Posted by AGORACOM
at 10:27 AM on Friday, November 13th, 2020
Arctic Star Exploration is currently exploiting the Diagras Diamond Property, NWT. Adjoined by both Diavik and Ekati Mines, Arctic has combined known data on Diagras with modern Gravity and EM geophysical survey techniques to delineate viable Kimberlite targets. Arctic Star is currently preparing a drill program for 2020. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
One bidder really got into the spirit at Sotheby’s latest auction. A 14.83-carat fancy vivid type IIA purple-pink diamond, nicknamed “The Spirit of the Rose,” sold for a staggering $26.6 million and set a new auction record in the process.
The coveted rock hit the block at Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels” sale in Geneva on Wednesday and was snapped up by an anonymous buyer, who placed the winning bid over the phone. The gem, which was the largest of its kind to come to auction, failed to reach its high estimate of $38 million yet still set a record auction price for a purple-pink gem, according to Sotheby’s.
Of course, this is no ordinary ice. The sheer size and flawless internal structure of “The Spirit of the Rose” renders her quite unique. In fact, 99 percent of pink diamonds are under 10 carats. The stone was cut from the largest pink rough ever mined in Russia. “Nijinsky,” which was named after a ballet featuring dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, was unearthed by the Alrosa mine from the Ebelyakh deposit in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in the northeast of the country back in 2017. It weighed an incredible 27.85 carats before it was cut.
“The Spirit of the Rose” auction. Sotheby’s/The Image Gate
The painstaking cutting process took a full year to complete before the diamond could even be polished. The work was carried out at Alrosa’s factory in Moscow. The finished product sold in Geneva represented Russia’s most expensive diamond, according to Alrosa.
“The Spirit of the Rose caught the imagination of everyone who had the chance to see it,” Benoit Repellin, Head of Sotheby’s Geneva ‘Magnificent Jewels’ auction, said in a press release. “It fully deserves the price achieved tonight, which is also a testament to the growing appreciation, and awareness of the great scarcity of pink diamonds around the world.”
Sotheby’s “The Spirit of the Rose” Purple-Pink Diamond. Courtesy of Sotheby’s
Indeed, once the Argyle Mine, the largest supplier of high-quality pink diamonds, closes for good this year, these stones will become even more limited and even more prized. In fact, they’re already skyrocketing in value and being eyed by collectors for their ROI potential.
So far, Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels” sale has realized roughly $52.2 million and continues today with online auctions.
Posted by AGORACOM
at 9:21 AM on Friday, November 13th, 2020
The acquisition of American CBD immediately creates a vertically integrated model, controlling each aspect of its supply chain, including production, logistics and value chain.
Thoughtful Brands, Inc. (CSE:TBI)(FSE:1WZ1)(OTCQB:PEMTF) (the “Company” or “Thoughtful Brands“), a global natural health products and eCommerce technology company, is pleased to announce that it has acquired all of the outstanding share capital of American CBD Extraction Corp. (“American CBD“).
Through its Kentucky-based subsidiary, American CBD has the ability to process over 1,200 lbs. of hemp per day to produce winterized crude. With the acquisition of American CBD, Thoughtful Brands will immediately adopt a vertically integrated model, controlling each aspect of its supply chain, including production, logistics and value chain.
“The acquisition of American CBD marks a promising new phase for the Thoughtful Brands,” said CEO Ryan Dean Hoggan. “With vertical integration taking effect immediately, we look forward to the entire business benefitting through reduced costs, additional expansion opportunities and product innovation.”
Through the acquisition of American CBD, the Company has acquired an abundance of hemp biomass along with a fully equipped and licensed 41,000 square foot facility that can process more than 1,200 pounds of hemp per day. This enables new focuses for Thoughtful Brands across multiple means of production, including the launch of new superior quality, proprietary CBD brands with products made from hemp they extract and produce themselves. In addition, Thoughtful Brands plans to develop products for future brand clients and will also become a wholesale supplier of hemp biomass. Thoughtful Brands will also utilize American CBD’s technological and scientific expertise to enhance the formulations of the direct-to-consumer CBD brands currently under the Company’s umbrella.
“We look forward to closing 2020 on a high note and an array of new initiatives in 2021,” added Hoggan.
The acquisition of American CBD proceeded pursuant to an amalgamation agreement among the Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Subco“) and American CBD (the “Definitive Agreement“). Pursuant to the Definitive Agreement, American CBD amalgamated with Subco, and the resulting amalgamated entity is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Transaction“). In consideration for the completion of the Transaction, the Company has issued 110,000,000 common shares (“Consideration Shares“) to the shareholders of American CBD in exchange for every share of American CBD they held.
The Consideration Shares are subject to a voluntary pooling arrangement, from which 25% of the Consideration Shares were released on the closing date of the Transaction, with a release of an additional 25% after each subsequent 90-day period.
In connection with the closing of the Transaction, the Company has also entered into an operating agreement (the “Operating Agreement“) with 9112-7258 Quebec Inc. (the “Operator“) for the operation of the American CBD assets in Jenkins, Kentucky. Pursuant to the Operating Agreement, the Company has paid the Operator a bonus of Cdn$1,300,000, which has been settled through the issuance of 13,000,000 common shares of the Company (the “Bonus Shares“). In addition to the Bonus Shares, the Operator will be entitled to receive a Cdn$2,000,000 payment (“Milestone Payment“) from the Company upon (i) the achievement of cumulative sales of over USD$1,000,000 produced from the Kentucky facility acquired as part of the Transaction; or (ii) the entering into of a supply agreement with a third-party to deliver finished product on a wholesale basis at a price less than the manufacturing cost of similar product by the Company. The Milestone Payment will be settled through the issuance of common shares of the Company (“Milestone Shares“), which shall be valued based on the five-day volume weighted average closing price of the Company’s shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange immediately prior to the milestone payments becoming payable.
