Agoracom Blog Home

Posts Tagged ‘#smallcapstocks’

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

3 Ways #Blockchain Is Already Delivering Real-world Results $IDK.ca $SX $SX.ca $SXOOF $AAO.ca $HPQ.ca $HIVE.ca $BLOC.ca $CODE.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:39 AM on Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018
  • Most people are familiar with blockchain technology in relation to bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
  • The two are inextricably linked in the minds of everyday people. It’s fair to say that the bitcoin market has flourished in recent years, with the price of bitcoin peaking at nearly US$20,000 in December 2017.

By Ben Beard

However, cryptocurrency is a volatile commodity as the recent US$17 billion market collapse illustrates all too well. The cryptocurrency market had seemed more stable in recent months, but it was the calm before the storm, and the hack of South Korea’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange triggered a huge market decline as investors sought to offload their crypto assets.

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies notwithstanding, blockchain is, nevertheless, an exciting technology. It has the power to change the world as we know it, in many exciting areas.

Distributed ledger technology is poised to change the world. Blockchain, as it’s better known, is being rolled out over numerous industries. Blockchain technology is scalable. It can be used to create a worldwide ledger, with data stored on thousands of servers. This information is accessible to everyone, in real-time. The blockchain is virtually incorruptible. Every single transaction is given a timestamp that can’t be altered. It’s already having an impact on industries where efficiency matters the most.

The following three sectors are where blockchain is already having a major ripple effect.

Logistics

Blockchain technology is changing the face of modern logistics. Fifty years ago, very few businesses traded on a global scale. Today, international trade is not just for Fortune 500 businesses. It’s now easier than ever to unlock your business’s global potential thanks to cloud technology, innovative fintech, and e-commerce solutions. Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) now has 340 million online buyers in Europe alone. It’s clear that trading online is more profitable than ever, but no matter what niche you are in, you have to take care of your bottom line.

This is where blockchain comes in. Blockchain makes the logistics of transporting goods from A to B more efficient. Existing technology can already track shipments, but this data is vulnerable to misinterpretation and tampering. Blockchain applications solve the problem of authenticity, adding a layer of accountability and trust to global logistics. Companies save money and customers enjoy a better service. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Healthcare

Healthcare is already benefitting from blockchain technology, especially in pharma and biotech, but it has the potential to do so much more. Healthcare generates a huge amount of data. There are approximately 325 million US citizens with medical records. Then we have medical research, assorted information, and a host of other data. It’s hard to keep track of all this data, so the system has become incredibly cluttered over the years.

Blockchain is changing the face of modern healthcare, by offering a safe and secure third-party mechanism for storing data. 86.9% of physicians now use electronic medical records, but the system is still fragmented, and mistakes cost lives. Blockchain has the potential to unify the EMR system, making data more accessible and easier to track across different platforms. The blockchain is also a solution to the problem of reconciliation and fraud within a bloated healthcare system. It’s impossible to alter data in the blockchain, which in the long-term, should save money and improve patient care.

Finance

Finance is probably the best-known application for blockchain technology since most people associate it with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, bitcoin and blockchain are not the same thing. Bitcoin transactions are stored on the distributed ledger, but bitcoin blockchain is different to that used in other applications. However, whilst Bitcoin is still viewed with suspicion by governments and financial institutions, the underlying blockchain technology is being adapted to revolutionize the banking sector.

In 2016, Goldman Sachs estimated that blockchain technology could potentially save them $6 billion a year by 2020, by eliminating additional costs. They also predicted that blockchain would reduce the number of errors and fraudulent transactions, thus saving even more money.

Banks traditionally use secure databases for transactions. Banks need to establish a secure connection to send and receive money, which is time-consuming and expensive. Blockchain technology allows transactions to happen instantly, regardless of the location. Global payments are cleared within seconds, instead of days. IBM (NYSE:IBM) is already working in blockchain global payment solutions, so it’s only a matter of time before global currency transactions move on to the blockchain.

Blockchain technology is still in its infancy, so we have yet to see what distributed ledger tech is truly capable of.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Technology for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Ben Beard, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in contributed article. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.

Source: https://investingnews.com/daily/tech-investing/blockchain-investing/blockchain-already-delivering-real-world-results/

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in All Recent Posts, Augusta Industries, Bitcoin, Blockchain stocks, Canadian Blockchain Stocks, HPQ-Silicon Resources Inc., Smallcap Blockchain stocks, St Georges Eco-Mining Technologies, ThreeD, ThreeD Capital | Comments Off on 3 Ways #Blockchain Is Already Delivering Real-world Results $IDK.ca $SX $SX.ca $SXOOF $AAO.ca $HPQ.ca $HIVE.ca $BLOC.ca $CODE.ca

Namaste $N.ca $NXTTF Signs Services Agreement with Indigenous Canadian Medical Dispensaries (IcMD) to Provide Patient Consultations to Over 1.5 Million Indigenous Community Members Exclusively through NamasteMD $ACB.ca $HIP.ca $WEED.ca $CMED.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:45 AM on Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018

  • Company has signed an exclusive Software Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Indigenous Canadian Medical Dispensaries Inc
  • Partnering with IcMD to provide all Indigenous communities across Canada (representing a population of over 1.5 million people) with free access to the Company’s revolutionary telemedicine application and online patient portal, NamasteMD

VANCOUVER, July 3, 2018 – Namaste Technologies Inc. (“Namaste” or the “Company”) (TSXV: N)(FRA: M5BQ)(OTCMKTS: NXTTF) is pleased to announce the Company has signed an exclusive Software Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Indigenous Canadian Medical Dispensaries Inc. (“IcMD” or “IcMD.ca”), whereby Namaste is partnering with IcMD to provide all Indigenous communities across Canada (representing a population of over 1.5 million people) with free access to the Company’s revolutionary telemedicine application and online patient portal, NamasteMD. The Company anticipates that this Agreement will drive further patient growth in Namaste achieving its target of acquiring over 50,000 medical cannabis patients by the end of 2018 and 200,000 by the end of 2019.

Under the terms of the Agreement, NamasteMD will provide IcMD with exclusive access to its online platform for Indigenous people across Canada, via both desktop and mobile phone platforms, on both Apple iOS and Android devices. In turn, IcMD has agreed to offer NamasteMD exclusivity for all its online patient consultations across Canada. As part of the Agreement, Namaste will use a unique code for IcMD to track patient acquisition from IcMD’s channels, and will offer medical cannabis, pharmaceutical products, as well as medical devices.

