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Entrepreneurs experiment as edtech catches on in India
The need for online intervention has existed for a long time in India, but it’s in the last two years that edtech has scaled up
Edtech has proved to be a slippery slope for entrepreneurs in the past, but 2020 may offer a vision of new horizons
BENGALURU : Chirag Arya comes from a family of
teachers. Now the Georgia Tech graduate is building a “digital
classroom” called PaperVideo, which he launched a few months back.
There are big players in this space, including the unicorn Byju’s
that offers courses from kindergarten to class XII as well as for
competitive exams. Another Bengaluru-based startup Vedantu, catering to
middle and high school students, raised $42 million in a funding round
led by Tiger Global in August. Unacademy, which is also based in
Bengaluru and focuses on competitive exams, had a $50 million funding
round in June.
But Arya feels there remains huge scope for entrepreneurs to
experiment with new technology and design to make online learning more
engaging and effective in such a massive, underserved market.
India has the largest population in the age group of five to 24, with
250 million school-going students, according to the India Brand Equity
Foundation, a government trust.
The poor standard of school education, with a scarcity of good
teachers, also makes a case for online resources. The Annual Status of
Education report for 2018 found that three out of five eighth-graders in
India struggle with simple math, such as subtraction.
One of the ways PaperVideo hopes to make a difference is by using
machine learning to track a student’s activity on the portal.
“Technology can give actionable insights to students and teachers on
skill gaps they need to close,” explains Arya. “We can then create
question sets, explanations and videos very quickly for concept-based
learning.”
DIFFERENTIATION IS KEY
Apart from adaptive learning, a key area for differentiation is the
way that content is delivered to raise the engagement level of students,
doing away with the force-feeding usually associated with study. “The
concepts remain the same, but we’ve done a lot of A/B testing to see how
to present them in a way that students can relate to and retain,” says
Arya.
The need for online intervention has existed for a long time in
India, but it’s in the last two years that edtech has scaled up. This is
reflected in the $1.1 billion that edtech startups in India raised in
2018 and 2019, compared to a little over half a billion dollars in the
previous three years, according to data from Tracxn. One of the main
reasons for the uptick is internet penetration.
“Due to the Jio effect, a large number of people are now on the
internet. That has made it more feasible for edtech companies to scale
than in the past,” says Rutvik Doshi, managing director of VC firm
Inventus. An Inventus portfolio startup, Funtoot, which provides online
tutorials for personalised learning in science and maths, recently got
acquired by Mumbai-based Embibe, which was itself acquired last year by
Reliance. The Mukesh Ambani conglomerate had committed an investment of
$180 million to scale up Embibe, and its acquisitions are a part of that
effort.
Most of the edtech tools in India are outcome-oriented to improve
grades, crack exams or get certifications. Doshi sees that as a natural
offshoot of the market.
“Your marks in school determine where you will do college, and your
marks in college decide what kind of job you end up doing. That part of
India is unlikely to change in the near future. So the primary focus of
any kind of intervention has to be outcome-driven for mass-scale
adoption,” says Doshi.
Where the differentiation comes is in the nature of intervention.
Polish edtech startup Brainly, for example, claims that 20 million of
its 150 million users are in India within a year of its launch in this
country. It’s a crowd-sourced platform where students and teachers post
questions and get answers. Like many other edtech startups, it uses a
freemium model where paying users get special features or freedom from
ads.
FINDING TAKERS ABROAD
The reverse is also happening, where Indian startups find takers
abroad for edtech tools in tune with holistic learning. Bengaluru-based
Quizizz, for example, finds that the largest number of adopters of its
multiplayer quiz game is in US middle schools.
Gurugram-based Studypath has a game-based learning product called
Splash Math for kids in kindergarten to grade 5. It claims to be the
fastest-growing elementary math programme in the US with a presence in
77,000 schools.
Another emerging area is corporate training. MindTickle, which had a
$40 million funding round in July, doubled its revenue this year by
notching up clients like Ola, Cloudera, and MongoDB. Its platform
coaches sales reps with simulated scenarios and gamified lessons.
Edtech has proved to be a slippery slope for entrepreneurs in the past, but 2020 may offer a vision of new horizons.
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Bitcoin demand is strong affirms prominent crypto-trader
In a recent thread on Twitter, popular cryptocurrency trader, Scott
Melker, posted his findings on analyzing candle wicks on the monthly Bitcoin charts.
Wicks usually show the extent to which an asset’s price fluctuated
between the open and close of the candle’s time frame. Long upper wicks
near a peak indicate market participants are trying to sell as high as
possible, increasing selling pressure and driving the price down. Long
lower wicks near a valley, however, show traders are looking to buy at
the lowest price possible, increasing buying pressure and driving the
price up.
Melker, who goes by ‘The Wolf of All Streets’ on Twitter, noted that since May, when BTC
nearly touched $14,000, the successive monthly candles’ upper wicks
have been receding in length, becoming shorter and shorter toward
October.
In a similar fashion, he pointed out how the monthly candles after
October showed increasing lengths in their lower wicks, with the month
of October itself showing a balance in length between upper and lower
candle wicks. According to Melker, this indicated strong BTC selling pressure during the rally earlier this year, as well as stronger buying on dips.
Additionally, Melker affirmed his hypothesis that demand is strong by
drawing attention to the previous week’s swing failure pattern.
Further, he claimed that BTC‘s
last weekly candle’s wick crossing under the last swing’s low indicated
the “price was pushed down to fit orders — engineered liquidity.â€
While not a flawless basis on which to expect a bull market, a look at the historical data for Bitcoin‘s weekly price shows candles with long wicks have tended to precede considerable movement in BTC
value. As the market looks to buy at lower and lower levels, it seems
likely that sellers will continue to prop the price up higher and
higher, possibly leading to a gradual rise in Bitcoin value over the coming weeks and months.
Proprietary technology platforms including Electronic Health Records portal and e-Commerce for CBD product distribution
Recently launched CBD extraction facility
First extraction system capacity = 6,000 Kg per year.
CBD based products are poised to be a $20B global industry by 2022
Medical cannabis is poised to be a $100B global industry by 2025
Marijuana On The 2020 Ballot: These States Could Vote
By:Tom Angell
Ever since Colorado and Washington became the first two states to
approve marijuana legalization initiatives in 2012, additional states
have joined them in each biennial election that has followed. And 2020
could be a banner year for cannabis on the ballot.
There are at least 16 states where advocates believe marijuana
measures could go before voters next year—some considering full-scale
recreational legalization while others would focus on medical cannabis.
Getty
Some of these would be citizen-led voter initiatives where activists
collect signatures to qualify a measure for the ballot, while others
would be referendums that lawmakers place before voters.
“Since the first adult-use legalization ballot initiative victory in
2012, the marijuana reform movement has successfully maintained its
momentum,†Matthew Schweich, deputy director of the Marijuana Policy
Project, said. “For four elections in a row there has been a
legalization victory at the ballot box, and the upcoming election could
deliver more victories in one day than ever before.â€
Of course, not every initiated effort will end up securing enough
funding, or formulating solid enough campaign plans, to collect
sufficient signatures to qualify their measures for voters’
consideration on Election Day—but these are all states where activists
or lawmakers have talked seriously about putting cannabis questions on
ballots.
It’s not feasible to list every measure that activists took the
modest trouble to initially file, and this overview looks primarily at
efforts that seem most poised to advance. This post also doesn’t include
the long list of states that might legalize marijuana through actions
by lawmakers, as opposed to citizens via the ballot—which will be the
focus of a separate piece.
