• EV sales rising despite declining economy due in part to policy initiatives, government incentives
• EV share prices making triple-digit percentage gains since Q2 2020
• NETE divesting payments processing business model, entering EV industry through definitive merger agreement with Mullen Technologies
• Merger expected to accelerate process of taking Mullen public in addition to catalyzing manufacturing operations in United States

While sales of internal combustion vehicles continue to trend downward, electric vehicle (“EV”) sales are holding up – particularly in countries like Germany where EVs are heavily subsidized and central to the country’s economic recovery plan (http://ibn.fm/RqaIF). Investors continue diverting capital into the EV industry as a result, pushing EV stock prices to unprecedented levels. Through a bold move aimed at maximizing shareholder value, Net Element (NASDAQ: NETE) announced its plans recently to enter the EV industry through a definitive merger agreement with Mullen Technologies. Pending requisite approvals, the reverse-merger with the Southern California-based EV company will allow the stakeholders of privately-held Mullen to acquire a majority of the new stock and accelerate the process of taking the company public, giving potential investors an opportunity to buy the relatively undervalued shares within the rapidly growing sector.

“We feel, after considering an array of strategic alternatives, that the agreement with Mullen provides our shareholders with the most compelling opportunity,” said Net Element chairman and Chief Executive Officer Oleg Firer (http://ibn.fm/mOdKv). “We conducted an extensive search of companies that have disruptive technologies and believe that Mullen represents the best path forward.”

EV stocks have been on the rise since March – seemingly immunized against any COVID-related fallout by government-backed incentives that are pushing EV use on a global scale, particularly in Europe (http://ibn.fm/IzzCb) and China (http://ibn.fm/TsbTD). Despite their high volatility, EV stock prices saw massive net gains since last spring as Tesla shot up over 500% (http://ibn.fm/FJlCT), newly-public Nikola increased almost 300% (http://ibn.fm/Y1Yk5), NIO rose over 700% (http://ibn.fm/BxW9N), and Workhorse shot up 1000% within a few weeks (http://ibn.fm/BQPU9).

Investor sentiment appears to be fueled by research such as BloombergNEF’s latest report (http://ibn.fm/lVjQM) that paints a picture of an electrified future where EVs make up more than half of global passenger car sales by 2040, fueled in part by policymakers setting lower emission targets, fuel economy regulations, quota systems and urban policies that favor EVs. Besides their expected widespread adoption in the passenger market, EVs are also expected to account for 81% of municipal bus sales, 56% of commercial vehicle sales and 31% of the medium commercial market (http://ibn.fm/lgrnz).

Pending the definitive agreement, fairness valuation, stockholder and board approval, the merger between NETE and Mullen is expected to catalyze the process of taking Mullen public in addition to expanding its manufacturing operations in the United States through a proposed plant in West Plains, Washington. The agreement, once finalized, will give both new investors and existing stakeholders an unprecedented opportunity to invest in an industry that is poised to significantly alter the global transportation landscape while playing a key role in revitalizing the global economy.

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

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

• Goldman Sachs has recently raised its 12-month forecast for gold to $2,300/oz, rising from its previous estimate of $2,000/oz
• Gold prices touched historical high in August 2020, rising to $2,075/oz on back of dollar depreciation, growing economic uncertainty
• Kingman Minerals is currently working to develop its mining interest in Arizona, USA as well as Quebec, Canada
• A previous non-NI 43 101 compliant study of Kingman Mineral’s Arizona site carried out in 1985 found potential reserves of up to 664,000 ounces of gold, 2.6 million ounces of silver

Kingman Minerals (TSX.V: KGS), a Canadian-listed gold miner with extensive claims in key mining jurisdictions spanning the North American continent, finds itself in the middle of one of the most intriguing precious metal bull markets of all time with gold prices touching a record high in early August 2020 – rising to an intraday level of $2,075.47/oz. Investors have fueled a furious rally in the metal this year, as asset managers have sought relative safe havens in which to park their money with concerns rising about a resurgence in the coronavirus and the impact that it could have on the global economy.

Gold prices have been on a remarkable run in 2020, rising by $560/oz to $2,075/oz prior to peaking in early August. Global central banks have carried out over 150 interest rate cuts thus far in 2020, reducing their rates by a cumulative 5,100 basis points (http://ibn.fm/OQEje). Meanwhile, the IMF has estimated that global governments have introduced fiscal support measures amounting to over $9 trillion since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (http://ibn.fm/mCYex). The resulting weakness in the U.S. dollar (the euro has appreciated over 10% relative to the US dollar since March) and eventual inflationary pressures stemming from these measures have led to a surge in demand for gold – with the two most popular gold ETFs adding nearly 400 tonnes or 12 million ounces of gold to their combined inventories over the past few months.

“Gold is the clear beneficiary of safe haven demand,” Stephen Innes, chief global markets strategist at AxiCorp, said in a research note last month (http://ibn.fm/Bqxtr). Remarkably, the record-breaking run may not yet be over.  Goldman Sachs has recently abandoned its previous gold forecast of $2,000/oz and now believes that the market will see $2,300 an ounce within the next 12 months. The investment bank has also lifted its silver outlook to $30 from $22 an ounce previously (http://ibn.fm/J4CW0).

Driven by “a potential shift in the U.S. Fed toward an inflationary bias against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, elevated U.S. domestic political and social uncertainty, and a growing second wave of COVID-19 related infections,” the recent rally in the gold price has outpaced gains seen in a variety of other asset classes, noted a team of analysts led by Jeffrey Curie. Additionally, they added, “combined with a record level of debt accumulation by the U.S. government, real concerns around the longevity of the U.S. dollar as a reserve currency have started to emerge,” which in turn have prompted a flight to gold as a relative safeguard versus potential currency debasement.

Kingman Minerals is currently operating within two key mining sites, namely – the Mohave Project located with Arizona’s Music Mountain range as well as the Cadillac East property, the latter of which lies approximately 500 kilometers north-west of the city of Montreal and is situated only a few miles away from the Canadian Malartic gold mine, the largest open-pit gold mine in Canada with total deposits estimated at close to 10 million ounces of gold (http://ibn.fm/LufqO).

The company has recently been focusing its efforts around investigating and confirming the viable ore deposits within its Arizona-based Mohave project, which is expected to be delivered in the near future. A previous study of the site, carried out in 1985 prior to the introduction of the current NI 43-101 regulations coming into force, found that the site’s potential assets – which included the historic Rosebud Mine – could amount to as much as 664,000 ounces of gold and 2,600,000 ounces of silver (http://ibn.fm/b0FxO).

As gold prices trade near record levels, and with demand from investors and end-consumers alike providing strong support to the precious metal, Kingman Minerals seems perfectly positioned to capitalize from the ongoing boom. With the company’s US and Canadian-based mining assets both holding significant promise in regards to their potential mineral deposits, Kingman Minerals may find its market value skyrocketing before long.

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

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

• SGTM dispatched team from subsidiary National Storm Recovery to assess damages caused by Hurricane Laura, participate in the recovery efforts
• National Storm Recovery specializes in clearing storm debris, recycling natural waste caused by hurricanes into organic products such as mulch or playground surfacing material
• The hurricane is said to have destroyed parts of Louisiana’s power grid, has interrupted clean water supply in Lake Charles metro area
• Meteorologists have forecast that this hurricane season could lead to formation of above-average 13-19 storms over course of the year

Sustainable Green Team (OTC: SGTM), a leading provider of environmentally beneficial solutions for tree and storm waste disposal, has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, National Storm Recovery LLC, has deployed one of its teams to assess the damages wrought by Hurricane Laura and to plan on the recovery efforts in conjunction with regional governing agencies.

Hurricane Laura made landfall on the morning of August 27, wreaking havoc in both Louisiana and Texas, with meteorologists classing the storm as one of the strongest hurricanes to strike both states since at least 1856 (http://ibn.fm/9QOjJ). The hurricane is said to have destroyed parts of Louisiana’s power grid, with its 150-mph winds causing devastating damage to homes in the region and contributing to at least 17 deaths in Louisiana and Texas.

“We expect the recovery to be as difficult and challenging as we have ever faced in the past,” said Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana. “Customers should expect extended power outages lasting weeks” (http://ibn.fm/oascC).

Hurricane Laura is also said to have knocked out most of the water service to the Lake Charles metro area, located in southwestern Louisiana, according to City Administrator John Cardone.

“There were a lot of uprooted trees on private property,” he said. “If they got the water lines on the private property, we’d need to go there and locate it. If people are evacuated, we don’t know where the leaks are.”

An initial assessment carried out by Sustainable Green Team’s employees as well as live updates of the recovery efforts and video coverage, can be accessed via the company’s social media accounts (http://ibn.fm/1oQ1R).

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families that have been affected by this devastating storm,” said SGTM CEO and Director Tony Raynor. “Our company is committed to getting communities back on their feet again. I have personally been involved with over 25 different storm and recovery projects throughout the country and have managed millions of cubic yards of storm debris.”

Unfortunately, the devastation caused by Hurricane Laura this year may fail to be an isolated event. Earlier this year, experts had warned that conditions were ‘ripe for a major Atlantic hurricane in 2020,’ as an ominous combination of warm ocean water and seasonal weather patterns combined to create a potentially devastating scenario. During an average year, approximately 12 name storms are formed, ranging from relatively short-lived tropical storms to full-fledged hurricanes earning an official moniker. However, this year, forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have predicted that anywhere from 13 to 19 large storms could spin up, with as many as six transforming into major hurricanes (http://ibn.fm/OzI48).

SGTM’s subsidiary, National Storm Recovery LLC, specializes in providing customers with tree services, debris hauling and removal, and bio-mass recycling, among other services. The company operates a vertically integrated model, which allows it to transform natural waste created by hurricanes, ice storms and floods into useful organic products that benefit the environment through tree services that include debris hauling, biomass recycling, waste removal, mulch manufacturing, packaging and sales, and the production of playground surface material.

To learn more about Sustainable Green Team Ltd., view the investor presentation at http://ibn.fm/HkY2X.

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

• GoldHaven Resources Corp. recently announced its entry into agreements to acquire seven advanced gold projects in Chile
• On April 17, 2020, GoldHaven Resources entered an agreement to purchase a 100% interest in two gold projects located in the Maricunga Gold Belt of Northern Chile
• On August 11, 2020, GoldHaven Resources acquired five additional potential gold projects in the Maricunga Gold Belt
• In conjunction with its August announcement, GoldHaven Resources detailed plans for a non-brokered private placement that is expected to generate gross proceeds of $4,025,000
• Gold prices have been on a remarkable run in 2020, breaking above $2,000 per ounce for the first time on record

GoldHaven Resources (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: ATUMF) (formerly Altum Resources Corp.), a Canada-based company engaged in the business of acquiring and exploring mineral resource properties, recently announced its entry into agreements to acquire seven advanced gold projects in the Maricunga Gold Belt of Chile that hosts over 100 million ounces of gold within the last 10 years.

Chilean Gold Properties Being Acquired

On April 17, 2020, GoldHaven Resources entered into an agreement to purchase a 100% interest in two gold projects located in the Maricunga Gold Belt of Northern Chile. The first property, Rio Loa, is located 25 kilometers south of Gold Fields Ltd.’s Salares Norte, where, this year, a five-million-ounce discovery was made. The second property, Coya, is located only 10 kilometers east of the Kinross La Coipa open pit mine, which has produced over 7.5 million ounces of gold to date.

Rio Loa Project

Initial geophysical studies of the Rio Loa site have exposed highly anomalous ardennite and lead values, a key characteristic of gold mineralization within silicified resistive bodies. The studies have also produced initial findings which are similar to those seen at contiguous mines, such as Salares Norte (operated by Gold Fields), which has over five million ounces in estimated gold deposits.

The potential economics for the site look particularly promising when taking the unit costs at the neighboring Salares Norte mine into account. Gold Fields has estimated that its production AISC (all-in sustainable costs) will approximate $552 per ounce and have forecast a 2.3-year payback period for its initial investment, assuming a $1,300 per ounce gold price.

Coya Project

The Coya site is located within close proximity to one of the richest and largest epithermal gold and silver districts in Chile and is in close proximity to active mining sites, specifically the La Coipa mine owned by Kinross. A study carried out in 2017-2018 on the Coya site of 796 rock chip samples found favorable gold and silver values, in some cases ranking as high as 764 grams/tonne of gold and 719 grams/tonne of silver – values which are near certain indicators of potential gold and silver deposits. The La Coipa mine (Kinross) has produced over 6.9 million ounces of gold to date.

On August 11, 2020, GoldHaven Resources acquired five potential gold projects in the Maricunga Gold Belt of Northern Chile. The Maricunga hosts discoveries within the last 10 years of over 100 million ounces of gold and over 450 million ounces of silver. These newly acquired properties are in close proximity to seven other mines, which possess an estimated aggregate of 81 million ounces of gold in total reserves.

GoldHaven’s five new projects cover a total area of approximately 22,600 hectares, or 226 square kilometers, located in the northern portion of the Maricunga Belt in proximity to the 5 million-ounce gold equivalent Salares Norte project owned by Gold Fields. Gold Fields announced in April 2020 its intention to proceed with the development of Salares Norte at a cost of $860 million, with a $138 million expenditure budgeted for 2020.

The Maricunga Belt extends approximately 150 kilometers north-south and 30 kilometers east-west, straddling the border between Chile and Argentina. This region hosts known mineral resources of more than 100 million ounces of gold, 450 million ounces of silver and 1.3 billion pounds of copper.

The Maricunga project’s opportunity came about as a result of a $150 million initiative launched by the Chilean Economic Development Agency (“CORFO”), with the objective of encouraging exploration and mining prosperity in Chile and strengthening Chile’s position as a world leader in the sector.

As part of CORFO’s program, a total of $15.3 million was given to private equity fund IMT Exploration to evaluate 403 projects, beginning in 2011. This led to a generative program carried out from 2016 to 2019, resulting in 126 potential epithermal targets from which 57 field evaluations were made. Due diligence work followed on 19 of these. Work programs were then conducted, including geological mapping, rock and soil sampling and TerraSpec (“PIMA”) analyses on geochemical grids for alteration mapping, and, as a result, the five high-priority Maricunga projects were identified. No drilling has been carried out on any of the Maricunga projects.

Securing Financing for Upcoming Operations

In conjunction with its announcement regarding its acquisition of five Chilean mining interests, GoldHaven Resources also detailed plans for a non-brokered private placement of 11.5 million units at a price of $0.35 per unit, for gross proceeds of $4,025,000. Each unit will consist of one share of the company and one warrant, the latter of which can be exercised to acquire an additional share of the company for a period of 18 months from the date of issuance at a price of $0.50 per share. Net proceeds from the offering are intended to be used to fund general expenses, as well as exploration and drilling of its mineral properties.

Gold Prices Hit Record High in 2020

Gold prices have been on a remarkable run in 2020, breaking above $2,000 per ounce for the first time on record. Having begun the year at $1,515 per ounce, the precious metal has seen a huge surge on the back of widespread economic uncertainty stemming from governments’ worldwide propensity to expand the money supply, from the reduction of the value of the U.S. dollar as expressed by the decrease in the U.S. dollar index, and from the very real economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global central banks have carried out 144 interest rate cuts thus far in 2020, reducing rates by a cumulative 5,035 basis points (http://ibn.fm/pDhUb). Meanwhile, the IMF has estimated that global governments have introduced fiscal support measures amounting to over $9 trillion since the start of the pandemic (http://ibn.fm/ZJrY0). The resulting weakness in the U.S. dollar and eventual inflationary pressures stemming from these measures has prompted a number of investment banks to boost their near-term outlooks for gold prices, with Bank of America raising its 18-month gold price target to $3,000 per ounce (http://ibn.fm/NS3ZB).

Leadership Team

David Smith, President, CEO and Director, has been immersed in the mining industry for the last eight years, working in corporate development and finance. Prior to GoldHaven Resources, Smith cofounded a multifaceted real estate development and sales company, which has now been in operation for over 35 years. He also cofounded two successful environment-focused companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Both companies were sold independently and returned a significant profit for shareholders.

Darryl Jones, Chief Financial Officer, is a finance executive and CPA with over 30 years of public company and project buildout experience. Most recently, Jones served as the CFO of Lupaka Gold Corp., retiring in June 2018. Prior to that, Jones serves as CFO of Corriente Resources, which was sold to CRCC-Tongguan in May 2010 for C$680 million.

Patrick Burns, VP Exploration and Director, is a Canadian geologist with over 40 years of experience throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America. He played a direct role in the discovery of the Escondida porphyry copper deposit in Chile and has been involved in publicly traded mining companies, predominantly in Chile, for 35 years.

Marla Ritchie, Corporate Secretary, brings over 25 years of experience in public markets to the GoldHaven team. Throughout this time, she has worked as an administrator and corporate secretary specializing in resource-based exploration companies. Currently, Ritchie is the corporate secretary for several companies, including International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. and Trevali Mining Corp.

Gordon Ellis, Director; has over 50 years’ experience in mining and resource development. A professional engineer and entrepreneur, he has held multiple senior management and director roles with public mining companies, as well as a multi-billion-dollar ETF fund. Ellis holds an MBA in international finance and a Chartered Directors designation.

Scott Dunbar, Director is a professor and head of multiple departments at the University of British Columbia, including mineral extraction and mining innovation, as well as mining engineering. He has been involved in projects around the world in regard to mining exploration, geotechnical engineering and mine design. Dunbar received his PhD in geophysics and civil engineering from Stanford University.

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

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

• Powerful new gaming operator offers three diverse brands: Aragon Casino, Club Double, and MobiusBet
• Mobius has partnered with more than 600 VIP and master gaming affiliates
• Company’s mission includes providing players with a superior iGaming experience

Mobius Interactive, an online gaming operator with a variety of unique offerings catering to diverse demographic groups, is gearing up for an official launch in early September. In preparation for that milestone moment, the company has released key information about its three distinct brand offerings and a glimpse at what sets the company apart in what is forecast to be a billion-dollar industry in 2021.

Intent on attracting a variety of customer segment and geographies, Mobius has strategically unveiled three diverse brands: Aragon Casino, Club Double and MobiusBet.

• Aragon Casino: Catering to consumers aged 21 to 45 located in Austria, Finland, the Balkans, Canada, Africa and New Zealand, Aragon Casino offers gamers a medieval fantasy experience, with elements hearkening to some of the spaces most memorable offerings, including of The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones.
• Club Double: Targeting the 30-to-65 age demographic living in Austria, India, Brazil, Finland, Canada, Africa and New Zealand, Club Double is designed to exude a classic yet charmed old Hollywood and vintage Miami and Las Vegas look and feel.
• MobiusBet: Aimed at 18- to 38-year-olds in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Brazil, Latin America, New Zealand and India, the company’s dedicated eSports hub brings together loyalty programs, targeted gamification and product merchandising in one seamless package. MobiusBet caters to the quickly growing eSports segment, which is predicted to reach a value of $1.7 billion by next year.

After decades of working and consulting in the iGaming industry, Mobius Interactive’s expert executive team came together to create a gaming company unlike any other. The company has partnered with more than 600 VIP and master gaming affiliates, who will introduce high-value players to the company’s award-winning iGaming platform. As a clear indication of the company’s drawing power, Mobius added some 150 proven affiliates in Europe, Brazil, Finland and New Zealand in just 20 days; the expectation is that number will only grow exponentially in the days before the company’s upcoming launch.

With a declared mission to offer players a unique iGaming experience, Mobius is committed to providing a superior gamification experience, deep loyalty and the best customer service throughout the player journey. “We are gamers at heart,” the company’s website states. “We love everything about gaming. Be it free to play games and quizzes, esports, betting on sports, casino, virtual horseracing or golf—we play it!” Mobius Interactive certainly appears set to launch in grand fashion in September and looks to have the brands, services and offering to set the space on fire.

Mobius Interactive is an online gaming operator launching in September 2020 with a variety of unique offerings catering to diverse demographic groups. Mobius Interactive’s team has extensive senior-management experience across business-to-consumer (“B2C”) and business-to-business (“B2B”) marketing in the iGaming industry, specializing in eSports, sports betting, casino and live casino. In partnership with leading and award-winning eSports and iGaming platform Ultra Play, Mobius Interactive seeks to attract a network of high-net-worth gamers from around the world through the use of loyalty and gamification programs designed to enhance engagement by leveraging state-of-the-art customer relationship management systems and joint ventures with more than 600 VIP and master-gaming affiliates.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.MobiusInteractive.Ltd.

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

• SRAX’s Sequire platform connects public companies with investors using big data analytics
• Sequire’s user base has grown to 91 public companies, one million active investors and traders
• Sequire sales exceeded $2.5 million in Q2 2020, $4 million expected for Q3 2020
• SRAX entered into $13 million definitive securities purchase agreement to fund Sequire’s rapid expansion

It’s no longer a trade secret: Big data analytics are critical for success across almost every industry and particularly important for consumer-focused businesses looking to dial in their marketing efforts. The investment industry is no exception, and Sequire, a data analytics platform powered by SRAX (NASDAQ: SRAX), gives public companies an edge by providing the tools needed to monitor the activities of both retail and institutional investors while providing the critical data needed to successfully activate media campaigns, engaging current shareholders and attracting new investment. Since its 2019 inception, SRAX has grown rapidly, recently passing a significant milestone where its user base exceeded over 1 million active investors and traders across 91 public companies – more than double the 500,000 users boasted by the platform in July (http://ibn.fm/4aq0Q). More users translates into better data: As the user base grows, the data provided to and processed by the platform translates into higher-quality intelligence that users can unlock via the platform’s tools and features. “We are creating a community of public company executives that are taking back their data. For too long these leaders have relied on subpar data to make important capital market decisions,” said SRAX founder and CEO Christopher Miglino (http://ibn.fm/GZOgL). “Our clients have seen notable results from Sequire and our marketing services, and the more companies that join in our mission, the better the platform gets at identifying and securing investors. The retail investor is becoming a bigger part of the cap table and we have mastered the connection between trading platforms such as Robinhood and the public issuer, just as these platforms attempt to become less transparent.” Along with its rapid user adoption, Sequire has seen massive success so far in 2020 with revenue growth of 29% YoY for Q2 2020, fueling the company’s decision to enter into a definitive securities purchase agreement for the purchase and sale of $13 million senior secured convertible debentures intended to fund Sequire’s rapid expansion (http://ibn.fm/mIMF1). “We announced a capital raise of $13 million, which we will use in part to fund the rapid expansion of Sequire,” noted Miglino in recent statements. “Our clients have seen notable results from the platform and its related services. We’ve also seen a significant increase in the number of clients on the platform with Q2 sales hitting over $2.5 million and an additional $3 million in the pipeline, with a very high probability of closing in Q3.” Along with Sequire, SRAX delivers a suite of specialized tools for other industries, delivering a digital competitive advantage for brands in the CPG, luxury goods and lifestyle verticals. As the business landscape becomes increasingly more competitive, SRAX gives businesses a much-needed advantage by providing data analytics solutions that reveal core consumers and their characteristics across various marketing channels. 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

• PacRoots Cannabis employs genetic modification to customize cannabis strains in bid to enhance product potency, quality
• Company has strategic licensing agreement with Phenome One, a bio-tech firm boasting a database of over 350 unique live cannabis strains
• Partnership allows PacRoots ability to optimize genetic makeup of its cannabis crop based upon plant’s intended end use
• Use of genetic modification can also help companies cultivate plants which are better suited towards overall yield enhancement, thereby boosting overall profit margins

In the late 1860s, Friar Gregor Mendel, an Augustinian monk and scientist living in a monastery in the depths of the Austrian empire, set about cross-breeding different species of garden pea plants – an experiment which would ultimately plant the seed for genetic modifications in modern agriculture. Over 150 years later, the cannabis industry is picking up from where Friar Mendel left off. PacRoots Cannabis (CSE: PACR), a Canada-based company, has sought to adopt a genetics-focused approach towards producing premium quality cannabis products—positioning itself to become a trailblazer in providing industry-leading strains not currently available in the regulated market.

PacRoots expects to be cash flow positive within its first year of trading following the sales from the 100-acre Hemp Project, in Rock Creek, BC. The company has embraced Phenome One’s growing IP, methods and systems; including systematic planting of young hardy plants in rows vs a seed spread, advanced weed suppression and a rigorous nutrient formulae and irrigation regime that will drive quality and yield (http://ibn.fm/OVwjG).

As part of the agreement, PacRoots Cannabis will gain access to Phenome One’s database of over 350 unique, live cannabis strains, which have been carefully field-tested and artificially selected over 30 years of research. Acquiring the ability to optimize the genetic makeup of its cannabis plants will enable PacRoots Cannabis to not only develop unique strains featuring a variety of beneficial characteristics but also enhance the potency, bud quality and overall yield of its plants.

“This is a major opportunity for PacRoots to be positioned to offer customers an extensive collection of cannabis cultivars,” said PacRoots CEO and President Patrick Elliot. “At PacRoots, we pride ourselves and our customers with quality and we are thrilled with the opportunity to partner with Phenome One, establishing a robust cultivar portfolio that compares favorably over others in the Canadian cannabis space” (http://ibn.fm/G7tJr).

The use of artificial selection and marker-assisted breeding has enabled cannabis cultivators to optimize the size, color, smell, density and texture of the resulting cannabis crop – thereby allowing for particular strains to be customized depending on their end-use. Whether it be proprietary high-THC strains, cannabidiol-dominant strains with rare terpene profiles, or custom strains finely tailored for medical purposes (http://ibn.fm/NzrCU), the ability to visualize, control and potentially modify the genetic structure of their marijuana plants allow cannabis companies to maximize the quality of their products. Moreover, the use of genetic modifications has allowed companies to boost the overall profitability of their businesses by enhancing plant yields – for instance, selecting genetic makeups which result in larger and more numerous buds on each plant can help PacRoots Cannabis ultimately grow more cannabis per grow light.

“You can get more yield off of a plant if you can refine the genetics and that allows us to have more grams, more kilograms coming out of this place per year,” explained Canopy Growth’s Vice President of communications Jordan Sinclair during a 2019 interview at the company’s Tweed Farms operations (http://ibn.fm/XZ90J).

With the use of cannabis-based products gaining increasing prominence and acceptance across wide swaths of society, the need to enhance and differentiate cannabis products through their genetic makeup is rapidly becoming a priority for cultivators in the sector.  Through its pioneering approach towards producing premium-grade cannabis strains, and following its tie-up with Phenome One, PacRoots Cannabis is well on its way towards creating a unique foothold for itself within the global cannabis industry.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.PacRoots.ca.

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

• NETE releases Q2 2020 financial report
• CEO notes impact of COVID-19 on financial results, points to continued efforts to increase shareholder value as merger approaches
• Shareholder letter provides clarification on expected number of shares

Net Element (NASDAQ: NETE), a global financial technology and value-added solutions group, released its financial report for Q2 2020 (http://ibn.fm/d1h9G), the period ended June 30, 2020; NETE also provided more clarifying information about its pending merger with Mullen in an Aug. 19 shareholder letter (http://ibn.fm/W1ahe).

In its financial report, NETE noted that, during second quarter 2020, total transaction volume decreased to $717.9 million, as compared to $950.2 million for the same comparable period the year previous. In addition, net revenue decreased to $13.7 million, as compared to $16.5 million for Q2 2019. Operating expenses decreased to $2.2 million, as compared to $5.2 million for the same comparable period. Gross margin for the quarter decreased to $2.2 million compared to $2.6 million for Q2 2019.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continued to negatively impact our financial results during the second quarter of this year,” said Net Element CEO Oleg Firer. “Our ability to adapt quickly by implementing safety protocols to protect our employees has been successful so far, and we are happy to report we have had zero cases of COVID-19 among our employees. We also implemented cost-cutting initiatives while boosting support for our merchants through e-commerce solutions, contactless payment alternatives and online food ordering for restaurants. We continue working diligently to increase shareholder value as we continue to work toward the proposed merger with Mullen Technologies Inc.”

On August 5, 2020, Net Element announced the execution of a definitive agreement to merge with privately held Mullen Technologies Inc., a Southern California-based electric vehicle company, in a stock-for-stock reverse merger in which Mullen’s stockholders will receive a majority of the outstanding stock in the post-merger company (http://ibn.fm/zDnEP). The completion of the merger is subject to shareholder and NASDAQ approval, as well as other conditions referenced in the merger agreement.

Firer provided clarification regarding the upcoming merger in a recent shareholder letter. “Since announcing the contemplated merger, we have received a number of inquiries from shareholders requesting clarification regarding the expected number of shares that will be outstanding at closing if the pending merger with Mullen were to be approved,” the letter states. “The Merger Agreement provides for a cap of 75 million outstanding shares at the closing of the transaction which cannot be exceeded without both parties’ approval; however, this is a maximum number, and there is no way of knowing the actual number of shares that will be outstanding at that time.”

Firer notes that, if the share price on the transaction closing date is the same as the closing price on August 18, 2020 (the day before the letter was released), NETE anticipates that the number of shares outstanding at closing will be approximately 50 million. “If the share price on the transaction closing date is less than the closing price on August 18, 2020, the company anticipates that the number of shares outstanding at closing will be greater than 50 million but subject to the 75 million share cap,” the letter said.

Net Element Inc. is a global financial technology and value-added solutions group that supports electronic payments acceptance in an omni-channel environment spanning across point-of-sale, e-commerce and mobile devices. The company operates a payments-as-a-service transactional model and value-added services platform for small to medium enterprises in the U.S. and selected emerging markets.

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

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

• Trxade Group Inc. is a supplies and services innovator for the pharmaceutical industry, working to keep small retailers competitive with large chains and costs accessible for end-use patients
• Trxade Group has seen its brand grow significantly during the past year, adding a 244 percent year-over-year increase to its quarterly revenues during the spring
• The company will further draw attention to its profile by joining other brand presentations at the LD 500 Virtual Investor Conference scheduled to begin Sept. 1 and run through the week
• The LD 500 conference is designed to provide an online-accessible meeting of small cap companies and potential investors even during the ongoing global pandemic, and it is open to everyone

Trxade Group (NASDAQ: MEDS) will introduce a raft of potential new investors to the accomplishments of its growing brand in the medical technology space when CEO Suren Ajjarapu makes a 20-minute presentation on the company as part of the upcoming LD 500 Virtual Investor Conference.

Ajjarapu will also interact more directly with sanctioned LD 500 patrons who are curated through the event’s network, holding one-on-one interviews with potential investors during the hours surrounding his 1:40 p.m. EST presentation on Wednesday, Sept. 2 (http://ibn.fm/nlt6c).

The LD 500 conference is designed to attract hundreds of leading names in the microcap markets space as well as potential sources of capital for the companies. The convention and conference industry has been battered by the distancing demands of the novel coronavirus pandemic but LD 500 organizers have adapted with their most ambitious gathering to date — up to 500 companies and tens of thousands of participants registered for the four-day virtual investor summit that begins Sept. 1, with pre-event activities slated this coming Monday, Aug. 31 (http://ibn.fm/U9diD).

Trxade Group has been building its B2B platform into a B2C-friendly portfolio that helps independent local pharmacies compete with large-scale retail chains through drug pricing transparency and network strength, also helping health patients to gain telemedicine access to physicians’ clinics without leaving home, and to have prescriptions ordered online and delivered to the home (http://ibn.fm/9zSca).

Trxade Group’s platform also provides assistance with buying personal protective equipment (“PPE”) for businesses challenged by the ongoing global pandemic and the wellness needs of employees carrying out company assignments.

“This platform resolves a fundamental trust problem impacting employer’s safety and security policies, allowing companies to more effectively combat COVID-19 concerns in the workplace,” Bonum Health President Ashton Maaraba stated. Bonum Health is a subsidiary of Trxade Group.

Trxade’s flagship operation has achieved more than 50 percent penetration of its intended market, the 22,000 independent pharmacies across the United States that serve their communities with features not too far removed from the corner drugstore days of the past century.

“We believe this radical price transparency, economy of scale and competition amongst suppliers leads (to) up to 10% reduction in pharmacies’ total annual drug purchase costs, with a drug-level savings of up to 90% on certain pharmaceutical products,” Ajjarapu said in a recent earnings conference call (http://ibn.fm/zc0Wf).

Trxade Group reported those Q2 financial results in July, noting the company’s revenues had grown by 244 percent year-over-year for the quarter, and by 199 percent sequentially from the first quarter of the year.

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

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

• InsuraGuest Technologies, Inc. will be able to use Swarts, Manning & Associates’ business and broker network in California, Nevada and Utah
• The insurance firm’s hotel clients will gain access to InsuraGuest’s Hospitality Liability policy following integration of its insurtech platform with their property management systems
• The agreement is expected to improve the risk profile of Swarts, Manning & Associates’ hospitality clients by lowering their risk and claim ratios

InsuraGuest Technologies (TSX.V: ISGI) is set to expand the reach of its insurtech product in the hospitality sector after signing full-service insurance firm Swarts, Manning & Associates for its agency/broker program. According to a company new release, the agreement was signed through the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary InsuraGuest Insurance Agency, LLC (http://ibn.fm/CLc2O).

As part of its agency/broker program, InsuraGuest will use Swarts, Manning & Associates’ network in California, Nevada and Utah to access the insurance company’s hotel clients and provide them with InsuraGuest’s Hospitality Liability policy coverage by integrating its insurtech software platform with the hotels’ management systems.

Swarts, Manning & Associates was founded in 1996 and quickly became a leader and innovator in the insurance industry. Dedicated to providing the most cost-effective and customized insurance solutions, the firm has several specialized departments dedicated to personal insurance, health benefits, commercial insurance and more.

“Our focus has always been on risk management and improving the risk profile of our hospitality clients,” states Mark Swarts, founder and president of Swarts, Manning & Associates. “Adding InsuraGuest’s products to our partner list will help us reduce their hotel clients’ risk ratios and claim ratios while potentially lowering their GL premiums.”

InsuraGuest’s goal is to disrupt the insurance landscape by utilizing its proprietary software platform to deliver digital insurance to multiple verticals. The company aims to transform the way insurance is delivered with the revolutionary idea that insurance should be bought, not sold.

The company’s insurance coverage is purchased by the property and automatically delivers Hospitality Liability policy coverages through the property’s management system after integration of InsuraGuest’s proprietary insurtech platform. InsuraGuest Hospitality provides coverage for accidental property damage, theft of the guest’s personal property while residing at the vacation rental property, as well as accidental medical expenses and accidental death and dismemberment.

InsuraGuest’s platform currently integrates with approximately 70 different hotel property management systems, including Hilton -ONQ, Marriott Fosse, Marriott Full Service, Oracle Opera, Springer-Miller Systems, Agilysys and Lightspeed GPS.

The deal with Swarts, Manning & Associates follows a partnership signed with Hostfully, a provider of end-to-end vacation rental property management software. The agreement allowed InsuraGuest to make available its Hospitality Liability coverage to Hostfully’s client base of more than 2,5000 vacation rental properties.

This is encouraging news for InsuraGuest’s investors, given the significant growth potential of the vacation rental market. With over $57 billion in rental revenue in 2019 and a growth rate of 6.9%, the industry continues its growth as more and more people each year take advantage of the variety of benefits that vacations rentals offer (http://ibn.fm/OWkVZ). Additionally, there is significant growth potential for the company on the European hotel and vacation rental market, currently twice larger than the U.S. market size.

The agreements with Swarts, Manning & Associates and Hostfully, respectively, reaffirm InsuraGuest Technologies’ commitment and dedication to harnessing the power of technology to reinvent insurance across multiple verticals, including the hospitality sector.

The company is also taking active steps to diversify its insurance product offering across multiple sectors. In June, through its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary Insure The People, LLC (“ITP”), InsuraGuest announced the development of a new Business Owner Policy (“BOP”) insurtech portal, www.InsureThePeople.com, slated for release to U.S. markets by the third quarter of 2020 (http://ibn.fm/AwrIF). According to InsuraGuest Chairman and CEO Douglas Anderson, the new product has the potential to provide the company with multiple avenues of revenue and greater shareholder value.

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

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