This Agreement represents a significant milestone, as Namaste and IcMD collaborate in providing Indigenous communities across Canada with the right to access medical cannabis. This will be accomplished by offering all community members with free consultations, whereby patients have instant access to doctors or nurse practitioners. Namaste and IcMD believe they can help bridge the gap for Indigenous communities across Canada who are suffering from an overwhelming lack of access to quality healthcare services. Through a platform powered by NamasteMD’s technology, IcMD plans to potentially provide healthcare access to over 1.5 million Indigenous peoples, many of whom currently reside in remote or rural areas, and have little to no access to comprehensive clinic services.

This Agreement embodies Namaste and IcMD’s belief that all Indigenous people across Canada, whether in urban environments or rural communities, should have proper access to healthcare practitioners and medical cannabis.  IcMD’s management team is committed to supporting Indigenous communities and believes NamasteMD will serve as a powerful tool to enhance the lives of many members. Both Namaste and IcMD view this partnership as an incredible opportunity to become leaders in the Indigenous medical cannabis and direct healthcare space by providing people with safe and reliable access to healthcare in their hands.

Namaste views this opportunity as potentially one of the most significant initiatives it has embarked on to date. Once deployed, Namaste believes its platform has the ability to have a significant social impact on Indigenous communities across Canada. Namaste and IcMD are also confident this technology has the ability to catch the attention of Indigenous leaders on a global scale once its effects are observed within the Canadian market. This represents a unique opportunity for both parties to come together and work with Indigenous leaders across the country in helping drive social reform.

At a time when political leaders at all levels of government have acknowledged an impending opioid epidemic, it would appear that there is no better time to implement better access to healthcare. By making it easier and more affordable to access doctors and nurse practitioners, it is believed that this will allow Indigenous members, whose communities have been some of the hardest hit, the ability to make more informed choices under the guidance of a trained professional.

The fact that the Indigenous market and its people have consistently been left out of equal access to healthcare is something Namaste and IcMD are extremely excited to change. Starting with nationwide access to medical cannabis and moving forward to health consultations and treatment plans Namaste & IcMD will truly be putting healthcare in the hands of the people.

Namaste’s wholly owned subsidiary, Cannmart Inc. (“Cannmart”) is a late-stage applicant for a medical cannabis “sales-only” license that will serve to provide a diverse selection of cannabis from preferred cultivation partners and will be integrated with IcMD’s platform through NamasteMD upon receipt of its sales license.

IcMD and Namaste are excited to attend and launch IcMD at the Assembly of First Nation’s 39th General Assembly in Vancouver, BC July 23 to 26, 2018. Namaste and IcMD will be highlighted in a booth at the AFN Circle of Trade. The AFN Circle of Trade provides the opportunity to meet, network and showcase products to over 4,500 key decision makers and influencers from a growing market within the First Nations communities across Canada.

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada, which includes more than 900,000 people living in 634 First Nation communities and in cities and towns across the country. http://www.afn.ca/about-afn/

Namaste is pleased to be hosting a special edition Namaste420 Youtube live-stream at 9:00 AM EST on July 3rd, 2018 to discuss the Agreement with IcMD and answer questions. To join the stream please visit the link below;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOJb-uO-OXg

Management Commentary

Christopher Henry, CEO of IcMD comments: “As a proud member of the MMF I have been consistently involved in Indigenous employment and advancement to towards complete self-sufficiency. For the past 25 years, I have worked closely with and in Indigenous communities across Canada. During that time, I have personally seen the lack of access to almost every service most Canadians take for granted every day. By partnering with Namaste Technologies and NamasteMD we are able to gain access to technology that would allow us to realize our dream of putting healthcare in the hands of the people. This has the potential to change how we provide healthcare to Indigenous communities across Canada and bring them one more step to equality with all Canadians.”

Christopher Henry is a member of the Manitoba Metis Federation and co-owner of WorkingWarriors.ca a national Indigenous Engagement and Employment Company.

Michael Birch, President, and COO of IcMD comments: “I grew up in Garden Hill First Nation. A fly in remote community in Northern Manitoba with over 3000 residents. We didn’t have access to a doctor or nurse or even a healthcare facility at times. To be able to put access to reliable secure healthcare in the hands of our people is a dream I didn’t think would ever happen in my lifetime. By partnering with Namaste and NamasteMD we will finally be able to give all Indigenous people, regardless of location, access to a more equal standard of care.”

Michael Birch is an entrepreneur originally from Garden Hill First Nation. He is owner & President of MBE a Facility Management and Logistics Company for Indigenous communities.

Sean Dollinger, President and CEO of Namaste comments: “We are beyond honored to have partnered with IcMD and their management team who exemplify the nature of Namaste and our core values. We truly believe that our technology will improve the health and well-being of hundreds of thousands of people in Indigenous communities across Canada. The level of accessibility to high-quality healthcare that we will be able to offer has the ability to create a significant social impact to all Indigenous communities. We are proud to be partnered with IcMD’s management team who are deeply committed to this cause.

This Agreement is just the start of what we feel will evolve into a long-term relationship and success in bringing value to the lives of many Indigenous people. While the legalization of recreational cannabis may not be accessible to community members across Canada, Namaste will serve to provide convenient access to medical cannabis in remote areas not yet served by the recreational market.

For IcMD to select Namaste among hundreds of ACMPR Licensed Producers in Canada, speaks volumes as to the value in our technology and we feel privileged to embark on this new and exciting initiative for the betterment of all Indigenous communities and its members. We’d like to thank IcMD’s team, Christopher Henry and Michael Birch for their support and hard work in putting together this exciting partnership.

We’re also pleased to announce the submission of the TSX Venture Form 5G at the close of the market on Friday, June 29th, 2018, and we anticipate commencing our Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”), whereby the Company will purchase up to 25,308,136 of its common shares, or 8.9% of the “Public Float” (as such term is defined in the TSX-V Corporation Finance Manual).”

About Indigenous Cannabis Medical Dispensaries Inc.

IcMD’s goal is to put reliable and accessible healthcare in the hands of Indigenous people. By working with our relationships created over a lifetime of work in the Indigenous community IcMD will bring medical cannabis to every region of Canada. We believe that the over prescription of pharmaceuticals to our people has had a negative effect on our communities. By offering a natural solution to many common conditions we believe will we be more able to return to our traditional roots. Moving towards health consultations and treatment plans will eventually see IcMD as the nationwide leader in direct Indigenous healthcare equality.

