Aftermaster, Inc. (OTCQB: AFTM)
Aftermaster, Inc. (OTCQB: AFTM), with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Hollywood California, is an award-winning, leading-edge audio technology company that specializes in the development of proprietary and groundbreaking audio technologies and products. The company also operates world-class mastering and recording studios located in the heart of Hollywood, California, in the famous Crossroads of the World complex along Sunset Boulevard.
Aftermaster and its subsidiaries are engaged in the development and commercialization of proprietary (patents issued and pending), leading-edge audio and video technologies for professional and consumer use including the award-winning AfterMaster® audio technology, ProMaster™ and Aftermaster Pro™. Aftermaster is unique in the audio world because its team has produced, engineered and mastered more hit records than any audio company in the world. The Aftermaster team knows what sounds right and the Company holds a unique position in the world of audio technology.
The Company's underlying technology, Aftermaster audio, delivers an audio experience unrivaled by any audio company. It brings an unprecedented new quality level to consumer audio by offering unparalleled clarity, depth, fullness and a significant volume increase to audio recordings without distortion or altering the original recording. Its versatility and smart processing characteristics make it effective across a broad range of applications from consumer electronics to industrial applications.
The Company also operates Aftermaster Recording and Mastering Studios which include the renovated production facilities of legendary director Alfred Hitchcock and the iconic recording studios of Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Aftermaster Labs maintains five primary business units: Aftermaster proprietary semiconductor chip and software for OEM licensing, proprietary consumer electronics, professional music mastering, online mastering, recording and mixing at its Aftermaster Recording and Master Studios, and Audio Consulting services. The Aftermaster semiconductor chip and software is used for embedding in consumer products, Aftermaster-developed and branded consumer and professional electronic products, ProMaster on-line music mastering for independent music artists and in-studio professional music mastering services.
Aftermaster has increasingly attracted interest from some of the music industry's leading audio companies. A newly expanded partnership with TuneCore, the leading digital music distribution and publishing administration provider, gives TuneCore members access to Promaster through its instant mastering service which offers audio mastering of unparalleled quality at the click of a button. The Company also recently entered into a licensing agreement with Muzik headphones for use of its Aftermaster chip in their new headphone line.
The company's first groundbreaking consumer product – the Aftermaster Pro – is designed to solve the universally widespread problem of poor, variable audio levels of television audio. Aftermaster Pro, which is smaller than an iPhone, masters and remasters inconsistent TV audio in real-time, creating an audio experience that offers clear, full-bodied depths of sound and most importantly, overall balanced audio. The Aftermaster Pro virtually eliminates the need to adjust TV volume to hear dialogue or to reduce the level of loud special effects. The Aftermaster Pro sells for $179 and is enjoying strong growth in sales to over 65 countries.
With the Company's Promaster, state-of-the-art proprietary algorithms, artists receive four CD quality mastered versions of their track including "Powerful," "Radio Ready," "Bass Enhanced," and "Vocal Enhanced." TuneCore artists have access to exclusive pricing on the Promaster pay-as-you-go instant mastering, as well as unlimited monthly and annual subscriptions. Aftermaster also holds a license agreement with headphone manufacturer, Muzik, Inc., for the use of Aftermaster's patented audio remastering and audio enhancement technology.
Aftermaster won three Envisioneering Innovation and Design Awards at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas for both its Aftermaster TV device and its BelaSigna 300 processor semiconductor chip created through a partnership with ON Semiconductor. Aftermaster was also named an honoree for its ProMaster audio technology.
Aftermaster Audio Labs is led by a group of world-class audio engineers and music industry veterans who have been involved with the development and implementation of countless successful proprietary audio technologies and products.
The Team
Aftermaster co-founder and CEO Larry Ryckman is an award-winning entertainment and technology executive with over 25 years of achievements in the music and entertainment industries.
Shelly Yakus, co-founder and chief engineer at Aftermaster Audio Labs, is a renowned music producer, audio engineer/mixer and is widely considered the best engineer and mixer in the music industry.
Justin Timberlake, a Grammy and Emmy award-winning singer/songwriter/producer and actor, is a co-owner of Aftermaster Audio Labs, Inc. Timberlake is widely considered to be one of pop culture's most influential entertainers in the world.
Peter Doell is one of the best-known mastering engineers in the world with over 35 years of experience mastering and engineering hundreds of chart-topping records, film scores and TV spots. Rodney Jerkins is an 8-time Grammy Award winning music producer/songwriter and considered to be one of the most influential and successful producers in the music industry.
Paul Wolff is a senior engineer and product development consultant at Aftermaster Audio Labs. Wolff has been involved in the professional music and audio industries as an audio engineer and product designer and manufacturer of professional audio products for more than 35 years.
Thousands of hours of testing millions of songs and audio sources of all types have been processed using Aftermaster's award-winning technology and the results speak for themselves with platinum records, numerous strategic partnerships, and overwhelming industry support.
AnalytixInsight Inc. (TSX.V: ALY)
(OTCQB: ATIXF)
AnalytixInsight (TSX.V: ALY) (OTCQB: ATIXF) is an artificial intelligence (AI) company that transforms data into knowledge. The company has developed a proprietary, machine-learning technology that algorithmically analyzes big data and distills it into actionable insights. AnalytixInsight has strategic initiatives in fintech, blockchain and workflow analytics, and its technology is scalable and extendable to virtually any data-driven industry such as sports, communications, healthcare, insurance or government.
The company's flagship product – CapitalCube.com – is a financial portal providing comprehensive company analysis including on-demand fundamental research, portfolio evaluation and screening tools on over 50,000 global equities and North American ETFs. CapitalCube's online portal is designed to empower investment ideas by providing in-depth analysis, peer-to-peer performance evaluations, accounting and earnings reports, dividend strength and AI-supported information about likely corporate actions such as dividend changes, share buybacks and acquisitions. AnalytixInsight provides a robust technology that is frequently rebalanced to maintain a desired risk profile, matching risk to ideal ETF exposure, with regular compliance reporting.
CapitalCube's freemium pricing model allows free access to basic financial information, with additional in-depth analysis and predictive analytics provided at a rate of $25 per month, and customized peer analysis for $300 per month. CapitalCube publishes 3,000 articles daily and has multi-language capabilities. Thomson Reuters and Africa Investor have recently been added to the growing network of content partnerships that already includes Euronext NV, Yahoo Finance and The Wall Street Journal.
Euclides Technologies is a subsidiary company focused on Field Service Management software solutions, led by a team with decades of experience in developing and implementing workforce management solutions for large global corporations. With worldwide customers representing over 100,000 field service personnel across multiple industries, Euclides Technologies has a deep understanding of the increasing amount of data generated within the industry, as well as the analytics solution offerings to transform that data into knowledge.
