Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 8:22 PM on Sunday, January 10th, 2021
Most of us know drones as cool toys flying around the neighbourhood, or perhaps even as simple commercial applications for things like real estate videos.
But the fact of the matter is that drone usage is about to go parabolic with huge corporations now testing ways to:
Deliver vaccines with drones.
Use drones to provide Internet connections in remote locations.
Use drones to collect data.
Use drones to detect infectious conditions from a distance of 190 feet.
…… And there’s even a start-up that’s using drones to deliver tacos to your door.
In short, the drone industry is booming in ways people can’t imagine because the industry is shifting from the drones (hardware) to data … and one company is already ahead of the shift … DraganFly (DFLY: CSE) (DFLYF:OTCQB) (3U8:FSE)
DraganFly is an award-winning drone manufacturer and technology developer that is actually delivering some pretty incredible achievements, milestones and even history:
Established in 1998 DFLY is considered the oldest commercial drone company in the world
Built the first drone that saved a life
Boasts the first drone to be inducted into the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
Shooting down “smuggler” drone carrying 28lbs of heroin
Developing Vaccine Drone Delivery Payload System (it’s way more complicated than just transporting vaccines)
And last but not least was the issuance of a delivery drone patent – which sounds like no big deal until you understand how it is a GAME CHANGER for the entire drone delivery market.
If you believe in the massive parabolic growth in the use of drones for almost everything we do in this world, or are just learning, then watch / listen to this powerful interview with Draganfly CEO and Chairman, Cameron Chell
On Wednesday evening, the collective value of all cryptocurrencies crossed $1T (with a frickin “T”). And on Thursday, Bitcoin, the most prominent coin, hit $40k — 2x its price from just a month ago.
While these are huge milestones for the industry, it may not even be the most consequential ones of the week.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) — a bank-regulating bureau within the Treasury Department — has issued guidance saying banks may adopt certain blockchain technologies.
By: Trung T. Phan
On Wednesday evening, the collective value of all cryptocurrencies crossed $1T (with a frickin “T”). And on Thursday, Bitcoin, the most prominent coin, hit $40k — 2x its price from just a month ago.
While these are huge milestones for the industry, it may not even be the most consequential ones of the week.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) — a bank-regulating bureau within the Treasury Department — has issued guidance saying banks may adopt certain blockchain technologies.
Specifically, chartered banks can deploy stablecoins, which are more… er… stable than other crypto because they’re pegged to other assets.
The OCC has been very forward-looking on payments…
… since a former Coinbase executive, Brian Brooks, took over the bureau in May 2020.
Issued guidance allowing banks to custody cryptocurrencies
Created a special payment charter for fintech firms
One DC lawyer said the OCC was similarly ahead of the pack on internet banking, and the latest guidance (AKA an interpretative letter) will help make crypto more mainstream.
What does this really mean?
Jeremy Allaire, CEO of blockchain payments startup Circle, says the OCC’s move is important because it:
Allows banks to treat blockchain like other payments infrastructure (e.g., SWIFT, ACH)
Enables banks to use decentralized and faster settlement technology
Creates a path for the US to create its own digital currency (AKA a “USDC”)
Furtner, Forbes notes that there’s a huge opportunity to improve the speed of cross-border transactions if US banks deploy blockchain.
The changes are happening too fast for some
In November, 6 members of Congress criticized the OCC for moving “unilaterally” on crypto regulation.
The OCC itself acknowledges that banks must expand “compliance programs” to deal with any blockchain-related transactions.
Meanwhile, another US bureau with the Treasury Department, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), released more stringent rules on data collection for digital wallets.
Crypto is moving fast, but there are still some hurdles to clear until the next trillion (with a frickin’ “T”) in market value is created.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 2:53 PM on Friday, January 8th, 2021
Toronto, Ontario–(January 8, 2021) – Datametrex AI Limited (TSXV: DM) (FSE: D4G) (OTC Pink: DTMXF) (the “Company” or “Datametrex”) would like to congratulate its investee company, Graph Blockchain (GBLC: CSE) on the recent share price appreciation.
“Datametrex remains a significant shareholder of Graph Blockchain owning approximately 25% of Graph. We welcome any new direction the board and management determine to be in the best interest of GBLC and its shareholders,” says Marshall Gunter CEO of the Company.
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Burger King to launch 100% vegan burger for Veganuary in the UK
Burger King is launching a new vegan burger in the UK next week (11th January).
The new vegan burger comes a year after the chain released its plant-based Rebel Whopper, which was unsuitable for vegans because of it being cooked on the same grill as meat.
However, this time the US fast-food giant will sell a 100% vegan bean burger, which includes two signature veggie patties on a toasted sesame bun, topped with fresh-cut lettuce, juicy tomatoes, ketchup, and vegan mayo.
The burger is said to cost around £4.59 on its own, or £5.59 with a drink.
TheRebel Whopper
Last year, the chain launched a Rebel Whopper for Veganuary, angering many vegans because it was grilled on the same surface as the meat version.
It however said at the time that the burger was aimed at ‘flexitarians’.
Commenting on the plant-based Whopper, Toni Vernelli, international head of marketing at Veganuary, said: “For all of the important issues that Veganuary – and most vegans – are trying to address through their food choices it makes absolutely no difference whether the plant-based patty is cooked separately or on the same grill as the meat.
“What does make a big difference to animals and the planet is when non-vegans choose a plant-based menu option, enjoy it and then order it again.
“And that’s exactly who Burger King’s plant-based Whopper is aimed at, flexitarians who want to reduce their meat consumption for health or environmental reasons, or are considering going vegan.”
Veganuary launches
Burger King has joined a slew of retailers, restaurants, and fast-food chains that have launched new products for Veganaury this year.
Wagamama is moving ahead with a new vegan-themed menu for Veganuary amid its pledge to make 50% of its menu meat-free by the end of 2021.
The new menu offers plant-based versions of cult favourite dishes; Chilli Squid, sticky ribs, Firecracker Curry, and Grilled Duck Donburi, which the company hopes will entice even their ‘most set-in-their-ways meat-eating fans’.
Pret A Manger is adding nine new vegan items including breakfast items and wraps to its January menu, which will be launched at both Pret and Veggie Pret outlets nationwide.
Sandwich chain Subway has launched the vegan T.L.C. (Tastes Like Chicken) Sub and Vegan Double Choc Cookie, both of which are available to order in Subway stores just in time for Veganuary.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 7:44 AM on Friday, January 8th, 2021
For the period beginning October 1 st , 2020 and ending December 31 st , 2020, Hollister reports that it generated record quarterly revenue of CDN$14.93 million and CDN$2.53 million in EBITDA from its product line of pre-rolls, concentrates, distillates, solvent-free bubble hash, pre-packaged flower, tinctures and vape products.
“We are very pleased with our ability to deliver record quarterly revenue in such a challenging market environment. We attribute our revenue growth to further penetration of the California and Arizona dispensary networks and successful new product launches with our joint venture partners. Sales of cannabis related products continue to show resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to continue this positive momentum into 2021” stated Alex Somjen , President.
VANCOUVER, BC , Jan. 7, 2021 – Hollister Biosciences Inc.(CSE: HOLL) (OTC: HSTRF) (FRANKFURT: HOB) (the ” Company “, ” Hollister Cannabis Co .” or ” Hollister “) a diversified cannabis branding company with products in over 280 dispensaries throughout California , and over 90 dispensaries throughout Arizona , is pleased to provide an update on its Q4, 2020 performance.
Q4 2020 Update
For the period beginning October 1 st , 2020 and ending December 31 st , 2020, Hollister reports that it generated record quarterly revenue of CDN$14.93 million and CDN$2.53 million in EBITDA from its product line of pre-rolls, concentrates, distillates, solvent-free bubble hash, pre-packaged flower, tinctures and vape products. The Company cautions that revenue and EBITDA figures have not yet been audited and are based on reports prepared by management.
“We are very pleased with our ability to deliver record quarterly revenue in such a challenging market environment. We attribute our revenue growth to further penetration of the California and Arizona dispensary networks and successful new product launches with our joint venture partners. Sales of cannabis related products continue to show resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to continue this positive momentum into 2021” stated Alex Somjen , President.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 7:35 AM on Friday, January 8th, 2021
Company Continues its Track Record of Successful “Bubble” Implementations with bdG Sports
Company has been selected by bdG Sports to provide its venue management platform to the Big West Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships being held March 9-13, 2021 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
A total of 19 men’s and women’s NCAA basketball teams will compete in the Big West Conference Finals for a chance to enter the NCAA 2020-2021 “March Madness” Tournament in Las Vegas.
Loop’s selection to provide its venue management platform at the Big West Conference Championships follows the successful deployment of Loop’s venue bubble solution at two previous NCAA basketball tournaments, the Gulf Coast Showcase and the Vegas Main Event.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 08, 2021 — Loop Insights Inc. (MTRX:TSXV OTCQB:RACMF) (the “Company” or “Loop”), a provider of contactless solutions and artificial intelligence (“AI”) to drive real-time insights, enhanced customer engagement, and automated venue tracing to the brick and mortar space, is pleased to announce the Company has been selected by bdG Sports to provide its venue management platform to the Big West Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships being held March 9-13, 2021 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
A total of 19 men’s and women’s NCAA basketball teams will compete in the Big West Conference Finals for a chance to enter the NCAA 2020-2021 “March Madness” Tournament in Las Vegas. Loop’s selection to provide its venue management platform at the Big West Conference Championships follows the successful deployment of Loop’s venue bubble solution at two previous NCAA basketball tournaments, the Gulf Coast Showcase and the Vegas Main Event.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 7:28 PM on Thursday, January 7th, 2021
Completed the acquisition of Score Enterprises Ltd., a privately-held company that operates the Squamish -based Locavore Bar & Grill and other related businesses including the “Cloudburst Café”, and “Locavore Food Truck”.
The restaurant location will be redesigned as the PlantX Canadian Flagship brick and mortar shop.
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 7, 2021 – PlantX Life Inc. (the ” Company ” or ” PlantX “) (CSE: VEGA ) (Frankfurt: WNT1) (OTCQB: PLTXF) is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of Score Enterprises Ltd., a privately-held company that operates the Squamish -based Locavore Bar & Grill and other related businesses including the “Cloudburst Café”, and “Locavore Food Truck”. The restaurant location will be redesigned as the PlantX Canadian Flagship brick and mortar shop.
Pursuant to the terms of the share purchase agreement (the ” Share Purchase Agreement “) between the Company, Score Enterprises Ltd.,(” Score “) and the selling shareholders of Score (the ” Sellers “), the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding common shares of Score for a purchase price of $1,350,000 , which was partially satisfied by the issuance of 1,897,152 common shares of the Company (” Consideration Shares “) at $0.539 per Consideration Share, that being equal to the 10-day volume weighted average trading price of the common shares of the Company on the Canadian Securities Exchange up until and including the close of business on November 25, 2020 . The remaining $327,435 was satisfied in cash.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 5:11 PM on Thursday, January 7th, 2021
Announced that it has acquired 600,000 units of ZeU Technologies Inc. at a price of $0.25 per Unit.
In consideration, the Company has issued an aggregate of 185,185 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.81 per common share.
TORONTO, Jan. 07, 2021 — ThreeD Capital Inc. (the “Company”) (CSE:IDK / OTCQB: IDKFF), a Canadian-based venture capital firm that invests in disruptive companies and promising junior resources companies, is pleased to announce that it has acquired 600,000 units (the “Units”) of ZeU Technologies Inc. (“ZeU”) at a price of $0.25 per Unit. In consideration, the Company has issued an aggregate of 185,185 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.81 per common share (the “Offering”). Each Unit of ZeU consists of one common share (the “Share”) of ZeU and one share purchase warrant (the “Warrant”) of ZeU, with each Warrant being exercisable to acquire one additional Share at an exercise price of C$0.35 for a period of two years following the date of issuance.
As the name implies “PropTech” is a combination of two words and stands for “property technology.” As simple as that is, the implementation and importance of PropTech is anything but.
Like every other industry on the planet that is incorporating technology to create greater efficiencies and experiences, the commercial real estate market is no different and is seeing the rapid adoption of;
Artificial Intelligence
Machine learning
Big data
Internet of Things (IoT Sensors)
Cloud computing
To create cost savings by reducing and even eliminating existing costs, create greater efficiencies for the operation and maintenance of real estate assets, as well as, improve the design of new builds.
IMPACT OF COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has served to significantly increased the demand for PropTech in the commercial real estate market as follows:
The need for solutions to get workers back into workplace buildings and offices. Specifically, the need to identify bacteria and viruses in indoor air quality, as well as, the ability to sanitize immediately and effectively.
The need to create even greater cost savings and efficiencies for real estate owners that will continue suffering losses until workers significantly return to the workplace.
WHY UNIVERSAL PROPTECH (UPI:TSXV)?
Whereas many companies are just now trying to capitalize on the opportunities presented in the current and massive future of PropTech, Universal PropTech Inc. (“UPI”) a diversified investment platform delivering healthy building solutions and services for building developers, owners and operators in Canada. More than just lip service, UPI has been successfully delivering its PropTech solutions for years, with revenues over the last 3 years as follows:
2017 – $13.8M
2018 – $13.7M
2019 – $15.9M
Proptech is about to come of age
Our view is that proptech adoption will be quicker as a result of this downturn, with acceptance of tech-driven transformation much more widely accepted than previously experienced.
As office owners and developers explore how to adapt their operations and assets to remain competitive, 89% of proptech investors believe the pandemic will accelerate real estate technology adoption across the industry, according to MetaProp’s Global PropTech Confidence Index.
We are almost a year into the global pandemic and offices are largely sat idle and empty. With lockdown now a reality until spring, the question on many industry leaders’ lips is: what does the future hold for commercial offices?
Prior to widespread home working, remote work was usually viewed as a nice perk rather than an organisational priority. Just 5.1% of the UK workforce primarily worked from home in 2019, despite the steady proliferation of technologies that made it easier than ever.
Given that 82% of real estate companies are looking to invest in home working and digital meeting tools in the immediate future, according to Property Week’s 2020 Power of Proptech survey, we can be confident that remote working will continue to be a common workplace reality in the post-Covid era.
It’s no surprise, then, that demand for offices is suppressed right now, with some consultancies estimating the average firm in London now has 20% more office space than it requires.
What’s next?
We are in all likelihood in for a prolonged economic downturn, which generally impacts office take-up. However, experience tells us that those who turn to innovation during a recession often outperform their peers.
With this in mind, we firmly believe that Covid-19 will be for real estate what the Global Financial Crisis was for the financial services sector. There is a real opportunity to drive innovation and more widespread technological adoption. Much of this is long overdue, given how resistant to change the commercial real estate industry has always been.
Source: Shutterstock/David Pereiras
Home office: working from home will continue to be a workplace reality
Our view is that proptech adoption will be quicker as a result of this downturn, with acceptance of tech-driven transformation much more widely accepted than previously experienced. As office owners and developers explore how to adapt their operations and assets to remain competitive, 89% of proptech investors believe the pandemic will accelerate real estate technology adoption across the industry, according to MetaProp’s Global PropTech Confidence Index.
The emergence of user-focused, big data in the occupier markets, combined with the digitalisation of letting, financial and legal processes, will allow the new wave of proptech adoption to reshape the real estate industry with their innovative business models. There will also be a pressing importance for office owners and developers to stay ahead of the curve and understand the business value of the data generated in buying, renting or managing real estate. That will enable them to select the best technological solutions to ensure that they remain agile within this changing world.
Covid-19 tailwind
The foundations are already being laid so that 10 years of proptech adoption will now take place in just two. For instance, tenant and employee engagement platform Office App has experienced a sharp uptick in enquiries as corporates turn to technology to overcome some of the hurdles of returning to the office.
Office App brings together the data and digital systems used by buildings into a single platform to measure crowdedness, manage hygiene control and store all Covid-19 employee information in one place. To date, the software has been adopted across 300 buildings in Europe and is proving to be an indispensable tool as companies plan how to safely get employees back to the workplace and facilitate face-to-face collaboration.
Further evidence that Covid-19 has boosted the transition towards a digital commercial real estate market comes from VTS’s latest successful innovation. The New York-based unicorn, a modern tech platform for commercial real estate, launched an online office marketplace during lockdown enabling owners and brokers to see office listings, take digital tours and, eventually, complete an entire leasing transaction virtually, unhindered by any lockdown or logistical restrictions.
These are the types of solutions that we can expect to thrive in the post-Covid-19 world. At Pi Labs, we identified and completed 11 new investments last year, realising that such technological solutions developed by the next generation of entrepreneurs will shape how and where we work for years to come.