About Namaste Technologies Inc.

Namaste Technologies is a global leader in the sale of medical cannabis consumption devices. Namaste has nine offices with multiple distribution centers around the globe and operates over 30 websites under various brands. Namaste has developed innovative technology platforms including NamasteMD.com, Canada’s first ACMPR compliant telemedicine application. The company is focused on patient acquisition through NamasteMD and intends on building Canada’s largest database of medical cannabis patients. The company’s subsidiary, CannMart Inc. is an ACMPR Licensed Producer pending receipt of   a “sales-only” license, whereby the company will offer a large variety of medical cannabis sourced from domestic and international producers. Namaste will continue to develop and acquire innovative technologies which will provide value to the Company and to its shareholders as well as to the broader cannabis market.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

“Sean Dollinger”

Chief Executive Officer

Direct: +1 (786) 389 9771

Email: [email protected]

Further information on the Company and its products can be accessed through the links below:

NamasteTechnologies.com

NamasteMD.com

NamasteVapes.ca

Everyonedoesit.ca

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This press release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management’s reasonable assumptions, Namaste assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company’s disclosure documents which can be found under the Company’s profile on www.sedar.com. This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its market regulator has reviewed or approved the contents of this press release.

SOURCE Namaste Technologies Inc.

View original content with multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2018/03/c4242.html

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in All Recent Posts, Medical Marijuana Stocks, Namaste Technologies Inc. | Comments Off on Namaste $N.ca $NXTTF Signs Services Agreement with Indigenous Canadian Medical Dispensaries (IcMD) to Provide Patient Consultations to Over 1.5 Million Indigenous Community Members Exclusively through NamasteMD $ACB.ca $HIP.ca $WEED.ca $CMED.ca

Microsoft $MSFT and EY Are Rolling Out #Blockchain Technology for #Xbox $SX $SX.ca $IDK.ca $AAO.ca $HPQ.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:47 PM on Friday, June 29th, 2018

It will expand to other products including Bing, MSN

4 hours ago

  • Microsoft and EY are partnering on a blockchain platform for publishing royalties.
  • If Microsoft and EY’s blockchain product is successful, it should shape the way video game developers, creators and publishers of all types earn money online

Last week, the companies debuted a content rights and royalties platform built on the blockchain, which will allow Microsoft and its partners to process millions of transactions in a faster and more reliable way.

Working with Microsoft and EY’s platform, publishers in music, gaming, television and other entertainment industries will someday be able to connect to the blockchain, where they can create and agree on business terms. When users buy content, those royalties are coded onto the blockchain based on the previously agreed upon conditions before the money is reviewed and distributed to the proper publishers. And it would all happen at a rapid pace. While it currently takes some businesses 45 days to translate clicks to money owed through a manual process, the blockchain program could process millions in a more automated fashion.

“Microsoft has an amazing experience if you buy a game on the Xbox,” Paul Brody, EY’s global innovation leader for Blockchain, said in an interview. “It’s pretty much a straightforward kind of click-and-buy activity for the end user.”

Behind the technology, however, is a lot of complexity, as there are thousands of different software vendors and publishing houses that have thousands of titles. These products are sold all around the world in different jurisdictions with all kinds of tax rules and different rules in the purchasing of contracts and payment agreements.

According to Brody, the system reduces the transaction cost for publishers by 99 percent and cuts Microsoft’s own operating costs in half.

“If you care about how your business is doing and you want to manage by how you’re actually driving the car and not looking 90 days back in the rear-view mirror, the value proposition is just incredibly compelling for the publishers,” he said.

The system is built on top of the Quorum blockchain, a blockchain protocol that has additional layers of privacy controls for enterprise businesses. The network is also built using Microsoft’s Azure Cloud.

For starters, the companies have partnered with Ubisoft and several other video game publishers to roll out the blockchain for Microsoft’s Xbox gaming console. However, if all goes well, that could later be rolled out to other Microsoft properties including hardware, Bing search and the Azure marketplace. It could also even work for movie royalties.

“All these contracts—content contracts, search contracts, the hardware, intellectual property contracts—all of these are already managed by my team,” said Rohit Amberker, director of royalties and content operations at Microsoft. “So we’ve started with the gaming portfolio, but we will be expanding this to Bing, MSN, Surface and many others … So any time you have this intellectual property licensing contracts, this will eventually support all of those businesses.”

The transaction process currently used by Microsoft and its partners is very “painful,” said Amberker. That’s partially because of how complex and slow it is—each transaction without the blockchain takes a minute to complete. And when you have millions of transactions, that time quickly ads up.

The plan is to first take the software to larger publishers, which can in turn do the same with game developers, who will then be able to work with audio and video artists whose intellectual property goes into the games.

This isn’t Microsoft’s first foray into the blockchain. In February, the company debuted a blockchain-powered identity management software to help consumers maintain control of their own personal data rather than entrusting it to third parties.

Microsoft and EY also aren’t the only companies seeking to make transactions more trustworthy and efficient using the blockchain. Last week, IBM and Mediaocean debuted a blockchain-enabled ad network for tracking advertising transactions.

Source: https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/microsoft-and-ey-are-rolling-out-blockchain-technology-for-xbox/

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in All Recent Posts, Bitcoin, Blockchain stocks, Canadian Blockchain Stocks, Smallcap Blockchain stocks | Comments Off on Microsoft $MSFT and EY Are Rolling Out #Blockchain Technology for #Xbox $SX $SX.ca $IDK.ca $AAO.ca $HPQ.ca

#Esports Is The Next Biggest Frontier In Influencer Marketing $GMBL $ATVI $TTWO $GAME $EPY.ca $TCEHF

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:30 AM on Friday, June 29th, 2018

Nicolas Miachon is CMO of Upfluence, an influencer marketing software that helps brands to tell their stories.

 Nicolas Miachon , Forbes Councils

  • Whether you’re ready or not, competitive gaming is disrupting entertainment as we know it. Very soon you might find yourself betting on matches in Vegas, rooting for your country’s esports team during the Olympics or sending your kid to college with an esports scholarship.
  • The reality is, esports is everywhere. As a marketer, it would be crazy not to embrace it

Giant social networks, multimillion-dollar prizes, international audiences: Welcome to the world of esports.