The Company is at arms-length from American CBD and its shareholders. The Transaction neither constitutes a fundamental change nor a change of business for the Company, nor has it resulted in a change of control of the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. In connection with the completion of the Transaction, the Company has issued 1,100,000 common shares to an arms-length third-party who assisted with facilitating the Transaction.
About Thoughtful Brands Inc.
Thoughtful Brands Inc. is an eCommerce technology company that researches, develops, markets, and distributes natural health products through various brands in North America and Europe. Through continuous strategic acquisitions, the Company has a strong footprint in the CBD market. Thoughtful Brands currently owns and operates multiple direct to consumer CBD brands and is positioning itself to become vertically integrated through the acquisition of American CBD Extraction Corp.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS THOUGHTFUL BRANDS INC.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 4:55 PM on Thursday, November 12th, 2020
When the Facebook data privacy scandal broke out, the world woke up to just how badly our individual data was being traded, used and most importantly, the amount of profit being generated by major corporations at our expense.
This led to the enactment of the biggest data privacy laws in history. Specifically, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) out of Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Enter KABN. The Company Turns The Problem Of Data Privacy Into A Profit For Individuals, While Providing Big Businesses With New & Compliant Business Models.
More than just lip service, KABN announced joining the Trust Over IP Foundation, which includes over 170 members including IBM, Mastercard, Accenture and many other global leaders who are defining a complete architecture for Internet-scale digital trust. As part of this community, KABN is focused on bridging the gap between traditional fintech services and solutions and new and innovative Verified Credential processes. Does that sound like a mouthful? Yeah, it does. But all you have to really understand for now is that digital ID, privacy and monetization is going to become a reality in the very near future. Government regulations are enforcing it. Consumers are demanding it and KABN is delivering it at such an advanced scale that the Trust Over IP Foundation has provided them with a strategic role as a Steering Member to help drive the following mission:
“I am certain KABN will make a strong contribution to the Trust over IP Foundation.” said John Jordan, executive director, BC Digital Trust Service and executive director of ToIP. “People and businesses are going to continue using the internet to build relationships and complete transactions digitally with all the risks of security breaches and fraud that go along with it today. It’s time for a change. Global leaders are working together at our Foundation to make it possible for people to be known and to build trusted relationships online. I am happy to have KABN be part of this effort.”
KABN was so ahead of this curve they were actually too early to the game … now the game is underway with KABN sitting in a great field position. Watch this interview with President David Lucatch and welcome to the next potential great disruptive industry of the decade.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 4:38 PM on Thursday, November 12th, 2020
Announced that it has filed and has been receipted for a preliminary short form prospectus with the securities commissions in Alberta , British Columbia , Manitoba , Ontario and Saskatchewan in connection with a marketed public offering of units of the Company
Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant
Each Warrant will be exercisable for one Common Share (each a ” Warrant Share “) at any time for a period of 24 months following closing of the Offering
Final pricing of the Units, the Warrant exercise price and the determination of the number of Units to be sold pursuant to the Offering will be determined in the context of the market prior to the filing of the final short form prospectus in respect of the Offering
TORONTO , Nov. 12, 2020 – Avicanna Inc. (” Avicanna “, or the ” Company “) (TSX: AVCN) (OTCQX: AVCNF) (FSE: 0NN) is pleased to announce that it has filed and has been receipted for a preliminary short form prospectus with the securities commissions in Alberta , British Columbia , Manitoba , Ontario and Saskatchewan (the ” Canadian Jurisdictions “) in connection with a marketed public offering (the ” Offering “) of units (the ” Units “) of the Company.
Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each a ” Common Share “) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each full warrant, a ” Warrant ” and collectively the ” Warrants “). Each Warrant will be exercisable for one Common Share (each a ” Warrant Share “) at any time for a period of 24 months following closing of the Offering. Final pricing of the Units, the Warrant exercise price and the determination of the number of Units to be sold pursuant to the Offering will be determined in the context of the market prior to the filing of the final short form prospectus in respect of the Offering. The Offering will be conducted on a “best efforts” basis by a syndicate of agents led by Echelon Wealth Partners Inc., as lead agent and sole-bookrunner, and including Beacon Securities Limited and Canaccord Genuity Corp. (collectively, the ” Agents “).
The Company has granted the Agents an option, exercisable in whole or in part, at the sole discretion of the Agents, at any time for a period of 30 days from and including the closing of the Offering, to purchase from the Company up to an additional 15% of the Units sold under the Offering, on the same terms and conditions of the Offering to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes (the ” Over-Allotment Option “). The Over-Allotment Option may be exercised by the Agents to purchase additional Units, Common Shares, Warrants or any combination thereof.
The Offering will be completed (i) by way of a short form prospectus to be filed in the Canadian Jurisdictions (ii) on a private placement basis to “accredited investors” meeting one or more of the criteria in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D (” Regulation D “) under the United States Securities Act of 1933 , as amended (the ” U.S. Securities Act “) pursuant to Rule 506(b) of Regulation D and/or Section 4(a)(2) thereof and similar exemptions under applicable state securities laws, Qualified Institutional Buyers in the United States pursuant to the registration exemptions provided by Rule 144A of the US Securities Act, and (iii) outside Canada and the United States on a basis which does not require the qualification or registration of any of the Company’s securities under domestic or foreign securities laws.
