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Latinx Newswire Rebrands as Noticias Newswire, Announces Major Expansion of Hispanic Press Release Guaranteed Media Placements Network

Noticias Newswire

About Noticias Newswire Privately owned Noticias Newswire (formerly Latinx Newswire), is the only Hispanic-owned and operated, affordable multimedia press release distribution service targeting the U.S. Hispanic market. Founded in 2013, Noticias Newswire is revolutionizing the wire industry by making every press release a Multimedia News Release and doing away with costly and unnecessary word count “overage,” image and video charges. Noticias Newswire offers a strategic, affordable way to send a multimedia news release to U.S. Hispanic journalists, influencers, TV show producers and Radio show producers. Clients receive the most comprehensive distribution to Latinx media professionals and influencers (through a database that contains over 12,000 media contacts), unparalleled multimedia visibility and social media exposure – all with revolutionary affordability. As of 2021, Noticias Newswire provides its clients with guaranteed visibility on over 200 Hispanic and General Market websites, including Diario Las Americas, El Latino San Diego, El Mundo Boston, MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance and AP News. No other wire offers such powerful social media, SEO and multimedia benefits at Noticias Newswire’s revolutionary rates. With a mission to empower the U.S. Hispanic market through business and personal brand storytelling, Noticias Newswire’s founders are all Hispanic marketing, public relations and journalism veterans who have launched innovative Hispanic press release distribution services since 2000. The team of founders launched Hispanic PR Wire, Latin Clips and Hispanic Digital Network in the early 2000s and sold these three companies to competitor PR Newswire in 2008. For more information, visit noticiasnewswire.com. Follow Noticias Newswire on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact Details Noticias Newswire Bill Gato +1 305-815-4567 bill@noticiasnewswire.com Company Website https://www.noticiasnewswire.com

April 27, 2022 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Aiding and Abetting Sandwich Trades, Front Running and MEV is anti-ESG

Telos Foundation

With ESG in the forefront, where is the social responsibility in networks that not only pollute our environment, but also aid and abet the ongoing theft that’s soon to surpass a billion dollars? Maybe it is not yet fully understood by the masses, but front running / MEV is quite literally organized theft, and it is running rampant on almost every blockchain network. Crypto enthusiasts need to understand that trader / miner bots are predatorily stealing money from DeFi and NFT traders daily. This theft is no different than your personal stockbroker using the knowledge of your pending trades only to further themselves and at your expense. These practices are not only unethical, but they are also illegal in any other modern day exchange environment. So why the blind eye and why the free pass? The same goes with the glutinous energy consumption. Why would any responsible entity or individual continue to support these super low standards? There is a massive lack of social responsibility. Especially considering that these networks are all easily replaceable by far superior technologies. Metaphorically, why does the world continue to nurture the coal fired engine and bank robbers when socially responsible zero-point energy exists? These are some of the questions that the Telos team is working through and effectively delivering on with its ESG compliant tEVM. The world’s fastest carbon neutral EVM! Telos Blockchain continues to work on solidifying its path in becoming the benchmark standard for credible neutrality and ESG compliance in crypto. For those new to ESG, the acronym stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. It’s a criterion which is popular in the world of business and investing. It defines three broad categories of interest for what is termed socially responsible for investors. “E” - As part of this ESG commitment, Telos recently became the first and only carbon neutral ( Net Zero ) EVM. This newest accomplishment makes the Telos EVM the most environmentally (the “E” in ESG) conscious Ethereum Virtual Machine. “S” - Telos’ socially (the “S” in ESG) responsible Ethereum Virtual Machine is the only EVM that puts an end to the front running theft that is unethically targeting hundreds of millions of DeFi traders. “G” - DeFi on Telos is 100% free of Sandwich trades, Front Running and MEV (miner extracted value) because of its fair governance (the “G” in ESG). Telos insulates all trades with a first in first out governed protocol. Therefore, there is never any reordering of the mempool, making it impossible to game the system. From a socially diversified work team gracefully working together from all corners of the globe to decarbonization and biochar to the fairest smart contract powered governance system, Telos as a Layer 1 is pushing the ESG envelope to new standards in crypto. The tEVM’s ecosystem is closing on 6 months of strategic growth since its launch. On the DeFi side, it has already launched multiple Dex/AMMs, Price Oracles, Farming dApps, multi-Chain bridges, Lending dApps and everything else that a vibrant DeFi ecosystem requires to level up its TVL and end user occupancy. Telos’ TVL is currently where the top marketcap chains were not too long ago, but with far superior governance, no front running, credible neutrality, true decentralization, and an ESG compliant EVM that is several multiples faster. In utopian fashion, Telos’ ecosystem is now ready to scale its occupants and its TVL simultaneously. About Telos Live since 2018, Telos Blockchain (ticker: TLOS) is a third-generation smart contract platform that offers compatibility with Solidity, Vyper and Native C++ smart contracts. Telos provides full EVM/Solidity support with fixed low-cost gas fees and no front running. Uniquely, Telos also offers a path to fee-less transactions via its robust native C++ smart contract support. Even while operating as a Net Zero Blockchain, the chain still sustainably support hundreds of millions of transactions per day, produces blocks in 0.5 second intervals (on a first-in-first-out basis, eliminating front running on the network) and securely validates transactions via a credibly neutral and globally decentralized block producer network. The Telos Blockchain has the throughput needed to facilitate and scale the thriving Metaverse / Web 3.0 better than any other blockchain. Its performance is unrivaled in the industry and was purpose-built to offer speed, scalability, cost-effectiveness, credible decentralization, and end-user fairness. Telos, harnesses its power by utilizing tight C++ on the frontend and a custom WASM runtime environment on the backend. About The Foundation The Telos Foundation is a Decentralized Autonomous Organization established as a promotional and funding body to advance the Telos Blockchain Network and provide support to network applications. Contact Details The Team hello@telosfoundation.io Company Website https://www.telos.net/