Whether you’re ready or not, competitive gaming is disrupting entertainment as we know it. Very soon you might find yourself betting on matches in Vegas, rooting for your country’s esports team during the Olympics or sending your kid to college with an esports scholarship. The reality is, esports is everywhere. As a marketer, it would be crazy not to embrace it.

Not convinced yet? Let’s talk numbers.

In 2017, the esports industry raked in nearly 500 million dollars. As it continues to grow more than 40% year over year, the industry is destined to become a $1.7 billion market by 2021.

With an audience of over 300 million people, viewership of streaming sites like Amazon’s Twitch have surpassed popular news sources such as CNN, and according to one study, more unique viewers watched “Gaming video content” than HBO, Netflix, ESPN and Hulu combined in 2017.

The Intel Extreme Masters of 2017 (in Katowice, Poland) was viewed by 46 million people. To put that into perspective, the audience turnout was twice as large as the most recent NBA finals.

Who is watching esports, though? Demographically, the esports audience is mostly male aged from 13-40, making them one of the hardest marketing segments to address. They are also quite international, with Asia, North America and Europe constituting the biggest shares of the market.

How does the esports economy actually work?

The esports ecosystem consists of six major actors: game publishers, teams, players, fans, sponsors and investors. Players become professional when they join teams and play in tournaments organized by game publishers or third parties. These events, both offline and online, attract brand sponsors. Investors range from major sports teams to celebrities and corporate moguls like Russia’s richest man, Alisher Usmanov.

While professional players can earn team salaries and tournament cash prizes, streaming is where most of the action happens for advertisers and consumers. Platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming allow players (professional and amateur alike) to broadcast their game play online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fans flock to these livestreaming sites where they can watch their favorite streamer, learn strategy and be entertained. In a way, streaming is the social media of esports.

Streaming is a new influence market.

With new platforms come new influencers. As explored in a previous article, influencers play a crucial role in social media ecosystems, acting as fuel for the platforms by connecting brands and consumers. In this case, the phenomenon of streaming influencers is exploding in esports – so the arrival of sponsors cannot be far behind.

Who are these new influencers and how are they different from professional players? While streaming influencers aren’t necessarily as highly ranked as pros, they do have much larger followings on their streams. The poster child for Twitch fame would have to be Tyler “Ninja” Blevins. In March, he broke records, drawing in over 600,000-plus concurrent viewers during a live stream with Drake.

Unlike traditional social media influencers, who are not paid by the platforms they post on, popular esports players can actually make money on these sites via integrated ads, direct donations from audience members and paid subscription offers. In short, followers are paying to follow and it’s no small matter. In an interview from this year, Tyler Blevins reported earning $560,000 per month from his Twitch streaming. This is purely based on known revenue from paid subscribers — the actual amount could be twice that when donations sponsorships and Twitch Bits are taken into account.

The esports environment is clearly brimming with potential, but advertisers will need to adapt their sponsorship strategies for this unique market. Unlike other niches, streaming influencers are much more likely to be self-sufficient and thus picky about who they work with. What’s more, professional players come as a team package, which is a barrier to smaller brands. So, how does one secure a partnership in esports?

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2018/06/28/esports-is-the-next-biggest-frontier-in-influencer-marketing/#529b473a6d7b

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in All Recent Posts, Esports Entertainment Group, Esports Entertainment Group Inc., eSports Investing | Comments Off on #Esports Is The Next Biggest Frontier In Influencer Marketing $GMBL $ATVI $TTWO $GAME $EPY.ca $TCEHF

Peeks Social Ltd. $PEEK.ca Announces Financial Results for the Year Ended February 28, 2018 $BCOV $AVID

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:19 AM on Friday, June 29th, 2018

Peeks dark logo

  • Company is pleased to report that the Peeks Social Platform generated gross revenue of $5.5 million with costs of revenue equal to $3.9 million for the 12 month period ended February 28, 2018
  • Company reports that it generated $488k in licensing revenue from the Peeks Social Platform, which is equal to 30% of the gross profit of $1.6 million generated by Personas.com Corporation in accordance with the former license agreement with Personas

TORONTO, June 29, 2018 – Peeks Social Ltd. (TSX-V:PEEK) (OTCQB:PKSLF) (“Peeks Social” or “the Company”) announced that the audited consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the year ended February 28, 2018 (“FY2018”), are now available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

The Company is pleased to report that the Peeks Social Platform generated gross revenue of $5.5 million with costs of revenue equal to $3.9 million for the 12 month period ended February 28, 2018 (unaudited).  The Company reports that it generated $488k in licensing revenue from the Peeks Social Platform, which is equal to 30% of the gross profit of $1.6 million generated by Personas.com Corporation (“Personas”) in accordance with the former license agreement with Personas. It is important to note that this is the last reporting period of the Company prior to completion of the acquisition of Personas in May 2018, see press release dated May 8, 2018.  As a result of the acquisition of Personas, the Company now receives 100% of the revenues generated by the Peeks Social Platform.

Select year-over-year highlights for the Company include the following:

  • FY2018 total revenue was $498,918 as compared to $95,921 for the year ended February 28, 2017 (“FY2017”). The Peeks Social platform was launched in Q3 2017.
  • FY2018 user sessions on the Peeks Social platform grew to 21.8 million, up from 3.3 million in FY2017.
  • FY2018 net loss was $6,803,760 as compared to $4,259,179 for FY2017. Net loss for FY2018 includes $1,109,010 of stock-based compensation and $2,809,653 of marketing expenses focused on user growth initiatives (FY2017 – $2,124,626 and $175,579 respectively).
  • FY2018 net loss per share was $0.11 as compared to $0.10 for FY2017.

Certain information provided in this news release is extracted from the audited consolidated Financial Statements and MD&A for the year ended February 28, 2018, respectively, and should be read in conjunction with them. It is only in the context of the fulsome information and disclosures contained in the audited consolidated Financial Statements and MD&A that an investor can properly analyze this information.

The Peeks Social app can be downloaded in either the Apple or Google app stores, or by visiting www.peeks.social.

For further information, please contact:

Peeks Social Ltd.

