Agoracom Blog

#Edtech Boom Boosted by Experiences in Lockdown – SPONSOR: BetterU Education Corp. $BTRU.ca $ARCL $CPLA $BPI $FC.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 1:43 PM on Monday, May 25th, 2020

SPONSOR:  BetterU Education Corp. aims to provide access to quality education from around the world. The company plans to bridge the prevailing gap in the education and job industry and enhance the lives of its prospective learners by developing an integrated ecosystem. betterU / Ottolearn launch FREE COVID-19 mobile resource toolkit to fight the global crisis – Click here for more information.

Edtech Boom Boosted by Experiences in Lockdown

  • Coronavirus lockdown opens new paths for online education
  • The edtech field may see its growth accelerating even faster because of pandemic
  • The world of education and worker retraining has been upended by the coronavirus, with many changes that could have long-lasting impacts

By: Bruce Rule

Teacher Kai Frazier had a hard time persuading venture capital investors to consider her online education startup, which provides virtual-reality tours of museums and historic sites for children. Then the deadly coronavirus caused societies to shut down worldwide.

“VCs thought that this was only for poor kids who couldn’t afford to go to museums,” Frazier told Karma. “COVID-19 took that argument out” and led potential investors to reconsider Kai XR, she said. Now, Frazier is in the midst of a funding round that may net between $500,000 and $1 million.

With almost 1.2 billion children locked out of schools and millions of adults out of work around the globe, the deadly coronavirus pandemic is forcing the world to re-examine how best to educate and retrain people. That may spur even faster growth of online education, a field that was already expected to surge to $319 billion by 2025 from $188 billion last year.

“COVID-19 is a terrible thing, but what it also did was break down structures that weren’t serving a lot of people,” Frazier said. “Online education may quickly become the classroom experience.”

Her company produces virtual reality tours — like this one of the Obama portraits — that will be viewed online for a monthly subscription fee on a platform that launched last month. The company has seen a 200% increase in people signing up for a free demonstration because of the pandemic.

With VR tours, a child can have a wide range of experiences — from touring a Negro League baseball museum to seeing how a windmill works — that might not otherwise be available because of cost or distance, Frazier said. Online can provide a “diverse education.”

Investors certainly are betting so. A record $18.7 billion was invested in edtech companies worldwide last year, according to research firm Metaari. The pandemic doesn’t seem to have killed enthusiasm for the field. In March, online education company Yuanfudao of China raised $1 billion in a finance round led by Tencent Holdings and private equity firm Hillhouse Capital Group.

According to education research firm HolonIQ, a lot of that growth will eventually be in emerging markets in India, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa, “where multi-billion dollar funds are being set up to deploy capital into education and other ESG and impact sectors.”
   
Worker retraining also has become a hot topic, with a White House advisory panel last week saying new pathways are needed for the unemployed to upgrade their skills and learn new ones so they can find jobs in fields that are expected to rebound first.

Guild Education is responding to that need. The edtech company was founded in 2015 to help employers including Chipotle, Disney and Walmart create education programs for workers by connecting companies with higher-ed programs at nonprofit universities.

Earlier this month, Guild launched the Next Chapter platform, which enables employers to
provide laid-off workers with access to reskilling programs and hands-on coaching to help them qualify for new positions in areas where demand will increase as the economy reopens.

“Next Chapter was created to help workers make the leap to higher wage” positions, Rachel Carlson, Guild’s CEO, said in an email to Karma.

Investors are also jumping into the field of worker training. Online training platform GO1.com announced this week it raised $40 million in Series C funding.
 
“What has been made clear through this pandemic is the importance of disseminating knowledge across borders, companies, and all parts of society,” The World Economic Forum said in a report last month. “If online learning technology can play a role here, it is incumbent upon all of us to explore its full potential.”

Source: https://karmaimpact.com/edtech-boom-boosted-by-experiences-in-lockdown/

Mota Ventures $MOTA.ca Signs LOI to Acquire Ecommerce Platform Leader Unified Funding, LLC, Which Generated $96.5m in Consumer Transactions in 2019 $APH.ca $GBLX $PFE $ACG.ca $ACB.ca $WEED.ca $HIP.ca $WMD.ca $CGRW

Posted by AGORACOM at 1:02 PM on Saturday, May 23rd, 2020
  • Unified has a database of over one million customers and facilitated over $375,000,000(Cdn) in consumer transactions
  • Unified’s platform generates revenue from licensing, marketing and product fulfillment fees, supporting brands in skin care, essential oils, men’s health, weight management and CBD

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 23, 2020 / Mota Ventures Corp. (CSE:MOTA)(FSE:1WZ:GR)(OTC PINK:PEMTF) (the “Company”) is excited to announce it has entered into a Letter of Intent (the “LOI”) dated May 21, 2020, to evaluate the acquisition (the “Proposed Transaction”) of Unified Funding, LLC (“Unified”). Since inception in 2015, Unified has generated a database of over one million customers and has facilitated over Cdn$375,000,000 in consumer transactions. Powered by its proprietary technology platform, Unified has created an eCommerce ecosystem to scale its brands and achieve profitability targets through data analysis, strategic customer acquisition and supply chain management. Founded by partners with more than a decade of eCommerce and technology experience, Unified has rapidly grown into a formidable business focused on aggressive expansion in the natural health products market. Unified’s diverse platform generates revenue from; licensing, marketing and product fulfillment fees supporting brands in skin care, essential oils, men’s health, weight management and CBD including MOTA’s recently audited Nature’s Exclusive brand. Figures presented in this news release were translated from US dollars into Canadian dollars using the Bank of Canada closing exchange rate on May 22, 2020 of US$1.00:Cdn$1.3892.