April 27, 2022 10:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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trumiiNFT Signs Star Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel

trumii

trumii, the NFT collection that celebrates diversity in Web3, announced they have partnered with star wide receiver Deebo Samuel. As part of the partnership, Samuel will be a stakeholder in trumii, participate in trumii events, and help the trumii mission. There will be a special Deebo trumii created as part of this collaboration. Samuel will also be an ambassador for trumii, a collection of 10,101 unique NFTs embracing self-expression in Web3 and real life. “As the metaverse grows and NFTs become more mainstream, we need communities to be socially responsible and represent all backgrounds, races, genders, and experiences – and that’s trumii,” said Samuel. “trumii believes in staying true to yourself. That is a message I can get behind and a mission I want to support.” Founded by female leaders, trumiiNFTs will be launching soon. Final details, including mint price, will be announced on their Discord and Twitter account. “We’re building a community of people who share our vision of inclusiveness in Web3, and we’re thrilled to have Deebo join us,” said trumii Co-Founder Anjali Bhugra. “Deebo is committed to helping trumii make a lasting impact in Web3 for the next generation.” Anjali cofounded trumii with her longtime friend and fellow Web3 entrepreneur Girija Sundaram. Hailing from Silicon Valley, Anjali and Girija have a background in technology and finance and bonded over helping their teenage daughters navigate the social challenges of Web2. Their goal for trumii is to create an environment that does not repeat the pitfalls of social media. They believe Web3 is an opportunity to address the unintended harm caused by Web2 and the toll that social media has taken on the mental health of young adults. NFT stands for “non-fungible token” which are unique digital items stored and encrypted on the blockchain that people can buy, own, and trade. NFTs can act as membership cards where holders get exclusive access to events, communities, and merchandise. About trumii trumii is a collection of 10,101 unique NFTs embracing self-expression and acceptance of self in Web3 and In Real Life (IRL). trumiiNFTs are a badge for those living their best lives, authentically and unapologetically themselves. Founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Anjali Bhurgra and Girija Sundaram, trumii empowers others to discover their authentic voice and enables them to experience Web3 without bias. trumii champions authenticity and challenges conformity. Learn more about trumii at https://www.trumii.io/ or follow them on Twitter and Instagram. # # # Contact Details Eric Nemeth +1 602-502-2793 nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://www.trumii.io/