Mark Itwaru David Vinokurov
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Director Investor Relations
647-635-5339 416-716-9281
[email protected] [email protected]

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

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in All Recent Posts, Peeks Social Ltd. | Comments Off on Peeks Social Ltd. $PEEK.ca Announces Financial Results for the Year Ended February 28, 2018 $BCOV $AVID

Tetra Bio-Pharma’s $TBP.ca Evidence-Based Business Model Confirmed $AERO $CBDS $CGRW $APH.ca $GBLX

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:13 AM on Friday, June 29th, 2018

Logo tetrabiopharma rgb web

  • Announced that the amendment of the Prescription Drug List (PDL) to include phyto-cannabinoids supports its evidence-based business model.
  • Since early 2016 Tetra’s product development and commercialization strategy followed the exact same pathway as that used in the development of prescription drugs, namely rigorous, independently validated scientific evidence

Tetra Bio-Pharma provides extension to North Bud Farms

ORLEANS, Ontario, June 29, 2018 – Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc., a leader in cannabinoid-based drug discovery and development (TSX VENTURE:TBP) (OTCQB:TBPMF), today announced that the amendment of the Prescription Drug List (PDL) to include phyto-cannabinoids supports its evidence-based business model.  Since early 2016 Tetra’s product development and commercialization strategy followed the exact same pathway as that used in the development of prescription drugs, namely rigorous, independently validated scientific evidence. As a biopharmaceutical company, Tetra’s orientation is to bring cannabis and cannabinoid-based products to market that meet the regulatory quality, safety and efficacy requirements for prescription medications.

Health Canada recently issued a Notice of Intent to Amend the PDL to add phytocannabinoids produced by, or found in, the cannabis plant and substances that are duplicates of such phytocannabinoids. In 2017, Tetra completed a major safety, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study in healthy human subjects that allowed Tetra to collect significant data to support its marketing applications. A similar clinical development program was launched with cannabis oils in preparation for the upcoming post-legalization market.  The combination of safety, pharmacokinetic and efficacy data allows Tetra to bring products to market under the proposed new regulatory framework.  Tetra Bio-Pharma is one of a few cannabinoid based companies that is committed to providing much needed clinical data for both its pharmaceutical and natural health products.

Over the coming months Tetra Bio-Pharma will deliver its findings in a series of presentations and scientific articles that will be published in 2018 to share the clinical data of both the inhalation and oral clinical development programs with the medical community,  beginning with the July 4, 2018 International Cannabinoid Research Society Meeting in the Netherlands where Dr. Maria-Fernanda Arboleda, MD, will present the results of the above clinical trial. http://www.icrs.co/SYMPOSIUM.2018/ICRS2018.PRELIMINARY.PROGRAMME.pdf ).  Tetra is a Gold Sponsor of this prestigious congress.

Update on North Bud Farms Inc.

Tetra Bio-Pharma has agreed to provide an extension to North Bud Farms Inc. with regards to the receipt of North Bud’s preliminary and final prospectus.  As one of the closing conditions to the sale these documents must now be submitted by July 31, 2018.

About Tetra Bio-Pharma

Tetra Bio-Pharma (TSX-V:TBP) (OTCQB:TBPMF) is a biopharmaceutical leader in cannabinoid-based drug discovery and development with a Health Canada approved, and FDA reviewed, clinical program aimed at bringing novel prescription drugs and treatments to patients and their healthcare providers. The Company has several subsidiaries engaged in the development of an advanced and growing pipeline of Bio Pharmaceuticals, Natural Health and Veterinary Products containing cannabis and other medicinal plant-based elements. With patients at the core of what we do, Tetra Bio-Pharma is focused on providing rigorous scientific validation and safety data required for inclusion into the existing bio pharma industry by regulators, physicians and insurance companies.

More information at: www.tetrabiopharma.com

Source: Tetra Bio-Pharma

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.

Forward-looking statements

Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words “may”, “will”, “should”, “continue”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “believe”, “intend”, “plan” or “project” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to execute the Company’s business plan; competition; regulation and anticipated and unanticipated costs and delays, the success of the Company’s research and development strategies, the applicability of the discoveries made therein, the successful and timely completion and uncertainties related to the regulatory process, the timing of clinical trials, the timing and outcomes of regulatory or intellectual property decisions and other risks disclosed in the Company’s public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. While no definitive documentation has yet been signed by the parties and there is no certainty that such documentation will be signed. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation.

For further information, please contact Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.

Robert (Bob) Bechard
Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Licensing
514-817-2514

Media Contact:
energi PR
Carol Levine Stephanie Engel
514-288-8500 ext. 226 416-425-9143 ext. 209

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in All Recent Posts, Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. | Comments Off on Tetra Bio-Pharma’s $TBP.ca Evidence-Based Business Model Confirmed $AERO $CBDS $CGRW $APH.ca $GBLX

#Lithium demand from battery makers to almost double by 2027 $NAM.ca $LIC.ca $LIX.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:01 PM on Thursday, June 28th, 2018
  • Outlook for lithium continues to shine, with demand from companies that produce batteries to power electric cars, laptops and other high-tech devices, expected to increase 650% by 2027
  • Overall lithium demand forecast to rise more than threefold over that period, a new study shows

Cecilia Jamasmie

The outlook for lithium continues to shine, with demand from companies that produce batteries to power electric cars, laptops and other high-tech devices, expected to increase 650% by 2027, with overall lithium demand forecast to rise more than threefold over that period, a new study shows.

While the next nine years will drain less than 1% of the reserves in the ground, battery makers will need more lithium to support their production, which will boost demand for the key metal almost 16% to reach 1 million tonnes, according to Roskill’s 15th edition market outlook report.

Expected supply, however, is far from the astronomical figure forecast by the research firm, with Canada’s Bank of Montreal expecting between 80,000 and 91,500 tonnes of lithium coming from mines by 2025. And BMO’s numbers include recently up-sized expansion plans by the market leaders, Chile’s SQM, China’s Tianqi Lithium, Albemarle and FMC, as well as Nemaska Lithium’s plans to build a spodumene mine in northwestern Quebec, Canada.

Wave of much-needed spodumene based supply coming online. (Source: BMO Capital Markets, companies reports.)

Roskill estimates that demand from lithium-ion battery manufacturers will grow from 46% last year to 83% by 2027. Use of lithium hydroxide, in turn, is also forecast to become more prevalent, increasing from 25% of lithium compounds used in rechargeable batteries in 2021 to 55% by 2027.

The analysts expect the market for battery-grade lithium compounds to remain tight, however, as installing new battery grade capacity has proven complex and forecast demand growth is greatest for these products.

In terms of lithium prices, they are expected to peak in 2018, as greater supply availability of mined and refined lithium will enter the market in coming years, causing prices to briefly fall back in 2019, with a floor of $11,000/t battery grade lithium carbonate, Roskill says.

Beyond 2021, the research firm expects lithium prices to rise  above 2018 levels again, as continued demand growth for battery grade lithium compounds will apply greater demand-side pressure on prices.

Source: http://www.mining.com/lithium-demand-battery-makers-almost-double-2027/

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in All Recent Posts | Comments Off on #Lithium demand from battery makers to almost double by 2027 $NAM.ca $LIC.ca $LIX.ca

Namaste $N.ca $NXTTF Announces Intention to Commence a Normal Course Issuer Bid to Repurchase Up to 10% of its Public Float and Provides a Corporate Update Including Incoming CFO, New Board Director and Consultants $ACB.ca $HIP.ca $WEED.ca $CMED.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:48 AM on Thursday, June 28th, 2018

  • Subject to regulatory approval, it intends to commence a normal course issuer bid 
  • The Company intends to purchase up to 25,308,136 common shares, representing approximately 8.9% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares and 10% of the Company’s “public float”

VANCOUVER, June 28, 2018 – Namaste Technologies Inc. (“Namaste” or the “Company”) (TSXV: N)(FRA: M5BQ)(OTCMKTS: NXTTF) is pleased to announce that, subject to regulatory approval, it intends to commence a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”). The Company intends to purchase up to 25,308,136 common shares, representing approximately 8.9% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares and 10% of the Company’s “public float” (as such term is defined in the TSX-V Corporation Finance Manual).

The Company is in the process of appointing Canaccord Genuity Inc. as its broker to conduct the NCIB on its behalf. The NCIB will commence three business days following the TSX-V’s acceptance of the Company’s Notice of Intention to commence the NCIB.

All purchases will be made through the facilities of the TSX-V at market prices and otherwise in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX-V. All common shares acquired by the Company under the NCIB are being purchased for cancellation.

Namaste’s board of directors believes that, from time to time, the market price of the common shares does not adequately reflect the Company’s underlying value and future prospects and that, at such times, the purchase of the common shares represents an appropriate use of the Company’s financial resources and will enhance shareholder value.

In addition to the NCIB, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Kenneth Ngo as the Company’s CFO and the appointment of Fern Glowinsky, president of Merrco Payments Inc. (“Merrco”) to the Company’s board of directors. Namaste has also engaged advisory consultants including Tim Henley and Dr. Paul Neider (DVM) who are focused on launching CBD production for both human and pet consumption in Namaste’s international markets. Additionally, the Company’s board of directors has approved new stock options grants in accordance with the Company’s stock option plan.

CFO Appointment

The Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Kenneth Ngo as Namaste’s CFO. Kenneth Ngo joined Namaste Technologies Inc. as a corporate controller in April 2018.  He has more than 20 years of experience in finance and has held positions of increasing responsibility in a number of US and Canadian publicly traded companies.  He received his Chartered Accountant designation while working for Deloitte LLP.  Mr. Ngo is a graduate of Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and a U.S. Certified Public Accountant in the state of Colorado.

Mr. Ngo, Namaste CFO comments: “I’m thrilled to being part of an exciting journey. Namaste is a true visionary of technology platforms that is well positioned for significant growth.”

Subsequently, Mr. Philip Van der Berg has submitted his resignation as Namaste CFO and the Company would like to take the opportunity to thank him for his service and wish him best of luck on his future endeavors.

Board Appointment

The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Fern Glowinsky, CEO of Merrco to its board of directors. Namaste has been a client of Merrco for several years and is proud to have their CEO join the board. Fern Glowinsky joined Merrco in March 2018 following its acquisition of Payfirma Corporation. Merrco and Payfirma are committed to helping established and emerging businesses thrive through access to payments technology. Ms. Glowinsky has extensive payments sector experience, spending 15 years as a senior executive at Moneris, most recently as COO with accountability for enterprise operations, passionately focused on transforming customer experience. In 2016 Ms. Glowinsky joined Cliffside Capital as CEO and Director, managing its investments in the alternative lending sector. Ms. Glowinsky is a graduate of the joint MBA/JD program at Schulich School of Business and Osgoode Hall Law School and holds the ICD.D designation.

Fern Glowinsky, comments: “With Merrco’s dedication to enabling payments in the cannabis sector, I’m extremely excited to be joining Namaste’s board and partnering with Sean, his team and the rest of the board as Namaste continues its mission of innovating cannabis technology solutions globally, while delivering a better user experience.”

Advisory Consultants

Subject to TSX-V approval, Namaste is planning on launching the sale of CBD products in international markets, particularly in the under-serviced markets in the UK and EU and has been working hard to develop new sales channels. As such, Namaste has engaged two consultants, Tim Henley and Dr. Paul Neider who provide valuable resources that will have a direct impact on the success of such endeavors. These two appointments will help Namaste in launching CBD products for both human consumption and for animal applications, as Dr. Neider is a doctor of veterinary medicine and supporter of CBD use to support the well-being of pets and animals.

Tim Henley has spent the last 3 years researching and studying the Cannabinoid space and trends. His research in CBD (Cannabidiol) lead him to become a Director of the UK’s Cannabis Trades Association.  Tim was instrumental in helping organize the early days of the association and its membership. He subsequently stood down to pursue a more radical approach to economic development and cannabis reform. Tim has been actively engaged in working with Namaste to assess the regulatory requirements for the sale of CBD products in the UK and has provided advisory services to both Namaste and its partners in the context of packaging and marketing of CBD products. Tim’s role with Namaste outside of his consultancy will be procuring the highest quality CBD products for the Company’s e-commerce marketplace.

Tim Henley, Namaste’s New Products Manager comments: “I came across Namaste when developing my business. I wanted to sell vaporizers and found Namaste to be a really easy modern company to deal with and set up my own company, Cannablyss Ltd.  I would often talk to Kory Zelickson, co-founder, as I placed my wholesale orders. I am an evangelist for 21st Century Cannabis and its potential to help humanity fix so many of the ills of modern society. Be it the revolution in our understanding of the Endocannabinoid system and how this affects our bodies in so many ways. We need to nourish our minds and bodies with Phyto cannabinoids not pharmaceuticals. The changes I have seen in the industry are nothing compared to what is coming. Namaste is helping to create the future and it’s the most exciting and dynamic company I have ever worked for. Namaste is going to change the world building a sustainable future!!”