MarketWall is a Fintech subsidiary that develops integrated software solutions as part of an ecosystem of smart devices that includes PCs, tablets, smart phones, wearable mobile devices and Smart TV. AnalytixInsight Inc. has joint ownership in MarketWall together with Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy's largest retail bank which has over 4,000 branches and a market capitalization of $40 billion Euros. MarketWall is expected to deploy its real-time stock trading and mobile banking app to Intesa Sanpaolo's 12.6 million customers in six European countries during 2018. The mobile stock trading application will directly interface with Intesa Sanpaolo's established MarketHub trading platform. As a Samsung Global Partner, the MarketWall app is preloaded in mobile devices in certain areas in Europe.
AnalytixInsight is currently evaluating and pursuing Blockchain initiatives which are contiguous with its artificial intelligence platform, to use a distributed ledger technology to reduce transaction costs and settlement times for its users, partners, and subsidiaries. The Company believes these initiatives will enhance current revenues being received from existing multi-year agreements with its partners.
BLOCKStrain Technology Corp. (TSX.V: DNAX)
BLOCKStrain Technology Corp. (TSX.V: DNAX), a full-service software company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada, has developed the first integrated blockchain platform that registers and tracks cannabis intellectual property ("IP") from genome to sale. It is proprietary, immutable and cryptographically secure, thereby establishing a single source of truth for cannabis strains and their ownership.
With Canada set to legalize marijuana use for recreational purposes, and other jurisdictions following suit around the world, new challenges will emerge regarding the ability to provide a safe and legal inventory of a product that up until now was largely only available on the black market. Cannabis will be heavily tested and regulated by numerous regulatory bodies in Canada. The cannabis industry faces unique challenges that BLOCKStrain specifically helps it address, including:
- Mandatory Testing: Through BLOCKStrain's platform and lab-testing partners, the process is more efficient and streamlined, cutting the administrative burden in half and getting products to market faster;
- DNA Based Product Validation: The underlying blockchain technology creates a genetic fingerprint that identifies and validates the product electronically so any participant on the platform, including consumers, can view and track what's happening with that product from genome to sale;
- Intellectual Property: Third, and perhaps most importantly, the BLOCKStrain platform protects the intellectual property of growers and breeders. This is important for the industry's growth as products evolve and develop. If a craft grower, for example, creates a popular strain with unique characteristics, it will be able to protect its intellectual property by simply registering the strain's genome with BLOCKStrain and locking that data into the blockchain. It will reside there forever and will be readily accessible in the event of future disputes, bringing a level of trust to the industry and ensuring licensing fees are paid to all players in the market.
VERIFICATION = CERTIFICATION
BLOCKStrain's genetics verification process is authentic and incredibly effective. User groups register by creating an account with BLOCKStrain, which starts the process. Organizations and independent growers submit seeds, flower and post-extraction product for testing to a registered and approved testing facility, which then submits test results to BLOCKStrain. Pre-existing data of genetic cannabis strains can also be submitted via BLOCKStrain verification administrators, with those results being added to the user group's blockchain account. Submissions are entered into BLOCKStrain, and the transaction is completed and recorded.
Each time an item is tested and verified by the network, a Registration Affidavit is auto-generated and given a unique "BLOCKStrain Address" along with a traceable QR Code. Producers, patients and consumers are able to not only verify the test but can also rate the product, write reviews and share opinions. This detail is stored within BLOCKStrain and, just like the test results, cannot be tampered with or modified. Verification and certification are earned by all parties for their participation.
SAFE CONSUMER SUPPLY
BLOCKStrain demystifies the seed-to-sale process for all relevant stakeholders including producers, distributors, shippers, government agencies and consumers by creating a repository of cannabis genomes on an immutable, shared ledger. Thousands of cannabis strains exist and cultivators are breeding new strains all the time. The proliferation of cannabis strains can prove problematic for consumers since there are more than 500 known chemical compounds in a single plant. Furthermore, since several dozens of these compounds have been identified as pharmacologically active, it becomes more and more difficult for consumers to know what they are purchasing.
It is for this reason that being able to quantify the genetics, potency and equivalencies among cannabis products is crucial to the future of legalized cannabis. The difference is not so much in the name or brand attached to the cannabis, but the DNA of the plant itself. BLOCKStrain ensures product integrity, safety, regulatory compliance, product licensing and authenticity – all vital elements for the emerging cannabis industry. This technology also bolsters the process of meeting government regulatory standards by providing real-time visibility of industry operations to agencies assigned to enforce and regulate cannabis activity.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
BLOCKStrain allows for the defense of intellectual property rights for the grower with an authentic, verifiable chain of evidence embedded in the blockchain itself. Proof of ownership for a specific strain of cannabis is paramount in a multibillion dollar industry. Real life ownership disputes have already begun in the industry with legal battles underway. Unfortunately, the framework for resolving these disputes has yet to be defined and they are not likely to be resolved anytime soon.
Consumers and regulators alike want to know whether a cannabis product grown and sold at a local dispensary is safe and meets quality control standards. BLOCKStrain enhances trust of origin from genome-to-sale as cannabis flows through the supply chain, verifying critical steps in the process such as who is growing the plant, which seed is planted and where did it come from, whether pesticides were used, how much was grown, which tests are used to establish quality and potency, where the product is transported and how, and whether possession limits are meeting regulatory standards.
In summary, BLOCKStrain has developed the most comprehensive, secure and community-driven cannabis genetics archival platform for cannabis breeders and growers, large and small, to protect and release their varieties into the public domain, all while compensating and rewarding them for their contributions. Investment Considerations Tracking global cannabis strain IPs through identification, registration and verification from genome to sale through a secure, proprietary blockchain technology platform. Comprehensive, community-driven cannabis genetics archival platform. BLOCKStrain combines traditional cannabis culture with modern cryptocurrency technology, compensating and rewarding those who contribute. Multiple monetization channels, including strain/genetics registration, ongoing certification, strain marketplace/licensing, tracking/transactions and big data/deep learning. Global cannabis market projected to reach $31.4 billion by 2021. Additional Resources Company Website Customer Presentation NNW NewsRoom
Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF)
Choom Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: CHOOF) (CSE: CHOO) channels the laid-back spirit of Hawaii to the Okanagan region of British Columbia with a generous nod to the inspirational, yet unofficial, history of the 1970s "Choom Gang," a group of buddies in Honolulu (including former President Barack Obama) who knew how to relax with "choom," the local's term for marijuana. Choom's trademark slogans pivot off another unconventional phrase ("Say Hello to…"), bringing a heady dose of good times and good friends together as the company invites investors to "Say Hello to Choom™" as it lights up the adult recreational cannabis market in Canada.
Choom™ has been an ACMPR (Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations) applicant since November 2013 in Vernon, B.C. The company's first application has received security clearance and is now in the detailed review stage. They also recently announced their second late-stage ACMPR application, which is in its confirmation of readiness stage. Cannabis Compliance Inc. has been retained to help expedite Choom's initial license applications to ensure the company's readiness for legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada mid-summer 2018.
True to the company's character, Choom™ is retrofitting two large facilities – No. 1 in Vernon, B.C., and No. 2 on Vancouver Island – to house its cannabis growing facilities. Phase 1 of the Vernon property will provide Choom™ with 6,800 square feet of growing space, capable of producing 660 kg/year of cannabis at an estimated revenue of $6.6 million, excluding oils. The company expects this facility to be completed by July 2018, the same month that Canada is expected to formally legalize recreational marijuana for adult use. A potential Phase 2, to be completed by the end of 2018, would add another 6,800 square feet for a total of 1,500 kg/year capacity, which would nearly double No. 1's revenue. A Level 9 vault is also planned with a storage capacity of 15,000 kg. While the No. 2 facility on Vancouver Island is smaller – 4,500 square feet – its retrofit is also slated to be completed by July 2018. Plans include doubling this space as well, which would add about $9 million in annual revenue, excluding cannabis oils.
Choom™ announced its retail dispensary strategy with the intention of establishing market leadership in reaching the Canadian cannabis consumer. The partner program is already in the retail space design stage as the company seeks to build a chain of branded retail cannabis dispensaries in jurisdictions in Canada where recreational cannabis is legal. Choom™ Stores will have a cool, modern layout and design created to emit an authentic "Aloha" vibe. Choom™ is all about producing high-grade cultivars and curating them for a bigger audience.
A savvy, experienced management team includes Chris Bogart, president and CEO; John Oh, R.P.I.C., Operations Manager; Robert Bayrack, Master Grower, S.P.I.C.; and Adrian Robinson, Strategic Advisor. Bogart has over two decades of international experience in capital markets and was a co-founder of InMed Pharmaceuticals and Magnum Uranium. He has structured complex equity financing transactions in the U.S., Europe and Canada. Bogart is joined on the Board of Directors by Kevin Pull, Stephen Tong and John Oh.
While the medical marijuana industry is expected to double by 2021 to 500,000 registered users, the true highlight of the recreational cannabis represents the key cultural shift set to launch in Canada. With an estimated $4.9B to $8.7B retail market coming, now is the right time for a Recreation Brand like Choom™ to be involved in this growing industry. Establishing and maintaining Choom™ premium brand loyalty is a key factor in the company's growth strategy. Get ready to "Say Hello" to opportunity, good times and good friends with Choom™.
EVIO, Inc. (OTCQB: EVIO)
EVIO, Inc. (OTCQB: EVIO), via the EVIO Labs division, is the nation's leading provider of accredited analytical testing, scientific research and advisory services to the regulated cannabis industry. EVIO Labs provides state-mandated ancillary services that are required to ensure the safety and quality of the nation's cannabis supply. EVIO Labs has performed over 50,000 tests during the past two years and grown from one laboratory in Oregon to nine labs spanning California, Oregon, Colorado, Massachusetts and Florida.
EVIO Labs is driving the cannabis testing industry by providing clients nationwide with consistent high-quality cannabis analytical services backed by quality control assurances. The company also provides advisory services that help cannabis producers and retailers enhance production processes, achieve regulatory compliance and meet quality goals.
EVIO Labs is on track to open 18 laboratories by the end of 2018 at locations around the United States. The Oregon-based company provides analytical services that include testing cannabis and industrial hemp flower, extracts and infused products. The labs specialize in performing the following tests:
- Cannabinoid analysis, which properly characterizes the many primary cannabinoids found in cannabis including THC, CBD, and several other cannabinoids.
- Terpene analysis, which identifies the aromatic compounds of the plant (terpene), which can help identify the therapeutic potential of a cannabis flower or extract.
- Moisture content and water activity, which measure the moisture levels of dried cannabis and are indicators of microbiological growth potential.
- Pesticide residue analysis of over 100 different pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, growth regulators and other agrochemicals that may be present on cannabis.
- Detection of harmful residual solvents left behind in the cannabis extract production process.
- Microbial testing screen for bacterial and fungal contamination in cannabis and cannabis-infused products.
- Detection of heavy metals including lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic.
EVIO Labs is rapidly becoming the nation's leading cannabis biotechnology company. Led by a management team with extensive experience in designing and rolling out successful business ventures, product research and development, regulatory and compliance protocols, medical cannabis cultivation, production and analytical chemistry techniques, EVIO Labs is prepared to take advantage of today's fastest growing industry.
FANDOM SPORTS Media Corp. (CSE: FDM) (OTC: FDMSF) (FRANKFURT: TQ42)
FANDOM SPORTS Media Corp. (CSE: FDM) (OTC: FDMSF) (FRANKFURT: TQ42) taps into the primal, unfiltered passion of sports fans from around the world by providing an uncensored social media platform delivered through the FANDOM SPORTS mobile app. As an aggregator, curator and instigator of both company-created and user-generated content, the FANDOM SPORTS app is designed to entertain sports enthusiasts with real-time, interactive content on a mobile only app that offers bragging rights and real-life rewards. True sports addicts will appreciate an app that allows fans to pick a fight or create their own FanFights and rule over others as they trash talk their way to victory. The FANDOM SPORTS proprietary data centric "argument engine" measures and scores opinionated dialogue, as well as establishes consensus, giving fans and users the ability to dive deeper into one-of-a-kind cultural moments, cheer on favorite sports teams and slam dunk some sweet rewards.
Building on the company's tag line – "Pick a Fight" – the FANDOM SPORTS app provides an always fresh, authentic rush of deeper-than-surface interactive content that resonates with the targeted age demographic of 18-34. Intense sports fans aren't afraid of stepping up to the plate to engage other users by unleashing their opinions within the app's structured debate resolution tool coined "FanFights." Sports-loving fans can explore, gloat, vote, invite friends, create provocative FanFight topics and play to win while inside the FANDOM SPORTS app, which is currently available in the Google Play store and coming back to the Apple App store soon. The company's self-learning algorithm predicts and collects user preferences while building relevant personalized FanFight channels, bringing the concept of competitive, in-your-face conversation to a whole new level of sports entertainment.
The FANDOM SPORTS app is free to play (F2P) with in-app purchase and subscription capabilities. The gaming aspect of the ecosystem is built on behavioral economics and delivers multiple revenue streams by maximizing average revenue per daily active user (ARPDAU) and user-generated content (UGC), with select placement of high-impact video and moment-based marketing as part of the brand-sponsored FanFights and in-app offers. The platform enables applications (either FANDOM SPORTS created or third party apps) to be operated in partnership with leading sports themed brands, leagues, and service providing companies from around the world by supplying interactive sports entertainment through scalable global content to die-hard fans. The FANDOM SPORTS platform creates a bullet-proof snapshot of the app's fan base through a Blockchain supported "PlayerCard" (profile) which doubles as an invaluable acquisition and retention tool for its business operators. FANDOM SPORTS hosted transactions are placed on the distributed ledger, making them immutable and public to verified users interacting within the business ecosystem. Tracking this digital footprint provides extremely valuable metadata generated by users' very dynamic behavior and sports passion.
FANDOM SPORTS' Brand and Sponsorship partners are harnessing the affluent sports fans age 18-34 with integrated marketing content and service experience. The moments-based marketing integration will translate through FanCoin redemption, in exchange for items provided by programs established by FANDOM SPORTS and its clients. These programs are a key part of the business model and covers, as an example, the following partners; Sports Leagues, TelCo's service offerings, and Content owners (i.e. FANDOM SPORTS provides new paying customers to the owners of pay-per-view platforms).
"Pick A Fight. Talk Trash. Get Rewarded."
FANDOM SPORTS Media is an entertainment company that aggregates, curates and produces unique fan-focused content.
The FANDOM SPORTS App is the Company's core product, which is the ultimate destination for unfiltered raw sports talk. The app allows passionate sports fans to unleash their primal sports passions, pick fights and earn rewards.
So download the app and bring your crew. Talking trash is better with friends. The more you invite, the more FanCoins you earn.
You may also visit the Company's website at www.fandomsportsmedia.com.
DISCLAIMER:
The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy and accuracy of this information. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements do not guarantee future events or performance and should not be relied upon. Actual outcomes may differ materially due to any number of factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Some of these risks and uncertainties may be described in the Company's corporate filings (posted at www.sedar.com).
The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements due to new information or events.
Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX)
Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX), founded in 2015 and headquartered in Israel, is a technological innovator in automotive vision systems and driver assistance technology. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Foresight Automotive Ltd., Foresight is engaged in the design, development and commercialization of stereo/quad-camera vision systems and V2X cellular-based solutions for the automotive industry based on 3D video analysis, advanced algorithms for image processing and sensor fusion. The company's powerful and patented stereoscopic technology is derived from field-proven technology that has been deployed throughout the world for almost two decades.
Foresight's innovative autonomous driving solutions are based on mature, proprietary stereoscopic image technology that uses two synchronized cameras to mimic human depth perception and produce a three-dimensional image. This 3D image can anticipate possible collisions with other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and other obstacles. The technology provides highly accurate real-time alerts about the vehicle's surroundings while in motion. The systems are designed to improve driving safety by enabling highly accurate and reliable threat detection while ensuring the lowest rates of false alerts.
The company's patents provide IP protection for its robust and proven proprietary stereoscopic technology, which was developed using the security technology of Foresight's major shareholder, Magna B.S.P.
Foresight has developed three main products:
- QuadSight™. This breakthrough detection system sets the bar for autonomous vehicle vision. It features nearly 100 percent obstacle detection with almost zero false alerts and operates optimally under all weather and lighting conditions, including darkness, rain, fog, haze and glare. QuadSight™ is the first quad-camera multi-spectral vision solution of its kind, driven by advanced and proven image processing algorithms. The system consists of two sets of stereoscopic infra-red and visible-light cameras that enable highly accurate and reliable obstacle detection for seamless 24/7 vision.
- Eyes-On™. This solution uses advanced algorithms for accurate depth analysis and obstacle detection to provide a unique stereo vision Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). It can detect all potential obstacles regardless of shape, form or material, including other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and animals. It has an accuracy and reliability of almost 100 percent and near zero false alerts.
- Eye-Net™. This is a cellular-based accident prevention solution that is designed to provide real-time pre-collision alerts to vehicles and pedestrians. This proprietary system is deployed on smartphones and cloud-based servers operating on existing cellular networks, and it eliminates the need for additional designated hardware. Eye-Net™ is designed to provide a complementary layer of protection to advanced driver assistance systems and extends this protection to road users who are not in direct line of sight. It is optimally designed for both urban environments and high-speed scenarios to provide protection for the most vulnerable road users. On March 28, 2018, Foresight announced that it had completed a successful feasibility study of its Eye-Net™ accident prevention solution involving 120 users of Android and iOS cell phones located across Israel.
In 2017, Foresight sought more opportunities within the international market. The Company signed pilot agreements with three leading car manufacturers in China and completed pilot projects meeting all pre-defined requirements and criteria. In addition, FRSX completed a pilot project with Uniti Sweden.
Studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety continue to emphasize the dramatic reduction in accidents and injury-related crashes reported when vehicles are equipped with collision avoidance systems. A recent study by the Institute states that the rate of single-vehicle, sideswipe and head-on crashes was 11 percent lower in vehicles with the warning systems. More importantly, the study shows collision avoidance technology cut the rates of injury crashes of the same type by 21 percent.
Foresight Autonomous Holdings, Inc. also holds a 32 percent interest in RailVision, a company that develops advanced systems for railway safety and maintenance. RailVision has successfully completed 13 tests in Israel, Germany, Italy and Switzerland in addition to a real-time system test with a European railway operator. Over the course of 2017, RailVision successfully completed rounds of financing totaling $5.8 million and started the process of licensing the system according to European standards.
Haim Siboni is the founder of Foresight and has served as the company's chief executive officer and director since 2015. Siboni, a passionate entrepreneur, has an extensive background in the marketing and business management sectors in the fields of electronics, video, TV, multimedia, computerized systems, line and wireless telecommunication, design and development of systems and devices, including electro-optic radar systems. He is the founder and CEO of Magna B.S.P., Foresight's major shareholder and a leading innovator in the field of homeland security surveillance solutions.
Hammer Fiber Optics Holdings Corp. (OTCQB: HMMR)
Hammer Fiber Optic Holdings Corp. (OTCQB: HMMR), with headquarters in New Jersey, is a telecommunications company investing in the future of wireless technology. The company's holdings include Hammer Fiber Optic Investments, Ltd., D/B/A Hammer Fiber, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that offers internet, voice, video and data services in New Jersey as well as carrier services in Philadelphia and New York. Hammer Fiber serves residential and small business markets with high-capacity broadband, voice and video through direct fiber as well as its wireless fiber platform – Hammer Wireless® AIR technology.
Hammer Fiber recently completed the initial development phase of its advanced LTE fixed wireless system, which was designed and built upon its successfully deployed wireless technology suite. The expansion allows Hammer Fiber to add ultra-high capacity cellular broadband applications to its product portfolio including wholesale services such as backhaul support for cellular network operators. Designed to complement Hammer Fiber's core business of home residential service, the company expects this latest innovation to help position Hammer Fiber as a leader in future 5G technology. The company intends to leverage the Fixed LTE system in conjunction with its already deployed Fixed Wireless DOCSIS 3.1 system to deliver on one of its core promises, to deliver high capacity broadband to markets across the country at dramatically lower cost than traditional wireline methods, including fiber. Live field testing of the new system begins in early 2018 in the U.S. with service availability to follow later in the year.
Hammer Fiber has also expanded its IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) cloud services to include support for the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry. Interested companies will be able to host their products over Hammer Fiber's robust and modern server infrastructure, fiber network architecture and data center presence in some of the most secure locations in the New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia regions. Hammer Fiber's servers feature best-in-class computing power, designed to allow enterprise businesses to reap the benefits of utilizing a cloud-based system without the massive cost of establishing or maintaining a corporate data center.
"Distributed architecture infrastructure, such as those utilized by blockchain entities mining cryptocurrencies or other new vertical markets utilizing blockchain technology, are growing exponentially and we are poised to fulfill a critical but fundamental need of this explosive new industry," said Mark Stogdill, CEO of Hammer Fiber. "The distributed ledger architectures that blockchains are built on require secure and robust data processing networks, highly scalable power generation and a reliable fiber optic backbone infrastructure linking up data centers worldwide for them to exist, and that is what we at Hammer Fiber do really well."
Hammer Fiber seeks to achieve its vision by employing an extremely qualified group of business professionals with diverse backgrounds and successful track records from a variety of related industries. HMMR's seasoned leadership team combines startup expertise with a consummate understanding of the regional competitive telecommunications landscape in sales, marketing, engineering, construction and business development.
Net Element (NASDAQ: NETE)
Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) is a global financial technology and value-added solutions group that supports electronic payments acceptance in an omni-channel environment spanning across point-of-sale, e-commerce, and mobile devices. Net Element operates a payments-as-a-service transactional model and value-added services platform for small to medium enterprises in the U.S. and selected emerging markets. Internationally, Net Element's strategy is to leverage its omni-channel platform to deliver flexible offerings to emerging markets with diverse banking, regulatory and demographic conditions. Net Element was ranked as one of the fastest growing companies in North America on Deloitte's 2017 Technology Fast 500 ™ and South Florida Business Journal's 2016 fastest growing technology companies.
Net Element believes the future of global commerce is being revolutionized as consumers quickly migrate toward omni-channel shopping utilizing mobile devices, desktop, and online services. Net Element's all-in-one payment solutions support and unify a whole range of applications through a single, robust platform, allowing global onboarding and support for multiple payment methods.
In a partnership with Bunker Capital, Net Element has also launched a new blockchain-focused business unit that will develop and deploy blockchain technology-based solutions. Net Element expects the new division to create a decentralized crypto-based ecosystem that will act as a framework for an unlimited number of value-added services, connecting merchants and consumers in a seamless, economically efficient transaction. This new business unit intends to also identify and invest in unique projects that decentralize and disrupt the payment processing industry by combining blockchain technology and real-world applications with talented development teams, strong fundamentals and addressable markets large in size.
"We believe that we're at the dawn of a new evolution where additional digital payment methods are being introduced," Net Element CEO Oleg Firer, says. "Introduction of our division focused on blockchain as part of the NASDAQ-listed entity will add transparency and compliance assurance to our investors as well as provide access to deploy value-added services to over 20 million electronic commerce clients that are currently part of Net Element's growing network."
Net Element clients are treated to customized solutions that provide the flexibility needed to keep up with customers. Among the services offered are mobile payment apps that accept payments anywhere, anytime; cloud-based solutions built to increase productivity and enhance revenue for clients and partners; marketing solutions that turn lookers into buyers; and business analytics that make it easy for clients to monitor business metrics, engage with customers and compare the competition. Its multi-channel platform combines e-commerce, offline, point-of-sale, comprehensive back office tools, mobile point-of-sale, credit scoring and customer interaction in one powerful platform-as-a-service technology.
Net Element owns and operates a global mobile payments and transactional processing provider, TOT Group, Inc., with the following subsidiaries:
- Unified Payments – An award-winning, customized mobile billing and payments solution, recognized by Inc. Magazine as the No. 1 Fastest Growing Company in America in 2012.
- Digital Provider – A leading provider of SMS messaging and mobile billing solutions.
- Aptito – A next-generation, all-in-one, cloud-based restaurant management and point-of-sale payments platform using wireless technology.
- Payonline – A fully integrated, processor agnostic electronic commerce platform.
Net Element is ranked No. 418 on Deloitte's 2017 Technology Fast 500™ list of North America's 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies. Net Element grew 190 percent. The company's chief executive officer, Oleg Firer, credits the company's progression to organic growth in its North America Transactions Segment, specifically the success of its Unified Payments brand, which focuses on value-added payment acceptance solutions for small to medium enterprises in the United States.
"The Deloitte 2017 North America Technology Fast 500 winners underscore the impact of technological innovation and world class customer service in driving growth, in a fiercely competitive environment," said Sandra Shirai, vice chairman, Deloitte Consulting LLP and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications leader. "These companies are on the cutting edge, and are transforming the way we do business."
Net Element's suite of application performing interfaces (APIs) and connectors power commerce for businesses of all sizes through multi-channel platforms, all-in-one digital solutions, and end-to-end encryption of cardholder data utilizing tamper resistant hardware that ensures integrity and simplifies security.
Net Element's corporate team is led by director and CEO Oleg Firer, who is responsible for the overall vision, strategy and execution of the company's mission of powering global commerce. He is joined by CFO Jonathan New, CPA, and Steven Wolberg, who is the company's chief legal officer and secretary. Each corporate officer brings a unique blend of leadership, vision, experience and creative energy to the company.
From mobile payments and value-added transactional innovations such as Digital Provider and Aptito to e-commerce and retail payment transaction processing brands like Payonline and United Payments, Net Element is transforming the online and mobile experience.
Pivot Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(OTCQB: PVOTF)
Pivot Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCQB: PVOTF), based in Vancouver, Canada, is an emerging biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals that provide novel treatments for unmet healthcare needs. Pivot's recent acquisition of BiPhasix ™ Transdermal Drug Delivery technology for the delivery of cannabinoids (CBD) to patients provides the answer for an age-old problem associated with cannabinoid-based therapies: the lack of a robust smoke-less delivery mechanism.
Research into the bioavailability of cannabinoid-based therapeutics shows that rates of absorption vary greatly between smoking cannabis to an orally-consumed product, with a difference noted even between individuals. Cannabinoids are degraded in the stomach and smoking may not appeal to patients for health or lifestyle reasons. Topical delivery, while a better alternative, has suffered from weak formulation issues. Transdermal cannabinoid delivery, on the other hand, could provide a better alternative route since it reduces side effects and bypasses other absorption issues. In addition, transdermal delivery provides the benefit of enabling patients to access a steady stream of medication over a prolonged period with fewer side effects.
Pivot Pharmaceutical's newly created subsidiary, Pivot Green Stream Health Solutions Inc. ("Pivot Green Stream"), will focus on improving the bioavailability of cannabinoid-based and pharmaceuticals. BiPhasix™ has been tested in FDA and EMA approved human clinical trials, which have shown the delivery system enhances the bioavailability of many drugs and improves clinical outcomes. Pivot Green Stream is tasked with developing several natural health products containing cannabinoids (CBD) that can receive a Health Canada Natural Health Product (NHP) designation. This marketing method ensures a shorter development cycle and faster revenue generation opportunities.
Pivot Pharmaceuticals Inc., which has positioned itself as a growing and crucial vertical in the cannabis industry, represents a compelling opportunity in the biotechnology field. The company's plans include working with Licensed Producers (LP) and Licensed Dealers (LD) to bring newer therapies to patients. The company has also applied to list on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE).
The global medical marijuana market is expected to reach a value of $55.8 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growing number of states and countries gaining approval for using cannabis in therapeutic applications is expected to continue driving the market forward.
Pivot Pharmaceuticals has assembled a highly experienced management team, bringing together a wealth of clinical, commercial, product development and financial experience. Among the many healthcare targets in Pivot's pipeline are cancer supportive care, pain and inflammation, women's sexual dysfunction, dermatology and eye disease.
Pressure BioSciences Inc.
(OTCQB: PBIO)
Pressure BioSciences, Inc. (OTCQB: PBIO) develops, markets and sells proprietary laboratory instrumentation and associated consumables to the life sciences sample preparation market. Sample preparation refers to the wide range of activities that precede most forms of scientific analysis. It is often complex and time-consuming, yet a critical part of scientific research. The market for sample preparation products is currently estimated at $6 billion worldwide.
The Company's product line can be used to exquisitely control the sample preparation process. It is based on a patented, enabling technology platform called pressure cycling technology ("PCT"). PCT uses alternating cycles of hydrostatic pressure between ambient (14.5 psi) and ultra-high levels (up to 100,000 psi) to safely and reproducibly control critical biological processes, such as the lysis (breakage) of cells, the digestion of proteins, and the inactivation of pathogens.
Pressure BioSciences' product line is led by its newly released, next-generation Barocycler 2320EXTREME instrument. Named a finalist in the prestigious 2017 R&D Awards (also known as the "Oscars of Innovation"), the Barocycler 2320EXT is already being touted by some key opinion leaders as an essential element of the $1.8 billion U.S. "Cancer Moonshot" program. For example, Professor Phil Robinson, Co-head of the cancer research center of the Children's Medical Research Institute (Sydney, Australia), said in a recent interview: "We are collecting the whole proteome on 70,000 tumor samples from all classes where complete clinical outcome is known. Due to its unique capabilities, the Barocycler 2320EXT has become a critical part of our program. It is the primary enabler of the high-throughput component of the project. Without this step, our project simply could not be done. In fact, the Barocycler 2320EXT works so well we have just purchased two more."
Momentum is building when it comes to the potential for using the Company's unique PCT technology platform. Leading scientists are intrigued by Pressure BioSciences' approach, which among other attributes, revolutionizes the process of rupturing cells (lysis) for further study, yielding superior biomolecules for investigation. The Company's technology transcends current methods of breaking open cells, which use chemicals, blades, metal beads, or other damaging and altering methods that can ultimately adversely affect the result for researchers. Pressure BioSciences' PCT technology utilizes customized, controlled hydrostatic (water) pressure to rupture cells in a chamber, enabling exquisitely customized levels of pressure to optimally break open different types of cells at prescribed pressure levels—something never before accomplished in a commercial setting. Using this pioneering method, the result is a truer, more legitimate sample, which boosts the efficacy of research and the quality of results. The potential impact of this technology on scientific advancement is enormous, enabling research scientists to begin their studies with biological samples of unprecedented integrity, with the potential to improve research outcomes at the earliest, most critical step. PCT can additionally inactivate pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria) using hydrostatic pressure, making the samples safer to study—another innovation with astronomical potential for application in a variety of markets.
The Company's high-pressure instruments for research purposes are marketed throughout the United States, Europe, China and Japan. To date, Pressure BioSciences has installed nearly 300 PCT Systems in over 165 leading academic, government, biotech and pharma laboratories around the world. Its primary applications are in biomarker discovery, forensics, agriculture and pathology. Over 100 scientific papers have been published on the advantages of the PCT platform, which is also being used in the specialized fields of drug discovery and design, bio-therapeutics characterization, soil and plant biology, vaccine development and histology.
Impressive as their biotech business is, there is more to the PBI story. Pressure BioSciences recently received two patents in China for its novel Ultra Shear Technology (UST), a process that has potential in a wide range of industrial applications, including extending the shelf life of some food products and making two insoluble liquids (like oil in water) soluble. Patents have also been filed in many other countries worldwide. UST is a novel technique based on the use of intense shear forces generated from ultra-high-pressure valve discharge.
This important technology has the potential to play a significant role in a number of commercially important areas through its ability to create high-quality, stable nanoemulsions. Scientific studies indicate that improved absorption, higher bioavailability, greater stability, lower surfactant levels and other advantages can be achieved with nanoemulsions – all hugely important factors in the fields of nutraceuticals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and in various medical products. There is an enormous opportunity in the cannabis market, since the technology can potentially reduce oil droplets containing cannabidiol (CBD) to nanoparticles, after which they can be safely suspended in a stable water solution—something many companies have endeavored to achieve without success. Researchers looking for a way to increase the bioavailability of cannabinoids in the body will find this technology a game changer.
The Company's UST technology also has possibilities in the production of clean label foods, which are currently processed using several innovative methods, including high-pressure treatments (such as Starbucks' Evolution line of juices). In 2015, the worldwide market for high-pressure processed (HPP) food was estimated at U.S. $10 billion. UST uses ultra-high pressures and certain valves to generate intense shear forces under controlled temperature conditions to produce nanoemulsions, and which also significantly reduces food-borne pathogens. Pressure BioSciences' initial focus with this technology will be to evaluate UST for the production of high-quality dairy products and beverages.
Sharing Services, Inc. (OTC: SHRV)
Sharing Services, Inc. (OTC: SHRV), headquartered in Plano, Texas, is a diversified holding company focused on reshaping how entrepreneurs succeed today. Sharing Services Inc. owns, operates or controls an interest in a variety of companies specializing in the direct selling industry that either sell products to the consumer directly through independent representatives or offer services that range from health and wellness, energy, technology, insurance services, training, media and travel benefits. SHRV has created the "Blue Ocean Strategy," which melds three keys together to implement the company's vision. These keys include elevating home-based entrepreneurs, known as "Elepreneurs," utilizing the direct selling channel to generate 100 percent organic growth, and sending as many successful company "families" as possible on vacation.
Sharing Services Inc. subsidiaries include:
- A growing international network of home-based entrepreneurs, called "Elepreneurs"
- Growing selection of health and wellness products dedicated to elevating the well-being of all people
- Insurance from auto, home and life to health benefit discounts and health insurance that help families elevate their options
- Wholesale travel and payment programs with travel concierges that empower more families to go on vacation
- Live seminars and training events – from Vacationars™ to EduTainment – that elevate the skills and knowledge of entrepreneurs around the world
- Unique compensation and reward programs crafted to help entrepreneurs elevate their health, wealth and happiness
Sharing Services recently expanded its corporate footprint by moving to a 10,000 square foot facility in Plano, Texas, that offers room to expand as the company grows and its subsidiaries flourish. The larger corporate locale provides space for a growing customer service department, product fulfillment, opportunity and training rooms, as well as a video production suite.
"The opportunity to expand to the rest of this new building over the course of the next six to 12 months ensures we won't have to move again anytime soon," Sharing Services Inc. Chairman Robert Oblon said. "We are on track for very significant growth here in the U.S., as well as upcoming international expansion, so this move is in preparation for what's in front of us."
The company recently signed a joint venture agreement with Health Wealth & Happiness Limited ("HWH") to expand its "Elepreneurs" brand and market its products throughout Asia. The newly formed company will be named "Elepreneurs Asia Limited" and will have marketing and sales rights to China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Papua, New Guinea. A soft launch of the Elepreneur program is scheduled sometime later in 2018 with HWH CEP Fai Chan and his team leading the effort. Formed in Hong Kong, Health Wealth & Happiness Limited is dedicated to working with visionary partners like Sharing Services Inc. to deliver the best products and services to improve the well-being of consumers.
Nearly 1,000 people attended Sharing Services, Inc.'s first "Elepreneur Happiness Convention," held March 2-3, 2018, in Dallas, Texas. Attendees arrived from several countries including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Singapore and Hong Kong. Keynote speakers included several internationally known motivational leaders – Shawn Achor, Sandra Yancey, John Fleming and Les Brown – who provided exceptional material and inspirational discussion points.
"The enthusiasm of our attendees and the early success that we are experiencing is incredible considering our growth has been 100 percent organic, with almost no marketing from the company," Oblon said. "I'm speechless by the dedication of our Elepreneur leaders and their entire teams, as they share our incredible line of products that have helped so many people."
Sharing Services and its management team plan to travel the U.S. to hold several mini conferences to expand on the messages presented at its Happiness Convention that focus on helping people become "healthier, happier and wealthier." Details of the company's aggressive global expansion initiatives are soon to be announced, Oblon said.
The law firm of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP has been retained as outside corporate counsel for all general business matters. The Dallas-based law firm will represent Sharing Services, Inc., and its subsidiaries as the company utilizes the direct selling channel for a significant component of its overall growth strategy.
John "JT" Thatch was appointed president and chief executive officer of Sharing Services, Inc., at a March 1, 2018, annual shareholder meeting. Thatch has successfully started, owned and operated several sized businesses in various industries. His experience with corporate growth, acquisitions, financing and negotiation in fast-paced and flexible environments will significantly assist Sharing Services Inc. as the company aims to expand and increase revenues.
Sunniva Inc. (CSE: SNN) (OTCQX: SNNVF)
Sunniva Inc. (CSE: SNN) (OTCQX: SNNVF) is a vertically integrated medical cannabis company operating in the world's two largest cannabis markets – Canada and California – committed to delivering safe, consistent, high-quality products and services. Sunniva operates through its wholly owned subsidiaries: Sunniva Medical Inc., CP Logistics, LLC, Natural Health Service Ltd., and Full-Scale Distributors, LLC. Sunniva's vision is to become the lowest cost, highest quality cannabis producer in the markets it serves by building large scale purpose-built cGMP compliant greenhouses, offering best quality assurance with cannabis products free from pesticides, providing better patient and doctor access to cannabis education, and sourcing better therapeutic delivery devices.
The company is establishing sophisticated distribution channels, including Sunniva's ownership of Natural Health Services Ltd. cannabis clinics in Canada with over 95,000 active patients, to purchase the significant quantities of high quality Sunniva-branded and Sunniva private-labeled cannabis products.
Sunniva is an ancient English name which means, "Gift of the Sun." Sunniva's team of horticulturists, scientists and engineers is helping to set best practices for the industry, believing that sun-grown, solar-powered cultivation is the most sustainable and cost-effective way to grow high-quality, premium cannabis.
The Sunniva Family includes:
CP Logistics, LLC
Through its subsidiary, CP Logistics LLC, Sunniva is developing the Sunniva Campus, a state-of-the-art, purpose-built greenhouse facility in Cathedral City, California. This modern purpose-built, agri-technology greenhouse is designed to be cGMP compliant which assures proper design, monitoring and control of manufacturing processes and facilities.
Phase 1 of the project includes a fully funded 325,000 square foot greenhouse capable of producing 60,000 kg per year of dry cannabis at capacity with operations commencing Q3 2018. Approximately 50 percent of initial total production will be converted into oils and extracts. Phase 2 is expected to increase the greenhouse by 165,000 square feet and grow production by about 40,000 kgs. per year.
These uniquely sealed greenhouses are designed to deploy custom, automation assembly line cultivation processes at a large scale. Energy consumption will be reduced while utilizing the energy of the sun and microclimatic controls to provide precise growing conditions. The greenhouse will recirculate air for more efficient climate control, and the company's Integrated Pest Management System is designed to ensure every plant grown is certified clean and free of all contaminants and pesticides.
Sunniva Medical Inc.
Sunniva Medical Inc. is designing and preparing to break ground on the Sunniva Canada Campus encompassing 700,000 square feet of purpose-built cGMP greenhouse facilities in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. The total campus is expected to produce 100,000 kg of premium medical cannabis annually plus additional trim used for extraction. This facility will produce pesticide-free products and will convert trim to extracted products such as cannabis oil that can be used for drug delivery formats such as capsules, dissolvable strips, vaporization cartridges, tinctures and creams.
Sunniva and Canopy Growth Corporation (Canopy Growth) recently announced a large take or pay supply agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Canopy Growth will purchase up to 45,000 kgs. of dried cannabis annually commencing Q1 2019, which includes the distribution of Sunniva branded products. Sunniva Medical is a late-stage applicant under Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) and is in the final review stage of the process.
Natural Health Services Ltd.
