• Following two months on the shelf and positive consumer feedback, Meijer supermarket chain has added NGTF ice cream to additional store locations
• Nightfood ice cream quickly established distribution in 16 states
• NGTF CEO Sean Folkson was recently interviewed on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange

Nightfood Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF) is solving America’s $50 billion nighttime snacking problem with sleep-friendly nighttime ice cream. With its team of leading sleep and nutrition experts, NGTF is pioneering the projected billion dollar nighttime nutrition and sleep-friendly snack categories.

The Nightfood ice cream brand is already making a name for itself. Based on a Kantar survey of more than 40,000 consumers, NGTF ice cream was named recipient of the 2019 ‘Product of the Year’ award in the ice cream category, and it has been featured in major media outlets including USA Today, MarketWatch, The Washington Post, Food Network, Today and more.

NGTF recently announced that the Meijer supermarket chain has added Nightfood ice cream to 13 additional store locations, just two months after the product was initially launched into 95 of Meijer’s 240 high-volume supercenters (http://ibn.fm/4p7lU). Four of these locations are new Meijer Supercenters scheduled to open in May. Three of the four new stores are in Ohio and will be introducing both Meijer and Nightfood to the Cleveland market. Nightfood’s distribution with Meijer is currently concentrated around the metropolitan areas of Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Columbus and Milwaukee, in addition to the three new stores in Cleveland.

Meijer Supermarket distribution is only one of many steps the company is taking toward reaching its goal of being on shelves in 10,000 locations by March 31, 2020.

After news broke of the Meijer expansion, NGTF CEO Sean Folkson was welcomed to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange to be interviewed by financial news outlet Cheddar. In an interview that aired live nationally on May 7, 2019, Folkson was asked about the potential for an acquisition of the Nightfood brand and responded, “Acquisition is really hot in the CPG (consumer packaged goods) space. We’ve seen a ton of them, they’re very frothy. We do think that by this time next year, we’re going to be in position where we’re probably going to be fielding some phone calls, and we’re certainly going to listen.“

The company also recently revealed that another billion-dollar regional chain in the Midwest, a top-50 supermarket chain with per-store revenue double that of an average Whole Foods, has also added Nightfood to its freezers in select locations. Details of that deal have not yet been announced.

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

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

• Asher House co-founders recently appeared on The Ellen Show to highlight the company’s mission of moving dogs from shelters to homes
• Sales of hemp-based Asher House Thrive Oil fund dog-adoption efforts
• Through its controlling interest in Asher House Wellness, NUGS has enabled the adoption of more than 200 dogs in North America

Cannabis Strategic Ventures Inc. (OTC: NUGS) portfolio company Asher House Wellness’ co-founders, Lee Asher and Luke Barton, recently appeared on The Ellen Show to discuss their cross-country journey to rescue sheltered animals and move them into loving homes (http://ibn.fm/Nc8oE).

The two men represented the Asher House team on the broadcast, which reaches a national TV audience. The segment, titled ‘Ellen Meets Inspiring Dog Adoption Duo’, is also featured on the show’s YouTube channel. The Ellen Show currently has 31 million subscribers on YouTube.

“The more the community knows about and supports the Asher House Wellness and their industry-leading products that help dogs live well and thrive, the longer we will be able to continue our mission,” Asher noted in a news release. NUGS acquired a controlling interest in Asher House Wellness in 2018, and the company’s efforts have enabled the adoption of more than 200 dogs in the United States and Canada.

The Asher House Wellness brand consists of products for pets, including full-spectrum, whole-plant hemp that’s free of THC and pesticides. The company also plans to introduce several new dog products this year, including Lillie’s Love Biscuits.

“It is rare to find a company that is walking the talk and creating industry-leading products while also dedicating personal resources to help their mission,” CEO Simon Yu said in a news release.

Los-Angeles based NUGS incubates, develops and partners with leaders in the cannabis sector; the company has a portfolio of cannabis-related businesses. The NUGS brand experience provides operational and financial strategic partnerships and other services to existing and emerging cannabis consumer brands. The company also pursues investment opportunities in the areas of cultivation, extraction, packaging and dispensary operations within the cannabis space. NUGS is focused on cannabis industry niches and creating cannabis consumer brands.

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

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

• Hemptown USA grows broad-spectrum hemp biomass using premium seed genetics
• The company aims to grow one million CBG seeds and two million CBD seeds in 2019
• It expects to expand distribution and growing operations globally

Hemptown USA is a proven grower of broad-spectrum hemp biomass. The company works meticulously with processors to produce the finest broad-spectrum CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol) oils and pure isolates. Considered a novel cannabinoid, CBG is non-intoxicating and present in low levels in most cannabis strains. In fact, it is the chemical parent of both THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD, meaning that both compounds begin as CBG (http://ibn.fm/HiAix). Scientific work is continuing to identify the full range of CBG effects and the health benefits resulting from a combination of CBG and other cannabinoids (http://ibn.fm/WdEHs).

Based in Central Point, Oregon, Hemptown USA is positioned to be a top CBG producer in the United States this year and beyond. The microclimates where the company grows its hemp biomass are located in Oregon’s well-known ‘Emerald Triangle’, as well as the states of Kentucky and Colorado. These microclimates are specially selected for their perfect combinations of soil, weather and protected natural environments.

The company uses best-in-class seed genetics from Oregon CBD Seeds, which contain less than 0.3 percent THC and exceptionally high cannabidiol content of up to 20 percent. Hemptown USA’s strains include Suver Haze, Sour Space Candy and Electra.

Rod Wolterman, founder and chairman of Hemptown USA, noted in a CFN interview (http://ibn.fm/tslBq) that the company farmed 110 acres in 2018. Hemptown’s farmland for this year’s growing season has increased to approximately 1,500 acres in Oregon, Kentucky and Colorado. Hemptown USA’s goal for 2020 is 2,500 acres. Furthermore, by way of strategic partnerships, the company anticipates expanding its distribution and growing operations internationally.

A Ministry of Hemp article (http://ibn.fm/FNBh8), titled ‘Expanding US Hemp Acreage Proves Hemp Is The Next Big Cash Crop’, reported that, “in 2017, hemp fields expanded by 163 percent across the country. That’s over 25,000 acres of hemp grown across 19 different states.” The five states that made the most significant hemp acreage leaps in 2017 were New York (2,000 acres), North Dakota (3,020 acres), Kentucky (3,271 acres), Oregon (3,469 acres) and Colorado (9,700 acres).

Hemptown USA has exclusive rights to one million rare CBG seeds that are genetically programmed to yield 12-17 percent broad-spectrum, non-intoxicating cannabinoids. The company has a long-standing relationship with Oregon CBD Seeds, one of the world’s most respected cannabis-breeding enterprises. In conjunction with Oregon CBD Seeds and Hemptown USA’s product sciences team, Hemptown will aim to create custom, proprietary broad-spectrum CBD and CBG oils and pure isolates (http://ibn.fm/lKVG4).

Hemptown USA’s plans emphasize increasing in-house extraction capabilities in order to boost profit margins by providing additional CBD and CBG isolates and distillation services. Also, the company’s unique line of CBG-based products (Siskū Botanicals) is set to launch later this year.

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

• The global online pharmacy market is expected to continue growing rapidly through 2024, at a CAGR of 17.5 percent
• Innovative pharmaceutical solutions providers like Trxade Group are set to benefit from this trend
• Trxade Group already offers a web-based platform for supplying local independent pharmacies in the U.S., and the company’s mobile app gives patients access to same-day prescription medication deliveries

The global online pharmaceuticals market is projected to grow rapidly, at a CAGR of 17.5 percent through 2024, as detailed in a report titled ‘The Online Pharmacy Market: Global Industry Analysis’ from ResearchAndMarkets.com (http://ibn.fm/e7n2q). Several factors are expected to contribute to the growth, such as increased internet usage around the world, better health care infrastructure development and rising awareness about the benefits of ecommerce transactions.

By 2023, the global online pharmacy market is anticipated to reach $128 billion, in comparison to $29.4 billion in 2014 (http://ibn.fm/9NM9i). Companies like Trxade Group Inc. (OTCQB: TRXD) are contributing to the realization of such trends through innovative developments and easy access to user-friendly web-based services.

The Trxade online pharmaceutical purchasing platform helps independent pharmacies operating in the U.S. to identify the best possible suppliers and prices. Currently, Trxade operates the largest online pharmaceutical marketplace in the U.S. that reduces annual pharmacy purchase costs by anywhere from seven to 10 percent, on average.

To participate in the platform, pharmacies pay no fees or recurrent memberships. Additionally, the platform prioritizes the user-friendliness of its layout to ensure effortless price and supplier comparisons. Trxade Group earns from transaction fees that sellers have to pay via the platform. In addition, the company focuses on the consumer side of the pharmaceutical industry. A simplified buying process and transparency in terms of pricing are both prioritized. In addition, the company ensures reliable delivery directly to independent pharmacists and consumers.

The company continues working in that direction to offer more innovative, faster and reliable services to consumers in the U.S. Trxade Group recently announced the launch of same-day prescription deliveries via its DelivMeds app (http://ibn.fm/5KbrK). DelivMeds employs artificial intelligence (AI) to determine the best transportation methods and ensure same-day prescription deliveries. Through the app, patients can get same-day dispensed prescriptions and medication refills from local, independent pharmacists.

According to Trxade Group CEO Suren Ajjarapu, the platform is currently indirectly delivering drugs to over 12 million consumers through the company’s independent pharmacy network. The Trxade Group network of independent pharmacies features 10,250 businesses, and the target is set at 24,000 U.S. independent pharmacies.

DelivMeds is available for free download via Google Play and the Apple App Store. The app’s emphasis on local, independent pharmacies allows for personalized services and a focus on quality patient care, Ajjarapu said in a news release. Hence, the model works in the patient’s best interest, especially when people cannot wait more than a day to receive their prescription medications.

Trxade Group is an integrated pharmaceutical services company that offers a unique combination of an online purchasing platform, a network of pharmacies with E-Hub software, a mail order pharmacy and an extensive drug distributors network. The company was founded in 2010 in Tampa, Florida. Ever since the start, its primary goal has been to penetrate the extensive independent pharmacy market and diversify the company’s pharmaceutical mix with specialty and acute care products.

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

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

• SHRG’s new program is expected to include the creation of Spanish versions of websites and key marketing materials
• The company’s goal is to empower an independent sales force to focus on a growing Hispanic market
• SHRG’s CEO stated that the move was requested by SHRG’s Elepreneur distributors and is designed to build sales

Sharing Services Global Corporation (OTCQB: SHRG) has introduced a new marketing program for the Hispanic community, which calls for the company to create Spanish versions of key marketing materials and websites. The goal of the program (http://ibn.fm/G8dOf) is to broaden the customer and distributor base for SHRG’s Elepreneurs subsidiary.

The Hispanic market is large and projected to see significant growth in the coming years. The U.S. Census Bureau newsroom (http://ibn.fm/mzFEy) reported that, in 2017, people of Hispanic origin numbered 58.9 million, accounting for 18.1 percent of the U.S. population. In terms of spending, Latino spending in the United States will account for $1.8 trillion by 2020, according to a report by Research and Markets (http://ibn.fm/z3SJz).

“We are fulfilling the need, as requested by our Elepreneurs distributors, to have Spanish versions of electronic materials to further expand our business in the U.S.,” Sharing Services CEO John “JT” Thatch stated in a news release (http://ibn.fm/YUsnM). “Our March revenues are proof that our Blue Ocean Strategy is being well accepted in the direct-selling marketplace, and we want this growth to continue within new markets.” In March 2019, SHRG reported record sales of $10.4 million (http://ibn.fm/txTxh).

Based in Plano, Texas, SHRG owns, operates or controls a variety of companies engaged in direct selling through independent sales representatives. The company also offers services such as energy, technology and insurance. Its divisions include Elevacity Global LLC and Elepreneur LLC.

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

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

• Kontrol Energy Corp. specializes in technology and acquisitions that improve energy usage efficiency to help clients cut costs and boost ‘good neighbor’ status
• Kontrol’s acquisitions during 2018 helped drive significant year-over-year revenue growth and record fourth quarter performance
• The company’s gross profit for the year rose by $1.8 million, thanks in large part to the activities of newly-acquired operations

Green digital technology platform developer Kontrol Energy Corp. (CSE: KNR) (OTCQB: KNRLF) (FSE: 1K8) has developed its model for energy efficiency promotion into a growing, thriving operation that reported strong year-over-year growth during the past year and record revenues during the fourth quarter.

The company’s fiscal 2018 results, announced on April 30, showed a 100 percent increase in fourth quarter performance over the prior fourth quarter and a 56 percent increase for the year, as compared to the prior year (http://ibn.fm/MGCJm). That translated into a gross profit for the year of $6.4 million – an increase of $1.8 million over the previous year, largely as a result of activity from newly-acquired businesses during the 12-month stretch.

Kontrol Energy uses cutting edge technology to help companies reduce their energy costs, increase the efficiency of their energy use and improve their balance sheets. By adding company acquisitions in the building automation systems, internet of things (IoT) and HVAC technology sectors to its portfolio strategy, the energy tech business is pursuing exponential growth in 2019 in the asset and facilities management industry.

Kontrol Energy’s growth plan was highlighted in a recent agreement to create a company that provides technological solutions and services to automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) clients through a joint venture with Toyota Tsusho Canada Inc. (“TTCI”) – a domestic branch of the Toyota automobile group’s trading company.

The company will help clients determine how to obtain the most efficiency from their production systems and will use data analysis and machine learning to manage energy use in real-time (http://ibn.fm/rPJcO).

“Picture an automotive plant with 5,000 sensors, each of those sensors reporting something in real time… and Kontrol collects the information,” CEO Paul Ghezzi said during an interview with Follow The Money (http://ibn.fm/uZgt6). “Using that information we optimize the facility. So you’ve got really two plays there — one is a retrofit of the plant, and two is recurring revenue on a SaaS (Software as a Service) basis. So where we are is Canada, U.S. and Mexico are the markets we’ve defined. But it really is a global opportunity; at some point I think we’ll be going global with it.”

According to Ghezzi, the company’s focus on technology for buildings is acknowledgment that, in North America, buildings consume about $250 billion in energy costs each year, with expectations that, during the next decade, buildings will consume half of the energy that the world produces.

“Where that’s coming from is the move from rural to city (societies). And as cities get bigger, they consume more energy,” Ghezzi continued. “About 30 percent of all that energy is lost to inefficiencies. So call that a $60 billion market, and that’s the space that we play in.”

Research and Markets analysts forecast growth at a CAGR of 7.8 percent for the global industrial emission control systems market between 2018 and 2024 (http://ibn.fm/hgQOs). Kontrol is also entering the booming cannabis space, advising cannabis industry clients on their emissions and odor amid concerns about neighbor impacts that accompany Canada’s move to full adult-use legalization of cannabis throughout the country.

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

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

• Edward Manolos brings significant industry experience to the company
• Manolos opened the first medical marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles County in 2004
• Industry revenue is expected to reach $24.5 billion by 2021

Marijuana Company of America Inc. (OTCQB: MCOA), an industrial hemp company involved in the cultivation and distribution of hemp-derived products, recently announced the appointment of Edward Manolos as an independent director.

Joining the MCOA team of seasoned industry leaders, Manolos brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. In 2004, he opened the first-ever medical marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles County, and he is viewed (http://ibn.fm/uCEqt) as one of the “most accomplished pioneers in the medical marijuana industry.” Additionally, he is credited with starting Los Angeles’ first medicinal marijuana farmers’ market, known as the California Heritage Market, which attracted local and international media attention.

Manolos’ industry presence has been significant and varied. He has been a member of Marijuana Medical Company of America’s strategic advisory board since 2016 and has also founded several successful companies, including Everest Biosynthesis Group and Natural Plant Extracts USA (“NPE”), a significant cannabis manufacturer, distributor and retail-delivery company holding multiple licenses within the sector. He has also served as a consultant to several companies within the industry, including Cannabis Strategic Ventures (OTC: NUGS), helping these companies obtain marijuana retail and production licenses in California and Washington.

“Appointing Edward, a seasoned veteran of the cannabis industry, to our Board of Directors strategically positions us to launch our cannabis division,” Donald Steinberg, MCOA CEO, stated in a news release (http://ibn.fm/Zwchb). “His expertise in obtaining cannabis licenses, cannabis cultivation and the distribution of finished products is crucial to the development of our new subsidiary, Viva Buds, and any future projects involved in this evolving industry.”

Manolos’ appointment comes at an exciting time for the market. The cannabis and hemp industries have seen remarkable, exponential growth that is expected to continue. One major contributor to this growth has been the World Health Organization’s finding that the chemical compound cannabidiol (CBD) is nonaddictive and generally safe. In 2017, the organization officially recommended that CBD no longer be internationally scheduled as a controlled substance.

Since then, public approval of legal access to medical and recreational marijuana has grown. Industry revenue has mirrored this growth and is anticipated to more than double over the next four years at a 28 percent compound annual growth rate, reaching $24.5 billion by 2021 (http://ibn.fm/oOiBt).

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

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

• ETST is dedicated to meeting the need for high-quality products and devices at affordable prices
• The company offers high-purity, top-quality full-spectrum CBD by utilizing seven cannabinoids that work together synergistically
• ETST is empowering women with discreet STI testing through its new, low-cost Hygee medical device kit

Florida-based biotech company Earth Science Tech Inc. (OTCQB: ETST) operates in the fields of hemp cannabinoids, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and research and development. The company is passionate about the products that it offers and is dedicated to providing the highest-quality products and devices at affordable prices to meet a burgeoning global need.

Not all CBD products are created equal. ETST offers the highest purity and quality full-spectrum, high-grade cannabinoids on the market. Utilizing a well-branded product line and strong distribution channels that include online and retail store sales, the company is able to reach a large consumer base.

Three of ETST’s wholly owned subsidiaries focus on the medical, recreational and industrial hemp industries. These include:

• Canna Inno Laboratories Inc. accesses Canadian government funding for the advancement of further product research and development; this subsidiary allows ETST to qualify for grants offered to pharmaceutical innovators.
• Cannabis Therapeutics Inc. focuses on becoming a leader in the development of innovative CBD-based nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products.
• KannaBidoid works within the recreational cannabis space to provide a wide variety of products.

ETST products are unique in that they offer one of the highest CBD profiles of any full-spectrum hemp oil on the market. These exclusive full-spectrum products combine seven cannabinoids (http://ibn.fm/Mu0TJ), rather than the two to four that are more common in today’s market. All of ETST’s full-spectrum cannabinoid products contain CBD, CBDa, CBG, CBGa, CBN, CBC and CBDV, as well as terpenoids, amino acids, omegas, saponins and flavonoids. These individual elements work together to promote optimal results.

A recent 60-second infomercial (http://ibn.fm/LYTpv) introduces ETST’s CBD product line. The spot highlights the successful results of case studies and points viewers to where they can purchase ETST products online or in local health food stores. Thanks to recent legalizations, the company now offers products in all 50 states, as well as some 40 countries.

In addition to ETST’s work within the medicinal, pharmaceutical and hemp industries, the company is bringing to market cutting-edge pharmaceutical and medical device offerings through wholly owned subsidiary Earth Science Pharmaceutical Inc. This subsidiary focuses on the development of low-cost, non-invasive diagnostic tools, testing processes, medical devices and vaccines for sexually transmitted illnesses.

ETST’s new-to-market medical device, Hygee, was created to fight sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This self-sampling kit empowers women with discretion, enabling them to anonymously test for STIs such as chlamydia.

“No other existing method of collecting genital specimens from women is more convenient or more efficient than Hygee,” Dr. Michel Aube, ETST’s CEO and chief science officer, stated in a news release (http://ibn.fm/sUf1T). “Through intentional design, Hygee is a ‘mistake-proof’ medical device with extremely simple instructions that allow any woman, regardless of age or education, the assurance of correctly using the kit on the first try. With roughly 130 million new chlamydia cases diagnosed yearly, according to the WHO, Hygee is dedicated to this area of women’s health.”

The combination of strategic partnerships, high-quality products, a diverse portfolio, solid research and development, and a strong management team comprised of industry experts positions ETST to experience rapid growth in multiple markets.

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

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

• SinglePoint, a technology and investment company with an extensive portfolio, has announced that it will enable the distribution of raw materials like full spectrum oils and hemp byproducts
• The expansion of the company’s hemp and CBD product line is a result of legislative changes in the U.S., especially the passing of the federal Farm Bill
• The company also announced that it will be working toward strategic partnerships and alliances that will facilitate and secure the distribution of its extended line of products

Private label products and custom offerings formulated for the needs of clients both belong to the SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB: SING) hemp and CBD portfolio. The company has now announced an expansion of its portfolio and is already working on the distribution of raw materials like full spectrum oils, isolates and other hemp byproducts required for the creation of CBD lines.

According to a company update, the enhanced product range is in line with SinglePoint’s sales and marketing strategy (http://ibn.fm/o9mT5). Following the approval of the federal Farm Bill on December 11, 2018, companies like SinglePoint have started making strategic moves to benefit from the legislative changes brought on by the Farm Bill.

SinglePoint has already secured opportunities for the bulk distribution of CBD isolate. The company also sees potential for the distribution of CBD and other materials. In the near future, SinglePoint anticipates partnering up with several large purchasers capable of guaranteeing the volume of orders.

CBD isolate is a necessary raw material for the production of various popular products like tinctures and creams. Through its distribution, SinglePoint is establishing itself as a partner that’s capable of delivering comprehensive supply chain solutions – from the inception to the creation of a finished hemp or CBD product.

In addition, SinglePoint is working to help its clients secure extensive distribution via both ecommerce and retail channels.

The consumer demand for reliable suppliers of hemp and CBD products is growing rapidly, as SinglePoint President Wil Ralston noted in a news release. SinglePoint is investing in the infrastructure and the research needed to educate clients and also offer high quality CBD products at an affordable price, he concluded.

One of the most exciting new developments, according to Ralston, is the new SinglePoint water-soluble CBD tincture. The product will soon become available at an introductory price via the company’s online platform, SingleSeed.com (http://ibn.fm/3tJlg).

“We are working quickly to establish our own brand SingleSeed as an innovative solution (…) while also expanding our affiliate network to address retail point of sale in various consumer outlets – from 7/11 markets to specialized nutrition stores to alternative health businesses like chiropractic offices,” Ralston also announced.

Strategic alliances will be of key importance in the future, and SinglePoint is actively working to acquire the right partners. The aim of such alliances will be to position SinglePoint as one of the first public companies to streamline the transaction process. Through such alliances, SinglePoint could become a reliable vendor for all of the companies actively developing consumer solutions.

As per the official company announcement, additional updates and news about strategic developments will be released to the public in the near future.

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

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

• A strategic partnership with HP will enable Aptito to benefit from the tech giant’s massive global sales to deliver a full set of point-of-sale tools to small- and medium-sized clients
• The sales and support partnership will focus on a line of Android-based point-of-sale devices to enable access to affordable, cutting-edge payment technologies
• The innovative payment solutions market is anticipated to continue growing rapidly in 2019 and beyond, providing companies like Aptito with sustainable expansion opportunities

Global technology and value-added solutions group Net Element Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) subsidiary Aptito will be entering into a sales and support partnership with HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) that will focus on the HP line of Android-based point-of-sale devices, the company announced in a press release (http://ibn.fm/EEZle).

“We are excited to work with HP to deliver our SaaS in their IPOS solutions to our existing and new merchants worldwide,” Aptito President Andrey Krotov said in the release. Aptito solutions are currently deployed in 16 countries, and the number is increasing. HP global sales provide opportunities for furthered expansion, he concluded.

Under the terms of the agreement, Aptito will provide its restaurant management SaaS alongside the HP point-of-sale solutions. The collaboration primarily addresses the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses (“SMBs”) that are looking for competitively priced, cutting-edge technologies.

Aptito’s technology, backed by the HP global sales, will aim to deliver a full set of tools to enhance both selling and mobile transactions carried out by SMBs.

Under wholly owned subsidiary Aptito, Net Element is providing comprehensive business management solutions and cloud-based point-of-sale systems for the restaurant industry (http://ibn.fm/x9qc9).

Effective payment solutions have long established themselves as one of the essentials for the sustainable growth of SMBs. Effortless transactions increase customer satisfaction and overall experience (http://ibn.fm/e9LZp). Through the introduction of new technologies, such transactions become simpler and more affordable to carry out than ever before. Aptito already offers a full range of innovative solutions developed for the needs of restaurant owners – Aptito POS, Aptito mPOS, kiosks and digital menus, to name a few.

Attention to detail and the quality of customer service are both of paramount importance in the restaurant business. According to the National Restaurant Association, 10,000 new businesses open each year. As of 2018, the number of restaurants operating in the U.S. has exceeded one million (http://ibn.fm/JIK9K).

Innovative payment solution technologies are shaping up as one of the most demanded innovations. According to the Electronic Transaction Association, U.S. merchants will spend nearly $2 billion on effective payment solutions in 2019.

The global point of sale market will exceed $9.8 billion by 2023, forecasts suggest. That’s a CAGR of 12 percent over the specified period. Both market volume and revenues are anticipated to increase consistently (http://ibn.fm/8kXvP).

Growing digital payment volumes, the widespread adoption of mobile payment solutions and a very high demand from the retail sector will rank among the primary factors driving the expansion in this field.

Net Element operates a payment-as-a-service transactional and value-added services platform for small- and medium-sized enterprises. The NETE solutions are available across the U.S. and in various emerging markets. In the U.S., Net Element works toward innovating productivity for SMBs through reliance on blockchain technology and cloud-based solutions. Internationally, it strives to make the most of an omni-channel platform to deliver flexible solutions to 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