In alphabetical order, here’s a comprehensive overview of the states where marijuana could be on the ballot in 2020.
Arizona
Voters in Arizona narrowly rejected a marijuana legalization measure
in 2016, thanks in part to sizable campaign contributions from the
pharmaceutical industry. In 2020, though, the state’s medical
cannabis companies will be working to pass an initiative making marijuana legal for adults.
The effort, known as Smart & Safe Arizona,
would allow people 21 and older to possess, consume, cultivate and
purchase cannabis from licensed retailers. It would also create a
pathway for individuals with prior convictions to have their records
expunged, and it proposes using some tax revenue from legal sales to
invest in communities disproportionately impacted by prohibition.
Dispensary chains MedMen, Harvest Health and Recreation and Curaleaf
Holdings are helping to fund the campaign. Advocates must collect
237,645 valid signatures from voters by July 2 in order to put the
measure on the ballot.
Arkansas
In 2016, Arkansas voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing
patients to have legal access to medical cannabis. Now, activists are
floating separate measures to more broadly end marijuana prohibition and expunge past records.
In order to place the measures on the ballot, Arkansans for Cannabis Reform must gather 89,151 signatures by July 3, including required minimums in at least 15 counties.
Under the legalization proposal, adults over 21 would be allowed to
to possess up to four ounces of marijuana, two ounces of cannabis
concentrate and edible products containing cannabis with THC content of
200 mg or less. They could also cultivate up to six cannabis seedlings
and six cannabis flowering plants for personal use.
A system of legal and regulated sales would be created, with tax
revenue funding the program’s implementation, public pre-kindergarten
and after school programs as well as the University of Arkansas for
Medical Sciences.
Under the separate expungements measure, people with certain prior
marijuana convictions would be able to petition courts for relief,
including release from incarceration, reduction of remaining sentences
and restoration of voting rights.
But while Connecticut doesn’t have the initiative process where
activists can collect signatures to place a question on the ballot, some
elected officials have floated the idea of advancing a referendum that
would let voters weigh in on ending prohibition.
Most activists would prefer that lawmakers go ahead and just pass a
legalization bill—because running a public education campaign to ensure a
ballot measure passes would be expensive at a time when resources are
needed in other states. A general referendum question would also require
subsequent implementation legislation, and even putting it on the
ballot in time for 2020 would take a supermajority of 75 percent of
legislators.
Florida
Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment to legalize
medical cannabis in 2016. Now, a group called Make It Legal Florida is
working to place a full-scale marijuana legalization measure on the key swing state’s 2020 presidential ballot.
The proposed amendment to the state constitution would allow adults
21 and over to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis. Existing medical
marijuana dispensaries would be permitted to sell marijuana to adults.
While the measure doesn’t mention a licensing system to establish
separate recreational shops, lawmakers will likely enact detailed
regulations should it pass, as they did with the prior medical cannabis
measure.
The campaign is being backed by cannabis companies such as MedMen and Parallel (formerly known as Surterra Wellness).
A separate group, Regulate Florida, recently acknowledged that its
lesser-funded effort wouldn’t be be able to successfully collect enough
signatures to qualify for the ballot.
Idaho
Idaho is one of only a handful of states in the U.S. that doesn’t
even allow patients to access CBD medications with low-THC content. That
could change, however, under a proposed medical marijuana ballot
measure for which activists are currently collecting signatures.
The Idaho Cannabis Coalition’s
proposal would let approved patients and their caregivers possess up to
four ounces of marijuana. A system of licensed and regulated growers,
processors, testers and retail dispensaries would be established.
Patients would not be allowed to grow their own medicine unless they
qualify for a hardship exemption for those who have have a physical,
financial or distance difficulty in acquiring marijuana at a dispensary.
Those patients could grow up to six plants.
Organizers need to collect 55,057 valid signatures from voters in order to qualify the measure for the ballot.
If the initiative is approved, patients with any of 22
conditions—including cancer, chronic pain and post-traumatic stress
disorder—be allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis per 14-day
period.
The secretary of state is expected to announce whether organizers
collected a sufficient number of signatures for ballot access early in
2020.
Now, activists are looking to expand on that with a broader marijuana
legalization. Several different proposed measures to end cannabis
prohibition have been filed
with the secretary of state, but the campaigns at this point seem to be
operating largely under the radar, so it remains to be seen whether any
group will have the funding needed to mount a successful signature
gathering drive.
Last year three separate medical cannabis measures ended up qualifying for the ballot, but two were rejected by voters.
Montana
Montana already has a medical cannabis program, and activists are
looking to expand that to include legal adult use of marijuana in 2020.
The group New Approach Montana is currently in the process of drafting two separate legalization measures—one constitutional and one statutory.
The details of the proposals aren’t yet publicly available, but the
statutory proposal will need roughly 25,500 valid voters signatures to
qualify for ballot access, while the constitutional amendment would
require nearly 51,000 signatures.
The national groups Marijuana Policy Project and New Approach PAC are backing the effort.
A separate group, MontanaCan, has already filed its own legalization proposal.
Under the referendum adopted by the Senate and Assembly, the November
2020 ballot will contain a question that reads, “Do you approve
amending the Constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana
called cannabis?â€
If the proposed constitutional amendment is approved, lawmakers would
then get to work adopting regulations for the legal cannabis industry.
New York
Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) put marijuana legalization language in his
budget submission earlier this year but, despite support for the idea
from leading lawmakers, disagreement over particulars such as how to
spend tax revenue meant that the proposal didn’t get over the finish
line.
“The opposition Senate position is there is no state that has passed
it without a referendum. It’s never been done just by the legislature,â€
he said in a radio interview this year. “I believe Jersey may be moving
to a referendum also, but Massachusetts, et cetera, the legislature
acted after a referendum. So that’s what the senators who oppose it
say—they think it’s an overreach by the legislature.â€
If lawmakers can’t agree on the details of legalization again this
year, Cuomo may call skittish legislators’ bluff and seek to advance a
cannabis referendum to fulfill what he has said is one of his top agenda
items.
North Dakota
North Dakota voters approved a medical cannabis ballot measure in
2016 and two years later swiftly defeated a proposal to more broadly
legalize marijuana.
But advocates may have another chance in 2020.
While the unsuccessful 2018 measure contained no limits on the amount
of cannabis people could possess or grow, the new initiative, written by
the same group of activists, has robust regulations—including a ban on
home cultivation.
Legalization supporters hope more voters will agree to the narrower proposal this time around.
There is also another proposed legalization measure vying to collect the 13,452 valid signatures needed for ballot access.
Ohio
In 2015, Ohio voters overwhelmingly rejected a marijuana legalization
measure that even many longtime activists opposed due its proposed
regulatory structure that would have granted control over cannabis
cultivation to the very same group of wealthy individuals who paid to
put it on the ballot.
Advocates have cited the Buckeye State as a potential target for another try in 2020, though no proposals have yet been filed.
Voters in number of communities throughout the state have in recent years approved measures to decriminalize marijuana possession on a local basis, indicating that there is public support for cannabis reform if placed on the state ballot again next year.
That said, Ohio is a large state, and qualifying initiatives there is
very expensive, so any successful effort will likely need to have
industry support.
Backed by the national New Approach PAC, the new effort will have to
collect 178,000 valid signatures from registered voters to qualify for
ballot access.
Under the measure as initially filed, adults 21 and older would be
allowed to possess, cultivate and purchase cannabis from licensed
retailers. There would be a 15 percent excise tax on marijuana sales,
revenue from which would cover implementation costs and fund schools,
drug treatment programs and other public service programs.