The Offering is expected to close on or about December 3, 2020 , or such other date as the Company and the Agents may agree. Closing of the Offering is subject to customary closing conditions, including, but not limited to, the execution of an agency agreement and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the securities regulatory authorities and the Toronto Stock Exchange.
The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for product development, working capital and general corporate purposes.
The preliminary short form prospectus is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of securities in the United States . The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
About Avicanna Inc.
Avicanna is a diversified and vertically integrated Canadian biopharmaceutical company focused on the research, development, and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products for the global consumer, medical, and pharmaceutical market segments.
Avicanna is an established leader in cannabinoid research and development, which it primarily conducts at its R&D headquarters in the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centre, JLABS @ Toronto, Canada and in collaboration with leading Canadian academic and medical institutions. In addition to its developing pharmaceutical pipeline, Avicanna’s team of experts have developed and commercialized several industry leading product lines, including:
Pura H&W™: an advanced and clinically tested line of CBD consumer derma-cosmetic products; and,
RHO Phyto™: an advanced line of medical cannabis products containing varying ratios of CBD and THC currently available nation-wide across Canada in partnership with Medical Cannabis by Shoppers™, a subsidiary of Shoppers Drug Mart. RHO Phyto is the first strictly medical formulary of advanced “Cannabis 2.0” products, containing oils, sprays, capsules, creams, and gels, all 2 developed with scientific rigour, manufactured under GMP standards and supported by pre-clinical data.
With ongoing clinical trials on its derma-cosmetic (Pura H&W), medical cannabis (RHO Phyto) and a pipeline of pharmaceutical products, Avicanna’s dedication to researching the important role that cannabinoids play in an increasingly wider scope of products has been at the core of the Company’s vision since its inception. Furthermore, Avicanna’s commitment to education is demonstrated through its annual medical symposium, the Avicanna Academy educational platform, and the My Cannabis Clinic patient program through its subsidiary company.
Avicanna manages its own supply chain including cultivation and extraction through its two majority-owned subsidiaries, Sativa Nativa S.A.S. and Santa Marta Golden Hemp S.A.S., both located in Santa Marta , Colombia . Through these sustainable, economical, and industrial scale subsidiaries, Avicanna cultivates, processes, and commercializes a range of cannabis and hemp cultivars dominant in CBD, CBG, THC, and other cannabinoids for use as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Avicanna’s Avesta Genetica program specializes in the development and optimization of rare cultivars for commercial production along with feminized seeds for global export. In June 2020 , Avicanna made history with a shipment of hemp seeds to the United States of America by completing the first ever export of hemp seeds from Colombia .
Stay Connected
For more information about Avicanna, visit www.avicanna.com , call 1-647-243-5283, or contact Setu Purohit , President by email at [email protected] .
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as, “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “likely”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe, “intend”, “plan”, “forecast”, “project”, “estimate”, “outlook” and other similar expressions. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including expectations and assumptions regarding the terms, timing and potential completion of the Offering, satisfaction of regulatory requirements in various jurisdictions and the use of proceeds from the Offering.
Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors relevant in the circumstances, including assumptions in respect of current and future market conditions, the current and future regulatory environment; and the availability of licenses, approvals and permits. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to current and future market conditions, including the market price of the common shares of the Company, the delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals, and the risk factors set out in the Company’s annual information form dated April 15, 2020 , filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 12:18 PM on Thursday, November 12th, 2020
The devastation and destruction of Coronavirus COVID-19 is well documented and doesn’t need much repeating here.
What we do know is that COVID-19 has created global demand for highly specialty products required to protect, test, detect and defend as many people as possible.
Moreover, given its persistence and the potential for a 2nd wave around the world, governments and businesses both big and small are now in need of solutions that go beyond locking down economies by helping them stay open, generate revenue, keep people employed … all while keeping them safe.
There are no magic bullets. COVD-19 didn’t exist 12 months ago, so there are no established or incumbent leaders. This has created an opportunity for small but nimble companies with high-tech expertise to adapt their products as solutions in one of the many verticals that require help fighting COVID-19.
Here are 6 small-cap companies (in alphabetical order) that have provided real solutions to helping the fight against COVID-19.
Datametrex AI Limited (DM:TSXV) (D4G:FSE) (DTMXF: OTC )an AI and Machine learning company was well positioned with deep roots in South Korea to make the ultimate pivot to Covid-19 test kit distribution. When the Canadian Government came calling for assistance in importing and distributing COVID-19 test kits, Datametrex stepped up to the task thanks to its security clearances already in place in both countries.
Since then, the company has signed multiple multi-million dollar Covid-19 test kit supply agreements with mining companies, a $20M CAD agreement with the television and film industry and various educational institutions. This is in addition to lucrative AI contracts with various levels of government and enterprise level customers such as LOTTE Group, the fifth-largest conglomerate in Korea with annual revenues of approximately $60B USD.