“A transaction with Unified is another step forward in our expansion as a global eCommerce business. This is the platform and personnel necessary for MOTA to launch and grow brands, such as Nature’s Exclusive, which we acquired from Unified in January of 2020. Unified has developed a comprehensive eCommerce platform that is ideally suited for the natural health products sector. Integration of their platform and the personnel to run it will allow us to rapidly deploy new products and expand into new natural health product segments and markets,” stated Ryan Hoggan, CEO of the Company.

Beyond Unified’s comprehensive eCommerce technology platform, their services assist brands with launching and scaling customer acquisition strategies. Through a worldwide network of media partners, Unified is able to closely monitor market trends to guide product innovation and marketing strategies that yield profitable results.

“We have created a very comprehensive eCommerce platform with a team of data analysis, strategic customer acquisition and supply chain management experts that has been proven effective for rapid expansion of natural health brands. We are hopeful that a transaction with Mota will allow our group to use our skills to expand into additional international markets, create new natural health brands and reach more consumers. Mota’s access to capital markets to raise growth capital to invest in customer acquisition will give us a distinct advantage to quickly scale, diversify and expand into new high growth product offerings,” stated Kevin Keranen, Chairman of Unified.

Readers are cautioned that the LOI entered into with Unified does not set forth the terms of the Proposed Transaction, nor have such terms been finalized. Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including, not limited to, completion of due diligence, negotiation of definitive documentation, and the receipt of any required regulatory approvals. The Proposed Transaction cannot be completed until these conditions are satisfied and there can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed at all.

The Proposed Transaction is not expected to constitute a fundamental change for the Company, nor is it expected to result in a change of control of the Company, within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company will provide further information regarding its review of Unified, and the Proposed Transaction, as that information becomes available.

About Mota Ventures Corp.

Mota is an established eCommerce, direct to consumer provider of a wide range of CBD products in the United States and Europe. In the United States, the company sells a CBD hemp-oil formulation derived from hemp grown and formulated in the US through its Nature’s Exclusive brands. Within Europe, its Sativida brand of award winning 100% organic CBD oils and cosmetics are sold throughout Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Mota Ventures is also seeking to acquire additional revenue producing CBD brands and operations in both Europe and North America, with the goal of establishing an international distribution network for CBD products. Low cost production, coupled with international, direct to customer, sales channels will provide the foundation for the success of Mota Ventures.

About Unified Funding, LLC

Founded in 2015 by partners with more than a decade of eCommerce and technology experience, Unified has rapidly grown into a formidable organization focused on aggressive expansion in the natural health products market. Powered by its proprietary technology platform, the company has created an eCommerce ecosystem to scale its brands and achieve profitability targets through data analysis, strategic customer acquisition and supply chain management. For more information about Unified, please visit https://www.unifiedbrandlab.com/.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MOTA VENTURES CORP.

Ryan Hoggan
Chief Executive Officer

For further information, readers are encouraged to contact Joel Shacker, President & CEO at +604.423.4733 or by email at [email protected]or www.motaventuresco.com

GM Says It’s Developing EV Battery To Last 1 Million Miles SPONSOR: Lomiko Metals $LMR.ca $CJC.ca $SRG.ca $NGC.ca $LLG.ca $GPH.ca $NOU.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 8:20 PM on Friday, May 22nd, 2020

SPONSOR: Lomiko Metals is focused on the exploration and development of minerals for the new green economy such as lithium and graphite. Lomiko has an option for 100% of the high-grade La Loutre graphite Property, Lac Des Iles Graphite Property and the 100% owned Quatre Milles Graphite Property. Lomiko is uniquely poised to supply the growing EV battery market. Click Here For More Information

Not long after it was revealed that Tesla is edging closer to making a million-mile electric vehicle battery, General Motors has stated it is on the verge of doing the same.

While speaking at a recent online investor conference, GM executive vice president Doug Parks revealed the car manufacturer is working on next-generation batteries that will be even more advanced than the Ultium battery that it unveiled back in March.

Parks said that the car manufacturer is “almost there” with the new long-life battery and added that “multiple teams” at GM are working on advances including zero-cobalt electrodes, solid state electrolytes and ultra-fast charging, Reuters reports.

GM’s Ultium batteries are unique because the large-format, pouch-style cells can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack, allowing engineers to optimize battery energy storage and layout for each vehicle design. Ultium energy options will range from 50 kWh to 200 kWh allowing for up to 400 miles (644 km) or more of range on each charge and vehicles that can sprint to 60 mph (96 km/h) in as little as 3 seconds.

Most future electric vehicles produced by GM with the Ultium batteries will have 400-volt battery packs and up to 200 kW fast-charging capabilities, while the brand’s truck platform will have 800-volt battery packs and 350 kW fast-charging capability.

While GM may be close to developing a million-mile battery, Tesla looks set to beat them to the punch. Thanks to a partnership with China’s CATL, the electric automaker’s million-mile battery could premiere in Chinese-built Model 3s later this year or early next year.

SOURCE: https://www.carscoops.com/2020/05/gm-says-its-developing-ev-battery-to-last-1-million-miles/

Primo Nutraceuticals $PRMO.ca Receives NPN (Natural Product Number) from Health Canada $CROP.ca $VP.ca NF.ca $MCOA

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 4:42 PM on Friday, May 22nd, 2020

– Received its NPN (Natural Product Number) from Health Canada.

