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Esports Entertainment Group $GMBL Partners With Dignitas, The #Esports Organization Of Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, To Provide P2P Esports Betting $TECHF $ATVI $TTWO $GAME $EPY.ca $FDM.ca $TNA.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 7:05 AM on Monday, June 17th, 2019
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  • Announced multi-year partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment to provide safe and transparent P2P esports betting to Dignitas fans via VIE.gg.
  • Dignitas is an international esports team with one of the most iconic and recognizable brands in the professional gaming industry that fields teams in seven of esports’ largest and most popular games

BIRKIRKARA, Malta, June 17, 2019 — via OTC PR WIRE – Esports Entertainment Group, Inc. (OTCQB: GMBL) (or the “Company”), a licensed online gambling company with a specific focus on esports wagering and 18+ gaming, is pleased to announce a multi-year partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (“HBSE”) to provide safe and transparent P2P esports betting to Dignitas fans via VIE.gg. Dignitas is an international esports team with one of the most iconic and recognizable brands in the professional gaming industry that fields teams in seven of esports’ largest and most popular games.

Dignitas is the esports organization of HBSE, a globally renowned sports and entertainment company whose portfolio includes the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, Crystal Palace F.C. and the Prudential Center, one of the world’s top-ranked venues located in Newark, N.J.  HBSE is owned by an investor group led by Managing Partners Josh Harris, the Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director of Apollo Global Management, LLC., as well as, David Blitzer, the Global Head of Blackstone’s Tactical Opportunities group.

FIRST NORTH AMERICAN TIER-1 ESPORTS PARTNERSHIP FOR VIE.GG SETS NEW BENCHMARK

As a world champion and one of the original names in esports with a successful history since 2003, Dignitas represents the first North American Tier-1 esports organization to partner with the Company’s VIE.gg esports betting platform. Dignitas is working with VIE.gg for the following reasons:

1.  The VIE.gg P2P model is much more attractive to Dignitas because an esports fan (a Dignitas fan) always wins, as opposed to a “house” model where odds are heavily stacked against fans.

2.  VIE.gg is the first and most transparent esports bet exchange as a result of Esports Entertainment Group being a fully reporting SEC issuer in the United States. 

3.  Player safety features built into VIE.gg create a fun but responsible esports betting experience for fans. For example, players must choose their maximum bet amounts when they initially sign up with VIE.gg. Any subsequent increase to those levels requires a 30 day cooling off period to make sure players do not get carried away.

4.  The recent addition of pool betting is a further extension of the P2P model, which allows groups of opposing fans to wager against each other when their teams go head to head.

5.  Given the fact some esports fans bet on esports, Dignitas fans may as well bet on a safe platform that also supports the organization.

Dignitas CEO Michael Prindiville stated, “Esports Entertainment Group and Vie.gg offer a premier destination for our fans to engage with the games they love in ways that play upon a competitive spirit that is decidedly Dignitas in nature. The future of Dignitas is bound to our fans and the way they engage, interact, share and are moved by our content, products, players, streamers and more. The partnership with Esports Entertainment Group and Vie.gg is extremely natural; we are connected in our shared dedication to developing and amplifying the gaming space in this period of rapid and inspiring growth, and as it blends naturally with entertainment, music, lifestyle, and more.”

Grant Johnson, CEO of Esports Entertainment Group stated, “I am very proud of this new partnership with HBSE and their Dignitas esports brand, which is founded in our shared common beliefs of player safety above all else.  I look forward to sharing our incredible product with Dignitas’ highly engaged fan base over the next three years and beyond. For Esports Entertainment Group, a partnership of this calibre is a significant milestone for our shareholders and tremendous validation of both our P2P esports wagering model and future plans within the esports world.”

This press release is available on our Online Investor Relations Community for shareholders and potential shareholders to ask questions, receive answers and collaborate with management in a fully moderated forum at https://agoracom.com/ir/EsportsEntertainmentGroup

RedChip investor relations Esports Entertainment Group Investor Page: 
http://www.gmblinfo.com

ABOUT DIGNITAS

Dignitas is an international esports team with one of the most iconic and recognizable brands in the professional gaming industry that fields teams in seven of esports’ largest and most popular games:  Apex Legends, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Rocket League, SMITE, Clash Royale and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends through the recent merger with Clutch Gaming. Dignitas’ innovative and authentic brand position offers a premier opportunity for partners seeking a direct portal into the gaming and esports market. Dignitas was originally formed in September 2003 with the merger of two Battlefield 1942 teams. In September 2016, Dignitas was acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association. Dignitas is a part of the Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment family of innovative and competitive holdings owned by an investor group led by Managing Partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, which also includes the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League, and the Prudential Center, world-renowned arena in Newark, N.J.  In June 2019, Dignitas merged with the Houston Rocket’s owned and operated Clutch Gaming, to form a new, gaming-centric, media and entertainment company.

ABOUT VIE.GG

VIE.gg offers bet exchange style wagering on esports events in a licensed, regulated and secured platform to the global esports audience, excluding jurisdictions that prohibit online gambling. VIE.gg features wagering on the following esports games:

  • Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO)
  • League of Legends
  • Dota 2
  • Call of Duty
  • Overwatch
  • PUBG
  • Hearthstone
  • StarCraft II 

VIE.gg has announced affiliate marketing partnerships with 190 esports teams from around the world and expects that number to increase in 2019.

ABOUT ESPORTS ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Esports Entertainment Group, Inc. is a licensed online gambling company with a specific focus on esports wagering and 18+ gaming. Esports Entertainment offers bet exchange style wagering on esports events in a licensed, regulated and secure platform to the global esports audience at vie.gg.  In addition, Esports Entertainment intends to offer users from around the world the ability to participate in multi-player mobile and PC video game tournaments for cash prizes. Esports Entertainment is led by a team of industry professionals and technical experts from the online gambling and the video game industries, and esports. The Company holds licenses to conduct online gambling and 18+ gaming on a global basis in Curacao, Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Company maintains offices in Malta, Curacao and Warsaw, Poland. Esports Entertainment common stock is listed on the OTCQB under the symbol GMBL.  For more information visit www.esportsentertainmentgroup.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. The safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 protects companies from liability for their forward-looking statements if they comply with the requirements of the Act.

Contact:

Corporate Finance
+356-2757-7000 (Malta)
[email protected]

Media & Investor Relations Inquiries
AGORACOM 
[email protected]
http://agoracom.com/ir/eSportsEntertainmentGroup

U.S. Investor Relations 
RedChip 
Dave Gentry
407-491-4498
[email protected]

INTERVIEW: betterU $BTRU.ca Discusses Working Relationship with #McDonald’s India $ARCL $CPLA $BPI $FC.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:00 PM on Sunday, June 16th, 2019

Esports Entertainment Group $GMBL – Milken-Backed Immortals Makes Esports’ First $100 Million Deal $TECHF $ATVI $TTWO $GAME $EPY.ca $FDM.ca $TNA.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:32 PM on Thursday, June 13th, 2019
SPONSOR: Esports Entertainment $GMBL Esports audience is 350M, growing to 590M, Esports wagering is projected at $23 BILLION by 2020. The company has launched VIE.gg esports betting platform and has accelerated affiliate marketing agreements with 190 Esports teams. Click here for more information
GMBL: OTCQB

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Milken-Backed Immortals Makes Esports’ First $100 Million Deal

By Christopher Palmeri

  • They acquired Infinite Esports from Texas Rangers co-owners
  • The resulting company becomes competitor in four major esports

Immortals Gaming Club, an esports business backed by Meg Whitman and the family of Michael Milken among others, acquired Infinite Esports from two of the owners of the Texas Rangers baseball team, marking what the buyers said is the industry’s first $100 million deal.

The transaction merges Los Angeles-based Immortals, best known for its Valiant team in the Overwatch League, with the parent of OpTic Gaming, one of the more prominent teams in the League of Legends Championship Series. Its fans are known as the Greenwall.

“We expect there’s going to be general consolidation in the industry,” Immortals Chief Executive Officer Ari Segal said an interview. “This is the first wave of that.” Milken-Backed Immortals CEO on Esports’ $100 Million Deal 

Immortals Gaming Club CEO Ari Segal speaks to Bloomberg’s Chris Palmeri at E3 in Los Angeles. (Source: Bloomberg)

The valuation includes the purchase price, debt and other liabilities, including franchise fees still owed to the leagues. The Immortals’ lineup of games will also include Call of Duty, which is launching a new league, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, meaning the company now competes in four major esports.

Based on the equity consideration in the transaction, Infinite stockholders collectively become the largest shareholder of Immortals Gaming Club, according to a spokesman, with AEG continuing to hold the biggest single stake. Neil Leibman and Ray Davis, co-owners of the Texas Rangers, will become shareholders in Immortals as part of the deal.

Growing Business

Esports, where fans watch professional video-game players compete online and in arenas, is among the fastest-growing businesses in entertainment, attracting big money investors from the world of media and sports. Last week, the owners of the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils bought a majority stake in Clutch Gaming, a professional team owned by the Houston Rockets.

The deal marks a return to League of Legends competition for Immortals, which was co-founded in 2015 by Noah Whinston, a college dropout and esports enthusiast. Immortals operated a team, but failed to get a franchise in the League of Legends Championship Series when parent Riot Games offered them two years ago. They plan to sell the Houston Outlaws franchise in the Overwatch League.

Immortals raised $30 million in a follow-on offering last month. The overall business is now valued at $250 million, according to a person familiar with the terms who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly.

Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-06-12/milken-backed-immortals-makes-esports-first-100-million-deal

betterU $BTRU.ca corporate training efforts paying off – entered working relationship with #McDonald’s #India #edtech $ARCL $CPLA $BPI $FC.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:39 AM on Thursday, June 13th, 2019
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  • Announced that on the heels of a recent trip to India in May 2019, entered a working relationship with another corporate client; McDonald’s India
  • betterU is already engaged in the development of the first job specific skills program and upon successful completion and approval by McDonald’s India, opportunities will grow to support their national employee base.

OTTAWA, June 13, 2019 – betterU Education Corp. TSXV-BTRU, (the “Company” or “betterU”) is pleased to announce that on the heels of a recent trip to India in May 2019, have entered a working relationship with another corporate client; McDonald’s India. betterU is already engaged in the development of the first job specific skills program and upon successful completion and approval by McDonald’s India, opportunities will grow to support their national employee base. The scope of proposed work includes online course development, instructor-led training as well as blended online programs.

After meeting with many prospective corporates and strategic partners in Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi, betterU received a significant level of interest for proposals and next steps from groups such as Clove Dental, Evry, Unibic Cookies, Shine.com, Padmini Engineering, Hindustan Times, NSDC and the Aerospace Sector Skill Counsel. Having recently finalized the partnership deal with NSDC, which was announced earlier this week, betterU has also completed five training and development proposals and has high hopes of closing more corporate partnership agreements in the upcoming weeks. “From the onset of our shift in focus to support corporates, it has become clearer that the Indian corporate market is primed for massive growth in online learning. According to a report by Google and KMPG, the online education market will reach $1.9 billion by 2021.  With over 700 corporates in our database, representing only a fraction of the market, we have a lot of work ahead of us and if this last trip is any indication of the opportunity, we are going to be busy! It has been exciting to see the level of interest and we look forward to what will come,” said Sameer Vatsa, Head of India betterU.

That challenges that most corporates face is that they are required to source and manage multiple education providers, content developers, and service providers in order to address the totality of their training needs. It can become difficult to manage multiple vendors that, in most cases, also use different technologies in the management and delivery of their solutions. With betterU, corporates can gain access to the breadth and depth of skilling programs across all categories such as technology, soft skills, leadership, finance, sales and even job specific programs. betterU can help the Learning and Development heads of corporations by framing out the right solutions for them while leveraging the best of the best educators from around the world to meet their skilling needs. Employers can then focus on their employees, rather than the challenges faced with sourcing and managing the learning complexities.

betterU can provide access to the world’s leading off-the-shelf programs, customized to meet a corporate’s needs, which also includes custom content development services and instructor-led delivery options.

About betterU

betterU, a global education to employment platform, aims to provide access to quality education from around the world to foster growth and opportunity to those who want to better their lives. 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 education to employment ecosystem. betterU’s offerings can be categorized into several broad functions: to compliment school programs with flexible preschool, KG-12 programs preparing children for next stage of education, to provide access to global and localized educational programs from leading educators, to foster an exceptional educational environment by providing befitting skills that lead to a better career, to bridge the gap between one’s existing education and prospective job requirement by training them and lastly, to connect the end user to various job opportunities. betterU today has partnered with over 75 global educators, representing access to over 53,000 programs. It is developing technology and ongoing more partners required to support the growing education needs of the world.  

www.betterU.in

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

This press release may contain forward-looking statements and information, which may involve risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, competitive developments, risks associated with betterU’s growth, the state of the financial markets, regulatory risks and other factors. There can be no assurance or guarantees that any statements of forward-looking information contained in this release will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These and all subsequent written and oral statements containing forward-looking information are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, betterU disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers should not place undue reliance on any statements of forward-looking information that speak only as of the date of this release. Further information on betterU’s public filings, including their most recent audited consolidated financial statements, are available at www.sedar.com.

For further information, please visit  https://ir.betteru.ca/investor-overview/press-releases/

On behalf of the Board of Directors,
better Education Corp.
Brad Loiselle, CEO     

For further information:

Investor Relations
1-613-695-4100 Ext. 233
Email: [email protected]

Empower Clinics $CBDT.ca Provides Corporate Update and Announces New Board Member $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 7:12 AM on Thursday, June 13th, 2019
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  • Company continues to reach a number of important milestones on its path forward, as a global health and wellness company, serving the needs of patients through its network of physician-staffed health and pain management clinics, formulating CBD based products and developing its first CBD extraction facility

VANCOUVER, June 13, 2019  – EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CSE: CBDT) (Frankfurt 8EC) (“Empower” or the “Company“), a vertically integrated and growth-oriented CBD life sciences company, and a multi-state operator of medical health & wellness clinics, is pleased to provide an update on recent corporate activities and Director changes.

The Company continues to reach a number of important milestones on its path forward, as a global health and wellness company, serving the needs of patients through its network of physician-staffed health and pain management clinics, formulating CBD based products and developing its first CBD extraction facility.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Takes Possession of CBD Extraction Facility As previously announced, the Company has taken possession of its new facility in greater Portland, Oregon that will be home to a fully functioning hemp-based CBD extraction facility, with the first extraction system expected to have the capacity to produce 6,000 kilograms of extracted product per year. The facility is expected to provide Empower with vertical integration into the CBD supply chain, producing isolates, distillates and winterized oil that are showing strong demand in local and national markets. The Company has commenced preliminary build-out starting with IT and technology implementations plus security system installations.

  • Engages Leading Architect Firm Empower has engaged Pathangay Architects www.pathangayarchitects.com of Phoenix, AZ lead by Navin Pathangay as the lead architect firm for the build-out of the first company extraction facility. Navin Architects are one of the leading Cannabis industry architects having worked on numerous industry projects including dispensaries, medical clinics, grow operations and extraction facilities.

  • Integration of Sun Valley Clinics The Sun Valley Clinics acquisition is providing productivity gains and in-market expertise that is accretive to our clinic division. Official operational integration is fully underway, with the best practices of Sun Valley and Empower are coming together to create world-class clinic operations. The operations team at Sun Valley has assumed key administrative tasks on behalf of the Empower network of clinics including bookkeeping, human resources, payroll and day-to-day accounts payable and accounts receivable tasks.

We expect to drive further productivity by eliminating duplicate and/or redundant information technology systems and by brining campaign marketing programs such as text messaging, email and call center functions under the Sun Valley operations, to improve effectiveness and reduce costs.

The current Sun Valley clinic locations are as follows:

4218 W Dunlap Ave, Phoenix, AZ
12801 W Bell Rd #145, Surprise, AZ
4015 E Bell Rd #130, Phoenix, AZ
2011 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ
7074 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ
2550 S Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV

  • Launches CBD Tincture Product Line Empower has commenced selling its proprietary line of CBD-based products called SOLLIEVO, through its network of company-owned clinics in the United States. The Sollievo tincture line includes four (4) preliminary SKU’s for chronic pain, insomnia, digestion and anxiety. Preliminary user feedback has been positive and third party lab test results have confirmed the ingredients and dosages of our proprietary formulations are consistent with what is indicated on the labels and packaging. 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.

  • CBD Market Demand The passing in the United States of the US$867 billion Agriculture Improvement Act (the “Farm Bill“) has legalized hemp and hemp-based products. This has created an opportunity for the production and sale of a variety of CBD-based products that can provide genuine help and effective relief to millions of people suffering from a variety of qualifying conditions. Recent reports and studies indicate the approval of the Farm Bill could create a US$20 billion industry by 2022.

“With the closing of the Sun Valley Clinics acquisition behind us, we are already seeing such positive impact with integration and the development of our overall company culture,” said Steven McAuley, CEO of Empower. “By adding the extra resources to our company, we have much more capacity grow and execute on the various initiatives I have announced previously.”

Appointment of New Board Member

The Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Andrejs Bunkse as a Director of the company, effective as of May 26, 2019.  Mr. Bunkse is a graduate of Syracuse University and holds a Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law. As the owner and practicing attorney of Rain Legal and partner in Nimbus Legal, Andy brings industry specific expertise and deep connections to major industry players plus the investment banking and Family office community.

“We are so honored to have Andy Bunkse join our Board, to play an active role in supporting our next phase of growth and development”, said Steven McAuley, CEO of Empower.  “His substantial negotiating and deal structuring experience along with industry ties and reputation, adds tremendous pedigree to our leadership team.”

The Company also announces the resignation of Peter McDonough as a Director effective May 24th, 2019. We would like to thank Peter for his contributions.

ABOUT EMPOWER

Empower is a leading multi-state operator of a network of physician-staffed clinics focused on helping patients improve and protect their health through innovative physician recommended treatment options. Operating as a vertically-integrated health & wellness brand with it’s first hemp-derived CBD extraction facility under development, the Company can produce and package its proprietary line of cannabidiol (CBD) based products and distribute through company owned and franchised clinics, with wholesale partnerships, online and with retailers nationwide.

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; access to Empower’s home delivery and e-commerce platform; 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 operation by Q2 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/June2019/13/c2381.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


Source: Canada Newswire (June 13, 2019 – 6:00 AM EDT)

Enthusiast Gaming $EGLX.ca – As Toronto #Raptors surge in the #NBA, their #Esports team gets major boost $EPY.ca $FDM.ca $WINR $TCEHF $ATVI $TNA.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 4:28 PM on Wednesday, June 12th, 2019

SPONSOR: Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSX-V: EGLX) Uniting gaming communities with 80 owned and affiliated websites, currently reaching over 75 million monthly visitors. The company exceeded 2018 target with $11.0 million in revenue. Learn More

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EGLX: TSX-V
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As Toronto Raptors surge in the NBA, their esports team gets major boost

The Raptors Uprising team in Toronto at their state-of-the-art training facility known as the Bell Fibe House. (CBC)

The name Toronto Raptors rolls effortlessly off everyone’s lips these days. Their first-ever NBA Finals appearance has made the team a household name in Canada and the world over.

But if you were asked about Raptors Uprising, your most likely answer would be: “Who?” Or, “Raptors what?”

That is, if you’re not already an esports aficionado.

Who or what is Raptors Uprising?

Raptors Uprising is the Raptors’ esports team in the NBA 2K League — a professional competitive gaming league. Put simply, it’s playing the NBA via video game.

Sounds like fun? Sure. But it’s also serious business.

“We’re about hard work, coming in early, working late, day in and day out,” said Frederick Mendoza, one of the six members of the team.

And the money’s nothing to sneeze at either. For the 2019 season, teams are competing for $1.2 million in prize money across three tournaments and playoffs.

In addition to Mendoza, who hails from Arlington, Va., the Raptors Uprising roster includes Kenneth Hailey of Memphis, Tenn.; Gerald Knapp of Verona, N.J.; Georgio Bonte of Cambridge, Mass.; Seanquai Harris of Columbus, Ohio; and Joshua McKenna of Decatur, Ga. 

Aside from the prize money, they don’t get paid anywhere near the multi-million-dollar salaries of NBA players.

According to the NBA 2K League website, paycheques are modest.

“All players will be signed to a six-month contract, with first-round draft picks to be paid a base salary of $35,000 and all other players being paid a $32,000 base salary,” the website says. All those figures are in U.S. dollars.

Players can also sign endorsement deals to earn income in addition to their NBA 2K League compensation package, “subject to league guidelines,” NBA 2K says. 

And according to league rules, the players’ accommodations and travel expenses are paid for by the teams. There’s also paid medical insurance and even a retirement plan. 

“I really see it as a job. I just play the game and I get paid,” Bonte told CBC Toronto.

Members of the Raptors Uprising team: Top left to right: Joshua McKenna, Seanquai Harris add Georgio Bonte. Bottom left to right: Frederick Mendoza, Gerald Knapp and Kenneth Hailey. (Submitted by Raptors Uprising)

During the inaugural NBA 2K League draft in April 2018, the six players were recruited by the esports management team at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), the conglomerate that owns the Raptors, Maple Leafs and Toronto FC..

On completion of the draft, the six moved to Toronto to live and train in the state-of-the-art facility known as the Bell Fibe House.

As part of their weekly routine, the team watches film of previous games to review, analyze and strategize for upcoming games and tournaments. The team also goes through personal fitness training sessions twice a week at SWAT Health in Toronto.

That’s to ensure physical fitness levels are at their peak to match their mental preparation for games and tournaments.

Member of Raptors Uprising train at their state-of-the-art facility in the basement of Bell Fibe House. (Farrah Merali/CBC)

The NBA 2K League is a joint venture between the NBA and Take-Two Interactive. The professional esports league features the best NBA 2K players in the world. It’s made up of 17 teams — each drafting six players to compete as unique characters in 5-on-5 play against the other teams in a mix of regular-season games, tournaments and playoffs.

The 2019 season began on Tuesday, April 2, and runs for 18 weeks, concluding on Saturday, Aug. 3 with the 2019 NBA 2K League Finals. All teams are operated by NBA franchises.

This week, the league will take THE TICKET tournament to Orlando as teams battle, not just for the big purse prize â€” $240,000 â€” but for an automatic spot in the 2019 NBA 2K League postseason.

Riding the wave of Raptors success

Meanwhile, as the season progresses, Harris says the Raptors Uprising team has been energized by the success of the Toronto Raptors in the NBA, and their dramatic entry into the finals.

“The energy is amazing here and we can translate that to 2K all the time,” Harris told CBC Toronto at Bell Fibe House.

“Right now, we’re trying to make this push, to use this energy from the Raptors and turn this around. I believe in my guys and I definitely believe something big is going to happen.”

The team members say more people have been tuning in to watch the NBA 2K League on TV sports channels and more and more fans are now recognizing them in public, requesting selfies, just showing them love, or inquiring about the league.

Joshua McKenna and Kenneth Hailey take a break from training to pose for a photograph with a young fan. (Submitted by Raptors Uprising)

Harris started playing during junior high school with his best friend Joey.

“He lived right across the street so we used to go to his grandma’s house and play. I kept playing and eventually when I got to college . . . I got myself into the top ranking of players. So, we just kept working hard and here we are,” he told CBC Toronto.

At 29, Hailey is the oldest member of the team. Like his teammates, he started playing 2K video games at a young age.

“I grew up in a household where it was eight of us and we all used to play video games,” he explained.

“I used to want to be the best in the house so as we kept playing, I got better . . . then I got introduced online and I started playing more competitively.”

For Knapp, playing 2K video games was just a hobby. That’s until late 2017 when he played in a tournament and won.

The prize: a whopping $332,000.

“Everyone wanted to win that tournament. That was the main goal,” Knapp said.

“After that tournament a lot of people quit the game … until they announced the 2K League and that’s when everyone started to lock in. We were relentless, like, ‘We’re not stopping until we get in.'”

Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/raptors-uprising-professional-competitive-gaming-league-1.5171294

CLIENT FEATURE: Iconic Minerals $ICM.ca Bonnie Claire Lithium Property Hosts Inferred Resource of 11.8B Pounds of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent $LI.ca $MGG.ca $PAC.ca $CYP.ca $NEV.ca $SX.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 2:48 PM on Wednesday, June 12th, 2019

(TSXV: ICM) (OTC Pink: BVTEF) (FSE: YQGB)

Bonnie Claire Property – Flagship

  • 11.8 Billion pounds of lithium carbonate equivalent (28.5 Million tonnes of LCE) Inferred Resource (43-101).
  • Potential to be the largest lithium resource globally (based on size)
  • Property area is contained within a valley that is 60kms from the only producing lithium mine in North America (Albermarle Silver Peak Mine).
  • Sampling of salt flats within the basin, have found lithium values in salt samples yielding up to 340 ppm.
  • Preliminary NI 43-101 Technical Report completed Read More
  • A total 5,550 feet has been drilled at the Bonnie Claire with an average 963+ppm from four drill holes
  • Great infrastructure
  • Local end-users
  • Recent favourable metallurgical results Read More

FULL DISCLOSURE: Iconic Minerals is an advertising client of AGORA Internet Relations Corp.

betterU $BTRU.ca and the National Skills Development Corporation partner to support Skilling India $ARCL $CPLA $BPI $FC.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:32 AM on Wednesday, June 12th, 2019
Betteru large
  • Announced that National Skills Development Corporation and betterU have entered into a partnership effective today to support the advancing of the government’s skilling initiative in India
  • NSDC, under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, is a unique public private partnership (PPP) which catalyse the creation of skills development and vocational training ecosystem in India.

OTTAWA, June 12, 2019 – betterU Education Corp. (the “Company” or “betterU”) is pleased to announce that National Skills Development Corporation (“NSDC”) and betterU have entered into a partnership effective today to support the advancing of the government’s skilling initiative in India.

NSDC, under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, is a unique public private partnership (PPP) which catalyse the creation of skills development and vocational training ecosystem in India. It is also an implementing agency for several flagship programs under the Government of India i.e. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) etc.

NSDC’s objective is to contribute significantly to the overall target of training youth in India by fostering private sector initiatives in skill development programmes and to provide funding. NSDC’s mission includes:

  • Upgrading skills to international standards through significant industry involvement and development of necessary frameworks for standards, curriculum and quality assurance.
  • Enhancing, supporting and coordinating private sector initiatives for skill development through appropriate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models; striving for significant operational and financial involvement from private sector.
  • Playing the role of a ‘market-maker’ by bringing funds, particularly in sectors where market mechanisms are ineffective or missing.
  • Prioritising initiatives that can have a multiplier or catalytic effect as opposed to one-off impact.

betterU’s CEO and team met with the MD & CEO of NSDC, Manish Kumar in Mumbai last month and again the following week at their offices in Delhi along with their leadership team. After lengthy discussions and thoroughly understanding betterU, NSDC agreed that a formal partnership would enable the advancement of our collective efforts towards skilling India. “NSDC is focused on solutions that add value to high quality skills development and vocational trainings across India. After observing the offerings of betterU, we agreed that our partnership could significantly contribute towards our common objectives of skill development. We look forward to working closely with betterU in the coming months,” said Manish Kumar, MD & CEO, NSDC.

Since inception back in 2013, betterU has been focused on the developing of an education to employment ecosystem that could support education for not only India, but the world. betterU’s leadership has been travelling the world speaking at conferences and working to bring together global educators onto one platform, which is required to support mass education and skilling. “To equalized education for all, one world requires one education platform where we can work collectively together to support not only individual learners, but entire countries as well. This partnership with NSDC will help us further increase the ability to achieve positive results for the masses,” said Brad Loiselle President and CEO of betterU.

With upwards of 150 million people across 38 industry sectors requiring skill training, betterU’s partnership with NSDC will provide the opportunity for the masses to gain access to what they need at affordable fees. betterU’s business model was designed to continually add global content and methods of delivery to support all types of learning. This way employees looking for skill advancements, corporates looking to provide access to customized employee solutions, freshers looking to gain access skills development programs in preparation for work, Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) looking to support their mandates across industries and various types of skills training can all be coordinated and supported through betterU and their global partnerships. betterU in partnership with NSDC, will also work to integrate and collaborate with other NSDC solutions, technologies and partners to build provide a more comprehensive system.

betterU is planning a national launch campaign across India for the 15th July 2019 to support their partnership and to align it with the World Youth Skills Day. As part of this launch, betterU will be allocating over $600,000 of its marketing budget supported by Hindustan Times’ properties. The marketing investment will help support access to betterU’s global education partners. This national campaign is currently being planned and assembled.

About betterU

betterU, a global education to employment platform, aims to provide access to quality education from around the world to foster growth and opportunity to those who want to better their lives. 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 education to employment ecosystem. betterU’s offerings can be categorized into several broad functions: to compliment school programs with flexible preschool, KG-12 programs preparing children for next stage of education, to provide access to global and localized educational programs from leading educators, to foster an exceptional educational environment by providing befitting skills that lead to a better career, to bridge the gap between one’s existing education and prospective job requirement by training them and lastly, to connect the end user to various job opportunities. betterU today has partnered with over 75 global educators, representing access to over 53,000 programs. It is developing technology and ongoing more partners required to support the growing education needs of the world.   
www.betterU.in

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

This press release may contain forward-looking statements and information, which may involve risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, competitive developments, risks associated with betterU’s growth, the state of the financial markets, regulatory risks and other factors. There can be no assurance or guarantees that any statements of forward-looking information contained in this release will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These and all subsequent written and oral statements containing forward-looking information are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, betterU disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers should not place undue reliance on any statements of forward-looking information that speak only as of the date of this release. Further information on betterU’s public filings, including their most recent audited consolidated financial statements, are available at www.sedar.com.

For further information, please visit  https://ir.betteru.ca/investor-overview/press-releases/

On behalf of the Board of Directors,
betterU Education Corp.
Brad Loiselle, CEO     

For further information:

Investor Relations
1-613-695-4100 Ext. 233
Email: [email protected]

Spyder Cannabis $SPDR.ca Announces Upcoming Opening of Additional Retail Locations and Launch of SPDR Website $META $N $NXTTF $WEED

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:12 AM on Tuesday, June 11th, 2019
Spyder
  • Will be opening an additional two retail stores within the next month, for a total of 5 locations, and the upcoming launch of its proprietary SPDR website
  • Commences trading today on the TSX Venture Exchange,
  • Under phase one of the Turn-Key Strategy, Spyder intends to operate a number of retail locations that will, in contrast to a number of its competitors, generate revenue by operating as retailers of a variety of non-cannabis products
  • Under phase two of the Turn-Key Strategy, Spyder will, subject to the receipt of cannabis retail licences from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission, convert these retailers into cannabis stores at the earliest possible opportunity

Vaughan, Ontario–(June 11, 2019) – Spyder Cannabis Inc. (TSXV: SPDR) (“Spyder” or the “Company“), an established Ontario retail operator, is pleased to announce that it will be opening an additional two retail stores within the next month (the “New Retail Locations“), for a total of 5 locations, and the upcoming launch of its proprietary SPDR website (the “SPDR Website“). The Company, which commences trading today on the TSX Venture Exchange, believes that the Retail Locations and the SDPR Website are a valuable part of its North American retail and e-commerce wellness growth strategy.

Retail Locations

The Company will open the New Retail Locations within the next month, which will be located in Niagara Falls at 6474 Lundys Lane (the “Lundys Lane Location“) and in Pickering at 776 Liverpool Road, Unit 4. The New Retail Locations will, initially, focus on the sale of cannabis accessories, hemp seed oil products, and hemp accessories.

The Lundys Lane Location, two other retail locations that Spyder operates in Burlington and Calgary and a location that it intends to open in Guelph, subject to negotiating satisfactory terms with the landlord, will all be converted into cannabis retail stores as part of the Company’s “Cannabis Turn-Key Strategy” (the “Turn-Key Strategy“). Under phase one of the Turn-Key Strategy, Spyder intends to operate a number of retail locations that will, in contrast to a number of its competitors, generate revenue by operating as retailers of a variety of non-cannabis products. Under phase two of the Turn-Key Strategy, Spyder will, subject to the receipt of cannabis retail licences from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission, convert these retailers into cannabis stores at the earliest possible opportunity. The Company believes this strategy will allow it to generate stable revenue streams during the interim period before the stores receive a retail cannabis licence, and will allow the Company to swiftly pivot into the sale of cannabis products once appropriate licences have been received.

SPDR Website

The Company expects to launch the SPDR Website by July 1, 2019. The SPDR Website is currently in an advanced stage of development, and will focus on selling cannabis accessories and a variety of hemp-based products on a retail and wholesale basis within Canada. The Company intends to focus on offering its own SPDRTM branded products, which are made up of a number top-of-the line and unique products, along with leveraging the Company’s deep knowledge of the retail industry to offer a number of other best-in-class products that it has identified over the years.

“Spyder is excited to be able to announce our pending opening of two additional retail locations within Ontario, bringing our total to 5 operating stores and the launch of the SPDR website, which we believe demonstrate our commitment to creating value for our shareholders, a responsibility we take seriously as a newly listed company. We recently promised that we would take tangible steps to benefit our shareholders, and we believe that these latest developments leave us headed in the right direction,” said Dan Pelchovitz, Chief Executive Officer and President of Spyder.

About Spyder

Founded in 2014 Spyder is an established chain of three high-end vape stores in Ontario, with stores located in Woodbridge, Scarborough and Burlington. 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 eCig and vapes company and is pursuing expansion into the legal cannabis market. Spyder has developed a scalable retail model with aggressive expansion plan to create a significant retail footprint with targeted and disciplined retail distribution strategy focusing on Canadian locations in high traffic peripheral areas.

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.

This news release includes statements containing certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “continue”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. In particular, this news release contains forward looking statements regarding, without limitation: Spyder’s anticipated roll-out of the New Retail Locations and the SPDR Website in the timelines indicated or at all, the receipt by Spyder of cannabis licences on the timelines indicated or at all, and the products that Spyder plans to offer at the New Retail Locations and the SPDR Website.

Marijuana Company of America $MCOA Portfolio Company Signs Letter of Intent to Significantly Build Out Cannabis Facility for Distribution, Delivery and Manufacture $AERO $CBDS $CGRW $APH.ca $GBLX $ACG $ACB $WEED.ca $HIP.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:31 AM on Monday, June 10th, 2019

Natural Plant Extract of California’s Subsidiary Joins Forces to Form Magnolia Extracts

  • Announce the signing of a Letter of Intent between Northern Lights Distribution LLC with Alpha Private Equity & Capital LLC to form a joint venture (“JV”) called Magnolia Extracts
  • Pursuant to large-scale expansion operations to begin distribution, delivery and manufacturing of its cannabis products in the city of Lynwood, California.
  • Officially acquired a 20% ownership interest and signed a joint venture agreement with Natural Plant Extract of California (NPE) to establish a premier cannabis delivery company called Viva Buds.

ESCONDIDO, Calif., June 10, 2019 – MARIJUANA COMPANY OF AMERICA, INC., (“MCOA” or the “Company”) (OTCQB: MCOA), an innovative hemp and cannabis corporation, is pleased to announce the signing of a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) between Northern Lights Distribution LLC (“NLD”) with Alpha Private Equity & Capital LLC (“Alpha”) to form a joint venture (“JV”) called Magnolia Extracts LLC (“Magnolia”) pursuant to large-scale expansion operations to begin distribution, delivery and manufacturing of its cannabis products in the city of Lynwood, California.

Marijuana Company of America announced in April 2019 that the Company had officially acquired a 20% ownership interest and signed a joint venture agreement with Natural Plant Extract of California (NPE) to establish a premier cannabis delivery company called Viva Buds. NLD, a subsidiary of NPE, has entered into this partnership and will cover costs up to $1.5 million in phased expenditures, allocated to significantly build out a new production facility and utilize the 18,000 square foot building space to create greater efficiency and capacity for its operations.

“As our portfolio of legal cannabis and industrial hemp investments and joint ventures represent a significant portion of our growth strategy, we believe this step represents a strong move forward to establishing our foothold in the market,” said Don Steinberg, Chief Executive Officer of Marijuana Company of America. “This allows us to advance into the next phase of our business plan through NPE, gaining access to over 18,000 square feet of building space. We are confident this joint venture will serve very beneficial for us as well as our investment partner, NLD.”

Consummation of the transaction remains contingent upon satisfactory completion of due diligence by both parties and completion of, and agreement on, all final terms and conditions of the engagement. Further details on these terms of this LOI are available in the Company’s filing, which can be accessed at www.sec.gov.

About Natural Plant Extracts of California
NPE is a fully licensed cannabis manufacturing, distribution and non-storefront retail delivery. The Company has secured its licenses with the state of California and city of Lynwood, CA. For more information about the Company, please visit its website at https://nldistribution.com. The owners and founders of NPE are marijuana industry veterans with decades of experience in establishing retail, manufacturing and distribution of cannabis in California, including obtaining the first retail dispensary licenses in Los Angeles, CA.

About Marijuana Company of America, Inc.
MCOA is a corporation that participates in: (1) product research and development of legal hemp-based consumer products under the brand name hempSMART™, which targets general health and well-being; (2) an affiliate marketing program to promote and sell its legal hemp-based consumer products containing CBD; (3) leasing of real property to separate business entities engaged in the growth and sale of cannabis in those states and jurisdictions where cannabis has been legalized and properly regulated for medicinal and recreational use; and (4) the expansion of its business into ancillary areas of the legalized cannabis and hemp industry as the legalized markets and opportunities in this segment mature and develop.

About Our hempSMART Products Containing CBD
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not recognized CBD as a safe and effective drug for any indication. Our products containing CBD derived from industrial hemp are not marketed or sold based upon claims that their use is safe and effective treatment for any medical condition as drugs or dietary supplements subject to the FDA’s jurisdiction.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” that are not purely historical and may include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities, and words such as “anticipate,” “seek,” intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan” or similar phrases may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects, the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition and the Company’s reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based products. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please visit www.sec.gov.

Contact:
[email protected]
888-777-4362

Corporate Communications Contact: 
NetworkNewsWire (NNW)
New York, New York
www.NetworkNewsWire.com 
212.418.1217 Office 
[email protected]

For more information, please visit the Company’s websites at:
MarijuanaCompanyofAmerica.com
hempSMART.com