All Industries

ToolsGroup Exhibiting and Franke Speaking at Gartner® Supply Chain Symposium/XPO™, June 10-12, in Barcelona

ToolsGroup

ToolsGroup, a global leader in retail and supply chain planning and optimization software, is thrilled to announce its participation at the upcoming Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, June 10-12. The event will feature a presentation by one of ToolsGroup’s valued customers, Franke, an industry leader in home solutions, food service systems and coffee equipment, scheduled for June 11. During this session, Franke will provide insights from their digital supply chain transformation journey, showcasing how they optimized the performance of their complex manufacturing and distribution ecosystem using ToolsGroup's AI-powered S&OP solution, driven by its flagship tool, Service Optimizer 99+ (SO99+). Franke wanted to enhance demand planning efficiency through a synchronized and integrated process, reduce manual workload to focus on value-added activities, and improve collaboration. From advanced forecasting and robust S&OP processes, Franke implemented ToolsGroup's AI-powered solution to support end-to-end planning, increase efficiency and enhance visibility. "ToolsGroup's advanced tools are instrumental in supporting our S&OP process, providing integrated synchronization and full cross-functional transparency. This enables us to improve demand and supply planning, enhance collaboration, and achieve end-to-end data visibility, empowering us to run multi-scenario planning with confidence," said Alberto Nisoli, Global Head of Supply Chain Platform at Franke. "Franke exemplifies all the keys to success for a digital supply chain transformation project,” remarked ToolsGroup CMO and EVP of Growth, Kevin Young. “They set clear objectives for the initiative and began their journey by implementing SO99+ to optimize supply chain performance and deliver immediate value. The value was extended by digitalizing their S&OP processes to achieve cross functional transparency and synchronization of demand and supply across the organization. We are proud to partner with Franke and to play a part in the tremendous results they are planning to achieve.” ToolsGroup was recently recognized in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Supply Chain Planning Solutions. We believe this recognition underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses to optimize their supply chains effectively. A complimentary copy of the Gartner report is available here. Interested in learning more about ToolsGroup’s solutions? Schedule a meeting here and stop by kiosk #400. About Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™ Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo conference delivers must-have insights, strategies and frameworks for chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) and supply chain leaders to think big and drive real impact within their organizations. Dive into supply chain strategy and tech at the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™ 2024 conference in Barcelona, Spain. For more information visit: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/emea/supply-chain-spain Gartner Disclaimer: GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant, Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo and Peer Insights are a registered trademark, of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About Franke Franke Group is a leading global supplier of products and services for residential kitchens, the foodservice and convenience store segments, as well as the professional coffee making industry. With more than 60 companies, it is represented on five continents. Its over 8,000 employees are constantly striving to develop innovative, adaptable solutions to meet business partners’ and consumers’ current and future needs. The products and services of the three divisions enable partners to keep pace with developments in a rapidly changing world. Franke combines cutting-edge technology, functional aesthetics and integrated services to deliver efficient, smart and sustainable solutions. It creates kitchen worlds and coffee making systems that fit flexibly into the living spaces of today and tomorrow. About ToolsGroup ToolsGroup’s innovative AI-powered solutions enable retailers, distributors and manufacturers to navigate through supply chain uncertainty. Our retail and supply chain planning suites empower a new level of intelligent decision-making and unlock powerful business improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels and inventory – delighting customers and achieving financial and sustainability KPIs.. Stay in touch with ToolsGroup on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or visit www.toolsgroup.com. Contact Details Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://www.toolsgroup.com

May 21, 2024 10:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Kootenay Silver drilling at D-Vein shows major increase in strike length at Columba Silver Project

Kootenay Silver Inc.