Natural Health Services Ltd. owns and operates a network of eight medical clinics in Canada specializing in medical cannabis under the ACMPR. Natural Health Services connects licensed producers to their 21 physicians and patients with its proprietary SPARK software which utilizes a software-as-a-service revenue model. To date, there are 27 integrated licensed producers utilizing the SPARK software.
In-house physicians specializing in the endocannabinoid system provide expert consultation, education and recommendations for targeted phytoceutical remedies and wellness plans to improve the quality of life for all patients. NHS enjoys a long-term relationship with patients due to the quality of its physician-patient experience. A rapidly expanding NHS cannabis clinic network serves more than 96,000 active patients in Canada. NHS has also initiated a pilot program with a national pharmacy chain to aggregate more patients.
Full-Scale Distributors, LLC
Full-Scale Distributors, LLC is an industry leading provider of custom, private-label vaporizers through its brand, Vapor Connoisseur. The company currently serves the needs of over 80 top brands in the North American marketplace. Vapor Connoisseur is recognized for its high quality and innovative therapeutic delivery devices. Products are tailored to client needs, ensuring both safety and reliability.
Sunniva's highly experienced management team is building partnerships with leading scientists, universities and clinical trial groups to deliver proprietary cannabis formulations to a broad spectrum of health ailments and conditions. These global partners require cGMP-certified facilities for the processing and manufacturing of cannabis products. Sunniva is committed to providing safe, pesticide-free, high quality, reproducible cannabis medicines.
Leading Sunniva is co-founder, chairman and CEO Dr. Anthony (Tony) Holler. He is the former CEO and founder of ID Biomedical, which was acquired in 2005 for $1.7 billion by GlaxoSmithKline. He is also the former chairman of Corriente Resources Inc., which was sold for approximately $700 million to CRCC-Tongguan Investment Co. Dr. Holler is currently chairman of CRH Medical Corporation, a public company trading on the TSX and NYSE. His expertise includes strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions and financing with a singular focus on increasing shareholder value.
Dr. Holler is joined by co-founder Leith Pedersen, who serves as president of Sunniva. Pedersen is the former owner and CEO of Vida Wealth Management Bahamas and was a former investment advisor at Canaccord Wealth Management. He is a former partner and director at JF Mackie and Company, an independent brokerage firm in Calgary, Alberta, that managed capital in excess of $2 billion for high net worth clients. Pedersen's expertise is in corporate strategy, financing and mergers and acquisitions.
The Green Organic Dutchman
(TSX: TGOD)
The Green Organic Dutchman (TSX: TGOD), whose principal location is in Hamilton, Ontario, produces farm grown, organic, pesticide-free medical cannabis in small batches using all natural, organic craft growing principles. TGOD is licensed under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) to cultivate medical cannabis. The company carries out its principal activities producing cannabis pursuant to the provisions of the ACMPR and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada).
Committed to becoming the global leader in delivering organic cannabis solutions that enhance people's lives, TGOD consistently adheres to the highest levels of excellence. Its world-class management team includes a proven group of leaders with outstanding executive and operational experience specific to consumer packaged goods, consumer products, cannabis and finance industries.
TGOD is positioned as one of the highest quality and most cost efficient cannabis producers in Canada by leveraging innovative technology and low-cost power solutions. It holds one of the largest land packages under a single ACMPR license in Canada, providing future cannabis Agri-park style development and opportunities for joint ventures, licensing and distribution partners. Its industry leading alliance partners include Eaton, Ledcor Group and Hamilton Utilities Corp.
Eaton is the second largest power management company in the world and promises to supply innovative and cost effective power solutions to meet TGOD's growing demands. Construction management is supplied by Ledcor, Canada's second largest multidisciplinary construction company and a pioneer in the Green Building Industry. An alliance with Hamilton Utilities Corp allows TGOD to reduce its power costs from $0.13 per kWh to less than $0.05 per kWh. Greenhouse design is provided by Larssen Greenhouse, whose 25-plus years of experience in building some of the most modern and sophisticated greenhouses in the industry will provide TGOD with state of the art, climate-controlled hybrid greenhouse solutions.
Canada is quickly becoming a hub for cannabis investors with over $1.3 billion raised by Canadian companies to date. There are 58 licensed producers to service a population of 36 million and only two organic producers. TGOD, which holds licenses in Ontario and Quebec, is strategically located in both provinces that together claim 22 million Canadians as residents. Another estimated 57 million people live next door in six U.S. bordering states.
The Canadian cannabis market currently has a massive supply demand gap, which makes TGOD's expansion plans even more important to investors. These plans include a combined build-out capacity of 970,000 square feet, allowing TGOD to produce 116,000 kg annually of organic cannabis. Upon completion, Phase One in Hamilton, Ontario, which is fully funded, will provide 150,000 square feet of growing capacity capable of producing up to 14,000 kg of cannabis or $112 million in revenue at $8 a gram.
The company's Quebec expansion will be constructed on a recently secured 75-acre property near Montreal. This new property has a planned expansion of 820,000 square feet capable of producing 102,000 kg of organic cannabis. The first phase of this expansion is underway and construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. Quebec's first phase will consist of 220,000 square feet capable of producing 22,000 kg of cannabis. Two additional expansion phases will add 250,000 square feet (26,000 kg of cannabis) and 350,000 square feet (54,000 kg of cannabis). Power costs remain exceptionally low for both facilities with access to all other needed utilities available and close by.
TGOD also plans to gain a share of the burgeoning cannabis oils market which by Q1 2017 accounted for 49 percent of all cannabis sold in Canada under the ACMPR, up from only 27% in Q2 2016. TGOD has ordered a purpose-built extraction laboratory with an estimated commission in Q4 of 2017. This is a commercial-scale CO2 extraction unit capable of processing up to 12,000 kg of raw material per year and producing approximately $170 million worth of organic cannabis oils. Raw cannabis oil provides a significant downstream manufacturing opportunity into several potential recreational market verticals including edibles, beverages, topicals and concentrates.
Data from the Canadian ACMPR Market Trends report indicates a rising number of consumers will continue to seek out healthier, less conspicuous ways to consume cannabis, ensuring sales of organic cannabis oil products remain brisk. Organic cannabis products demand a significant premium compared to non-organic products and the demand keeps growing.
Plans to take the company public are underway with an initial public offering (IPO) slated for January 2018. In November, the company raised $13 million in equity financing and in March closed a $27 million non-brokered private placement. Another $20 million is currently being raised before the IPO in January, which will be utilized for expansion plans.
TGOD is uniquely positioned between the medical and recreational cannabis industry since Canada is scheduled to legalize cannabis for all adults in mid-2018. As of August 2017, TGOD has 2,400 shareholders. Established in 2012, TGOD's motto, "Making Life Better," can be seen in its strategic partnerships, top quality management team, and dedication to organic farming and principles.
To learn more about the company and how to invest, contact TGOD directly at financing@tgod.ca
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