REVENUE $CAD
Q1 + 62% To $809,000
Q2 + 419% To $1,954,000
TOTAL Q1 AND Q2
REVENUE $2.8M vs $875K = +220%
GROSS PROFIT $1.2 vs $739K = +62%
Given the speed of incoming contracts, the quarterly financials don’t reflect deals done during the third quarter. Here’s just a few;
Datametrex Expands Distribution of Film and Television Coronavirus Testing Across Canada (October 27, 2020)
Expands to Toronto Film Production Company for COVID-19 Testing Solutions (September 30, 2020)
$20M Supply Agreement With Major Worldwide Media & Entertainment Company for COVID-19 (September 24, 2020)
Received Third COVID-19 Order from TV Production Company (September 21, 2020)
Received COVID-19 Test Kits Order for $1.6M From a Canadian Mining Company (September 3, 2020)
·· The company has also experienced robust demand for related services. Datametrex entered into a sales agreement with 7-Eleven Korea for Robotic Process Automation infrastructure (RPA) in order to automate certain business processes.
The global RPA market size is expected to reach $7.2 billion by 2025, rising at a market growth of 32.6% CAGR during the forecast period. RPA is the technology that enables anyone to configure computer software today, or a “robot” to replicate and incorporate the actions of a person working within digital systems to conduct a business process.
For more information, please visit the Datametrex AI hub on AGORACOM.
Empower (CBDT: CSE) (EPWCF:OTCQB) (8EC:Frankfurt) is a vertically integrated, multi-state operator of medical clinics with a database of over 165,000 patients, a database that almost every medical cannabis and CBD company would kill for …. but that’s not all. In an effort to combat COVID-19 the company’s physician staffed clinics have are also generating significant revenue and growth as follows:
Increased CBD treatments from patients suffering increased anxiety;
Covid-19 Testing for individuals and families
Covid-19 Testing for local businesses and employees
Covid-19 Testing for enterprise level organizations across the country
Empower Clinics and Loop Insights Combine COVID-19 Testing Expertise With Venue Tracing To Create First Ever “Travel Bubble” Solution For Global Travel Industry Set To Lose $3.3 Trillion
How significant is this acquisition that only closed a couple of weeks ago? At the lowest price of $USD 80 per test and operating on just 1,000 tests per day, the clinic would deliver $USD 80,000 in revenue PER DAY.
Patient Visits
Q1 + 377% To 5,717
Q2 + 56% To 6,696
Revenues $USD
Q1 + 416% To $790,000 (NO COVID)
Q2 + 56% To $923.000
TOTAL Q1 AND Q2
REVENUE $1.7M vs $745K = + 130%
PATIENTS 12,400 vs 5,500 = + 125%
NET LOSS $920K vs 1.85M = – 50%
Empower has now delivered growth in 4 successive financial reports (Q4, FY 2019, Q1 and Q2), so it is safe to say that superstar CEO Steve McAuley can officially claim victory on the turnaround he inherited in 2019.
Oh, and did we mention that CEO Steven McAuley is Six Sigma certified under the quality initiative of legendary GE (General Electric) Chairman Jack Welch? We’ve never seen a Six Sigma certified CEO in the Canadian small cap markets. Never. Which explains how McAuley has been able to guide Empower Clinics through the most disruptive retail environment in recent history and turn it into significant growth.
For more information about the company, please check out the Empower HUB on AGORACOM.
Innocan Pharma Corporation (INNO: CSE) (IP4:FSE) is an Israeli based company developing the pharmaceutical guided missile to defeat coronavirus lung infections. The company specializes in the development of new drug platforms which combine unique properties of Cannabinoids.
Innocan, together with Tel Aviv University are developing new, revolutionary exosome based technology (CLX), loaded with cannabidiol (CBD) targeting the coronavirus infected lung cells.
Why is this significant?
CLX may hold the potential to provide anti-inflammatory properties and assist in the recovery of infected lung cells. It is expected to be administrated by inhalation, CLX will be tested on a variety of lung infections focusing on patients infected by the coronavirus disease.
Superior Management Team
More than just lip service, Innocan has a world class management team to make this happen.
In the small cap world, the jockey(s) that drive the horse are just as important as the horse itself. The Innocan Leadership Group Is Incomparable In The Small Cap World, Comprised Of Leading Israeli Pharmaceutical Executives including:
Executive Chairman (Ron Mayron) was the CEO Of Teva Israel, one of the largest generic pharmaceutical companies in the world
Co-Founder & VP Business Development (Yoram Drucker) was the Founder of 2 NASDAQ Companies (Pluristem & Brainstorm)
Chief Technology Officer (Nir Avram) is a former member of the pharma innovation team at Perrigo, producer of OTC consumer goods and specialty pharma.
Chief Executive Officer (Iris Bincovich) has a proven track record in opening global markets, having managed hundreds of successful transactions in OTC, cosmetics and dermatology.
While the Company develops their pharmaceutical solution, Innocan has a portfolio of patent-pending and launch ready consumer health products that are already commercializing around the world as follows:
CONSUMER RETAIL – DERMA COSMETICS – A premium derma cosmetics brand, manufacturing has commenced with distribution agreements in place.
OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) PRODUCTS FOR PAIN RELIEF – patent-pending CBD pain relief brand received FDA technical validation.
Global Manufacturing / Distribution Agreements
To support this global growth, Innocan already has the following relationships in place:
Endless Sky Inc. a Canadian large scale Cannabis extractor (Manufacturing and Distribution – Canada)
Active Therapeutics Ltd of Lancashire, United Kingdom (Distribution – UK and Ireland markets)
For more information about the company, please check out the Innocan Pharma Corporation hub on AGORACOM.
Kontrol Energy is the Google NEST of smart building technology, with a Blue Chip client base to prove it with the likes of Beyond Meat, Toyota, Oxford, Telus and Brookfield to name a few.
