artificial intelligence (AI) and market research techniques to help businesses understand their customers and potential target clients (http://ibn.fm/pUzqz). It gives businesses information on what market decisions to make, who would make a good potential pool for customers, what marketing should say and how to maintain and build on a customer relationship once it is established.

SWARM provides ongoing revenue based on monthly usage fees, and the company will also obtain revenues from implementation fees to design, build and execute on digital marketing campaigns.

“Our professional services are billed at hourly or monthly rates, depending on the customer’s needs. We believe this flexibility allows us to attract customers while maximizing profits based on billable hours,” the Form 1-A states.

The company’s total revenue for the quarter ended June 30 was $2.15 million. Market Research Future analysts predict that the business intelligence market will grow worldwide to about $34.3 billion by 2022 as new AI capabilities and wireless technologies gain increasing adoption (http://ibn.fm/9VsKk).

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

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

• The global account reconciliation software market is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 8.5 percent through 2025
• Xalles Holdings offers financial reconciliation and payment auditing solutions
• The company operates a Fintech Accelerator Program, positioning it as a direct provider to enterprise and government institutions

Now that cash is no longer king, reconciling financial transactions has become even trickier. Yet, in many organizations, reconciling payments and other accounting entries is still done the old-fashioned way – manually – which means spending excessive time on transactions that have no problems. According to a survey by Ernst & Young, the typical accounting department spends up to 59 percent of its time managing transaction-intensive processes, with an estimated 95 percent of this effort wasted on transactions that already match (http://ibn.fm/XlKts). Manual reconciliation is an inefficient and cost-demanding process and presents a drain on resources, which can be stemmed by reconciliation software such as that provided by Xalles Holdings Inc. (OTC: XALL). The fintech holding company is targeting this global account-reconciliation software market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 8.5 percent through 2025.

Xalles Holdings is a business development company focused on the payment industry and financial technology. The company provides payment solutions, including financial-transaction reconciliation software, and consulting services to government and business organizations. Xalles also operates a Fintech Accelerator Program under which it acquires and operates fintech businesses. The company has created a financial, technological and resource infrastructure to support its investee companies and external client projects. This backbone consists of senior-payment solutions consultants and a proprietary system for the financial reconciliation and auditing of business and government payment transactions, called X2X.

In 2018, Xalles formalized its accelerator program and currently has three wholly owned subsidiaries in that program. Currently, the company has a total of six commercial subsidiaries, which together comprise a reinforcing ecosystem of fintech services and technology. These include:

• Xalles Capital Inc., which provides management support of investment consortiums, direct investment into funds or projects and management of investments;
• Xalles Limited, which focuses on the design and marketing of new X2X solutions; it expects to acquire U.S. government transportation post-payment audit business through GSA Schedules and expand to non-transportation payment auditing;
• Xalles Technology Inc., which focuses on technical development of the X2X blockchain systems;
• Xalles Financial Services Group, a suite of consumer and small-business–oriented financial services;
• Co-Owners Rewards Inc., which offers a stock-based rewards system for payments cards and financial services; and
• Amazing Living Enterprises, which operates an affiliate program and ecommerce platform for enhancing financial lives.

As the electronic-payments universe expands, Xalles Holdings is continuing on its mission of leveraging blockchain and other technologies for financial-reconciliation and payment-auditing solutions. The company actively seeks acquisition targets with strong management teams and business models, large total-attainable markets and lucrative exit opportunities in which to invest and accelerate growth.

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

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

• SRAX sold its pharmaceutical arm, SRAXmd, and it continues to invest in its flourishing BIGtoken platform
• Major brands Kraft and Sun-Maid launched programs within the BIGtoken platform
• SRAX continues toward its goal of developing the largest, most valuable opted-in data set worldwide

With a platform of 16 million members that continues to grow and some of the largest consumer packaged goods brands in the country embracing SRAX Inc.’s (NASDAQ: SRAX) BIGtoken platform, the company’s third-quarter achievements are significant indicators toward attaining its goal of building the largest and most valuable opted-in data set in the world.

On the cusp of having sold its pharmaceutical arm, SRAXmd, to a group of institutional investors for $43 million (http://ibn.fm/Cj65Q), SRAX has proven that it can build value in its verticals in the past. The company utilized this profit to invest in its BIGtoken platform technology, clear its balance sheet of $12 million in debt and payables, and buy back over 700,000 shares. Additionally, SRAX retained a 31 percent ownership stake in SRAXmd at the close of the transaction, representing $10 million in preferred shares in the new entity, which is not represented on its balance sheet. This asset alone could represent a significant portion of today’s market cap of the company.

Now, it looks like SRAX’s investment in its opted-in database, BIGtoken, could not be in a better position to capitalize on the political landscape around privacy and the use of personal data. Laws are taking effect around the world that impact the way marketers are allowed to use personal data, causing those marketers to take a long hard look at the sources of their data. The SRAX solution of partnering with consumers to monetize their data could not be timelier. Traditional data providers are struggling to obtain the needed consent from consumers to keep the marketing machine going. Meanwhile, SRAX’s BIGtoken data set is positioned to become one of the most valuable consumer set on the market and could drive long term revenue value for the company. With major consumer packaged goods brands Kraft and Sun-Maid recently launching programs within the platform, BIGtoken is driving revenue.

SRAX recently reported that it had $2.5 million in cash before receiving a $5.5 million investment from existing investors. Investors should keep in mind that SRAX’s numbers for last year included revenue from the SRAXmd business, which was sold in August of last year. Though the sale of the company affected its year-over-year revenue, SRAX continues to see year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter growth without the SRAXmd business.

“We continue to build our data assets through increasing adoption of our verticals and BIGtoken,” SRAX CEO and Founder Christopher Miglino stated in a news release (http://ibn.fm/r6cDg). “These proprietary platforms are positioned to generate long-term revenue and value, while building one of the most valuable data sets in the world.”

SRAX’s technology unlocks data to reveal brands’ core consumers and their characteristics across marketing channels. SRAX’s tools deliver a digital competitive advantage for brands in the CPG, automotive, investor relations, luxury and lifestyle verticals by integrating all aspects of the advertising experience, including verified consumer participation, into one platform.

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

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

• Major CPG brands Kraft and Sun-Maid partner with SRAX through BIGtoken platform
• BIGtoken continues global expansion, entering the EU market
• SRAX is building what it hails as the most valuable opted-in data set in the world

SRAX Inc. (NASDAQ: SRAX) is a digital marketing and consumer data management technology company that integrates all aspects of the advertising experience, including verified consumer participation, to deliver a digital competitive advantage for brands across multiple industries. The company is building additional value by empowering consumers to own and earn from their data through its consumer data management and distribution system, BIGtoken. Recently, major consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands Kraft (NASDAQ: KHC) and Sun-Maid launched programs on the BIGtoken platform, validating that marketers are interested in reaching consumers who have opted into being rewarded for their data. Both marketers are gifting consumers with BIGtoken points for making purchases of their products at Walmart (NYSE: WMT).

In a revolutionary new way to reward consumers, BIGtoken poses a few survey questions and then asks customers to scan their receipt with image recognition technology, which is built into the BIGtoken platform. Once this is done, the consumer is rewarded, and the marketer has a sale and statistical data on the consumer.

The most difficult aspect of launching a new data-based service is attracting the brands that see the data as an effective tool to reach their audiences. Once adopted by the market, these businesses can benefit from the windfall of ongoing value to their data sets. Many companies in the data space have experienced this, and, while traditional data providers such as Oracle, Experian and Transunion have benefited from the sales of consumer data, none have done it while rewarding consumers for their data.

Can BIGtoken change shopping patterns by rewarding consumers? If the use of coupons in this country is any indication, then the company could have a good shot at making a dent in the $760 billion consumer packaged goods market (http://ibn.fm/knlGL). In the Kraft and Sun-Maid programs, users are rewarded $1.50 to $2.00 for purchasing certain products at Walmart.

While the platform already has 16 million members, this type of integration can help it continue to grow, aiding SRAX in accomplishing its goal of creating the most valuable opted-in data set in the world. Further attraction of world-class brands like Kraft and Sun-Maid to the platform will continue to propel SRAX toward that achievement.

The platform offers benefits for both customers and marketers. BIG Rewards enables marketers to engage BIGtoken’s nearly 16 million users to participate in brand research and exclusive offers. This exponentially expands BIGtoken’s commercial capabilities and helps to solve data problems across the digital marketing and advertising industry. Additionally, through the BIGtoken platform, consumers are equipped to own and earn from their data. As consumers become more aware of the value of personal data, an expectation of privacy and options for compensation for the release of that data is building. Consumers are fighting back against large social-media platforms that overstep expected boundaries regarding data collection. Not only are customers recognized and rewarded through this platform, but marketers benefit as well, creating a mutually beneficial relationship unlike any of its kind in the data space.

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

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

B2Digital Inc. (OTC: BTDG) is applying its extensive background in entertainment, television, video and technology to become a full-service live event sports company. Capitalizing on its strong management team, industry relationship, and hands-on experience in the industry, B2Digital is developing and acquiring Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and sports-related companies to build an integrated premier development league initially for the billion-dollar MMA marketplace.

B2Digital’s management team boasts over 30 years of combined global experience developing more than 20 companies within the sports, television, entertainment, digital distribution and banking transaction industries.

Since its restructuring in 2017, the company is now forging ahead with company chairman and CEO Greg P. Bell at the helm. His expertise, relationships and experience bring a background of more than 40,000 successful live events throughout his career. Under his guidance, B2Digital will create and develop the “Development League” champions that will move on to the MMA major leagues from within the B2 Fighting Series.

In preparation, B2Digital has produced and applied the systems and technologies required to support and maintain infrastructural operations of the company, including social media marketing, event management, digital ticketing sales, digital video distribution, digital marketing, PPV, fighter management, merchandise sales, brand management and financial control systems. The company has also launched its B2 Social Media Network as the digital distribution system for the B2 Fighting Series.

As part of its growth strategy, B2Digital intends to continue to develop and acquire assets that meet its business model with the goal of becoming a premier vertically integrated live event sports company. In 2017, B2Digital started operating B2 Fighting Series, live MMA events; each year, the top fighters are invited to the live annual B2 Fighting Series National Championship.

Assets

B2Digital owns all rights for TV, internet, social media, media, merchandising and trademarks and branding for the B2Digital companies. The company has deployed its B2 Social Media Network digital distribution network for the B2 Fighting Series and has developed and deployed the systems and technologies for the operation of social media marketing, event engagement, digital ticketing sales, digital video distribution, digital marketing, PPV, fighter management, merchandise sales, brand management and financial control systems.

Fight Groups (holdings)

• HRMMA
• Colosseum Combat
• United Combat League
• Pinnacle Combat
• Bluegrass MMA

B2 Social Media Network (B2SN)

The B2 Social Media Network (B2SN) provides the connection between the B2Digital live events and the consumer audience by:

• Providing social interaction between consumers regarding B2Digital Properties and current relevant topics to the live events audience
• Offering “FTV” free-to-view live and on-demand TV style broadcasts globally of B2 Digital live events
• Promoting upcoming live events
• Selling tickets to B2 live events electronically
• Promoting the fighters, athletes and participants in the B2Digital live events

Download Report

Leadership

Chairman and CEO Greg P. Bell
Greg P. Bell is one of the early pioneers and entrepreneurs in entertainment and digital media and has been working in the field for over 30 years. He was involved in the early creation of the technologies and algorithms that allowed analog media to be transformed into digital bits and compressed data streams and created specific business enterprises that capitalized on the creation of digital transmissions at Scientific Atlanta, Compressions Labs, VCON International and Qwest. Bell was one of the initial vice presidents of business development at Qwest Communications where he developed Qwest’s digital media company, Slingshot Networks. He then ran all operations of Slingshot, reporting to the board of directors, which managed and operated three full time studios including the creation of the broadcast studio in Staples Center, TV and news productions, live events at the Staples Center, distribution of a national television show distributed by Warner Brothers TV Distribution, online television productions and web distribution for the NFL, AFL, NBA, NHL, Boxing, Democratic Convention and live music events.

Upon leaving Slingshot in 2000, Bell founded B3 Development Group, a firm specializing in developing emerging market entertainment and media companies. Bell’s B3 Development Group founded B2 Networks in 2001 which quickly became the defacto standard for watching live PPV sporting events online. B2’s proprietary online system broadcasts live professional and collegiate sporting events online to a global audience, broadcasting over 1,000 live games per month. Bell developed and implemented a merger with B2 Networks and the America ONE Television Network where he became CEO of the combined companies. Under Bell’s direction the company, now called ONE Media Corp., launched the new ONE World Sports TV Network in North America on cable and satellite, with a pure digital end-to-end distribution system, along with continuing the company’s growth in the online distribution of sports and entertainment.

After leaving as CEO of ONE Media Corp., he currently sits as chairman of B3 Development Group, which specializes in developing and fast-tracking emerging entertainment, transaction technology and media distribution companies. Bell continues to expand his holdings and currently has business holdings in ONE Media Corp; B3 Development Gaming Group which under contract with Caymanas Park Race Track, owned by the country of Jamaica, developed Jamaica’s first all-digital state of the art pari-mutuel live sports gaming system for mobile devices and currently is operating under the brand CaymanasToGO for the Caribbean Consumers and is licensed for deployment in the USA to USA-based consumers. The B3 Gaming Group mobile device wagering system and technology allows consumers globally to watch and wager on live horse races and sporting events being held in the UK, USA, Canada and the Caribbean; B3 Gaming Services Group, a premier transaction and customer service group that offers management services to the Gaming industry in the Caribbean, B3 Networks, a premier state of the art digital broadcasting company that developed the B3 television satellite replacement technology which allows TV networks to broadcast globally on the public internet instead of satellites in broadcast quality HD & SD television. B3 Networks has deployed, and services, the B3 technology to broadcast high definition TV signals globally to cable head ends, smart phones and internet connected devices for the Jamaica Education Television Network, the Caymanas Race Track and other mobile applications globally.

Bell has worked at the top technology development companies that developed the digital technologies, which are in use today at Scientific Atlanta, Compression Labs, VCON and Qwest. He also has managed and been directly involved with over 55,000 live events in his 30-year career. He has worked with a diverse group of clients in the entertainment, sports and technology communities including the NFL, NBA, NHL, AHL, NLL, ECHL, IFL, USHL, SPHL, NCAA, NAIA, MISL, AFL, AOL, FOX, UFC, NAAFS, Bellator, WEF, the Staples Center, the Orleans Arena, Oscar De La Hoya, Barbra Streisand, and top entertainment venues, acts and actors. His clients and companies have capitalized on Bell’s knowledge of the world of entertainment, live events, sports, digital television and digital online transaction and distribution systems.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.B2DigitalOTC.com

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

• Uber Technologies has built a global ride-sharing empire thanks to a successful model of sustaining peer-to-peer transportation business operations
• Criminal incidents that have played on the vulnerabilities of ride-share drivers and passengers have led to a series of recent security enhancements available to Uber users through the company’s mobile app
• The new RideCheck feature uses the phone’s geolocation capabilities in combination with the platform’s AI-driven protocols to monitor potential concerns and respond by contacting both the driver and the passenger
• The RideCheck feature was tested in U.S. cities including Los Angeles and Dallas and is expected to roll out soon to the international market, where Uber delivers services in more than 60 countries

As media reports have highlighted some dangers experienced by both drivers and passengers using rideshare services during recent years, multinational peer transportation company Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER) has developed a series of enhanced security features designed to help protect the people using its amenities.

After a University of South Carolina college student was kidnapped and murdered earlier this year when she got into a car she mistakenly believed to be her Uber ride, the well-known rideshare company launched its Campus Safety Initiative to help students learn how to avoid fake rideshare drivers (http://ibn.fm/UpxyM). The program features specified places for picking up rides on college campuses and a ‘Check Your Ride’ phone app notification element that reminds riders to verify the details of the vehicle they are anticipating.

In September, Uber announced a new safety feature for its app that offers greater assistance to passengers and drivers using the ride-hailing service. The new RideCheck feature uses the location sensors in smartphones to detect the movements of Uber’s vehicles (http://ibn.fm/Hr46h). The system uses artificial intelligence enhancements to determine if a car is doing anything unexpected along its route, such as stopping at a premature location or veering off on an untrusted course.

In the event of a triggering event, the system will send an alert to both the driver and the passenger to ask if there’s a problem. The individuals can then tap on the alert to indicate if assistance is needed or to state that, “I’m fine.”

Uber’s safety team may be alerted to follow up with a phone call as well, depending on the circumstances.

“Helping keep millions of riders and drivers around the world safe is a huge responsibility with unique challenges,” Head of Safety Products Sachin Kansal stated in a blog post about the feature (http://ibn.fm/qdq0a). “While I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, when it comes to safety, we know our work is never done.”

Other safety elements introduced by the company include the addition of an in-app panic button for contacting 911, a listing of trusted people the company can contact on behalf of the Uber user and the centralization of safety features within the app.

The RideCheck feature was tested in major U.S. cities like Los Angeles and Dallas, and it will soon be available in other countries as well. In April, Uber’s officers reported that the company was operating in 63 countries on six continents, providing more than 14 million trips per day in more than 700 cities (http://ibn.fm/vV0VM). The report stated that Uber’s near-term expansion plans were focused on increasing ridesharing services in Argentina, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Spain.

“Every day, our technology puts millions of people together in cars in cities around the world,” CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated last year in a blog post (http://ibn.fm/Z1Z3T). “Helping keep people safe is a huge responsibility, and one we do not take lightly.”

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

• Earth Science Tech offers biotech expertise in the largest sector of the legal cannabis market
• The CBD market is projected to see 700 percent growth through 2019
• ETST’s portfolio is designed to further establish its position in the burgeoning sector

Earth Science Tech Inc. (OTCQB: ETST) is an innovative biotechnology company operating in the fields of hemp cannabinoid, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and medical device research and development. With biotech being the largest sector of the legal cannabis market (http://ibn.fm/Jx6JA), ETST appears ideally poised to be a key player in the burgeoning space.

Brightfield Group, a leading market and consumer intelligence firm for the legal cannabinoids and cannabis industries, recently reported that the U.S. CBD market was projected to see an unprecedented 700 percent growth through 2019 (http://ibn.fm/YHh0w). With hemp-derived CBD increasingly being used in health, wellness and anti-pharma products, the market is actually estimated to reach $23.7 billion by 2023.

Biotech researchers are committed to uncovering innovative new ways that CBD can be used for medicinal and other purposes. ETST recognizes the opportunity and is leveraging its background and expertise in both biotech and cannabis to firmly establish its position in the space. As part of that strategy, the company is widening its reach through strategic partnerships designed to develop new and novel cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

Included in Earth Science Tech’s portfolio are three wholly owned subsidiaries focused on expanding the company’s work in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. These subsidiaries include Cannabis Therapeutics Inc., KannaBidioiD (“KBD”) and Earth Science Pharma.

Cannabis Therapeutics Inc. is leading out in the development of new, cutting-edge, cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. CTI is invested in research and development to explore and harness the medicinal power of cannabidiol. The company holds a provisional application patent for a CBD product that is focused on developing treatments for breast and ovarian cancers.

KannaBidioiD provides a variety of products designed for the recreational cannabis arena. KBD’s unique Kanna and CBD formulation is sold and distributed in CBD-infused edibles and e-liquid products.

Earth Science Pharma Inc. is committed to the development of low-cost, noninvasive diagnostic tools, medical devices, testing processes and vaccines for sexually transmitted infections and/or diseases. The company’s first medical device, MSN-2, is a home kit designed for the detection of STIs, such as chlamydia, from a self-obtained gynecological specimen. Earth Science Pharma is working to develop and bring to market medical devices and vaccines that meet the specific needs of women.

Earth Science Tech’s current and pipeline offerings provide a variety of products and unique formulations. As legalization of medical marijuana spreads, investment opportunities in the cannabis biotech sector continue to grow.

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

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

• VPRB’s electronic cigarette patent is one of the first originally filed; it dates back to 2009
• The popularity of auto-draw technology in vaping devices creates an ‘opportune’ time for the company to consider licensing intellectual property
• The e-cigarette and vaping industries are predicted to grow at a global CAGR of 24.9 percent from 2019 to 2025

As demand for e-cigarettes and vaping technologies grows into a multibillion-dollar industry, key players in the space are seeking to protect their proprietary technologies against patent theft. One such innovator is VPR Brands LP (OTCQB: VPRB), a multi-vertical tiered technology holding company in the cannabis space, including vaping. The company is seeking to protect its e-cigarette utility patent, one of the first originally filed electronic cigarette patents dating back to 2009, against infringement. At the same time, VPR Brands is exploring alternative routes of licensing or even selling its patented auto-draw technology, a valuable asset (http://ibn.fm/zKakZ).

This conflict over proprietary rights has a notable history in the industry. In 2014, The Economist reported the story of Fontem Ventures, a Netherlands-based subsidiary of Britain’s Imperial Tobacco that sued 11 American e-cigarette makers (http://ibn.fm/h9jGh). A sea of litigation and acquisitions later, Imperial remains a key player in the e-cigarette and vaping market and is the owner of several broad patents, the analysis found. At that time, the American vaping market was just beginning its growth and was valued at a mere $1.5 billion.

Years later, with the market having quadrupled in size, the stakes are markedly higher. The value of trademarks in this space has grown, and companies must be increasingly vigilant to safeguard their patent rights. Grand View Research found that North America is the largest global regional market in the e-cigarette and vaping space at an estimated $4.6 billion in 2018. The industry is predicted to grow at a global CAGR of 24.9 percent from 2019 to 2025. Globally, the e-cigarette and vaping market was seen in 2018 as reaching $10.3 billion and expanding at a CAGR of 24.9 percent through 2025 (http://ibn.fm/Llbta). The impressive rate at which the industry is growing has created an entrepreneurial attraction to newcomers in the space, causing a critical need for more established companies like VPR Brands to protect their trade secrets.

“The surge of the vaping category for nicotine, cannabis and CBD in the last few years has reached billions of dollars in sales,” VPR Brands CEO Kevin Frija stated in a news release. “This has resulted in opportunities for our patented auto-draw technology, which we believe is now preferred by many users of pod systems and ‘cigalikes’.” Frija added that these conditions have created an “opportune time to consider licensing, enforcement, or potentially a sale of [the company’s] intellectual property to one of the larger players in the space who may then be in a better position to snub out many of the counterfeit or black market vapes.”

VPRB is also seeking to develop a monetization infringement enforcement plan for its American utility patent, the company said. It is exploring its legal options and strategies related to prosecuting offenders and is gauging available remedies. Additionally, VPRB is investigating buttonless vape devices that initiate vaporization from the user’s airflow inhalation, which are suspected to infringe on VPRB’s utility patent.

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

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