April 27, 2022 09:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Make It Possible for All California Native American Students Accepted to University of California to Attend Tuition Free

Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) today announced the Tribe’s $2.5 M Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Scholarship Fund, which will cover tuition and mandatory fees both for non federally recognized California Native American UC students along with any added needed support for those from federally recognized tribes. UC has a separate scholarship program for California Native American students from federally recognized tribes. Together, the two programs will allow all eligible CA Native American students to attend with tuition and fees covered. “California Native American students now have a clear path to the nation’s top public education system with no financial roadblocks,” said Greg Sarris, FIGR Tribal Chairman. “In the spirit of our ancestors, we are driven to take care of our environment and our people. Inclusivity is our responsibility, and we’re pleased to extend scholarships to California Native Americans from non-federally recognized tribes. We’re helping to level the playing field and provide representation in higher education for all California Native American students.” UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. said, “We sincerely appreciate the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria for offering scholarships to California Native American students at the University of California who are not members of a federally recognized tribe. We hope that this scholarship, along with other resources such as UC’s Native American Opportunity Plan, will help us increase the number of Native American students who choose to apply to the university and accept our offers of admission.” The fund will be available commensurate with the 2022-2023 academic year. Further details on applying for the scholarships will be available at a later date. About the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Graton Rancheria is a federally recognized Indian tribe comprised of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Indians. Legislation restoring federal recognition to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria was signed into law in December 2000. Tribal lands are located in Rohnert Park, Sonoma County, CA. For more information, visit www.gratonrancheria.com. MEDIA, PLEASE NOTE: To request an interview with Chairman Greg Sarris or for additional images, please contact Brianne Miller at graton@landispr.com or by phone at (650) 575-7727. # # # Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Brianne Miller +1 650-575-7727 graton@landispr.com Company Website https://gratonrancheria.com/

April 27, 2022 06:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

Maple

Maple, a provider of reliable, remote online access for students, announced the availability of its fully portable and pocket-sized connectivity solutions for closing the digital divide in rural and low-income communities. School leaders throughout the United States can partner with Maple to take advantage of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) to give students a safe and reliable home internet connection that promotes online learning and unlocks opportunities. Remote and hybrid learning is here to stay, making technology and at-home internet access essential for students to access academic resources. These basic tools that millions of students need are often unavailable to children in underserved and low-income communities, creating gaps in learning, reducing opportunities to advance, and threatening future goals. According to the Federal Communication Commission, nearly 17 million students lack at-home internet access —many of whom are from minority, low-income, and rural communities. "Education is a human right," stated Michael Kadisha, Chief Executive of Maple. "Equal access to education is, in my view, the defining civil rights issue of our time. Regardless of location or economic status, all students today must have equal access to the internet to succeed.” Maple and its leadership team have a proven history of creating solutions for education and serving students. At the outset of the pandemic, Maple provided Chromebooks and other technologies to support remote learning. They quickly realized that a computer or tablet is of little use without reliable internet access. To solve this, Maple partnered with StratusX to build the Maple Hotspot, a cellular, cloud-managed personal WiFi solution that connects students and educators to their digital classrooms from anywhere. Maple hotspots eliminate the frustration associated with slow or 'spotty' service. When students in areas with limited mobile service utilize the Maple hotspot, they can reliably access the internet whenever and wherever they want. "We are proud to partner with StratusX in this critical endeavor," Kadisha said. “Their unique patented technology prevents service disruptions as devices switch seamlessly between mobile carrier networks to capture the optimal signal at all times. This benefit is critical as it gives high-speed connectivity while avoiding downtime for students from any carrier facing weather disruptions, technical issues, or even poor reception in the students' location." "With Maple's insights, experience, and guidance in the education sector, our team designed many specific features, including cloud-managed CIPA compliance to ensure safe access to content authorized by schools," explained Raviv Laor, StratusX's CEO. "With Maple, connecting online is always available, safe, and compliant." While several other hotspot providers exist, Maple's school-centric solution uniquely addresses the needs of educators, students, and school leadership. "This turnkey connectivity solution meets the specific demands of the education sector: schools have customized features to implement certain web surfing restrictions and verification options that ensure students have safe experiences online. Most importantly, the device's proprietary SIM management technology allows schools to connect, manage, configure and operate their fleets 100% remotely," said Laor. "It is a win-win situation. Schools save time and students learn with the technology they need," Kadisha continued. "We are proud of our role in eliminating these easily addressable inequities that arise from a lack of online access and improving learning outcomes for all students." Schools may use the funds they secure through the ECF program to procure Maple hotspots. A new application window opens on April 28 and runs through May 13, where schools may request 100% funding for student connectivity needs. Maple also provides schools with white-glove service, with end-to-end assistance from government funding applications to hardware setup and device deployment. “We know that the Homework Gap is a financial and emotional burden for students," Kadisha said. "We can and will do better." About Maple Maple provides trusted technology solutions for schools, students, and libraries that bridge the digital divide by delivering high-quality internet access that unlocks valuable educational experiences for students. Please visit https://www.mapleconnect.co/. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with a Maple spokesperson, please contact Dan Rene of kglobal at daniel.rene@kglobal.com or 202-329-8357 Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.mapleconnect.co/

