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On Thursday, July 18, 2024, HearstLab held their second annual virtual Pitch HearstLab U event specifically for female founders in the university ecosystem. Of the four finalists, one startup was named the winner and is now an automatic finalist in HearstLab’s next U.S.-based $100K pitch competition which will be held in Atlanta on November 12. To date, HearstLab has hosted 8 pitch events worldwide and deployed nearly $4 million through these events alone.

The finalists represented industry verticals ranging from AI-powered supply chain and inventory management to healthcare tech to long-term financial and estate planning. Each founder pitched to a panel of expert judges, including Lisa Burton, HearstLab Vice President, Iynna Halilou, General Partner of The MBA Fund, and Christina Dalton, VP of Marketing for Hearst Magazines. The event was MC’ed by HearstLab Venture Director, Eastin Rossell.

While the judges deliberated, attendees were invited to an insightful panel discussion with Laura Rippy, Managing Partner and Board Member of Alumni Ventures and Beth Devin, HearstLab Co-Lead and Investor. Laura recently launched Alumni Ventures’ newest fund that invests, like HearstLab, exclusively in women founded and led startups. The discussion was moderated by HearstLab Senior Director, Katie Bailey.

The event’s winner was: Materri, co-founded by Kira Erickson. Materri is an AI-native demand forecasting and inventory planning platform for CPG brands to avoid stockouts and reduce inventory to boost a company's profitability and sustainability.

"We're honored that Materri was selected as the top startup in this year's HeartLab U competition. The HearstLab team has been a joy to work with and we can't wait to continue growing our partnership. We'll see you in Atlanta!" said Kira Erickson, co-founder and CEO of Materri.

“We’re so thrilled to build upon the success of our first Pitch HearstLab U competition a year ago with yesterday’s event. The goal was always to bring recognition to the incredible talent and innovation emerging out of the university ecosystem – as a testament to that, choosing a winner from the finalists was extremely difficult. Materri, led by Kira Erikson, stood out for the team’s expertise, traction, and vision to transform the CPG supply chain from billions in waste to zero,” said Eastin Rossell, HearstLab Venture Director.

Kira is now an automatic finalist in HearstLab’s next $100K pitch competition in Atlanta on November 12. Applications are now open until August 7 and female founders can apply here. 

Outside of pitch events, female founders can apply for investment from HearstLab (up to $1 million) at any time throughout the year. To date, HearstLab has invested in 70+ women-led startups, currently valued at over $2.5 billion collectively. Its mission is to help closing the funding gap in venture capital funding for women.

For more information, visit the HearstLab website, follow HearstLab on LinkedIn, and subscribe to their Newsletter.

About HearstLab

HearstLab provides cash investments and support services to early-stage, women-led technology start-ups innovating across fintech, data analytics, health, transportation, enterprise technology, and media. Its mission is to close the gender gap in venture funding by helping female founders build sustainable and highly scalable businesses. With access to Hearst resources across more than 360 businesses, HearstLab’s breadth of services includes assistance with privacy and security, software development, legal services, business development, financial analysis, operations, marketing, and more.

Media Contact

Nico Gendron

The Global Kratom Coalition celebrates the recent publication of a new entry for kratom (Mitragyna speciosa [Korth.] Havil.) in the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) online Botanical Safety Handbook, 2nd edition. 

This entry details the pharmacological and toxicological profile of this herb, as well as clinical investigations and case reports of adverse effects. The entry also includes information relevant to the traditional use of kratom in Southeast Asia, marking a significant milestone in the botanical industry and for kratom.

"The inclusion of kratom in the AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook not only underscores kratom’s safety profile but also significantly enhances manufacturers', healthcare providers', and consumers' understanding of kratom," said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “It’s important to note that not all kratom is the equal, so this is a significant step that will aid all stakeholders by setting a precedent for the consistent and safe availability of kratom products. Consumers can now make informed choices, knowing that kratom has been scrutinized and appropriately classified for safety."

The entry classifies kratom as not to be used during pregnancy (Safety Class 2b) or while nursing (Safety Class 2c), and notes the potential for biologically plausible interactions with other substances (Interaction Class B).

The AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook is an invaluable resource for manufacturers, health professionals, and consumers. It provides detailed safety information on over 500 species of herbs. Subscribers to the online version can access updated entries and revisions, ensuring they have the most current information available.

For more information on obtaining a subscription or purchasing a hard copy of the Botanical Safety Handbook, please visit the AHPA website.

About the Global Kratom Coalition

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) exists to protect and expand access to leaf-based kratom around the world. The organization represents the interests of advocates committed to positive change benefiting consumers. The organization supports education and the development of kratom science, which is central to the GKC’s mission—to empower individuals worldwide with access to safe and responsibly sourced kratom products by advancing scientific research and sensible regulation.

The GKC operates on five key values:

Please follow us at:

Website: https://globalkratomcoalition.org

Twitter: @kratomcoalition 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globalkratomcoalition

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalkratomcoalition

Media Contact

Byron Johnson
bjohnson@globalkratomcoalition.org
+1 202-680-8129

Avenue Z, a media and technology company driving influence for clients across all channels, announces the appointment of Nneka Etoniru as its EVP, Global Brand Strategy.

Etoniru brings nearly 15 years of experience in press and communications, helping clients elevate their brand positioning, navigate crises and manage their reputation. She has a track record of delivering successful campaigns and taking companies public from a communications perspective. With this appointment, she will oversee the full breadth of Brand Strategy across Avenue Z and offer strategic counsel to ultimately help clients increase revenue and protect their reputations.

"Nneka has consistently demonstrated her ability to excel in high-stakes situations. From our initial strategic discussions, it was evident she would play a pivotal role in Avenue Z's expansion of services that drive influence across channels. During our recent unification, she took the lead in aligning our brand portfolio, and her expertise in Crisis Communications and Branding has become fundamental to our core competencies," stated Jeffrey Herzog, Chairman and CEO of Avenue Z. "Nneka's elevation to EVP of Global Brand Strategy is a natural progression and reflects her significant contributions to our organization."

At Avenue Z, she is the head of the New York office, manages publicly listed companies and counsels visionary founders. Her clients include technology brands like Better.com, the mortgage lender with $100 billion of funded loans, where she has overseen campaigns such as the launch of the world's first One Day Mortgage(™) as well as Equity Unlocker, which empowers Amazon employees to use equity as collateral for home buying. Her other clients have included Easterly Government Properties (NYSE: DEA), which acquires, develops and manages mission-critical commercial properties leased to the U.S. Government, and private equity firms like Recharge Capital, whose investments in women's health include backers like Thiel, Shamrock Capital and the Olayan family office.

"Our team is made better with Nneka's impressive background," says Jess Dalziel, Chief Client Officer at Avenue Z. "Her unique experience managing complex projects positions Avenue Z as matter experts across multiple industries, and her ability to provide our clients with strong strategic counsel will continue to set our offerings apart."

Before joining Avenue Z, Etoniru was a Senior Director at FTI Consulting working with clients like Mastercard, Kraken, IFM Investors and Voyager Space. Previously, she led communications at fintech startups like IMTC, where she helped launch the rebrand of IMTC (formerly CBXmarket) with the CSO and COO and oversaw all PR and marketing streams. Prior to making her mark as a strategic communications expert, Etoniru was a financial journalist at REDD Intelligence, covering emerging markets.

Etoniru earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Spanish from New York University and a Wharton certificate in fintech. In 2023, she was recognized among Crain's Notable Leaders in Advertising, Marketing and PR award recipients.

About Avenue Z

Avenue Z is a media and technology company breaking traditional boundaries between marketing, advertising and PR to increase client revenue and elevate their reputation. From the Wall Street Journal to TikTok, PR to social and search, we create narratives that drive commerce, connections, and conversion, across all channels. With experts, tech and teams based in New York, Boston, Orlando, Miami and global reach—we drive influence. Visit www.avenuez.com.
                           
Media Contact

Madeleine Worrall
+1 817-808-1521
madeleine.worrall@avenuez.com

The global business services market is forecast to reach a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21% from 2023 to 2032. Last year, the market was estimated to be valued at $203.7 Billion, and it is projected to reach $13.8 trillion by 2032.

Benchmark International, a leader in the mergers and acquisition (M&A) industry, is excited to announce the release of its 2024 Global Business Services Industry Report. This comprehensive report offers valuable insights and analysis of the rapidly evolving business services sector, catering to stakeholders and industry professionals worldwide.

As the business services industry adapts to new technologies, market demands, and regulatory changes, Benchmark International's latest report provides an in-depth examination of these trends, delivering critical information to help companies navigate this dynamic landscape.

This report demonstrates Benchmark International's commitment to providing high-quality, actionable insights. It is set to become a crucial resource for executives, investors, and professionals in the business services industry.

For more information and to access the 2024 Global Business Services Industry Report, please visit https://www.benchmarkintl.com/insights/market-insights/2024-global-business-services-industry-report/.

Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $11 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive Privately-held M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook and Refinitiv's Global League Tables.

Brittney Zoeller
+1 813-898-2350
zoeller@benchmarkintl.com

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Easley, South Carolina-based GEOGRAPH Technologies, LLC (“GEOGRAPH”) and London, UK-based Abingdon Software Group (“Abingdon”). GEOGRAPH provides geographic information system (GIS) services utilizing a software extension for clients to manage fiber optic, copper, and coax networks.

“The Benchmark International's team understood GEOGRAPH’s high degree of differentiation from the very start, particularly around the company’s CrescentLink Esri extension and the connectivity this proprietary solution drives with the company’s impressive customer list,” commented William Sullivan, Benchmark Senior Transaction Director. “GEOGRAPH faced no shortage of eager potential partners in this process, receiving strong interest immediately from a range of both strategic and capital partners. Ultimately, Abingdon’s differentiation was largely a function of cultural fit and a strong alignment of vision. All parties were a pleasure to work with, and we are excited about the opportunities that this combination will afford both the GEOGRAPH and Abingdon teams moving forward.”

Founded in 2018, GEOGRAPH serves over 150 customers and more than 1,000 users in the United States and in three international geographies. In addition to its CrescentLink technology, the company offers professional and support services, which include training and support, data migration, network planning and design, remote GIS management, and GIS consulting.

Abingdon Software Group acquires and develops a mission-critical platform designed for industries undergoing rapid digital transformation. The company’s portfolio offers applications for agriculture, shipping, healthcare, logistics, local authority, resorts, industry, and construction segments, enabling businesses to succeed in essential operations.

Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com
Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Lawrie@BenchmarkIntl.com
Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com

Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $11 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive Privately-held M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook and Refinitiv's Global League Tables.

Brittney Zoeller
+1 813-898-2350
zoeller@benchmarkintl.com

Material Capital Partners ("MCP"), a real estate development and investment management firm based in Charleston, SC, announced it has closed $30 million in project financing and started construction on Indigo Cove, an 82 townhome rental community in Bluffton, South Carolina.

Indigo Cove is located on 24 acres near the intersection of Buck Island Road and Bluffton Parkway, two miles from Old Town Bluffton. The new development will consist of 82 3-bedroom upscale townhomes designed to complement the distinguished coastal town of Bluffton. Residents will enjoy high-end finishes including quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, built-in home offices nooks, upgraded hard surface flooring and walk-in showers in the primary bedroom suites. The community will also feature a host of amenities including a premium bark park, wooded nature trails, pocket parks and a clubhouse with co-working space and fitness center.

Nestled along South Carolina's Low Country coastline just minutes from Hilton Head Island, SC and Savannah, GA, Bluffton offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities. With its rich cultural heritage, charming downtown, and picturesque surroundings, Bluffton is an exceptional place to live. For more than a decade, the demand for housing in Bluffton has far outpaced the available supply and Indigo Cove will provide a high-quality housing option in this thriving coastal community.

Build-for-rent communities offer the amenities and comforts of a single-family home lifestyle with the conveniences and flexibility associated with rental home living and professional property management. MCP build-for-rent communities attract renters-by-choice, including young adults, families with children, military families and empty-nesters, who choose to rent based on privacy, flexibility, work proximity and value premium amenities in a professionally managed community.

Indigo Cove will be property managed by Greystar with pre-leasing scheduled to begin in spring 2025. If you are interested in learning more about the community or for additional information regarding pre-leasing, please visit the project website at www.indigocove.mcpcommunity.com.

"Bluffton offers residents a high quality of life, great schools, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle all just minutes from Hilton Head and Savannah," said Alex Chalmers, founder and managing partner of Material Capital Partners. "Indigo Cove will provide an upscale community where residents will enjoy premium amenities and great proximity to Old Town Bluffton."

Project financing was provided by Bluerock, Stanton Road Capital and MCP's institutional construction lender.

"SRC is very positive on the build-for-rent residential trends in the Southeast and we look forward to Material Capital Partners delivering a best-in-class community in Bluffton," said Tim Ronan, founder and managing partner of Stanton Road Capital.

Construction will be handled by MCP's dedicated builder partner, Winchester Commercial Group.

About Material Capital Partners

Material Capital Partners LLC ("MCP") is a vertically integrated real estate development and investment management firm based in Charleston, SC, focused on purpose-built single-family rental home communities throughout the Southeast.

Our communities of single-family rental homes combine the welcoming feel of a desirable neighborhood with the flexibility and ease of maintenance-free living, premium amenities and professional property management. For more information, visit www.materialcapitalpartners.com.

About Bluerock

Bluerock is a leading institutional alternative asset manager based in New York with regional offices across the U.S. Bluerock principals have a collective 100+ years of investing experience with more than $120 billion real estate and capital markets experience and manage multiple well-recognized real estate private and public company platforms. Today, Bluerock has more than $18 billion in acquired and managed assets and offers a complementary suite of public and private investment programs, with both short and long-term goals, to individual investors seeking solutions aimed at providing predictable income, capital growth, and tax benefits.

About Stanton Road Capital

Stanton Road Capital, LLC ("SRC") is a private investment management firm focused on direct commercial real estate investments and select private equity strategies. Founded in 2013, the principals of SRC have acquired over $7.0 billion of commercial and residential real estate. SRC currently owns and operates a national commercial and residential property portfolio in excess of 6 million square feet and 2,500 residential units and is actively investing on behalf of its institutional, family office, and private capital partners. SRC targets opportunistic, value-add, and core-plus commercial properties in addition to ground-up residential developments in Texas, Salt Lake City, select major Midwest markets and across the Southeast.

Media Contact

Samuel Tate
+1 781-879-4736

sam@materialcapitalpartners.com

AM Conservation, the manufacturer of Niagara Conservation water-saving products, announced today the launch of their new Earth Luxe Faucet Collection at the National Apartment Association (NAA) Annual Conference, Apartmentalize, in Philadelphia, PA.

Drawing on decades of product design and innovation, Niagara Conservation’s Earth® Luxe Faucet Collection includes kitchen and bathroom faucets, fusing quality and style with performance-driven water and energy savings. Designed to meet the needs of multifamily properties, each faucet features quick-connect mounts and braided supply lines for easy installation. With performance-driven flow, the collection ensures comfortable water usage while saving energy.

“From management to renters, these faucets meet the demands of today’s multifamily properties," said Katie Webb, AM Conservation Director of Retail and Distribution Sales. “Simple installation means that new construction timelines stay on track, our limited lifetime warranty means once it’s installed there’s no maintenance, and its performance-driven design saves water and lowers energy costs for the entire building.”

Crafted from premium components, the WaterSense® certified Earth Luxe Faucet Collection comes with sculpted metal levers and durable ceramic cartridges, providing silky, drip-free water control. Customers can choose from polished chrome, matte black, and brushed nickel finishes.

There are 21 models in the Earth Luxe Faucet Collection. Select models will be displayed this week at AM Conservation booth #1740 during NAA’s Apartmentalize conference.

About AM Conservation

AM Conservation is a leading manufacturer and distributor of energy-saving products. Recognized as the utility industry’s leading provider of energy and water-saving products, kits, education programs, and online stores, we deliver quality energy management products and solutions for communities, businesses, and the planet. The products offered by our brands, Niagara Conservation, Evolve®, and Simply Conserve®, are certified by ENERGY STAR®, DLC, or WaterSense for both high quality and efficiency. For more information, visit https://amconservation.com.

Media Contact

Brady Loomis
+1 262-999-2498

Nonprofits Insurance Alliance (NIA), the nation’s leading insurer exclusively focused on the 501(c)(3) nonprofit sector, announced today that it has named Carlos Ballesteros as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Treasurer.

Pamela Davis, NIA founder, President, and CEO, expressed enthusiastically that, “Carlos has the perfect blend of tactical and strategic experience and skills to provide the financial leadership our growing organizations need. We conducted an extensive search to find someone with his particular qualities and are delighted he has chosen to apply his many talents to the nonprofit sector.”

Mr. Ballesteros is a certified public accountant and accomplished executive, with a proven track record of nearly 20 years of technical, operational, and strategic finance experience.

Prior to joining the NIA senior leadership team, Mr. Ballesteros spent 10 years at Green Dot Corporation in many finance roles that culminated as the Vice President of Finance, where he led the financial planning and analysis team and spearheaded numerous company initiatives.

Before leading finance organizations, Mr. Ballesteros spent nine years at Ernst & Young LLP in the audit practice, where he led local and multinational teams as a Senior Manager primarily within the real estate, hospitality, and construction sectors.

“I am thrilled to join the senior leadership team at Nonprofits Insurance Alliance,” said Mr. Ballesteros.

“It’s an honor to join a company with a mission of serving nonprofits, impacting the communities in which they operate. The tremendous growth the company has recently experienced is exciting and I am eager to leverage my finance expertise to drive strategic initiatives that position the company for continued success.”

Nonprofits Insurance Alliance (NIA) is the nation’s leading liability and property insurer exclusively serving nonprofit organizations. Founded in 1989 in Santa Cruz, CA, NIA is a social enterprise focused on the long-term sustainability and management of risk in the nonprofit sector. NIA has one of the best customer retention rates in the industry. NIA members enjoy fair and equitable insurance pricing, specialized insurance coverages, dividends, and innovative risk management and member resources.

The NIA group brand is comprised of Alliance Member Services (AMS) and three insurers rated A (Excellent) by AM Best:

All organizations under the NIA brand are 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Learn more about Nonprofits Insurance Alliance at insurancefornonprofits.org.

Media Contact

NIA Marketing & Communications

Technology-powered talent advisory Sinecure, Inc. announced today it has acquired recruitment services firm Strategy Source in a move to enhance its unique market position as the only talent company to combine the power of AI with the personal touch of experienced advisors. With this acquisition, Strategy Source brings new capabilities to Sinecure’s offering with its expertise in non C-level retained search, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), and contingency services. Additionally, the focus on intermediate to senior level management roles is highly complementary to Sinecure’s existing executive-level search practice.