Kootenay Silver CEO Jim McDonald joined Steve Darling from Proactive to reveal the latest developments from the company's exploration efforts, specifically focusing on the results from the initial six drill holes targeting the eastern extension of the D-Vein target. McDonald elaborated on the strategic approach taken in the drilling campaign, highlighting that four of the first six holes were intentionally drilled at shallow levels to establish the dip orientation of the vein before probing deeper into the productive zone. Given limited outcrop exposure in the drilling area, the initial holes were primarily focused on structural understanding, paving the way for subsequent holes CDH-24-152 and 153, which targeted grade at a significant 200-meter step-out from previous intercepts at a comparable depth. The targeted holes aimed at or below the critical elevation of 1750 meters above sea level, below which high silver grades are typically encountered at the Columba Project. Impressively, holes CDH-24-152 and 153 have expanded the previously established 450-meter strike length to 650 meters, marking a significant extension. Notably, these holes returned promising results, including 435 gpt silver over 11 meters drilled width (3.52 meters estimated true width) within 183 gpt silver over 40 meters drilled width (12.96 meters estimated true width), as well as a high-grade assay of 920 gpt silver over 1.35 meters drilled width (0.43 meters estimated true width). McDonald outlined the next steps for the drilling program, emphasizing the goal of delineating the extent of D-Vein mineralization through infill drilling. With a fully funded follow-up program of 20,000 meters in the pipeline, the company aims to deliver a maiden resource estimate by late 2024. Additionally, Kootenay Silver maintains a priority list of new vein targets and known vein extensions, all of which warrant further drill testing to unlock their full potential. Contact Details Proactive United States +1 347-449-0879 action@proactiveinvestors.com

May 21, 2024 10:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Callan Family Office Launches Business Advisory Practice to Serve Business Owners Through All Phases of their Company’s Lifecycle

Callan Family Office

Callan Family Office, a registered investment advisor serving ultra-high-net-worth families, family offices, foundations and endowments across the United States, today announced the launch of a new offering focused on supporting business owners considering transacting or transitioning their businesses. The Business & Transaction Advisory Practice will be led by industry veterans Jeff Getty and Lisa Clifford. They educate owners on value optimization, exit option strategies, and value enhancement through due diligence preparation. Additionally, they work closely with the business owner’s legal and tax counsel on transaction structuring to minimize all levels of taxation in alignment with the client’s financial, philanthropic, legacy and estate planning goals. “Business owners represent a large segment of the U.S. GDP and most owners’ net worth,” said Jack Ginter, Chief Executive Officer of Callan Family Office. “Before selling or transitioning, an owner should ensure that their business is in its strongest possible position to allow them to generate maximum value. Jeff and Lisa have spent decades strengthening companies and preparing them for sale. We are excited to bring them on to lead this practice and deliver holistic support to business owners during all phases of their business lifecycle.” Getty and Clifford join Callan Family Office from Key Private Bank, where Getty led the family wealth consulting team and founded the Business Advisory practice. During his 14-year tenure, he managed a team of 12 professionals, providing support on approximately 30 to 40 transactions per year. Getty holds a Juris Doctor and Master of Science in Taxation. In addition, he is a Fellow in the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel (ACTEC®), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®), Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA®), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and Certified Value Growth Advisor (CVGA®). He is author of the book The Descent is the Real Climb: The Unexpected Truths About Successful Business Transitions. “Having spent two decades advising thriving business owners, we are thrilled to join a company synonymous with entrepreneurial success,” Getty said. “We look forward to assisting clients of Callan Family Office on how to prepare for this life-changing event.” Clifford holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designation (CPWA®) and is a Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA®). “Unlike other firms, we have an extremely narrow focus: maximize the value of our clients’ businesses in preparation for a sale,” Clifford said. “I’m proud of our work for hundreds of owners, helping them achieve their goals for their businesses and families. I look forward to delivering optimal value to Callan Family Office clients.” About Callan Family Office Independently owned and operated, Callan Family Office was founded by experienced wealth professionals to provide investment management, thoughtful personalized advice, and holistic financial planning to ultra-high-net-worth families, foundations, and endowments. The firm's principals have spent their careers serving ultra-high-net-worth clients and institutions. Callan Family Office has agreements with Callan LLC to use the Callan ® tradename in providing investment advisory services to the ultra-high-net-worth market segment and to access Callan's institutional quality research, education, and investment guidance experience. Callan Family Office and Callan LLC are independent, unaffiliated investment advisory firms separately registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Callan Family Office has agreements with Callan LLC to use the Callan ® tradename in providing investment advisory services to the ultra-high-net-worth market segment and to access Callan's institutional quality research, education, and investment guidance experience. Callan Family Office and Callan LLC are independent, unaffiliated investment advisory firms separately registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Callan Family Office (CFO) is the exclusive trademark licensee of Callan LLC. Callan LLC provides products and services to CFO. Clients of CFO are not clients of Callan LLC, and the parties are not affiliated. CALLAN, CFO and the other Callan trademarks and service marks are registered and/or unregistered trademarks of Callan LLC and may not be used without its permission. INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES AND PRODUCTS PROVIDED TO CLIENTS OF CFO ARE PROVIDED SOLELY BY CFO AND NOT BY OR ON BEHALF OF CALLAN LLC. REPRESENTATIVES OF CFO ARE EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS OF CFO AND NOT EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS OF CALLAN LLC. Contact Details For Callan Family Office info@callanfo.com Company Website https://callanfamilyoffice.com/

