Market Newsdesk

CHICAGO, Dec. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FourKites^®, the #1 real-time supply chain visibility platform, today announced significant growth numbers for 2020, as the company and its global community of shippers, carriers, brokers and 3PLs increasingly turned to real-time supply chain visibility to manage the unprecedented disruptions spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, FourKites and its community introduced a slew of new innovations that the industry leveraged to improve delivery times, reduce detention, optimize labor and protect workers.

Growth

According to Gartner, by 2023, 50% of leading global enterprises will have invested in real-time transportation visibility solutions¹. Major media including the Wall Street Journal and Forbes continue to write about the accelerated move to real-time transportation visibility platforms (RTTVPs) that can help the logistics industry better manage operations amid this year’s severe supply chain disruptions.

As the creator of and leader in this market, FourKites saw demand for its superior network of logistics tracking data and proprietary machine learning technology surge in 2020, as evidenced by the following:

• Record growth in new shipping customers, particularly among leading retailers, F&B companies, CPG leaders and manufacturers.
• Greater than 100% growth in total shipment volumes, including ocean load growth of 149%, and rail and intermodal growth of 49%.
• 
  Internat
  
  
  ional load volume growth
  of 200%, including a 400%+ increase in tracked loads in EMEA and 95%+ growth in LATAM.
• 67% increase in carriers onboarded, and more than 350 carriers, brokers and 3PLs qualifying as Premier Carriers.
• 63% increase in the number of drivers – now totaling 377,000 individuals – using CarrierLink.
• Greater than 70% growth in connected facilities, now totaling over 6 million individual facilities.

Innovation

FourKites continues to build its product and technology roadmap in close collaboration with its customers, a model that was instrumental in helping FourKites deliver 126 new product enhancements and features in 2020, including:

• 
  Dynamic Yard
  
  ^SM, creating a new category of software – estimated to be worth $7.9B by 2027 – that gives enterprises the ability to proactively manage all of their facilities based on real-time in-transit and in-yard freight data and analytics.
• 
  Appointment Manager
  
  ^SM to help facilities, carriers and 3PLs create, manage and collaborate efficiently on pickup and receiving appointments.
• A host of new collaboration and paperless document processing capabilities to accelerate shipments and facilitate touchless document processing.
• 
  Multimodal End-to-End Purchase Order Tracking
  , greatly simplifying freight visibility for inbound logistics, track-and-trace, customer service, procurement/materials management, merchandising and other teams that use PO numbers to track freight location.
• 
  Dynamic ETA
  
  ^®
  
  for LTL
  , enabling shippers, carriers and 3PLs to track LTL shipments from pre-pickup to proof of delivery.
• 
  Sustainability Dashboards
  to help reduce the supply chain’s carbon footprint.
• An interactive live Network Congestion Map that provides visibility into cross-border freight movements across North America, Mexico and Europe, port delays of over 230 ports globally, and interstate transit metrics
• 
  Direct Store Delivery and Mobile App
  , enabling store managers to track deliveries to the stores they manage and communicate with drivers in real time.

Improved Outcomes Across Industries

“2020 will go down in the books as the most challenging year modern supply chains have ever encountered,” said FourKites CEO and Founder Mathew Elenjickal. “And yet the community rose to the occasion, innovating and collaborating based on real-time visibility data to keep food, medicine and goods of every kind flowing during a time of crisis.”

Every industry has distinct challenges. Food & beverage, CPG and retail companies are facing a holiday shopping season like no other as consumers opt increasingly for online purchases and curbside pickup. The pharma industry is striving to meet unprecedented demand for medical products, many of which require precise handling and temperature controls in transit, as well as the ability to scale globally. Manufacturers are adjusting to new demand patterns. And carriers are trying to maximize efficiency during a severe capacity crunch.

In this time of supply chain upheaval, real-time data have been vital in helping companies respond to these challenges, with the FourKites platform playing a critical role in driving visibility, transparency and collaboration across the supply chain ecosystem. In aggregate in 2020, FourKites customers improved OTIF by 20%, reduced detention by 7.5%, and relieved countless customer service teams of the need for manual responses to time-consuming “where’s my shipment?” inquiries.

Food & Beverage and CPG

• “With FourKites, we have all the information we need in one single reliable source, in real time. Knowing the variations of ETAs in real time allows us to better manage our inventories – even reducing the percentage of safety stock of some raw materials so we can change to plan for just-in-time production. This connection that exists between planning and reliable transit times allows us to be prepared for any change in volume, either up or down, and – above all – to attend to the urgency that we may have in production changes.” – Fernanda Ongay, Transportation Manager at Constellation Brands, Inc.

Retail

• “Visibility has been hugely valuable for us, and as a large retailer and shipper, adding PO lifecycle visibility means we can now identify critical orders faster, eliminate inefficiencies and make better decisions on lead times. Meijer prides itself on being first to market in many categories, and we are thrilled to have co-innovated this product with the FourKites team, which will drive enhanced transparency throughout our entire supply chain.” – Paul Thompson, Inbound Logistics Director, Meijer

Chemical

• “Digitization is an important step in Dow’s journey toward the implementation of an end-to-end supply chain visibility strategy. Our strategic partnership with FourKites enables us to digitize and move away from a manual way of working to an integrated technology platform workflow.” – Kevin Nielen, Logistics Leader, Dow Chemical

Manufacturing

• “FourKites’ automated reporting and tracking provides more accurate and real-time data, which allows Canfor to respond to customer inquiries quicker and with up-to-date information on their upcoming shipments that would have otherwise had to be manually tracked.” – Bob Hayes, Vice President, Global Supply Chain, Canfor

Carriers

• “Load visibility is among the highest priorities for shippers today, necessary to build resilient supply chains amid ongoing market instability accelerated by the global pandemic. From the start, Uber Freight has made it a priority to increase transparency in the freight industry, enabling shippers to effectively streamline operations, proactively manage exceptions and facility resources, and save time and costs across the supply chain – including for their carriers. Through our always-on technology and partnerships with industry leaders such as FourKites, we’re proud to provide crucial around-the-clock insight into the loads shipped on the Uber Freight platform.” – Gony Noy, General Manager – Load Visibility, Uber Freight

About FourKites 
FourKites is the largest predictive supply chain visibility platform, delivering real-time visibility and predictive analytics for the broadest network of Global 1000 companies and third-party logistics firms. Using a proprietary algorithm to calculate shipment arrival times, FourKites enables customers to lower operating costs, improve on-time performance and strengthen end-customer relationships. FourKites’ network spans millions of GPS/ELD devices in 176+ countries and covers all modes, including truckload, LTL, ocean, rail, air, intermodal, courier and parcel, and extends real-time visibility into the yard. FourKites has 1 million loads and over $100 billion in freight under management at any given time. The platform is optimized for mobile and equipped with market-leading end-to-end security.

