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Empower Clinics $CBDT.ca Reports Q3 2019 Results Highlighted by a 137% increase in clinic revenues compared to Q3 2018 $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:23 AM on Thursday, November 14th, 2019
  • 5,807 patient visits generated revenue of $663,003, compared to 1,864 patient visits that generated $279,850 for Q3 2018.
  • Cash used in operating activities improved by $1,309,913 from $3,129,583 for YTD 2018, compared to $1,819,670 for YTD 2019.

VANCOUVER, Nov. 14, 2019  - EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CSE: CBDT) (Frankfurt 8EC) (OTC: EPWCF) (“Empower” or the “Company“), a vertically integrated and growth-oriented CBD life sciences company, and a multi-state operator of medical health & wellness clinics in the U.S., has filed today its unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30th, 2019 and related management’s discussion and analysis, both of which are available at www.SEDAR.com. All financial information in this press release is reported in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

“Our focus on operational excellence and cost controls are key contributors to strong year-over-year growth numbers and the reduction in direct clinic expense, as we continue to serve the 165,000 patients in our database,” said Steven McAuley, Empowers Chairman & CEO. “The Company is beginning to fulfill its promise of vertical integration with the build-out of the extraction and production center in Portland, OR plus with an increased focus on our proprietary CBD product lines and diversified clinic revenues, the Company has a clear path of growth and profitability going forward.”

Q3 2019 Highlights

  • 5,807 patient visits generated revenue of $663,003, compared to 1,864 patient visits that generated $279,850 for Q3 2018.

  • Net loss of $504,531, compared to $378,657 for Q3 2018, which was primarily driven by increased revenues and fair value adjustments offset by net increased in operating expenses related to the operations of Sun Valley.

  • Cash used in operating activities improved by $1,309,913 from $3,129,583 for YTD 2018, compared to $1,819,670 for YTD 2019.

  • Cash at September 30, 2019 of $178,578, compared to $157,668 at December 31, 2018, which was primarily driven by debt and equity financings during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and partially offset by cash used in operations, the cash investment in Sun Valley and cash investment in Sun Valley Health Franchise launch.

Highlights

  • Strategic redirection: The Company has been re-positioning its overall strategy to become a vertically integrated health and wellness brand that connects to its 165,000 patients using a data driven focus to improve patients’ lives with products, technology and health systems.

  • Experienced and Seasoned Board of Directors: The Company Board of Directors includes its CEO Steven McAuley, Dustin Klein, the Co-Founder of Sun Valley Clinics and the SVP, Business Development and Andrejs Bunkse, owner and practicing attorney of Rain Legal and Counsel to numerous cannabis enterprises in the U.S. and Canada.

  • Strategic Development: The Company has opened its first hemp-derived CBD extraction facility in greater Portland, Oregon with the first extraction system expected to have the capacity to produce 6,000 kg of extracted product per year. The Company took possession of the new extraction facility June 1st, 2019 and has been awarded it’s hemp-handlers licence from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, allowing the Company to enter the next phase of build-out and full operations in 2019. The Company expects preliminary production of its Sollievo CBD line to take place in the extraction center in 4Q 2019.

  • Strategic Partnership: The Company has entered into a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to form a Joint Venture Partnership (“JV”) with Heritage Cannabis Holdings Corp (CSE: CANN) (“Heritage”). Terms of the LOI have Empower and Heritage each with a 50% ownership of the JV. Heritage will install extraction units and related downstream extraction equipment inside Empower’s existing licenced hemp processing facility in Sandy, Oregon. Once operational, the JV will begin producing proprietary branded products for Empower’s clinics and third party partners for distribution in the United States.

2019 Outlook and Catalysts

  • Enhanced Corporate Governance: The Company has prioritized corporate governance practices under the leadership of its Board of Directors and Chairman Steven McAuley, to ensure financial and accounting controls operate at the highest of standards.

  • Improved Capital Markets Profile: Empower is diversifying its business model to become a vertically integrated operator in the global cannabis sector with a focus on patient care, CBD product distribution, research & development and CBD product extraction. The Company believes this will appeal to a broader base of shareholders and investors and provide greater access to capital and improved trading liquidity.

  • Increased Patient Access: With a rapidly expanding company-owned clinic network and significant expansion opportunity through the Sun Valley Health franchise model, Empower anticipates it will grow its total patient list substantially in the years ahead. This is expected to provide greater opportunity for treatment analysis using artificial intelligence (AI), through progressive initiatives that include adding the Endocanna DNA test kit to the Company product & service offering in clinics and online. Ensuring the Company is a leader in understanding the efficacy of cannabis-related treatment options is an imperative.

  • Focus on CBD Product Sales: The Company has launched its online store to sell its lines of hemp-derived CBD based products and premium health & wellness supplements. Customers can purchase products, including CBD lotions, tinctures, spectrum oils, capsules, lozenges, patches, e-drinks, topical lotions, gel caps, hemp extract drops and pet-elixir hemp extract drops. Patients and customers will be able to access Sun Valley Health customer service, home delivery and e-commerce platforms.

  • Market Leading Technology: Empower utilizes market-leading patient electronic management and POS system that is HIPAA compliant and provides deep insight to patient care. The Company supports remote patients using its tele-medicine portal, enabling patients who do not live near one of its clinic locations, or are disabled or unable to come to a location, to still benefit from a doctor consultation.

  • New Modalities and Services: The Company has launched new physician based modalities and services into the Sun Valley Health clinics and has commenced booking appointments and providing the new services. Each of these services provides the opportunity for increased patient retention, higher revenue per patient visit and increased patient visits per year. The new services include:

    • Physician’s CBD Enhanced Massage, Acupuncture, or Cupping Sessions

    • CBD-Cannabis-Supplement Consumption & Coaching Consultation

    • Introduction to Alternative Health and Cannabinoid Therapies by a Physician

    • Comprehensive Naturopathic Patient Analysis & Consultation

    • Dietary Antigen Testing, Physician Consultation/Action Plan, & Concierge Blood Draw

    • Neurotransmitter (urine) Profile & Physician Consultation/Action Plan

    • Spectracell Micronutrient Test & Physician Consultation/Action Plan
  • Launches Nationwide Franchise: The Company has launched its nationwide franchise program under the Sun Valley Health brand to dramatically grow our clinic & store footprint increasing direct access to patients and to sell hemp-derived CBD products and premium wellness products directly to our customers and online at our new e-commerce store at www.sunvalleyhealth.com

Financial Summary

  $, except patient visits Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
Patient visits 5,807 1,864 11,304 6,293
Clinic revenues 663,003 279,850 1,406,872 894,477
Direct clinic expenses (55,397) (88,956) (177,560) (301,392)
Loss from operations (843,897) (405,048) (2,547,276) (3,716,474)
Net loss (504,531) (378,657) (2,359,579) (5,132,848)
Net loss per share (0.00) (0.01) (0.02) (0.09)

Financial Performance

Clinic revenues for Q3 2019 were $663,003, compared to Q3 2018 revenues of $279,850. This increase over the prior year is attributable to the acquisition of Sun Valley Clinics.

Direct clinic expenses for Q3 2019 were $55,397, compared to Q3 2018 direct clinic expenses of $88,956. These expenses declined despite the increase in revenues due to improved operational controls to align labor cost with direct patient consultations. The Company employs a diverse mix of physicians and practitioners.

Net loss from operations for Q3 2019 was $843,897, compared to Q3 2018 net loss of $405,048. This increase in loss over prior year is primarily attributable operating expenses increasing due to timing of recognition of the expense associated with non-cash share-based awards to management.

Net loss for Q3 2019 was $504,531, respectively, compared to Q3 2018 net loss of $378,657. This increase over prior year is primarily attributable to the increase in operating expenses as noted above, which was partially offset by gains on change in fair value of the conversion option of convertible debentures and warrants.

During Q3 2019, the Company used $1,819,670 in cash from operations after changes in non-cash working capital. The Company invested $629,636 for the acquisition of Sun Valley Clinics and raised $2,470,216 via proceeds from various issuances of shares, convertible debentures and notes.

Please refer to the Company’s unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements, related notes and accompanying management discussion and analysis for a full review of the operations.

ABOUT EMPOWER

Empower is a vertically integrated and growth-oriented CBD life sciences company, and a multi-state operator of medical health & wellness clinics, operating the Sun Valley Health clinic brand www.sunvalleyhealth.com, for its nine corporate locations and for franchises in the United States. As a CBD product manufacturer under the Sollievo brand, the Company distributes its lines through clinics, online and through retail partners. Extraction operations are currently being developed in the Company’s new extraction facility in Oregon.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Steven McAuley
Chief Executive Officer

DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (collectively “forward looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements can frequently be identified by words such as “plans”, “continues”, “expects”, “projects”, “intends”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar words, or information that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding; the Company’s intention to open a hemp-based CBD extraction facility, the expected benefits to the Company and its shareholders as a result of the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; the terms of the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; the effectiveness of the extraction technology; the expected benefits for Empower’s patient base and customers; the benefits of CBD based products; the effect of the approval of the Farm Bill; the growth of the Company’s patient list and that the Company will be positioned to be a market-leading service provider for complex patient requirements in 2019 and beyond. Such statements are only projections, are based on assumptions known to management at this time, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including; that the Company may not open a hemp-based CBD extraction facility; that the hemp-based CBD extraction facility may not be fully operational in 2019 if at all; that legislative changes may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business and product development; that the Company may not be able to obtain adequate financing to pursue its business plan; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; failure to obtain any necessary approvals in connection with the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; and other factors beyond the Company’s control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable laws.

SOURCE Empower Clinics Inc.

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2019/14/c6801.html

Investors: Steve Low, Boom Capital Markets, [email protected], 647-620-5101; Investors: Steven McAuley, CEO, [email protected], 604-789-2146; For French inquiries: Remy Scalabrini, Maricom Inc., E: [email protected], T: (888) 585-MARICopyright CNW Group 2019

CLIENT FEATURE: Empower Clinics With 165,000 Patients Already, $CBDT.ca Is Positioned To Become A Medical #Cannabis & #CBD Retail Killer $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 4:30 PM on Wednesday, November 13th, 2019

Why Empower Clinics?

  • A leading owner/operator of physician staffed health and pain management clinics.
  • Patient database of over 165,000 patients 
  • Platform generating $4MM USD in revenue annually (2019)
  • Q3 2019 preliminary unaudited revenue saw a year over year growth of approximately 138%
  • Proprietary technology platforms including Electronic Health Records portal and e-Commerce for CBD product distribution
  • Launching 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

 The Team

 The Products

  • Commenced selling its proprietary line of CBD-based products called SOLLIEVO
  • Empower’s patient base and customers are expected to benefit from access to high margin derivative products, including CBD lotion, tinctures, spectrum oils, capsules, lozenges, patches, e-drinks, topical lotions, gel caps, hemp extract drops and pet elixir hemp extract drops.
  • Patients and customers will be able to access Empower’s home delivery and e-commerce platform.

CBD Extraction

  • Opening first CBD Extraction facility in Portland, OR.
  • 5,000 sq. ft. leased building with first extraction system capable of producing 20kg per day of 99% spectrum oil, isolate or distillate
  • Current wholesale pricing is $6,500 USD per kg with annual capacity of 6,000kg an estimated $39MM USD revenue.
  • Facility can scale to four extraction systems for up to 24,000kg of product and over $150MM USD revenue

FULL DISCLOSURE: Empower Clinics is an advertising client of AGORA Internet Relations Corp.

NORTHBUD $NBUD.ca – The #CBD Industry Flourishes After Overcoming Certain Legal Barriers $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:34 AM on Wednesday, November 13th, 2019

SPONSOR: NORTHBUD (NBUD:CSE) Sustainable low cost, high quality cannabinoid production and procurement focusing on both bio-pharmaceutical development and Cannabinoid Infused Products. Learn More.


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The CBD Industry Flourishes After Overcoming Certain Legal Barriers

  • Total sales for the U.S. hemp industry totaled USD 820 Million in 2017
  • The research also suggests that the industry is expected to grow to USD 1.9 Billion by 2022 and at a CAGR of 14.4% during the 5-year period.

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2019 – Humans have been using hemp for centuries prior to its disappearance from the public eye. Decades ago, hemp was predominantly being used to manufacture textiles, paper, construction materials, and fuel. However, now, hemp is most commonly known for being a derivative of the cannabis plant, which has caused it to be classified as a drug under international regulations.

Furthermore, most people associate cannabis with its marijuana derivative, which imparts cerebral-altering effects on its users. However, hemp and marijuana are two completely different plants in terms of their biological makeup. Hemp contains much more CBD, or cannabidiol, while marijuana contains a significant amount of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. In fact, CBD and THC are just two of at least 113 cannabinoids identified in the cannabis plant. However, THC is one of the only three cannabinoids scheduled by the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Originally, the UN listed THC as a Schedule 1 substance in 1971 but reclassified it to Schedule 2 in 1991 after a recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, THC is classified as both a Schedule 1 and Schedule 4 drug. And while the debate over legalizing THC is often a tense topic for most countries, CBD legalization appears to be a more popular direction of discourse. In recent times, CBD has become widely popular because of the therapeutic benefits it offers without causing psychoactive effects on the consumer. Notably, researchers highlighted that CBD can be used to treat minor conditions such as headaches or even severe symptoms associated with cancer. Nevertheless, international health agencies have all agreed that more research is required in order to move forward with approving CBD as a medicinal treatment.

But regardless, a number of countries such as Canada and the U.S. already moved to completely legalize the use of CBD. And according to data compiled by Hemp Business Journal, a division of New Frontier Data, the total sales for the U.S. hemp industry totaled USD 820 Million in 2017. The research also suggests that the industry is expected to grow to USD 1.9 Billion by 2022 and at a CAGR of 14.4% during the 5-year period.

In 2017, the U.S. hemp market was primarily driven by hemp-derived CBD products. At the time, hemp-derived CBD products accounted for 23% of the total market share, delivering USD 190 Million in sales. Personal care products accounted for 22% of the market share, narrowly lagging behind hemp-derived CBD products. However, by 2022, Hemp Business Journal expects the hemp-derived CBD market to takeoff. The hemp-derived CBD sector is forecast to deliver USD 646 Million in sales. Furthermore, the research suggests that the personal care products segment is expected to witness its market share diminishes as industrial applications fill the gap. And as legal barriers are removed and consumer education continues to spread, the hemp industry is positioned to witness exponential growth.

Furthermore, many researchers are actively pushing legislators and lawmakers to reconsider the scheduling of cannabis because of rich therapeutic benefits. For instance, researchers from the University of Minnesota’s (U of M) College of Biological Sciences and College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences are one of a handful of groups that are federally authorized to study cannabis. The researchers have argued they have “indisputable evidence” that hemp and marijuana should be separated, according to Mercola. “It’s a plant of major economic importance that is very poorly understood scientifically… With this study, we have indisputable evidence for a genetic basis of differences among cannabis varieties, further challenging the position that all cannabis should be regulated as a drug,” said George Weiblen, a professor with a joint appointment in the U of M’s College of Biological Sciences and College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-cbd-industry-flourishes-after-overcoming-certain-legal-barriers-300957483.html

ThreeD Capital Inc. $IDK.ca – Canada’s Largest Bank $RY.ca Mulls #Crypto Exchange #Ether $HIVE.ca $BLOC.ca $CODE.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:50 AM on Wednesday, November 13th, 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.

Canada’s Largest Bank Mulls Crypto Exchange After Bitcoin Ban

  • A Canadian bank, which banned its clients from buying Bitcoin (BTC), could now become the first in the country to launch a cryptocurrency exchange. 
  • As innovation economy news outlet The Logic reported on Nov. 11, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is now rumored to be considering the plans.

By William Suberg

A Canadian bank, which banned its clients from buying Bitcoin (BTC), could now become the first in the country to launch a cryptocurrency exchange

As innovation economy news outlet The Logic reported on Nov. 11, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is now rumored to be considering the plans.

RBC reportedly planning multifunctional exchange

RBC is the largest bank in Canada by market capitalization, with $661 billion CAD ($499 billion) in assets under management.

According to The Logic, the bank is entertaining the possibility for the exchange to function both for investments and allowing clients to make purchases online and in brick-and-mortar stores.

The news follows a previous report that Canada’s central bank wanted to use digital currency in order to better track consumer spending habits. 

“The trading platform would facilitate buying and selling of individual digital coins, including Bitcoin and Ether (ETH), as well as the transfer of funds combining different types of cryptocurrencies,” the publication summarized.

Bitcoin purchases “not allowed”

While little detailed information is currently available, the move would run conspicuously in contrast to RBC’s current modus operandi on cryptocurrencies. Last year, the bank abruptly banned clients purchasing Bitcoin or altcoins with credit and debit cards.

“Effective immediately, RBC will no longer be allowing the use of RBC credit cards for transactions involving cryptocurrency. We regret any inconvenience this may cause,” a notice stated at the time. 

Other Canadian banks had previously done likewise, including TD Bank and Bank of Montreal

Nonetheless, attention has since focused on how authorities will handle the fallout from QuadrigaCX, a local cryptocurrency exchange that imploded in late 2018. While recovery of lost funds is ongoing, users lost a total of around $190 million in deposits.

Source: https://cointelegraph.com/news/canadas-largest-bank-mulls-crypto-exchange-after-bitcoin-ban-report

New Age Metals $NAM.ca – #Palladium Prices Soar to Record High #PGM $WG.ca $XTM.ca $WM.ca $PDL.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:54 PM on Tuesday, November 12th, 2019

SPONSOR: New Age Metals Inc. The company’s Lithium Division has already made significant acquisitions in Canada and the USA. The company also 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 in the Inferred. Learn More.

Palladium Prices Soar to Record High

  • Global Precious Monthly Metals Index (MMI) jumped six points this month, rising for a November MMI reading of 113.

by Fouad Egbaria

Palladium-Platinum Spread Widens

As noted here many times before, platinum had historically traded at a premium to palladium.

That relationship, however, flipped as of September 2017, and has remained flipped ever since.

The palladium-platinum spread widened this month, even as platinum made gains.

The spread rose to $850/mt this month, up from $763/mt last month.

Looking Ahead

Gold and silver enjoyed a strong run-up during the summer season, but what is ahead for the precious metals?

“Having risen into the summer, gold and silver prices have plateaued in Q3 even as some ETFs have seen strong inflows due to accommodative monetary policies, such as falling Fed rates and safe haven buying in the face of geopolitical uncertainty,” MetalMiner’s Stuart Burns explained. “But jewelry demand is down, central bank buying of gold is lower than the same time last year and a strong dollar set up a number of headwinds that have seen prices unwind as news comes out about a possible winding back of tariffs between the US and China.”

As for platinum, prices did not tick up as much as one might have expected given trends in the automotive industry.

“Likewise, platinum prices have failed to make any headway in Q3 despite a strong showing from other PGMs, such as palladium and rhodium, both of which continue to benefit from the switch to petrol internal combustion engines among European carmakers,” Burns added.

“Gold, silver and palladium prices are expected to ease further in the run up to the year-end while other PGMs will be swayed more by car production and dollar strength. Much will depend on a successful outcome to the encouraging progress on trade talks, which could see investors take a more bullish attitude on risk to industrial metals and weaken demand for safe-haven investment metals.”

Actual Metal Prices and Trends

The U.S. silver ingot/bar price rose 5.0% month over month to $18.08/ounce as of Nov. 1.

U.S. platinum bars rose 6.3% to $930/ounce. U.S. palladium bars jumped 8.7% to $1,780/ounce.

Chinese gold bullion rose 1.7% to $48.79/gram. U.S. gold bullion increased 2.3% to $1,512.70/ounce.

Source: https://agmetalminer.com/2019/11/12/global-precious-mmi-palladium-prices-soars-to-record-high/

BetterU Education Corp. $BTRU.ca – #Edtech Startup #Lido Learning Raises $3 Mn in Funding from Ronnie Screwvala, Others $ARCL $CPLA $BPI $FC.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 11:34 AM on Tuesday, November 12th, 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.
BTRU: TSX-V

Edtech Startup Lido Learning Raises $3 Mn in Funding from Ronnie Screwvala, Others

  • Mumbai based Edtech startup Lido learning has raised $3million as part of a Series A funding round
  • Led by prominent investors like Ronnie Screwvala (Chairman Upgrad), Ananth Narayanan (CEO Medlife), Vikrampati Singhania (MD JK Tyres), Anupam Mittal (CEO Shaadi.com), Arihant Patni (MD Patni Wealth Advisors), amongst others.

By Vardaan

Mumbai based Edtech startup Lido learning has raised $3million as part of a Series A funding round led by prominent investors like Ronnie Screwvala (Chairman Upgrad), Ananth Narayanan (CEO Medlife), Vikrampati Singhania (MD JK Tyres), Anupam Mittal (CEO Shaadi.com), Arihant Patni (MD Patni Wealth Advisors), amongst others.

Founded in April 2019 by second time ed-tech entrepreneur Sahil Sheth, Lido Learning is revolutionizing traditional tutorials through immersive live small-group online tuitions. Lido caters to students from Class 5-9; offering yearlong coaching classes in Math and Science through an integrated online platform that combines unique interactive content with the best tutors from across the country.

“Ed-Tech is presently under invested but is a massive opportunity in India. Online tutoring is very nascent and Lido has a clear opportunity for market leadership with the strong product and tech it has developed. They are onto something very big here “, said Ronnie Screwvala.   

According to a Google-KPMG report, the online tutoring market is expected to grow dramatically in the next two years, to around 10 Million users by 2021. This is still only a tiny sliver of the Indian market that has over 250 million students currently enrolled in schools so that the potential for future growth is tremendous.  Lido’s ultimate goal is to provide a personalized learning experience to every student – 250 million unique classrooms for 250 million unique students.

Within 3 months of operations, Lido has gained incredible traction and is expanding rapidly across the country. 

Lido’s key value proposition is in its dynamic learning environment – interactive classroom, excellent teachers and supportive academic advisors. At the centre of this is the state-of-the-art online classroom with animated visual content, immersive games and quizzes with real-time results. Every class has a maximum student to teacher ratio of 6:1 to ensure that each student receives enough coaching, feedback and doubt clearance. Lido aims to build an entire learning ecosystem around students so to push them to their furthest achievement levels with academic advisors assigned to every student to mentor and coach them. Within a few weeks of learning on Lido, students are performing 20% better on classroom tests and are feeling more prepared and confident to participate in class.

Given its futuristic platform, engaging content and highly skilled teachers and mentors, Lido is expected to disrupt the existing K-12 ed-tech industry through a massive improvement in quality while being affordable to the average student. 

About Lido:

Lido Learning (Quality Tutorials Pvt Ltd) was launched in April 2019 by Sahil Sheth, offering live tutoring and personalized online coaching sessions to students from Class 5-9 in Math and Sciences from both CBSE and ISCE boards. The platform characterizes itself as an online immersive live tutoring platform for students including features like interactive sessions, engaging quizzes and immersive games. 

Every session has a maximum student to teacher ratio of 6:1 to ensure that each student receives enough coaching, feedback and doubt clearing. Within the classroom, students are grouped according to similar achievement levels to ensure that the in-class experience can be personalized as per pace and content. With advanced analytics and tracking, Lido can create unique learning journeys for every student. Based on their class performance, students are given customized homework, remedial help, and challenges to push their limits. 

Lido has pioneered gamification through ‘Learn for Rewards’ that tie learning outcomes to real-world prizes.

Source: https://www.indianweb2.com/2019/11/11/ed-tech-startup-lido-learning-announces-series-3-million-funding/?doing_wp_cron=1573573981.5977289676666259765625

NORTHBUD $NBUD.ca – 5 Reasons Why Everyone Is Obsessed With #CBD Gummies $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:38 AM on Tuesday, November 12th, 2019

SPONSOR: NORTHBUD (NBUD:CSE) Sustainable low cost, high quality cannabinoid production and procurement focusing on both bio-pharmaceutical development and Cannabinoid Infused Products. Learn More.

NBUD: CSE
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5 Reasons Why Everyone Is Obsessed With CBD Gummies

By Jerrard Jonson

If you’ve heard any of the hype lately about CBD and CBD gummies, you’re probably thinking, “what’s all the fuss about?” With last year’s introduction of the Farm Bill, the CBD industry has skyrocketed beyond anyone’s expectations, creating countless products infused with the cannabinoid CBD. With numerous health benefits, availability and affordability, CBD products are making quite the scene in a new(er) industry. Here are five reasons why everyone is obsessed with CBD gummies.

Availability

CBD gummies are pretty much everywhere at this point. You can get them online, in your drug store, in holistic health shops, and more. With such wide availability, it’s no wonder these tasty treats are a favorite among consumers of CBD. That being said, it’s important to note that not all CBD gummies are the same.

The quality of the CBD used in them can have a profound effect on the effectiveness, so it’s always better to purchase from a provider with a good reputation for quality. Companies like Verma Farms offer some of the highest-quality CBD gummies on the market.

Be sure to check the CBD availability and legality in your state. While hemp may be legal on the federal level, individual states still have the ability to regulate and even ban hemp and CBD products.

Longer-Lasting Effects

Img source: kushiebites.com

Since CBD gummies are ingested, the effects of the CBD tend to last longer than if it were inhaled or taken under the tongue. The slow process of digestion means that your CBD might take an hour or longer to kick in, but once it does, you can expect the effect to last for at least a few hours.

The longer-lasting effects of the gummies are mostly what drives consumers to make these a favorite. They also taste pretty good too! Straight CBD oil taken under the tongue can leave a plant aftertaste, which can be quite unpleasant. Chewing a gummy eliminates this unpleasantness by coating the CBD with a tasty, sugary gummy.

Consumers feel like gummies give them a bit more bang for their buck since some CBD products can be quite pricey. With longer-lasting effects, you’ll need less throughout the day to achieve the desired effect; making them an affordable and effective way to enjoy CBD.

CBD’s Benefits

Let’s take a moment to talk about some of the great effects that CBD has on the body. From reducing stress and anxiety to improved sleep, the effects of CBD are numerous and positive. While the research is still pretty much in its infancy, what we do know is that CBD so far hasn’t shown any major negative side-effects.

CBD is different from THC, though they’re both found in the cannabis plant. THC creates the euphoric “high” that marijuana is known for, whereas CBD is much the opposite. Instead of euphoria, users have said that they feel clarity and calm. It’s even been said that CBD can help reduce the effects of THC for when you’ve had a little too much

People all over the world are using CBD oils and gummies for joint aches, concentration, treating anxiety, and all manner of health ailments. Some users swear by CBD as a cure-all, but science has yet to discover the true spectrum of benefits offered by this amazing compound.

Affordability

Img source: kushiebites.com

While CBD oils and vape pens can be a bit costly, CBD gummies remain on the affordable end of the spectrum, and, as stated above, their long-lasting effects makes them much more cost-efficient than their inhaled or absorbed counterparts. We’ve seen hundreds of brands pop up over the course of the last year, and as the industry grows, we’re certain to see more. Right now, CBD demand is high, so prices will probably remain at about the same level for the coming years.

Easy to Take

Probably the best thing about CBD gummies is that they’re easy to take. Whether you’re 21 or 71, chewing them is simple and the digestive process does all of the work for you. Where vape pens and oils can require different processes for maximum effectiveness, with this product, you simply chew and swallow and wait.

This makes gummies accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and ailments. The availability and versatility of these awesome products are what have made them an absolute favorite among CBD users nationwide.

Conclusion

Img source: whio.com

Whether you’re new to CBD or a seasoned veteran, you’ll want to give CBD gummies a try to see why everyone’s raving about them. From being easy to take to having longer-lasting effects, they can offer a unique CBD product that you’ll find is both simple and affordable.

Source: https://www.chartattack.com/5-reasons-why-everyone-is-obsessed-with-cbd-gummies/

Huge Battery Investments Drop Energy-Storage Costs Faster Than Expected, Threatening Natural Gas SPONSOR: $HPQ.ca Silicon $FSLR $SPWR $CSIQ $PYR.ca $XMG.ca

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Huge Battery Investments Drop Energy-Storage Costs Faster Than Expected, Threatening Natural Gas

Jeff McMahon Contributor    From Chicago, I write about climate change, green technology, energy.

The global energy transition is happening faster than the models predicted, according to a report released today by the Rocky Mountain Institute, thanks to massive investments in the advanced-battery technology ecosystem.

Previous and planned investments total $150 billion through 2023, RMI calculates—the equivalent of every person in the world chipping in $20. In the first half of 2019 alone, venture-capital firms contributed $1.4 billion to energy storage technology companies.

“These investments will push both Li-ion and new battery technologies across competitive thresholds for new applications more quickly than anticipated,” according to RMI. “This, in turn, will reduce the costs of decarbonization in key sectors and speed the global energy transition beyond the expectations of mainstream global energy models.”

RMI’s “Breakthrough Batteries” report anticipates “self-reinforcing feedback loops” between public policy, manufacturing, research and development, and economies of scale. Those loops will drive battery performance higher while pushing costs as low as $87/kWh by 2025. (Bloomberg put the current cost at $187/kwh earlier this year.)

“These changes are already contributing to cancellations of planned natural-gas power generation,” states the report. “The need for these new natural-gas plants can be offset through clean-energy portfolios (CEPs) of energy storage, efficiency, renewable energy, and demand response.”

New natural-gas plants risk becoming stranded assets (unable to compete with renewables+storage before they’ve paid off their capital cost), while existing natural-gas plants cease to be competitive as soon as 2021, RMI predicts.

RMI analysts expect lithium-ion to remain the dominant battery technology through 2023, steadily improving in performance, but then they anticipate a suite of advanced battery technologies coming online to cater to specific uses:

Heavier transport will use solid-state batteries such as rechargeable zinc alkaline, Li-metal, and Li-sulfur. The electric grid will adopt low-cost and long-duration batteries such as zinc-based, flow, and high-temperature batteries. And when EVs become ubiquitous—raising the demand for fast charging—high-power batteries will proliferate.

Many of these alternative battery technologies will leap from the lab to the marketplace by 2030, the report predicts.

Some of these changes will be driven outside the U.S., specifically in countries like India, Indonesia and the Philippines that prefer smaller vehicles.

RMI analyzed the four major energy-storage markets—China, the U.S., the European Union and India—and found two major trends that apply to each: 1) “Mobility markets are driving the demand and the cost declines,” and 2) “the nascent grid storage market is about to take off.”

China dominates the market for electric vehicles and solar photovoltaic technologies, thanks to early, large and consistent investment. The RMI report notes that China also has an advantage in upstream ore processing, critical materials and component manufacturing.

The report does not, however, explore what happens should China weaponize those advantages in the trade war, restricting or embargoing imports of critical materials to the U.S.

“An expanded trade war looms large over all industries and the entire global economy and is not in the interest of either the U.S. or China, and it is unproductive to speculate on the potential scope or outcomes of a battery or minerals-related action,” two of the report’s four authors, Charlie Bloch and James Newcomb, told me in an email.

“China is no doubt aware of the long-term economic opportunity associated with being a reliable manufacturer of batteries and the risk that escalating trade war actions by either side could damage the US-China economic relationship in this important area.”

They added that manufacturers, investors, start-ups, and government officials are taking steps to mitigate the potential impact of such a risk, such as continued development of low- and no-cobalt batteries chemistries.

For more about China’s hold on critical minerals, read 4 Reasons The Developed World Is In Big Trouble With Critical Minerals.

Global cumulative energy storage installations. RMI image/BNEF data Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2019/10/29/huge-battery-investments-drop-energy-storage-costs-threaten-natural-gas-industry/#21494b5f7c3b

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Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 5:27 PM on Monday, November 11th, 2019

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Crypto banks getting green light from regulators

New institutions specializing in digital currency are being granted official recognition around the world

By Paul Muir

Traditional financial institutions still have reservations about decentralized cryptocurrencies. A decade after Satoshi Nakamoto unleashed bitcoin on the world in response to the global economic meltdown, they are only just beginning to explore the potential of digital assets. However, a new breed of banks specializing in crypto have been working tirelessly to capitalize on the fiscal trend and are now gaining regulatory recognition around the world, Bitcoin.com reported.

Swiss crypto banks

Switzerland has become a leading crypto-friendly country and several hundred companies are currently operating in Crypto Valley, which is situated in the canton of Zug. The country’s financial regulators are taking an increasingly positive approach to the nascent sector. Traditional banks have been reluctant to serve entities dealing with cryptocurrencies but competition from new businesses focusing specifically on the crypto market is likely to change that.

In August, the Financial Market Supervisory Authority (Finma) licensed two companies to provide banking services to Swiss-based crypto businesses and also trade securities. Zug-registered Seba Crypto and Zurich-based Sygnum became Switzerland’s first regulated crypto banks, Bitcoin.com reported. Another entity working with digital assets, Bitcoin Suisse, applied for a banking and securities dealer license this summer. A new Swiss venture called Tallyon expects the green light from Finma to allow it to become a “next-generation” private bank employing blockchain tech and working with cryptocurrencies.

These companies are not restricting themselves to Switzerland. In late October, Sygnum was granted a capital markets services license in Singapore. According to a report by Swissinfo, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has authorized the crypto bank to provide asset management services in the Southeast Asian city-state. Seba Crypto, which is currently focusing primarily on its upcoming launch in Switzerland, is in talks with the MAS but has not yet applied for a license. It plans to enter a number of other markets including Hong Kong, the UK, Italy, Germany, France, Austria, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Tallyon plans to expand into Asia after its launch in the alpine country.

In a press release published on its website, Sygnum revealed that its first product will be a multi-manager fund that “allocates investments across a portfolio of managers that tap into the global digital asset opportunity using different and uncorrelated investment strategies.” It will be available to institutional and private qualified investors in Switzerland in the future as well, through the company’s banking platform there. In partnership with the largest German stock exchange and Swisscom, Sygnum is also working to launch a new digital asset trading venue.

Tencent’s ‘virtual bank’

The expansion of the crypto industry in any jurisdiction inevitably creates demand for related banking services. China’s recent focus on blockchain development is likely to have the same effect. Some Chinese companies are already moving to take advantage of the changing environment that creates new business opportunities.

Tencent, the tech and internet giant behind the popular messenger Wechat, was recently granted a license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) that will allow it to establish a “virtual bank.” Speaking at the World Blockchain Conference in Wuzhen on November 8, Cai Weige, general manager for blockchain at Tencent, revealed the holding is already assembling a team for the financial platform.

According to Chinese media outlets, the forum was devoted to blockchain, digital assets, central bank digital currency, artificial intelligence, and 5G. During his keynote speech at the conference, Cai noted that blockchain and cryptocurrencies receive more attention now that the Hong Kong government has begun to regulate crypto transactions.

The SFC recently established a new regulatory framework that allows crypto exchanges to opt-in to be licensed and regulated. Trading platforms can now apply for a license if they meet certain requirements, including the implementation of measures to guarantee the safe custody of crypto assets.

“The framework will enable virtual asset trading platforms to be regulated by the SFC, a major development which builds on a way forward I outlined at the same time last year,” SFC Chief Executive Ashley Alder said, according to a Cointelegraph report last week.

Source: https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/11/article/crypto-banks-getting-green-light-from-regulators/

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Top 10 Marijuana Industry News Stories

Cannabis Countdown: Top 10 Marijuana Industry News Stories of the Week

Welcome to the Cannabis Countdown. In this week’s rendition, we’ll recap and countdown the top 10 marijuana industry news stories for the week of November 4th – 10th, 2019.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Drake’s Next Act: “Potline Bling” Feat. Canopy Growth Corp

Multi-Platinum Recording Superstar Drake and Canopy Growth Announce New Cannabis Partnership

Drake is heading home and will own a majority stake in Toronto-based “More Life Growth”. Canopy Growth (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) will own the remaining 40% in the new fully licensed cannabis producer.

READ FULL DRAKE ARTICLE

9. Passengers Carrying Cannabis on Air Canada’s Toronto to Vancouver Flight Shocked When Plane Got Re-Routed to U.S.

Foggy Conditions Forced Flight AC 125 to Land at Seattle Airport with Some Passengers Carrying Cannabis and CBD

One legal expert gives advice to Canadians on how to handle an extraordinary situation like this.

READ FULL AIR CANADA ARTICLE

8. Mexico Has Until April 30 to Legalize Cannabis, Supreme Court Rules

That Legislation Proposed Rules Limiting Foreign Ownership, Vertical Integration and License Resale

Mexico’s Supreme Court gave Congress another six months to approve legislation that legalizes all forms of cannabis, postponing until the end of April the deadline for when the Latin American country would create the world’s largest adult-use market by population.

READ FULL MEXICO ARTICLE

7. Canopy Growth Downsizes Latin America Workforce as Region Struggles to Generate Revenue

Investors Have Sent a Clear Message They Want Companies to be More Prudent in Their Spending

One of the largest cannabis companies in the world, Canopy Growth (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC), is restructuring its overseas operations by laying off 15% of its workforce in Latin America, reflecting the slow pace at which revenue-generating opportunities and regulatory structures are evolving in the region.

READ FULL CANOPY GROWTH ARTICLE

6. FDA Won’t be Hurried to Create CBD Exceptions Amid Safety Concerns

The Agency’s Biggest Concern is Whether CBD is Safe to Consume in Food and Supplements

A top official for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the agency is concerned that developing a legal exception for supplements containing CBD could send the wrong message, both to companies interested in entering the market and consumers.

READ FULL FDA CBD ARTICLE

5. Ontario Business Group Wants ‘Clear Timeline’ for Cannabis Store Expansion

So Far, Ontario Has Used a Botched Lottery System to Award Licenses to Open Recreational Marijuana Stores

A group comprised of cannabis industry leaders and experts is calling on Ontario’s government to provide a more complete timetable for when retail stores will be permitted through an open allocation of licenses.

READ FULL ONTARIO ARTICLE

4. Michigan Nets 52 Adult-Use Marijuana Applications on First Day

State Regulators Expect the First License to be Issued Before the End of November

Marijuana regulators in Michigan received 52 recreational cannabis business license applications on the first day of the application period.

READ FULL MICHIGAN ARTICLE

3. Cannabis Canada: Pot Industry Added Nearly Billion to GDP in August

Cannabis Sales in Canada Expected to Double Next Year to $3.16 Billion

Canaccord Genuity cannabis analyst Matt Bottomley expects revenue in Canada’s legal pot sector to more than double next year despite slower-than-expected growth. Bottomley said in a research note to clients that Canada’s cannabis industry should expect $3.16 billion in revenue in 2020, up from the $1.46 billion forecast for 2019.

READ FULL CANADA STATS ARTICLE

2. U.S. Senate Approves Legislation Protecting State-Legal Medical Cannabis Programs from Federal Interference

Supporters Hope Similar Protection for Recreational States Will Be Included in Final Version Sent to President Trump

The U.S. Senate passed a spending bill extending a provision that protects medical cannabis states from federal interference. It’s unknown if the broader House approved protections for adult-use state cannabis programs will be included in the final version of the bill that’s passed along to President Trump.

READ FULL MMJ SENATE ARTICLE

1. Breakthrough in CDC Vape Crisis Investigation

Vitamin E Acetate Linked to THC May Be to Blame

Vitamin E acetate, an additive sometimes used in THC and other vaping products, may be to blame for a national vape crisis of e-cigarette-related lung injuries that’s linked to dozens of deaths, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials.

Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cannabis-countdown-top-10-marijuana-141349361.html