As a result, Kontrol is already achieving commercial success as follows:
· Q1 $2.3M
· Q2 $2.7M
TOTAL Q1 AND Q2
REVENUE $5M
GROSS PROFIT $2.7M
ADAPTING CORE TECH TO PROVIDE BLUE CHIP CUSTOMERS WITH REAL-TIME AIR DETECTION OF COVID-19 IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the needs of its blue chip customer base, Kontrol is adapting its core technologies team to development and commercialize its Kontrol BioCloud® analyzer, a wall-mounted technology which detects the presence of COVID-19 in the air of commercial buildings and triggers an alert system to provide real time notifications.
GEARING UP PRODUCTION FOR UP TO 20,000 UNITS PER MONTH
Initial expectations, based on lab testing completed to date, is that BioCloud will be effective in small to medium space settings with 3 or more people, and therefore would be suitable for areas such as classrooms, offices, airplanes, trains, buses, long-term care facilities and hospitals. The company is currently building a global supply chain with the goal of being able to supply 20,000 units per month.
The implications of the Kontrol BioCloud® analyzer could be enormous and could have a major impact on the global economy. Paul Ghezzi, CEO of Kontrol Energy has received calls from interested parties spanning the entire globe. In addition, mainstream media has taken notice:
Early tests suggest new Canadian technology could detect the coronavirus in the air Read More
Canadian firm develops tech to ‘detect COVID-19 in the air’; stock doubles Read More.
Kontrol Energy’s BioCloud Featured By Singapore’s IBI Times Read More
CSA APPROVAL RECEIVED ON NOVEMBER 5TH
On Novebmer 5th, KNR announced receipt of CSA standards approval for its BioCloud® technology.
“This is another important milestone for Kontrol and represents the continuing advancement of the BioCloud® technology,” says Paul Ghezzi, CEO Kontrol. “CSA is a Canadian standard for safety and is also accepted in jurisdictions outside Canada. In addition to CSA we continue to work on other important regional certifications including UL and CE for the United States and European markets respectively.”
UL STANDARDS APPROVAL RECEIVED NOVEMBER 12TH
“We continue to execute on the important milestones for commercialization of BioCloud,” says Paul Ghezzi, CEO of Kontrol. “With CSA and UL we now have standards approval that covers Canada, the United States and various other global regions. We continue to work towards CE standards certification which is primarily for the European market.”
DISCLAIMER: The Company has not made any express or implied claims that its product has the ability to eliminate, cure or contain the COVID-19 (or SARS-2 Coronavirus).
For more information about the company, please check out the Kontrol Energy hub on AGORACOM.
Loop Insights (MTRX:TSXV)(RACMF:OTCQB) was already a leading provider of contactless solutions and artificial intelligence (“AI”) to the brick and mortar space prior to the arrival of COVID-19.
Over the last few months Loop has adapted its contactless platform to also provide contact tracing and real-time testing to large venues and businesses. More than just lip service, Loop has already announced significant partnerships and news with the likes of:
“By partnering with innovative and leading IoT development companies, such as Loop, we’re ensuring that our customers have access to some of the most advanced IoT business solutions in the world.”
The presentation ended at approximately 1:15 PM EST, and by 8:00 PM EST Loop had received over 100 direct inquiries from enterprise-level attendees spanning many different industries and countries. Loop Insights anticipates many more direct inquiries to be received in the coming days.
Loop Insights CEO Rob Anson:
“We knew going into the webinar that interest in our Contactless Platform and Solutions was very high given the high-level nature of clients we had already announced leading up to it. These attendees, many of whom represent household name entities, were looking to us for solutions that can protect people, instill confidence in their customers and get their enterprises moving once again. Nonetheless, the response to the demonstration of our Contactless Venue Tracing Platform was simply incredible and even surpassed our expectations. We are optimistic that Loop Insights is establishing an identity as a global force in the contactless space and believe the responses will lead to significant business for Loop. We can’t thank Amazon Web Services enough for their continued support and partnership.”
In addition to these successes, Loop stated that its Venue Tracing platform is clearly gaining recognition and third-party validation, including implementations with:
Implemented Into the Las Vegas flagship properties of a Global Hospitality company (July 23, 2020)
Invited by NCAA DIV 1 BIG EAST CONFERENCE To Present Solution For 11 schools (August 17, 2020)
Partnership with BDG sports to deliver NBA, NHL, NCAA and PGA Sporting Events. (August 13, 2020)
Loop Insights Signs $1,930,000 USD License Deal with Austin, TX Based CasaPerks (September 28, 2020)
Selected as the Premier Venue Tracing and Fan Engagement Solution for NCAA College Basketball “Bubble” in Las Vegas (October 8, 2020)
For more information about the company, please check out the Loop Insights hub on AGORACOM.
Primo Nutraceuticals, a player in the hemp space pivoted early in the pandemic to sell their Primo Lemon Hand Sanitizer in Amazon’s Personal Safety & Household category. The company further solidified its move to PPE by entering into agreement with Duquette Consulting LLC, a company owned by Dan Duquette.
Dan Duquette is a twice named Major League Baseball (MLB) Executive of the Year and former Executive Vice-President of the Baltimore Orioles, General Manager of the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Duquette). Dan Duquette has joined forces with Primo Nutraceuticals to partner in the development, sourcing and the global supply of personal protective equipment products.
The company has been issued a Medical Device Establishment License from Health Canada.The MDEL is a license issued to companies for the activities of manufacturing, importing and distributing of all four classes of medical devices for human use in Canada. These classes include; nitrile gloves, N95 surgical masks & KN95 masks, surgical gowns, respirators and testing kits to name a few.
The PPE Distribution Market worth $28.9 Billion by 2025 in North America and E.U
The North America and Europe distribution market for PPE is expected to reach US$28.95 M by 2025.
The safety-supplies sector in North America is anticipated to witness significant growth of over 7% from 2017 to 2025.
Head, eye and face protection are anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 6% from 2017 to 2025.
For more information about the company, please check out the Primo Nutraceuticals hub on AGORACOM.
Thanks for reading and discovering these great small cap companies. Please be sure to visit the AGORACOM Small Cap Coronavirus Covid-19 company gateway often to stay up to date with new companies at:
Posted by AGORACOM
at 11:33 AM on Thursday, November 12th, 2020
SOBR™ Safe, Inc. (OTC: SOBR) (www.sobrsafe.com), developers of the patented SOBR® Safe™ system, and its latest proprietary development, the non-invasive alcohol detection and screening system SOBR®Check™, announced today that it has contracted with Stephen Scofes for him to serve as Director of Government Affairs/Public Sector Procurement, with a focus on state legislature, law enforcement and public safety.
Steve is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of leading government relations and procurement firm Scofes & Associates Consulting, and brings to SOBR Safe a ready-built team of experts in their respective fields – including Steve’s partner, General Wesley Clark (ret.). Professionally involved in governmental affairs since 1985, Steve’s primary areas of expertise include legislative and political strategy, as well as business development, providing clients a sound strategy in the procurement of state, local and federal contracts. He currently represents and has represented some of the largest companies in the United States, such as Toyota, Kroger, Koch, Eli Lilly, Dell Technologies, Google, Cisco, Nokia, Blackstone and US World Meds to name a few – including work especially relevant to SOBR Safe in the manufacturing and transportation industries. Scofes & Associates has offices in Lansing, Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis, Austin and Washington D.C.
“Steve is not just an expert at navigating the complex inner workings of government – he is also a proven producer with a track record of driving substantial returns,” stated SOBR Safe CEO Kevin Moore. “We believe he can open critical doors for us nationwide, stimulating material interest in and support for SOBR®Check™ and subsequent solutions. That a leader as accomplished as Steve has chosen to join SOBR Safe at this stage we feel speaks to our technology’s potential to create safer environments and safer lives.”
Scofes added, “My passion has always been to exercise our legislative system to create positive change, and rarely have I had the opportunity to work with a team possessing such conviction and innovative spirit – or a solution so potentially far-reaching. Communities across the country are ready to prevent the problem, and it is this company mission that has inspired me to join the SOBR Safe team.”
Each year, alcohol-related injuries, deaths and lost productivity costs American employers and insurers up to $63 billion; another $42 billion is spent on substance abuse treatment…a combined $105 billion crisis. One-half of all industrial accidents involve alcohol, and commercial fleets suffer from over 11,000 alcohol-related accidents each year. SOBR Safe believes its solution addresses this problem, and once successfully tested will be immediately applicable for delivery, service, and school bus fleet management, as well as workplace access control in manufacturing facilities and warehouses.
SOBR Safe, Inc. is developing the patented SOBR® Safe™ system, and its latest proprietary product, the non-invasive alcohol detection and screening system SOBR®Check™. SOBRCheck is a potentially disruptive solution in alcohol consumption detection – a touch-based technology with anticipated applications in school buses, commercial trucking fleets, facility access control and more. Across industries, the headlines are consistent: alcohol is a clear and present danger – impaired operation destroys lives, families and companies alike. SOBR Safe’s mission is to eliminate the destructive impact of alcohol on our roadways and workplaces…with just the touch of a finger.
Posted by AGORACOM
at 10:09 AM on Thursday, November 12th, 2020
SPONSOR: Thoughtful Brands is an established natural health products company focused in the CBD and psychedelic medicine sectors. Through their powerful eCommerce business, Thoughtful is a leading direct-to-consumer provider of a wide range of natural health products throughout the United States and Europe
CBD beauty products are projected to reach $191 million in 2020, with estimated 7% growth to $507 million by 2025
Likewise, the hemp-CBD pet products market, estimated at $191 million in sales this year, is projected to grow 7% in five years to $506 million. Like food, however, growth of the pet-products sector is highly dependent on regulatory clarity
Consumers are already going gangbusters for CBD in every formulation imaginable.
But the current use rate for hemp-CBD products isn’t even close to what it could be when the industry sees federal regulation, which would open up mainstream manufacturing and retail markets even further.
For 2019, total sales of hemp-derived CBD consumer products in the U.S. were roughly $1.2 billion, according to Nielsen Global Connect, a division of Nielsen that focuses on data for hemp-derived CBD manufacturers and retailers.
Yet in the past year, consumers likely have become even more dependent on hemp-CBD products because of increased anxiety and stress during the coronavirus pandemic. The widespread economic disruption and uncertainty came at the same time general interest in wellness products was increasing
Because of this and other factors, Nielsen projects that sales will reach $1.7 billion to $2 billion in 2020. The average of that range, $1.85 billion, would represent a 54% increase in year-over-year sales.
Considering that the market could see favorable U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance or legislation from Congress approving CBD in ingestible products next year, Nielsen expects that by 2025, the market for hemp-derived CBD products will generate $6.9 billion, – a threefold increase over five years.
Sales by category
The availability of different segments of the hemp-CBD market are limited by the types of retailers willing to carry them.
For example, dozens of mainstream retailers have entered the CBD category by picking up topicals such as hand and body creams, balms and cosmetics, although most have been hesitant to sell ingestible products until there is more regulatory clarity from the FDA.
Despite this lack of regulation, ingestibles already are and will continue to be huge moneymakers for manufacturers and retailers. Nielsen estimates that sales for over-the-counter (OTC) supplements will reach more than $588 million in 2020, while other ingestible categories (including beverages, food, candy and gum) will top $400 million. Inhalable hemp-CBD products are expected to reach $288 million this year.
Comparably, 2025 sales are projected to increase by:
159% for over-the-counter supplements to $1.5 billion.
428% for beverages to $1.2 billion.
197% for inhalables to $792 million.
428% for food items to $595 million.
428% for candy and gum to $373 million.
Manufacturers have been focused on getting CBD approved as a food ingredient — but the food category is one of the smallest CBD segments, according to Nielsen. On the other hand, the prestige category, which includes beauty and skin care products typically available from higher-end retailers, might offer greater opportunity — both in the short term and the future — as sales are expected to increase by nearly 1,000% in the next five years.
Following closely behind food products are the similarly sized hemp-derived CBD beauty products and pet-products segments.
CBD beauty products are projected to reach $191 million in 2020, with estimated 7% growth to $507 million by 2025. Likewise, the hemp-CBD pet products market, estimated at $191 million in sales this year, is projected to grow 7% in five years to $506 million. Like food, however, growth of the pet-products sector is highly dependent on regulatory clarity.
Shore up your plans
Now the industry has a grasp of what increasing use looks like for hemp-CBD sales overall and by category, as well as how certain factors will impact consumer use – and what that means for hemp entrepreneurs and retailers trying to navigate the complex market.
Hemp Industry Daily is pleased to present “How to Navigate the Complicated World of CBD in Retail,” in collaboration with Nielsen Global Connect as part of an ongoing partnership that aims to provide exclusive data on hemp-CBD retail markets and consumer-purchasing behaviors for these products.
In the report, you’ll find data and insights on the existing hemp-CBD consumer product market in the U.S., including:
Estimated sales of hemp-CBD products.
Demographics for current and future CBD consumers.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 9:21 AM on Thursday, November 12th, 2020
There is no denying the world of esports was already on a rapid growth rate prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, according to TGS Esports (TGS:TSXV), the growth and awareness of esports over the past several months has accelerated the industry by at least a couple of years, if not more.
Recognizing this trend, TGS pivoted quickly from venue based esports to becoming a leader in esports events, sponsorship and productions. More than just lip service, tournaments hosted to date have been sponsored by the likes of:
Pepsi
Red Bull
7-11
Shaw Cable
More than just events, TGS also creates high quality production value out of these events, which have already seen more than 20,000 hours of viewership on Twitch and featured on GINX Esports TV (Canada), with the potential to expand with GINX to over 50 countries.
If the story ended there, TGS would have the makings of a great early stage esports story …. but it doesn’t
$6 MILLION ACQUISITION OF “PEPPER ESPORTS”
The recent acquisition of Pepper Esports takes the TGS offering to a whole different level by providing everyone from enterprise sized clients to small business to a group of buddies to create their own esports tournaments. The platform is so powerful it will handle everything from registration to game play, prize payouts and everything in between that an entity needs to host a successful esports tournament. Awesome right? No, it gets better.
Hosting your own esports tournament is FREE. TGS and Pepper figured out that the best way to get mass usage of their platform is to make it $0 upfront and generate $$ from revenue share on all transactions that take place during the tournament.
When you bolt on the fact that TGS can now broadcast that tournament, the Company believes its offering can’t be matched anywhere in the world. We like it so much that we’re already considering hosting Agoracom esports tournaments for clients and shareholders who can either play or watch.
Watch this great interview with the CEO’s of both TGS and Pepper to find out more details and feel their mutual excitement about the future.
Posted by AGORACOM
at 9:06 AM on Thursday, November 12th, 2020
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Candente Gold Corp. (TSXV:CDG) (“Candente Gold” and/or the “Company”) is pleased to advise that the previously announced (Nov 5th, 2020) non-brokered private placement (the “Private Placement”) of 4,000,000 common shares (“Shares”) at a price of $0.05 per Share for a total of $200,000 has been fully subscribed.
Joanne Freeze, President and CEO, a control person of Candente Gold Corp., has subscribed for 53.75% of the Private Placement. In addition to Ms. Freeze there are three other subscribers. Closing of the Private Placement is expected to be completed within one week.
The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement to advance development of its near term gold production and near surface exploration opportunities while advancing drill targets on the El Oro project, its flagship asset, and for general working capital purposes. The Shares issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of closing. Finder fees of approximately $2,450 will be paid. No warrants will be issued as part of this private placement.
About Candente Gold
Candente Gold has launched a comprehensive growth strategy to build a cash flowing business platform and gain access to properties with near surface exploration potential while maintaining El Oro as its flagship asset and an integral part of the overall growth strategy. The acquisition of the SDA Plant, the El Dorado historic mines and the Cocula Project signify important initial steps.
The financial benefits from Western Mexico operations and the addition of specialized personnel will translate across platforms to strengthen the Company’s efforts to explore and potentially mine areas demonstrated to contain mineralization of value. The Company is currently evaluating other properties that are complimentary to the SDA plant, El Dorado and the Cocula Project.
El Oro is a district scale gold project encompassing a well-known prolific high-grade gold dominant gold-silver epithermal vein system in Mexico. The project covers 20 veins with past production and more than 57 veins in total, from which approximately 6.4 million ounces of gold and 74 million ounces of silver were reported to have been produced from just two of these veins (Ref. Mexico Geological Service Bulletin No. 37, Mining of the El Oro and Tlapujahua Districts. 1920, T. Flores*)
Modern understanding of epithermal vein systems indicates that several of the El Oro district’s veins hold excellent discovery potential, particularly below and adjacent to the historic workings of the San Rafael Vein, which was mined to an average depth of only 200 metres.
Joanne C. Freeze, P.Geo., President, CEO and Director and Matthew Melnyk, CPG., Director Operations and Director are Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for the projects discussed above, however they have not been able to visit the El Dorado or Cocula Projects nor the SDA Plant recently due to COVID virus travel restrictions. The work discussed in the News Release is either historical and documented by public records or conducted by Mexican professionals with qualifications similar to those of QP’s registered in Canada. Ms. Freeze and Mr. Melnyk have reviewed and approved the contents of this release.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
On behalf of the Board of Candente Gold Corp.
“Joanne Freeze” P.Geo. President, CEO and Director
For further information please contact: Joanne Freeze President & CEO Tel: + 1 (604) 689-1957 [email protected]
Posted by AGORACOM
at 9:05 AM on Thursday, November 12th, 2020
SPONSOR: St-Georges is developing new technologies to solve some of the most common environmental problems in the mining industry. St. George controls all of the active mineral tenures in Iceland. It also explores for nickel on the Julie Nickel Project & for industrial minerals on Quebec’s North Shore and for lithium and rare metals in Northern Quebec and in the Abitibi region
St-Georges Eco-Mining holds all exploration licenses in nation
CEO says the ‘green gold’ should command a premium price
Exploration in Tröllaskagi (Troll’s peninsula) North Iceland. Source: Iceland Resources
Canadian explorer St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp. wants to revive Iceland’s long-dormant gold mining industry by drawing on the Nordic nation’s abundance of renewable energy.
The Montreal-based miner finished drilling a 124-meter-deep (407-foot-deep) hole in Thormodsdalur, outside Reykjavik, in September and may publish the results this month. Previous drilling cores indicated gold quantities of as much as 415 grams per ton there, though more research is needed to determine the size of the deposit, Chief Executive Officer Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson said in an interview.
If the veins are big enough, St-Georges plans to mine with robots, while the equipment and processing primarily will use electricity made from geothermal and hydro power by Landsvirkjun, the state-owned power company. The moves come after gold hit a record in August and is up more than 20% this year.
“Our emphasis will be on making the most eco-friendly and socially responsible gold in the world,” Vilhjalmsson said. “We foresee that our gold would be sold with a premium.”
In an environment as pristine as Iceland’s, the potential for gold mines to pop up may trigger alarms among the island’s 364,000 residents, given the industry’s reputation for polluting and scarring the landscape. But Vilhjalmsson says his operation will be different.
“Our ideology is about making minimal disturbances to the ground,” he said. “In Thormodsdalur, you will hardly see it when mining activity starts.”
St-Georges will use all the material extracted from the ground during the mining process, Vilhjalmsson said. After the minerals are separated, the remainder would be used in building material and concrete.
Experimental Mining
The Canadian miner holds all exploration licenses for gold in Iceland after acquiring local corporation Melmi Ehf last month. Melmi owned the majority interest in the Thor Gold Project in Thormodsdalur, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of the capital.
Vilhjalmsson, 45, previously worked on mining projects in Greenland and Africa. He is optimistic that experimental mining in Iceland will start this decade, and he expects to spend almost 500 million Icelandic kronur ($3.6 million) on research during the next few years.
“We anticipate that by using the green energy Iceland offers, our production will be more cost-efficient than if we’d use fossil fuels,” he said. “We are in the process of doing a proof of concept for our model, and we hope it will be applicable to mining sites around the world.”
The company holds exploration permits for gold, silver and copper in three locations in Iceland and has applied for 11 more licenses. The Thormodsdalur endeavor will be funded through debt and private placement on the Canadian Securities Exchange.
The explorer’s shares have declined 25% so far this year, for a market value of C$10.4 million ($8 million).
‘Green Gold’
Grant Sporre, a senior analyst for metals and mining at Bloomberg Intelligence, said he is skeptical about the market opportunity since there’s no universal standard for what qualifies as “green gold.”
“It will be a while before any investors see a return on the Icelandic gold explorations component of their business,” he said.
Gold digging in Iceland started at the beginning of the 20th century. The Thormodsdalur site was discovered in 1905, and four years later the poet and entrepreneur Einar Benediktsson formed a mining company with investors from Norway, Britain and Germany.
The property produced a gold concentrate from 1911 to 1925 that was shipped to Germany for processing, but then the market faded away.
Interested renewed in 1989 after two Icelandic geologists, including Hjalti Franzson, studied the presence of gold in geothermal systems in New Zealand and Japan. That triggered local research funded by the Icelandic government. “There is enough gold in the ground here,” said Thorvaldur Thordarson, a professor in volcanology and petrology at the University of Iceland. “In Iceland, it’s perhaps not as concentrated in one place.
Comparably, 2025 sales are projected to increase by:
