Tag Archives: Funding and Investment

Realset AI and Flatkey Raise 10 million Dollars in Series A Funding to Build Real World Training Data for Frontier Models and Embodied Agents

The real-world data lab captures expert human demonstrations, builds RL environments from real workflows and evaluates AI agents with domain experts

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 30, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Realset AI (https://realset.ai), a real-world data lab that produces training data for LLMs, frontier models and embodied agents, today announced that Realset AI and Flatkey have raised 10 million dollars in Series A funding. The funding will expand Realset’s capture network of real workplaces and studio environments, grow its pool of expert demonstrators and domain experts, and support open benchmarks that measure whether AI policies work outside the lab.

Image caption: Realset AI raises 10 million dollars in Series A funding to capture real-world data for frontier models and embodied agents.

THE INTERNET IS EXHAUSTED. THE PHYSICAL WORLD IS NOT.

Frontier labs and robotics companies have largely consumed the text available on the internet. The next gains come from data about people doing real tasks in real places: how a worker folds laundry, loads a dishwasher, packs an order or handles a customer return. That data does not exist on the web, and simulation does not reproduce it.

Realset’s answer is that every dataset starts with a real person doing a real task in a real place. The company uses expert demonstrators rather than crowd annotators, real environments rather than simulation, and delivers de-identified data to US-hosted cloud buckets.

THREE WAYS TO PRODUCE GROUND TRUTH

Realset Body captures skilled workers performing manipulation tasks in homes, kitchens, warehouses and light assembly lines, using egocentric and third-person rigs as well as bimanual teleoperation with synchronized stereo video, IMU and action logs. Data is delivered with dense action-level annotation for training vision-language-action models.

Realset Field supplies LLM and agent training data: reinforcement learning environments built from real workflows such as e-commerce operations, customer support, logistics dispatch and manufacturing procedures. Domain experts generate trajectories, preference pairs and rubrics inside the environment, with rewards tied to real business outcomes, so agentic models learn the task rather than the benchmark.

Realset Judge provides expert evaluation for agents in production: evaluation design, failure diagnosis and continuous monitoring by people who do the job the agent is replacing, plus targeted training data for the top failure modes. The same services are offered to data integration and AI solution companies that deploy agents for their own clients.

OPEN BENCHMARKS ON REAL TASKS

Realset is building open benchmarks so the field can measure whether a policy works outside the lab. The first, the Realset Household Manipulation Bench, evaluates open-source vision-language-action policies on folding, loading, sorting and wiping tasks captured in real kitchens and laundry rooms, with results expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. A Light Assembly Bench and a Commerce Ops Agent Bench are planned.

“The easy data is gone. What is left is the physical world, and you cannot scrape it,” said Hunter Guo, founder of Realset AI. “You have to put a camera on a skilled person doing real work, structure what they did, and check it with people who know the job. That is a capture and quality problem, not a labeling problem, and it is the problem we are building a company around.”

ABOUT REALSET AI

Realset AI is a real-world data lab and training data provider for LLMs and embodied AI. It captures expert human demonstrations, builds RL environments from real workflows and evaluates AI agents with domain experts, for frontier labs, robotics companies, and data integration and AI solution providers. Realset is headquartered in San Jose, California. Learn more at https://realset.ai

ABOUT FLATKEY

Flatkey is an AI infrastructure platform that gives developers access to more than 100 official AI models and more than 1,000 AI tools through one key and one balance. Learn more at https://flatkey.ai

IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0930-s2p-realset-300dpi.webp

Image caption: Realset AI raises 10 million dollars in Series A funding to capture real-world data for frontier models and embodied agents.

NEWS SOURCE: Realset AI

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Realset AI), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/realset-ai-and-flatkey-raise-10-million-dollars-in-series-a-funding-to-build-real-world-training-data-for-frontier-models-and-embodied-agents/

Flatkey Raises 10 million Dollars in Series A After Passing 10,000 Developers in Two Months

One key, one balance and one invoice replace the accounts, credits and API keys developers juggle across providers

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Flatkey (https://flatkey.ai), the AI infrastructure platform that brings models, tools and data together behind one API key, today announced that Flatkey and Realset AI have raised 10 million dollars in Series A funding. The company also said that over 10,000 developers have used the platform since its launch in July 2026 to access more than 100 official AI models and more than 1,000 AI tools through a single API key and a single balance.

Image Caption: Flatkey passes 10,000 developers in its first two months with one key for 100 plus official AI models and 1,000 plus tools.

AI is shifting from answering questions to completing work. The agents doing that work depend on three things: the models that reason, the tools that act, and the data they act on. Each of those is fragmenting into more providers every quarter, and every provider adds an account, a top-up, an API key, a rate limit and an invoice.

Flatkey’s bet is that these three converge into a single layer developers reach through one key. A production application today rarely depends on one model: it combines several models across text, image, audio and video and pairs them with tools such as search, browsing and data enrichment. A team using models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and DeepSeek, a video model such as Seedance, and a search and a browser tool would ordinarily manage seven or more provider relationships. With Flatkey that becomes one key, one balance and one invoice, and a new model or tool is a parameter change rather than a new vendor. The Series A funding will go toward adding more official models and tools to the platform and scaling the infrastructure that routes developer traffic to them.

ONE KEY, EVERY MAJOR MODEL

With Flatkey, one key and one balance covers models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, DeepSeek, Kimi, GLM and others, as well as image and video models such as Seedance. New models are made available through official channels as soon as they are released, so developers do not have to set up a new provider account every time something new comes out.

Every model call goes through an official provider endpoint. Flatkey does not self-host modified or quantized versions and label them as the original model.

TOOLS ON THE SAME BALANCE

The same account also covers the tools developers increasingly need alongside the models: search, browsers, data enrichment, media generation and actions. There is no separate billing setup for each provider.

PRICING

Because Flatkey buys upstream capacity in volume, it offers many of these APIs at 60 to 90 percent of the providers’ official list prices. Most models are priced at around 80 percent of official list, while a smaller number are currently offered at deeper discounts as part of ongoing promotions. Subscription plans start at 10 dollars per month, and pay-per-use credits cover both models and tools.

“AI development is becoming less about choosing one model and more about combining models, data and tools across text, image, audio and video,” said Hunter Guo, founder of Flatkey. “If developers can reach all of that through one key, the platform stops being a convenience layer and starts to look like infrastructure. That is the company we are building.”

Flatkey is a drop-in replacement for any OpenAI-compatible client: developers change one line of code, the base URL, and their existing code works.

ABOUT FLATKEY

Flatkey is an AI infrastructure platform that gives developers access to more than 100 official AI models and more than 1,000 AI tools through one key and one balance. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Flatkey launched in July 2026. Learn more at https://flatkey.ai

MULTIMEDIA

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0929-s2p-flatkey-300dpi.webp

Image Caption: Flatkey passes 10,000 developers in its first two months with one key for 100 plus official AI models and 1,000 plus tools.

***

NEWS SOURCE: Flatkey

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Flatkey), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/flatkey-raises-10-million-dollars-in-series-a-after-passing-10000-developers-in-two-months/

The Jackson Copeland Foundation Awarded $10,000 Grant from Duke Energy Foundation as Part of Commitment to Support Communities Across Florida

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 19, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Duke Energy Foundation announced it has awarded a $10,000 grant to The Jackson Copeland Foundation to help ensure families can afford essential living expenses following a blood cancer diagnosis. The grant is part of a larger commitment from Duke Energy Florida and its Foundation to support the vitality of the communities the company serves.

Image caption: The Jackson Copeland Foundation Awarded $10,000 Grant from Duke Energy Foundation.

“No one facing a blood cancer diagnosis should have to endure additional stress from the costs or logistics associated with treatment,” said Duke Energy Florida state president Melissa Seixas. “The Jackson Copeland Foundation is doing so much to help alleviate that burden for so many families here in our area. It’s an honor to support their important work.”

“A leukemia diagnosis shouldn’t mean a family loses their home while fighting for their life,” said Jeff Copeland, Founder & CEO of The Jackson Copeland Foundation. “This generous grant from the Duke Energy Foundation allows us to tackle the affordability crisis of blood cancer head-on, ensuring patients can secure temporary lodging and travel to life-saving treatments without facing financial ruin. They should be focused on the fight of their lives, not finances or foreclosure. This partnership ensures nobody fights this battle alone—Jackson would go, and so are we.”

There are only three National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in Florida, so hundreds of Florida blood cancer patients must travel to receive treatment each year. Patients receiving a life-saving bone marrow or stem cell transplant, in particular, must secure short-term lodging for up to 100 days during treatment and recovery, which creates a massive affordability crisis for most families.

The $10,000 grant will be used to fund “bridge grants” to low- and moderate-income families within Duke Energy’s Florida service footprint who are battling blood cancer. This grant directly addresses those staggering logistical and financial challenges. By covering critical non-medical living expenses—such as primary housing maintenance (rent/mortgage), temporary medical lodging, and transportation costs—the funds ensure the affordability of basic needs during the most disruptive months of a patient’s treatment. This rapid-response financial relief helps families avoid eviction, foreclosure, and bankruptcy, preserving their economic mobility so they can focus entirely on healing.

For more information on the Duke Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit: https://foundation.duke-energy.com/

To learn more about The Jackson Copeland Foundation, apply for assistance, or join the mission, visit: https://jacksoncopeland.org/

NEWS SOURCE: The Jackson Copeland Foundation Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The Jackson Copeland Foundation Inc.), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-jackson-copeland-foundation-awarded-10000-grant-from-duke-energy-foundation-as-part-of-commitment-to-support-communities-across-florida/

Fahe Launches National Digital Campaign to Attract Donors and Investors to Housing Can’t Wait

Campaign targets philanthropic advisors, wealth advisors, funders, and impact investors with a clear case for housing investment across Appalachia

BEREA, Ky., May 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Fahe, a regional nonprofit network and Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to building thriving communities across Appalachia, today announced the launch of a digital advertising campaign introducing Housing Can’t Wait® to donors, investors, philanthropic advisors, donor-advised fund professionals, and private wealth advisors seeking measurable, place-based impact.

Image caption: Fahe unites people, organizations, and resources to build homes, strengthen communities, and create a thriving Appalachia.

Running in May and June, the campaign is designed to increase awareness of Fahe’s role as a trusted Appalachian housing network and financial intermediary capable of moving capital into community-led housing solutions.

Across Appalachia, housing shortages are constraining workforce stability, family wellbeing, and long-term economic growth. Communities are ready to build and rehabilitate more homes, but many need aligned capital, flexible funding, and trusted local implementation partners to move solutions forward.

Housing Can’t Wait connects urgent housing needs with investment-ready strategies to accelerate production and strengthen communities across Appalachia.

“Housing is economic infrastructure,” said Jim King, CEO of Fahe. “For donors and investors looking for durable impact, Appalachia offers a powerful opportunity. Fahe and our Member network have the local relationships, financial tools, and execution capacity to help turn philanthropic and investment capital into measurable housing and community outcomes.”

The national campaign will focus on two priority audiences. The first includes current and prospective funders already aligned with housing, community development, rural resilience, poverty reduction, workforce stability, and economic opportunity. The second includes philanthropic advisors, private wealth advisors, donor-advised fund teams, family office advisors, and impact investing professionals who help high-net-worth households determine where charitable and mission-aligned capital can do meaningful work.

The campaign’s message is direct: Appalachia has housing solutions ready to scale, and Fahe has the network, CDFI capacity, and local Member reach to help deploy capital where it can make a lasting difference.

Digital placements will drive audiences to the Housing Can’t Wait Funder/Investor Resource Center, where donors, funders, and investors can learn more about the housing challenge, Fahe’s regional strategy, and opportunities to support community-led solutions.

The campaign builds on Fahe’s broader Housing Can’t Wait initiative, a regional performance challenge to build or preserve 60,000 homes and impact one million people across Appalachia by 2030.

“Housing Can’t Wait helps donors and investors understand why housing is economic infrastructure in Appalachia,” said Fahe President Sara Morgan. “It connects the case for investment with real examples of community-led solutions, a regional network ready to move capital into implementation, and Fahe’s CDFI and intermediary capacity. For partners looking for measurable rural impact, this is a practical pathway to engage.”

With this national campaign, Fahe is expanding visibility for Housing Can’t Wait among philanthropic and investment audiences positioned to help close rural housing gaps and strengthen Appalachian communities.

ABOUT FAHE:

Fahe unites people, organizations, and resources to build homes, strengthen communities, and create a thriving Appalachia. Since 1980, Fahe and its Members have invested nearly $5 billion, improving life for more than one million people through housing and community development. Fahe is leading a regional performance challenge with our 50+ Member organizations to double housing production across Appalachia by 2030.

Learn more at https://fahe.org/ and https://www.housingcantwait.org/.

LOGO links for media:

[1] https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/26-0219-s2p-fahe-logo-300dpi.webp

[2] https://www.housingcantwait.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-Untitled-design-33.png

NEWS SOURCE: Fahe

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Fahe), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/fahe-launches-national-digital-campaign-to-attract-donors-and-investors-to-housing-cant-wait/

FirstClose and Lateral Investment Management announce additional equity funding to support continued growth

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, Inc., a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced the completion of an additional round of equity funding, which was led by existing investor Lateral Investment Management, based in San Mateo, California.

Image caption: FirstClose.

The latest round builds on Lateral’s initial 2022 investment and underscores continued investor confidence in FirstClose’s strategy, technology and leadership team. The funds will support ongoing product development and strategic initiatives as the company strengthens its position within the home equity and mortgage lending markets.

“Lateral has been a great partner and a critical factor in our company’s growth and success to date,” said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. “This new round of funding reinforces our partnership and allows us to stay focused on delivering the technology lenders need to meet rising demand for home equity lending.”

Since Lateral’s initial investment in 2022, FirstClose has expanded its capabilities and market footprint. The company introduced a real-time debt consolidation feature to its FirstClose Equity platform, which early trials showed boosted conversion rates by more than 10%. It also deepened system integrations with leading platforms, such as Encompass® by ICE Mortgage Technology™, MeridianLink and Optimal Blue, and added new executives in key leadership roles, including chief revenue officer, vice president of marketing and vice president of client success.

“When we first invested in FirstClose, we saw the potential for the company to become the technology leader in home equity lending,” said Stuart Barden, Managing Director at Lateral Investment Management. “Since then, the team has consistently delivered, expanding its client base, deepening integrations and introducing innovations that streamline the lending process. We’re proud to continue supporting FirstClose as it builds on that foundation.”

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce cost for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit https://www.firstclose.com/.

About Lateral Investment Management, LLC

Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Lateral is a growth-oriented private equity firm that invests in bootstrapped, founder-led technology and technology-enabled services businesses. The firm focuses on profitable, U.S. middle market companies with no prior institutional financing and makes $15 million to $75 million investments to accelerate their growth. By pursuing sub-sector focused proprietary deal origination, founder-aligned partnerships, and a systematic and proactive approach to value creation, Lateral helps to transform its portfolio companies into category leaders. For more information, visit: https://lateralim.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-and-lateral-investment-management-announce-additional-equity-funding-to-support-continued-growth/

Baryons Secures $2.2M Seed Round to Bring Human Flourishing to the Masses with Free Version Available Today

JOHNSTOWN, Pa., Oct. 14, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Baryons today announced the close of a $2.2 million Seed Round led by Blue Ash Ventures to fuel its mission of making human flourishing accessible to everyone. Anyone can start flourishing today for free at Baryons.com.

Image caption: Left to right: Michael Hruska, CEO of Baryons; Aaron Bare, CSO of Baryons.

“Flourishing is humankind’s oldest quest. It simply means living well,” said Michael Hruska, CEO and Cofounder of Baryons. “Baryons the ‘Flourishing Partner’ helps the user design what’s next. Baryons listens, advises, and nudges you toward your future best self. We’re pairing timeless human practices with adaptive technology so people and organizations can collectively flourish.”

There’s no shortage of productivity hacks and mental health apps, but Baryons is introducing something entirely new: the world’s first Flourishing Partner.

The need is clear. The Global Flourishing Study (a five-year project tracking 200,000 people across 22 countries) found that what people want most is not material comfort, but lives filled with meaning, connection, and growth. Baryons exists to meet that universal demand.

THE CASE FOR FLOURISHING

According to Harvard research, employees who report higher levels of flourishing are far more likely to stay with their employer and dramatically less likely to burn out. Yet fewer than one in four workers say they are truly flourishing at work.

That gap between surviving and truly living has massive economic implications. The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity, with more than 12 billion workdays lost annually. For every dollar invested in mental well-being, studies show a return of up to four to five times through improved performance, retention, and engagement.

Image caption: Baryons, The Flourishing Partner.

And the opportunity is far greater still. Research by the McKinsey Health Institute, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, suggests that improving employee health and well-being could unlock as much as $11.7 trillion in global economic value, a potential transformation economists now call the rise of Brain Capital.

Baryons is closing that gap by transforming flourishing into a visible, measurable practice. Every interaction strengthens what matters most: clarity, confidence, and curiosity. The result is compounding growth that builds flourishing humans, flourishing teams, and flourishing companies.

Built to help people live well and lead better, Baryons is defining and scaling the emerging Mental Wealth market.

MOVING BEYOND MENTAL HEALTH TOWARD MENTAL WEALTH

The current mental health market is crowded with reactive solutions that focus on symptoms. Mental Wealth is different. Mental Wealth is proactive and strengthens core human potential through positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement so that individuals and organizations can thrive in an era of rapid change.

“For too long, the ability to live well and thrive has been treated as a privilege for the few,” said Aaron Bare, Cofounder and Chief Strategy Officer of Baryons. “Baryons is changing that. Our vision is to unlock Mental Wealth for humanity. With this investment, we are expanding access to our world-first Flourishing Partner and committing to keep a free version available to everyone, forever.”

WHY BLUE ASH VENTURES INVESTED

Blue Ash Ventures, a leader in the emerging Brain Capital Economy, is backing Baryons to accelerate this shift. Their Brain Health Matrix—already piloted with global institutions and set to debut at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2026—aligns directly with Baryons’ mission.

“Baryons is marrying neuroscience, technology, and human potential into a movement for flourishing,” said Steve Carnevale, Managing Partner at Blue Ash Ventures. “By helping individuals flourish, Baryons drives collective flourishing, unlocking measurable gains in engagement, trust, and innovation across entire organizations.”

THE BARYONS EXPERIENCE

Baryons is the Flourishing Partner that helps you design what’s next. It listens, remembers, and nudges you toward your future best self. Every conversation strengthens clarity, confidence, and curiosity; transforming flourishing from an abstract ideal into a visible practice and a competitive strategy.

With enterprise pilots underway, a freemium model, and measurable results already emerging, Baryons is poised to define the future of human flourishing. This seed funding accelerates product innovation, customer success, and flourishing accessibility, bringing Mental Wealth to more people, faster.

ABOUT BLUE ASH VENTURES

Blue Ash Ventures invests in solutions that expand human potential. Their portfolio spans mental wellness, learning science, emotional intelligence, and systems that support brain health. Anchored by the Sparc Foundation, their work bridges research and real-world implementation, aligning capital with the science of thriving individuals and organizations. Learn more: https://www.blueashventures.com/.

ABOUT BARYONS

Baryons is pioneering the world’s first Flourishing Partner, a platform powered by neuroscience and human-centered design that helps people and organizations unlock Mental Wealth. By turning flourishing into a measurable and scalable practice, Baryons transforms the way humans live, lead, and grow. Accessible to everyone, everywhere, Baryons is redefining well-being as both a universal right and the next great competitive advantage. Learn more: https://baryons.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: Baryons Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Baryons Inc.), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/baryons-secures-2-2m-seed-round-to-bring-human-flourishing-to-the-masses-with-free-version-available-today/

HLA Protein Technologies Announces Next-Gen HLA Product Lines and Strategic Investment

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., Sept. 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — HLA Protein Technologies, Inc. (formerly Pure Protein, LLC) reports that its new manufacturing expansion is positioned to support the Company’s growth. A new product line launch, a strategic investment led by a private investor group; and a corporate rebrand to HLA Protein Technologies, reflects the company’s expanded focus on advanced immunology and oncology research tools.

Image caption: HLA Protein Technologies, Inc.

The new investment will fund accelerated product development and expanded manufacturing capacity at the company’s Oklahoma City headquarters, with additional hiring across R&D, bioprocess and commercial operations. HLA Protein Technologies will scale production capacity, implement expanded QC/QA frameworks and enhance GMP‑adjacent processes suitable for research‑use‑only (RUO) products.

The company expects to add roles across protein biochemistry, cell biology, manufacturing operations and commercial support. Facility enhancements will prioritize throughput, reproducibility and documentation standards to align with customer expectations in biopharma R&D.

And, the rebrand to HLA Protein Technologies unifies the company’s legacy of protein engineering with its expanded mission: delivering best‑in‑class HLA research tools and services to customers across biopharma, diagnostics and translational research. This transition establishes a brand identity that mirrors the company’s core scientific strengths and customer value proposition in HLA‑based research tools. The new name and visual identity will roll out across product labels, documentation and digital properties over the coming weeks.

“This is a pivotal moment in our company’s evolution,” said Dr. Rico Buchli, Chief Scientist at HLA Protein Technologies. “Our new HLA portfolio pairs rigorously characterized reagents with custom services that help biopharma teams accelerate target discovery and validation, immune monitoring and mechanism‑of‑action studies. The rebrand reflects our commitment to leadership in HLA‑enabled solutions.”

Anchored by two decades of expertise in soluble HLA engineering and peptide–MHC technologies, the new product lines will feature next‑generation Class I and Class II HLA tetramers, new product formats and custom peptide‑loaded complexes designed for high‑throughput discovery, screening and translational studies.

This portfolio will be complemented by custom assay development and engineered cell line services to support biopharma and academic partners advancing immunotherapies and vaccine research. These new products will complement the Company’s existing portfolio of more than 275 HLA Class I and Class II alleles; it will be made available to the scientific community at https://hlaprotein.com/.

“Oklahoma’s life sciences ecosystem is gaining momentum, and HLA Protein Technologies’ growth exemplifies that trajectory,” said Michelle Gregory, Director, Life Science Oklahoma. “The company’s expansion and investment in local manufacturing aligns with our mission to advance U.S.-based innovation and bioproduction.”

About HLA Protein Technologies, Inc.

HLA Protein Technologies, Inc., based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, specializes in high‑purity HLA proteins, engineered cell lines and custom assay development. With a focus on immunology and oncology, the company provides HLA‑based reagents and services that enable discovery, lead validation and translational research. HLA Protein Technologies serves leading pharma, diagnostic and research customers in more than 20 countries.

Public and media queries: https://www.hlaprotein.com/contact-us

MULTIMEDIA:

Logo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0930-s2p-hlaprot-300dpi.webp

NEWS SOURCE: HLA Protein Technologies Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (HLA Protein Technologies Inc.), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/hla-protein-technologies-announces-next-gen-hla-product-lines-and-strategic-investment/

Argyle secures funding to accelerate open finance infrastructure for verifications

New investment expands access to real-time, consumer-permissioned income, employment and asset data

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., Sept. 23, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, the leading verification platform for direct-source income and employment data, today announced a strategic investment round with new participation from Mastercard alongside continued support from current investors Bain Capital Ventures, Checkr, Rockefeller Asset Management and SignalFire. The investment reflects growing market demand for modern, consumer-permissioned verifications.

Image caption: Argyle, the leading verification platform for direct-source income and employment data.

“This investment is more than capital—it’s validation,” said Shmulik Fishman, CEO of Argyle. “We’re deepening our ability to serve customers with a comprehensive verification platform built on real-time payroll connections and open finance capabilities. By combining these strengths, we’re eliminating friction from verification workflows and giving lenders, fintechs and tenant screeners a smarter path to faster, more accurate decisions.”

Building on the June launch of verification of assets powered by Mastercard open finance technology, Argyle now offers customers a unified platform for income, employment and asset verification that enables customers to:

Access real-time, consumer-permissioned payroll connections covering 90% of the U.S. workforce with Argyle—alongside consumer-permissioned bank connections from Mastercard for complete verification waterfalls
Generate GSE-compliant reports supporting verification of income (VOI), verification of employment (VOE), verification of assets (VOA) and combined verification of assets/income (VOAI) from one platform
Get dedicated, hands-on support from Argyle across all verification types

“Argyle has built critical infrastructure for a category that’s long been overlooked by modern fintech,” said Ajay Agarwal, partner at Bain Capital Ventures. “We’ve supported the company from the early stages, and this latest round reflects our continued belief in their team, their momentum and the long-term potential of consumer-permissioned data to transform verifications across financial services.”

Argyle has become the modern standard for verifying income, employment and now assets through its direct‑source payroll and banking connections, which are further supported by a document‑based verification fallback. Customers across industries are seeing measurable results:

Checkr cut verification timelines from days to seconds at 90% lower cost than legacy solutions.
Snappt increased renter application pull‑through by more than 30% while eliminating fraud using Argyle’s direct‑source data.
Regional Finance automated verifications for more than 65% of borrowers, reducing application processing time by up to 15 minutes.
Mutual of Omaha saved more than $50,000 per month on verification costs.
NFM Lending reduced the time it takes to get loans from application to clear-to-close by 10 days.
Lake Michigan Credit Union saved $100 per loan by switching to Argyle.

The list goes on. Argyle is transforming verification efficiency and accuracy for leading lenders, fintechs and rental and background screeners nationwide.

Argyle’s asset verification, powered by Mastercard, is now available. Learn more at https://argyle.com/use-cases/verification-assets/.

About Argyle:

Argyle is the leading provider of direct-source, consumer-permissioned income, employment and asset verifications, making it fast and easy to gain secure and reliable access to the most complete real-time datasets stored in consumers’ payroll and bank accounts. With Argyle, lenders automate verification workflows to save time, reduce fraud and compliance risks, lower costs and build better product experiences. As an authorized report supplier for Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter® validation service and an approved service provider supporting Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor® asset and income modeler (AIM), Argyle empowers mortgage lenders to auto-retrieve paystubs and W-2s, understand consumers’ ability to pay and improve loan quality—all at up to 80% less cost. Argyle’s commitment to innovation is backed by investors including Bain Capital Ventures, Checkr, Mastercard, Rockefeller Asset Management and SignalFire.

For more information on Argyle’s industry-leading verification platform, visit https://argyle.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: Argyle

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Argyle), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/argyle-secures-funding-to-accelerate-open-finance-infrastructure-for-verifications/

Capital City Founder Arsha Jones Launches $5,000 Micro-Grant to Support Local Consumer Product Entrepreneurs

Supporting Scalable Small Businesses with a Mission to Grow From Local Shelves to National Stores

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Arsha Jones, founder and CEO of Capital City, announced today the launch of the Capital City Micro-Grant, a $5,000 grant aimed at helping local, retail-ready entrepreneurs scale their consumer product businesses. The grant will be awarded during the Shop Made Makers Summit, a multi-day entrepreneurship experience taking place August 19–21 in Washington, D.C.

Image caption: Capital City, Washington D.C.

“As a founder, I know what it feels like to need just one yes, one moment, or one opportunity to grow,” said Jones. “Capital City was built from the ground up here in D.C., and this is my way of giving back to the community that gave me my start.”

Three finalists will be selected to present their business growth plans at the Summit’s Reception in front of a live audience and panel of judges. Finalists will give a 3-minute flash talk that highlights their product, profitability model, and plan for scale. Arsha Jones will serve as the lead judge for the grant, alongside select industry professionals.

The Capital City Micro-Grant is designed for retail-ready consumer product businesses (CPG) looking to move from local success to regional or national traction. Applicants must demonstrate how the funds will accelerate growth, expand market presence, or boost revenue.

The grant and mentorship opportunities align with Capital City’s growing commitment to economic empowerment and community investment, especially for underrepresented founders.

About Capital City

Capital City is a Black woman-owned specialty food brand based in Washington, D.C., best known for introducing the world to mambo sauce. Co-founded by Arsha Jones, the company has grown from a kitchen-table recipe into a national brand available at Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Costco. Capital City blends bold flavor with bold vision—championing community, culture, and creativity in every bottle and every initiative.

About Shop Made in DC

Shop Made in DC is a retail initiative with a mission to grow the District’s maker community. With six D.C. locations and more than 5,000 locally made products, Shop Made in DC connects creators to customers through retail, education, and community-building. Learn more at https://shopmadeindc.com/.

Apply for the Capital City Micro-Grant

Retail-ready entrepreneurs can apply online now at: https://www.makersummit.org/speakers-1-1-1

Deadline to Apply: July 31, 2025

Event Location: Union Market District, Washington, D.C.

Summit Dates: August 19–21, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:
For Media Inquiries or Interviews with Arsha Jones:
Contact Alicia Maxey Greene at press@mochamediainc.com or 201-647-0531

NEWS SOURCE: Capital City

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Capital City), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/capital-city-founder-arsha-jones-launches-5000-micro-grant-to-support-local-consumer-product-entrepreneurs/

Rowan Innovation Venture Fund Appoints Garden State Venture Partners to Lead Next Phase of Innovation

New leadership team will expand fund operations, deepen economic impact, and engage new partners across New Jersey's innovation ecosystem

GLASSBORO, N.J., June 12, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Rowan Innovation Venture Fund (RIVF) today announced the appointment of Garden State Venture Partners (GSVP) as its new management team, marking a significant milestone in the fund’s evolution. This leadership expansion brings together a seasoned group of investment and institutional professionals to lead the fund into its next phase of innovation and impact.

Photo caption: GSVP Managing Partners and distinguished Rowan University alumni – Michael Connallon Jr., Ernie Holtzheimer, and Shawn Hill.

The GSVP leadership team is comprised of three Rowan alumni, including Michael Connallon, Jr., who brings 24 years of experience in global financial services, including leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase, where he advised highly sophisticated institutional investors, following years at Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank. Shawn Hill has two decades of venture capital and private equity management positions, including Partner at Moderne Ventures, Venture Partner at Polymath Ventures, and management positions at Constellation Software, one of Canada’s largest private equity firms. Connallon and Hill join Ernie Holtzheimer, a distinguished corporate and securities attorney and partner at Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, who has managed RIVF since 2020.

Connallon says, “this team brings deep venture experience and industry operational expertise with plans to scale the fund’s value and strengthen commercial pathways for university-led research and technology. Through GSVP’s global network, we will attract new co-investment partners for RIVF portfolio companies who are mission-aligned and impact-driven, engaging businesses and investors in a soon-to-be-announced Fund that will allow for larger, later-stage funding rounds.”

“Our partnership with Garden State Venture Partners will accelerate the success of Rowan-born startups, attract investment to the region and state, and create new opportunities for our students, faculty, and the broader community,” said Dr. Ali Houshmand, president of Rowan University. “This collaboration will give entrepreneurs and researchers across New Jersey much needed access to capital, expertise and guidance.”

“This started as a Rowan effort but is quickly growing to have impact across the state. With the expansion of resources within RIVF we are doubling down on our commitment to support bold founders and accelerate innovation across New Jersey,” said Holtzheimer. “The opportunities ahead are significant,” adds Hill, “this is just the beginning. Over the coming months, we will be announcing new partnerships, investment strategies and ways we plan to scale our reach across the state.”

About the Rowan Innovation Venture Fund

Rowan Innovation Venture Fund (RIVF) currently manages 18 active investments in the life sciences, biotechnology, software development, telecommunications and food and beverage sectors. Launched with $5 million commitment in 2014 to seed visionary start-up ideas, RIVF received an additional $20 million commitment in 2022 to back a pipeline of evolving businesses from within and outside the Rowan University community. This fund is particularly unique because university-born venture funds of this scale are rare across the United States with estimates of only 5% of higher-ed institutions participating.

Learn more about the RIVF at https://sites.rowan.edu/advancement/where-to-give/rowan-innovation-venture-fund/

About Garden State Venture Partners

Garden State Venture Partners (GSVP) is a next-gen venture capital firm built to attract and retain companies and talent within the state of New Jersey. GSVP is uniquely positioned to deepen existing partnerships and forge new ones across the state—catalyzing innovation and driving sustained economic success by connecting and investing in the state’s innovation ecosystem.

Learn more about GSVP at https://gardenstateventurepartners.com/ and access full leadership team bios here (PDF): https://gardenstateventurepartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/GSVP_Leadership-Profiles.pdf.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Colleen Kendrick, CEO
Nonprofit Partners
ckendrick@wearemarketingforgood.com
1-800-298-9812 ext. 1

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0612-s2p-gsvprowan-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: GSVP Managing Partners and distinguished Rowan University alumni – Michael Connallon Jr., Ernie Holtzheimer, and Shawn Hill.

NEWS SOURCE: Garden State Venture Partners

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Garden State Venture Partners), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/rowan-innovation-venture-fund-appoints-garden-state-venture-partners-to-lead-next-phase-of-innovation/

Mission Alive to Transform Rural and Small Town Communities

Mission Alive Receives Grant for Rural and Small Town Initiative

DALLAS, Texas, April 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mission Alive is delighted to announce the receipt of a grant in support of our new Rural and Small Town Initiative (RSTI) as part of a collaboration with Pepperdine University’s Empower and Equip program. This project, funded by a $7,500,000 grant to Pepperdine University from Lilly Endowment Inc. aims to encourage and support rural and small town churches, their leaders, and their communities.

Image caption: Project logo image Rural and Small Town Initiative by Mission Alive.

“I have long admired the work of Mission Alive, and we are so thankful to have them agree to partner with us in this important work,” said Mike Cope, director of Pepperdine’s initiative.

INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION

Mission Alive’s approach resonates with the perspective of this grant that communities and churches thrive when focused on local needs. Mission Alive’s Innovative Faith Communities (i.e., churches) adopt a “serve-first” approach, aiming to transform marginalized populations by addressing community needs first and letting faith emerge through service. By focusing on service, we believe the church will thrive and become an anchor institution contributing to community vitality.

COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS

Mission Alive will collaborate with existing rural and small town Innovative Faith Community partners.

Together, we will:

Pilot innovative approaches to enhance partnerships between churches and community organizations
Deepen collective investment in loving our neighbors in tangible ways
Develop strategies to help people and their communities thrive

This grant will accelerate our efforts to pursue positive change in rural areas and small towns nationwide. We are grateful for the support of Pepperdine University in this endeavor.

Mission Alive’s executive director, Tod Vogt said, “While Mission Alive has been focused on starting new innovative communities of faith in rural communities and small towns for some time, this grant will considerably expedite our efforts!”

About Mission Alive

Mission Alive, founded in 2004, is a nonprofit organization that equips and funds leaders to launch, develop, and grow sustainable new Innovative Faith Communities (i.e., church plants) that transform some of the most disconnected and marginalized communities. With additional resources like Discipleship Cohorts, Catalyze Coaching, Outfitter’s Residency, and Renew Church Revitalization, Mission Alive provides training, coaching, and spiritual formation to help existing churches along with their leaders and lay volunteers navigate the challenges of 21st-century ministry. By fostering creative strategies and Spirit-shaped leadership, the organization seeks to renew the church’s role in engaging neighborhoods with the gospel.

To learn more about Mission Alive and its initiatives, visit https://missionalive.org/.

NEWS SOURCE: Mission Alive

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Mission Alive), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/mission-alive-to-transform-rural-and-small-town-communities/

Friday Harbor raises $6M to help community mortgage lenders match the speed and efficiency of industry giants

AI-powered platform enables lenders of all sizes to close loans faster, reduce costs and ensure compliance in real time

SEATTLE, Wash., April 15, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced the completion of a $6 million seed round. The round was led by Abstract Ventures, a San Francisco-based venture firm with $1.5 billion in assets under management and a track record of backing breakout companies including Rippling, xAI, Hebbia, Brigit and Hippo (NYSE: HIPO) and Mischief, an early-stage VC fund co-founded by Plaid CEO Zach Perret.

Image caption: Friday Harbor, Inc. logo.

Also participating in the round were Wischoff Ventures, a VC firm founded by Blend (NYSE: BLND) alum Nichole Wischoff; and the AI2 Incubator, a technical incubator born from the Allen Institute for AI (AI2).

With Friday Harbor’s platform, lenders of all sizes can leverage AI to read and interpret borrower documents, generate a borrower-specific needs list, underwrite files and flag potential conditions—all in real time. Each flagged issue includes a suggested resolution, enabling loan officers to take action with a single click. By compressing what typically takes weeks of back-and-forth into just minutes, Friday Harbor reduces downstream friction and accelerates time to close.

Friday Harbor was founded with a mission to make advanced AI tools accessible to all lenders—not just those with the biggest budgets. By replacing outdated, manual workflows and automating key underwriting steps, the platform empowers banks, credit unions and independent mortgage banks (IMBs) to match—or even surpass—the speed, cost-efficiency and borrower experience of mega-lenders like Rocket Companies and United Wholesale Mortgage, which together accounted for one-fifth of all IMB originations in 2024, according to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data.

“I’ve always believed AI could be the great equalizer in mortgage lending,” said Friday Harbor CEO and Co-founder Theo Ellis. “Thousands of lenders deserve access to the same tools as the mega-lenders—and in many cases, they’re now doing things the biggest players can’t. That’s what happens when you give lenders technology built by people who truly understand both AI and mortgage.”

Early adopters of Friday Harbor confirm the system’s ability to address costly ‘stare and compare’ tasks and mitigate errors that slow loan production:

“My LOs can’t stop talking about how much time they’re saving. Friday Harbor helps our team get ahead of potential issues before files even reach underwriting. That kind of early insight speeds up the process and creates a smoother experience for everyone—especially the borrower. I’ve never seen anything else like it.”
—Taylor Stork, chief operating officer at Developer’s Mortgage Company
“Since partnering with Friday Harbor, we’ve seen a clear transformation in how we manufacture loans, our processing capacity has nearly tripled without adding headcount, our cost to originate is down and we’re submitting cleaner loans that move through underwriting faster. Partnering with Friday Harbor is not just an efficiency gain, it’s a competitive advantage that moves the needle in a big way.”
—Rob Jewett, chief operating officer at NewFed Mortgage
“We started as a design partner of Friday Harbor because it is one the few uses of actual AI in analyzing documents being collected from borrowers. We teamed up early because we knew a real, document-level AI would slash the busywork for underwriters and processors. Less back-and-forth, fewer headaches—everybody wins.”
—Kevin Peranio, chief lending officer at Paramount Residential Mortgage Group
“Friday Harbor tackles some of the biggest challenges that keep lenders up at night. It’s like having an expert set of eyes on every file. I can upload documents on one screen, work on something else and come back minutes later to find conditions issued, alerts flagged and even undisclosed debts identified. It streamlines file setup and underwriting in a way that’s both efficient and incredibly smart. This is the kind of tool that changes how lending teams work.”
—James D. Carroll, head of home lending at Partners Bank

Friday Harbor was founded by Ellis and Jesse Collins (CTO) and launched in 2024 with support from the AI2 Incubator and CoFound Partners. Ellis was previously head of U.S. growth and an early employee at machine learning fintech Pagaya Technologies (NASDAQ: PGY), where he helped launch multiple new consumer credit verticals for the company. Collins previously held senior engineering roles at leading fintech companies including Affirm (NASDAQ: AFRM) and Zillow (NASDAQ: Z), where he specialized in applying artificial intelligence to fraud detection and underwriting systems.

The $6M seed round will support the growth of Friday Harbor’s engineering team and support integrations with leading mortgage LOS and point-of-sale platforms—paving the way for more lenders to automate file setup, accelerate underwriting and compete directly with the largest lenders in the country.

About Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor is an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time. The company combines deep fintech expertise with cutting-edge artificial intelligence to remove complexity, slash origination costs and deliver a better borrower experience. For more information, visit https://fridayharbor.ai/.

Tags: #mortgagetech #AI #fintech #seedfunding #venturecapital

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0415-s2p-fridayharbor-300dpi.jpg

NEWS SOURCE: Friday Harbor

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Friday Harbor), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/friday-harbor-raises-6m-to-help-community-mortgage-lenders-match-the-speed-and-efficiency-of-industry-giants/

The Mortgage Collaborative 3.16.25 Mortgage Tech Day Presents Five Startups to Compete in Dallas Pitch Event

DALLAS, Texas, March 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The future of mortgage technology is set to take the spotlight in Dallas as The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, and the TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP present the seventh Mortgage Tech Day (MTD).

Image caption: TMC Emerging Technology Fund.

This high-energy, fast-paced competition will take place alongside TMC’s “Live Large, Think Big!” conference at Live! By Loews in Arlington, TX (Room DE) on March 16 from 3 PM – 5 PM CT. Sponsored by Docutech, MTD gives early-stage mortgage tech companies a unique opportunity to showcase their innovations in front of industry leaders, investors, and venture capitalists.

Six forward-thinking startups have been selected to present their game-changing mortgage technology solutions:

Ardley – AI-powered mortgage processing, designed for speed and accuracy
Lender – A streamlined lending workflow platform for seamless transactions
Mesh – Integration technology that connects mortgage platforms like never before
Uplist – Enhancing the home-buying experience with smarter tools
Feather – Simplifying compliance and documentation for mortgage professionals

This pitch competition follows a Shark Tank-style format, where each company gets eight minutes to present their innovation, followed by seven minutes of rapid-fire Q&A from a panel of venture capital firms, limited partners, and mortgage industry experts.

Beyond the competition, MTD offers unparalleled networking opportunities—participants can connect with potential investors, industry leaders, and future customers who can help propel their businesses forward.

The audience and judges will vote in real time to determine the winner, who will receive:

One week in HousingWire Daily Newsletter ($5,000 value)
A complimentary spot in HousingWire Mortgage Tech Demo Day ($9,000 value)
A feature in HousingWire Product Guide ($8,000 value)

“Mortgage Tech Day offers an unparalleled opportunity for promising young companies to showcase their innovations to a target-rich audience of potential customers and investors,” General Partner of the TMC Emerging Tech Fund Sandy Selman said. “The event also gives us, as managers of the Fund, a front row seat to see these companies in action and whether to include them in our investment pipeline. We invite professionals from across the industry to attend, engage with these innovative companies, and help select the winner by casting their vote.”

Date: March 16, 2025
Location: Live! By Loews, Arlington, TX (Room DE)
Time: 3 PM – 5 PM CT

Secure your spot today: Click here to register

About TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP

TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP (the “Fund”) is a specialist fintech fund explicitly focused on the mortgage industry and immediately adjacent verticals. Its Limited Partners consist of some of the most technology-forward lender members of TMC and help the Fund understand where the industry is headed, what will work, what won’t and why. The Fund continues to look for investments in exciting companies that will have the most profound impact on this multi-trillion-dollar industry. For more information, please reach out to info@tmctechfund.com.

About The Mortgage Collaborative

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) is a membership-driven organization dedicated to empowering mortgage lenders across the United States through networking, education, and advocacy. Our goal is to support the success of our members by fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. For more information, visit http://www.mortgagecollaborative.com/

### UPDATED 12:27pm PDT 3.10.25 to fix an inadvertent error in the text.

NEWS SOURCE: The Mortgage Collaborative

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The Mortgage Collaborative), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-mortgage-collaborative-3-16-25-mortgage-tech-day-presents-five-startups-to-compete-in-dallas-pitch-event/

‘TEAM 28’ Documentary Shines Spotlight on Open-wheeled Modified Car Racing

Open-wheeled modified racing is the beating heart of grassroots motorsports, short track racing

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 26, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Multi-award-winning filmmaker David Wittkower is in the final lap of completing “TEAM 28,” a high-octane documentary that takes audiences deep into the world of short track racing. The film follows the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of a dedicated grassroots team. “We are starting the editing process now,” Wittkower said, “but we’re looking to raise funds to finish the film.”

Image caption: Team 28 car, driven by Buddy Charette is the subject of the new documentary about open-wheeled modified racing. Photo Credit: Andrew Wittkower.

The project is being developed as both a one-hour documentary and a potential series for a major motorsports network. While a GoFundMe page has helped fund the filming, additional financial support is needed to complete post-production.

Open-wheeled modified racing is the beating heart of grassroots motorsports. Unlike the sprawling superspeedways seen in NASCAR’s top series, these cars are typically on a half mile, making for intense, door-to-door action, quick laps, and high drama. This is where many of today’s professional drivers got their start, cutting their teeth on local asphalt and dirt ovals, battling for trophies, bragging rights, and a shot at the next level.

David Wittkower is a renowned documentary filmmaker with a passion for telling real, compelling human stories. Over the course of his career, he has captured the raw emotion, resilience, and spirit of his subjects. His past work has explored topics ranging from the Coast Guard, Wildland Firefighters to rodeo legends such as Lane Frost and Joe Beaver. His films have been seen on PBS, Discovery, Outdoor and History Channels to name a few.

“This is more than just a racing documentary – it’s a story about passion, perseverance, and the love of the game,” said Stacey Russell, one of the Producers of the film, car owner for Team 28, and lifelong racing fan.

“Short track racing is the backbone of motorsports, and ‘TEAM 28’ captures the grit, determination, and camaraderie that make this sport so special,” Russell adds. “We’re excited to bring this story to the fans who live and breathe racing just like we do, and bring to those who know nothing of the sport.”

For more information, see the promo video or to support the film, visit the GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-finish-a-documentary-project

NEWS SOURCE: David Wittkower

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (David Wittkower), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/team-28-documentary-shines-spotlight-on-open-wheeled-modified-car-racing/

LearnWise AI Secures €2M to Expand Ethical AI for University Support

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands, Nov. 21, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — LearnWise AI, an AI-powered student assistant platform, secures €2 million in seed funding from Emerge. The investment will fuel global expansion, enabling universities to address increasing student support queries through ethical AI-driven solutions.

Photo caption: The LearnWise AI Team.

The funding follows the rapid adoption of LearnWise AI’s platform, which has already helped leading institutions reduce support queries by 50% while serving over 720,000 students globally. The investment will accelerate product development and team expansion to meet growing demand from universities facing increased support needs with constrained resources.

“Students don’t need another chatbot – they need a personal concierge who understands their complete university journey and fully integrates into the EdTech ecosystem of an institution,” shares Greg Marschall, CEO of LearnWise. “We’re building responsible AI that makes support truly accessible, regardless of time, platform, or language.”

Nic Newman, General Partner at Emerge, shares: “LearnWise perfectly aligns with our mission to democratize education. As universities face mounting pressure to scale support with limited resources, their ethical AI platform ensures every student can access the help they need, whenever they need it.”

LearnWise transforms how universities deliver student support through an AI-powered platform built for higher education, providing a consistent, intelligent support experience across all university touchpoints – from learning management systems to student portals, websites, and internal systems. With native integrations for major platforms like Canvas LMS, Brightspace, Moodle, Blackboard, and ReadyEducation, LearnWise can be deployed within 30 minutes and scaled across departments.

The platform stands out for its comprehensive approach to support transformation:

Native integration with leading education platforms and help desk systems
AI-driven knowledge management that identifies content gaps and drives continuous improvement
Real-time analytics providing actionable insights into student support trends
Multilingual 24/7 support accessible across all digital channels
Rapid implementation with flexible deployment options to meet institutions at any stage of their digital transformation

Beyond just providing AI answers, LearnWise helps institutions build a cycle of continuous improvement, analyzing support patterns to help leadership identify and address systemic issues, while automatically flagging content gaps to strengthen the knowledge base over time.

LearnWise is led by a team of education technology veterans with decades of combined experience serving millions of students. The leadership team of Greg Marschall, Michel Visser, Pietro Vigilanza, Ian Haugh, Toshiro Polak, and Luca Dorigo brings deep expertise from leading companies in the space. Their experience building solutions at Instructure, EesySoft, Explorance, and FeedbackFruits drives LearnWise’s mission to bring transformative technology to higher education.

About LearnWise AI

LearnWise AI helps universities transform student support through an AI-powered assistant that makes help accessible anytime, anywhere.

Website: https://learnwise.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnwiseai

Contact: hi@learnwise.ai

About Emerge

Founded in 2014 as Europe’s only edtech specialist fund, Emerge invests in B2B and B2C startups enabling people to grow and fulfill their potential. Emerge has invested in over 80 high-impact startups valued at $2bn, supporting +31M learners and +8k institutions worldwide

Website: https://www.emergecapital.vc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emergecapitalvc

Address: 15 Fetter Lane, London, UC4A 1BW, United Kingdom

NEWS SOURCE: LearnWise AI

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (LearnWise AI), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/learnwise-ai-secures-e2m-to-expand-ethical-ai-for-university-support/

JPMorgan Chase Awards $25,000 Grant to Black Chamber of Arizona to Boost Entrepreneurial Growth and Economic Empowerment

PHOENIX, Ariz., Oct. 4, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Black Chamber of Arizona (BCAZ) is excited to announce that it has received a $25,000 seed funding grant from JPMorganChase. This generous contribution will fuel the Chamber’s mission to strengthen Black businesses and produce new economic buying power throughout Arizona. The funds will support key programs aimed at empowering Black entrepreneurs, providing pathways to financial growth, and fostering greater economic inclusion.

Photo caption: JPMorgan Chase Executives & Black Chamber CEO, Dr. Velma Trayham.

For over 26 years, the Black Chamber of Arizona has been dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap by providing essential education, advocacy, and resources to Black entrepreneurs. Our efforts have centered on four strategic pillars: access to capital, access to contracting opportunities, digital and health equity, and youth development. Through these pillars, BCAZ has delivered over 15,000 hours of training, supported more than 1,200 business owners, and facilitated access to over $5 million in funding to help businesses launch and expand. These initiatives have also resulted in the creation of hundreds of jobs statewide. With the launch of the Rising Together Campaign, BCAZ aims to raise $1.5 million by March 15, 2025, to further drive financial growth and sustainable economic development for Black-owned businesses in Arizona.

“We are deeply grateful for this generous grant from JPMorganChase, which will help us expand our mission and reach more Black entrepreneurs across Arizona,” said Dr. Velma Trayham, President and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. “This partnership will enable us to provide the resources and support necessary for Black businesses to thrive, creating new opportunities for economic growth in our communities.”

The Rising Together Campaign is central to BCAZ’s long-term vision for strengthening Black businesses and fostering community development. To build on its history of success, the Chamber is hosting its 26th Anniversary Black Chamber Awards Fundraising Gala on December 13, 2024. This event will raise funds for programs that bolster Black businesses and community initiatives.

Those interested in attending can find more information and purchase tickets here – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-chamber-of-arizona-26th-anniversary-pinnacle-pathways-awards-gala-tickets-1024450327507?aff=oddtdtcreator.

“At JPMorganChase, we are committed to advancing racial equity and supporting organizations that help create opportunities for entrepreneurs,” said Ashley Kelly, a Vice President and Senior Business Consultant at JPMorganChase who sits on the Chamber’s Board. “This investment in the Black Chamber of Arizona is part of our broader efforts to address barriers to capital, promote business growth and contribute to inclusive economic development.”

In addition to the financial support, JPMorganChase collaborates with the Black Chamber of Arizona on educational workshops, business consulting services, and networking events aimed at providing comprehensive support to Black-owned businesses. This partnership will help sustain economic growth for local communities and the state of Arizona.

About the Rising Together Campaign

The Rising Together Campaign builds on the Black Chamber of Arizona’s history of impactful initiatives to provide comprehensive support for Black-owned businesses. The campaign seeks to raise $1.5 million by March 15, 2025, to expand programs that strengthen Black businesses and foster economic empowerment. To support the campaign or learn more, visit here.

About the Black Chamber of Arizona
The Black Chamber of Arizona is dedicated to strengthening Black businesses, empowering underserved entrepreneurs, and producing new economic buying power. Established to close the racial wealth gap, BCAZ provides critical resources and advocacy to foster economic success. For more information, visit https://www.blackchamberaz.com/.

About JPMorgan Chase & Co.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.7 trillion and operations worldwide. The firm is committed to advancing racial equity, supporting underserved communities, and promoting equal opportunities. For more information, visit https://www.jpmorganchase.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-1004-s2p-bcazchase-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: JPMorgan Chase Executives & Black Chamber CEO, Dr. Velma Trayham.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Black Chamber of Arizona
info@blackchamberaz.com

NEWS SOURCE: Black Chamber of Arizona

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Black Chamber of Arizona), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/jpmorgan-chase-awards-25000-grant-to-black-chamber-of-arizona-to-boost-entrepreneurial-growth-and-economic-empowerment/

TMC Emerging Technology Fund Announces Newest Corporate Partner: Andromeda Division Constellation Software’s Perseus Operating Group

AUSTIN, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, announced today that the TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP has secured its first corporate partner, Andromeda. Andromeda is a Division of the Perseus Operating Group, of Constellation Software, Inc. (TSX: CSU; "Constellation"). Constellation is a long-term investor and operator of over a thousand software companies in multiple vertical markets with a cumulative investment of over $10 billion. Andromeda builds, acquires, and invests in financial software companies that provide mission-critical solutions for the mortgage industry.

"We are excited to partner with The Mortgage Collaborative through their Emerging Technology Fund," said Bonnie Wilhelm, Chief Executive Officer at Andromeda. "TMC's deep industry expertise and focus on innovation perfectly aligns with our own commitment to supporting growth in the mortgage technology sector. Together, we can identify and invest in promising companies that are shaping the future of lending."

"We could not be more thrilled to welcome Andromeda to our program. In addition to strengthening our investment capacity, we look forward to closely collaborating with their team and benefitting from their considerable industry experience to help us make smart, strategic investments," commented Sandy Selman, General Partner of the TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP.

About TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP

TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP (the "Fund") is a specialist fintech fund explicitly focused on the mortgage industry and immediately adjacent verticals. Its Limited Partners consist of some of the most technology-forward lender members of TMC and help the Fund understand where the industry is headed, what will work, what won't and why. The Fund continues to look for investments in exciting companies that will have the most profound impact on this multi-trillion-dollar industry. For more information, please reach out to info@tmctechfund.com.

About Andromeda

Andromeda is a global investment firm specializing in acquiring and investing in mission-critical software companies. It partners with exceptional entrepreneurs to scale businesses that serve essential needs across a wide range of industries. Andromeda's long-term approach empowers management teams to drive sustainable growth and achieve enduring success. In the mortgage industry, our businesses include Optimal Blue, Dark Matter Technologies, Constellation Mortgage Solutions, Axacore and ReverseVision. Together, our business units work tirelessly to empower lenders on the front lines with innovative solutions designed to lower origination costs in a regulatory-compliant manner. For more information, visit https://www.csiandromeda.com

About The Mortgage Collaborative

The Mortgage Collaborative The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) is a membership-driven* organization dedicated to empowering mortgage lenders across the United States through networking, education, and advocacy. Our goal is to support the success of our members by fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. For more information, visit http://www.mortgagecollaborative.com/

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, announced today that the TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP has secured its first corporate partner, Andromeda. Andromeda is a Division of the Perseus Operating Group, of Constellation Software, Inc. (TSX: CSU; "Constellation").

Related link: https://www.mortgagecollaborative.com

Avatar Construction Announces Multi-Family / Hotel Expansion

WATERTOWN, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Avatar Design & Construction, a leader in the construction industry, has announced the next phase of expansion in its Multi-Family & Hotel Design-Build Construction Division. Guiding this monumental growth is Chief Operations Manager Nazar Vincent, a visionary with a track record of executing innovative construction strategies.

The announcement comes at a time when demand for multifaceted, quality-oriented construction services is surging both regionally and across the nation. The strategic expansion underscores Avatar's commitment to addressing this need with its trailblazing design-build solutions.

"It's an honor to lead Avatar Construction to new heights," says Vincent. "Our focus on cutting-edge, sustainable design is redefining what clients expect from their construction partners."

Avatar announced the "Grand" series of luxury apartment complexes earlier this year that have already broken ground at two Manchester NH locations, with more properties slated over the next few years.

A Testament to Innovative and Sustainable Design-Build Construction

Avatar Construction is no stranger to the spotlight, with a bevy of high-profile projects already under its belt and several more both in progress and poised to start. The firm's commitment to sustainability and modern construction methods is evident in every project they undertake. Their reputation for precision and reliability in multi-family and hotel environments has made them a preferred partner for complex and large-scale projects across the region.

"We are always looking for ways to push the boundaries and improve traditional construction methods," says Vincent. "Our goal is not just to complete projects, but to exceed expectations and leave a lasting impact on the communities we serve."

Investment Opportunities

In partnership with Bridgewater Development of Watertown MA, several opportunities are available for qualified investors seeking lucrative CRE investments with industry leading returns.

"Our purchasing experts are able to secure high-quality products and building materials at a fraction of the cost through extensive research and offshore purchasing power," says Vincent. "This allows us to design projects with a much higher profit margin compared to other developers while still using superior designs, high-end materials, and the latest construction methods. In turn, we are able to share these profits with an elite group of investors who play a key role in the development of an exciting portfolio of projects across New England."

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can join an industry leader that is helping shape the future of the region. Investment can be allocated to a single project or several with a choice of several exciting projects available. Qualified individuals and groups can apply at https://bridgewaterdevelopment.com/.

About Avatar Design & Construction

The Avatar team has been building ideas into reality since 1999. Avatar Construction provides comprehensive design-build construction contracting services throughout New England and the Northeast. The culture and systems used by Avatar Construction enable us to provide outstanding customer service to our clients.

We believe in a simple, yet extremely effective, approach to commercial construction - We call it Avatar Design + Build.

While many companies claim to offer design + build, few offer a solution that truly encompasses the entire project from start to finish and beyond. Over the years, we have developed and refined the Avatar Design/Build Process which has set us apart from others in the industry who cannot offer an A-Z design/build solution.

Project Capabilities

Commercial | Industrial | Multi-Family | Hotel | Residential | Land Development | Institutional | Manufacturing | Hospitality | Lab/Medical | Office Buildings | Parks & Golf Courses | Retail

Avatar Construction, Inc. & Bridgewater Development are headquartered in Watertown Massachusetts and can be reached by calling (617) 714-5773 or through the corporate websites.

Learn more:

https://avatarconstructioninc.com/

https://bridgewaterdevelopment.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AvatarConstructionCorporation

https://www.instagram.com/avatarconstructioncorp/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/avatar-construction-boston

Avatar Design & Construction, a leader in the construction industry, has announced the next phase of expansion in its Multi-Family & Hotel Design-Build Construction Division. Guiding this monumental growth is Chief Operations Manager Nazar Vincent, a visionary with a track record of executing innovative construction strategies.

Related link: https://avatarconstructioninc.com/

Game, Set, Match! Dink Productions Serves Up Kickstarter Campaign for First-Ever Pickleball Full-Length Feature Film, ‘In a Pickle’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dink Productions launches a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for their upcoming movie "In a Pickle." By engaging the vibrant pickleball community in this campaign, Dink Productions aims to showcase the massive audience awaiting to see this movie come to life.

Announced by Dink Productions in early January, "In a Pickle" is a love letter to the sport, celebrating the community around it and exploring its playful rivalry with tennis. Crafted by filmmaker, storyteller, and pickleball enthusiast Dan Brooks, alongside music and film producer, serial entrepreneur Jason Reid, who builds pickleball and tennis courts across Florida, the movie captures these diverse perspectives on the sport's rise.

Joel Boyd, an acclaimed comedy writer, actor, and director, adds his witty and relatable humor to create a film that promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of humor, heart, and sportsmanship.

The writers are launching a crowdfunding campaign to start the pre-production stage of the movie. More than anything else, Dink Productions is looking to have the vast, passionate pickleball community become part of this exciting journey.

The company is teaming up with jojo+lo Pickleball Wear ~ With Flair, a female-founded brand with trendy pickleball apparel and accessories. This collaboration plays a big role in the different tiers and perks of this campaign, and their products are an integral part of some of the rewards that people can enjoy when they contribute to the campaign.

We have partnered with pickleball's largest online community and leading media platform, The Pickleball Clinic, consisting of a Facebook Group over over 125k players and fans, a newsletter with over 70k readers, and a suite of active, content-filled social media platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

As an "Official Partner," they will be promoting our Kickstarter, generating hype for the film, running an innovative giveaway, and engaging in other activities such as interviews and social media promotion. The Pickleball Clinic serves as a community for ALL players, from beginners to seasoned pros.

"This Kickstarter isn't just about raising money. We know that there is a huge audience primed for a movie like this. We want to convince big production companies and famous actors that pickleball isn't just a fad - it's a big deal and it needs a movie. With your help, we can show just how passionate this community is. Let's show them why 'In a Pickle' needs to happen!" says Reid.

As the production stage of the movie nears, Dink Productions already knows they have something special.

Dan Brooks says, "The response to our initial marketing on Instagram has been overwhelming and wonderful, and so many people have offered to get involved. Content creators such as Evan Slaughter, Morgan Evans, and The Hype Guys, among many others. We cannot wait to keep bringing more people into this incredibly exciting project, a first of its kind movie that celebrates both the sport of pickleball, and the community that surrounds it."

Be part of cinematic history and help us bring "In a Pickle" to the big screen, at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/inapickle/in-a-pickle-a-sports-comedy-feature-film

"In a Pickle" Website: https://www.inapicklemovie.com/.

"In a Pickle" Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inapicklethefilm/

"In a Pickle" Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/InAPickleFilm

MULTIMEDIA:

Promo video (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB6ExpL2OMU

Dink Productions launches a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for their upcoming movie "In a Pickle." By engaging the vibrant pickleball community in this campaign, Dink Productions aims to showcase the massive audience awaiting to see this movie come to life.

Related link: https://www.inapicklemovie.com/

Bridgewater Development & Avatar Construction Collaborate to Announce Several New Real Estate Development Investment Opportunities

WATERTOWN, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bridgewater Development and Avatar Construction announced today they are seeking investors to partner on several current and future development projects across New England.

"Our projects stand out from the rest through our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and architectural excellence," says Nazar Vincent, Bridgewater Development's Main Principal. "We aim to transform every landscape we encounter with structures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly and energy efficient. As an investor, you become a partner in our projects, and we work hard to yield very profitable returns on your investments that are higher than any other investment sector."

Investment Opportunities

In partnership with Avatar Design & Construction of Watertown MA, several opportunities are available for qualified investors seeking lucrative CRE investments with industry leading returns.

"Our purchasing experts are able to secure high-quality products and building materials at a fraction of the cost through extensive research and offshore purchasing power," says Vincent. "This allows us to design projects with a much higher profit margin compared to other developers while still using superior designs, high-end materials, and the latest construction methods. In turn, we are able to share these profits with an elite group of investors who play a key role in the development of an exciting portfolio of projects across New England."

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can join an industry leader that is helping shape the future of the region. Investment can be allocated to a single project or several with a choice of several exciting projects available.

Current opportunities for investment include a series of new construction apartment buildings in Manchester, NH (GRAND), mixed use condominium buildings in Somerville, MA, and a luxury waterfront condominium complex in Lynn, MA, as well as several residential new construction projects across New England.

Qualified individuals and groups can apply at: https://bridgewaterdevelopment.com/investor-information/.

About Bridgewater Development:

Bridgewater Development offers a unique opportunity to work with a leader in design build construction and land development. We are involved in development projects across New England, and we are always interested in partnering with motivated investors looking to expand their investment portfolios.

Investing in real estate development can be a great way to get involved in the estate projects industry and see a much higher return on your investment. While traditional investments have a standard rate of return, investing in Bridgewater construction development projects can yield a much higher reward, while being a part of something bigger.

The collaboration between Bridgewater Development and Avatar Design & Construction allows us to transform landscapes and build for the future, while earning the highest returns possible for our investors.

Typical projects include:

* Commercial & Industrial Land Development

* Mixed-Use Development

* Multi-Family Development

* Apartment Complexes

* Hospitality & Lodging

* Residential Land Development

Avatar Construction, Inc. & Bridgewater Development are headquartered in Watertown Massachusetts and can be reached by calling (617) 714-5773 or through the corporate websites.

Learn more: BridgewaterDevelopment.com/investor-information

Bridgewater Development and Avatar Construction announced today they are seeking investors to partner on several current and future development projects across New England. Bridgewater Development offers a unique opportunity to work with a leader in design build construction and land development.

Related link: https://avatarconstructioninc.com/

Grand Maison: Your New Home in the Heart of the City is Coming Soon to Downtown Manchester NH

MANCHESTER, N.H. /ScoopCloud/ -- Avatar Construction of Watertown, MA announced today that construction is ready to commence for Grand Maison, a six-story, 223-unit apartment complex and retail space located at 533 Elm Street. This project, set to open in 2026, will transform the current aging commercial space into a modern living destination for both families and individuals.

"We are thrilled to present Grand Maison, our second property in the 'Grand Collection,' to the Manchester community," says the project's developer, Nazar Vincent of Avatar Design & Construction. "This complex will offer features and amenities that are not currently available at other residential buildings in the area, making it a unique living experience."

The location of Grand Maison is ideal for those looking to live in the heart of the city. With its close proximity to dining, nightlife, and sporting events, residents will have access to all that Manchester has to offer. This new site will extend those amenities to many more potential residents, making it a highly desirable place to live.

Grand Maison will include 223 residential units, ranging from one to two bedrooms, with several upgraded penthouse apartments available. The complex will also feature two 950 square foot first-floor retail spaces, a fitness center, and a pool. But the real highlight of Grand Maison is the rooftop deck, offering stunning views of the city and a perfect spot for residents to relax and unwind.

"We wanted to create a space that not only provides comfortable living, but also a sense of community," says Vincent. "That's why we have included amenities like the pool and rooftop deck, to encourage residents to come together and enjoy the city views."

In addition to the top-notch amenities, Grand Maison will have ample parking, ensuring that residents have convenient and secure parking options. The complex will also have top-floor upgraded penthouses with private access, providing a luxurious living experience for those who desire it.

With its prime location, modern features, and luxurious amenities, Grand Maison is set to become the ultimate living destination in downtown Manchester. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this exciting new community. For more information and updates on the opening, visit https://grandcentralsuites.com/.

Investment Opportunities

In partnership with Bridgewater Development of Watertown MA, several opportunities are available for qualified investors seeking lucrative CRE investments with industry leading returns. "Our purchasing experts are able to secure high-quality products and building materials at a fraction of the cost through extensive research and offshore purchasing power, " says Vincent. "This allows us to design projects with a much higher profit margin compared to other developers while still using superior designs, high-end materials, and the latest construction methods. In turn, we are able to share these profits with an elite group of investors who play a key role in the development of an exciting portfolio of projects across New England."

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can join an industry leader that is helping shape the future of the region. Investment can be allocated to a single project or several with a choice of several exciting projects available. Qualified individuals and groups can apply at BridewaterDevelopment.com.

About Avatar Design & Construction

The Avatar team has been building ideas into reality since 1999. Avatar Construction provides comprehensive design-build construction contracting services throughout New England and the Northeast. The culture and systems used by Avatar Construction enable us to provide outstanding customer service to our clients.

We believe in a simple, yet extremely effective, approach to commercial construction - We call it Avatar Design + Build.

While many companies claim to offer design + build, few offer a solution that truly encompasses the entire project from start to finish and beyond. Over the years, we have developed and refined the Avatar Design/Build Process which has set us apart from others in the industry who cannot offer an A-Z design/build solution.

Project Capabilities

Commercial | Industrial | Residential | Land Development | Institutional | Manufacturing | Hospitality | Lab/Medical | Office Buildings | Parks & Golf Courses | Retail

Avatar Construction, Inc. & Bridgewater Development are headquartered in Watertown Massachusetts and can be reached by calling (617) 714-5773 or through the corporate websites.

Learn more:

https://avatarconstructioninc.com/

https://bridgewaterdevelopment.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AvatarConstructionCorporation

https://www.instagram.com/avatarconstructioncorp/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/avatar-construction-boston

Avatar Construction of Watertown, MA announced today that construction is ready to commence for Grand Maison, a six-story, 223-unit apartment complex and retail space located at 533 Elm Street. This project, set to open in 2026, will transform the current aging commercial space into a modern living destination for both families and individuals.

Related link: https://avatarconstructioninc.com/

Leading Direct-to-Consumer Sports Platform, HANG, Raises $9.2 Million Series A Round

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Hang Media, Inc., whose award-winning HANG platform (letshang.live) has drawn more than 22 million young viewers to interactively experience sports events alongside current players, all-time greats, and celebrities, has completed a $9.2 million Series A funding round. HANG will use the proceeds to accelerate product development and audience growth, expanding its leadership position in the rapidly growing direct-to-consumer sports media category.

The financing was led by The Operating Group, a holding company run by media, technology and finance executive Ken Cron. Joining the round were Clara Vista Investment Partners, whose partners include former NBCU Television Chairman Jeff Gaspin, former Credit Suisse TMT chairman Mark Simonian, and Bob Gold, former CEO of Ridgewood Capital; Ratner Ventures, an investment and consulting firm lead by Hank Ratner, the former CEO of the Madison Square Garden Company; Brown Angel Group; and Anthony Baranello, a private investor. Emergetic, LLC partners Mark Lieberman and Ron Frankel advised Hang Media on the transaction.

HANG, co-founded by CEO Jon Klein - the multiple Emmy- and Peabody-winning former President of CNN - and CTO Lorne Greene - CEO of Viva Creative, a leading live experience producer - enables fans to mingle with their heroes on livestreams across YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch. Hundreds of current athletes, including Deebo Samuel, Micah Parsons, Odell Beckham, Jr., DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, have joined legends including Deion Sanders, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, and Clint Dempsey, and entertainers including Emmy winners Anthony Anderson and JB Smoove - in virtual parties offering up-close access to the stars. Each HANG averages 800,000 viewers, sixty percent of them in the 18-44 demographic that advertisers covet. HANG's fans engage with the platform an astounding average of one hour and twenty minutes. HANG's unique combination of broad reach and deep Gen Z engagement has drawn leading sponsors, including Toyota, Wells Fargo, MolsonCoors, Coca-Cola, Dave & Busters, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Smokey Bones, and Pernod-Ricard.

"Gen Z fans want sports viewing to be a communal experience, and they crave authentic, up-close access to their favorite personalities," said Jon Klein, HANG's co-founder and CEO. "That's exactly what HANG delivers - a livestreamed second screen experience, where the audience is as much a star as the athletes - which is why we've become a Gen Z magnet. We make fans' dreams come true, while delivering results that major brands cannot achieve anywhere else."

"We are excited to partner with the amazing HANG team," said Ken Cron, CEO of The Operating Group. "HANG has a deep understanding of the next generation fan, and the power of live sports to deliver true engagement in a fragmenting media landscape. By building community and interactivity into traditional sports viewing, HANG is transforming these everyday events into unique experiences that directly connect fans with their celebrity heroes to create lasting memories."

About HANG

Hang Media, winner of the 2023 Cynopsis Sports Award for best production innovation, is the leading fan-celebrity community, driving 800,000 views of each virtual watch party around major sports events including pro and college football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and cricket. Since HANG's founding in September 2021, more than 22 million young sports fans have come face-to-face with their idols ‐ star athletes, performers, and influencers - while everyone watches the game on their own devices. It's a dream come true for sports lovers, who get to have fun and frank conversations with their heroes about life on and off the field, play trivia contests, and sample products delivered by top sponsors including Toyota, Wells Fargo, MolsonCoors, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and others. Learn more: https://letshang.live/

About The Operating Group

The Operating Group is a holding company that partners with outstanding entrepreneurs to build the next generation of technology-driven businesses. Led by a team of accomplished operating and financial executives, The Operating Group takes an active approach in working with its partner companies. In addition to providing capital to fund growth, The Operating Group provides strategic, operational and financial support, helping founders navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing market and optimize business models to achieve success.

Hang Media, Inc., whose award-winning HANG platform (letshang.live) has drawn more than 22 million young viewers to interactively experience sports events alongside current players, all-time greats, and celebrities, has completed a $9.2 million Series A funding round. HANG will use the proceeds to accelerate product development and audience growth, expanding its leadership position in the rapidly growing direct-to-consumer sports media category.

Related link: https://letshang.live/

Millionaire Mastermind Academy Receives Grant from Truist Foundation to Support Diverse Entrepreneurs

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Millionaire Mastermind Academy announced it received a recent grant from Truist Foundation to support program operations, technical assistance, and support services for diverse entrepreneurs.

"The Millionaire Mastermind Academy addresses barriers to economic mobility for women who have been systemically and historically underserved and excluded, and we are grateful for the support of Truist Foundation," said CEO and founder Dr. Velma Trayham. "When more women have access, economies grow. Women's economic empowerment boosts productivity, increases economic diversification and income equality, and other key positive development outcomes for individuals and communities."

The academy has helped over 8,000 women entrepreneurs develop and grow businesses nationwide. It serves thousands of women annually with resources, tools, and access to move forward. The Truist Foundation grant will help the Millionaire Mastermind Academy support more underserved entrepreneurs with technical support.

"Truist Foundation believes in building stronger communities and better lives by supporting the innovative work of nonprofits like the Millionaire Mastermind Academy," said Katie Saez, Truist Regional President in Georgia. "We are honored to help grow diverse entrepreneurship across Georgia and beyond."

About Millionaire Mastermind Academy:

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aiming to end poverty through empowered entrepreneurship, with a mission to educate and support the growth of minority women-owned businesses. Technical assistance, access to capital, and economic empowerment programs operating in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.

For more information, please visit https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

About Truist Foundation:

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation's leading initiatives - the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at http://Truist.com/Foundation.

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy announced it received a recent grant from Truist Foundation to support program operations, technical assistance, and support services for diverse entrepreneurs. The academy has helped over 8,000 women entrepreneurs develop and grow businesses nationwide.

Related link: https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP Invests in Halcyon

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, announced today that the TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP (the "Fund") has made its latest investment in Halcyon. Halcyon's suite of services provides financial institutions with a 360-degree financial relationship with its customers by affordably expanding their offerings to include investment advisory, IRS transcripts and tax preparation services. Halcyon also introduces an industry-first rep/warranted IRS transcript income validation service at a fraction of the cost and time of any commercially available alternative.

Kirk Donaldson, CEO of Halcyon, said, "Given the immense experience and insight the TMC Emerging Tech Fund and its LPs bring to the table, we are thrilled and honored to secure their investment. Our cutting-edge solutions are designed to address perennial mortgage industry challenges, including lowering closing costs and timeframes while streamlining the borrower experience, which makes us a perfect fit for the Fund."

"We are extremely pleased to add Halcyon to our growing portfolio of mortgage tech leaders. Halcyon has realized significant market traction in a relatively short amount of time and in a difficult market. They count some of our Limited Partners as customers and created a partnership with one of our other portfolio companies, TRAiNED, thus demonstrating the importance of Halcyon to our ecosystem. We are confident, under Kirk's experienced leadership, Halcyon will become one of the star performers of our portfolio," said Sandy Selman, Venture Partner with the Fund.

TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP is a specialist fintech fund explicitly focused on the mortgage industry and immediately adjacent verticals. Its Limited Partners consist of some of the most technology-forward lender members of TMC and help the Fund understand where the industry is headed, what will work, what won't and why. The Fund continues to look for investments in exciting companies that will have the most profound impact on this multi-trillion-dollar industry. For more information, please reach out to info@tmctechfund.com.

About The Mortgage Collaborative:

The Mortgage Collaborative was founded in 2013 by four notable industry leaders and is the nation's largest independent mortgage cooperative network. TMC is singularly focused on creating an environment of collaboration and innovation for small to mid-size mortgage lenders across the country to reduce cost, increase profitability, and better serve the dynamic and changing consumer base in America. For more information, visit http://www.mortgagecollaborative.com/

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, announced today that the TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP (the "Fund") has made its latest investment in Halcyon. Halcyon's suite of services provides financial institutions with a 360-degree financial relationship with its customers by affordably expanding their offerings to include investment advisory, IRS transcripts and tax preparation services.

Related link: https://www.mortgagecollaborative.com

Petco Love Invests $25,000 in Sacramento SPCA to Save and Improve the Lives of Pets in the Sacramento Region

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Sacramento SPCA announced today that they received a $25,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for animals in the Sacramento region.

The Sacramento SPCA has positioned itself as a lifesaving resource for animals in need, regardless of the animal's age, breed, health, and behavior. When the Sacramento SPCA began noticing an increase in both the number of animals entering the shelter with existing behavior challenges and the average length-of-stay for dogs, particularly large breeds, Behavior staff jumped into action piloting a new program to support these animals and their new families.

Customized take-home kits were created to support adopters and animals showing preexisting behavior conditions. Thanks to the lifesaving investment from Petco Love, adopters will receive an "Adoption Success Kit" containing items such as a Sensi harness, Kong, clicker, snuffle mat, and a training manual. For dogs needing even further support, adopters will also receive training vouchers for either a digital or in-person session with an external training organization.

"We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Folsom Petco Pet Care Center and for Petco Love supporting our lifesaving work," said Altine. "With this $25,000 lifesaving investment, we can support new adopters, reduce the number of animals returned to our care for behavior reasons, and keep as many families together as possible."

Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested $350 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations - like ours - across North America, with 6.7 million pets adopted and counting.

"Our investment in the Sacramento SPCA is part of more than $15M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized," said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. "Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We recently launched Petco Love Lost, a national lost and found database that uses patented image-recognition technology to simplify the search for lost pets."

As the only full-service 100% nonprofit animal shelter in the Sacramento region, the Sacramento SPCA relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to support their lifesaving work. They are local, independent, and not affiliated with any other SPCA or humane society, including the ASPCA. All funds stay right here in the Sacramento region - helping animals - and the people who love them - in our own communities.

For more information about the Sacramento SPCA visit https://www.sspca.org/.

Learn more about Petco Love here: https://petcolove.org/.

About the Sacramento SPCA:

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 131 years. They provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually and offer a variety of programs and services designed

to keep people and pets together for life. Visit sspca.org for more information and follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Petco Love:

Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, we've empowered animal welfare organizations by investing $350 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We've helped find loving homes for more than 6.7 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide.

Our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Join us. Visit petcolove.org or follow on Facebook Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead every day.

The Sacramento SPCA announced today that they received a $25,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for animals in the Sacramento region.

Related link: https://www.sspca.org/

Millionaire Mastermind Academy Awards $30,000 In Grants To Black Small Business Owners In Arizona

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a national nonprofit organization addressing the barriers to economic mobility for systemically underserved minority entrepreneurs, proudly announced that it will award $30,000 in grants to local Black-owned small businesses through Elevate Together® powered by Round It Up America® to accelerate their growth and prosperity. The grants will support IMPACT AZ 2025, Arizona's largest supplier diversity readiness program, designed to close the racial wealth gap for business owners.

"We are thrilled to partner with Elevate Together to offer grants to business owners within the Impact AZ Program, which is working to close the racial wealth gap through supplier diversity readiness technical assistance," said Millionaire Mastermind Academy founder and CEO Dr. Velma Trayham.

Elevate Together® was designed to help accelerate the creation, growth, and prosperity of Black- and Hispanic-owned small businesses through education, access, and aid in collaboration with the National Urban League's Entrepreneurship Centers and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. As the founding corporate partner of this nonprofit initiative, The ODP Corporation (parent company to Office Depot, ODP Business Solutions, Veyer, and Varis) proudly pledged an initial investment to help kickstart the program in several major markets to provide eligible small business owners with access to technical assistance programming, mentorship services, professional networks and more.

"We're excited to collaborate with the Millionaire Mastermind Academy to provide cash grants and certified small business mentors to help them elevate their business," said Sharu Goodwyn, Community Investment Manager for The ODP Corporation. "With support from our associates, customers, community partners, and other like-minded businesses, we look forward to fostering additional opportunities for Black- and Hispanic-owned small business owners to innovate, grow, and prosper."

To learn more about Elevate Together®, visit https://elevatetogether.org/.

About Millionaire Mastermind Academy:

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to educate and support the growth of minority business owners, thereby strengthening the economic impact in their community. We have supported over 8,000 women through technical assistance and economic empowerment programs.

For more information, please visit https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a national nonprofit organization addressing the barriers to economic mobility for systemically underserved minority entrepreneurs, proudly announced that it will award $30,000 in grants to local Black-owned small businesses through Elevate Together® powered by Round It Up America® to accelerate their growth and prosperity.

Related link: https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

innovosource hosts virtual conference to bridge gap between tech and startup gap fund and accelerator programs and development and advancement offices

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- It's a trending topic among research institutions - to improve alignment between tech and startup gap fund accelerator programs (GAP) and development/advancement offices. Why? Because more and more alumni and friends of research institutions are looking to channel funds into innovation funds and support programs, like proof-of-concept programs, startup accelerators and university venture funds. So to meet that end, innovosource is hosting a virtual conference, "Innovation and Venture Philanthropy for Research Institutions" on August 23. This unique opportunity invites key parties from each group to participate.

The event is designed to help the groups work together to inspire innovation and philanthropy throughout their research institutions and in their communities. It's also a good opportunity for relevant industry experts, donors and supporters who are interested in being at the forefront of innovation and technology advancement.

Collaboration is key. From technology commercialization professionals and GAP funding accelerator leaders to foundation/development/advancement offices, it's essential that these groups do not silo themselves. Innovation and philanthropic success lays in partnership.

The event will offer a diverse range of content including thought-provoking panels and case studies; experts from Duke University, Innovate Calgary, Tulane University, and University of Notre Dame will share fundraising success stories and strategies.

"The primary goal of this virtual conference is to help participating campuses move the needle through successful tactics and examples, and to help them to leave common misconceptions behind - ones that may be holding back the opportunity/potential of philanthropy as support for innovation and commercialization priorities," Jacob Johnson, founder, innovosource, says. "We want them to come away with not just ideas, but actual ways to implement powerful and effective donor-supported innovation programming strategies of their own."

So, don't miss out on this exceptional gathering that bridges the gap between technology commercialization and philanthropic endeavors.

For more information, visit: https://www.innovosource.com/innovation-venture-philanthropy-event/

About innovosource:

Over the past 17 years, innovosource ( https://www.innovosource.com/ ) has worked with and supported hundreds of gap funding programs around the world. By partnering with research institutions and affiliates, innovosource informs, connects, and advocates for technology and startup gap funding and accelerator support programs.

It's a trending topic among research institutions - to improve alignment between tech and startup gap fund accelerator programs (GAP) and development/advancement offices. So to meet that end, innovosource is hosting a virtual conference, "Innovation and Venture Philanthropy for Research Institutions" on August 23. This unique opportunity invites key parties from each group to participate.

Related link: https://www.innovosource.com/

Shulex VOC launches Shulex Copilot, its new autoGPT Assistant for E-commerce

WAN CHAI, Hong Kong /ScoopCloud/ -- VOC.AI, a cutting-edge AI SaaS solution from Shulex Technology Co.Ltd, has launched its Al Copilot for e-commerce - an AI personal assistant that provides tools to improve operations by providing suggestions, answering queries, automating reports and PRD designs, etc. The product is tailored to support all major global e-commerce websites. With just 10 seconds, customers can get their questions answered, find similar products, translate content, and analyze products.

"We're building a very cool AI chatbot for Ecommerce that you can use anytime from your browser's sidebar," said Hunter Guo, CEO of Shulex VOC. "Just ask it anything from keyword mining and market research to product research review analysis and detailed description optimization."

Shulex VOC has announced over $12 million from top-tier investors, including Northern Light Venture Capital and Challengers Ventures. This funding will help the company accelerate its growth and expansion into new markets.

This seed funding will help Shulex VOC expand into more markets while also allowing them to build out more features for their Al Copilot for e-commerce toolkit which will further benefit customers by providing better insights into customer behavior and preferences as well as helping them create more effective marketing strategies that are tailored specifically for their target audience.

About Shulex VOC:

Shulex VOC is a fast-growing global AI SaaS that empowers individual sellers and Brands gain deeper insights into their customer's needs and preferences, optimize their marketing campaigns, and ultimately drive sales with the latest technology advancements. Competition in the e-commerce industry has made it increasingly difficult for sellers to stand out and reach their target audience.

Shulex VOC's Al Copilot toolkit uses natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) to analyze customer behavior, sentiment, and preferences. This enables sellers to identify the right keywords, optimize product descriptions, and craft compelling marketing messages that resonate with their audience.

Learn more about Shulex VOC's eCommerce solutions at: https://www.voc.ai/

VOC.AI, a cutting-edge AI SaaS solution from Shulex Technology Co.Ltd, has launched its Al Copilot for e-commerce - an AI personal assistant that provides tools to improve operations by providing suggestions, answering queries, automating reports and PRD designs, etc. The product is tailored to support all major global e-commerce websites.

Related link: https://www.voc.ai/

Bestselling Author Nora Roberts Donates to the EveryLibrary Institute to protect the First Amendment in Libraries

RIVERSIDE, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- The EveryLibrary Institute, a national nonprofit focused on public policy and libraries, is proud to announce that bestselling author Nora Roberts and the Nora Roberts Foundation have made a generous donation to the organization to support the launch of Fight for the First, its new advocacy and organizing site with a mission of protecting the First Amendment in libraries across the country.

Ms. Roberts, the best-selling author of nearly 250 novels, has long been a champion of intellectual freedom and the importance of libraries as community resources. The Nora Roberts Family Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that promote literacy, education, and the arts. Ms. Roberts' donations to the EveryLibrary Institute will help the organization continue its work ensuring that all people have free and open access to information and ideas, and that libraries are able to provide a safe and welcoming space for all. The Foundation's donation to EveryLibrary reflects its commitment to defending the right to free speech and access to libraries.

In a statement, Ms. Roberts said, "I have always believed that libraries are essential to our society and the preservation of our democracy. They provide access to knowledge and ideas that are critical for personal and intellectual growth. I am proud to support the EveryLibrary Institute and its mission to protect the First Amendment in libraries."

Kathryn Pong, Vice President of Operations for the Nora Roberts Foundation, said, "Libraries are the heart and soul of our communities, and they play a vital role in promoting literacy, education, and a love of reading. They are also a bastion of free speech and a place where people can come together to learn and grow. We are proud to support the EveryLibrary Institute's mission to protect the First Amendment in libraries and ensure that these institutions remain a cornerstone of our society."

EveryLibrary Executive Director John Chrastka expressed his gratitude for Ms. Roberts' donation, saying, "We are thrilled to have the support of such a prominent figure in the literary world. Ms. Roberts' generosity will help us to continue our important work of advocating for libraries and the freedom to read. We are honored to have her personal support as well as that of the Foundation. Her donation will help us continue our work to protect the essential role that libraries play in our communities."

More information: https://www.fightforthefirst.org/

About EveryLibrary Institute:

The EveryLibrary Institute works to promote the value and visibility of libraries as essential institutions that serve the public good. The mission of EveryLibrary Institute is to defend and advance library values, including access to information and intellectual freedom. The organization works to ensure that all individuals have access to the information and resources they need to succeed and that libraries remain a vital part of our democracy.

Learn more: https://www.everylibraryinstitute.org/

The EveryLibrary Institute, a national nonprofit focused on public policy and libraries, is proud to announce that bestselling author Nora Roberts and the Nora Roberts Foundation have made a generous donation to the organization to support the launch of Fight for the First, its new advocacy and organizing site with a mission of protecting the First Amendment in libraries across the country.

Related link: https://www.everylibraryinstitute.org/

Approximately $140 Million Available for Wildlife Habitat Projects

SAINT PAUL, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) Saturday issued its annual Call for Funding Request from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Approximately $140 million will be available for both metro and statewide grants to aid Minnesota habitat restoration, protection and enhancement.

Requests are due to the LSOHC Friday, May 26, 2023 at 4 p.m. The funds for approved programs signed into law during the 2024 legislative session will be available Monday, July 1, 2024.

Since the Outdoor Heritage Fund's creation in 2008, $1.5 billion in on-the-ground habitat programs has been allocated by the Minnesota legislature and over 1.3 million acres of Minnesota forests, prairies and wetlands have been restored, protected and/or enhanced. The latest set of recommendations for $171 million is currently before the Minnesota legislature.

The process is competitive and open to all who wish to apply. "Each year we receive many excellent proposals containing a wide variety of projects," said Mark Johnson, LSOHC Executive Director, "but there is still great opportunity for new applicants and new ideas. If you are interested in applying, but unsure if Outdoor Heritage Funds are right for your project, call us - LSOHC staff are here to help."

Proposal requirements and terms of funding are outlined in the Call for Funding Request. To view details or learn more, visit: https://www.lsohc.mn.gov/.

For answers to specific questions, contact LSOHC Staff: https://www.lsohc.mn.gov/staff.

About Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council:

The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council is composed of eight citizens and four legislators and makes annual recommendations to the Minnesota legislature for use of the Outdoor Heritage Fund. The Outdoor Heritage Fund is one of four funds established as a result of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy amendment, passed by Minnesota voters in November of 2008. The amendment established a dedicated sales tax increase of three-eighths of 1%. One-third of the dollars raised are deposited in the Outdoor Heritage Fund and expenditures must be used to restore, protect and enhance Minnesota's wetlands, prairies, forests and habitat for fish, game and wildlife. Current LSOHC members are listed on the LSOHC website members page: https://www.lsohc.mn.gov/Member/index.

The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) Saturday issued its annual Call for Funding Request from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Approximately $140 million will be available for both metro and statewide grants to aid Minnesota habitat restoration, protection and enhancement.

Related link: https://www.lsohc.leg.mn/

Growth Partners Arizona Expands Small Business and Nonprofit Loans to More Statewide Communities and Organizations

TUCSON, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Expanding to serve more businesses and communities across Arizona, Growth Partners Arizona (GPAz) is in growth mode: Thinkzilla Consulting Group Announced today The organization recently hired a new Executive Director to lead the expansion of lending programs for nonprofits and small businesses in Arizona. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), GPAz is dedicated to building a more inclusive economy through partnerships and collaboration.

With its focus on closing the racial wealth gap and delivering resources to underserved communities, Growth Partners Arizona is positioned to become a key capital provider in the state. Arizona has over 600K small businesses and only 14 local financial institutions. When compared to states with similar statistics, there is an unfavorable difference and in some cases the difference is a double-digit gap. GPAz's role will be critical in working collaboratively with local financial institutions to address capital needs and help to create sustainable pathways into the financial system for small businesses.

"I am excited about our growth and look forward to building strong partnerships across the state," said Growth Partners Arizona CEO Andre Whittington. "Our focus is simple: work collaboratively, build together and maintain an unwavering commitment to economic justice. We believe small businesses are our economy's heartbeat and nonprofits are our communities' lifeline."

Small businesses and nonprofits across Arizona can now access loans from $1,000 and up to $100,000 with interest rates as low as 0 percent through their KIVA Tucson Hub crowdfunding platform. Organizations including National Bank of Arizona, the International School of Tucson, Dillinger Brewing Company and the YWCA, among others, have lauded Growth Partners Arizona for providing education, a fast process, responsive support and excellent financial advice.

"As part of our growth strategy we wanted to partner with a team that could bring our brand to life" Whittington added. "We got lucky when we found the team at Thinkzilla who helped to transform our brand and capture the true essence of who we are at our core. Our strategic priorities over the next 18-24 months will be to grow intentionally, expand our lending products, and amplify our impact."