Paul Neider is an accomplished veterinarian and serial entrepreneur.  Being the founder of three veterinary hospitals, three other companies, shows Paul’s creativity and ability to diversify into various fields. He is passionate about helping animals (humans too) which carries through to his activities with Namaste.  He will work at a task until perfection and never stops learning. Dedicated, enthusiastic and fun to be around, living with four dogs reminds him to just chase a ball once in a while!

Paul Neider, DVM comments: “The team at Namaste is one of the most innovative and passionate group of entrepreneurs I’ve met in a long time. By joining them I will help expand the company into the very large veterinary/pets market.”

Stock Option Grant

Subject to the terms of the Company’s Stock Option Plan, Namaste’s board of directors has approved the issuance of 2,515,000 options to a number of employees and consultants of the Company. All options are exercisable at a price of $1.32 per common shares for a period of five years. The options will vest in quarterly instalments over a two-year period.

Management Commentary

Sean Dollinger, President and CEO of Namaste comments: “We’re very pleased to announce strengthen Namaste’s corporate governance team by announcing the appointment of Kenneth Ngo as our new CFO and Fern Glowinsky to our board of directors. Both Kenneth and Fern will provide great value to the company in their respective roles. We believe that Namaste is remains in the infancy stage of our development as a technological leader in the global cannabis industry and as such are pleased to announce our intentions to commence a NCIB to buy back and cancel up 10% of the Company’s “public float”. Furthermore, we’re very pleased to bring on Tim Henley and Paul Neider to lead the launch of high-quality CBD products in our platform for both human and animal use. CBD products have been proven effective in treating many conditions and in improving overall health and well-being.

We’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support and to welcome new members to the team. We are very excited about the future of the Company and look forward to many milestones to come. Namaste is constantly evolving and adapting to the changing landscape of this exciting industry that we are very proud to be a part of.”

About Namaste Technologies Inc.

Namaste Technologies is a global leader in the sale of medical cannabis consumption devices. Namaste has nine offices with multiple distribution centers around the globe and operates over 30 websites under various brands. Namaste has developed innovative technology platforms including NamasteMD.com, Canada’s first ACMPR compliant telemedicine application. The company is focused on patient acquisition through NamasteMD and intends on building Canada’s largest database of medical cannabis patients. The company’s subsidiary, CannMart Inc. is an ACMPR Licensed Producer pending receipt of   a “sales-only” license, whereby the company will offer a large variety of medical cannabis sourced from domestic and international producers. Namaste will continue to develop and acquire innovative technologies which will provide value to the Company and to its shareholders as well as to the broader cannabis market.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

“Sean Dollinger”
Chief Executive Officer
Direct: +1 (786) 389 9771
Email: [email protected]

Further information on the Company and its products can be accessed through the links below:

NamasteTechnologies.com
NamasteMD.com
NamasteVapes.ca
Everyonedoesit.ca

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This press release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management’s reasonable assumptions, Namaste assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company’s disclosure documents which can be found under the Company’s profile on www.sedar.com. This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its market regulator has reviewed or approved the contents of this press release.

SOURCE Namaste Technologies Inc.

View original content with multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2018/28/c3500.html

 

Sean Dollinger, Chief Executive Officer, Direct: +1 (786) 389 9771, Email: [email protected] CNW Group 2018

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in All Recent Posts, Medical Marijuana Stocks, Namaste Technologies Inc. | Comments Off on Namaste $N.ca $NXTTF Announces Intention to Commence a Normal Course Issuer Bid to Repurchase Up to 10% of its Public Float and Provides a Corporate Update Including Incoming CFO, New Board Director and Consultants $ACB.ca $HIP.ca $WEED.ca $CMED.ca

Investing in #India’s Higher Education Sector #edtech $BTRU.ca $ARCL $BPI $FC.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 11:28 AM on Wednesday, June 27th, 2018
  • Distance learning programs and online learning solutions are also becoming popular in India, and are expected to create a US$1.96 billion market by 2021.
  • Currently, there are approximately 1.6 million users availing online education in India

India’s higher education system is the third largest in the world, after the US and China, with over 35 million students.

Focusing on this number alone is, however, misleading – India’s overall enrollment rate in 2017 was 25.2 percent, compared to China’s 43.39 percent, pointing to a significant deficit.

Next year, as Prime Minister Modi’s government is up for re-election, job creation will be among the foremost concerns for voters.

Will the proposed reforms and skilling efforts effectively modernize the education sector to service a rapidly changing jobs ecosystem? So far, meager budget allocations, outdated national schemes, and confused policy-making do not signal optimism.

On the flip side, though, are new and niche opportunities for investing in India’s growth – as technology and innovation facilitate new entrepreneurial platforms for the huge education and skills development market.

In this article, we discuss the general structure of India’s education system before delving deeper into foreign investment opportunities in what is plainly categorized as the unregulated domain.

FDI rules in regulated education sector favor non-profits

Education in India is divided into the regulated and unregulated sectors.

Entry into the regulated sector is currently unviable in India. While 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) is allowed under the automatic route in foreign universities, it is applicable only for non-profit institutions established under Section 8 of the The Companies Act, 2013.

A Section 8 company can be established to promote commerce, art, science, sports, education, and research, among other areas, but can apply its profits, if any, or other income only for the promotion of its objects; it cannot make dividend payments to its members.

Setting up a foreign private university in India

The federal regulator, University Grants Commission (UGC) lays out strict guidelines for setting up a foreign private university in India.

  • Must be a non-profit institution – which implies no repatriation of funds;
  • Must be certified as a ‘foreign education provider’ by the UGC;
  • Must be in the top 400 global rankings from the UK-based Times Higher Education Ranking, the Quacquarelli Symonds ranking, or the China-based Shanghai Jiao Tong University rankings;
  • Must maintain a corpus of US$3.7 million (Rs 25 crore) with the Ministry of Human Resource Development; and,
  • Must be in existence for at least 20 years and accredited by an agency of the host country or an internationally accepted system.

These regulations do not leave much incentive for foreign universities to establish their satellite campuses or international branches in India.

The Modi government attempted to ease existing rules by reintroducing the Foreign Educational Institutions (Regulations of Entry and Operations) Bill, 2010 in parliament, which was ultimately rejected.

Thus, government sponsored or funded universities and institutions dominate the regulated education sector in India.