Personal possession would be capped at one ounce and individuals
could grow up to six plants. The proposal would also provide
expungements for those with prior marijuana convictions.
Backers recently withdrew
the initial measure, but plan to redraft it with feedback from the
medical cannabis community, with a new version expected to be filed
soon.
Rhode Island
Lawmakers in Rhode Island have filed marijuana legalization bills for
the last several sessions but they have never been brought to a vote.
In 2019, Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) went so far as to put legalization language in her budget proposal, but it was removed by legislative leaders.
The governor has indicated she will make another attempt in 2020, but if that doesn’t pan out, lawmakers may consider putting the question to voters via a referendum.
In 2016, Raimondo said she is “open to†giving voters a chance to
decide on legalization via a ballot question. And House Speaker Nicholas
Mattiello (D), said that he was “considering the possibility of placing
a non-binding referendum question on the ballot regarding the use of
recreational marijuana.â€
A bill for a marijuana referendum
that was filed in 2018 never received a vote, but it’s an avenue the
legislature might consider pursuing next year as legalization comes
online in more nearby states.
Nebraska
Lawmakers in Nebraska have repeatedly rejected medical cannabis
legislation. Frustrated with their colleagues’ unwillingness to change
the law to let patient legally medicate, two senators in the state’s
unicameral legislature are partnering with local and national advocacy
groups to put the question directly to voters through a ballot initiative.
Under the proposed constitutional amendment,
physicians or nurse practitioners would be able to issue
recommendations to patients, who would then be allowed to “use, possess,
access, and safely and discreetly produce an adequate supply of
cannabis, cannabis preparations, products and materials, and
cannabis-related equipment to alleviate diagnosed serious medical
conditions without facing arrest, prosecution, or civil or criminal
penalties.â€
The measure would also provide for a system of legal and regulated cannabis distribution through dispensaries.
Organizers must collect valid signatures from roughly 122,000 voters in order to make the ballot.
South Dakota
The South Dakota secretary of state’s office certified this month that activists collected more than enough signatures to qualify a medical cannabis measure for the November 2020 ballot.
If approved, patients suffering from debilitating medical conditions
would be allowed to possess and purchase up to three ounces of marijuana
from a licensed dispensary with approval from their doctors. They could
also grow at least three plants, or more if authorized by a physician.
That measure would allow adults 21 and older to possess and
distribute up to one ounce of marijuana and cultivate up to three
cannabis plants. The state Department of Revenue would issue licenses
for manufacturers, testing facilities and retailers.
South Dakota voters rejected medical cannabis ballot measures in 2006
and 2010, but advocates hope that the changing national and regional
climate on marijuana reform means that voters will be more supportive
this time around.
Non-Marijuana Initiatives On State Ballots
Activists in a few states are taking steps to bring broader drug policy reform questions to voters’ ballots in 2020.
A group called Decriminalize California is preparing to soon begin collecting signatures in support of a measure to legalize psilocybin mushrooms.
Separate from the huge number of states where cannabis and drug
policy reform questions could appear before voters on ballots, lawmakers
in many states are expected to consider bills to legalize marijuana.
And with presidential candidates increasingly embracing cannabis
legalization and other far-reaching reforms, 2020 is poised to be the
biggest year for marijuana yet.
“In 2020, hundreds of thousands of Americans will turn out to vote
not for the top of the ticket, but for the rights of cannabis consumers
in upwards of a dozen states,†said NORML Political Director Justin
Strekal. “As we have seen in previous elections, marijuana initiatives
increase voter turnout in nearly every demographic. With public support
growing by the day, 2020 will be the biggest year yet for expanding the
freedoms and liberties of cannabis consumers.â€
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 12:00 PM on Friday, December 27th, 2019
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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. Click here for more information.
What Will Be The Biggest Edtech Trends In 2020?
The focus today is more on immersive experience-based learning & vocational and skill-based training
Digital innovation is disrupting and redefining India’s education landscape
Interactivity has taken centre stage and data and analytics are playing a key role
From the ancient to modern era, Indian education has transformed from
gurukuls to digital learning platforms and from handwritten manuscripts
to app-based programs on smartphones and tablets. Education technology
or edtech has revolutionised the way education is consumed in the
present era.
“Today, stuff you needed to know at a basic level is available for
free on Khan Academy or similar platforms. This “Basics for free†is
forcing a higher bar for truly quality education. In future, a platform
that provides content, or does a modicum of personalisation will not be
enough. A deep understanding of how best to teach and innovation in the
way one learns will lead to better learning outcomes of the future, as
tech and connectivity are becoming cheaper,†said Manan Khurma, CEO and
founder, CueMath.
So, how different education in the modern era is?
Learning today is not limited to books but has become more of an
immersive experience. Lalit Singh, COO of Udacity believes that new-age
technologies like AI/ ML are pushing boundaries of education as well as
pushing the new generation to not only rethink what we learn but how we
learn. A virtual journey into a lattice, touch and feel your way, or a
virtual journey into Schrodinger’s box, see for yourself if the cat is
dead or alive?, or walk back in history to the Indus valley civilisation
and experience it. “An experience can be recalled much more easily,
cross-referenced at will by our brain, making our learning grow
exponentially,†added Khurma.
Virtual learning is now a global norm. Also, peer-to-peer learning
apps and web portals are enabling students to connect with their peers
and share knowledge, despite geographical barriers. Pearson found that
50% of learners in India use the internet for self-study. The survey
also revealed that 78% of Indians believe students today have the
benefit of using tech-based tools and smart devices to support their
learning.
“The continued reliance on online supplementary courses, video
tutorials and edtech platforms indicate a shift is taking place – from
classroom learning to virtual learning,†said Arshan Vakil, founder and
CEO of Enguru.
Also, the focus today is more on vocational and skill-based training.
Khurma believes the rapid pace of change, powered by the immense data
engines and breakthrough tech riding on massive data, will now require
all of us to re-skill 2-3 times in a duration of a lifetime.
Simplilearn’s CEO and founder Krishna Kumar seconds Manan’s thoughts
and believes the edtech startups are willing to encash this opportunity
well. “With more learners taking to online skilling programs, the Indian
Edtech sector is today going through a phase of metamorphosis. Online
training programs are becoming the answer to upskilling and building a
strong skill set for career growth and development as a professional,â€
Kumar added.
Mrinal Mohit, Chief Operating Officer, BYJU’S further emphasises that
the advent of digital learning tools has pushed digital consumption of
education at home. Interactivity has taken centre stage and data and
analytics are playing a key role in personalisation and customisation of
learning. “Importance of formative learning and early conceptual
understanding has gained more acceptance. Also, edtech startups are now
experimenting with vernacular languages to cater to the huge student
population outside metros,†he added.
Yet India has a lot to learn from its global peers. As Shobhit Bhatnagar, cofounder and CEO Gradeup
highlights, in China companies like VIPKid, Zouyebang, Yuantiku have
taken a big leap in Chinese live tutoring market. With focus on student
outcomes, they have successfully been able to scale and innovate their
products & processes at a rapid speed, resulting in better
engagement and effective results for students.
What are the key drivers of India’s edtech growth?
The educational technology sector in India has been growing rapidly.
The increasing demand for tech-enabled learning solutions can be gauged
by the fact that there are a total 4,450 edtech startups operating in
India currently.
According to Datalabs by Inc42, 186 unique
edtech startups have raised $1.73 Bn funding since 2014. Key edtech
players holding a majority market share in India’s education system
include Byju’s, Unacademy, Vedantu, Coursera, Toppr and Flintobox among
others.
“Digital innovation is disrupting and redefining India’s education
landscape, widening access to quality education and promoting student
engagement. With the advent of EdTech platforms, video-based content,
and peer-to-peer learning portals, online learning is taking over
traditional, classroom-based learning,†added Enguru’s Vakil.
At the same time, there are several government programmes as well
which are playing a key role in propping up edtech. This includes Skill
India, SWAYAM, Sankalp (Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for
Livelihood Promotion), STRIVE, Diksha, National Digital Library, eBasta
among others.
Edtech Vision: The Biggest Edtech Trends To Follow In 2020
The industry leaders Inc42 spoke to a
shared consensus on one point altogether: the Digital learning
tools/aids utilising AI/ ML/ data analytics and offering personalisation
and customisation will see greater adoption from teachers, students and
parents.
Because of better awareness of the positive impact of digital
learning, the coming year will see teachers/educators/ parents/ students
increasingly adopt tech-enabled learning tools to support their
students’ learning needs. This could be in a classroom or in an
after-school learning setup.
Here are a few more trends shared by industry leaders for the upcoming year
“In 2020, learning will go Phygital which will bring in an effective
blend of physical and digital learning. Seamless offline-online
integration will add a whole new dimension to digital learning and key
to delivering impactful learning programs. The environment will be
conducive to a homogenous format of learning, which will translate into
learners ‘learning’ while they are ‘doing’.†~ Mrinal Mohit, COO, BYJU’S
“Personalisation is the new trend of 2020 We believe that every
student is different and so is his learning needs so our focus going
forward would be on providing personalised learning needs.†~ Anil Nagar, CEO and Cofounder, Adda247
“The demolition of ‘one size fits all’ approach will be the biggest
disruption in the edtech industry in 2020. Usage of live interactive
video content, emphasis on building E2Q (Emotional & Employability
Quotient) along with subject matter knowledge and adoption of blockchain
at the backend, will be the other emerging trends in edtech.†~ Mayank Kumar, Cofounder and Managing Director, upGrad
“In the year 2020, technology will actually manifest itself in
student’s everyday learning rather than just being in the newspapers. We
will see a stronger implementation of ML and AI in the next 10 years;
giving rise to truly adaptive platforms and personalized learning paths.
We also expect demand for physical learning spaces for students, where
students have more freedom to experiment and learn by doing.†~ Zishaan Hayath, CEO and Founder, Toppr
“The days ahead will witness an increase in access to online
education for both students and professionals alike and more learners
from non-metro cities taking to online skilling programs. This points
towards the need to keep online education more experiential and engaging
as well as design programs as per industry standards.†~ Krishna Kumar, CEO and Founder, Simplilearn
“Lifelong learning has become an essential part of the job and people
now understand that constantly upskilling themselves is what keeps them
competitive in the job market. AI, ML and data science will continue to
dominate the conversation in the workplace. In addition, employees are
increasingly focused on improving their soft skills as they play an
important role in their holistic development.†~ Irwin Anand, MD, Udemy India
“Incorporation of gamification into video-based learning modules will
be a trend in 2020. The Global Learner Survey released by Pearson
suggests that 74-79% of Indians think that YouTube will become a primary
learning tool in the near future. Capitalizing on this trend, EdTech
companies are incorporating gamification elements such as points, timers
and level-enhancement badges into video lessons to drive student
engagement and improve knowledge acquisition.†Arshan Vakil, Founder and CEO, Enguru
“I personally feel we need to abandon the blackboard, or the digital
blackboard and tech should help us deeply personalise to create the
right learning path, medium, tools even for a classroom of one student,â€
Manan Khurma, founder and CEO, CueMath
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 5:26 PM on Monday, December 23rd, 2019
Announce that it has acquired 3,000,000 units of St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp. at a price of $0.10 per Unit
In consideration, the Company has issued an aggregate of 5,000,000 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.05 per common share and made a cash payment in the amount of $50,000.
TORONTO, Dec. 23, 2019 – ThreeD Capital Inc. (the “Companyâ€) (CSE:IDK), a Canadian-based venture capital firm focused on investments in promising, early stage companies and ICOs with disruptive capabilities, is pleased to announce that it has acquired 3,000,000 units (the “Unitsâ€) of St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp. (“St-Georgesâ€) at a price of $0.10 per Unit. In consideration, the Company has issued an aggregate of 5,000,000 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.05 per common share (the “Offeringâ€) and made a cash payment in the amount of $50,000. Each Unit of St-Georges consists of one common share (the “Shareâ€) of St-Georges and one share purchase warrant (the “Warrantâ€) of St-Georges, with each Warrant being exercisable to acquire one additional Share at an exercise price of C$0.185 for a period of 9 months following the date of issuance.
“ThreeD is very pleased to deepen its relationship with St-Georges,â€
said ThreeD Capital’s Founder, Chairman and CEO Sheldon Inwentash.
“We are pleased to have the continuous support of ThreeD in our
financing efforts. The company has been a supportive partner helping us
expand our different business silos and making valuable introductions,â€
commented Mark Billings, Chairman of St-Georges.
All securities issued and issuable in connection with the Offering
are subject to a statutory hold period expiring on April 24, 2020.
About ThreeD Capital Inc.
ThreeD is a publicly-traded Canadian-based venture capital firm
focused on opportunistic investments in companies in the Junior
Resources, Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain sectors. ThreeD seeks
to invest in early stage, promising companies and ICOs where it may be
the lead investor and can additionally provide investees with advisory
services, mentoring and access to the Company’s ecosystem.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 3:32 PM on Monday, December 23rd, 2019
SPONSOR:ThreeD Capital Inc. (IDK:CSE)
Led by legendary financier, Sheldon Inwentash, ThreeD is a
Canadian-based venture capital firm that only invests in best of breed
small-cap companies which are both defensible and mass scalable. More
than just lip service, Inwentash has financed many of Canada’s biggest
small-cap exits. Click Here For More Information.
Institutional Investment in Crypto: Top 10 Takeaways of 2019
By: Scott Army
This post is part of CoinDesk’s 2019 Year in Review, a collection
of 100+ op-eds, interviews and takes on the state of blockchain and the
world. Scott Army is the founder and CEO of digital asset manager
Vision Hill Group. The following is a summary of the report: “An Institutional Take on the 2019/2020 Digital Asset Marketâ€.
No. 1: There’s bitcoin, and then there’s everything else.
The industry is currently segmented into two main categories: Bitcoin
and everything else. “Everything else†includes: Web3 innovation,
Decentralized Finance (“DeFiâ€), Decentralized Autonomous Organizations,
smart contract platforms, security tokens, digital identity, data
privacy, gaming, enterprise blockchain or distributed ledger technology,
and much more.
Non-crypto natives are seldom aware that there are multiple
blockchains. Bitcoin, by virtue of it being the first blockchain network
brought into the mainstream and by being the largest digital asset by
market capitalization, is often the first stop for many newcomers and
likely will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
No. 2: Bitcoin is perhaps market beta, for now.
In traditional equity markets, beta is defined as a measure of
volatility, or unsystematic risk an individual stock possesses relative
to the systematic risk of the market as a whole. The difficulty in
defining “market beta†in a space like digital assets is that there is
no consensus for a market proxy like the S&P 500 or Dow Jones.
Since the space is still very early in its development, and bitcoin has
dominant market share (~68 percent at the time of writing), bitcoin is
often viewed as the obvious choice for beta, despite the drawbacks of defining “market beta†as a single asset with idiosyncratic tendencies.
Bitcoin’s size and its institutionalization (futures, options,
custody, and clear regulatory status as a commodity), have enabled it to
be an attractive first step for allocators looking to get exposure
(both long and short) to the digital asset market, suggesting that
bitcoin is perhaps positioned to be digital asset market beta, for now.
No. 3: Despite slow conversion, substantial progress was made on growing institutional investor interest in 2019.
Education, education, education. Blockchain technology and digital
assets represent an extraordinarily complex asset class – one that
requires a non-trivial time commitment to undergo a proper learning
curve. While handfuls of institutions have already started to invest in
the space, a very small amount of institutional capital has actually
made it in (relative to the broader institutional landscape), gauged by
the size of the asset class and the public market trading volumes. This
has led many to repeatedly ask: “when will the herd actually come?â€
The reality is that institutional investors are still learning –
slowly getting comfortable – and this process will continue to take
time. Despite educational progress through 2019, some institutions are
wondering if it’s too early to be investing in this space, and whether
they can potentially get involved in investing in digital assets in the
future and still generate positive returns, but in ways that are
de-risked relative to today.
Despite a few other challenges imposed on larger institutional
allocators with respect to investing in digital assets, true believers
inside these large organizations are emerging, and the processes for
forming a digital asset strategy are either getting started or already
underway.
No. 4: Long simplicity, short complexity
Another trend we observed emerge this year was a shift away from
complexity and toward simplicity. We saw significant growth in simple,
passive, low-cost structures to capture beta. With the lowest-friction
investor adoption focused on the largest liquid asset in the space –
bitcoin – the proliferation of single asset vehicles has increased.
These private vehicles are a result of delayed approval of an official
bitcoin ETF by the SEC.
In addition to the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, other bitcoin-focused products this year include the launch of Bakkt, the launch of Galaxy Digital’s two new bitcoin funds, Fidelity’s bitcoin product rollout, TD Ameritrade’s bitcoin trading service on Nasdaq via its brokerage platform, 3iQ’s recent favorable ruling for a bitcoin fund and Stone Ridge Asset Management’s recent SEC approval for its NYDIG Bitcoin Strategy Fund, based on cash-settled bitcoin futures.
We also observed a growing institutional appetite for simpler hedge
fund and venture fund structures. For the last several years, many
fundamental-focused crypto-native hedge funds operated hybrid structures
with the use of side-pockets that enabled a barbell strategy approach
to investing in both the public and private digital asset markets.
These hedge funds tend to have longer lock-up periods – typically two or
three years – and low liquidity. While this may be attractive from an
opportunistic perspective, the reality is it’s quite complicated from an
institutional perspective for reporting purposes.
No. 5: Active management’s been challenged, but differentiated sources of alpha are emerging.
For the year-to-date period ended Q3 2019,
active managers were collectively up 30 percent on an absolute return
basis according to our tracking of approximately 50
institutional-quality funds, compared to bitcoin being up 122 percent
over the same time period.
Bitcoin’s performance this year, particularly in Q2 2019, has made it
clear that its parabolic ascents challenge the ability of active
managers to outperform bitcoin during the windows they occur. Active
managers generally need to justify the fees they charge investors by
outperforming their benchmark(s), which are often beta proxies, yet at
the same time they need to avoid imprudent risk behavior that can
potentially have swift and sizable negative effects on their
portfolios.
Interestingly, active management performance from the beginning of
2018 consistently outperformed passively holding bitcoin (with the
exception of “opportunistic†managers who also take advantage of yield
and staking opportunities, as of May 2019). This is largely due to
various risk management techniques used to mitigate the negative
performance drawdowns experienced throughout the extended market
sell-off in 2018.
Source: Vision Hill Group
Although 2019 has challenged the large-scale success of these alpha
strategies, they are nonetheless in the process of proving themselves
out through various market cycles, and we expect this to be a growing
theme in 2020.
No. 6: Token value accrual: Transitioning from subjective to objective
At the end of Q3 2019, according to dapp.com,
there were 1,721 decentralized applications built on top of ethereum,
with 604 of them actively used – more than any other blockchain.
Ethereum also had 1.8 million total unique users, with just under
400,000 of them active – also more than any other blockchain. Yet,
despite all this growing network activity, the value of ETH has remained
largely flat throughout most of 2019 and is on track to end the year
down approximately 10 percent at the time of writing (by comparison, BTC
has nearly doubled in value over the same period). This begs the
question: is ETH adequately capturing the economic value of the ethereum
network’s activity, and DeFi in particular?
A new fundamental metric was introduced earlier this year by Chris Burniske
– the Network Value to Token Value (“NVTVâ€) ratio – to ascertain
whether the value of all assets anchored into a platform can be greater
than the value of the base platform’s asset.
The ETH NVTV ratio has steadily declined
throughout the last few years. There are likely to be several reasons
for this, but I think one theory summarizes it best: most applications
and tokens built and issued atop ethereum may be parasitic. ETH token
holders are paying for the security of all these applications and
tokens, via the inflation rate that is currently given to the miners –
dilution for ETH holders, but not for holders of ethereum-based tokens.
This is not a bullish or bearish statement on ETH; rather it is an
observation of early signs of network stack value capture in the space.
No. 7: Money or not, software-powered collateral economies are here
Another trend we observed this year is a larger migration away from
“cryptocurrencies†in an ideological currency (e.g., money/payment and a
means of exchange) sense, and toward digital assets for financial
applications and economic utility. A form of economic utility that took
the stage this year is the notion of software-powered collateral
economies. People generally want to hold assets with disinflationary or
deflationary supply curves, because part of their promise is that they
should store value well. Smart contracts enable us to program the
characteristics of any asset, thus it is not irrational to assume that
it’s only a matter of time until traditional collateral assets get
digitized and put to economic use on blockchain networks.
The benefit of digital collateral is that it can be liquid and
economically productive in its nature while at the same time serving its
primary purpose (to collateralize another asset), yet without
possessing the risks of traditional rehypothecation. If assets can be
allocated for multiple purposes simultaneously, with the risks
appropriately managed, we should see more liquidity, lower cost of
borrowing, and more effective allocation of capital in ways the
traditional world may not be able to compete with.
No. 8: Network lifecycles: An established supply side meets a quiet but emerging demand side.
Supply side services in digital asset networks are services provided
by a third party to a decentralized network in exchange for compensation
allocated by that network. Examples include mining, staking,
validation, bonding, curation, node operation and more, done to help
bootstrap and grow these networks. Incentivizing the supply side is
important in digital assets to facilitate their growth early in their
lifecycles, from initial fundraising and distribution through the
bootstrapping phase to eventual mainnet launches.
While there has been significant growth of this supply side of
the equation in 2019 from funds, companies, and developers, the open
question is how and when demand for these services will pick up. Our
view is that as developer infrastructure continues to mature and
activity begins to move “up the stack†toward the application layer,
more obvious manifestations of product-market fit are likely to emerge
with cleaner and simpler interfaces that will attract high volumes of
users in the process. In essence, it is important to build the necessary
infrastructure first (the supply side) to enable buy-in from the end
users of those services (the demand side).
No. 9: We are in the late innings of the smart contract wars.
While ethereum leads the space on adoption and moves closer to
executing on its scalability initiatives, dozens of smart contract
competitors fundraised in the market throughout 2018 and 2019 in an
attempt to dethrone ethereum. A handful have formally launched their
chains and operate in mainnet as of the end of 2019, while many others
remain in testnet or have stalled in development.
What’s been particularly interesting to observe is the accelerative
pace of innovation – not just technologically, but economically
(incentive mechanisms) and socially (community building) as well. We
expect many more smart contract competitors operating privately as of Q4
2019 to launch their mainnets in 2020. Thus, given the incoming
magnitude of publicly observable experimentations throughout 2020, if a
smart contract platform does not launch in 2020, it is likely to become
disadvantageously positioned relative to the rest of the landscape as it
relates to capturing substantial developer mindshare and future users
and creating defensible network effects.
No. 10: Product-market fit is coming, if not already here
We don’t think human and financial capital would have continued
pouring into the digital asset space in such great magnitude over the
last several years if there wasn’t a focus on solving at least one very
clear problem. The questionable sustainability of modern monetary theory
is one of them, and Ray Dalio of Bridgerwater Associates has been quite vocal
about it. Big Tech centralization is another. There are also growing
global concerns related to data privacy and identity. And let’s not
forget cybersecurity. The list goes on. We are at the tip of the iceberg
as it relates to the products and applications blockchain technology
enables, and mainstream users will come with growing manifestations of
product-market fit. As more time and attention gets spent on diagnosing
problems and working on solutions, the industry will begin to achieve
its full potential. Facebook’s Libra and Twitter’s Bluesky initiative
confirm that as an industry we are heading in the right direction.
A 2020 look ahead
We see 2020 shaping up to be one of the brightest years on record for
the digital asset industry. To be clear, this is not a price forecast;
if we exclusively measured the health of the industry from a fundamental
progress perspective, by various accounts and measures we should have
been in a raging bull market for the last two years, and that has not
been the case. Rather, we expect 2020 to be a year of accelerated
industry maturation.
Source: Vision Hill Group
Digital assets are still an emerging asset class with many quickly
evolving narratives, trends, and investment strategies. It is important
to note, that not all strategies are suitable for all investors. The
size of allocations to each category will and should vary depending on
the specific allocator’s type, risk tolerance, return expectations,
liquidity needs, time horizon and other factors. What is encouraging is
that as the asset class continues to grow and mature, the opacity slowly
dissipates and clearly defined frameworks for evaluation will continue
to emerge. This will hopefully lead to more informed investment
decisions across the space. The future is bright for 2020 and beyond.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 10:47 AM on Monday, December 23rd, 2019
Spyder has two current Development Permits in Calgary, Alberta to build cannabis retail stores and has received the building permit for one of the two locations
The second building permit has been submitted and awaiting approval
Vaughan, Ontario–(December 23, 2019) – Spyder Cannabis Inc. (TSXV: SPDR) (“Spyder Cannabis” or the “Company“), an established Canadian cannabis accessory and an alternative to smoking retailer, provides an update to the corporate business development. Founded in 2014 Spyder is an established chain of three high-end alternative to smoking stores and two cannabis accessory stores in Ontario, with locations in Woodbridge, Scarborough, Burlington, Niagara Falls and Pickering. The Spyder brand is defined by its high-quality proprietary line of e-juice, liquids and exclusive retail deals, dispensed in uniquely designed stores creating the optimal customer experience. Spyder is building off this leading retail, distribution and branding platform by pursuing expansion into the legal cannabis market.
Spyder has two current Development Permits in Calgary, Alberta to
build cannabis retail stores and has received the building permit for
one of the two locations. The second building permit has been submitted
and awaiting approval.
Two weeks ago the government of Ontario announced it will abandon the
current lottery system for cannabis retail and move towards an open
licensing system beginning January 6, 2020. Store authorizations will be
issued starting in April, at the rate of 20 per month. Spyder will be
submitting applications on January 6, 2020 for some of the stores
currently operating. These stores are already built out and Spyder does
not expect major renovations will be required to conform to the Ontario
specifications for licenced stores.
Spyder is currently pursuing other locations in Ontario for aggressive expansion of its scalable retail platform.
The Company’s common shares will resume trading on the TSXV at market open on December 24, 2019
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
For more information, please contact:
Spyder Cannabis Inc. Dan Pelchovitz President & Chief Executive Officer Contact: Investor Relations Phone: 1-888-504-SPDR (1-888-504-7737) Email: [email protected]
Cautionary Statements
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.
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute
forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or
future performance. The use of any of the words “could”, “intend”,
“expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated” and similar
expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical
facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based
on the Company’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and
timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ
materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking
information relating to the satisfaction of the closing conditions
contemplated under the Agreement. Various assumptions or factors are
typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or
projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions
and factors are based on information currently available to the Company.
Risk factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ
materially from the results expressed or implied by forward-looking
information include, among other things: the TSX Venture Exchange
declining to accept the transaction, the landlord not consenting to the
Lease Assignment, changes in tax laws, general economic and business
conditions; and changes in the regulatory regulation. The Company
cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not
exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this release is
made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update
or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by
applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and
assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance
on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly
qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 10:30 AM on Monday, December 23rd, 2019
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. Click here for more information.
How Education Technology Has Evolved In 2010s
EdTech (or Education Technology) industry in India, according to a KPMG report, was worth about $247million and could reach $1.96 billion by 2021.
New Delhi:
When Byju Raveendran set up his company, Think & Learn, in 2011,
offering online lessons before launching his main app in 2015, he
wouldn’t have imagined that the decade would end with him becoming a
billionaire. Mr Byju, who developed an education app (Byju’s app )
that’s grown to a valuation of almost $6 billion in about seven years, joined the rarefied club after his company scored $150 million
(roughly Rs. 1,000 crores) in funding in in July this year. That deal,
according to Bloomberg, conferred a value of $5.7 billion (roughly Rs.
39,000 crores) on the company in which the founder owns more than 21
percent.
The business signed up more than 35 million of whom about 2.4 million
pay an annual fee of 10,000 to 12,000 rupees, helping it became
profitable in the year ending March 2019.
EdTech (or Education Technology) industry in India, according to a
2016 KPMG report, was worth about $247million and could reach $1.96
billion by 2021.
A survey done by Gradeup indicated that 70% of students would shift
to online learning if given access to live online classes. Of these,
over 80% cited ‘access to expert faculty’ as the primary reason.
‘A decade ago, EdTech industry did not even exist’
Beas Dev Ralhan, Co-Founder and CEO, Next Edcuation India, says the
industry is engaging latest technologies such as experiential learning
tools, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Gamification of Learning which
are revolutionising the preparation strategies of students currently and
will continue to do so.
Mr Ralhan says the educational landscape of India has been
transformed by a series of developments in new-age pedagogies and their
popularity is expected to continue in the coming years.
“Conventional methods of education have mostly lost their appeal
among students who are now exploring new strategies to learn and prepare
for exams,” he added.
The increased mobile penetration in the country especially in rural
areas was a major breakthrough for the development of this industry.
“A decade ago, EdTech industry did not even exist. Getting
accessible, affordable and a quality education for students preparing
for competitive exams, especially, in Tier 2,3 cities was a big
challenge. This was the opportunity that Ed-tech industry resolved to
address. This also coincided with the increased mobile penetration in
the country especially in rural areas,” says Shobhit Bhatnagar, CEO and
Co-Founder, Gradeup.
‘Interactive and result-oriented’
Once the issue of accessibility was solved, the startups, which boomed in last one decade, concentrated on the delivery side.
“The preparation had to be effective and result-oriented, for which,
EdTech players introduced live online courses from some of India’s best
teachers through their platform. Classes are interactive, engaging and
allowed students the freedom and privacy to learn at their convenience
from the best. With a structured methodology and day-wise study plan,”
Mr Bhatnagar details how the industry evolved.
Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School,
Bangalore, says the penetration of internet-based smartphones and
gadgets is taking quality learning to students across geographies in
India.
The teacher connect
According to Ms Sastri, by using the internet or software tools,
students can create online groups that connect them in real time with
students and teachers.
“They can receive feedback from their teachers and share questions
and concerns about their lessons. Hence teachers need to integrate
technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an
add-on,” she adds.
“Technology has become a crucial aspect of enabling learning and
empowering teachers with the usage of multiple tools to improve teaching
methodology. With the use of technology, learning and teaching not only
become more interactive and exciting, but also become personalized to
suit the needs of every individual student,” she said.
Classroom experience
The smart boards are gradually replacing the black-boards in the
classrooms wherein the teacher can bring the world inside a classroom,
which broadens the horizons of teaching and learning, says Niru Agarwal,
Trustee, Greenwood High International School.
“Through technology”, Ms Agarwal says “the teacher and students are
always connected which enhances their preparation strategies. Media
presentations are designed in a student-friendly manner, and which can
also be shared easily. Calendar applications help in creating a schedule
for the student, thereby making their goals achievable”.
“Experiential learning tools are being implemented in India in the
form of virtual labs and virtual and augmented reality tools. Virtual
and augmented reality creates immersive, real-life experiences in the
classroom through graphical simulations. On the other hand, virtual
labs help them conduct simulated experiments based on real-world
phenomena via a computer interface,” says Mr Ralhan.
The outcome
According to Zishaan Hayath, CEO and Founder, Toppr , efficient use
of tech in education has led to a reduction in the need for a human
advisor, improving affordability for the student.
“There are about 350 million school-going students in India, one of
the largest population in the world. Stronger implementation of AI and
ML have helped bring out truly adaptive and personalized platforms
addressing real learning needs. The main purpose of these assistive
technologies is to provide a more accessible and on-demand experience
for students that need immediate assistance with certain issues. Tech
tools and software have also allowed to streamline the educational
experience, improve accessibility and offer new resources to students,”
he adds.
However, psychologists and educationists are arguing the
implementation of large scale technological solutions in school
education needs detailed studies on how it’s affecting the cognitive
abilities of a student in the era of “digital natives”.
“In the era of ‘digital natives’, the role of technology in teaching
cannot be overlooked,” says Muhsina Lubaiba, a psychologist who works
among school children.
“As Prensky says,.. rapid dissemination of digital technology…
changed the way students think and process information, making it
difficult for them to excel academically using the outdated teaching
methods of the day. In other words, children raised in a digital,
media-saturated world, require a media-rich learning environment to hold
their attention,” she quoted Marc Prensky, the writer of the book
‘Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants’.
She also said the quality and efficiency of the educational apps available today is debatable.
“I’m of the opinion that, even if genuine and expert evaluated apps
are used by children, it is by no means a substitute for the classroom
teaching. The issue here is that the teachers need to be updated and
should find ways to engage these digital natives using technology, but
their role cannot be completely neglected,” she said.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 8:36 AM on Monday, December 23rd, 2019
Closed a non-brokered private placement of 3,000,000 units at $0.07 per Unit for gross proceeds of $210,000
“Manufacturing Silicon (Si) samples for emerging Li-ion batteries opportunities identified during the latter part of 2019 required additional investments. This financing gives us the flexibility needed to accelerate our battery related R&D efforts in early 2020,†said Bernard Tourillon, President & CEO of HPQ Silicon.
“Manufacturing Silicon (Si) samples for emerging Li-ion batteries
opportunities identified during the latter part of 2019 required
additional investments. This financing gives us the flexibility needed
to accelerate our battery related R&D efforts in early 2020,†said Bernard Tourillon, President & CEO of HPQ Silicon. “Being
able to attract this level of unsolicited investor interest, during the
worst period of the year to raise hard cash funding, gives us great
confidence about 2020 as we strive to deliver the critical Silicon
material required by the surging Li-ion battery market in 2020 and
beyond.â€
Placement Terms: Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share and
one (1) common share purchase warrant (“Warrant”) of the Company. Each
Warrant will entitle the Subscribers to purchase one common share of the
capital stock of the Company at an exercise price of $ 0.10 for a
period of 36 months from the date of closing of the placement. Each
share issued pursuant to the placement will have a mandatory four (4)
month and one (1) day holding period from the date of closing of the
placement. The Placement is subject to standard regulatory approvals.
In connection with the placement the Company will pay cash finder’s
fee of $15,358 to StephenAvenue Securities Inc. (“StephenAvenueâ€) of
Toronto, Ontario. The Company will also issue 219,400 warrants to
StephenAvenue. Any share purchased through the exercise of the warrants
has the mandatory four (4) month and one (1) day holding period from
the date of closing of the placement and each warrant gives
StephenAvenue the right to purchase one (1) common share at $0.10 for 36
months following the closing of the Placement.
Mrs. Noëlle Drapeau, HPQ Corporate Secretary and a Director has
subscribed for 100,000 Units. Following the completion of the Private
Placement, Mrs. Drapeau will beneficially own or exercise control or
direction over, directly or indirectly, 1,778,416 Common Shares,
representing approximately 0.77% of the issued and outstanding Common
Shares of the Company.
The participation of Mrs. Drapeau in the Private Placement
constitutes a “related party transaction” within the meaning of
Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders
in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”) and Policy 5.9 – Protection of
Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions of the Exchange. In
connection with this related party transaction, the Company is relying
on the formal valuation and minority approval exemptions of respectively
subsection 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value
of the portion of the Private Placement subscribed by Mrs. Drapeau does
not exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The Board of
directors of the Company has approved the Private Placement, including
the participation of Mrs. Drapeau therein, with Mrs. Drapeau abstaining
with respect to his participation.
About Silicon
Silicon (Si) is one of today’s strategic materials needed to fulfil
the renewable energy revolution presently under way. Silicon does not
exist in its pure state; it must be extracted from quartz, one of the
most abundant minerals of the earth’s crust and other expensive raw
materials in a carbothermic process.
About HPQ Silicon
HPQ Silicon Resources Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ) is developing, with PyroGenesis Canada Inc.(TSX-V: PYR), a high-tech company that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma base processes, the innovative PUREVAPTM “Quartz Reduction Reactors†(QRR),
a truly 2.0 Carbothermic process (patent pending), which will permit
the One Step transformation of Quartz (SiO2) into High Purity Silicon
(Si) at prices that will propagate its considerable renewable energy
potential. The Gen3 PUREVAPTM QRR pilot plant that will validate the commercial potential of the process is scheduled to start during Q1 2020.
HPQ, working with PyroGenesis, is also developing a process that can take the High Purity Silicon (Si) made by the PUREVAPTM
and manufacture Nano-Structure Silicon powders for Next Gen Li-ion
batteries. Starting in Q1 2020, the plan is to validate our game
changing manufacturing approach using a modified Gen2 PUREVAPTM reactor to produce Nanoscale Structure Silicon (Si) powders samples for industry participants and research institutions’.
Concurrently, HPQ is also working with industry leader Apollon Solar to develop a manufacturing capability that uses the High Purity Silicon (Si) made with the PUREVAP™
to make Porous silicon wafers needed for solid-state Li-ion batteries.
The first Silicon wafer should be ready to be ship for testing to a
battery manufacture (under NDA) during Q1 2020.
Finally, with Apollon Solar, we are also looking into developing a
metallurgical pathway of producing Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG Si)
that will take full advantage of the PUREVAPTM QRR one-step production of Silicon (Si) material of 4N+ purity with low boron count (< 1 ppm).
All in all, HPQ focus is becoming the lowest cost producer of Silicon
(Si), High Purity Silicon (Si), Nano-Structure Silicon powders for Next
Gen Li-ion batteries, Porous Silicon Wafers for Solid states Li-ion
batteries, Porous Silicon Powders for Li-ion batteries and Solar Grade
Silicon Metal (SoG-Si).
This News Release is available on the company’s CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders.
Disclaimers: The Corporation’s interest in
developing the PUREVAP™ QRR and any projected capital or operating cost
savings associated with its development should not be construed as being
related to the establishing the economic viability or technical
feasibility of the Company’s Roncevaux Quartz Project, Matapedia Area,
in the Gaspe Region, Province of Quebec.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements,
including, without limitation, statements containing the words “may”,
“plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”,
“expect”, “in the process” and other similar expressions which
constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of
applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the
Company’s current expectation and assumptions and are subject to a
number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited
to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the
market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the
capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research
and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new
product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory
approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the
Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks
and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the
Company’s on-going filings with the security’s regulatory authorities,
which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and
performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company
undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
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.
For further information contact Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President and CEO Tel (514) 907-1011 Patrick Levasseur, Vice-President and COO Tel: (514) 262-9239 Email: [email protected]
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 4:51 PM on Friday, December 20th, 2019
SPONSOR: New Age Metals Inc.
The company owns one of North America’s largest primary platinum
group metals deposit in Sudbury, Canada. Updated NI 43-101 Mineral
Resource Estimate 2,867,000 PdEq Measured and Indicated Ounces, with an
additional 1,059,000 PdEq Ounces Inferred. Learn More.
Platinum Group Metals Shine
An incredible year in the palladium market continues to the end.
It could be an excellent time to start thinking about renaming the
Platinum Group Metals. After all, since 2016, the price action in
rhodium and palladium has left the namesake head of the group in the
dust. Platinum has been a laggard. The old title as “rich man’s gold” is as inappropriate from an investment perspective today as it is from a social one.
Meanwhile, the price action in platinum in 2019 was not that bad. The
platinum futures market looks like it will post a double-digit
percentage gain compared to its closing price at the end of 2018. If the
price action in the other members of the precious metals sector,
including gold, palladium, and rhodium, are harbingers of the future for
platinum, 2020 could turn out to be an exciting year for devotees of
the metal that has not lived up to its reputation as a rare precious and
industrial metal.
Meanwhile, the precious metals sector of the commodities market is
barreling into 2020 after a bullish run in 2019. The Aberdeen Standard
Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (NYSEARCA:GLTR)
holds long positions in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion. A
diversified approach to the sector could be an excellent way to spread
risk going into the new decade that is just around the corner.
Rhodium is the star
In 2016, the price of rhodium fell to a low at $575 per ounce.
Rhodium is a byproduct of South African platinum output. The weakness in
the platinum price, which fell to the lowest level since 2003 in 2018
when the price reached $755.70 per ounce, caused a decline in south
African platinum production. Less platinum mining caused a deficit in
the rhodium market, which does not trade on the futures exchange. In the
physical market, the price of rhodium took off like a rocket ship.
Source: Kitco
As the chart highlights, rhodium was trading at a midpoint value of
$5,840 per ounce on December 19, over ten times higher than the price in
2016. The deficit in the rhodium market could continue to push the
price higher in 2020, and a test of the all-time high at just over
$10,000 per ounce could be in the cards for the platinum group metal.
Rhodium has been the best performing PGM over the past years. In 2019
alone, the price more than doubled, moving from below the $2,500 level
at the end of 2018 to almost $6,000 per ounce on December 17.
An incredible year in the palladium market continues to the end
While rhodium is the metal with the most impressive percentage gain
since the 2016 low, the price action in palladium pushed the price of
the metal to a series of new all-time highs throughout 2019.
Source: CQG
The quarterly chart of nearby NYMEX palladium futures illustrates
that, before 2017, the all-time peak came in 2001 at $1,090 per ounce.
Palladium blew through that high like a hot knife goes through butter
and has posted gains in the past seven consecutive quarters. The price
was approaching the $2,000 per ounce level as of last week when it hit a
high at $1,974.60 on the active month March futures contract on
December 17.
The ascent of palladium is a function of the rising demand for catalytic converters for gasoline-powered automobiles. The “phase one”
trade deal between the US and China could stabilize the Chinese economy
lifting requirements for new cars and palladium-based catalytic
converters in the world’s most populous nation. On the supply side of
the fundamental equation for palladium, supplies come from South Africa
and Russia. In Russia, platinum group metals are a byproduct of nickel
output.
Platinum shows some signs of life
The price action in platinum has lagged rhodium and palladium over
the past years, and 2019 has been no exception. However, platinum looks
set to post a gain for the year that is coming to an end.
Source: CQG
The monthly chart shows that platinum closed 2018 at $788.50 and was
trading around the $937 level on December 19. Platinum looks set to
deliver a double-digit percentage gain as it was 18.8% higher than the
2018 closing price. However, its performance pales in comparison to the
palladium and rhodium markets.
Source: CQG
The weekly chart displays that platinum has made higher lows and
higher highs throughout 2019. The price range in the platinum market has
been from $787.30 and $1,000.80 on the continuous futures contract. At
$937 on December 19, the price of platinum around $43 above its midpoint
for the year. While platinum is not breaking any records, the price
action is going into 2020 in a bullish trend.
Industrial and precious metal
Platinum group metals have a myriad of industrial applications. Aside
from automobile catalytic converters, the dense metals with high
resistance to heat are required in oil and petrochemical refining,
fiberglass manufacturing, medical devices, and a host of other
applications. Of the three metals, platinum is the densest, with the
highest boiling and melting point. Therefore, platinum can serve as a
substitute for rhodium and palladium in industry.
Platinum also has a history as a financial asset and a store of
value. Since the 1970s, platinum had mostly traded at a premium to gold
as it is over ten times rarer than the yellow metal when it comes to
annual output.
Source: CQG
The quarterly chart shows that platinum traded to an over $1,140
premium to gold in 2008, but it slipped to a discount in 2014 and never
looked back. After falling to a low at a $600 discount to gold in 2019,
platinum was still over $537 below the yellow metal on December 19.
Platinum moved almost 19% higher in 2019, gold broke out to the upside in June but slightly lagged platinum so far in 2019.
The GLTR ETF holds long positions in two of the three platinum group metals
Precious metals are going into the new decade on a bullish note after
posting across the board gains in 2019. The low level of global
interest rates could cause a continuation of bullish price action in
2020.
An ETF product that offers a diversified approach to a precious
metals investment is the Aberdeen Standard Physical Precious Metals
Basket Shares ETF. The fund summary for GLTR states:
“The investment seeks to reflect the performance of the price of
physical gold, silver, platinum and palladium in the proportions held by
the Trust, less the expenses of the Trust’s operations. The Shares are
designed for investors who want a cost-effective and convenient way to
invest in a basket of Bullion with minimal credit risk.“
Source: Yahoo Finance
The most recent top holdings of GLTR include:
Source: Yahoo Finance
GLTR has net assets of $463.08 million and trades an average of
22,754 shares each day. The ETF product charges an expense ratio of
0.60%.
Platinum continues to offer the most compelling value proposition in
the precious metals sector at around the $930 per ounce level. However,
the trend in all of the precious metals will enter 2020 in bullish mode.
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Disclosure: I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. I
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business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this
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