May 21, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Green Lantern Solar Completes Sale of Eight Community Solar Projects in Vermont to Sea Oak Capital, LLC

Green Lantern Solar

Green Lantern Solar, an innovative and trusted renewable energy developer, today announced the successful completion of the sale of eight 500-kilowatt (kW) net-metered solar projects in Vermont to Sea Oak Capital, LLC. These community solar projects, located in both Green Mountain Power (GMP) and Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) territories, mark a significant step forward in advancing the state’s renewable energy goals. Offtakers of the energy generated by these projects include eight family farms, three dairy farms, several retailers, hotels, resorts and restaurants, a campground and a country club. “We are pleased to partner with Sea Oak Capital in the development and construction of these projects,” said David Carpenter, VP of Development & Chief Legal Officer, Green Lantern Solar. “Over the course of 13 years and more than 135 projects, Green Lantern Solar’s community solar projects have provided significant value to municipalities and the communities and offtakers they serve. The successful sale of these projects further reinforces our business model of carefully selecting optimal project locations and efficiently developing them for maximum return for the owner, the customers and the community.” The portfolio includes a diverse range of projects throughout the state: Londonderry: Constructed on a town-owned parcel in Londonderry, Vt. (GMP), this project was completed on an expedited schedule during the winter. Castleton Heights: Constructed in Castleton, Vt. (GMP), this project was also completed on an expedited schedule during the winter months. Pico View: Located in Pittsford, Vt. (GMP), this project overcame several challenges, including a redesign around a wastewater replacement area. Pittsford Furnace Brook: Also located in Pittsford, Vt. (GMP), this project faced challenges stemming from significant archaeological sensitivity in the area. To mitigate these issues, innovative redesigns and construction sequences were employed to minimize the effects. ORR: Located in Lemington, Vt. (VEC), this project is on the reclaimed portion of an active sand-and-gravel operation. Bloom: Situated in Bloomfield, Vt. (VEC), this project is also on the reclaimed portion of an active sand-and-gravel operation. CRB: Located in Island Pond, Vt. (VEC), this project is also situated on the reclaimed portion of an active sand-and-gravel operation and is nearing completion. Throughout development, Green Lantern Solar collaborated closely with the landowner and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with land-use permits. Brighton: Situated in Brighton, Vt. (VEC), this project is permitted on an active sand-and-gravel extraction operation and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2024. Vermont’s solar power generation accounts for more than 20% of the state’s electricity production. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) anticipates this growth to continue for the foreseeable future. A key driver behind this growth is net metering, which enables surplus solar energy to be returned to the grid in exchange for credits on electric bills. This mechanism fosters the uptake of renewable energy and allows both individuals and businesses to engage actively in Vermont's transition to 100% clean energy. Green Lantern Solar sold the multi-project portfolio, comprising Notice to Proceed (NTP) and Commercial Operation Date (COD) projects, to Sea Oak Capital, LLC. “Community solar project investments have become one of the bedrocks of our growth strategy,” said Dan Poydenis, Chief Executive Officer of Sea Oak Capital. “The completion of these projects not only assists the State of Vermont in meeting its renewable energy goals but also provides substantial and long-term savings to many local small businesses. We would like to congratulate the Green Lantern Solar team for their professionalism and hard work to make these projects a success.” “As we aggressively expand Green Lantern Solar’s footprint beyond Vermont and New England, we will continue to build on successes like these to leverage our deep experience and our proven development process in those new markets,” Carpenter added. About Green Lantern Solar Since 2010, Green Lantern Solar has advanced the development, construction and operation of more than 125 community solar projects and commercial solar solutions for municipal, education, healthcare and government entities. The company works directly with landowners to revitalize and re-develop low-value sites such as brownfields, landfills, quarries/pits/extraction sites and other challenging real estate. For more information, https://www.greenlanternsolar.com/, on LinkedIn and @GrnLntrnSolar on X ( Twitter). Contact Details Wilkinson + Associates Leah Wilkinson +1 703-907-0010 leah@wilkinson.associates Company Website https://www.greenlanternsolar.com/