About Growth Partners Arizona:

With a mission to provide accessible, fair and responsible loans and support to Arizona nonprofits and economically underserved small businesses outside the economic mainstream, Growth Partners Arizona aims to achieve economic justice through forward-thinking, collaborative and inclusive approaches to capital access in Arizona. For more information visit https://growthpartnersaz-org.scdesdev.one/

Expanding to serve more businesses and communities across Arizona, Growth Partners Arizona (GPAz) is in growth mode: Thinkzilla Consulting Group Announced today The organization recently hired a new Executive Director to lead the expansion of lending programs for nonprofits and small businesses in Arizona.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

MMI Receives Growth Investment from WestView Capital Partners

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), a leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries, announced today that it has received a growth investment from WestView Capital Partners (WestView), a Boston-based private equity firm focused exclusively on middle market growth companies.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, MMI provides a comprehensive software suite that enables participants in the mortgage origination process to track and analyze production data effectively. The MMI platform combines highly accurate and real-time data with broad nationwide geographic coverage and an intelligent, user-friendly interface, allowing its users to access the most relevant information and draw actionable insights quickly. MMI is used by mortgage lenders, loan originators and other real estate professionals to foster and manage referral relationships, facilitate informed recruiting decisions and aid in their outbound sales efforts.

"We are thrilled to partner with WestView and are eager to begin our next chapter of growth," said Ben Teerlink, Founder and CEO of MMI. "This investment from WestView will enable us to continue executing upon the numerous opportunities ahead of us. We are focused on adding new products and features to better support our customers and will leverage WestView's long-tenured experience as software investors to help us accelerate growth and expand our talented team. WestView's investment is a great sign to our customers, employees and the industry at large that we have built a company and brand poised for continued success."

"MMI is a true category leader and has built the leading brand in providing data, analytics, and intelligence to the mortgage origination process," said Kevin Twomey, Principal at WestView, who will join MMI's Board of Directors. "MMI has become an essential tool for those looking to drive more efficient production and take market share, particularly in today's market environment."

"Ben and his team have built an impressive company and have taken advantage of a clear need in the market. We are excited to partner with them as they look to continue to build and scale their platform," added John Turner, partner at WestView, who will also join the company's board.

WestView was represented by Latham & Watkins LLP with debt financing provided by Abacus Finance. MMI was represented by Horizon Partners and Buchalter PC.

About MMI:

Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI) is a market leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, the company's signature product, MMI, provides actionable intelligence for lenders, real estate agents, real estate brokerages, title companies and others in the real estate industry. MMI is currently used by more than 450 enterprise customers, including 20 of the top 25 lenders in the country. To learn more, visit https://mmi.io or contact sales@mmi.io.

About WestView Capital Partners:

WestView Capital Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm focused exclusively on middle market growth companies, manages approximately $1.7 billion in capital across four funds. WestView partners with existing management teams to sponsor minority and majority recapitalizations, growth, and consolidation transactions in industries such as software and IT services, healthcare technology and outsourcing, business services, consumer, and growth industrial. WestView focuses on investing in companies with revenue of at least $10 million and operating profits between $3 and $25 million. For more information, please visit https://www.wvcapital.com/.

Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), a leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries, announced today that it has received a growth investment from WestView Capital Partners (WestView), a Boston-based private equity firm focused exclusively on middle market growth companies.

Related link: https://mmi.io

TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP Invests in TRAiNED

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, announced today that the TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP (the "Fund") recently participated in a $1 million Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) funding round for TRAiNED, Inc.

TRAiNED was founded in December 2021 with a mission to reduce costs, increase efficiency and even out the boom-and-bust cycles in the mortgage industry. Its flagship product, Mortgage Origination Responsible Intelligence (MORI) is designed to be a self-service system for automating steps within the labor-intensive mortgage origination workflow. The system leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) data models in a secure environment to process documents and generate normalized and valid data for return to the lender's loan origination system (LOS).

MORI has recently completed alpha and beta testing and is already showing success providing clients with an average of 15 hours saved every week. TRAiNED is updating the AI and adding functionality to the MORI platform on a regular basis to provide even greater industry efficiencies. The company also offers the ability to augment staffing needs with data labeling and document indexing services.

"The limited partner's investment in TRAiNED is a testament to the need for our solution. The fact that my peers on the fund have also signed client relationship agreements is extremely helpful in TRAiNED's development. There are great things to come, and I am grateful for TMC's Tech Fund in taking this journey with me," said Jonathan Freed, CEO of TRAiNED, Inc.

TRAiNED is a partnership between enterprise-level AI company Inpleo, mid-sized independent mortgage lender Success Mortgage Partners and Freed, a former owner of a mid-sized independent mortgage lender and operating partner of TMC's Emerging Tech Fund. The three partners bring together technology and experience to move the mortgage and other paperwork-heavy industries toward adoption of meaningful, productive and cost-efficient automation.

"Success Mortgage Partners, Inc is thrilled to participate in this investment," said Owen Lee, CEO of Success Mortgage Partners, Inc and TMC Emerging Tech Fund Council Member. "What TRAiNED brings to the table is technology that saves time and conserves resources by automating 'back end' mortgage processes that are endlessly repetitive and traditionally executed by personnel. With TRAiNED, these tasks can now be automated with a superior rate of accuracy, saving mortgage lenders time and money on every single file, which compounds over time and number of files."

The Limited Partners of the TMC Emerging Technology Fund consist of some of the most technology-forward lender members of TMC who evaluate and invest in companies looking to advance the mortgage industry. The Fund continues to look for investment opportunities that will result in higher profitability and business process improvement for TMC lender members.

For more information, please reach out to info@tmctechfund.com To learn more about TRAiNED, visit gettrained.ai or reach out at info@gettrained.ai.

About The Mortgage Collaborative

Based in San Diego, Calif., The Mortgage Collaborative was founded in 2013 by four notable industry leaders and is the nation's largest independent mortgage cooperative network. TMC is singularly focused on creating an environment of collaboration and innovation for small to mid-size mortgage lenders across the country to reduce cost, increase profitability, and better serve the dynamic and changing consumer base in America.

For more information, visit: http://www.mortgagecollaborative.com/.

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, announced today that the TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP (the "Fund") recently participated in a $1 million Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) funding round for TRAiNED, Inc.

Related link: https://www.mortgagecollaborative.com

California African American Women Partnership Sage Investment Club Celebrates 25 Years of Stock Market Education and Profits

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Sage Investment Club, an investment firm managed by an all-female, African American leadership team, today celebrates 25 years since the launch of its investment platform. Founded by Sonya Weaver-Johnson, the group offers investment education and co-investment opportunities.

While working as a self-employed day trader, Ms. Weaver-Johnson was surprised to learn that women were less likely to invest in the stock market than their male peers. This startling fact inspired her to form a community of women she would personally equip with the knowledge to become skilled investors. From the outset, she began educating women about capital markets, offering a proven investment strategy and a simple platform for trading.

Today, Sage Investment Club is ringing the proverbial bell to celebrate its 25th anniversary, and members continue to profit substantially from this unique venture.

According to a 2021 survey conducted by NerdWallet, "Forty-eight percent of women currently invest in the stock market compared to 66% of men. What's more alarming is women are less likely than men to have learned about investments."

Sage Investment Club has been on a mission to bridge this gap for over two decades. Early in the club's history, Ms. Weaver-Johnson claimed, "With a little education and engagement, virtually anyone can become a successful investor." Unsurprisingly, her bold statement has rung true for dozens of women trained by the club over the years.

The members of Sage Investment Club use a cloud-based application to manage club operations, and its internal systems are secure and automated. Also, these highly educated women have diverse professional backgrounds and are leaders in healthcare, technology, law, entertainment, and education. The club reached its silver anniversary by leveraging technology, applying industry-specific thought leadership, committing to sound investment principles, and fostering a sisterhood - something few other investment groups can claim. Since its inception, the club's portfolio has consistently outperformed the S&P 500 and NASDAQ indexes.

Although investment management is the club's core function, it has a long-standing culture of giving back. Club members are highly active in their communities and support charitable organizations through board service, philanthropy, and volunteerism.

Looking forward, Sage Investment Club plans to further diversify its portfolio by investing in modern vehicles like socially responsible exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and the metaverse. Additionally, the club aims to provide a unique space where women can learn and earn together for years to come.

More Information: https://sageinvestmentclub.com/.

About Sage:

Sage Investment Club is an all-female, African American investment group founded in 1997. Based in California, it is one of the longest-running investment clubs in the United States. Members cooperatively manage a high-value portfolio of equity securities and cash equivalents using a proprietary investment strategy. The club's motto is "Learning and earning together."

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/23-0112-s2p-sonjawj-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: Sonya Weaver-Johnson, MBA, founder and Managing Partner, Sage Investment Club.

SOCIAL LINKS:

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/sageinvestmentclub/

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sageinvestmentclub

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sageinvestmentclub/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/sageinvestmentc

- Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sageinvestmentclub

Sage Investment Club, an investment firm managed by an all-female, African American leadership team, today celebrates 25 years since the launch of its investment platform. Founded by Sonya Weaver-Johnson, the group offers investment education and co-investment opportunities.

Related link: https://sageinvestmentclub.com/

BioBuilder funded to expand student opportunity in rural and urban areas through its collaborative after school program

BOSTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Thanks to a two-year grant recently awarded by BioMADE, the BioBuilder Educational Foundation will expand a program that has supported thousands of high school inventors over the last decade. BioBuilder is leading the project, "Launching High School Bioengineers on their Paths to College and Careers," with funding that will bring the authentic tools and approaches for engineering biology to BioBuilderClub students nationwide in collaboration with East Tennessee State University, Ars Biotechnica, and Daicel Arbor Biosciences.

Support from BioMADE will enable these organizations to provide teams of young innovators new opportunities to design, build and test their biodesigns, and submit their research for publication as peer-reviewed manuscripts in BioTreks (Ars Biotechnica). Industry-standard biomanufacturing reagents and mentorship from professional scientists will be provided by Daicel Arbor, while East Tennessee State University will expand the geographic and demographic reach of the BioBuilderClub and spearhead a rigorous evaluation of its impact.

Thomas Tubon, Chief Workforce Development Officer for BioMADE said, "With the bioeconomy expected to contribute over a million jobs in this field by 2030, and the growing desire to connect local feedstocks to nearby manufacturing capabilities, a program like this is essential as it can raise awareness and provide opportunities to students, regardless of geography or demography."

Founder and Executive Director of BioBuilder, Dr. Natalie Kuldell shared that, "We are thrilled to be building momentum in non-traditional STEM hubs. By simultaneously training students and celebrating their achievements, this work will draw students into the exciting and creative sides of science and engineering. It will also increase awareness among community stakeholders, including parents of participating students, high school teachers, college admissions officers, and relevant local businesses."

These goals are fully aligned with the recently signed Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy that establishes the National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative. The National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative will create jobs, leverage biotechnology to build more resilient supply chains, improve health outcomes, and lower prices for Americans by expanding biomanufacturing capacity, creating market pathways for bio-based products, training a diverse workforce, and fostering innovation.

About BioBuilder:

Created by an award-winning team from MIT, BioBuilder empowers teachers and schools to better serve students and employers by elevating the skills that students are taught. Founded in 2011, BioBuilder has grown to partner with schools in almost every state and around the world. BioBuilder builds confidence in teachers to learn and apply the synthetic biology curricula, and provides laboratory kits and an openly accessible textbook that enable experiential learning.

BioBuilder also works directly with district and community leaders to identify potential roadblocks to narrow the gap between science innovation and science education -- at least for biology - across the U.S., and better match the skill of our nation's workforce to the needs of the synthetic biology industry. Learn more by visiting https://biobuilder.org/.

About BioMADE:

Launched in 2021, BioMADE is a Manufacturing Innovation Institute sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. By supporting the development of biomanufacturing technologies, BioMADE and its network of 150+ members across 29 states are strengthening American competitiveness, creating a more resilient supply chain, and helping the U.S. becoming more self-sufficient. Learn more about BioMADE by visiting https://www.biomade.org/.

About ETSU:

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is a public research university in Johnson City, Tennessee. It is the fourth largest university in the state with nearby off-campus centers. It hosts the James H. Quillen College of Medicine, often ranked as one of the top schools in the United States for rural medicine and primary care education; the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, the College of Nursing, the College of Public Health, and the recently formed College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences. Learn more about ETSU at https://www.etsu.edu/.

About Ars Biotechnica:

Ars Biotechnica is a public nonprofit corporation with the goal of teaching high school students and teachers about synthetic biology. They publish BioTreks, the first international synthetic biology journal to be authored and reviewed by high school students. The journal is intended to give participating students the valuable experiences of writing and evaluating scientific papers, while offering them opportunities to share their own synthetic biology ideas, techniques, and results in a professionally edited, online publication. Learn more by visiting https://biotreks.org/.

About Daicel Arbor Biosciences:

Daicel Arbor Biosciences, a subsidiary of Chiral Technologies, Inc. (part of Daicel Corporation), is a biotech company that is specialized in targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), in situ hybridization probe design, and cell-free protein expression. Their products and services have been utilized in broad applications in genomics, cytogenetics, and synthetic biology. They have served customers in plant, animal, human, bacteria, and virus areas for more than fifteen years. Learn more by visiting https://arborbiosci.com/.

Thanks to a two-year grant recently awarded by BioMADE, the BioBuilder Educational Foundation will expand a program that has supported thousands of high school inventors over the last decade. BioBuilder is leading the project, "Launching High School Bioengineers on their Paths to College and Careers," with funding that will bring the authentic tools and approaches for engineering biology to BioBuilderClub students nationwide in collaboration with East Tennessee State University, Ars Biotechnica, and Daicel Arbor Biosciences.

Related link: https://biobuilder.org/