To learn more, visit https://www.fourkites.com/.

Media Contact: 

Marianna Vyridi 
Big Valley Marketing for FourKites 
(650) 468-3263 
[email protected]

¹ Gartner, Market Guide for Real-Time Transportation Visibility Platforms, Bart De Muynck, 25 February 2020.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Juva Life Inc. (CSE: JUVA) (OTC: JUVAF) (FRANKFURT: 4VV) (“Juva Life,” “Juva” or the “Company”), a premier California based multi-faceted life sciences company focused on the commercialization of Cannabis products and advanced formulations is pleased to follow up on its November 25th news release with a featured summary of activities to-date at its Redwood City operations.

In relation to the significantly larger footprint of the Hayward and Stockton facilities which are rapidly advancing through licensing and construction phases, the Redwood City operation was designed to initially target regional delivery services and rapid territorial expansion. With a growing staff of over 14 team members and an expanding vehicle fleet which currently includes 50% hybrid electric vehicles, the service has been operational since late January of 2020.

With a functional capability to easily service the San Francisco Peninsula through its central location halfway between San Francisco and San Jose, the location serves a generally younger demographic in the Silicon Valley region. Ongoing efforts are underway to extend the delivery area to encompass adjacent high density urban centres aimed at increasing the total accessible population to an estimated 1.67 million potential customers.

Through an evolving menu of almost 400 SKU’s to choose from, including numerous award-winning and top selling products, the Juva sales team is constantly improving conversion rates and building a loyal customer base. For more information on product services, visit: www.shopjuva.com/redwood-city/.

In related news, the Company has recently obtained the option to lease a high visibility retail location on a prime corner of downtown Redwood City in a concerted bid to receive one of up to six storefront retail licenses proposed to be granted via a merit-based process by the municipality of Redwood City. Working in conjunction with the existing delivery services operational center for inventory support, the addition of storefront retail could act as a regional brand multiplier and centralized focus for enhanced consumer awareness campaigns.

Juva’s CEO and Founder, Doug Chloupek notes, “COVID-19 created some surprising opportunities and interesting challenges that our team have been able to pivot to our advantage. As a brand-new delivery service offering an extensive menu of popular items, we really had to quickly build confidence based on quality, responsiveness, merit and trust. To-date, we have successfully proven to our growing list of customers that with Juva, they can easily order the products they want, when they want, and where they want them. As news regarding vaccine rollout build hope for future, we believe we are extraordinarily well positioned to leverage our commercial activities to quickly advance marketing momentum and increase our sector positioning as, and when restrictions begin to ease. We have worked hard to get the word out during these challenging times and our efforts will definitely act as a launch pad for continued growth and greatly assist in the creation of sustainable value for our entire enterprise.”

For those new to the Juva story, please visit our website at www.juvalife.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,

-Doug Chloupek-

Doug Chloupek, CEO & Founder
Juva Life Inc.
[email protected]

About Juva Life Inc. (CSE: JUVA) (OTC: JUVAF) (FRA: 4VV)
Juva Life is working to bring the cannabis market face to face with the sector’s next generation investment grade business model. From in-house research, cultivation, manufacturing, retail, and delivery services, Juva employs state of the art tools in discovery, development, and data science to identify new molecular profiles for major unmet medical needs. Our initial focus is on cannabis, where we are deploying our platform to target consumer and pharma applications. Find out more at: https://juvalife.com/. 

For further information, please contact:
Juva Life Investor Relations
Tel: +1 833-333-5882 (JUVA)
Email: [email protected]

Forward Looking Statement

This news release contains statements and information that, to the extent that they are not historical fact, may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information may include financial and other projections, as well as statements regarding future plans, objectives, or economic performance, or the assumption underlying any of the foregoing. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “likely”, “except”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “plan”, “forecast”, “project”, “estimate”, “outlook”, or the negative thereof or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the objectives and business plans of the Company; ability to realize benefits from its recent corporate appointments; ability to retain its key personnel; the intention to grow the Company’s business and operations; the competitive conditions of the industries in which the Company operates; and laws and any amendments thereto applicable to the Company.

Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information contained in this news release include, but are not limited to, key personnel and qualified employees continuing their involvement with the Company; and the Company’s ability to secure financing on reasonable terms.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks relating to the future business plans of the Company; risks that the Company will not be able to retain its key personnel; risks that the Company will not be able to secure financing on reasonable terms or at all, as well as all of the other risks as described in the Company’s management discussion and analysis for year ended December 31, 2019 under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties”. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking information. Further, any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company’s management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect information or events after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law, including securities laws.

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

STAMFORD, Conn., Dec. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (NASDAQ: EGLE) (“Eagle Bulk”, “Eagle” or the “Company”), one of the world’s largest owner-operators within the Supramax / Ultramax drybulk segment, today announced that it has purchased a high-specification 2015-built SDARI-64 scrubber-fitted Ultramax bulkcarrier for a purchase price of USD 16 million. The ship, which will be renamed the M/V Oslo Eagle, was constructed at Chengxi Shipyard Co. Ltd and is expected to be delivered into the fleet during the first quarter of 2021.

Proforma for this acquisition, the Company’s fleet totals 48 ships, including 21 Ultramaxes acquired over the past few years.

About Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.

Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (“Eagle” or the “Company”) is a U.S. based fully integrated shipowner-operator providing global transportation solutions to a diverse group of customers including miners, producers, traders, and end users. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, with offices in Singapore and Copenhagen, Denmark, Eagle focuses exclusively on the versatile mid-size drybulk vessel segment and owns one of the largest fleets of Supramax/Ultramax vessels in the world. The Company performs all management services in-house (including strategic, commercial, operational, technical and administrative) and employs an active management approach to fleet trading with the objective of optimizing revenue performance and maximizing earnings on a risk-managed basis. For further information, please visit our website: www.eagleships.com.

CONTACT

Company Contact:
Frank De Costanzo
Chief Financial Officer
Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.
Tel. +1 203-276-8100
Email: [email protected]

Media:
Rose and Company
Tel. +1 212-359-2228

TORONTO, Dec. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marathon Gold Corporation (“Marathon” or the “Company”; TSX: MOZ) is pleased to report additional drill results from recent exploration drilling at the Valentine Gold Project, central Newfoundland (the “Project”). These latest results represent fire assay data from fourteen drill holes located within the Berry Zone and its northeastern extension. Highlights include:

• VL-20-897 intersected 2.10 g/t Au over 47 metres including 29.67 g/t Au over 1 metre and 23.61 g/t Au over 1 metre and 10.27 g/t Au over 1 metre, and 1.32 g/t Au over 46.8 metres;
• VL-20-907 intersected 18.16 g/t Au over 7 metres including 110.24 g/t Au over 1 metre and 12.45 g/t Au over 1 metre, and 6.12 g/t Au over 4 metres including 13.82 g/t Au over 1 metre, and 39.04 g/t Au over 1 metre;
• VL-20-898 intersected 1.86 g/t Au over 37 metres including 14.20 g/t Au over 1 metre and 10.38 g/t Au over 1 metre and 10.33 g/t Au over 1 metre, and 11.58 g/t Au over 3 metres including 23.33 g/t Au over 1 metre;
• VL-20-903 intersected 1.62 g/t Au over 26 metres, and 8.76 g/t Au over 4 metres including 20.96 g/t Au over 1 metre and 10.26 g/t Au over 1 metre;
• VL-20-899 intersected 1.89 g/t Au over 28 metres including 15.02 g/t Au over 1 metre and 10.65 g/t Au over 1 metre;
• VL-20-892 intersected 2.67 g/t Au over 15 metres including 12.69 g/t Au over 1 metre, and 4.42 g/t Au over 4 metres including 10.40 g/t Au over 1 metre;
• VL-20-902 intersected 22.14 g/t Au over 3 metres including 51.19 g/t Au over 1 metre;
• VL-20-896 intersected 10.51 g/t Au over 3 metres including 26.52 g/t Au over 1 metre, and 1.11 g/t Au over 28 metres;
• VL-20-900 intersected 1.44 g/t Au over 17 metres, and 8.51 g/t Au over 2 metres including 15.12 g/t Au over 1 metre;
• VL-20-906 intersected 2.51 g/t Au over 6 metres including 10.14 g/t Au over 1 metre, and 1.22 g/t Au over 12 metres; and
• VL-20-905 intersected 0.97 g/t Au over 47.4 metres;

All quoted intersections comprise uncut gold assays in core lengths. All significant assay intervals are reported in Table 1.

Matt Manson, President & CEO commented: “These latest fire assay results from the Valentine Gold Project include additional long, high grade intercepts from within the infill drill area at the Berry Zone and from the Frozen Ear Pond Road area further to the northeast. For the purposes of exploration and delineating potential future mineral resources, we now consider the Berry Zone to be a single 1.5 kilometre zone of mineralization, with QTP-Au mineralization generally continuous along this full length. Upcoming results that remain to be released from our 2020 exploration program include assays from 9,155 metres of drilling in forty-five holes from this now more broadly defined Berry area, and a further 2,260 metres in fourteen holes at the greenfield Narrows area located northeast of the Marathon Deposit. These results are expected to be released in batches through the end of the year and into January, with a first mineral resource estimate for Berry expected towards the end of Q1 2021.”

Gold mineralization at the Valentine Gold Project is contained predominantly within shallowly southwest dipping, en-echelon stacked Quartz-Tourmaline-Pyrite-Gold (“QTP-Au”) veins. At the Leprechaun and Marathon Deposits, as well as at the new Berry Zone, these QTP-Au veins form densely stacked and northwest plunging “Main Zone” envelopes within intrusive host rocks on the hanging wall (northwest) side of the Valentine Lake Shear Zone. The extent of mineralization appears related to the size and frequency of sheared mafic dykes which extend northeast-southwest within the hanging wall, parallel to the shear zone. Exploration drilling is generally undertaken in two orientations: down steeply towards the northwest at a high angle to the individual veins and down-plunge of the Main Zone stacking, or obliquely towards the southeast sub-parallel to the individual veins and across the strike of Main Zone mineralization.

The results released today are derived from ten drillholes located within the Berry infill drilling area between sections 13600E and 13950E, and an additional four drillholes in the FEP Road area between sections 14750E and 14820E. Twelve holes were oriented steeply down to the northwest testing for “Main Zone” type stacked QTP-Au mineralization (VL-20-892, 895, 896, 897, 898, 900, 901, 903, 905, 906, 907 and 908) and two holes were oriented to the southeast drilling from the hanging wall towards the footwall contact (VL-20-899 and 902; Figures 2, 3 and 4).

All fourteen drillholes returned “significant” drill intersections of greater than 0.7 g/t Au (Table 1), and all fourteen returned additional intersections with gold grades above the 0.3 g/t Au cut-off used in the January 2020 Mineral Resource Estimate for the Project.

Figure 1: Location Map, Valentine Gold Project
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8131b6db-98e7-41b3-91c3-2a9e057b0da0

Table 1: Significant assay intervals, Sprite Corridor, Valentine Gold Project

DDH	Section	Az	Dip	From	To	Core Length (m)	True Thickness (m)	Gold g/t	Gold g/t (cut)
VL-20-892	14760	341	-80	11	12	1	0.95	1.17
				23	27	4	3.80	4.42
Including				26	27	1	0.95	10.40
				47	56	9	8.55	1.75
				71	86	15	14.25	2.67
Including				72	73	1	0.95	12.69
				122	127	5	4.75	1.73
				145	151	6	5.70	0.79
VL-20-895	13600	342	-75	10	12	2	1.90	1.09
				58	62	4	3.80	2.04
				102	103	1	0.95	2.11
				110	112	2	1.90	4.26
				120	121	1	0.95	8.39
				143	155	12	11.40	1.17
VL-20-896	14760	341	-80	45	48	3	2.85	10.51
Including				46	47	1	0.95	26.52
				63	65	2	1.90	3.75
				71	99	28	26.60	1.11
				145	147	2	1.90	6.63
VL-20-897	13600	343	-77	9.2	56	46.8	44.46	1.32
				73	74	1	0.95	2.46
				90	91	1	0.95	0.74
				137	184	47	44.65	2.10
Including				142	143	1	0.95	10.27
Including				145	146	1	0.95	23.61
Including				154	155	1	0.95	29.67
				258	260	2	1.90	1.73
VL-20-898	13650	344	-76	69	70	1	0.95	0.84
				72	75	3	2.85	11.58
Including				74	75	1	0.95	23.33
				92	97	5	4.75	2.37
				111	148	37	35.15	1.86
Including				137	138	1	0.95	10.33
Including				145	146	1	0.95	14.20
Including				147	148	1	0.95	10.38
				159	160	1	0.95	1.01
				171	178	7	6.65	1.72
				192	197	5	4.75	1.28
				242	243	1	0.95	1.03
VL-20-899	14760	163	-59	71	73	2	1.60	0.84
				98	126	28	22.40	1.89
Including				116	117	1	0.80	15.02
Including				121	122	1	0.80	10.65
				142	143	1	0.80	1.44
				148	150	2	1.60	1.67
				166	167	1	0.80	0.82
VL-20-900	13630	346	-77	102	103	1	0.95	1.29
				126	128	2	1.90	8.51
including				127	128	1	0.95	15.12
				131	132	1	0.95	1.09
				135	138	3	2.85	1.10
				157	174	17	16.15	1.44
				197	198	1	0.95	1.33
				203	211	8	7.60	0.72
VL-20-901	13950	346	-73	60.4	62	1.6	1.40	2.70
				65	66	1	0.90	0.82
				82	83	1	0.90	0.99
				92	93	1	0.90	2.23
				98	99	1	0.90	2.11
				143	144	1	0.90	0.94
				160	161	1	0.90	1.78
				166	167	1	0.90	1.09
VL-20-902	14820	165	-60	49	50	1	0.80	1.76
				63	64	1	0.80	1.33
				121	122	1	0.80	1.74
				131	132	1	0.80	0.77
				136	138	2	1.60	2.54
				152	155	3	2.40	22.14	15.08
including				153	154	1	0.80	51.19	30
VL-20-903	13680	342	-75	16	22	6	5.70	1.00
				59	70	11	10.45	1.21
				86	87	1	0.95	1.19
				93	97	4	3.80	8.76
including				94	95	1	0.95	20.96
including				95	96	1	0.95	10.26
				123	127	4	3.80	0.94
				136	162	26	24.70	1.62
				201	206	5	4.75	2.16
VL-20-905	13940	343	-76	2.6	50	47.4	45.01	0.97
				64	65	1	0.95	3.44
				67	68	1	0.95	2.56
				82	83	1	0.95	0.84
				88	94	6	5.70	1.25
				117	121	4	3.80	1.02
				134	136	2	1.90	4.06
VL-20-906	13630	343	-75	8.7	10	1.3	1.13	1.61
				21	22	1	0.90	0.94
				31	32	1	0.90	2.79
				39	41	2	1.80	3.02
				143	144	1	0.90	6.80
				168	169	1	0.90	1.00
				174	175	1	0.90	1.30
				183	184	1	0.90	0.96
				197	203	6	5.40	2.51
Including				202	203	1	0.90	10.14
				215	227	12	10.80	1.22
VL-20-907	13680	344	-76	53	54	1	0.95	1.35
				64	66	2	1.90	1.32
				70	71	1	0.95	27.40
				85	88	3	2.85	1.53
				97	104	7	6.65	18.16	6.69
Including				98	99	1	0.95	110.24	30
Including				103	104	1	0.95	12.45
				114	115	1	0.95	39.04	30
				119	120	1	0.95	3.53
				127	131	4	3.80	6.12
Including				129	130	1	0.95	13.82
				163	164	1	0.95	3.17
				179	180	1	0.95	0.82
				210	211	1	0.95	0.72
				214	215	1	0.95	5.57
				223	225	2	1.90	1.68
VL-20-908	13900	343	-76	13	14	1	0.95	1.29
				21	22	1	0.95	3.07
				38	39	1	0.95	0.84
				53	54	1	0.95	2.35
				58	59	1	0.95	11.71
				62	64	2	1.90	1.23
				70	81	11	10.45	0.98
				88	89	1	0.95	0.91
				121	124	3	2.85	0.76

Notes on the Calculation of Assay Intervals

1. “Significant” assay intervals are defined as 1m core length or more of mineralization with an average fire assay result of greater than 0.7 g/t Au, representing the bottom cut-off for high-grade mill feed in the Marathon April 2020 Pre-Feasibility Study mine plan (see technical report dated April 21, 2020). Assay intervals with an average fire assay result of between 0.3 g/t Au and 0.7 g/t Au are above the cut-off used in the January 2020 Mineral Resource Estimate for the Project but are not considered “significant” for the purposes of this news release.
2. Cut gold grades are calculated at 30 g/t Au.

Figure 2: Location of Berry Zone Exploration Drill Hole Collars VL-20-892 to VL-20-908
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/20ba86ff-e8e7-46f3-a320-3c0769c52612

Figure 3: Cross section 13675 (View NE) Sprite Corridor, Valentine Gold Project.
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0e61c177-ad3c-4961-a65e-615c8e940151

Figure 4: Cross section 14760 (View NE) Sprite Corridor, Valentine Gold Project.
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b5f47351-1606-4156-8e2c-19ccfdbeab01

Qualified Person

Disclosure of a scientific or technical nature in this news release was prepared under the supervision of Nicholas Capps, P.Geo. (NL), Project Manager for exploration at the Valentine Gold Project. Exploration data quality assurance and control for Marathon is under the supervision of Jessica Borysenko, P.Geo (NL), GIS Manager for Marathon Gold Corporation. Both Mr. Capps and Ms. Borysenko are qualified persons under National Instrument (“NI”) 43-101.

Quality Assurance-Quality Control (“QA/QC”)

QA/QC protocols followed at the Valentine Gold Project include the insertion of blanks and standards at regular intervals in each sample batch. Drill core is cut in half with one half retained at site, the other half tagged and sent to Eastern Analytical Limited in Springdale, NL. All reported core samples are analyzed for Au by fire assay (30g) with AA finish. All samples above 0.30 g/t Au in economically interesting intervals are further assayed using metallic screen to mitigate the presence of coarse gold. Significant mineralized intervals are reported in Table 1 as core lengths and estimated true thickness (70 – 95% of core length), and reported with and without a top-cut of 30 g/t Au applied.

Acknowledgments

Marathon acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

About Marathon

Marathon (TSX:MOZ) is a Toronto based gold company advancing its 100%-owned Valentine Gold Project located in the central region of Newfoundland and Labrador, one of the top mining jurisdictions in the world. The Project comprises a series of four mineralized deposits along a 20-kilometre system. An April 2020 Pre-Feasibility Study outlined an open pit mining and conventional milling operation over a twelve-year mine life with a 36% after-tax rate of return. The Project has estimated Proven Mineral Reserves of 1.3 Moz (26.3 Mt at 1.52 g/t) and Probable Mineral Reserves of 0.6 Moz (14.8 Mt at 1.23 g/t). Total Measured Mineral Resources (inclusive of the Mineral Reserves) comprise 1.9 Moz (31.7 Mt at 1.86 g/t) with Indicated Mineral Resources (inclusive of the Mineral Reserves) of 1.19 Moz (23.2 Mt at 1.60 g/t). Additional Inferred Mineral Resources are 0.96 Moz (16.77 Mt at 1.78 g/t Au). Please see the Technical Report dated April 21, 2020 for further details and assumptions relating to the Valentine Gold Project.

For more information, please contact:

Matt Manson President & CEO Tel: 416 987-0711 [email protected]

Hannes Portmann CFO & Business Development Tel: 416 855-8200 [email protected]

Amanda Mallough Senior Associate, Investor Relations Tel: 416 855-8202 [email protected]

To find out more information on Marathon Gold Corporation and the Valentine Gold Project, please visit www.marathon-gold.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain information contained in this news release, constitutes forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that Marathon expects to occur are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or include words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, “considers”, “intends”, “targets”, or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “would” and “could”. We provide forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about our current expectations and plans relating to the future, and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. More particularly and without restriction, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information about Marathon’s intention to complete the Offering and the timing thereof, economic analyses for the Valentine Gold Project, capital and operating costs, processing and recovery estimates and strategies, future exploration and mine plans, objectives and expectations and corporate planning of Marathon, future feasibility studies and environmental impact statements and the timetable for completion and content thereof and statements as to management’s expectations with respect to, among other things, the matters and activities contemplated in this news release.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. A mineral resource that is classified as “inferred” or “indicated” has a great amount of uncertainty as to its existence and economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that any or part of an “indicated mineral resource” or “inferred mineral resource” will ever be upgraded to a higher category of mineral resource. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into proven and probable mineral reserves.

By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, completion of all conditions to closing of the Offering, availability of financing to fund Marathon’s exploration and development activities, the ability of the current exploration program to identify and expand mineral resources, operational risks in exploration and development for gold, Marathon’s ability to realize the pre-feasibility study, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources, changes in commodity and power prices, changes in interest and currency exchange rates, the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, inaccurate geological and metallurgical assumptions (including with respect to the size, grade and recoverability of mineral resources), changes in development or mining plans due to changes in logistical, technical or other factors, title defects, government approvals and permits, cost escalation, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets, environmental regulation, operating hazards and risks, delays, taxation rules, competition, public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other uninsurable risks, liquidity risk, share price volatility, dilution and future sales of common shares, aboriginal claims and consultation, cybersecurity threats, climate change, delays and other risks described in Marathon’s documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in Marathon’s Amended and Restated Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2019 and other filings made with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at

www.sedar.com

. Other than as specifically required by law, Marathon undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events or results otherwise. 

• Enters into LOI Acquiring 50% of Media Entity (Accretive)
• Affirms Q4 Sales Guidance of Largest Qtr. in Company History
• Media Platform 102.1 FM sees listenership surge 22.9%

Atlanta, GA/New York, NY, Dec. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via NewMediaWire — Light Media (OTC MARKETS: LGMH), Global Media Specialist, issued today a key corporate update setting the stage for a powerful 2021, as follows:

1.     The Company affirmed that it has closed on a letter of intent acquiring a 50% ownership interest in an entity aligning with a leading sales organization serving the Atlanta market. The Agreement is set to close on January 1, 2021 and positioned to be accretive as a driver for growth.

2.     The Company reaffirmed that its Q4 Sales Growth will be exponential and the largest quarter of growth in the company’s history.   Sales skyrocketed as the company was able to prove the power of its Light Media Network being essential to visionary marketers seeking to reach the core metro Atlanta demographic during the pivotal 2020 election cycle.

3.     The Company stated that its 102.1 FM listenership, switching to an All-Christmas format, surged 22.9% in the past 30-days which bodes well for 2021, further cementing 102.1 FM as a beacon in the community in 2021 and beyond, as well as a staple multimedia platform for advertisers and marketers seeking to reach the Atlanta community 24/7.

About Light Media: Through its internet, radio, television, print and special events asset platforms, Light Media (OTC: LGMH) specializes in the marketing and distribution of inspirational music, video, apps (audio, visual, games) and entertainment worldwide. LGMH has been steadily investing and reinvesting in its quest to build a leading, global multi-media conglomerate by delivering to the chosen target market community environments. Light Media is recognized by RBR as one of the Top 25 US-based publicly-traded radio/media companies, and by NYU School of Business as one of the Top 1000 media companies in the world. For more information, please visit: www.LightMediaNetwork.com. To listen to Light Media’s flagship radio station franchise “The King,” serving Top 10 US Media market of Metro Atlanta, Georgia, please visit: www.1055TheKing.com. For more information, please visit: www.LightMediaNetwork.com; www.LightMediaHoldings.com; or www.InvaluableMedia.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains statements, which may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Light Media (OTC: “LGMH”) and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements.

PCG Advisory
646-823-8656
[email protected]

TORONTO, Dec. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuestCap Inc. (“QuestCap”) (NEO:QSC; OTC:COPRF; FRA:34C1) is pleased to announce a December sales update at its wholly owned subsidiary, Collection Sites, LLC. On a 30-day run-rate basis, the initial 20 sites are generating US$4 million of revenues based on a 7-day rolling average.

Highlights Include:

• Initial 20 sites continue to show strong tests sales with 7-day rolling average of 79 tests per day per site and average test price exceeding US$85 per test;
• On a 30-day run-rate basis, the initial 20 sites are generating US$4 million based on a 7-day rolling average;
• An additional 25 sites (Phase 1) spread across the United States are expected to be operational before Christmas;
• Phase 2 planning underway for another 50-70 collection sites to be placed by year end, with some expected to be operational before year-end. Phase 2 sites will over double Collection Sites current network and potential sales revenue once fully operational.

“As we saw with Canadian Thanksgiving, the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday appears to be a super-spreader event that is increasing the demand for testing,” says Mr. Doug Sommerville, CEO of QuestCap, Inc. “We believe this will drive increased demand for testing and are excited to have an additional 25 sites operational before Christmas. As we saw leading up to Thanksgiving, people are eager to get tested before visiting family and loved ones. We will be in a position to capitalize on this demand and provide effective and convenient testing to Americans across the country.”

Collection Sites Continues to Engage Government on Vaccine Distribution Opportunity

The Collection Sites team continues to engage multiple levels of government across the United States with the goal of using the Collection Sites network of pop-up labs as vaccine distribution centres. While there are still regulatory and logistical challenges associated with this opportunity, the Collection Sites team believes the benefits of faster and more convenient vaccine distribution has the potential to help the United States reduce the spread of COVID-19.

About Collection Sites

Collection Sites COVID-19 testing centers offer convenient access to rapid antibody and antigen tests – which take 8-10 minutes to administer and provide results in less than 24 hours. The sites also offer regular RT-PCR, with results within 24 hours of testing. The testing centres are powered by Alcala Testing and Analysis Services, a CLIA-licensed laboratory based in San Diego, California. All tests can be administered with insurance coverage options. The tests results can be communicated via text or email and can be accompanied with a certificate of good health via a HIPAA-compliant smartphone application.

For more information about the pop-up lab, the available sites and services visit 

www.testbeforeyougo.com

.

About QuestCap Inc.

QuestCap
Inc. (NEO:QSC; OTC:COPRF; FRA:34C1)  seeks out disruptive technologies, ground-breaking innovations, and exclusive partnerships to help combat COVID-19 and generate remarkable risk-adjusted returns for investors. Specifically, QuestCap offers investors a diversified investment in the COVID-19 medical space across three areas; prevention, detection, and treatment.

QuestCap has a team of renowned global medical and business advisors that have developed a proprietary business strategy to capitalize on high-margin opportunities in the COVID-19 space.   This panel includes prominent immunologist Dr. Lawrence Steinman and Dr. Glenn Copeland, who has 45 years of experience in orthopaedic treatment, foot and ankle care, and sports medicine.

QuestCap’s primary focus is the sale of COVID-19 IgG/IgM antibody tests authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories. This is achieved largely through two acquisitions: 100% of Collection Sites, LLC and 28% of Colombian Sanaty IPS. Collection Sites is setting up a series of COVID-19 testing sites across the United States with appointments and payments will be handled through the online portal  www.testbeforeyougo.com. Sanaty is setting up a series of full-service medical clinics offering a complete COVID-19 testing solution.

For additional information, please contact:

Doug Sommerville, CEO
[email protected]
+1 416-301-5418

For investing inquiries please contact:
Evan Veryard
[email protected]

For US media enquires please contact:
Veronica Welch
[email protected]
+1-508-643-8000

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information

This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the results of the Collection Site testing cubes; the proposed roll-out of testing sites; projected timelines for testing results; projected revenues from the testing; the pursuit by QuestCap of investment opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such investments. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

NEITHER THE NEO EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03e4a61a-1ab8-4c07-bb7c-ecc44f552e78

TORONTO, Dec. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. (CSE: GLH) (OTCQB: GLDFF) (“Golden Leaf” “GLH”, or the “Company”), a premier, consumer-driven cannabis company specializing in production, processing, wholesale, distribution and retail, announced that it will seek the approval of holders (the “Convertible Debentureholders”) of Convertible Debentures due November 16, 2021 (the “Convertible Debentures”) to amend certain terms of the Convertible Debentures at an extraordinary meeting to be held on January 21, 2021 (the “Meeting”). The proposed amendments (the “Amendments”) include extending the maturity date of the Convertible Debentures from November 16, 2021 to November 16, 2022, providing immediate relief to the Company and its current liabilities. As consideration for this extension, the conversion price of the principal will change from C$0.30 to US$0.06 per common share. The Convertible Debentureholders will also receive a one-time restructuring fee of 2% of the principal amount. This one-time fee will be paid in common shares equal to US$0.06 per share immediately upon approval of this proposal at the extraordinary meeting.

The Company has reached an agreement in principle for the Amendments with some of the Convertible Debentureholders, including the largest holder of the Convertible Debentures and on that basis is assured of being successful at the Meeting.

Currently the outstanding balance of Convertible Debentures is C$8,039,000. At the original conversion price, these could have been converted into approximately 26,796,6667 common shares. If the proposed amendments are approved, at the current C$:US$ exchange rate, the Convertible Debentures could be convertible into approximately 105,000,000 common shares. If the Amendments are approved by the Convertible Debentureholders, they will be effective on the date that the Company enters into the supplemental indenture providing for such Amendments, which is anticipated to be on or about January 19th, 2021. These Amendments are also subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

“The support from our debenture holders is another vote of confidence in current managements progress over the last 18 months,” stated John Varghese, Executive Chairman. “This extension allows optionality for Golden Leaf. Cash flow from operations or possibly an equity raise in the future at accretive share prices will enable us to address this debenture in 2022. With this extension, we now have one of the cleanest balance sheets in the industry. As we near profitability, we will continue to execute our business plan and look for accretive acquisitions to grow our footprint. Management believes that the uncertainty as to the Company’s ability to repay this debenture upon maturity has had a negative impact on the value of Golden Leaf. In November 2020, we were able to reach an agreement with the Chalice group to restructure long term liabilities for up to 60 months. By agreeing to a conversion price of USD$0.06 that is 200% greater than current market value, both independent groups of debt holders have endorsed our belief that GLH has been undervalued.”

Details regarding the Amendments and the Meeting can be found in the Company’s circular that will be filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and mailed to the Convertible Debentureholders in advance for the Meeting.

Certain of the Company’s directors and executive officers who own in the aggregate C$149,000 principal amount (or 1.9%) of the outstanding Convertible Debentures are considered “related parties” to the Company for the purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”), and accordingly, the Amendments are considered “related party transactions” within the meaning of MI 61-101. The Company is relying on exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, in respect of the Amendments as neither the fair market value of the Convertible Debentures held by interested parties (as such term is defined in MI 61-101) nor any consideration for the transaction insofar as it involves interested parties exceeds 25% of the market capitalization of the Company. In addition, as the Company is listed only on the CSE, the Amendments are exempt from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101.  

About Golden Leaf Holdings

Golden Leaf Holdings is a premiere consumer-driven cannabis company specializing in production, processing, wholesale, distribution and retail, with 7 dispensaries in Portland, Oregon. The company is committed to developing a dynamic portfolio built around the recognized brands of Chalice Farms, with a focus on health and wellness. Markets served include Oregon, California, Nevada and Washington. Visit glhmonthly.com for regular updates.

Investor Relations:

John Varghese
Executive Chairman
Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd.
971-371-2685
[email protected]

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

ATLANTA and BOSTON, Dec. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG), a leader in the digital sports entertainment and gaming industry known for its top-rated daily fantasy sports and mobile sports betting apps, today announced an agreement with InComm Payments, a global leading payments technology company, to launch an industry-first retail gift card. The launch will expand DraftKings’ presence in convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Speedway, Dollar General, and Sheetz, and also enable consumers to gift the DraftKings experience to others in $25 and $50 denominations.

“Just in time for the upcoming holiday season, we are proud to work with InComm Payments to get DraftKings gift cards on the shelves at several popular retailers,” said Matt Kalish, Co-Founder and President of DraftKings North America. “We are thrilled to provide our customers with another way to fund their accounts and engage with our real money products through this first-of-its-kind offering.”

By leveraging InComm Payments’ retail network, DraftKings is expanding its reach with physical distribution and brand presence to the most frequently visited retail chains across the country, spanning convenience, pharmacy and general merchandise partners.

“DraftKings popularity has grown substantially over the last couple of years and their fanbase is large and passionate,” said Tim Richardson, Senior Vice President at InComm Payments. “This agreement not only offers consumers a great gifting opportunity but also represents a significant brand expansion and enhancement opportunity for DraftKings who, for the first time, will benefit from having its brand present in tens of thousands of InComm Payments’ retail partner locations across the U.S.”

For more information, visit draftkings.com/about or download DraftKings mobile apps via iOS and Android.

About DraftKings

DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG) is a digital sports entertainment and gaming company created to fuel the competitive spirit of sports fans with products that range across daily fantasy, regulated gaming and digital media. Headquartered in Boston, and launched in 2012 by Jason Robins, Matt Kalish and Paul Liberman, DraftKings is the only U.S.-based vertically integrated sports betting operator. DraftKings is a multi-channel provider of sports betting and gaming technologies, powering sports and gaming entertainment for 50+ operators in 17 countries. DraftKings’ Sportsbook is live with mobile and/or retail betting operations in the United States pursuant to regulations in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia. DraftKings’ daily fantasy sports product is available in 8 countries internationally with 15 distinct sports categories. DraftKings is the official daily fantasy partner of the NFL, MLB and the PGA TOUR as well as an authorized gaming operator of the NBA and MLB and an official betting operator of the PGA TOUR.

About InComm Payments

InComm Payments is a global leader in innovative payments technology. Leveraging dynamic technology and proven expertise, InComm Payments delivers enhanced end-to-end payment platforms and emerging financial technology solutions that help businesses grow across a wide range of industries including retail, healthcare, tolling & transit, incentives, mobile payments and financial services. By enabling omnichannel connections to an ever-expanding consumer base in an increasingly digital ecosystem, InComm Payments creates seamless and valuable commerce experiences across the globe. With more than 25 years of experience, over 500,000 points of distribution, 386 global patents and a presence in more than 30 countries, InComm Payments leads the payments industry from its headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. Learn more at www.InCommPayments.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements made in this release are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “propose” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside DraftKings’ control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see DraftKings’ Securities and Exchange Commission filings. DraftKings does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Media Contacts:

Anthony Popiel

Dalton Agency
404-876-1309
[email protected]

Nilce Piccinini

Sr. Communications Manager
InComm Payments
404-935-0377
[email protected]

DraftKings

[email protected]

@DraftKingsNews

Round was led by Sofinnova Investments with participation from Abingworth, Lightstone Ventures and all existing investors

Company expands board of directors and plans to build out team

DURHAM, N.C. and BOSTON, Dec. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Atsena Therapeutics, a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on bringing the life-changing power of genetic medicine to reverse or prevent blindness, today announced it has closed an oversubscribed $55 million Series A financing led by Sofinnova Investments with participation from additional new investors Abingworth and Lightstone Ventures. Founding investors Hatteras Venture Partners and the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ RD Fund, along with existing investors Osage University Partners, University of Florida, and Manning Family Foundation, also participated in the round. Sarah Bhagat, PhD, Partner at Sofinnova, Jackie Grant, PhD, Principal at Abingworth, and Jason Lettmann, General Partner at Lightstone, will join Atsena’s board of directors.

Proceeds will be used to advance Atsena’s ongoing Phase I/II clinical trial evaluating a gene therapy for patients with GUCY2D-associated Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA1), one of the most common causes of blindness in children, as well as complete manufacturing development for Phase 3. In addition, the funds will enable Atsena to expand its team to support the research and development of novel gene therapies, including the progression of two existing preclinical programs in inherited retinal diseases toward the clinic and advancement of the company’s innovative adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology platform.

“We are grateful for the support of our new and existing investors and are encouraged by their enthusiasm for the potential of our technology to overcome the unique hurdles of inherited retinal diseases to prevent or reverse blindness,” said Patrick Ritschel, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Atsena. “The Series A financing provides financial runway to reach the key inflection point of reading out efficacy data from our LCA1 clinical trial. While we continue expeditiously advancing this trial and our preclinical programs, we are excited to accelerate our growth as a leading ophthalmic gene therapy company.”

The Phase I/II LCA1 clinical trial is currently enrolling patients in the second dosing cohort. Atsena exclusively licensed the rights to the gene therapy from Sanofi, which originally licensed it from University of Florida. LCA is the most common cause of blindness in children. LCA1 is caused by mutations in the GUCY2D gene and results in early and severe vision impairment or blindness. GUCY2D-LCA1 is one of the most common forms of LCA, affecting roughly 20 percent of patients who live with this inherited retinal disease.