May 21, 2024 09:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Jessica Dalziel Elevated to Chief Client Officer at Avenue Z

Avenue Z

Avenue Z, a strategic marketing and communications company announces the appointment of Jessica Dalziel as its Chief Client Officer. Dalziel brings over 15 years of experience in unlocking top-tier solutions, fostering innovative thinking, and harnessing exceptional talent across strategic accounts. With this appointment, she will oversee the full breadth of client relationships across the Company. "Our strategy revolves around nurturing the growth and success of our clients across multiple channels. To accomplish this, we're embracing a more client-centric approach than ever before," stated Jeffrey Herzog, Chairman and CEO of Avenue Z." Jess’ natural leadership talents and steadfast connections bolster and accelerate our commitment to industry-wide revolution, amplifying customer experiences along the way." Dalziel will enhance client experience through solutions tailored to each client's unique needs and business goals, elevate service delivery standards, and fortify Avenue Z's reputation as a trusted advisor in the industry. In this role, Dalziel will report to the company’s COO, Dave Johnson. “Jess has been pivotal in shaping NightWise’s strategic marketing initiatives, elevating our brand's presence, and fostering smooth, productive collaborations with her exceptional talent and friendly demeanor”, said Danny Rinaldi Founder & CEO of NightWise. "Her adept management of complex projects has positioned us as frontrunners in the sleep industry, while her partnership with every team member has greatly contributed to our successes." Dalziel shared, “Many agencies focus solely on advancing technologies such as AI or the latest trends. A successful client strategy harnesses both but never loses sight of human empathy and trust. It delves into the intricacies of each client's needs, enabling our teams to tailor solutions that resonate on a deeper level and drive impactful results. I’m thrilled to leverage my background to strengthen our client relationships and bring unparalleled value alongside the talented team at Avenue Z”. Before joining Avenue Z, Dalziel served as the VP of Strategic Accounts at Investis Digital in New York. In this role, she spearheaded business growth, innovative processes, and resources, with a keen focus on business development and nurturing client relationships. Prior to that, Dalziel held value-creation positions at Isobar, a dentsu company, where she adeptly coordinated project plans on a global scale, seamlessly integrating them across diverse stakeholders. Dalziel earned her MBA from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and a bachelor's degree in Advertising from Grand Valley State University. Avenue Z is a strategic marketing and communications company breaking traditional boundaries between marketing, advertising and PR. 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 Contact Details Avenue Z Madeleine Worrall +1 817-808-1521 madeleine.worrall@bevelpr.com

May 21, 2024 09:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Adro selects Stearns Bank as sponsor bank to bridge financial services gap for international students

Adro

Adro, a New York-based technology company enabling access to checking, savings and credit for international students and workers moving to the U.S. through its university partners, announced today Stearns Bank N.A. as its official bank sponsor. With support from Stearns Bank N.A. to build a financial on-ramp for internationals, Adro is set to launch this summer. Product highlights include: The ability to open an account before arrival in the U.S., no Social Security number required Complete product access from the day of arrival, including debit and credit cards via Apple Pay and Google Wallet The ability to begin building credit on Day 1, while waiting for a Social Security number to be issued, and Discounted international money transfers “As one of our earliest and biggest supporters, choosing Stearns Bank N.A. as our sponsor bank was an obvious choice,” said Amarildo Gjondrekaj, CEO and Co-founder at Adro. “Stearns has a long history of recognizing minority groups that are traditionally underserved and underbanked. They have been an invaluable resource in sharing their expertise in risk and compliance oversight. Their team has shown great appreciation towards what we’re building to improve the banking experience for internationals.” “We believe in listening to what our community needs. Our customers and communities are increasingly more global and mobile, and we’re all about increasing inclusion and access. Empowerment for all is our mission, and partnering with Adro to offer the full breadth of financial services to international students and workers aligns perfectly with our priorities,” said Kelly Skalicky, President and Chief Executive Officer at Stearns Bank N.A. Josh Hofer, Chief Risk and Information Security Officer at Stearns Bank N.A., who leads the fintech and innovation division adds, “We’re emerging as a leader in fintech partnership and innovation because of our strong risk management, compliance and regulatory expertise and our common-sense business approach, which we’re in a great position to leverage for Adro and its customers to expand and maximize Adro’s reach and impact.” With its bank sponsor now confirmed, Adro’s focus remains on narrowing down and finalizing its key university partners ahead of the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. For more information, visit www.joinadro.com/university. -- About Adro Adro is a technology company helping internationals unblock access to financial services so they can live like a local. Based in New York, Adro has raised a $1.5M pre-seed and is backed by investors who deeply believe in equal access and opportunity for newcomers arriving in the U.S. Adro was selected to join the 2024 Hudson Valley Venture Hub Accelerator at SUNY New Paltz. Adro is a graduate of Westchester County’s Element 46 Tech Accelerator and a member of CELA Innovation. To learn more, visit www.joinadro.com. About Stearns Bank N.A. Minnesota-based Stearns Bank National Association is a $2.8 billion, independently owned financial institution with locations in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona, and over 35,000 small business customers nationwide. Stearns Bank is consistently recognized as one of the Best Banks to Work For, most recently ranked by American Banker as the 5th best bank to work for among banks in the nation, while earning top rankings based on its strong capital and earnings as one of the nation’s highest-performing banks. The Independent Banker’s 2023 “Best of the Best” ranks Stearns Bank as the 4th best-performing bank in the U.S. among banks having more than $1 billion in assets based on banks’ 3-year average Return on Assets. Stearns Bank’s financial strength and success is achieved by Stearns Bank becoming one of the most prominent community impact lenders in the nation through effective public-private partnerships and innovative local initiatives with community organizations, CDFIs, and Minority Deposit Institutions across the country. Stearns Bank specializes in nationwide affordable housing, workforce and multifamily housing, commercial construction lending, build-to-suit and CRE-repositioning lending, family office and lender financing, USDA and SBA lending, and small business and equipment financing to foster economic development and entrepreneurial growth at a local level in communities across the country. As a national leader and go-to bank for nonprofits, Stearns Bank created a customized suite of Nonprofit Banking Solutions specially designed and tailored to empower nonprofit organizations across the country. Driven by a passion to help others achieve their greatest ambitions, Stearns Bank’s mission is to Get the Job Done! For more information, visit StearnsBank.com. Contact Details Katherine Wong Too Yen kat@joinadro.com

May 21, 2024 09:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Announcing Nilu27: a Hypercar Brand from Celebrated Designer Sasha Selipanov

Nilu

Nilu27 is the company founded by Sasha and Inna Selipanov to introduce an extraordinary vehicle lineup over the next ten years. And it begins this summer with the public debut of their first vehicle: the breathtaking V12-powered NILU hypercar, which will be revealed to the public at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week in August. The new company – named from a combination of the founders’ daughters’ names, Nica and Lucia – brings an unrivalled depth of automotive knowledge and expertise. Sasha’s sports car legacy includes landmarks that began with the Lamborghini Huracán before moving on to the Bugatti Chiron and Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo. Sasha was also responsible for the design of the Koenigsegg Gemera and Koenigsegg CC850, among the many vehicles stemming from his two-decade career in the automotive industry. Nilu27 was co-founded by Inna Selipanov, who brings a wealth of marketing and business development experience to the venture. Aside from being married for more than 20 years, Inna and Sasha enjoyed dynamic collaborations during their respective stints at Genesis and Koenigsegg. Combining their complementary skill sets in this new endeavor puts them on a unique path to disrupt the industry. CRAZY ENDEAVOR Sasha felt sports car development had veered off course in an effort to check way too many boxes. The automotive industry’s fascination with technology has led to a plethora of technologically advanced, yet emotionally sterile products. Sasha’s vision is to explore the DNA of what defines a sports car, focusing on an emotional engagement with each of our senses. The vision is unique in both his approach to the product and brand itself, resulting in vehicles that promise to be beautiful and brutal in equal measure. The NILU hypercar will create an authentic analog driving experience, deploying a naturally aspirated engine designed to set the driver’s senses tingling. “ One of my most vivid childhood memories was seeing an old magazine clipping of Gilles Villeneuve in his #27 F1 car power sliding out of a corner. I instantly fell in love with the image of that visceral, beautiful beast,” Sasha recalled. “This passion took me on a rollercoaster ride through my career, culminating in Nilu27. Now, my team and I are finally able to explore the quintessential automotive themes of beauty and brutality without the limitations commonly imposed by the industry or preconceived commitments to technology. We cannot wait to present our first car this summer! ” PEBBLE BEACH DEBUT After living in Sasha’s mind and sketchbook since 2007, his vision has taken a physical form and will be revealed first to a number of industry insiders in Los Angeles in early August. It will then be seen by the public and media for the first time on the ramp at Pebble Beach Golf Course on August 15 during Monterey Car Week. Following its debut, the NILU hypercar will appear at a number of events and functions during the week, culminating in its appearance on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17-18. For more information, please visit www.nilu27.com EDITOR’S NOTE A high-resolution image of the NILU hypercar can be accessed here, along with animated video assets: dropbox.com/scl/fo/xs0d07ogk4mql24ohf934/ANMDxpHteiH-sMbk0rhmfzo?rlkey=46ac9r5qafnea7leve9f7a7of&dl=0 Any media wishing to interview Sasha Selipanov or the founding team should please contact greg@theidagency.com ABOUT Nilu27 Founded in 2024 by Sasha and Inna Selipanov, Nilu27 is on a mission to produce quintessential sports cars. With a primary focus on beauty and brutal performance, the company’s purpose is to celebrate all elements of the car that engage the senses. This sometimes means divorcing from technology. We build cars for car people. For more information, please visit www.nilu27.com Contact Details Greg Emmerson, The ID Agency greg@theidagency.com Company Website https://www.nilu27.com/

May 21, 2024 06:05 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Image

Limula raises $6.8M to democratise access to life-saving Cell and Gene Therapies with Swiss-made manufacturing platform

limula

Over the last decade, several breakthrough Cell and Gene Therapy products have been approved in the USA and Europe to turn stem cells and immune cells into ‘living cures’, bringing hope to millions living with life-threatening conditions. However, these treatments remain out of reach for 98% of patients suffering from what are now curable conditions. This is in part due to complex, manual and costly manufacturing processes. Life science startup Limula announces today it has raised CHF6.2M ($6.8M) to take their solution for automating cell therapy manufacturing to the next stage of development. The oversubscribed seed round was led by LifeX Ventures, with participation from Verve Ventures, Zühlke Ventures, Oxford Seed Fund, Lichtsteiner Foundation, W.A. de Vigier Foundation, the founders, and a lineup of private individuals who have been supporting Limula’s vision from its inception. The company was founded in 2020 by Dr. Yann Pierson, Dr Luc Henry. Dr. Thomas Eaton to deliver a disruptive approach to the ‘ex vivo’ manipulation of cells, based on a novel technology. The trio witnessed that outdated manufacturing methods were a speed bump to the adoption of Cell and Gene Therapy products – like chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells. Combining breakthrough discoveries in genetic engineering and medicine led to a revolution in medicine, but boosting the patients’ own cells to produce a dose in a laboratory still requires too many manual steps. Highly skilled labour and sterile infrastructures represent the majority of the costs of a therapy, leading to a price tag of $500,000 or more per dose. As a result, these treatments are inaccessible for a majority of eligible patients. To combat this, Limula developed a modular solution for on-demand and at-scale manufacturing of cell therapies in a single device. By combining the functionalities of a bioreactor and a centrifuge into one single closed vessel, Limula’s proprietary solution can handle a wide range of volumes and cell numbers, removing transfer steps and therefore limiting stress, losses, and potential contamination. With a potential for scalability, it can be used by cell therapy providers in their transition from pre-clinical evaluation to clinical trials, and later commercial scale manufacturing of clinical-grade cell products. Luc Henry, co-founder and CEO of Limula said: "Our team is driven by the ambitious goal of developing tools that are based on a fundamentally novel way of manipulating cells outside of the body. Our technology supports manufacturing workflows that are impossible to automate with existing tools. We believe automation is the only route to scalability and digital traceability. These two aspects are keys unlocking the full potential of Cell and Gene Therapy, making them accessible to the many, not just the few”. Limula’s founders built a high performing multidisciplinary team, most recently joined by domain experts Olivier Waridel, former CEO of Cytiva-owned Biosafe, Caroline Boudousquié, former Head of Process Development at the Center for experimental therapeutics (CTE) of the University Hospital in Lausanne, and Maria Elena Grisostolo, former VP Operations at Lunaphore. After completing an initial proof of concept, the company launched a program to provide selected industry and academic partners access to the innovative platform ahead of its commercial launch. With the aim to broaden the scope of applications, Limula has signed partnerships with several research centres including San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy in Milan, Italy - a world-recognized centre of excellence for research and clinical translation of cell and gene therapy. Prof. Bernhard Gentner at San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy said: “We believe the solution Limula is advancing can support our current process development activities and later enable the manufacturing of these cell products at scale. We also see its potential in improving the status quo in Cell & Gene Therapy manufacturing in general, and in the field of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in particular.” Dr Inaki Berenguer, managing partner at LifeX Ventures added: "We're thrilled to stand with the Limula team as they reinvent cell and gene therapy manufacturing. It's evident that production tools have lagged behind scientific and clinical advancements, particularly in terms of price and scalability. Limula's commitment to addressing these bottlenecks is crucial to enhancing accessibility for patients.” Looking ahead, Limula will use its new seed capital to significantly advance the development of the proprietary platform composed of a device and single use consumables, towards meeting good manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements. The solution developed by Limula is an enabling tool for a rapidly growing market. The potential of Cell and Gene Therapies to save the lives of millions of patients globally has generated significant interest – and investment – leading to a significant pipeline and several recent approvals by health authorities. Both industrial and academic players are now eager to adopt next-generation automated and scalable solutions with the shared goal to significantly increase market reach and broaden accessibility. About Limula Limula SA is a Life Science Tools company based in Lausanne, Switzerland, looking to disrupt the status quo in the manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies. Their mission is to support rapid and cost-effective introduction of new advanced therapy products to the market. Their cell processing platform leverages a proprietary design and automation to bring all functionalities required for on-demand and at-scale manufacturing of cell therapies in a single device. www.limula.ch About LifeX Ventures ‍LifeX Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm investing in global visionary entrepreneurs using software and AI to develop transformational solutions that will extend the life of humans and the planet. With its $100M debut fund, LifeX is targeting the two largest sectors in the world: People (bio/health) and Planet (climate), where Software and AI suddenly matter. ‍www.lifex.vc About Verve Ventures Verve Ventures is one of the most active venture investors in Europe with over 140 science and technology-driven startups in its portfolio. Verve Ventures’ dedicated team helps startups with their most pressing needs such as hiring, client introductions, and an expert network of high-profile individuals. www.verve.vc About Zühlke Ventures Zühlke Ventures is an early stage venture capital investor with focus on HealthTech. Zühlke Ventures’s investment is paired with actionable expertise for finding product-market-fit, for developing and deploying novel products, and for entering international markets. www.zuehlke.com/en/about-us/ventures About Oxford Seed Fund Oxford Seed Fund, run by the Entrepreneurship Centre at Saïd Business School is the largest student-led VC fund outside of North America, investing in top Oxford-affiliated technology enabled pre-seed and seed stage companies. Supporting them with access to funding, talent, skills and networks. The Fund deploys £600,000+ per year across 10+ companies. https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/research/centres-and-initiatives/entrepreneurship-centre/oxford-seed-fund About Lichtsteiner Foundation The Lichtsteiner Foundation supports pioneers and early-stage startups in the field of health (medical technology, biotechnology, life science, mental health, public health and wellbeing) in order to improve people’s health in a sustainable way. https://lichtsteinerfoundation.org/ About W.A. de Vigier Foundation Since the foundation’s establishment in 1987, the goal of the W.A. de Vigier Foundation has been to actively invigorate business development and further provide direct financial support to young people with innovative business ideas wishing to build performance and growth-oriented businesses in Switzerland. Until today, the W.A. de Vigier Foundation has awarded CHF 14.3 million in seed capital to Swiss startups. https://devigier.ch/ Contact Details Limula Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://limula.ch/

May 21, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Nickel Could Ride The Wave Of Rising Demand For Clean Energy And EVs

Benzinga

By Kyle Anthony Factors like high interest rates and a manufacturing recession in many Western economies had analysts less than optimistic about the prospects of most base metals going into 2024. However, the consensus is that nickel would be one of the “standout ” metals, along with copper, probably boasting the strongest demand profile. A new report from Sprott sheds more light on what’s driving this demand. We explore findings from the report and more below. What’s Driving The Rising Demand For Nickel? Base metals, particularly nickel, are essential to our modern economy and hold significance in supporting sustained economic growth. Nickel’s versatility is evident in numerous use cases, and most nickel demand historically has been for stainless steel. However, two key trends within today’s economy, clean energy and electrification, have further driven nickel demand in recent years – impacting the demand mix – and are projected to continue doing so in the years to come. The demand for nickel and other base metals is expected to grow exponentially in the current decade due to the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the proliferation of clean technologies, both of which use a variety of base metals and alloys – such as nickel for batteries. Data cited in the report from Sprott indicates that U.S. EV sales broke through the one million mark in 2023, an increase of 52% from the previous year. Globally, EV sales were 3.5 million higher in 2023 than in 2022, representing a 35% year-over-year increase, with sales in emerging markets also rising. Furthermore, half of all cars sold globally are expected to be electric by 2035. As reported in the 2024 International Energy Agency (IEA) Global EV Outlook, the shift to a clean energy system is set to drive a huge increase in the requirements for metals, leading the energy sector to become a major stakeholder in their procurement. In a scenario that meets the Paris Agreement goals, the IEA forecasts that the demand for metals will rise significantly over the next two decades, with total demand increasing by 60-70% for nickel and cobalt. Electric vehicles and battery storage have already displaced consumer electronics to become the largest consumer of lithium and are set to take over from stainless steel as the largest end-user of nickel by 2040. Simply put, as society moves towards carbon neutrality, the demand for nickel will continue to grow. This expected growth will ultimately result in elevated pricing for these commodities as newer use cases add to the demand for traditional/pre-existing use cases The Battery Advantages Offered By Nickel According to the Nickel Institute, the major advantage of using nickel in batteries is that it helps deliver higher energy density and greater storage capacity at a lower cost. Further advances in nickel-containing battery technology mean it is set for an increasing role in energy storage systems, helping make the cost of each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery storage more competitive. Ultimately, this will allow energy derived from sustainable but intermittent sources – such as solar and wind – to be captured and stored more efficiently. Sprott’s report also highlights that nickel batteries help increase the driving range of cars and that nickel is lighter with a smaller footprint than metals used in other battery chemistries. All of these advantages serve to create a case for the increasing use of nickel in batteries – reflected in demand forecasts for the metal. Usage Of Nickel In The Global Energy Transition Beyond EVs Beyond EV batteries, nickel usage across the clean energy spectrum is broad. As detailed in the Sprott report, nickel can be used as a catalyst for producing hydrogen, which is seen as a clean energy carrier with potential applications in transportation and industry. Nickel alloys are also a key component for nuclear power plants' heat transfer and cooling systems and inside nuclear reactor vessels. Additionally, high-strength nickel alloys can be used in wind turbine blades to make them lighter, more durable, larger and more efficient. The versatility of nickel and its applicability across various clean energy projects make it especially valuable. As nations introduce stricter emission mandates, companies and governments will likely need large amounts of nickel to reach net-zero emissions targets. Evidence of this has already begun, with Australia having listed nickel as a critical mineral and several European car makers already establishing EV plants in Indonesia – the world’s largest nickel producer, accounting for half of the global nickel supply, with some estimates predicting that the country will produce more than 75% of global supply during the 2022–2029 period. Sprott Nickel Miners ETF As the world moves toward electrification, a myriad of technological innovations will undoubtedly be brought to market, but they all will require the necessary battery metals for them to be viable. The Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NASDAQ: NIKL) aims to capitalize on the growing demand for nickel and the integral part it will play in the transition to a carbon-neutral society. Sprott’s special report highlights that as electric vehicles and energy storage technologies become mainstays in our global economy, the companies that reflect the value of battery materials will represent real economic value and be a source of wealth-building for investors. Thus, the electrification movement is not only about energy advancement but also an opportunity for wealth generation within an ecosystem focused on sustainability. Featured photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

May 21, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

1 2 3 4 5 ... 3514