Unregulated education sector open to foreign investors

Investment in India’s unregulated education sector amounts to over US$1.7 billion (Rs 12,000 crore) in the last decade.

Over 160 foreign universities are currently working in collaboration with Indian institutions by establishing different types of institutes, which are registered as private or public companies.

The nature of jobs in today’s industry is changing due to the application of digital technologies, creating new entrepreneurial segments within the education sector.

Demand in India’s education market is huge, and foreign investors can tap into the gaps between education provided in the country’s formal institutions on one hand, and actual skilling needs for the rapidly transforming job market, on the other.

Setting up vocational training institutes

Indian students are increasingly looking to skill-based educational qualifications to improve employability. This has led to perpetual growth in the demand for skill-based and technical training in India.

Foreign institutions and universities are beginning to cater to this growing segment by collaborating with an Indian institution or by setting up a skilling institute, leading to the award of graduate, postgraduate, diploma, and post diploma degrees.

These institutes have to follow the regulatory guidelines set down by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

Twinning programs gaining traction

These are voluntary and reciprocal agreements between educational institutions in different countries. The UGC’s foreign collaboration regulations govern these collaborations. Students in these programs complete a part of their course in India and partly in a foreign-based partnership institution.

India requires the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between these institutes for clear guidelines. Members of the local education authority, such as the Department of School Education and Literacy, must be present along with media personnel when the official documents, stating the bylaws of the program, are signed.

Several Indian universities have twinning programs with foreign universities. For instance, Manipal University, in the state of Karnataka, has signed MoUs with the University of Illinois Urbana Champagne, Drexel University, and The State University of New York at Buffalo and Vellore Institute of Technology, in the state of Tamil Nadu, has MoUs with Purdue University and Queen Mary University, among others.

Education services a new lucrative subsector

Tie-ups between foreign and Indian institutes to provide expertise and faculty for teaching, curriculum building, and organizing student and teacher exchange programs are becoming more attractive.

These programs allow students or teachers to spend a couple of weeks to a semester in a foreign university where fees for the period is paid to the hosting university.

Tutoring services is a strong parallel education sector with large growth potential. In India, 87 percent of primary school children and 95 percent of high school students in urban areas opt for private tutoring services, which point to the huge market for higher education tutoring as well. Already 20 percent of students enrolled in higher education opt for private tuition; with competition for postgraduate studies and jobs intensifying in India, this number is expected to increase rapidly.

Growing at a rate of 35 percent annually, India is also emerging as a global leader in providing e-learning tutoring solutions. Foreign institutions can collaborate with Indian businesses in this subsector to leverage the global market.

Distance learning programs and online learning solutions are also becoming popular in India, and are expected to create a US$1.96 billion market by 2021. Currently, there are approximately 1.6 million users availing online education in India.

Distance education is regulated by the Distance Education Council established under the Indira Gandhi National Open University Act, 1985. Foreign investors should note that certain sector specific laws might also apply. For example, 14 statutory professional councils exist in India that regulate courses related to areas such as medicine, law, and architecture.

Source: https://www.india-briefing.com/news/investing-indias-higher-education-sector-17082.html/

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in All Recent Posts, betterU Education Corp | Comments Off on Investing in #India’s Higher Education Sector #edtech $BTRU.ca $ARCL $BPI $FC.ca

By 2022, Goldman Sachs $GS Thinks #Esports Will Have 300 Million Viewers Like the #NFL $GMBL $KUU.ca $ATVI $TTWO $GAME $EPY.ca $TCEHF

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:49 AM on Wednesday, June 27th, 2018
  • Esports are the next big thing, Goldman Sachs thinks.
  • Goldman said it sees eSports surpassing Major League Baseball and National Hockey League viewership
  • According to data from NewZoo, an estimated 167 million people around the globe will watch eSports per month in 2018

In a report published Tuesday, Goldman said it sees eSports surpassing Major League Baseball and National Hockey League viewership. According to data from NewZoo, an estimated 167 million people around the globe will watch eSports per month in 2018.

“The immense popularity of survival-based games like Fortnite, growing prize pools for eSports tournaments, the rise of live-streaming, and improving infrastructure for pro leagues have all paved the way for eSports to reach 300 million viewers by 2022, on par with NFL leadership today,” said the note.

Goldman analysts also stated that they “believe that eSports viewership is moving more into the mainstream, which should support a 14% audience growth for the next five years, Recently, Epic Games announced that it would set aside $100 million in prize pool for the first year of Fortnite eSports tournaments, nearly the size of an entire eSports prize pool in 2017.”

The popularity of eSports is related to the increase of infrastructure within the world of eSports. “In 2017, Riot Games created the North American and EU League of Legends leagues, while in January of 2018, Blizzard launched the Overwatch League. We believe these leagues created the requisite infrastructure that will allow eSports to finally start to close the demonetization gap relative to other established sports leagues.”

Activision Blizzard Inc. (ATVI – Get Report) popular Overwatch league’s playoffs attracted over five million viewers. The company signed a $90 million deal with Twitch for streaming.

In July, the Overwatch League Grand Finals will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on July 27-28. The event is the largest eSports event to happen. Within two weeks, fans had sold-out the 20,000 person stadium.

Goldman analysts wrote, “we expect total eSports monetization will reach $3 billion by 2022.”

Companies like Tencent Holdings Ltd. (TCEHY) have invested heavily in online video platforms. Goldman largely credits Tencent—which invested $630 million in Doyu and $461 million in Huya, both Chinese online video platforms—for the increase in funding for eSports.

Tencent’s contributions helped bump up the amount funneled into eSports in 2018. “since 2013, there has been $3.3 billion of venture capital investment in eSports related start-ups. In 2018 year to date, we have already seen $1.4 billion of investments, a nearly 90% year-over-year increase from the total fudning in 2017.

NewZoo data suggests that there’s over 2.2 billion active gamers worldwide. So far, only 5% of the gamers are part of the audience of eSports, but the industry—as Goldman’s data suggests—is growing rapidly.

Source: https://www.thestreet.com/technology/fortnite-helped-broaden-esports-audience-goldman-sachs-says-14634562

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in All Recent Posts, Esports Entertainment Group, Esports Entertainment Group Inc., eSports Investing | Comments Off on By 2022, Goldman Sachs $GS Thinks #Esports Will Have 300 Million Viewers Like the #NFL $GMBL $KUU.ca $ATVI $TTWO $GAME $EPY.ca $TCEHF

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »