• Two Phase 2 independently conducted clinical trials showed significant improvement in key biomarkers among ALS patients who were administered CNM-Au8
• Biomarker and efficacy data was submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for a granted Type C meeting request, with the company targeting an accelerated approval pathway
• CEO Rob Etherington expressed optimism about CNM-Au8’s potential as a new ALS treatment, and voiced hope that ALS patients will benefit sooner rather than later
• Clene recently presented its latest updates and findings at the Canaccord Genuity 44th Annual Growth Conference

Clene (NASDAQ: CLNN), a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on improving mitochondrial health and protecting neuronal function to treat neurodegenerative diseases, announced positive results of two independently conducted Phase 2 clinical trials, RESCUE-ALS and HEALEY ALS Platform Trials, of CNM-Au8 for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (“ALS”) (https://ibn.fm/ktu4u).

The new CNM-Au8 biomarker and clinical efficacy data was submitted to the FDA to supplement original data submitted in late 2023 and is intended to guide the granted FDA Type C interaction expected in the third quarter of 2024 to discuss an accelerated approval regulatory pathway, according to a company press release.

One of the key biomarkers of ALS disease progression and mortality risk is the level of neurofilament light (“NfL”) in plasma. Participants in the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial with substantial NfL declines saw significant improvement in survival rates, functional status, and combined assessment of function and survival, compared to NfL non-responders.

Independent of NFL responder status, participants who underwent long-term treatment with CNM-Au8 at a dose of 30 mg were found to have improved survival rates, both in the RESCUE-ALS and the HEALEY ALS Platform Trials, using updated long-term follow-up of survival status, the CLENE announcement said.

The two clinical trials also revealed consistent nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (“NAD”) and glutathione improvements with CNM-Au8 treatment, associated with participants who were NfL responders, supporting a dual mechanism of action of neuronal metabolic support and decreased oxidative stress, and indicating target engagement in ALS patients.

The strong safety profile of CNM-Au8, with NfL biomarker response now linked to survival evidence, and new information on mechanisms of action, support proceeding to a confirmatory Phase 3 clinical trial and regulatory discussions on approval pathways, according to Merit Cudkowicz, M.D., Chair, Neurology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Director, Sean M Healey & AMG Center for ALS, and the Principal Investigator of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial.

With more than 650 patient years of safety data, CNM-Au8 continued to show a robust safety profile without any observed safety signals or any significant safety concerns or adverse effects identified by any investigators to date. “The risk-benefit assessment evidence of CNM-Au8 is strong. Our next step is discussing this new CNM-Au8 biomarker and efficacy data with the FDA, with the hope that ALS patients will benefit from this drug, sooner rather than later,” said CEO and President of Clene, Rob Etherington.

Clene also shared its latest findings and positive developments at the Canaccord Genuity 44th Annual Growth Conference & Private Company Showcase, on August 13. During the conference, the company presented its latest data and discussed its strategic plans with investors and also hosted one-on-one investor meetings. The conference provided Clene with an opportunity to engage with stakeholders and showcase its innovative approach to treating neurological disorders. The company emphasized its commitment to advancing CNM-Au8 through the clinical development pipeline and ultimately bringing it to market.

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

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

The National Investment Banking Association (“NIBA”) invites the micro-cap and small-cap investment community to its 150th investment conference. The event will be held on September 4-5, 2024, at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Since 1982, The National Investment Banking Association has been a not-for-profit association for the micro-cap and small-cap investment community and has hosted 149 investment conferences featuring public and private micro-cap and small-cap companies seeking access to the financial industry.

NIBA’s member firms have a 40 year track record of successfully completing thousands of transactions totaling over $80 billion in new capital for emerging growth companies and are responsible for 90% of all IPOs under $20 million.

The investment conference will be held at the beautiful Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, offering top-notch hospitality with splendid ocean views. The beach resort is well-connected to the cruise port and the airport, offering the best business and recreational experiences.

The NIBA investment conference features global leaders and executives gracing the event floor. They will share their knowledge and offer insights into the latest trends, cutting-edge technologies, and regulations that shape the finance industry. The main agenda of the event is to showcase small-cap and micro-cap industries to the investment community for growth and funding opportunities. Investors can leverage the platform to discover fresh talent with promising business prospects.

Companies will hold presentations to gain exposure among a wide audience of potential investors and investment bankers. Investors can connect with relevant company heads in one-on-one personal meetings to understand the company’s vision and goals. Small-cap companies can pitch their business ideas and develop networking connections at these meetings. The NIBA investment conference brings CEOs, company executives, and investors on a forum that fosters networking, education, friendships, and partnerships.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/PlN2Q

• The company reported a 28% increase in revenue, a 6% rise in bookings, a 97% improvement in GAAP gross profit and a 444% increase in cash, for the second quarter of 2024, on a year over year basis
• D-Wave’s CEO, Dr. Alan Baratz, summarized the company’s ongoing strategic direction and provided an expansive list of achievements
• Highlights mentioned include a quantum AI product development roadmap extending D-Wave’s Leap(TM) quantum cloud service, an expanded partnership with Zapata AI, new customer hybrid quantum applications, and more

D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS), a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services, and the first commercial provider of quantum computers, released its second quarter 2024 financial results along with recent business and technical updates. The company reported growth in key areas, reflecting its continued momentum in the quantum computing market (https://ibn.fm/DNZ11).

D-Wave has made notable progress in advancing its quantum computing offerings and expanding its market presence during this period. The company announced an updated product development roadmap designed to enhance its Leap quantum cloud service to address artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning (“ML”) applications. In addition, D-Wave has focused on developing strategic partnerships to further strengthen its market position, including with Zapata AI.

Key business highlights of Q2 2024 include:

• Quantum AI product development roadmap that extends the Leap quantum cloud service for AI and ML.
• Expansion of commercial partnership with Zapata AI, designed to accelerate the development and delivery of integrated quantum and generative AI solutions, as part of the roadmap.
• Announcement of the forthcoming placement of a second U.S.-based Advantage(TM) quantum computer, which will be D-Wave’s fourth production quantum computer and accessible via the Leap quantum cloud service.
• Launch of a new hybrid quantum solver for nonlinear programs, enabling customers to solve real-world problems with support for up to two million variables and constraints.
• Successful production of the company’s tenth Qubits quantum computing user conference in June 2024, with more than 600 attendees representing 452 organizations from 50 countries.
• Development with customers on a variety of hybrid quantum applications including Ford Otosan (vehicle production optimization application) and Hermes Germany (vehicle routing quantum optimization application).
• Double-digit enrollment growth for quantum training courses in the first six months of 2024.
• Joining the broad-market Russell 3000 Index, which captures the 3,000 largest stocks as of April 30, 2024, ranked by total market capitalization.

D-Wave’s Q2 2024 results also underscore its robust performance across several financial metrics:

• Number of customers increased to a total of 130 for the four fiscal quarters ended in Q2 compared to 114 customers in the immediately prior four quarter period, including 77 commercial customers and 26 Forbes Global 2000 customers.
• Revenue was $2.2 million, an increase of $0.5 million, or 28%, from the fiscal 2023 second quarter revenue of $1.7 million. Revenue from commercial customers increased by 35%, or $1.8 million. Revenue from Forbes Global 2000 customers increased by $0.9 million, or 50%, and comprised 26% of total revenue.
• Bookings for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 were $2.7 million, an increase of $0.2 million, or 6% from the fiscal 2023 second quarter bookings of $2.5 million. This is the company’s ninth consecutive quarter of YoY growth in quarterly bookings.
• GAAP gross profit was $1.4 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or 97%, from the fiscal 2023 second quarter gross profit of $0.7 million, an increase primarily driven by the growth in revenue and improved operating efficiencies.
• Ended the second quarter with $40.9 million in cash, one of the company’s highest quarter-end cash balances in history.

Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, expressed optimism about the company’s growth trajectory and future prospects in light of the Q2 results, indicating continued traction on all fronts – revenue, bookings, customer acquisition, liquidity and technical advancements. “There is rapidly growing awareness of annealing quantum computing and its ability to deliver business benefits today, and the market is responding. This is further strengthened by our product development activities in hardware (Advantage2(TM) prototype), software (new nonlinear hybrid solver and fast anneal feature), and Quantum Artificial Intelligence,” Dr. Baratz added. “Our momentum as one of the few companies in the world leading the quantum transformation is evident.”

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

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may not be indicative of future results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, various factors beyond management’s control, including the risks set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of the company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in the company’s other filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release in making an investment decision, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. The company undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

Sprout Social (NASDAQ: SPT), a frontrunner in cloud-based social media management software, recently made headlines with the appointment of Mike Wolff as its new Chief Revenue Officer. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering Sprout Social’s global sales, success, and partnerships organization, with a keen focus on accelerating the company’s worldwide growth and expansion. Wolff’s extensive background, notably his transformative tenure at Salesforce, underscores his proficiency in scaling sales operations and driving substantial revenue growth. His transition to Sprout Social is poised to leverage his two decades of experience in steering global sales and technology teams towards achieving ambitious growth targets.

Sprout Social’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and enhancing its software offerings is further emphasized by Wolff’s enthusiasm for the role social media plays in connecting consumers with brands. His ambition to contribute to Sprout Social’s growth and deliver unparalleled value to its customers aligns with the company’s mission to provide top-tier social media management tools. This synergy between Wolff’s vision and Sprout Social’s objectives sets a promising trajectory for the company’s future endeavors.

The financial metrics of Sprout Social reveal a company in a unique position within the market. Despite a negative price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately -26, indicating current unprofitability, the company’s price-to-sales (P/S) and enterprise value to sales (EV/Sales) ratios suggest a market willing to invest in its growth potential. These figures, coupled with a significantly high enterprise value to operating cash flow (EV/OCF) ratio, reflect investor confidence in Sprout Social’s capacity to generate value through its operations over time.

Moreover, the company’s moderate debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio of about 0.29 signals a balanced approach to leveraging debt for growth, while the current ratio of approximately 0.89 points to a slight challenge in managing short-term liabilities with its assets. These financial indicators provide a nuanced understanding of Sprout Social’s operational and financial health, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as it embarks on its next phase of growth under Mike Wolff’s leadership.

In summary, Sprout Social’s strategic appointment of Mike Wolff as Chief Revenue Officer marks a significant step towards achieving its global expansion and growth objectives. His proven track record in scaling sales and technology organizations, combined with Sprout Social’s robust platform serving over 30,000 brands, positions the company for continued success in the dynamic social media management sector. The financial metrics underscore the market’s optimism about Sprout Social’s future, despite the challenges of achieving profitability, highlighting the company’s potential for long-term value creation.

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

• Annovis Bio’s lead drug candidate buntanetap has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for early Alzheimer’s patients
• In a short-term Phase 2/3 study, buntanetap has been shown to work three times better than the standard of care in the market
• The company plans further clinical trials to validate the efficacy and safety of buntanetap in treating both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases

Annovis Bio (NYSE: ANVS), a late-stage clinical drug platform company pioneering transformative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, presented significant data and findings of its Phase 2/3 Alzheimer’s study of lead drug candidate buntanetap at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference(R) 2024 (AAIC(R)) in Philadelphia. Dr. Maria Maccecchini, Ph.D., Founder, President, and CEO of the company detailed these findings, as well as the scientific community’s response and the company’s future plans, during a recent episode of IBN’s Bell2Bell Podcast with Stuart Smith, recorded live at the AAIC.

Dr. Maccecchini explained that this was a short-term study with 360 participants, all in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The response to buntanetap was excellent, as the drug candidate was shown to be at least three times better than the standard of care available in the market. The results were welcomed by the scientific community, (https://ibn.fm/oiZAi).

“Our Phase 2/3 data indicates that buntanetap has the potential to significantly improve learning, memory and quality of life for early Alzheimer’s patients,” said Dr. Maccecchini during the interview. “Being able to share these findings live from AAIC, one of the most prestigious events in Alzheimer’s research, underscores the importance of our work and the promise it holds for patients.”

Annovis now plans to repeat the short-term study with a higher number of participants (600 patients), and to also ask the Food and Drug Administration to approve the extension of the short-term study to 18 months in order to show that buntanetap works both in the short- and long-term. The company is looking to complete the short study and submit a request for approval before the end of next year.

The neurodegenerative disease treatment market is substantial and growing, driven by an aging population and increasing incidence of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly 7 million Americans are currently suffering from Alzheimer’s, a figure projected to rise to almost 13 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s care costs are expected to reach $360 billion in 2024 and escalate to nearly $1 trillion annually by 2050 (https://ibn.fm/AsPB8).

Buntanetap, formerly known as Posiphen, is designed to target neurodegeneration by inhibiting the formation of multiple neurotoxic proteins, including amyloid beta, tau, alpha-synuclein, and TDP43. By improving synaptic transmission, axonal transport, and reducing neuroinflammation, buntanetap aims to reverse neurodegeneration in AD, PD, and other neurodegenerative diseases. This multi-targeted approach positions buntanetap as a potential breakthrough in treating these debilitating conditions.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.AnnovisBio.com, and social channels LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

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

• SenesTech, a rodent fertility control product provider and the inventor of the only EPA-registered contraceptive for male and female rats, is offering a sustainable and proactive tool  in the fight against rodent pests
• With New York City reporting an estimated 3 million rats as one of the top five list of the most rat-infested cities in the U.S., it paints a grim picture of the situation at hand
• SenesTech’s Evolve(TM) soft bait products for both rats and mice has been scientifically proven to manage rodent infestations, allowing for a superior proactive approach to addressing the rodent problem
• The product was developed as a minimum risk product as defined by the EPA, posing little or no harm to the environment, people, or non-targeted animals such as birds of prey and cats

In 2023, it was estimated that New York City had roughly 3 million rats, an increase of almost 1 million over the last ten years. The situation has gotten so bad that the city has become almost synonymous with rat infestation problems.

This statistic paints an astonishing picture of the rodent problem in the U.S., and the need to better address it sustainably and effectively. SenesTech (NASDAQ: SNES), a rodent fertility control product provider and the inventor of the only EPA-registered contraceptive for male and female rats, promises an proactive tool that has been tried and tested and could potentially get rid of an entire rat population in only 12 to 18 months.

SenesTech’s flagship product line, Evolve(TM) soft bait for rats and mice has been shown to provide a reliable and safe method for managing infestations. Its high palatability and little to no risk to people, the environment, or non-target animals, makes it ideal for use in public or home environments. The active ingredient in the product, cottonseed oil, effectively interferes with the reproductive mechanisms in both male and female rats, thereby offering a more proactive approach to controlling the rodent population by targeting it at its source (https://ibn.fm/8QmvC).

SenesTech, through its offerings, promises a solution to a problem that so far has been impossible to solve. It offers a product that meets the necessary environmental and health requirements, particularly given the ongoing concerns about the use of poisons and their potential impact on non-targeted animals such as hawks, owls, and domestic cats.

The company has a powerful and much needed product in the market, and is building its share in a market that was valued at $5.6 billion in 2021 and was projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% between 2022 and 2032 (https://ibn.fm/UJ8pP).

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

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

• Canada is recognized globally as an oil and gold powerhouse, but the country is also a world leader in other metals, a trend that looks to be gaining steam
• With strategic acquisitions, Fathom Nickel has assembled a dominant land position in Saskatchewan’s Trans-Hudson Corridor, positioning the company to become a leading nickel provider in the sustainable energy market
• Data continues to show mineralization open on strike and at depth, with evidence that the deposits may be interconnected as part of one massive system

A surge in exports in June confounded pundits that called for Canada to experience a fourth straight monthly trade shortfall. Canada unexpectedly posted a C$638 million trade surplus in June, driven primarily by increased crude oil shipments facilitated by the expanded Trans Mountain pipeline and a surge in gold exports.

Canada’s recent export data is a clear indicator of a relentless resource powerhouse. While the expansion of oil pipelines has undoubtedly contributed to this growth, the country’s potential extends far beyond black gold and the long-cherished precious metal.

Nickel, a critical component in the burgeoning electric vehicle (“EV”) industry, is a prime example. Canada is already the world’s largest nickel producer outside of Asia, a position that grants it an unparalleled advantage in supplying the global green transition, particularly as domestic assets increasingly gain importance. While the EV market has faced some headwinds, the long-term trend towards electrification remains undeniable. Beyond batteries, nickel is essential for various other green technologies, ensuring a robust and sustained demand for this critical mineral.

Among the companies vying for a significant share of this growing market, Fathom Nickel (CSE: FNI) (FSE: 6Q5) (OTCQB: FNICF) emerges as a particularly promising contender.

Fathom’s strategic focus on Canada’s prolific nickel-copper belts places it in an enviable position. The company’s exploration and development efforts are concentrated in regions renowned for their high-grade mineralization, a factor that significantly enhances its potential for discovering and developing substantial nickel deposits. This geographic advantage, coupled with the company’s technical expertise and financial prudence, sets Fathom Nickel apart from its peers.

The Calgary-based company has a portfolio of three high-quality exploration projects covering more than 122,000 hectares in the prolific Trans-Hudson Corridor in Saskatchewan:

• Albert Lake Project: a 90,000+ hectare project that was host to the historic and past producing Rottenstone Mine (produced 28,724 tons @3.3% Ni, 1.8% Cu, 9.63 g/t 3E (Pd-Pt+Au) 1965-1969)
• Gochager Lake Project: a 22,000+ hectare that is host to a historic, NI 43-101 non-compliant open pit resource consisting of 4.3 million tons at 0.295% Ni and 0.081% Cu
• Friesen Lake Project: a 10,000+ hectare located 40 kilometers southwest of the historic Rottenstone Mine and 30 kilometers northwest of the historic Gochager Lake deposit

The Trans-Hudson Corridor is renowned for its rich mineral deposits where geological processes over millions of years created ideal conditions for high concentrations of valuable minerals. This orogeny, spanning parts of Canada and the United States, is a hotspot for mining and exploration due to its complex geological history that has produced some of North America’s most recognizable mines, spanning, gold, base metals, and other minerals.

The geological processes that formed the Trans-Hudson Corridor over millions of years created the ideal conditions for the concentration of valuable minerals. This unique setting, combined with the region’s accessibility and political stability, has made it a highly attractive destination for Fathom to assemble the dominant land portfolio in the region.

Fathom’s approach continues to produce data suggesting that the company could be sitting on a massive nickel structure. The collection of recent press releases provides evidence that not only is the nickel deposit large, but it could also be much bigger than initially thought. The latest evidence considers only two areas of interest: Gochager Lake deposit and historic Mal Lake Nickel occurrence, which are about 6 miles apart.

A re-examination of historic data from Mal Lake drill core showed the two have a similar nickel tenor, similar nickel-to-copper ratio, similar nickel-to-cobalt ratio, and similar mineralized mafic intrusions. In non-geologist speak, that means the two may not be two after all, but simply different parts of one connected nickel deposit.

The company is finalizing the next stage of development at Gochager Lake, which will include drilling thanks to the recent receipt of a permit allowing for 60 drillholes and a 25-person camp at the project.

Similar exploration discoveries are happening at the Albert Lake Project, where Fathom’s methodical approach is proving the existence of historic mineralization and expanding it along strike and at depth. With repetitive interpretations of data, it is unsurprising that Fathom made the move to acquire the Friesen Lake Ni-Cu-Pt showing that is nearby Gochager Lake and Albert Lake, as well as adjacent to the Toppings Lake Cu-Ni showing and close to the recent discovery of Ramp Metals that caused the stock to skyrocket.

Add it up and Fathom Nickel’s strategic positioning, combined with its dedication to sustainable practices, makes it a company to watch closely. As the world transitions towards a greener future, the demand for nickel will only continue to grow, and companies like Fathom Nickel, with their focus on exploration and development in prime locations, are ready to capitalize on the opportunity to become a dominant player in the global supply chain of critical minerals.

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

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

• ECGI Holdings is a diversified holding company with a unique portfolio in viticulture, hospitality, and luxury fashion
• The company’s subsidiary Pacific Saddlery is looking to introduce technologies that leverage AI capabilities to provide customer fit recommendations amid plans to launch a new line of ready-to-wear apparel under its Allon brand
• The company believes AI-powered solutions will help increase conversion rates, reduce return rates, and enhance customer engagement and loyalties
• Apparel manufacturers and online apparel brands are turning to AI-driven technologies to reduce returns and their impact on the bottom line
• A 2023 study listed size/fit, color, and damage as the top three reasons for online apparel returns

In a 2023 study, Coresight Research surveyed decision makers at U.S.-based apparel brands and retailers, revealing that the average return rate of online apparel orders in the U.S. stood at an estimated 24.4%. This return rate translated to $38 billion in returns – based on the research firm’s estimate of the value of the online apparel and footwear market in 2023, which stood at $155.8 billion (https://ibn.fm/DOjHE).

The returns come at a cost to the apparel companies and retailers, especially considering a majority of them offer free shipping on returns. The shipping cost, coupled with the processing and restocking costs, can significantly impact the companies’ bottom line, leading to an estimated $25.1 billion hit, according to the study. Against this backdrop, apparel companies and retailers hold that reducing the return rate to zero “could improve the bottom line of their online apparel business by at least 20%.”

To reduce the return rate, companies must first understand the reasons customers return the purchased goods, which the Coresight Research study provided. Based on responses from the surveyed brands, the study found that size/fit (53%), color (16%), and damage (10%) are the top three reasons for online apparel returns. Guided by this understanding, the study notes that “Apparel brands and retailers are adopting different approaches, including changing return policies and leveraging virtual try-on technology, to reduce returns.”

For its part, Pacific Saddlery, a subsidiary of diversified holding company ECGI Holdings (OTC: ECGI), plans to introduce technologies that leverage artificial intelligence (“AI”) capabilities to provide personalized fit recommendations. The company, which manufactures and sells equestrian apparel, tack, equipment, and accessories, believes the AI-powered solutions will result in increased conversion rates, reduced return rates, and enhanced customer engagement and loyalties.

The AI-powered solutions can take many forms, from AI-powered precise body measurement apps and AI-powered virtual styling tools to AI-driven augmented and virtual reality solutions that let customers virtually try on clothes. In addition, e-commerce giant Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) recently introduced a feature that uses AI to extract details like size, fabric, style, and fit from customer reviews and then summarize the details in an easy-to-use format that provides relevant information to customers (https://ibn.fm/blAGC).

The AI-driven body measurement apps let apparel companies and online retailers collect individualized digital body measurements for each customer. Armed with this data, the companies can deliver tailored size recommendations for each customer’s body type as well as predict full-body measurements from just a few easy-to-measure dimensions. This enables the companies to display only the best fitting clothes on their online stores.

In addition, the data helps apparel manufacturers to optimize future designs according to body shapes and sizes. This capability enables the companies to cut garments to sizes that actually fit people. According to an article in 3DLook, the result is that “Customers receive products tailored to their bodies, while businesses enjoy fewer returns and less product waste” (https://ibn.fm/ADDQ3).

With Pacific Saddlery’s plans to launch a new collection of ready-to-wear equestrian apparel under its Allon brand now in high gear and given the advantages of AI-powered solutions during retail and manufacturing, it is a no-brainer to incorporate AI into its operations. The company initially intends to use AI measurement on the retail end to recommend apparel that best fits customers. This intervention, the company believes, will help give customers more confidence in the sizes and fits they select and reduce returns. Later, the company plans to use AI in manufacturing, enabling it to capture precise measurements for made-to-measure apparel.

To support its plans to incorporate AI and machine learning into its operations, ECGI recently announced the addition of AI and machine learning (“ML”) expert Mandeep Singh to its Board of Advisors (https://ibn.fm/5xWff). With a distinguished career in AI, ML, and data science, Singh brings a wealth of expertise that promises to drive growth and innovation at ECGI and Pacific Saddlery. And as Jamie Steigerwald, CEO of ECGI Holdings, noted, Mandeep’s cutting-edge expertise in AI and ML positions the company to “achieve extraordinary advancements.”

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

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

Connect with the leaders and social media marketing heads from leading colleges and universities at the Social Media Strategies Summit for Higher Education 2024. Attractive early bird offers are available. The tickets include access to the Higher Ed Summit on October 21–22, 2024, and the Corporate Brand Summit on October 24–25. The workshops are optional and require separate registration.

The sessions explore the best social media marketing practices for colleges and universities. Higher education social media marketing experts nationwide will join the event to share insights on the best social media marketing strategies. Executives and professionals in recruitment, admissions, and student experiences, can learn the intricacies of the best social media strategies from industry veterans.

Eminent industry dignitaries will host the speaker sessions discussing case studies and proven practices to position one’s institution as a market leader. Social media marketers can learn the tools, tips, and emerging trends imparted by these leaders. Executives can assess their current scenario based on the narratives provided by the speakers and incorporate the changes for social media transformations.

The experts will walk the attendees through the wide gamut of topics on social media marketing, answering queries and discussing challenges, ideas, and trends. Three expert speakers will also host an “Ask Me Anything” session where they answer questions on a variety of topics in real time.

Experts will navigate the audience through pivotal topics like ‘Impact of AI on Higher Education’ and ‘Power of Alt Text and Captions in Social Media’. Attendees can connect with peers and industry leaders during panel discussions, roundtables, and networking breaks.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/Ko4lw 

• Operator of flagship Waterberg PGM Project located in South Africa, which is home to 70% of platinum and 35% of palladium global mine production in 2023
• Over $89M invested to date in exploration and feasibility engineering since initial discovery in 2011
• The Waterberg Project has proven and estimated reserves of 19.5 million ounces of PGMs and gold with a projected production life of 45 years
• Partnered with major integrated PGM producer Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. and Japanese consortium HJ Platinum, which includes trading house Hanwa Co. and the government-backed Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security
• A 2019 Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”) confirmed Waterberg as one of the largest and lowest cost undeveloped PGM projects globally
• In December 2023, entered an agreement with Ajlan & Bros Mining and Metals to study establishment of a PGM smelter and base metals refinery in Saudi Arabia
• PGM market dynamics are favorable based on growing demand from gasoline hybrid and plug-in hybrid (“PHEV”) technology adoption and expected supply cutbacks from major producers in Southern Africa, North America and Russia
• An update to the 2019 Waterberg Definitive Feasibility Study is expected in 2024
• Founded Lion Battery Technologies Inc. in partnership with Anglo American Platinum Ltd. (AMS: JSE) to research and commercialize the use of PGMs in lithium-sulfur battery chemistry

Platinum Group Metals (NYSE American: PLG) (TSX: PTM) is the operator of the Waterberg Project, a bulk underground platinum group metals (“PGM”) deposit discovered by Platinum Group in 2011 and located on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. The Waterberg Project is planned as a fully mechanized platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold mine, including by-product copper and nickel production, and is projected to be one of the largest and lowest cost PGM mines globally.

The project is a joint venture between Platinum Group; integrated PGM producer Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. (OTCQX: IMPUY); Japanese consortium HJ Platinum, which includes trading house Hanwa Co. and the government-backed Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (“JOGMEC”); and local empowerment partner Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd. Platinum Group has an effective 50.22% interest in the Waterberg Project.

The company’s primary business objective is to advance the Waterberg Project to a development and construction decision. An update to the 2019 Definite Feasibility Study is expected in 2024.

PGMs are essential and precious metals that include platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium. These metals are known for their purity, high melting points and unique catalytic properties. They are utilized in a number of industrial processes, technologies and commercial applications and play a critical role in autocatalysis and pollution control in the automotive sector. The bulk of global PGMs are mined in Southern Africa and Russia.

The unique properties of PGMs are being applied to various technologies as possible solutions for more efficient energy generation and storage, which may create new demand for PGMs. The company’s battery technology initiative through Lion Battery Technologies Inc., using platinum and palladium in lithium battery technologies, represents one such new opportunity in the high-profile lithium battery research and innovation field.

Platinum Group Metals Ltd. founded Lion Battery Technologies Inc. in partnership with Anglo American Platinum Ltd. (AMS: JNB) to support the use of palladium and platinum in lithium battery applications. Lion Battery has entered into an agreement with Florida International University to further advance a research program that uses platinum and palladium to unlock the potential of Lithium Sulfur (“Li-S”) battery chemistries.

Platinum Group is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Waterberg Project

Platinum Group’s sole material mineral property, the Waterberg Project, is presently in process with pre-construction permitting; engineering work, including road upgrade and traffic studies; finalization of power and water infrastructure design; and construction camp design.

The company’s principal product from the Waterberg Project is planned to be a PGM-bearing concentrate. The concentrate will contain economic amounts of six elements comprising platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, copper and nickel. The company’s partner in the Waterberg Project, Impala Platinum Holdings, has acquired a right of first refusal to enter into an offtake agreement, on commercial arm’s-length terms, for the smelting and refining of mineral products from the Waterberg Project.

The Waterberg project has proven and estimated reserves of 19.5 million ounces of PGMs and gold. When fully operational, the mine is projected to produce more than 400,000 ounces of PGMs annually during the peak period of steady state production. The life of the mine is projected at 45 years.

South Africa’s PGM mining sector remains closely tied to economic developments in the global automotive industry, which in 2022 accounted for approximately 43% of the total global demand for platinum and 82% of the total global demand for palladium.

Market Opportunity

According to a report from Straits Research, a global market and business research firm, the worldwide platinum market had an estimated value of $7.72 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $11.95 billion by 2031. That represents a CAGR of 5.13% over the forecast period.

Platinum, one of the rarest of precious metals, is about 30 times scarcer than gold. It is crucial to the automotive and electronics industries and is also used to make jewelry. Stricter emissions regulations around the world have led to an increased demand for platinum to be used in catalytic converters to reduce automotive emission, the report states.

A report from Allied Market Research estimated the global palladium market at $16.3 billion in 2021 and projects the market will reach $28.6 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% over the period.

Palladium is also used in automotive catalytic converters for reducing emissions and in jewelry, dentistry, watchmaking, blood sugar test strips, aircraft spark plugs, surgical instruments, electrical contacts and musical instruments.

An increase in demand for consumer electronics has driven demand for palladium-based multilayer ceramic capacitors (“MLCC”) used to store energy in electronic devices such as broadcasting equipment, mobile telephones, computers, electronic lighting and high voltage circuits, according to the report.

Management Team

Frank R. Hallam is Co-Founder, Director, President and CEO of Platinum Group. He has over 30 years of experience in the mining, minerals and petroleum industry as an operator, principal and founder. He was a co-founder and former CFO of MAG Silver Corp. He was also co-founder and director of West Timmins Mining Inc. and a director of Lake Shore Gold Corp. In addition, he was CFO and director with gold exploration company Tan Range Exploration Corp. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and was formerly an auditor in the public mining practice of PwC. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University.

Greg Blair is CFO of Platinum Group. He has been with Platinum Group since 2010 in various roles, most recently as Interim CFO. Prior to joining Platinum Group, he was at a public accounting firm working on public company (mainly mining) audits. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a degree in Economics from Simon Fraser University and has completed the Canadian Securities Course.

Kris Begic is VP Corporate Development of Platinum Group. He has over 25 years of experience in the mining industry and capital markets and has been involved with the raising of over $500 million for various exploration and development projects globally. His efforts are focused on project generation, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, investor relations and marketing.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.PlatinumGroupMetals.net.

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