• XESP’s managed service offering drives growth through its proprietary smart technology stack, the Digital Engagement Engine(TM)
• This technology allows complete control of content while optimizing reach and lift
• XESP’s ‘Growth as a Service’ allows clients to focus on their brands, core product offerings, and content creation

B2B businesses have seen an increased demand for digital assistance, especially for customer-driven marketing and associated communications. Electronic Servitor Publication Network (OTCQB: XESP), a digital engagement and activation company, offers a managed service that provides digital engagement and activation solutions for companies seeking to enhance their growth. The company is changing the landscape of digital marketing for its clients with its proprietary technology, the Digital Engagement Engine(TM).

XESP’s managed service is powered by a proven and proprietary technology, utilizing a combination of automation, unique data management, and a modern workflow built on a microservices architecture. It provides intelligent interaction management, dynamic content provisioning, and a logic-driven workflow, combining digital experiences that accelerate an audience from awareness to action. The result is greater reach and lift for client content.

XESP’s ‘Growth as a Service’ offering is designed to allow clients to focus on their brands, core product offerings, and content creation, while XESP manages the technology and outcome. The Digital Engagement Engine(TM) is not just another marketing or technology tool but a way to develop real connections with target markets.

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

• The partnership will leverage D-Wave’s Leap(TM) quantum cloud service coupled with IPG’s data assets
• IPG recently launched a pilot program with D-Wave to build marketing optimization equations for one of the company’s top 20 clients in the retail industry
• Leap provides access to the Advantage quantum computing system and quantum hybrid solvers, enabling users to tackle complex problems of up to 1 million variables and 100,000 constraints

D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS), a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services focused on delivering customer value via practical quantum computing solutions, recently announced a partnership with one of the world’s leading global advertising and marketing services companies, Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Through the partnership, D-Wave and IPG will work together on quantum computing applications that fuel innovation in marketing investments and strategies (https://ibn.fm/fYyy3).

As part of their collaboration, D-Wave and IPG will use D-Wave’s quantum computers and hybrid solvers through the Leap cloud service, coupled with IPG’s data assets, creating quantum applications designed to build high-value audiences for marketers in various settings. IPG recently launched a pilot program with D-Wave to build marketing optimization equations for one of the company’s top 20 clients to optimize campaigns in the retail industry.

D-Wave’s Leap quantum cloud service delivers immediate, real-time access to the company’s Advantage(TM) quantum computers and quantum hybrid solver service – allowing for enterprise-class performance and scalability (https://ibn.fm/waofR). Through a seamless and secure cloud-based connection, Leap users can easily start solving complex problems of up to 1 million variables and 100,000 constraints. By eliminating the need to wait hours, days, or even weeks for useful answers to industry problems, D-Wave is helping businesses accelerate solutions to their most challenging problems now.

D-Wave CEO Dr. Alan Baratz explained that consumers encounter brand messages daily, and breaking through to reach the right customer at the right time remains a difficult challenge for businesses, given the vast number of existing variables. “We’re excited to work with IPG to bring the power of quantum to advertising optimization, more efficiently harnessing a massive amount of data to create hyper-targeted campaigns that drive desired outcomes for brands,” Dr. Baratz added.

D-Wave has a portfolio of commercial clients, including blue-chip industry leaders like Volkswagen, Mastercard, Deloitte, ArcelorMittal, Siemens Healthineers, Unisys, Accenture, BBVA, NEC Corporation, Pattison Food Group Ltd., DENSO, and Lockheed Martin. During the first quarter of 2023, D-Wave signed several new and expanded existing customer engagements with Forbes 2000 companies and industry leaders, including IPG, Unisys US, POLARISqb, and Quantum Algorithms Institute.

IPG is an S&P 500 company, home to some of the world’s best-known and most innovative communication specialists. IPG brands include Acxiom, Craft, FCB, FutureBrand, Golin, Huge, Initiative, IPG Health, Jack Morton, Kinesso, MAGNA, Matterkind, McCann, Mediabrands, Mediahub, Momentum, MRM, MullenLowe Group, Octagon, R/GA, UM, Weber Shandwick, and more.

“At IPG, we understand that every customer is unique, with very personal passions, behaviors, and motivations,” said Philippe Krakowsky, CEO of IPG. “By working with D-Wave and adopting quantum technology as part of our tech stack, we believe we can uncover an even greater collection of data-driven insights to deliver more relevant and effective marketing for our clients at scale.”

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

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

• In May, Lexaria made a number of positive announcements related to its R&D initiatives
• In addition to holding its 2023 Annual Meeting, the company completed dosing for its human clinical nicotine study, NIC-H22-1
• Lexaria also reported 900% improvements in delivery of DehydraTECH(TM) processed estrogen into blood plasma in an animal study
• In a human hypertension study, the company announced that its DehydraTECH-CBD formulation resulted in significant reductions in the blood plasma levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers (IL 8, 10, and 18)
• These biomarkers are linked to cardiovascular disease (“CVD”) and many other conditions, such as asthma, lung diseases, chronic kidney disease, fatty liver disease, Type 1 and 2 diabetes, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, held its 2023 Annual Meeting on the 9th of May, with shareholders voting on several agenda items, including the election of directors, appointment of auditors, approval of the stock option pricing, approval of the amendment to the maxim number of shares issuable pursuant to the Incentive Equity Plan, and approval of the addition of an evergreen formula to the Incentive Equity Plan. All items put to the vote were approved by the majority, setting the stage for what would become a month of even more positives, particularly around the company’s research and development (“R&D”) initiatives.

“If you’ve been following Lexaria for any period of time, you know that applied R&D is our lifeblood. It helps us establish areas of investigation for commercial pursuits, reduces risks of the unknown for both commercial and regulatory goals, and more,” wrote Lexaria CEO Chris Bunka in the January 2023 annual letter (https://ibn.fm/XQswm).

A look at the company’s announcements throughout May shows its unwavering resolve to support its lifeblood and, in the process, gain additional knowledge and understanding of the limitations and capabilities of its patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology. The company started the month off with the announcement that it had completed dosing in its human clinical nicotine study, NIC-H22-1.

With data showing that cigarette smoking claims the lives of more than 7 million people per year globally, Lexaria conducted the study as part of its efforts to validate its reduced-risk technology, which is poised to potentially provide tobacco smokers with a safer and faster-acting source of purified nicotine that delivers nicotine into blood plasma faster, potentially satisfying cravings more quickly. The study evaluated the capabilities of the company’s DehydraTECH-processed oral nicotine formulation by comparing it with the performance of other commercially available oral nicotine pouches sold under the On! and Zyn brands. Lexaria will provide further updates and any relevant material findings as they become available (https://ibn.fm/PYLeS).

Lexaria also reported the completion of its animal study HOR-A22-1, demonstrating its DehydraTECH(TM) platform technology significantly enhanced the oral delivery of estradiol, a type of estrogen hormone that is used in therapeutic products in women’s health sector (https://ibn.fm/HAL2x). Performed in 20 female Sprague-Dawley rats, the study compared a DehydraTECH-estradiol formulation to a generic estradiol composition.

The study aimed to evaluate the ability of DehydraTECH to enhance the delivery properties of the orally administered hormone using parameters such as Cmax, the maximum concentration in the bloodstream, and area under the curve (“AUC”), a measure that gives insight into the total delivery of estradiol over time and the extent of exposure to estrone. (Estrone is a second type of estrogen that is reversibly manufactured from estradiol in tissues found in the mammary gland, uterus, and liver.)

The animal study HOR-A22-1 found that the DehydraTECH-estradiol formulation resulted in a Cmax about 900% higher than the control formulation’s. Additionally, the AUC readings for estradiol and estrone when the DehydraTECH-processed composition was used were 1,500% and 12,500% higher, respectively, than when the control was used.

In other R&D, Lexaria announced additional findings from its human clinical study HYPER-H21-4, completed last year. The hypertension study sought to evaluate DehydraTECH-processed cannabidiol (“CBD”) as a potential antihypertensive medication and already achieved primary efficacy and safety objectives. According to the company, the study also demonstrated significant reductions in several pro-inflammatory biomarkers – interleukin (“IL”) 8, 10, and 18 – known to be linked to cardiovascular disease (“CVD”) and many other conditions such as asthma, lung diseases, chronic kidney disease, fatty liver disease, type 1 and 2 diabetes, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis.

More specifically, after five weeks of treatment, the DehydraTECH-CBD formulation resulted in a 19%, 27%, and 43% reduction in the blood plasma levels of IL 8, 10, and 18, respectively. “There is some pre-clinical evidence for the anti-inflammatory actions of CBD, but this is likely the most convincing evidence in humans that I have ever seen,” Dr. Philip Ainslie, Cardiovascular Advisor to Lexaria and Lead Investigator of the study, said of the results.

In non-R&D-related news, the company reported the closing of its public offering, which generated approximately $2.0 million in gross proceeds (https://ibn.fm/CZgk2).

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 positive data from the Acclaim-1 Phase 1 portion of the Phase 1/2 clinical trial has been published in an abstract at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, which took place in Chicago, IL and online June 2 – 6, 2023
• Acclaim-1 is an open-label, multi-center Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating REQORSA(R) in combination with Tagrisso(R)
• The Phase 2 expansion portion of the study is expected to enroll approximately 66 patients – half of which will have only received Tagrisso(R) and the other half receiving Tagrisso(R) and chemotherapy
• The global lung cancer treatment market is expected to grow to $48.7 billion by 2026

Genprex (NASDAQ: GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with cancer and diabetes, recently announced that positive data from the Phase 1 portion of its Acclaim-1 clinical trial evaluating REQORSA(R) Immunogene Therapy in combination with Tagrisso(R) in late-stage non-small cell lung cancer (“NSCLC”) have been published in an abstract at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (“ASCO”) Annual Meeting, which took place June 2-6, 2023 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, and online (https://ibn.fm/tzmZS).

The preliminary results from eight patients show that the combination of REQORSA and Tagrisso was well tolerated at all three dose levels of the Phase 1 trial, with encouraging evidence of efficacy observed. “We are thrilled to have our abstract, which reports positive results from the Phase 1 portion of our Acclaim-1 clinical trial, published at the ASCO Annual meeting,” said Mark Berger, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Genprex. “We are encouraged by the favorable safety profile of REQORSA, as well as the preliminary efficacy data we have observed.  These data supported the Safety Review Committee’s approval of our advancement to the Phase 2 expansion portion of the clinical trial, which we expect to begin in the third quarter.”

The Acclaim-1 clinical trial is an open-label, multi-center Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating the company’s lead drug candidate in combination with Tagrisso in patients with late-stage NSCLC with activating epidermal growth factor receptor mutations whose disease progressed after treatment with Tagrisso. The dose escalation Phase 1 portion of the Acclaim-1 clinical trial has been completed, and the Phase 2 expansion portion of the study is expected to enroll approximately 66 patients, half of whom will have received only Tagrisso treatment – the other half will have received Tagrisso and chemotherapy treatments.

Genprex works with world-class institutions and collaborators to develop drug candidates to further its pipeline of gene therapies to provide novel treatment approaches, which includes its lead product candidate REQORSA Immunogene Therapy. REQORSA consists of the TUSC2 gene expressing plasmid encapsulated in non-viral nanoparticles made from lipid molecules with a positive electrical charge. The drug candidate is injected intravenously and targets cancer cells.

Developing resistance to drugs like Tagrisso, Keytruda, and Tecentriq is inevitable for many cancer patients. In addition, the average five-year lung cancer survival rate is 18.6%, which highlights the importance of REQORSA’s potential in the global lung cancer industry, which is expected to grow to $48.7 billion by 2026 (https://ibn.fm/8Eqy0).

“It is encouraging that several patients whose disease was progressing on their previous therapy are now having long periods of response and stable disease in the Phase 1 portion of the study,:” said Rodney Varner, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Genprex. “We wish to thank the patients and investigators participating in our clinical trials and our investors who make it possible to move our drug candidates forward toward regulatory approval for patients in need.”

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

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

• XESP’s proprietary Digital Engagement Engine(TM) develops real connections with target markets, pointing to the future of growth for B2B organizations
• The Digital Engagement Engine(TM) is a sophisticated technology stack that does 1-to-1 contact analysis and 1-to-1 content provisioning making sure that the right audience is reached and that interactions are productive
• XESP’s offering is called “Growth as a Service” which provides fully managed digital services focused on enhancing growth for B2Bs

The digital landscape has transformed and evolved over the past few years – going from a focus primarily on SEO, to social media, content, and video marketing campaigns. Now, there are thousands of tactics being thrown on the drawing table being pushed by the latest digital marketing gurus – but none of these omnichannel marketing schemes are as effective as Electronic Servitor Publication Network (OTCQB: XESP) Digital Engagement Engine(TM). Not to be considered just a marketing tool, it’s a powerful new way to ensure real connections between clients and their target markets, and it represents the future of business growth.

XESP is a market disruptor for B2B companies, utilizing cutting-edge data analytics and smart technology to identify the needs within a given target market. The company can then tailor content to meet that market’s precise needs and deliver it to them exactly when needed. The company has coined this managed service as “Growth as a Service.”

Data is run through XESP’s Digital Engagement Engine(TM), which is a sophisticated technology stack that does 1-to-1 contact analysis and 1-to-1 content provisioning, making sure that communications are relevant, meaningful, and create a positive experience. XESP’s technology goes beyond omnichannel marketing, offering a way for those who want to reach their target markets right where they are, and create meaningful engagements that stay with them until they become valued customers.

XESP’s highly focused approach includes the following:

• Cutting-edge Data Analysis – smart tools and techniques to flawlessly acquire data
• Identification Tech Stack – identification of communities of interest within a target market
• Tailored Content – designed to attract and engage individuals within that target market
• Precision Delivery – drive customers to action by addressing their needs at the optimal moment…when they need it

XESP’s focus is to enhance growth through the effective application of technology and service for B2B organizations that are looking for a minimum of $10 million in additional growth. XESP’s managed service utilizes its technology to help businesses increase their presence in a way that surpasses the traditional omnichannel approach.

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

Companies looking for alternative methods of raising capital and investors interested in overlooked breakout opportunities will find the annual Reg A Conference, hosted by DealFlow Events, an exciting event to conduct business and learn about the current market.

This year’s Reg A Conference will take place June 30 in New York’s luxurious Westchester Country Club, just a few minutes north of New York City.

This one-day gathering provides insight on marketing strategies, a review of the current capital-raise landscape, news about regulatory oversight and analysis of what has (and hasn’t) worked in recent Reg A transactions.

Our agenda for The Reg A Conference is now available at https://regaconference.com/agenda/. Besides panels and presentations from thought leaders such as Jonathan Stidd of DealMaker Reach, Nathaniel Dodson of Crowdfunding Lawyers, Dawson Russell of Capital Raise, Irene Hyder of One9 Strategy, and more, The Reg A Conference is known for giving attendees a networking experience they won’t find anywhere else.

New to this year’s conference is a dedicated space for scheduled one-on-one meetings between qualified companies and attendees looking for investment opportunities, banking relationships, or professional services. Prior to the event, all attendees will receive a program guide with tear sheets containing companies’ financial data and background information, enabling participants to set up 20-minute meetings with the companies of their choice using intuitive MeetMax software.

Throughout the day, the relaxed, open-air atmosphere of the Westchester Country Club will keep attendees refreshed and relaxed, so they are ready to seize the educational and networking opportunities this popular event has to offer.

Best of all, the whole experience is FREE to private and public companies considering or in the process of conducting Reg A transactions. If you plan on attending the event as an executive-level employee of a qualifying private or public company, visit https://regaconference.com/private-companies/ to receive your free ticket.

Things to know:

• Situated on New York’s eastern seaboard, proximate to New York City’s international financial capital
• Panelists and presenters focused exclusively on alternative financing for the Reg A marketplace; no fluff, no filler, just actionable information
• Insights on how Reg A works, timelines, fees, regulations and real-life activity
• Networking opportunities in one of the most prestigious country clubs in America, amid a relaxed atmosphere and space designed to facilitate the free flowing exchange of information
• Invited professionals including underwriter and issuer law firms, structured financial investors and Reg A investors, investor relations professionals, accountants, marketing consultants and fund managers
• One-on-one dedicated scheduling as a new feature to this annual event, powered by MeetMax software and company data statements

Behind the scenes:

DealFlow Events has hosted more than 200 events covering a range of financial topics during the last 20 years. Seasoned conference developers bring leading practitioners in each field together with major sponsors that service the respective markets.

DealFlow’s events take place in-person and virtually to provide access to all individuals working within their industries. The conference series has extended to international arenas, taking place in the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Canada.

For more information about this event and to register, please visit https://ibn.fm/cGtaE.

• Canada-based Ucore Rare Metals Inc. is devoted to establishing a North American-based supply chain for rare earth elements to reduce the Western hemisphere’s dependence on China’s market-dominant industries for modern technologies
• The company has developed a trademarked process for separating rare earths from their surrounding ores 
• Ucore is preparing to begin construction of a commercially scalable facility in Louisiana for using its solution
• The U.S. Department of Defense awarded the company $4 million in an agreement this month that calls on Ucore to demonstrate the capabilities of its technology and the company’s ability to use it for sustaining North American REE production
• The agreement’s parameters are established in stages with payment tranches set for the successful completion of each stage
• Successful completion of the agreement’s requirements could lead to follow-on award opportunities for Ucore to continue its work

Critical metals production innovator Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) received a significant boost to its new technology demonstration pipeline this month when the the U.S. Department of Defense awarded the Canadian company $4 million to respond to the DOD’s inquiries into its RapidSX(TM) rare earths separation process (https://ibn.fm/bsTsI).

Ucore is promoting RapidSX(TM) as a faster and more environmentally sound upgrade to the solvent extraction method (SX or CSX) that has been the standard for separating rare earths (“REEs”) for more than four decades. The company has been demonstrating the capabilities of its technology at a 52-stage Demo Plant in Ontario during the spring as it prepares to launch commercial production in Louisiana.

The DOD’s interest in RapidSX(TM) arises from Western nations’ concerns about China’s dominance of CSX production industries, particularly amid international tensions between the United States and China over modern technologies production, alleged state-sponsored industrial spying, China’s new militarization and its use of its rare earths trading power to wield control over its disputes with other nations.

“Independent testing has shown that the innovative column-based RapidSX platform can separate rare earths nearly 10 times faster within a footprint that is about one-third the size required for the mixer-settler units used for traditional SX separation,” Alaska’s Metal Tech News noted (https://ibn.fm/1jJm3).

Rare earths are vital to many modern computerized application processes, particularly because of their use in high-performance magnets. Although they are referred to as “rare,” they exist in plentiful numbers worldwide. But because they constitute a small portion of the ores they are found in, efforts to extract them at scale require significant process development. 

The modern computerized applications not only support commercial industries, but also military defense needs.

Las Vegas-based MP Materials’ Mountain Pass mine located in Southern California currently is the only source for REE feedstock in North America, and its ore is processed in China, reflecting the state of the market since China began pumping out low-cost REEs in the 1980s, leading North American REE mines to shutter their operations (https://ibn.fm/2kper).

“When it comes to clean energy, China has spent years cornering the market on many of the materials that power the technologies that we rely on,” President Joe Biden said in February (https://ibn.fm/vM027). “We can’t build a future that’s made in America if we ourselves are dependent on China for the materials that power the products of today and tomorrow. And this is not anti-China or anti anything else; it’s pro-American.”

The DOD award agreement requires Ucore to show that its technology constitutes new innovation capable of supporting North American REE production plants, and that it can commercially convert heavy and light REE feedstock sources to salable individual rare earth products at its soon-to-be-constructed processing facilities, known as Strategic Metals Complexes (“SMCs”), the first of which will begin construction this year in Alexandria, La.

The June 2 agreement establishes stages for demonstrating RapidSX(TM) capabilities with regular reporting to the U.S. Army Contracting Command-Orlando, and payment in tranches that are dependent on the successful completion of each stage.

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

In the wake of the SPAC market correction brought on by liquidity flooding the capital and M&A markets during the past two years (https://ibn.fm/2dmFp), leading to proposed new U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations (https://ibn.fm/aew7z), many investors have looked for opportunities to move beyond the sector’s financial limbo.

DealFlow Events’ SPAC Conference 2023 is the ideal place to gather with industry thought leaders, experienced and respected professionals, and others who are engaged with special purpose acquisition companies. The 2023 lineup of speakers includes Donna Ackerly of Laurel Hill, James Graf of Graf Acquisition Corp, Jay Heller of Nasdaq, Eklavya Saraf of Citadel Securities, Mark Solovy of Monroe Capital, and many more.

The conference will take place June 28–29 at the Westchester Country Club, one of the most prestigious country clubs in America, setting the event’s superb networking opportunities and educational forums against a backdrop of relaxation and refinement.

The two-day event will specifically address the portent of the SEC’s regulatory proposals, communication strategies to help protect deals, seizing prime opportunities with the right timing, and the essential need to be good stewards of capital.

Key highlights:

• Situated on New York’s eastern seaboard, proximate to the financial capital of the world
• Hear from more than 30 professionals experienced in industry movements and financial development
• Panels and presentations that will give context to the current state of the market while considering how best to prepare for the future
• Attendee list available May 31
• Specialized opportunities for private companies currently considering or conducting a SPAC merger to meet with deal-making management teams and investors
• Live-streaming by app option available
• Program will be recorded for further review after the event
• Networking opportunities include a special cocktail reception following the opening day events
• Dedicated space for sponsors to exhibit their ideas and innovations

Behind the scenes:

Since 2003, DealFlow Events has hosted more than 200 events covering a wide range of financial topics. As conference innovators, DealFlow Events brings leading practitioners in each field together with major sponsors that service the respective markets.

DealFlow’s events take place in-person and virtually to provide access to all individuals working within their respective industries. Through the years the conference series’ reach has extended to international arenas, taking place in the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Canada.

For further information and to register for this event, visit https://ibn.fm/zhrAg.

• Fintech Ecosystem Development seeks to offer a diverse portfolio of fintech-related products and services to consumers and businesses in Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the United States
• The company is looking to participate in the growing cashless payments space, where global payment transaction volumes are set to increase by almost 300% by 2030
• FEXD intends to acquire or merge with pioneering fintech companies with, among others, a large customer base and the potential to be scaled up to global markets
• By executing its growth strategy, the company looks to equip cashless societies with scalable access to payment technologies and solutions

Consumers around the world were embracing cashless payments even before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, from tapping a sales terminal with a mobile phone in the U.S. to making QR code payments in China. As a result, professional services multinational PWC writes in a report that this shift from cash payments “might ultimately lead to a cashless global society.” In fact, their analysis shows that the global cashless payment volumes are set to increase from about 1 trillion transactions in 2020 to almost 1.9 trillion in 2025, representing a jump of over 80%. By 2030, it is anticipated that the volume will have shot up to almost 3 trillion, a three-fold increase (https://ibn.fm/KdEgh).

Emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa are set to witness the fastest growth. “Asia-Pacific will grow fastest, with cashless transaction volume growing by 109% until 2025 and then by 76% from 2025 to 2030, followed by Africa (78%, 64%) and Europe (64%, 39%),” the report continues. These projections align with the most recent data from Southeast Asia compiled by the Thai office of multinational VISA Inc. (NYSE: V) (https://ibn.fm/NEDBf). Here, according to VISA, “93% of consumers use a multitude of cashless payment methods including cards, contactless cards and mobile contactless, mobile wallets, and QR code payments.”

Fintech Ecosystem Development (NASDAQ: FEXD), a company looking to develop a global financial technology ecosystem, with plans to offer a diverse portfolio of fintech-related products and services to consumers and businesses in Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the United States, is eyeing a share of this growth.

“We are seeking to acquire and merge with high growth global fintech acquisition targets primarily operating in South Asia with a high volume of customers and large network of agents. The target companies we plan to acquire and merge with are expected to help us grow to $1 billion and more in annual revenues, as part of the global fintech ecosystem we are developing,” reads FEXD’s website (https://ibn.fm/Fhlyh).

Strategic in its approach, FEXD is targeting country-based fintech pioneers with the potential to be scaled up to global markets; a shared interest in making an impact by taking mobile transaction services to largely underserved markets; attractive valuation; growth-oriented management; as well as fintech service providers that will benefit from integrating more advanced technologies and fintech companies with a large existing customer base.

According to consultancy firm Bain & Company, companies with some of the characteristics FEXD has identified represent the biggest opportunities for dealmakers. In a report discussing the areas where the bulk of dealmaking has shifted, Bain notes that target companies with, among others, cross-border payments capabilities and those whose payments capabilities can be integrated into software offerings are drawing the greatest level of interest (https://ibn.fm/ZTJjD).

So far, the company has entered into a business combination agreement with Mobitech International LLC (dba Afinoz), a limited liability company organized in the United Arab Emirates, pursuant to which FEXD will purchase Afinoz. Afinoz is an artificial intelligence-enabled digital lending platform used by India’s leading banks, non-banking financial companies, and fintech loan providers. The acquisition is, however, yet to be completed. Still, Dr. Saiful Khandaker, FEXD CEO, President, and Founder, is confident about the positive impact of such acquisitions on the company’s operations.

“These acquisitions give us a solid competitive position in the emerging Fintech 3.0 global markets and allow us to provide neo-banking services in the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, and India, with opportunities to expand our services to other countries in South and East Asia and Latin America,” said Dr. Saiful in a September 2022 press release announcing the business combination agreement (https://ibn.fm/yIFq6). “We aim to use emerging technologies such as blockchain, Web 3.0, Metaverse, and artificial intelligence to reduce costs and accelerate the processing of money transfers, loans, and other lifestyle services, which will benefit consumers and businesses in many countries.”

Through its growth strategy, centered around M&A, FEXD is looking to equip markets with scalable access to cashless payment technologies and solutions, contributing to and participating in the growth of cashless societies.

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

• Fragrance allergies affect 2M+ people across the US, symptoms include skin redness, burning sensations, eyelid tearing, and swelling
• Skylar hypoallergenic fragrance line offers a safe alternative that doesn’t contain any of the 36 known allergens or 1,300+ “questionable” ingredients found in most fragrances
• Starco Brands recently released Skylar’s “Boardwalk Delight” scent at Sephora, sells out after 10 days
• All 10 Skylar scents are available at 500+ Sephora retail locations and online

Fragrance allergies affect more than 2 million Americans, with symptoms that include skin redness, burning sensations, eyelid tearing, and swelling. Even simple sensitivities can trigger reactions like headaches, breathing difficulties, sneezing, and nasal congestion.

Starco Brands’ (OTCQB: STCB) Skylar hypoallergenic fragrance line provides a safe alternative that is hypoallergenic, safe for sensitive skin, cruelty-free, vegan, and without any of the 36 fragrance allergens or 1,300+ “questionable” ingredients found in many perfumes.

Starco Brands recently released “Boardwalk Delight” at Sephora, an industry-leading beauty retailer that offers ten Skylar scents at 500+ retail locations and online.

“Boardwalk Delight sold out at Sephora and on skylar.com within ten days of launching, proving that more and more consumers are seeking artfully crafted fragrances with safe ingredients,” said Sara Miranda, Skylar’s vice president of marketing. “We are proud to partner with Sephora to educate consumers on the importance of clean fragrance.”

Starco Brands, Inc. announced it acquired the clean beauty brand in January 2023 (https://ibn.fm/IzQE7). Under the agreement terms, Skylar operates as a separate business unit within Starco Brands.

“At Starco Brands, we invent and commercialize products that change behavior and spark excitement,” said Ross Sklar, Starco Brands’ founder and CEO. “We look forward to building upon the clean fragrance platform to introduce new, breakthrough products. With strong partners like Sephora and Nordstrom by our side, we know Skylar is well positioned to be the future of fragrance.”

Starco Brands is a modern-day invention factory that invents and acquires brands with behavior-changing technologies. The company first identifies whitespaces in eight core consumer categories, and then fills those gaps by either acquiring existing brands or leveraging its manufacturing network and R&D capabilities to invent new products.

Starco Brands revenues soared last year from $2 million to an impressive annual run rate of roughly $67 million. Other company offerings include Art of Sport – a premium body and skincare line co-founded by Kobe Bryant, Winona theater-style popcorn spray powered by air, and Soylent – a line of award-winning food products touted as the “world’s most perfect food.”

Most recently, Starco Brands launched Lime Whipshots^® – the latest flavor added to the iconic vodka-infused whipped cream product line featuring global artist and icon Cardi B (https://ibn.fm/7eIZ0). With over two million cans sold since its initial launch, Whipshots’ success is a testament to Starco Brands, Inc.’s winning strategy that combines manufacturing, distribution and marketing expertise to delight consumers with novel, unique products that spark excitement in the everyday.

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

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