– Primo Nutraceuticals hand sanitizers meet Health Canada’s requirements for safety, effectiveness and quality.

– In response to the increasing demand for hand sanitizers in Canada during the current COVID-19 pandemic, Health Canada has implemented an interim expedited licensing approach to help businesses like Primo to obtain the required authorizations to produce and distribute hand sanitizer.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 22, 2020 — PRIMO NUTRACEUTICALS INC. (CSE: PRMO) (OTC: BUGVF) (FSE: 8BV) (DEU: 8BV) (MUN: 8BV) (STU: 8BV) (“Primo” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has received its NPN (Natural Product Number) from Health Canada. Primo Nutraceuticals hand sanitizers meet Health Canada’s requirements for safety, effectiveness and quality.

In response to the increasing demand for hand sanitizers in Canada during the current COVID-19 pandemic, Health Canada has implemented an interim expedited licensing approach to help businesses like Primo to obtain the required authorizations to produce and distribute hand sanitizer. Consistent with the interim measure for alcohol-based hand sanitizers currently in place, Primo’s hand sanitizer can be distributed to healthcare and commercial settings across Canada.

The Natural Product Number NPN 80099466 issued to Primo will be located on every Primo product label distributed.

The Natural Product Number contains information about the natural health product and found to be safe, effective and of high quality under their recommended conditions of use. You can identify licensed natural health products by looking for the eight-digit Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label.

Sales are to commence in June 2020. No purchase orders are yet in place.

To view the product brochure visit: https://www.primoceuticals.com/shop#!/Primo-Lemon-Hand-Sanitizer-60/p/197662415/category=0

About Primo Nutraceuticals Inc.

Primo Nutraceuticals Inc. (“Primo” or the “Company”) is dedicated to funding the rapid growth in production, processing, retail and branding of cannabis and non-cannabis related products in Canada and the United States. Primo has invested in several brands and is pursuing partnerships with retailers and distribution companies in Canada and the United States. Primo’s management is in the process of building a corporate road map to further vertically integrate the Company, specifically by way of “Primo” branded retail outlets – offering “Thrive,” “Primo,” and a selection of curated partner brands. The Company possesses proprietary formulas for cannabis edibles, topical, and tinctures. Primo is focused on building a strong presence in the hemp industry with the objective of extracting and selling cannabinoids (CBD) products in both Canada and the United States.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

PRIMO NUTRACEUTICALS INC.

“Andy Jagpal”

President and Director

For further information, please contact Zoltan, IR Representative at: 604-722-0305, or; [email protected]

To learn more about what this news means to the shareholders visit:

https://t.me/PrimoNutraceuticals

Shop: www.primoceuticals.com

www.twitter.com/prmonutra

www.thrivecbd.org

www.beautykitchen.net

www.marianna.ca

www.drinkdefy.com

Corporate: www.primonutraceuticals.com

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this news release.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c8349cf6-4f9e-49b2-9769-53f0c3274f0d

Primo Hand Sanitizer
Primo Nutraceuticals hand sanitizers meet Health Canada’s requirements for safety, effectiveness and quality.

The Forecast For Silver In 2020-2021 SPONSOR: Affinity Metals $AAF.ca $SII.ca $TUD.ca $GTT.ca $AMK.ca $OSK.ca $RKR.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 12:25 PM on Friday, May 22nd, 2020
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Affinity_Metals_Corp_Logo.png

Sponsor: Affinity Metals Corp. (TSX-V: AFF) is a Canadian mineral exploration company building a strong portfolio of mineral projects in North America. The Corporation’s flagship property is the drill ready Regal Property near Revelstoke, BC where Affinity Metals is making preparations for a spring drill program to test two large Z-TEM anomalies. Click Here for More Info

This has been a tumultuous year for investors, with Brexit, negative bond yields, a global trade war, an oil price crash and, of course, a worldwide pandemic that’s ushered in what’s expected to be the worst recession since the Great Depression. The question, then, is whether our money can be safely invested anywhere.

Fortunately, many experts are bullish about precious metals. Although the price of gold has risen roughly $400 per ounce in the past year, some analysts suggest that silver may be the better buy in the medium- and long-term.

As the CEO and founder of an online alternative investment brokerage, I’m constantly keeping my finger on the pulse of what precious metals experts forecast for the years ahead. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the silver forecast for 2020 and 2021 to give investors an idea of what they can expect.

How Has Silver Fared So Far In 2020?

Let’s first assess the recent performance of silver bullion during this time of uncertainty. Although the price of silver has fallen since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, its value has held considerably well compared to the U.S. stock market. During the worst of the stock sell-off in mid-March, May silver futures dropped $0.48 to roughly $12.34 per ounce, according to kitco.com, while the S&P 500 had fallen 27% year to date on March 18.

Virtually every asset price fell in March due to the “sell what you can” mentality many investors held during this frantic period of uncertainty driven by the coronavirus and an oil price war. However, allocating a portion of your portfolio to silver bullion would have softened the blow caused by the coronavirus sell-off.

Is Silver Susceptible To Price Suppression?

It’s worth noting neither the U.S. federal government nor the Federal Reserve system can assert significant control over the price of silver. In 2019, the U.S. accounted for an estimated 3.6% of global silver production (980 metric tons), compared to Mexico and Peru, which produced 6,300 and 3,800 metric tons, respectively. Therefore, the price of silver is ultimately beholden to global market forces rather than domestic price manipulation.

Silver And Industry

Silver is a metal with many industrial applications. In 2018, silver was heavily utilized for industrial manufacturing — in particular, for use in photovoltaic solar panels, brazing alloys and solders, electronics and ethylene oxide. This figure doesn’t include silver used in the production of jewelry, which required another 200 million-plus ounces that year.

What’s particularly noteworthy about silver’s industrial usage is that it’s prominent in the production of solar panels and batteries, which bodes well for the metal’s long-term price. The worldwide market for solar energy was expected to rise in value from $52 billion in 2018 to $223 billion by 2026.

Key Factors That Could Influence The Price Of Silver In The Near Term

In an article forecasting the price of silver in 2020, Capital.com’s Valerie Medleva mentioned that silver tends to perform poorly when the U.S. dollar is strong. The article went on to note that in Q4 2018, the price of silver fell 14% when the U.S. dollar performed well.

Although the U.S. dollar is currently strong, the Fed has recently cut interest rates to effectively zero, which could weaken the dollar, so it remains to be seen how this will impact the price of silver through the year. A strong dollar generally signals a weak silver price, and though there are exceptions, such as we saw in 2018, high interest rates tend to mean higher silver prices. In other words, if the dollar weakens, we could have two competing forces pushing the price of silver up and down simultaneously.

Regarding supply, a January 2020 report by Scotiabank determined the global supply of silver is “fundamentally oversupplied” but remains attractive to investors as a gold proxy. The authors note that silver can play an important role as a currency hedge, and upside growth is expected due to modest increased industrial demand. Overall, the report is mixed about silver prices for 2020, estimating possible outcomes of $15-$23 per ounce, depending on gold performance and demand drivers. The authors estimated that $17.50-$21 per ounce is the fair, market-aligned range for silver in the year ahead.

And according to technical analysts at FX Empire, silver is trending to the upside as price pullbacks throughout April have been met with quick buys from investors looking to fill their pockets with the white metal. They note a critical resistance point at $15.50 per ounce. If silver settles above that mark, that will open the path for it stabilizing around the $16.50 level seen before the crisis.

The Takeaway: A Worthwhile Hold But Not Without Risk

The general consensus among market watchers, researchers and precious metals experts is that the long-term forecast for silver is positive. Although no asset is without downside risk, the case for silver is supported by heavy industrial use as well as its strategic importance as a currency hedge during times of uncertainty. However, the strength of the dollar will play an important role in silver’s performance.

In short, silver is an alternative investment that’s a relatively safe option in a highly volatile market. Many analysts are optimistic about silver prices in the short and medium term. Regardless of how silver performs in the months ahead, the metal remains a strategic hold for many investors looking to minimize risk, diversify their portfolio and safeguard their wealth during times of heightened volatility.

SOURCE: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2020/05/21/the-forecast-for-silver-in-2020-2021/#4b2bd9e05cac

Countries Went On A Gold-Buying Spree Before Coronavirus Took Hold SPONSOR: American Creek $AMK.ca $TUD.ca $SII.ca $GTT.ca $AFF.ca $SEA.ca $SA $PVG.ca $AOT.ca $ESK.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 10:58 AM on Friday, May 22nd, 2020

SPONSOR: American Creek owns a 20% Carried Interest to Production at the Treaty Creek Project in the Golden Triangle. 2019’s first hole averaged 0.683 g/t Au over 780m in a vertical intercept. 2020 drilling plans 18,000 to 20,000 metres from 7-10 drill platforms with four diamond drill rigs. The Treaty Creek property is located in the same hydrothermal system as the Pretivm and Seabridge’s KSM deposits and is fully funded for exploration in 2020. Click Here For More Info

The global economy was flashing danger signs long before the pandemic. For one thing, many countries were clamouring to get hold of as much gold as possible. For the past decade, they have been buying new reserves and bringing it home from overseas storage to an extent never seen in modern times. Then just before the pandemic, there was a pause. What does all this mean?

Central banks added 650 tons to their reserves in 2019, the second highest shift in 50 years, after the 656 tons added in 2018. Before the 2007-09 financial crisis, central banks were net sellers of gold worldwide for decades. Leading the recent spree has been China, Russia, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Central bank gold buying 1971-2019

We have also seen a large effort by central banks to repatriate their gold from other countries, mostly from storage in New York and London.

Gold has enthralled humanity since ancient times. Still it glitters from central bank vaults to jewellery bazaars the world over. The Conversation brings you five essential briefings by academic experts on the world’s favourite precious metal. For more articles written by experts, join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to our newsletter

Venezuela started repatriating its gold in 2011, shipping 160 tonnes from New York. A third of its holdings remain in London, but only because the Bank of England won’t repatriate them – declaring it doesn’t recognise the government in Caracas. Venezuela has now made this the subject of a legal claim.

Between 2012 and 2017, Germany repatriated most of its massive reserve from Paris and New York to Frankfurt. The Netherlands did likewise in 2014, followed by Austria.

Top 20 national gold reserves

Then came Eastern Europe. In 2018, Hungary announced it would repatriate nearly 3 tons of gold from London, while greatly boosting its reserves. Poland repatriated 100 tons from London a year later, about half of its national reserve. Next was Romania, while Slovakia and Serbia have been considering moving gold home from England too.

Why it is happening?

This dash to gold is about geopolitics and economics. Gold serves as a patch mark of nationalist identity. To quote Adam Glapinski, governor of the National Bank of Poland, “gold symbolises the strength of [a] country”.

Stocking up has made sense to many countries in the populist climate. It is also a sign of countries diversifying from dollars. The likes of Russia, China and even countries in Western Europe want to break the US dominance of the financial system, having seen it used as leverage in everything from economic sanctions to trade threats.

Following the last financial crisis, many also feared there was more to come. When former Slovak prime minister Robert Fico last year urged his parliament to compel the central bank to repatriate gold from London, he argued that overseas reserves could be at risk in a new global economic crisis.

Citing the 1938 Munich pact between France, Britain, Italy and Germany that allowed the German invasion of Czechoslovakia, he said that “sometimes your international partners can betray you”.

Countries also seem unnerved by the row over Venezuela’s gold, plus the fact that Germany’s repatriated bars from the US appeared different to what it thought was in store. This suggested the Federal Reserve was trading them.

Fiat vs gold

In an era where everything is digital, fast and smart, it might sound strange that a static piece of metal could still have a major monetary role. Central banks abandoned the gold standard in the 1970s, led by US President Richard Nixon, which meant that paper currencies were no longer exchangeable for gold. This was necessary because there were too many dollars in the international system and too many countries exercising their right to exchange them for US gold reserves.

After Nixon’s decision, currencies became fiat, meaning that countries could freely decide how much to have in circulation. Currencies now had value not because they were backed by gold, but because the state standing behind them said they had value. Central banks effectively declared gold to be a relic. Fiat money was seen as superior, thanks to central bankers’ supposedly scientific oversight of monetary policy.

The new dash for gold makes economists pause and wonder what is happening. It seems to show many countries looking for a safe haven in these years in which interest rates have been very low and central banks have been printing large amounts of money to stimulate the global economy. Gold continues to have intrinsic value, so it reassures countries – especially if they fear inflation and downturns.

And yet, just as economic uncertainty was about to move to a whole new level with the pandemic, this trend lost momentum. Additions to the gold holdings of central banks and other international institutions in the three months to January 2020 – the most recent figure available – were just 67 metric tons, the least since August 2018.

In truth, this was not entirely surprising. Purchasing bullion at close to a seven-year high, and after a month of prices fluctuating plus or minus about 13%, is no particularly prudent way to consolidate economic and geopolitical power.

It will be a few months before we see how the pandemic has affected central banks’ attitude to gold. It could yet convince them that gold will still move higher. So don’t be surprised if this dash to gold has resumed in recent weeks – in a leading indicator of troubling times ahead.

SOURCE: https://www.yahoo.com/news/countries-went-gold-buying-spree-143228896.html

Else Nutrition $BABY.ca Provides Corporate Update – Product Launch In U.S. Expected In Q3 $MAT $KMB $BMY $ABT $WYE

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:41 AM on Friday, May 22nd, 2020
http://blog.agoracom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/else-square-150x150.png
  • Engagement with Covet PR ahead of planned product launch in the U.S.; Covet specializes in alternative foods promotion with clients such as Beyond Meat, Banza, Kashi, Once Upon a Farm, and many others
  • Positive social campaign testing results, reached over 320,000 potential customers in the U.S.
  • Partnership with “Mom’s Meet”, a community of approximately 100,000 U.S. moms dedicated to exploring new children products
  • Product launch in the U.S. expected in late July or early August 2020 (4-8 week delay from original pre-July launch date due to Covid 19)
  • Toddler Nutrition product sampling campaign planned to launch on June 15, 2020

VANCOUVER, BC / May 22, 2020 / ELSE NUTRITION HOLDINGS INC. (TSX-V:BABY) (OTCQB:BABYF) (“Else” or the “Company“), a developer of plant-based alternatives to dairy-based baby nutrition, is pleased to provide the following corporate update.

Marketing for Upcoming Product Launch

Else is pleased to announce that it has engaged Covet PR, a national U.S.-based public relations firm devoted to food, beverage, beauty and lifestyle brands. Covet will) support the launch of Else products into the U.S. marketplace in Q3-2020. Covet’s client roster includes impressive, disruptive and leading wellness brands, such as: Beyond Meat, Banza, Kashi, Once Upon a Farm, and many other better-for-you consumer product companies.

“As experts in the plant-based nutrition space, we are thrilled to be partnering with Else Nutrition for their U.S. launch,” says Sara Brooks, Founder, and CEO of Covet PR. “At Covet PR, we are passionate about companies that are truly innovating, making this world a healthier and happier place. Furthermore, as a mom of two young children, I am equally as excited about having a better, complete nutrition solution I can depend on, and I look forward to sharing this brand with consumers nationwide.”

During the month of April, Else executed its first paid test campaigns on social media platforms, showing highly promising results and customer engagement. The brand was exposed to over 320,000 potential U.S. customers, with more than double the industry average clickthrough rate. The clickthrough rate is a widely accepted industry standard indicator of high customer interest in the brand. Insights gleaned from this campaign will be integrated into a sampling campaign planned to launch on June 15th 2020, when customers will be able to order Else Toddler Nutrition samples.

The Company has also partnered with Mom’s Meet, a dedicated community of approximately 100,000 U.S. moms exploring new consumer products for their children. The program will raise brand awareness among this group via digital communications, and will drive sampling for Else Plant-Based Toddler Nutrition.

Product Launch Date

Management is pleased to announce that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, on Company’s business was minimal, causing an approximate 2 month delay in product launch which is currently scheduled for late July or early August 2020. Else also expects to finalize its agreement with a leading U.S.-based organic baby formula manufacturer for the production of its plant-based toddler nutrition product in June of 2020.

About Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.

Else Nutrition GH ltd. is an Israel-based food and nutrition company focused on developing innovative, clean and plant-based food and nutrition products for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Its revolutionary, 100% plant-based, non-soy, formula is a clean-ingredient alternative to dairy-based formula. Else Nutrition won the “2017 Best Health and Diet Solutions’ award at the Global Food Innovation Summit in Milan. The holding company, ELSE Nutrition Holdings Inc, is a publicly-traded company, listed as TSX-V: BABY, as part of the TSX Venture Exchange and as OTCQB: BABYF as part of the NY OTC QB Exchange. Else’s Executive and Advisory Board includes leaders hailing from Abbott Nutrition, Mead Johnson, Boston Children’s Hospital, ESPHGAN (European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition). Plum Organics, Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine, and Gastroenterology & Nutrition Institute of RAMBAM Medical Center.

For more information, visit: elsenutrition.com or @elsenutrition on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information, contact:

Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO, Co-Founder & Director
ELSE Nutrition Holdings Inc.
E: [email protected]
P: +972(0)52-447-9931

Mr. Sokhie Puar, Director of Else Nutrition
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 604-603-7787

TSX Venture Exchange

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that, to the extent they are not recitations of historical fact, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “will”, “plan”, “hope to”, “intend” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the Company’s commercialization of its products and expected timing, expected go-to-market strategy (including marketing, proposed markets, sales, customer growth and market position), and industry conditions including any impact of Covid-19. Such forward-looking statements reflect current estimates, beliefs and assumptions, which are based on management’s perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. No assurance can be given that the foregoing will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements made in this press release assume, among others, the successful completion of Else’s proposed scale-up for its products, restrictions due to Covid-19 will not result in additional unplanned delays, and such statements are intended to apply only to the infant formula market for ages 12 months and above, and having all necessary regulatory approval as required by each target market. Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the estimates, beliefs and assumptions expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: consumer demand for the Company’s products, whether the Company’s current and future products achieve commercialization, uncertainty regarding material changes in laws and regulations, retention of key personnel, the Company’s ability to expand into global markets and competitive developments, and the impact of Covid-19 on the planned business operations. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive, and other risks and uncertainties not presently known, or believed to be material, to management Additional information and other factors that could affect the operations or financial results of the Company are set out in the Company’s Filing Statement dated May 14, 2019 under the heading “Risk Factors” and may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s expectations only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law

Overstock CEO: Why Immunity Passports Could Move #Blockchain Tech Mainstream – SPONSOR: #KABN Systems North America Inc.

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:24 AM on Friday, May 22nd, 2020

SPONSOR: KABN Systems North America Inc. A Fintech platform focused on Verifying, Managing & Monetizing Online Identity. Immunity passports based on Blockchain technology? Why not for this and other matters. Liquid Avatar will make it easier to carry all kind of digital credentials, whether it’s a digital travel or immunity passport and a whole lot more with added biometric, blockchain and other multi-factor verification.

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Overstock CEO: Why Immunity Passports Could Move Blockchain Tech Mainstream

By PYMNTS

In the early days of enforced social distancing measures, there was a presiding confidence that any economic disruption would be temporary and fairly short.

Analysts were nearly universally predicting a “V-shaped” U.S. recovery — a fast drop with a quick stop, then a rapid reset back to normal. End-to-end, things would recover by 2020’s end.

But things are looking far less certain now in that regard. While some experts are predicting a quick reset, a rising chorus of voices is noting that the slowdown might extend for some time still to come.

Still, PYMNTs’ surveys have found that consumers are eight times more afraid of dying from COVID-19 than they’re worried about losing their jobs or their nest eggs. As a result, many will need quite a bit of persuading when it comes to getting back out into the real world.

They must believe that the rewards of real-world commerce are worth the frictions and the risk to health — outweighing what they’ll receive if they eschew a physical experience for the digital ones they’ve become accustomed to over the past two months.

It’s a tall order, Overstock CEO Jonathan Johnson told Karen Webster in a recent digital discussion, but the power of blockchain can be critical in addressing it. He said he envisions using blockchain to create private, consumer-controlled “immunity passports” that will make it easier for customers and businesses to feel comfortable in a real-world environment.

That’s why Overstock’s investment arm Medici Ventures has turned toward firms like Evernym and Vital Chain. These startups are leveraging blockchain technology to create app-based solutions that will let individuals download and control their health records and selectively share them with businesses, industries and health organizations.

Johnson noted that when we think about what it will really take for the average consumer to feel safe sitting on an airplane, in a restaurant or at a store, it’s the knowledge that everyone around them is uninfected with coronavirus.

“I think the solution we are investing in developing is solving a problem that people are going to want solved,” he said. “An immunity passport is what that is going to look like for a lot of industries. If I can prove that I’ve got the antibodies or have steered clear of infection entirely, and I can show that on an immunity passport, that’s pretty powerful.”

Or at least it could be, in terms of providing a reentry plan for consumers and businesses that balances people’s need for privacy with their need to feel safe and confident interacting with the physical world. But, Johnson noted, the first challenge is adoption.

Leading People To Try A New Thing

Webster asked about the immunity passports being developed from blockchain compared to immunity-passport app usage being enforced by the Chinese government, and whether they are designed to function in a similar way.

“Well, I don’t ever want to say we’re similar to China,” Jackson noted, saying what mainly differentiates the immunity passport Overstock is investing in from the Chinese QR code-based option is choice.

The consumer chooses to access their health record via a blockchain transaction, then chooses which businesses they wish to share information with, he said.

What will likely push adoption is that some businesses have an incentive to use this technology — and require a submission of a clean immunity passport.

“If you are the Cleveland Indians or the Browns or Cavaliers, your biggest interest right now is getting people back into the seats and watching games in their stadium,” Johnson said. “That creates their incentive to require these.”

As for consumers, their motivation for adoption is pretty simple: They’ll want to go to a ball game, fly on a plane or eat in a restaurant and will have to participate to do so.

Will This Be Blockchain’s Time To Shine?

There’s a tendency when looking at decade-old blockchain technology to wonder why something billed as a “world-changing” innovation hasn’t had a bigger impact so far.

Johnson agreed that blockchain has been underutilized thus far, but he said he doesn’t believe that’s necessarily a reflection on the technology itself. He said Overstock continues to believe blockchain is “the most important advance since the invention of the internet.”

The trouble, he said, is blockchain tends to get mixed up with its first killer-use case — cryptocurrency.

As a transactional technology, cryptocurrency has uses that Overstock has seen on its retail site Overstock.com, Johnson said. To buy something via traditional means, customers have to cough up a lot of information about themselves — names, email addresses, credit card numbers, the extra security code and their shipping and billing addresses.

But when they buy with bitcoin, they only need to hand over a single piece of information — a shipping address. The use of blockchain technology creates a self -sovereign identity that imports directly into the transaction and allows for smoother and simpler authentication.

The trouble, Johnson noted, is bitcoin as a use case has speed issues in terms of timing transactions properly.

“I don’t think it is quite immediate enough for payments in some cases,” he said. “It’s tough when I’m in a 7-Eleven and I have to wait for the bitcoin blockchain to confirm the sale. That is not going to work for most people.”

But a solution that allows consumers and businesses to feel more comfortable returning to physical transactions will. And blockchain’s unique mechanism of securely transferring information in an unalterable way makes it ideally suited for building immunity passports — even if those using them have no idea that they’re working with blockchain.

In fact, Johnson said he advises the firms in which Overstock invests to stay away from mentioning blockchain technology too much because that will get them into a bunch of tangential conversations about cryptocurrency.

“I have worked for an internet company for a long time, [and] I have no idea how my phone works, but I know the apps, and I know how I like to use it, and I know the solutions it is offering me to the problems I need solved,” Johnson said. “I advise companies to talk about the problem [they’re addressing] and how the app solves it. The fact that it is on blockchain and that is why the solution works, that is less important.”

Source: https://www.pymnts.com/blockchain/2020/overstock-ceo-thinks-immunity-passports-could-move-blockchain-tech-mainstream

Serial Entreprenuer and Former Aurora Cannabis $ACB CEO, Terry Booth, Joins Eyecarrot $EYC.ca as Executive Chairman $EYPT $KALA

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:04 PM on Thursday, May 21st, 2020
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  • Announced the appointment Aurora Cannabis (TSX-ACB) Founder and former CEO, Mr. Terry Booth, to the Company as Executive Chairman.
  • Mr. Booth was one of the 2 original founders of Aurora Cannabis Inc. In 2013, he personally provided over $3.0 million in start-up capital to the building of a new from the ground up high quality purpose-built medical cannabis production facility in Mountain View County.
  • Appointed CEO in December 2014, he has skillfully raised Aurora from its infancy into one of the world’s largest and fastest growing cannabis companies, valued at $18B at its peak

Toronto, New York -  May 21st, 2020Eyecarrot Innovations Corp (TSXV:EYC) | (OTC:EYCCF) | (2EYA:GR), is pleased to announce the appointment Aurora Cannabis (TSX-ACB) Founder and former CEO, Mr. Terry Booth, to the Company as Executive Chairman. Mr. Booth was one of the 2 original founders of Aurora Cannabis Inc. In 2013, he personally provided over $3.0 million in start-up capital to the building of a new from the ground up high quality purpose-built medical cannabis production facility in Mountain View County. This facility was the first in the world to be certified as 100% EU GMP compliant for the production of Medical Cannabis. Appointed CEO in December 2014, he has skillfully raised Aurora from its infancy into one of the world’s largest and fastest growing cannabis companies, valued at $18B at its peak, with a focus on providing high-quality medical and adult usage cannabis and inspiring better days for medical and recreational consumers around the world.

A visionary and passionate leader, Terry has a deep knowledge of highly regulated environments. He was instrumental in Aurora receiving its initial licensing and approval from Health Canada to produce medical cannabis, as well as building the Company’s state of the art cultivation facility Aurora Sky. With this strong entrepreneurial vision running through the entire company, Terry has overseen the company’s organic growth as well as its expansion through acquisitions of companies, all of which were successfully integrated into the parent company.

“I am beyond excited to be a part of a new technology platform that will focus on improving vision globally. In particular, improving youth vision through this revolutionary technology that has not only been proven but is being used by world class athletes to improve their binocular vision, balance, and strength. Our product will set the standard in this nascent industry on a global basis,” commented Terry Booth, Executive Chairman

Uniquely skilled at seizing M&A opportunities, (over 30 transactions and acquisitions in the last 5 years) Terry also has more than 25 years of experience in creating, growing and leading companies in highly regulated industries. Terry currently sits on the board of Aurora Cannabis, Quinsam Capital, and Psyched Wellness and has sat on the board of other organizations, including Radient Technologies and Alcanna (formerly Liquor Stores N.A.). Terry has also served as President/CEO of Superior Safety Codes Inc, which was recognized as one of Canada’s top 50 fastest-growing companies. Terry joins Eyecarrot with an established track-record of transformational leadership and a purpose to impact Global Health and Education.

“We are absolutely thrilled to add the expertise and experience of a member of Terry’s caliber, and the team at Eyecarrot firmly believes that this will set our path moving forward. With his proven track record in building and growing businesses in technologically and medically innovative fields, Terry brings an unsurpassed wealth of knowledge to our dedicated and motivated team. He has the unique ability to move mountains when it comes to policy at the national and international level, as well as an incredible track record in capital markets. We’re excitedly looking forward to working together to accomplish our goals, bring value to our investors, and ultimately improve human performance,” commented Eyecarrot Founder and CEO Adam Cegielski.

In connection with these corporate changes, the Company would also like to announce it as arranged a non-brokered private placement to raise up to $1 million through the issuance of up to 7,843,137 units at a price of $0.1275 per unit, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Each unit will comprise one common share and one share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to acquire a further common share at a price of $0.25 per share for a period of 24 months, subject to an acceleration clause whereby if the closing price of the Company’s shares is equal to or greater than $0.50 per share for a period of five consecutive trading days (at any time following the expiry of the four month resale restriction period), the Company, may, by notice to the warrant holder, reduce the remaining exercise period of the warrants to not less than 30 days from the date of such notice. The proceeds of the placement will be utilized for the further development of the Company’s products and for general working capital purposes. Mr. Booth is expected to subscribe for up to 1,960,785 units of the financing.

The Company also announces the grant of an aggregate of 2,500,000 stock options at an exercise price of $0.17 per share for a period of five years to directors, officers, employees and consultants, of which 500,000 stock options will be granted to Mr. Booth.

Dr. John Flanagan has resigned from the Board of Directors of the company to make room for Mr. Terry Booth, and will now be the first member of the company’s Scientific Advisory Board.

Please visit https://www.eyecarrot.com/investors/ for additional information on the Company.

About Eyecarrot Innovations Corp (EYC)

Eyecarrot is a human performance technology company that has developed Binovi, a hardware and software-centered platform. Binovi combines hardware, software, specialized expert knowledge, and unique big data insights in order to deliver customized one-on-one training and treatment. Binovi is designed for vision optimization and the enhancement of skills related to human performance. We are working together under a common banner to help neuro-optometry, vision rehabilitation, and vision performance professionals gain measurable results in less time, and with less effort.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Adam Cegielski

President | CEO

Investor Relations

Email: [email protected]

Toll-free: 1 (844) 866-6162

https://www.eyecarrot.com/investors/

Forward looking information

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute “forward-looking information” as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations, and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, that the Company’s financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events and that the Company obtains regulatory approval. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to prove not to be valid or reliable, that occurrences such as those referred to above are realized and result in delays, or cessation in planned work, that the Company’s financial condition and development plans change, and delays in regulatory approval, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company’s continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com . The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Affinity Metals Corp. Congratulates Advisor Ronni Stoeferle on Upcoming “In Gold We Trust” 2020 Publication and Announces Granting of Incentive Option $SII.ca $TUD.ca $GTT.ca $AMK.ca $OSK.ca $RKR.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 21st, 2020
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Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – May 21, 2020) – Affinity Metals Corp. (TSXV: AFF) (“the Corporation”) (“Affinity”) congratulates Advisor Ronni Stoerferle regarding the upcoming much anticipated May 27th publication of the 2020 edition of the “In Gold We Trust” report.

The “In Gold We Trust” report is the preeminent research report for the gold industry as it relates to the state of the global economy in general. The 2020 edition will be in excess of 350 pages of all things gold (and silver). The Wall Street Journal has referred to the report as the “Gold Standard of Gold Research”. The report is free and is available for download on May 27th at the following web address:

Startseite 2024

In Gold We Trust

Ronni Stoeferle, Founding Affinity Advisory Board Member, and Rob Edwards, Affinity CEO were recently interviewed on the Agoracom network. The interview covers key information regarding the present state of the gold and silver market as well as Affinity’s Regal Project. The interview may be viewed here:

https://agoracom.com/ir/AffinityMetals/forums/discussion/topics/740923-interview-affinity-metals-discusses-strengthening-gold-market-and-developments-at-regal-project/messages/2268065#message

Granting of Incentive Options

The Corporation has granted a total of 1,000,000 incentive stock options under the Corporation’s stock option plan to certain Directors, Officers, Contractors and Advisors of the Corporation. The options were granted at a deemed price of $0.17 and are exercisable until May 20, 2030. The incentive options are subject to a hold period of four months and a day from issuance.

The granting of options is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Affinity

Affinity Metals is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing the Regal polymetallic project located near Revelstoke, British Columbia.

Drill results from preliminary drilling on the Regal project were recently announced and included a significant new silver discovery in the Allco area of the property with drill hole #10 intersecting 11.10 meters of 143.29 g/t silver including 0.55 meters of 2612.0 g/t silver. This intersection also carried high grade zinc and lead with some copper.

Planning for the upcoming Regal exploration program is underway with details to be announced once finalized.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Robert Edwards, CEO and Director of Affinity Metals Corp.

Contact information for Mr. Edwards is [email protected]