"Our vision is to fuel the world’s best performing companies with the world’s best talent, and the acquisition of Strategy Source is the next milestone in our journey towards realizing that vision," said Joel Wright, CEO of Sinecure. "Combining expanded levels of service with AI and large language model (LLM) systems strengthens our search, consulting, and advisory resources, ensuring our clients have access to a total talent solution that meets their needs and addresses challenges across every aspect of their talent strategy."

"Joining forces with Sinecure allows us to leverage their innovative AI-powered solutions and global reach, improving our ability to deliver against the complex demands and expectations of our clients," shared Strategy Source CEO, Laura Lasiter. “What’s more, we contribute a fresh approach to what Sinecure offers and our expertise in the technology, media and marketing services spaces provides new customer touchpoints. We’re committed to the Sinecure vision and to building a comprehensive solution that sets new standards for talent acquisition in the talent industry."

Sinecure client, Christa Ventikos, founder and Principal of boutique search firm Ventikos Associates added, "I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Laura Lasiter at Strategy Source, and it's no surprise that Sinecure has recognized the immense value that she and her team bring to the table. This move is a testament to Strategy Source’s outstanding contributions and leadership, and now with access to Sinecure's technology and support I'm confident they will achieve even greater things and drive even more success in this new chapter."

Strategy Source will fall under a recently formed division called Sinecure Recruitment Services and will be led by Ms. Lasiter as Executive Vice President. The new group will continue its focus on current services and sectors, and will also be tasked with diversifying their offering through product innovation and customization. In addition to their expertise, the Strategy Source team brings an alternative roster of clients, including The Trade Desk, Dotdash Meredith, Magnite, the Interactive Advertising Bureau, VideoAmp and Quantcast, as well as several independent agencies and major agency holding companies among them.

Sinecure’s purchase of Strategy Source marks the company's second strategic acquisition in the recruiting services space this year, with Grace Blue Partnership, a global executive search firm specializing in leadership and C-suite talent, being the first. Both acquisitions are crucial in demonstrating Sinecure’s commitment to creating a distinctive model characterized by highly personalized service grounded in AI-powered software. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Sinecure is a breakout talent company for leaders who understand that talent is their competitive advantage. Our holding company is unique in offering a total talent solution through a full suite of wholly-owned products and services that combine the power of AI with the care and insight of trusted advisors. This includes our AI-technology platform Sinecure.ai and recruitment services firms Grace Blue and Strategy Source. Our 75+ global clients and partners trust Sinecure to unleash the opportunities distinctive to technology while maintaining the assurance of a real-world experience as they invest in their most important asset—their people. For more information, visit sinecure.ai.

Strategy Source is a recruitment services firm with a deep understanding of the "people space" and a knack for delivering tailored results that adapt to changing organizational needs and industry dynamics. Since 2005, Strategy Source has been known for its custom search solutions and strategic approach to filling talent gaps that help organizations facilitate exponential expansion and cultural alignment. You can learn more at strategysource.com.

Media Contact

John Zeman
john@sinecure.ai

Battery Mineral Resources Corp. (TSXV: BMR) (OTCQB: BTRMF) (“Battery” or “BMR” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce first shipments of copper concentrates related to the Offtake Agreement (or the "Agreement") with Anglo American Sur. S.A. (“Anglo” or “Anglo American”) a division of Anglo American plc.

The Company has supplied 503.74 dry metric tonnes (“DMT”) of copper concentrates to Anglo’s Chagres smelter in Catemu, Chile. The copper concentrates were produced from copper smelting by-products (slags) supplied to BMR by Anglo. The copper concentrates were produced at BMR’s Punitaqui copper flotation plant and contained 25.98 percent copper, for approximately 288,500 pounds of copper in concentrate.

The Company will continue to increase production results with a goal of producing approximately 1,400 DMT per month in the near term and reaching up to 2,800 DMT of copper concentrate production per month by year-end.

Martin Kostuik, CEO, stated, "This initial copper concentrate shipment marks a significant stride towards positive cash flow, in line with Battery's goal of building a mid-tier copper producer. As we generate cash flow from copper sales, including leveraging thirty-party sources of mill feed such as those from Anglo, we will also continue to ramp up mine-sourced mill feed from our Cinabrio, San Andres, and Dalmacia mines to achieve full production."

The Company recently initiated copper concentrate production on May 13th, 2024 after the successful commissioning of the recently refurbished and upgraded mineral processing facility at Punitaqui. Mining activities to establish access to the mineralized zones in both Cinabrio and San Andres continue to ramp up and provide and increasing amount of stockpiles containing fresh mill feed. Cinabrio is the original mine that supplied feed for the first 10 years of prior operations, primarily operated by Glencore plc.

Battery Mineral Resources’ mission is to build a mid-tier copper producer and it has recently initiated mine and mill operations at the Punitaqui Mining Complex, a historic copper-gold-silver producer, in the Coquimbo region of Chile. Battery Mineral Resources is unique because it leverages the inherent value from its 100% owned subsidiary, ESI Energy Services Inc., a renewable energy equipment rental and sales company. The Company’s portfolio also consists of two cobalt assets and one graphite asset located in North America, South America and South Korea. The Company is focused on providing shareholders accretive exposure to copper and the global mega-trend of electrification while being focused on growth through cash-flow, exploration, and acquisitions in favorable mining jurisdictions.

For more information about Battery Minerals, please visit our website at https://bmrcorp.com, or email us at info@bmrcorp.com.

Twitter: @BMRcorp_
Facebook: Battery Mineral Resources Corp.
LinkedIn: Battery Mineral Resources Corp.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of the Company on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the intended use of the proceeds of the draws under the Credit Agreement, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the ability of the Company to meet its anticipated development schedule, government regulation and fluctuating metal prices. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Battery undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. For further information regarding the risks please refer to the risk factors discussed in Battery's most recent Management Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR+.

Martin Kostuik, CEO

+1 604-229-3830

Activate Games Inc., the trailblazing force behind the world’s first active gaming experience, is excited to announce the grand opening of its Cambridge location, the 5th in Ontario, on July 14, 2024. This milestone highlights Activate's rapid growth and reaffirms its status as the fastest-growing entertainment concept worldwide.

Activate seamlessly blends physical activity with gaming, creating a unique experience that has captivated thrill-seekers and families alike. The company has expanded to 14 locations in Canada and 12 in the United States, with plans to enter the UK, Ireland, and Dubai in the near future.