“We believe Atsena’s foundation in ocular gene therapy and potentially game-changing novel AAV vectors position the company to become a partner of choice,” said Dr. Bhagat. “Sofinnova is delighted to support Atsena and we look forward to helping the team further its mission to develop life-changing gene therapies for patients with inherited retinal diseases.”

About Atsena Therapeutics

Atsena Therapeutics is a clinical-stage gene therapy company developing novel treatments for inherited forms of blindness. The company’s ongoing Phase I/II clinical trial is evaluating a potential therapy for one of the most common causes of blindness in children. Its additional pipeline of leading preclinical assets is powered by an adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology platform tailored to overcome significant hurdles presented by inherited retinal disease, and its unique approach is guided by the specific needs of each patient condition to optimize treatment. Founded by ocular gene therapy pioneers Dr. Shannon Boye and Sanford Boye, Atsena has a licensing, research and manufacturing collaboration with the University of Florida and has offices in Boston, MA and North Carolina’s Research Triangle, environments rich in gene therapy expertise. For more information, please visit atsenatx.com.

About Sofinnova Investments

Since our founding in 1974, Sofinnova has been active in life science investing. We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical investment firm with approximately $2.3B in assets under management and committed capital. We invest in both private and public equity of therapeutics-focused companies. Our goal is to actively partner with entrepreneurs in both the U.S. and Europe, across all stages of company formation. From drug development and navigating the regulatory process to company building and IPO, we strive to be collaborative, meaningful board members, and excellent partners at every level. We seek to build world class companies that aspire to dramatically improve the current state of medical care today and ultimately, the lives of patients. Sofinnova has expertise investing in gene therapy companies, including investments in Spark, which developed the first approved gene therapy, Akouos, and Audentes, and Xylocor. For more information, please visit www.sofinnova.com.

About Abingworth

Abingworth is a leading transatlantic life sciences investment firm. Abingworth helps transform cutting-edge science into novel medicines by providing capital and expertise to top caliber management teams building world-class companies. Since 1973, Abingworth has invested in approximately 168 life science companies, leading to more than 44 M&A/exits and close to 70 IPOs. Our therapeutic focused investments fall into 3 categories: seed and early-stage, development stage, and clinical co-development. Abingworth supports its portfolio companies with a team of experienced professionals at offices in London, Menlo Park (California) and Boston. For more information, visit abingworth.com.

About Lightstone Ventures

Lightstone Ventures is a leading venture capital firm investing in therapeutic-oriented companies across the life science spectrum, from breakthrough medical devices to novel drugs and biopharmaceuticals. Founded in 2012, Lightstone has been part of many successful new ventures from inception through commercialization and plays a critical role guiding and building successful healthcare companies. With a proven strategy and global footprint, the Lightstone team has been involved in several of the largest venture-backed life science exits over the last decade including: ALX Oncology, Acceleron, Ardian, Calithera, Claret Medical, Disarm, MicroVention, Nimbus, Plexxikon, Portola, Promedior, Proteolix, Ra Pharma, Tizona, Twelve and Zeltiq. For more information, visit https://www.lightstonevc.com.

Media Contact:		Business Contact:
Tony Plohoros		[email protected]
6 Degrees
(908) 591-2839
[email protected]

NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Dec. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via InvestorWire — Innovative Payment Solutions, Inc (the “Company” or “Innovative”), (OTCQB: IPSI), a U.S.-based fintech company building 21st century digital payment solutions, announced today the launch of a joint venture with blockchain and artificial intelligence company BLGI, Inc. (OTCQB: “BLGI”) to help expand the Company into global digital payment infrastructures.

The joint venture will ultimately advance the companies’ mutual efforts towards unlocking blockchain technology for swift funds processing, ensuring simplicity of payment for services at a substantially reduced cost for consumers and secure network to transfer funds anywhere in the world. The companies intend to join forces and facilitate the expertise of each in order to enhance and develop a one-of-a-kind digital payment solution that meets the needs of unbanked and underbanked communities throughout the U.S. and worldwide.

Innovative brings to the joint venture its extensive prior experience of operations in Mexico and is building a fintech ecosystem that uses multiple devices in order to help meet the needs of both consumers and service providers.

“Our agreement with BLGI provides our companies with a tremendous opportunity to develop, evaluate and implement a blockchain technology that will expand our distribution ecosystem and coordinate analytical marketing data through our provision of comprehensive financial solutions to unbanked, underbanked and fully banked consumers,” said Innovative Payment Solutions, Inc. CEO William Corbett. “In addition, Lawrence P. Cummins, current chairman and CEO of BLGI, has recently joined our advisory board to provide his vision and insight to our ongoing business development.”

“Innovative has built an effective payment rail and a unique business model,” stated Cummins. “I envision a great opportunity in this joint collaboration and am looking forward to fast-track Innovative into the market and enhance its product proposition.”

About Innovative Payment Solutions, Inc.

Innovative Payment Solutions, Inc. (“Innovative”) strives to offer cutting-edge digital payment solutions for consumers and service providers. Innovative’s ecosystem will span multiple devices, such as self-service kiosks, mobile applications and POS terminals, offering alternative payment methods, including money remittance, to meet the needs of consumers and service providers. (www.investor.ipsipay.com)

About BLGI, Inc.

BLGI is a data science company that develops innovative solutions for blockchain technology, machine learning, artificial intelligence and data security. BLGI designs bespoke solutions that can be integrated on the blockchain and are tailored to a client’s industry, including but not limited to asset management banking, cryptocurrency, Forex, media publishing and healthcare data management. (www.blgi.net)

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statement of historical fact contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology and include statements regarding the companies mutual efforts towards unlocking blockchain technology for swift funds processing, ensuring simplicity of payment for services at a substantially reduced cost for consumers and secure network to transfer funds anywhere in the world, the intention to join forces and facilitation of its expertise in order to enhance and develop a one of a kind digital payment solution that meets the needs of unbanked and underbanked communities in the U.S. and worldwide.

These forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions as of the date of the press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, our ability to leverage our extensive prior experience of operations in Mexico and building a fintech ecosystem that uses multiple devices in order to help meet the needs of both consumers and service providers, our ability to position the Company for future profitability, the duration and scope of the COVID-19 outbreak worldwide, including the impact to the economies in California and Mexico, and the other factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019, and the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

For investor inquiries, please call (818) 864-4004 or email: [email protected]

Corporate Communications:

InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN)
Los Angeles, California
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
310.299.1717 Office
[email protected]