• XESP’s Digital Engagement Engine(TM), uses smart technology to manage meaningful online interactions clients have with their target market
• The technology tailors content and dynamically connects to an audience in a way that was previously only possible through face-to-face interactions
• Recent published report indicates that the future of marketing is conversational and that spending on conversational commerce channels is projected to grow to almost $300 billion by 2025, up from $41 billion in 2021

The future of marketing is conversational, according to a recent State of Conversational Commerce Report. The report, which surveyed 8,000 consumers from Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK, showed that 88% of respondents would engage in a two-way conversation with a brand about a product. Moreover, the report revealed that most respondents are more comfortable than ever interacting with brands, especially when they feel they are getting value (https://ibn.fm/2iIfL).

Also known as conversational marketing, conversational commerce is changing how consumers shop as well as how they relate and interact with brands. It is characterized by interactive, people-driven conversations that support the entire customer experience journey, from brand awareness to post-purchase.

As more and more consumers embrace two-way conversations with brands, conversational marketing automation is set to grow and evolve. Experts, for instance, predict that business owners will extend the use of virtual agents (chatbots) beyond what had become the norm. Historically, chatbots were used for website navigation, answering basic product questions, and forwarding prospects to the sales department. “Business owners are starting to use intelligent chat for more than basic product questions or site navigations. Instead, customers and prospects engage with conversational AI as part of mid-to-low funnel communications,” reads an article in Spiceworks (https://ibn.fm/JX0l8).

Positioned ahead of the curve, Electronic Servitor Publication Network (OTCQB: XESP) developed its Digital Engagement Engine(TM) technology to disrupt the market by helping clients maintain control of their content while dynamically engaging their audiences. The Digital Engagement Engine(TM) makes content marketing and, by extension, conversational marketing exponentially effective. The tech stack can identify the narrowest of niches within a target market and target leads with great accuracy. It tailors content to address audience members’ precise interests and needs and dynamically delivers it to them right when they need it.

The Digital Engagement Engine uses smart technology – a combination of automation, cutting-edge data analysis, unique data management, and a modern workflow built on a microservices architecture – to manage all meaningful online interactions clients have with their target market. Going beyond omnichannel marketing, it meets individuals within the target market right where they are – from social media platforms to company websites – and digitally replicates face-to-face interactions. The technology thus helps brands develop real connections with their target customers. But that’s not all.

“The Digital Engagement Engine overlays with the [conversational marketing and omnichannel content publication] tools to ensure that you are having a co-created conversation that is meaningful to the individual user rather than a one-size-fits-all,” explained XESP CEO Peter Hager in an interview with Spotlight Network (https://ibn.fm/qfr7K). “That meaningful interaction drives a greater relationship with your audience and trust. Ultimately, it drives greater growth in your organization and, very simply put, replicates what you do face-to-face. And if we can do that online, which the Digital Engagement Engine helps you do, you’re going to produce better results.”

Companies are increasingly aware of the trends in conversational marketing and are taking steps to capitalize on intelligent chat technology and other conversational commerce channels, which have been shown to simplify brand interactions. Accordingly, Statista projects that global spending on conversational commerce channels will grow to about $290 billion by 2025, up from $41 billion in 2021 (https://ibn.fm/uUM84). With its revolutionary tech stack, Electronic Servitor Publication Network is well positioned to tap into this growth.

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

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

• Forbes reports that “2023 travel trends show no slowdown”
• SHRG’s MyTravelVentures offers members full access to exclusive deals across the travel industry
• The company just wrapped up an exclusive premium resort getaway to Cancun, Mexico

As travel spending continues to trend upward, Sharing Services Global (OTCQB: SHRG) wholly owned subsidiary, MyTravelVentures, celebrated a milestone: the company just completed its first-ever Venture Trip at the Sensira Resort and Spa in Cancun, Mexico (https://ibn.fm/61KkX). MyTravelVentures is a subscription-based travel company that offers access to wholesale travel savings, and the company is looking to strengthen its position as the travel space grows.

According to a recent report from the U.S. Travel Association, total travel spending In May improved to 1.4% above May 2022 levels and was up 5.5% year-to-date through May 2023 (https://ibn.fm/smQ5K). In addition, air travel demand remained above May 2022.

Furthermore, Forbes is reporting that, even with continuing inflation, layoffs and a potential recession, “2023 travel trends show no slowdown” (https://ibn.fm/hcBzc). According to the July 1, 2023, article, “Despite the challenges that came with traveling last year, Americans still intend to travel in 2023. A resounding 87% of survey respondents expect to travel at least as much as they did in the prior year, with 49% selecting that they expect to travel more.

“This is especially true among younger respondents, with 59% of those between the ages of 18 to 26 planning to travel more in 2023,” the report continued. “This is impressive considering 45% of respondents traveled once or twice in 2022, with 42% traveling three or more times in 2022. All types of trips remain popular for the coming year, though visiting with friends and family leads the list. Over half of respondents expect to take leisure trips to see loved ones. Road trips, beach vacations and trips to celebrate life events or milestones such as a birthday or anniversary were also popular vacation options.”

This is the ideal climate for MyTravelVentures to prosper and grow. The company’s subscription-based membership plan, which is available for a recurring monthly fee with no contracts or commitments, offers members full access to exclusive deals across the travel industry. These deals represent savings of up to 65% on a variety of services, including flights, hotels, transportation and events; the plan even includes nontravel-related services such as retailer discounts, cash-back programs and telehealth services.

Even more exciting are the company’s curated, all-inclusive group vacation packages. These exclusive Venture Trips offer premium resort getaways with immersive experiences. The inaugural Venture Trip wrapped up earlier this year, with participants enjoying a luxurious multiday getaway in Cancun, Mexico, at the Sensira Resort and Spa. The memorable Mexico vacation included premier dining experiences, premium spa and resort amenities, and organized activities at the resort and nearby beaches.

“We couldn’t be more excited about our first Venture Trip in Cancun,” said MyTravelVentures vice president Dave Dove. “It was the ultimate getaway. We had over 50 members in attendance, an amazing resort, a 10-course meal at the Galerie des Sans restaurant, a poker night and so much more. And the best part, hands down, was connecting with such a diverse and fun community of people.”

Sharing Services Global Corporation is a publicly traded diversified company dedicated to maximizing shareholder value through the acquisition and development of innovative companies, products and technologies. The Sharing Services combined platform leverages the capabilities and expertise of various companies that market and sell products direct to the consumer.

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

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

• Lexaria Nutraceutical Corp. will keep Lexaria’s overall strategy of maximizing the company’s patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology in various markets, excluding pharmaceutical, nicotine, and cannabis molecules
• Lexaria Pharmaceutical Corp.’s licensing was amended so as to solely focus on pharmaceutical formulations excluding nicotine
• Lexaria announced in early May that its nicotine trial, NIC-H22-1, had completed dosing with results expected in the near future
• NIC-H22-1 is anticipated to intercede the oral nicotine pouch market, which had a global value of $2.33 billion in 2020, and is expected to grow to $21.84 billion by 2027

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX, LEXXW), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, recently announced the incorporation of a new wholly-owned subsidiary under the name Lexaria Nutraceutical Corp. (LEXX Nutra). LEXX Nutra will keep with Lexaria’s overall strategy of maximizing the company’s patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology in various markets. Lexaria has issued an exclusive, perpetual license to LEXX Nutra, allowing the use of DehydraTECH to create consumer packaged goods and/or intermediate ingredients composed of molecular compounds except those associated with nicotine or cannabis (https://ibn.fm/jZ9lF).

LEXX Nutra is also prohibited from using the licensing agreement for the manufacturing of any pharmaceutical product. Lexaria’s other wholly-owned subsidiary, Lexaria Pharmaceutical Corp. (LEXX Pharma), has had its licensing amended so that its sole focus is on manufacturing pharmaceutical products composed of any molecule except nicotine-associated molecules.

Lexaria additionally announced at the beginning of May that its human oral nicotine study, NIC-H22-1, has completed dosing. Data amalgamation and analysis have been ongoing, and Lexaria expects to be able to release results in the coming weeks. NIC-H22-1 is a human pharmacokinetic randomized, double-blinded, cross-over study conducted in a minimum of 36 human volunteers that currently smoke cigarettes. The global oral nicotine pouch market was valued at $2.33 billion in 2020 and is growing at a CAGR of 30.7%, expected to result in a value of $21.84 billion by 2027 (https://ibn.fm/W4wPf).

Lexaria is focused on the ongoing research and development efforts of product candidates across multiple segments, including hypertension, oral nicotine, antivirals, epilepsy, human hormones, PDE5 inhibitors, and more. The company’s DehydraTECH was designed to formulate and deliver fat-soluble drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients to increase effectiveness and improve how active pharmaceutical ingredients enter the bloodstream. The major benefits of ingesting a DehydraTECH-enabled drug or consumer product include the following:

• A faster delivery time, with effects felt in minutes
• Increased bioavailability, with more of the drug entering the bloodstream
• Increased brain absorption, with animal testing that suggests a significant improvement in the quantity of the drug being delivered across the blood-brain barrier
• Improved drug potency, with more of the ingested product being made available to the body, requiring lower dosages for the desired outcome
• Reduced drug administration costs, with lower dosages, meaning less cost overall
• The masking of unwanted tastes, which eliminates the use of unnecessary sweeteners

DehydraTECH is covered by 35 granted patents, with several pending worldwide, with more granted patents anticipated in the future. Lexaria’s DehydraTECH is suitable for a wide range of product formats – including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, consumer packaged goods, and over-the-counter capsules, pills, tablets, and oral suspensions. The new incorporation of LEXX Nutra will allow the wholly-owned subsidiary to utilize DehydraTECH, or sublicense the use of DehydraTECH in various markets.

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

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

• The Web3, AI, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, DeFi, Metaverse, and NFT communities will come together September 13-15th, at The Expo @ World Market Center Las Vegas for the BREATHE! Convention
• Emerging tech newcomers and pros will have access to the latest trends, best practices, insights, and cutting-edge research in AI, Blockchain, DeFi, and more – connecting with like-minded individuals, professionals, and colleagues
• Hive, the Official BREATHE! Center of the Universe Mainstage sponsor, has established the Hive Village through community funding to create a space for the Hive blockchain ecosystem

Fostering networking opportunities, widespread adoption, and educational experiences within the world of Web3, AI, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, DeFi, Metaverse, and NFTs, BREATHE! Convention is scheduled to take place September 13-15th, 2023, at The Expo @ World Market Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. BREATHE! is the first-ever emerging tech Convention approved by the venue to focus heavily on mass adoption, making it a historical event that is 100% backed by passionate, community-involved investors. 

Hive, the official BREATHE! Center of the Universe Mainstage sponsor, has established the Hive Village as a part of its commitment to the projects involved in the Hive blockchain ecosystem. The Hive Village was secured by leveraging community funding to purchase individual exhibit spaces at BREATHE!, which allowed the ecosystem to give multiple projects exhibition space directly on the show floor. The commitment of Hive to its projects came at a critical time in emerging tech history as developers, investors, and enthusiasts continue to look for a return in momentum that propelled massive Web3, Blockchain, and AI innovations since 2021.

“This is Hive’s way of investing back into their own ecosystem, and they’re true leaders of blockchain for bringing to life such a simple but powerful concept,” said BREATHE! Co-Founder and CMO Stormie Andrews (https://ibn.fm/O3Yl9). “The Hive Village allows attendees to get the full scope of the Hive ecosystem, where revolutionary projects get direct exposure to Web3 backers and leaders that was otherwise impossible. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

For three days, emerging tech newcomers and pros will have access to the latest trends, best practices, insights, and cutting-edge research in AI, Blockchain, DeFi, and more. The experience will include a first look and hands-on experience with wallets, peer-to-peer transactions, and digital ownership practices – all while connecting and networking with like-minded individuals, professionals, and colleagues.

BREATHE! Convention will also feature captivating panel discussions and Keynote presentations held by passionate industry leaders and professionals that have been carefully curated for the latest emerging tech developments and breakthroughs. Some of the speakers already committed to presenting at BREATHE! include Alex Rozman, SVP, Global Head of Compliance at Polygon, Crimsonclad, Operations at Hive Blockchain; Dan Nuñez Cohen, VP, Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Crypto.com; and Lori Rodriguez, President of Women in Tech US and Author of Hidden Lives of Women in STEM; among others.

With up to 5,000 investors, developers, collectors, and educators coming together from around the world, BREATHE! Convention expects to bring emerging tech leaders and communities a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate and network with some of the best minds across multiple industries.

“We have a lot planned on the horizon for BREATHE! so I’m confident in saying you’re going to see some really fun and exciting stuff come to light relatively soon. Imagine what we, as an emerging tech community, can accomplish when we bring in investment opportunities and expand usability for businesses and governments around the world. The power to transform the world for the better is on our doorstep,” Andrews added. (https://ibn.fm/zbE3W).

BREATHE! Convention is powered by Metakeep and NFT-TiX

To learn more, please visit https://breatheconvention.com/.

• Fr8Tech just announced its move to join AMACARGA to expand its capabilities to cater to the growing demands of its clients importing goods from Asia
• The company’s association with AMACARGA affords it exceptional expertise and adherence to industry standards, bolstering its reputation in the industry
• The move further compounds Fr8Tech’s aggressive partnerships and collaborations plan, having recently announced its association with Trucker Tools, an automated booking solutions platform

Freight Technologies (NASDAQ: FRGT) (“Fr8Tech”), a tech company on a mission to revolutionize cross-border shipping by offering carriers increased growth opportunities and increasing shipper flexibility, visibility, and simplicity, just announced its move to join the Mexican Association of Cargo Agents (“AMACARGA”). This is viewed as a strategic move by the company that will expand its capabilities to cater to the growing demands of its clients importing goods from Asia (https://ibn.fm/nGMvF).

AMACARGA is the largest association of cargo agents in Mexico, an authoritative voice among Mexican and international chambers, associations, and authorities. Fr8Tech’s association with it affords it exceptional expertise and adherence to industry standards, a critical aspect in bolstering its reputation as a reliable and trustworthy freight solution provider. To deliver on its commitment to its customers, Fr8Tech is adapting its innovative Fr8App platform to integrate with marine shipping operations seamlessly. This move will see it offer streamlined and efficient solutions that meet the needs of Less-Than-Truckload (“LTL”) shipping.

“We are excited to join AMACARGA, a prestigious institution in the field of cargo agents,” noted Javier Selgas, Fr8Tech’s CEO.

“This membership will help us expand the footprint of offerings to our clients and validate our continuous efforts to revolutionize the logistics industry, and underscore our unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to our clients,” he added.

Fr8Tech has been no stranger to partnerships and collaborations. It recently announced its collaboration with the automated booking solutions platform Trucker Tools. This arrangement integrated Trucker Tools’ extensive network of over 315,000 carriers across the United States with Fr8App (https://ibn.fm/7xc1Q). The collaboration and its move to join AMACARGA stamp Fr8Tech’s position as a leader in its space. In addition, it shows the company’s commitment to creating value, not just for its customers but also for its shareholders.

“We remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and providing exceptional service, consistently exceeding the expectations of our valued customers,” noted Mr. Selgas.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Fr8Technologies.com and its freight matching platform information website at www.Fr8.App.

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

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IBN (InvestorBrandNetwork)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Scottsdale, AZ] — GolfLync, the leading social networking platform for golfers, is thrilled to announce the launch of the GolfLync Pebble Beach Sweepstakes. This exciting sweepstakes gives golf enthusiasts a chance to win a dream golf trip to the iconic Pebble Beach Resorts, renowned as the No. 1 Golf Resort in America.

Pebble Beach Resorts, nestled on California’s breathtaking Monterey Peninsula, offers an unparalleled golfing experience. With its three Top 50 public courses, including the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links, golf at Pebble Beach Resorts is an unforgettable journey. From the stunning coastal views at Spanish Bay to the majestic pines of Spyglass Hill, each course presents its own unique challenges and thrills.

As the greatest public golf course in America, as rated by Golf Digest, Pebble Beach has a rich history of hosting prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Open and, for the first time in 2023, the U.S. Women’s Open. This sweepstakes provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for golf enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of championship golf and experience the magic of Pebble Beach firsthand.

The GolfLync Sweepstakes began on April 17 and will run until October 1, just before midnight. To participate, golfers simply need to download the GolfLync app, available on both Android and iOS platforms, and create an account during the sweepstakes period. By doing so, they will automatically be entered for a chance to win this extraordinary golf trip. (Official rules).

The winner of the GolfLync Pebble Beach Sweepstakes will be selected through a random drawing, which will take place on October 4. Following the drawing, the lucky winner will be notified and provided with all the details to embark on their unforgettable golf adventure at Pebble Beach Resorts.

For more information about GolfLync, visit Golf Lync. For more information on the official rules, visit the GolfLync website: (Official rules).

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About GolfLync:

GolfLync is a leading social networking platform designed exclusively for golfers. With a focus on community-building and user engagement, GolfLync connects golf enthusiasts, fosters vibrant Virtual Golf Clubs(TM), and enhances the overall golfing experience. GolfLync is available for download on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

More than 2,000 financial analysts, business owners, investors, financial institutions, regulators, and business pioneers, are invited to attend the FinovateFall to be held in the Marriott Marquis Times Square, New York, September 11-13, 2023. The transformative event promises to be a catalyst for industry trends, innovative ideas, and robust connections. It will feature the top financial leaders and visionaries who will share insights into the latest financial technology solutions. 50% of the attendees will be from banks and other financial institutions.

As the world’s leading fintech conference, FinovateFall is committed to driving collaboration among the top players in the fintech ecosystem. The event will provide a unique opportunity to advance financial innovation and provide a comprehensive understanding of the cutting-edge advancements that are shaping the financial world. Through live 7-min demos, this premier event will showcase a myriad of game-changing platforms, innovative technologies, and applications to transform the financial landscape.

Expert Sessions from Visionaries and Financial Leaders

FinovateFall will provide a unique platform for potential partners, investors, and business leaders. Featuring a fast-paced, live demo format, the event will explore the many opportunities and challenges in the fintech space. Fintech experts will share insights into innovative solutions and products in the rapidly-evolving financial industry. Participants will gain valuable information about state-of-the-art strategies, regulatory developments, and market trends, all needed to stay “ahead of the curve”.

One of the hallmarks of FinovateFall is expert panel discussions and seminars by major thought leaders and keynote speakers. The event provides a dynamic networking environment for business leaders, potential partners, and investors, to build fruitful and long-lasting connections. A smart, match-making app will allow attendees to easily connect with the people most important to their business goals.

Register now to secure your spot at FinovateFall and get ready to be a part of the financial revolution. Use code FKV2474NNW to save 20%

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/sLe8Y.

• The content marketing industry was valued at $63 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $107 billion by 2026 – growing exponentially since the pandemic
• XESP’s Digital Engagement Engine(TM) is a technology platform specifically designed for digital activation and engagement
• XESP provides its expertise as a managed service, using the phrase “Growth as a Service” to describe its disruptive offering

Companies of all sizes use content marketing to create and distribute relevant online content that caters to target audiences, all in an effort to maximize reach, increase brand awareness, educate audiences, and generate revenue. The content marketing industry’s value was $63 billion in 2022 and it is expected to reach $107 billion by 2026 (https://ibn.fm/dg0jJ). In today’s competitive marketing landscape, companies frequently adjust approaches to ensure that they are at the forefront of technological advances and trends in the industry.

Electronic Servitor Publication Network (OTCQB: XESP), is a digital engagement company and market disruptor that is focused on connecting companies with target audiences to drive predictable growth.  XESP’s expertise and technology is offered as a managed service, providing B2B clients with cutting-edge data analysis and intelligent technology to help them reach out to and actually connect with target markets and audiences.  The company describes its offering as “Growth as a Service”.

XESP has developed the Digital Engagement Engine(TM), a technology platform specifically designed for digital activation and engagement. This platform is built on workflows and microservices that automate tasks to help companies digitally connect with consumers while reducing costs, enhancing user engagement, and more effectively achieving growth targets. XESP’s platform provides clients with dynamic customer engagement that builds meaningful connections that drive customers from awareness to action.

Many companies use defined marketing monologues that present their messages and stories without input from the target audience. However, successful businesses have found that reaching the modern audience requires a two-way dialogue between the company and the consumers it serves. Through XESP’s Digital Engagement Engine(TM), companies establish and manage that dialogue to create meaningful interactions that drive growth, while still being in control of their content and market relevance.

XESP focuses on three important digital elements to improve client outcomes:

• Connecting with the target audience
• Relating to the target community
• Influencing positive customer relationships

Clients who wish to implement XESP’s services find the process effortless, with the engagement management handled by XESP’s team. The company has positioned itself as the go-to company for clients looking for growth by optimizing their digital interaction with target audiences in non-face-to-face situations.

According to a CMO Survey, companies saw a 62.3% increase in the role of marketing and an increase in the importance of marketing implementation in June 2020. This number increased to 72.2% in February 2021 – with B2B companies seeing the highest increase in the industry (https://ibn.fm/ZyOJt).

The Digital Engagement Engine(TM) utilizes a combination of automation, powerful data management, and a modern workflow built on a microservices architecture to achieve greater reach and lift for clients. Through its sophisticated data analysis and smart technology, the company allows clients to maintain complete control of their content while creating meaningful relationships with new customers and revenue streams.

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

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

• FEXD is working to develop a global financial technology ecosystem comprising a network of mobile money platforms, technologies, applications, products, and services
• The company aims to use emerging technologies like blockchain, web 3.0, AI, and the metaverse to reduce costs and accelerate the processing of money transfers, loans, and other lifestyle services
• Blockchain is disrupting financial institutions in new ways, creating an entirely new market and an avenue to bank the unbanked
• It offers benefits such as speed, security, accessibility, transparency, and cost reductions
• FEXD hopes to leverage emerging technologies like blockchain to ease the process of moving money across borders

When Satoshi Nakamoto, a mysterious figure whose identity remains unknown more than a decade later, launched Bitcoin, a digital currency built on top of a peer-to-peer network that recorded transactions by “hashing them into an ongoing chain of hash-based proof-of-work” that could not be changed “without redoing the proof-of-work” (https://ibn.fm/9rYlI), they may only have had an inkling of what they had set in motion.

But as revolutionary as the idea of a digital currency backed by a proof-of-work chain, later renamed the blockchain, appears presently, it did not immediately catch on, much like most technologies. While Satoshi published their proof-of-work white paper in 2008 and launched Bitcoin at the beginning of the following year, blockchain development was still limited toward the end of 2009 (https://ibn.fm/OzfJW). But the somewhat delayed recognition of the power of blockchain did little to disrupt the trajectory of a technology whose time had indeed come.

At its core, and based on its initially intended use case, blockchain allows the decentralized transaction of digital currencies without the intervention of or assistance from centralized bodies such as banks. It is a shared, immutable digital ledger that records transactions and cannot be erased, copied, or changed; each cryptocurrency has its blockchain. Of course, the underlying operating mechanism is much more complicated than this short explanation.

But the bottom line is that blockchain is disrupting financial institutions in new ways, creating an entirely new market and an avenue to bank the unbanked. “Blockchain is creating new financial solutions that scale faster and cheaper, more secure, and more accessible to even ordinary men on the street. It has removed the barriers to enjoying financial services, enforced security, removed middlemen, and enhanced transparency,” explains an article in Forbes (https://ibn.fm/8mF2q).

The disruptive power of blockchain has drawn in Fintech Ecosystem Development (NASDAQ: FEXD), a company working to develop a global financial technology ecosystem comprising a network of mobile money platforms, technologies, applications, products, and services. The technologies, the company’s website states, are meant to “make it easy to move money across borders to almost any place in the world, in virtually any currency, using your mobile phone or laptop.”

FEXD aims to use emerging technologies such as blockchain, web 3.0, artificial intelligence (“AI”), and the metaverse to reduce costs and accelerate the processing of money transfers, loans, and other lifestyle services, which will benefit consumers and businesses in many countries, according to Dr. Sainful Khandaker, CEO, President and Founder of FEXD (https://ibn.fm/WQLO4).

Looking at what blockchain offers or is expected to offer, it is easy to appreciate the motivation behind FEXD’s focus. First, the technology has been promoted as a solution to wide-ranging issues affecting businesses, from identity verification and supply chain monitoring to fraud management (https://ibn.fm/FC2dt). Beyond this benefit, blockchain is also expected to:

• Provide personalized services that fit consumers’ specific needs
• Save businesses substantial amounts of time and money by eliminating complex and expensive processes
• Shift control and management of data to users by doing away with intermediaries
• Support and manage high volumes of transactions without slowing down
• Enable faster transactions
• Leverage smart contracts – a set of rules that define conditions for transactions and is executed automatically (https://ibn.fm/N0oGL) – to help fintech companies and financial institutions reduce their operational expenses by reducing the need for a large number of employees
• Improve transparency of transactions

Blockchain is also set to impact other aspects of everyday life beyond the realm of business. For instance, it can be used to protect important documents, such as property deeds and legal documents, from alteration, abuse, or theft. It can also be deployed in the travel and hospitality sector to reduce booking errors and store travelers’ information. And on the intellectual property (“IP”) front, it can help prevent the theft and fraud of IP by confirming ownership (https://ibn.fm/n9jSA). Indeed, blockchain may not be new, but the opportunities it is opening up hold the potential to be disruptive.

With a goal of leveraging the power of such emerging technologies to benefit businesses and consumers downstream, FEXD is not only developing platforms and applications that support cashless transactions but also seeking to acquire and merge with high-growth global fintech companies primarily operating in South Asia with a high volume of customers and extensive network of agents.

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

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

• Canada-based Ucore Rare Metals Inc. has developed a novel RapidSX(TM) technology for processing rare earth elements (“REEs”) considered critical to modern computer technologies and is preparing to scale up to commercial operation
• Because REEs not only have significant importance to the retail sector, but also to the function of many technologies that further government policies and military capabilities, the U.S. Department of Defense has taken an interest in supporting domestic REE development
• Ucore recently received a $4 million award from the DOD to help demonstrate RapidSX(TM) capabilities under the REE supply chain development program
• The company held its initial meeting with the DOD July 6 regarding use of the award

Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF), a supply chain and technology innovator for essential rare earth metals, is building toward commercial-scale operations utilizing its novel RapidSX(TM) solvent extraction process for separating rare earth elements (“REEs”) from their host ore, and is simultaneously working with the U.S. Department of Defense (“DOD”) to demonstrate that RapidSX(TM) is capable of delivering a North America-based REE technology for sustaining both traditional and emerging defense manufacturing sectors.

On June 6 the company announced that the DOD has awarded a $4 million project grant (Other Transaction Agreement, or OTA) to show that Ucore and RapidSX(TM) are able to meet government benchmarks (https://ibn.fm/sTBLd) as part of its efforts to establish an alternative supply chain for REEs not dependent on the People’s Republic of China, which currently wields control over 36.7 percent of the world’s REE reserves, 63 percent of its mining capacity, and over 90 percent of its refining capacity (https://ibn.fm/atWpm).

REEs are considered critical to the functions of most modern devices based on computerized technologies. They are particularly important in manufacture of permanent magnets used in computer hard drives, MRI scanners, wind turbine generators, high function motors including those in hybrid and electric vehicles, roller coaster technology and electric guitar pickups, to provide a short list (https://ibn.fm/bgyM2). They also may serve military applications in Abrams tanks and F-35 jets.

Ucore stated July 13 that it has conducted the initial conference with the DOD regarding use of the award at the company’s demonstration plant in Ontario, Canada, which was designed to test RapidSX in preparation for the company’s commercial plans at a yet-to-be-built facility in Louisiana. Construction there is slated to begin later this year.

“Last week’s [July 6] kickoff meeting allowed us to present our current detailed Project plan of execution to the DoD and ultimately incorporate our potential pathway to rare earth commercial separation through the Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex [SMC] in Alexandria,” Ucore VP and COO Mike Schrider, P.E., stated  in the company announcement (https://ibn.fm/bzxYc). “The OTA has a provision for potential follow-on opportunities for deployment of the RapidSX(TM) technology in the United States — this is a critical aspect of ensuring the United States has access to modern critical metals separation technologies that are competitive on the world stage.”

According to the statement, the goal of the Project is to develop solutions that advance and sustain both traditional and emerging defense manufacturing sectors, preserve critical and unique manufacturing and design skills, support and expand reliable sources, and identify and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities.

At the demonstration plant, the company is demonstrating how RapidSX(TM) holds up against the conventional solvent extraction process (SX or CSX) in a 52-stage pilot-scale plant, as well as the technology’s ability to efficiently and quickly separate individual light and heavy REEs and compounds originating from North American sources, using the same equipment for both classes of REEs.

“We believe that Ucore’s Kingston, Ontario, Demo Plant is currently the largest heavy REE separation plant in North America,” Schrider stated in a June news release about the plant’s feedstocks (https://ibn.fm/PI6xd). “It is capable of processing tens of tonnes of light and heavy REEs utilizing the exact same equipment — and represents a unique technological advantage.”

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

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