This rapid growth is a testament to the widespread appeal of Activate’s unique offering and the company's commitment to redefining entertainment. The Cambridge location holds special significance for co-founders Adam and Megan Schmidt, marking a poignant return to the community where their dream of entrepreneurship first took shape.

"Expanding into Cambridge is a strategic milestone for Activate Games, reflecting our commitment to growth and innovation in the entertainment industry," said Adam Schmidt, CEO of Activate Games Inc. "This expansion allows us to reach more communities, create new jobs, and further solidify our presence as a leader in active gaming. We are excited to bring our unique, engaging experiences to even more people and continue driving the future of entertainment."

"Having Activate in the Waterloo Region is a dream come true for us." said Megan Schmidt, Co-Founder of Activate Games Inc. "This opening is more than just an expansion; it's a heartfelt return to our hometown, giving us the ability to allow our family and friends the opportunity to experience Activate”

Activate Games continues to set new benchmarks in the entertainment industry, offering a unique, exhilarating experience that fosters physical activity and community engagement. As Activate expands, it remains dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences for players of all ages, encouraging them to explore, compete, and thrive in an active gaming world.

For a sneak peek into Activates dynamic gaming experience, and to keep tabs on the Activate Cambridge grand opening, click here.

Join the Inner Circle to be the first to hear about new locations, behind-the-scenes information, deals, and more.

Please find imagery assets here.

About Activate

Activate is the world’s first active gaming experience where players #EnterTheGame. Activate offers a unique blend of physical activity and gaming that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Each Activate location provides fun and interactive rooms for players to compete, earn stars and track achievements. With the global headquarters located in Winnipeg, Canada, Activate has grown to 30 locations across Canada, the U.S. and now the world! To join the active gaming movement, visit playactivate.com.

Follow Activate on social media:

Facebook: Activate

Instagram: @activategames

TikTok: @activategames

Jalila Singerff

+1 613-614-6777

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the successful sale of DBox, Inc. to CBS Property Management Inc.

DBox, Inc. is a commercial maintenance and property products company located in North Texas. The company has been in business since 1996, employs a highly skilled and experienced staff, and offers a wide range of services to commercial property managers. On-site services are currently being utilized across the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

With an impressive 25 years of expertise in the property management industry, CBS Property Management Inc. is committed to delivering top-tier facilities management services at competitive prices. Their dedication to crafting innovative solutions tailored to diverse property needs ensures efficient maintenance of premises within financial means. Their primary objective is to provide outstanding service and value to clients while upholding the pristine condition of their properties.

Dennis, founder and President of DBox, Inc. stated, “Working with Haden and the Benchmark team was a good experience. Their knowledge, professionalism, guidance, and patience throughout the entire process were wonderful, and this greatly reduced the stress of selling my business. Choosing Benchmark was certainly the right decision for DBox.”

Benchmark International provided value in finding a buyer with industry experience through its proprietary multi-medium marketing strategies. The market uncovered several interested parties, but the one who prevailed was the perfect buyer.

Managing Director Amy Alonso commented, “This partnership marks an exciting next chapter for DBox and allows CBS Property Management to expand their presence in Texas. Senior Deal Associate Haden Buckman and his team quickly recognized the strong cultural fit between the parties and worked hard from start to finish to get the deal across the line. We are thrilled for our clients that their legacy continues and look forward to watching the company grow.”

Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com
Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Lawrie@BenchmarkIntl.com
Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com

Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $11 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive Privately-held M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook and Refinitiv's Global League Tables.

Brittney Zoeller
+1 813-898-2350
zoeller@benchmarkintl.com

Wisconic, Inc., the seller, is a Wisconsin-based company established in 1994. It stands out in the market for its custom injection molding services and ability to create affordable, high-end kitchenware products. Over the years, its product range has diversified to include bottled water storage, outdoor entertainment, and other houseware products.

The buyer, Manufacturing Revitalization Corporation of America (MRCA), is a Dallas, TX-based company that invests in, grows, and runs manufacturing companies that produce American-made products. Its mission is to revitalize companies through increased employee wellness, enhanced processes, machinery, energy, and communication.

“Benchmark Nashville has proven time and time again to understand the process of getting to a closing. Too many people in this industry do not listen to the needs on both the buy and sell side, but I can say with absolute certainty after closing multiple deals with this team that not only do they understand it, but they quickly and clearly drive to a solution that is most lucrative for both sides.” —Keven Azevedo, General Partner, MRCA

“MRCA has a clear vision to revitalize American manufacturing, and adding an esteemed company such as Wisconic will fit that bill nicely. Best of luck to all involved.” —Matthew Kekelis, Senior Transaction Director, Benchmark International

Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com
Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Lawrie@BenchmarkIntl.com
Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com

Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $11 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive Privately-held M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook and Refinitiv's Global League Tables.

Brittney Zoeller
+1 813-898-2350
zoeller@benchmarkintl.com

Noir Yoga, a company that focuses on fostering a holistic mind-body-soul connection for all communities through yoga, today announced that Noir Yoga is opening on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 109 Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. As a proudly Black-owned yoga studio, Noir Yoga is dedicated to creating a welcoming space where individuals can explore and enhance their physical and spiritual well-being.

This opening marks a significant milestone for Noir Yoga as it strives to provide a safe and inclusive environment for individuals from all backgrounds to practice yoga and connect with themselves on a deeper level. By establishing a Black-owned yoga studio in the heart of Brooklyn, Noir Yoga is filling a gap in the wellness industry and creating a space where diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of the practice.

"We are thrilled to finally open our doors and welcome the community to Noir Yoga," said Dr. Mason Mason, owner of Noir Yoga. "Our mission is to provide a space where individuals can feel empowered, supported, and inspired to explore the transformative power of yoga."

In the future, Noir Yoga plans to expand its offerings to include a variety of classes, workshops, and events aimed at promoting overall well-being and personal growth. By partnering with local organizations and community leaders, Noir Yoga hopes to create a network of support and resources for individuals seeking to improve their physical and mental health.

For more information about Noir Yoga and its upcoming events and classes, please visit https://www.noiryogabk.com.

Noir Yoga is a sanctuary of wellness nestled in the vibrant heart of Brooklyn, New York. As a proudly Black-owned yoga studio, we are dedicated to fostering a holistic mind-body-soul connection for all communities through yoga. For more information, visit https://www.noiryogabk.com.

Media Contact

Mason Mason
+1 214-478-3844

Feeling vulnerable is our common denominator, believes author Bruce H. Joffe. “Being vulnerable is not a choice. It's part of living. Responding to life situations requires individuals and societies at large to adapt and change … or be spurned and lost in the process,” he writes in his new book, "Vulnerable: Why We Fear and Hurt So Much," just released by ImPress Publishing.

 

“For many, this need to adjust—to a hostile environment, uncertain economic times, tensions tugging at war and terrorism, extremist politics, racial injustice and religious intolerance, marginalization, spiritual voids, social disconnections, conflicting realities, artificial intelligence, etc.—is threatening, because it removes us from the safety nets and security blankets of our personal comfort zones, whatever they may be,” Joffe says.

 

Through anecdotes and research, Joffe’s narrative explores why we fear and hurt so much:

“The Israelis surrounded by enemies who’ve sworn to exterminate them … the Palestinians in diaspora, annihilated in a land locked without home rule … the farmers surveying their parched fields, wondering whether they will yield any crops … the foreigners seeking asylum whose chances are greater for deportation, instead … the parents with no control over what their children are taught (or not) in school … the airplane passengers experiencing a flight with severe turbulence … those crippled by flooding and ever-increasing ferocious hurricanes … elsewhere, where there’s not enough water to go around … the faithful whose brothers and sisters have been massacred in their worship centers … the black men running from police … LGBT folks anxious their human rights will be rescinded … disenfranchised citizens unwilling to vote because they believe the system is rigged … those defending their rights to carry arms and maintain a “MAGA-FY!” lifestyle … the children separated from their parents, for whatever the reason … the scorned husbands or wives who cheat … the hospital patients awaiting anesthesia and the hand of a skillful surgeon … the forest fires devouring Canada, California, Portugal, and Greece … the garbage piling up everywhere … the investors worried about losing their money … the elderly scared about their Social Security stopping … the Russians annexing land to reclaim and expand their former empire amidst war in Ukraine … lying politicians speaking with vulgarity and threats, challenging justice and reprisals … plagues and pandemics … Iran and North Korea … China, too … the poor, the infirm, the captives, the homeless, the widows, the orphans … the perils and potential of artificial intelligence … death, disability, divorce, and disease. All those who hurt us.”

PDF review copies of "Vulnerable" are available to the media on request to the contact information below. To learn more about author Bruce Joffe, visit Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Bruce H. Joffe
bhjoffe@yahoo.com

Platform technology company, Looped Solutions™ (formerly OhanaLink Technologies™), announced today that they have received an investment from Seattle-based venture capital investment firm, Mastersfund™. Headquartered in Western Pennsylvania, the company recently rebranded as Looped Solutions and has been actively engaging investment partners to enable continued expansion into new markets with their proprietary communication and support platform to extend their social impact footprint on a national scale.  

The company launched Looped Fusion Purple™ (formerly OhanaLink Purple™) in May of 2022 as the first to market mobile solution that safely and discreetly connects domestic violence service providers such as agencies and/or shelters to the clients/victims they serve. 

"Meeting victims where they are—on their mobile devices—is absolutely critical," said Kara Wasser, founder and CEO of Looped Solutions. "Looped Fusion Purple is changing traditional services delivery, providing a new level of safety and security that will ultimately get survivors and their families the help they need."

Looped Fusion Purple™ has been adopted by fifty-seven agencies across twelve states, with nearly 1,200 victims/survivors using the disguised access point and enhanced safety features. Looped Solutions continues outreach to secure partnerships with nationally recognized organizations that provide information and resources to domestic violence service providers and individuals in abusive situations seeking assistance. 

Wasser continued, "It has been especially gratifying to introduce Looped Fusion Purple to social care agencies that have been historically underserved with access to technology. Our new partnership with Mastersfund will assist our organization with short term product iteration, operations, and sales initiatives, while also positioning us to engage with other venture firms that share our mission and support tech for good."

"We at Mastersfund are thrilled to provide funding to Looped Solutions to amplify such critical work for the benefit of women’s lives that includes protection and privacy for victims of abuse," said Venture Partner Karen Cone.

Looped Solutions is a women-led tech company that is designing cross-platform applications—innovating connections surrounding every aspect of our lives—personally, professionally, and in our communities. At the very core of our innovation is Looped Launchpad, our proprietary platform that powers our digital engagement solutions.  Fusion, the Company's central offering, empowers effective communication and collaboration by merging a collection of features specifically designed to ignite connection and engagement. For tailored solutions, our Fusion bundles, such as Fusion Purple for social care and victim services and Fusion White Label for developing branded applications, provide customizable options that close the loop on achieving goals. At Looped Solutions, we are dedicated to delivering flexible solutions to meet individual needs, ensuring seamless connections to who and what matter most.

Discover how our solutions can transform how we live, work, and engage at www.ohanalink.com/loopedsolutions.

 

Mastersfund is a Seattle-based venture capital investment firm, that capitalizes women-led revenue-positive companies innovating in the future of work and better ways to live. With a mission to support and empower women in entrepreneurial leadership, Mastersfund propels promising businesses forward and fosters sustainable growth and profitability. Formed in 2018 by Gillian Muessig and Anne Kennedy, Mastersfund has made 11 investments in women CEOs from Funds I and II via revenue based funding and follow-on equity. Learn more at https://masters.vc.

 
Media Contact

Lisa DiMuccio-Zgela
+1 724-856-2251

PairUp, the AI-powered workplace knowledge sharing platform, announced today that the company has closed $2.8M in financing led by HearstLab and Hillsven, with participation from  Graham & Walker,  Looking Glass Capital, Honeystone Ventures, MSIV, and Lofty Ventures. PairUp leverages human expertise to efficiently capture, preserve, and access valuable company knowledge. 

PairUp was founded by Dr. Emily Harburg, a former Disney Imagineer whose doctoral research focused on how technology can improve workplace collaboration, and Andy Garvin, a 3-time first engineer whose prior startups include CareSignal (acquired by Lightbeam Health Solutions) and Kaizen Health. They are joined by a team of others including Chief Product Officer Jonathan Geibel, who co-founded PlutoVR and spent over 15 years leading tech teams at Disney Animation. 

“We recognize that the most important company knowledge often lives in people, not in documents,” says Dr. Harburg. “PairUp empowers employees, teams, and organizations by helping staff quickly tap into business-critical information—leveraging both existing central knowledge bases, and institutional wisdom.” 

PairUp’s software enhances a company’s collective intelligence by making it easier to find the right documentation, information, and people. As Garvin shared, “In a short period of time, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) has changed the way people access information. At PairUp, we are pioneering the next evolution of AI-powered workplace knowledge management software with HAG, Human-Augmented Generation.” 

With this recent funding, PairUp is launching their newest GenAI tool, which maps all knowledge across a company, and makes it accessible on-demand, including documented knowledge in tools like Jira and Slack, and undocumented knowledge in employee's minds.

“We're thrilled to welcome PairUp to the HearstLab family. Their groundbreaking AI platform revolutionizes productivity and connectivity for businesses. Even within HearstLab, it's become indispensable for linking our entrepreneurs with top experts," says Eastin Rossell, HearstLab’s Venture Director, who oversees HearstLab’s pre-seed and seed investments.

Since its founding in 2022, PairUp has had the chance to work with companies, from startups to larger enterprises, navigating the complexities of sharing critical information at work. For example, Turnkey Tech Staffing is leveraging the software with their team of engineers, working in isolation and often “recreating the wheel”. By using PairUp, the Turnkey team can quickly access core documented processes, as well as get connected to other seasoned developers for expert guidance. “PairUp is an amazing tool that helps teams share knowledge and expertise, as well as promotes teamwork,” says Janette Lopez, LATAM Human Resource Manager for Turnkey Labs.

For more information about how PairUp is revolutionizing workplace knowledge sharing, visit www.pairupapp.com.

About PairUp

Workplace knowledge sharing is difficult and costly – the average employee spends 8 hours a week looking for answers to questions. PairUp is a B2B SaaS platform that utilizes AI to accelerate workplace knowledge sharing by mapping employee knowledge and leveraging internal expert networks within each company. PairUp saves organizations thousands of hours by breaking down silos and increasing the cross-pollination of knowledge across teams. PairUp's suite of services integrate seamlessly within a team's current workflow. PairUp has had the opportunity to serve employees at corporations like CVS, Motorola, and beyond. Learn more at pairupapp.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Taylor Epstein

Kevel, the API-first ad serving company, is announcing its new branded AI feature set: Kai (Kevel Artificial Intelligence), a suite of AI and machine learning technologies that enable performance optimization and drives relevancy, profitability and revenue. Kai is available as part of the Retail Media Cloud™, the ultimate SaaS platform for building retail media networks with ad serving that maximizes share of advertiser budgets.

The new tools were developed and spearheaded by Kevel's AI/ML research group, chaired by CTO Tim Ewald, Sr. Director of Research and W3C member Paul DeGrandis, Principal Data Scientist Richard Carter, PhD and Retail Media Cloud™ GM and Velocidi founder Paulo Cunha. The group has decades of combined experience in AI, which has led them to develop this powerhouse suite of AI features to power ad serving and audience segmentation for a premium retail media experience.

With Kai, Kevel introduces two new features, Forecast and Custom Relevancy, alongside its existing AI Audience and DecisionAPI products. Kevel Forecast predicts inventory and campaign performance for existing and future campaigns using machine learning simulations to generate insights on both current and future ad flights.

"Forecast is a first of its kind for retail media. Traditional forecasting tools look simply at historical data to predict future campaign performance, whereas Kevel Forecast uses machine learning algorithms to project future campaign performance when considering all contextual and user audience targeting and pacing parameters in conjunction with other running or future ads. This way, advertisers always know exactly what their future performance looks like and retailers can maximize their inventory yield," Paulo Cunha, Retail Media Cloud GM at Kevel explains.

Kevel's Custom Relevancy allows for retailers to input their own AI/ML algorithms into Kevel Ad Server for custom targeting geared towards the individual performance of each network. Functioning as a unique ‘BYOM' (bring your own model), Custom Relevancy helps retailers utilize their own advanced models to determine relevance as part of their ad stack in a safe and secure way.

"Retailers know their customers better than anyone else, but struggle to influence their ad serving with the exceptional AI-driven optimization they use for promoting a customized user experience," commented Tim Ewald, CTO at Kevel. "That all changes with Custom Relevancy, which allows customers to plug their own ML models into our ad decision process to dynamically adjust relevancy and improve ad serving a per-user basis."

Kai encompasses not just new features like Forecast and Custom Relevancy, but existing features like ad decisioning and pacing. Kevel's approach to pacing, delivery and decisioning leans into historical data, events, previous behavior, context of the experience, ads viewed, and relevancy scoring, plus trends and predictions to drive ad performance.

"What excites me about KAI is that it's a set of features that showcases how machine learning can be used to deliver more value to our customers. We've developed these systems from original research using proprietary data sets, harnessing our many years of experience in ad serving," stated Richard Carter, Principal Data Scientist. "We've been working closely with retail customers to prove where the most value sits and it's in decisioning, relevancy and segmentation. KAI is just the start of many more innovative, unique features in our pipeline."

Kevel powers world-class retail media networks with the Retail Media Cloud™. With the combination of Kevel Ad Server and Kevel Audience, multi-brand retailers, marketplaces, and ecommerce companies can launch limitless ad formats and unique targeting segments online and in-store, all with closed-loop attribution. Kevel believes that every digital retailer should have the capability to scale their own distinct ad platform, just like big tech players like Amazon. Customers like Edmunds, Delivery Hero, Leroy Merlin, Slickdeals, and other leading retailers and marketplaces all launched their own retail media network with Kevel. The company has garnered numerous accolades, most recently earning recognition as one of the leading 100 innovative tech start-ups driving the future of brand-to-consumer in 2023 and awarded the MarTech Breakthrough Award for best overall ad tech company in 2022. Learn more at www.kevel.com.

Media Contact

Jennifer Choo

+1 973-343-8819

ARW&CO, a business incubation firm based in Charleston, SC, and Team Phun, a merchandise distributor with locations in San Diego, CA and Charleston, SC, are excited to announce their newly formed partnership, optimizing their capabilities to serve a national client base. This collaboration will expand their existing merchandise programs, offering new solutions to meet a broader range of customer needs.

Together, the two companies will provide turn-key, full-service merchandise management, including design, production, warehousing, and fulfillment. This comprehensive service will also feature private label programs for brands aiming to launch their own apparel lines. The service is a much-needed solution for corporations, media brands, and creatives looking to affordably grow their customer reach.

Additionally, the partnership will offer in-person marketing and promotional services designed for brands seeking to enhance their on-site presence without incurring additional staffing and overhead costs. Initially rolled out on the West Coast, this service is now available in Charleston and the southeastern markets.

"All of us at Team Phun are thrilled to partner with ARW&CO to expand our reach in the Carolinas and beyond," said Jesse Goodwick, founder of Team Phun. "We’ve taken strategic steps to service our merchandise and e-commerce clients in new ways, allowing them to focus on their customers without the burden of managing logistics."

"Team Phun deeply understands the fundamentals of marketing and the needs of modern brands looking to best serve their customer base," said Austin Walker, Principal at ARW&CO. "The turnkey merchandise offerings, combined with the promotional staffing service will further empower our clients to engage experientially with their customers."

To ensure a high-quality, personalized service experience under this new model, the companies will only be accepting a limited number of clients for the remainder of 2024. Brands interested in working with the group can inquire at phun@arw.ltd.

About ARW&CO

ARW&CO is a business strategy and brand activation firm specializing in strategic partnerships and go-to-market activations. Under the guidance of Austin R. Walker, the firm leverages its cross-industry network to innovate brands and bring creative ideas to fruition. For more information, visit arwandco.com.

About Team Phun

Based in San Diego, CA and Charleston, SC, Team Phun is a promotional product distributor, branding expert, creative design powerhouse, and a forward-thinking company. Our team consists of designers, engineers, and product specialists who invest in education, technology, and product trends to deliver the best service and products in the industry. For more information, visit https://teamphun.com.

Media Contact

Austin Walker
+1 843-478-0396

Barometer, a contextual AI engine redefining the legacy of contextual targeting and brand suitability, and Audiohook, the audio industry's leading independent ad platform, present an innovative applied brand suitability framework for audio advertising. This alliance is set to bring clarity and consistency to brand standards in podcasting with the introduction of these brand suitability definitions.

In this collaboration, Barometer and Audiohook present brand suitability definitions that enhance and expand upon the existing GARM categories, ensuring unmatched transparency and accuracy in risk assessment. The Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) originally created the industry-standard definitions, but these were primarily designed for visual, user-generated content, not premium audio, leading to inconsistent interpretation across different vendors. 

The definitions, tailored specifically for audio content, address its unique nuances, including context, content length and alignment with advertiser requirements. Though long-time table stakes in display and CTV media-buying, brand suitability standards have only recently been made actionable in podcast advertising, thanks to Barometer. Last year, Audiohook became the first DSP to integrate Barometer as a pre-bid targeting solution, finally making it possible for advertisers to achieve the workflow they’ve come to expect. 

Designed in collaboration with industry leaders and refined over many years, these definitions are purpose-built for audio, moving beyond the limitations of definitions created for visual short-form user-generated content. Furthermore, through advertiser feedback, the partners have expanded the categories to also include non-GARM defined segments such as Natural Disasters, Gambling, Occult and more. This makes it possible to more finely pinpoint brands’ specific requirements, resulting in including more inventory and excluding less. As the industry wisdom goes, brand suitability should be used as a scalpel not an ax. By adopting these definitions, industry leaders are setting a new, fit-for-purpose benchmark for brand suitability, fostering a consistent and reliable standard across the audio advertising landscape. 

This approach empowers buyers to confidently address brand safety and suitability concerns more efficiently, facilitating responsible investment growth in audio advertising. Despite audio's status as a top ROI channel, leading marketers like Rocket Companies’ Trent Polley have emphasized the need for robust brand safety processes, stating that “without a proper brand safety process, audio's performance is not worth the risk.” Even those who continue to evaluate content manually can leverage these definitions to streamline their assessment process, ensuring a consistent and effective evaluation. The goal here is to make it possible for advertisers to benefit from the incredible power of the podcast advertising medium while still enforcing their brand standards in the way they have come to expect. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Barometer to bring a new level of brand suitability to the podcasting industry,” stated Audiohook CEO, Jordan Bentley. “This refined framework offers advertisers a robust and nuanced approach to evaluating and aligning content with their brand values. By implementing these industry-tailored definitions, we are enhancing transparency and trust across the audio advertising ecosystem. This partnership marks a significant step forward in enabling advertisers to confidently scale their investments in audio, ensuring that brand safety and suitability are upheld to the highest standards."

Tamara (Zubatiy) Nelson, CEO of Barometer adds “As the leader in the podcast brand suitability space, I believe in the importance of brand suitability definitions that can be easily related to the industry-standard definitions available for display and other channels. Clear standards ensure that brands can navigate the podcasting landscape with confidence in the context of their omnichannel buy. It's not just about avoiding controversy; it's about fostering trust and authenticity in every episode - ensuring that every brand's message aligns with its audience. Barometer prides itself on being an “inclusive” brand suitability solution, meaning that we strive to qualify as much content as possible for inclusion through an unprecedented understanding of context.”

This alliance between Barometer and Audiohook is poised to set a new standard in audio advertising, offering unparalleled confidence and clarity for advertisers navigating the ever-evolving world of podcasting.

Barometer is an omnichannel, AI-powered contextual engine with best in class brand suitability and contextual targeting solutions in audio. They help the largest brands in the world responsibly activate at scale in impactful channels like podcasts. Their patent-pending AI Brand Integrity Cloud uses natural language processing to analyze podcasts based on industry standard taxonomies including the IAB Content taxonomy 3.0 for contextual targeting and the Global Advertisers for Responsible Media’s (GARM) Brand Safety Floor and Suitability Framework. Their solutions drive radical transparency across the entire ad ecosystem building trust between the buy and sell sides to usher in a new era of scale and contextual understanding. Through their investment in ensuring diverse voices & news content are not blocked inappropriately, Barometer helps brands ensure their brand standards don’t come at the expense of their brand values. 

Our proprietary, multimodal, contextual (and not keywords-based) technology makes  brand suitability a process of INCLUSION rather than a dreaded block-list generator. Furthermore, through our investment in ensuring diverse voices & news content are not anti-targeted inadvertently, Barometer helps brands ensure their brand standards don’t come at the cost of their brand values. For more information, visit http://www.thebarometer.co.

Audiohook is a media and technology company built specifically to solve the challenges of the digital audio and podcasting ecosystem. Reaching over 90% of consumers each month, brands and marketers are able to scale campaigns across streaming, digital radio, and podcasts with Audiohook. Moreover, media buyers can leverage innovative audience and contextual targeting, and enable key integrations to facilitate industry-leading brand suitability, attribution, and measurement solutions. Experience the Power of Audio at audiohook.com.

Media Contact

Ella Reznick