April 26, 2022 12:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Rally Embraces Dalmore Group for Fractionalized Investment Expertise

Dalmore Group

The Dalmore Group is the go-to Broker-Dealer for Fractional Share issuers under Regulation A+ financing in the collectibles space. That’s where companies offer investors the opportunity to own a portion of a rare, valuable asset. One such issuer is Dalmore client, Rally, which operates a leading platform for the purchase and sale of equity shares in unique, often one-of-a-kind assets, with historical and cultural significance. According to Etan Butler, Chairman of Dalmore Group, the relationship with Rally runs deep: “Rally was Dalmore’s first fractional share platform client. They are the leader of Regulation A+ series issuers and many of our other fractional share clients have been inspired by Rally’s success. I am impressed by Rally’s trailblazing creativity and how they have cultivated and built their investor community. We are proud to be their partner in this exciting enterprise.” According to Fitz Tepper, VP of Operations at Rally, “Dalmore has been a great partner as we've continued to grow our business and expand into other asset classes. Dalmore understands the market and understands the unique challenges and opportunities faced by fast-growing startups like Rally. Dalmore approaches each challenge with creativity and sensitivity to the needs of client entrepreneurs. We are excited to help lead the way in our industry’s growth along with the talent and experience of the Dalmore Group and its leadership.” It is hard to ignore the allure of collectibles like high value art, sports memorabilia, rare watches, and classic cars. But investors need to be careful to find the right balance between their passion for or curiosity about a particularly attractive collectible and a good investment opportunity. And that’s where the need for a credible issuer like Rally and an experienced broker dealer like Dalmore comes into play. Regulation A+ Series Issuers in the collectibles fractional share ownership space don’t sell shares of their business. Instead, they use the opportunity to allow investors to purchase equity directly in things like rare collectables, sports memorabilia, films – and even dinosaur bones. These issuers, like Rally, use cutting edge apps which maximize user experience to create communities of investors who can build their own portfolios of things they’ve always dreamed about – but could never imagine owning themselves. “The beauty of the collectibles category is that now people can own the things they could previously only dream of – or at least they can own a piece of the asset,” says Butler. “This means that while someone might not have $100,000 to buy a Michael Jordan rookie card, he can still get an ownership stake with a modest $10 investment. Think about it: You can buy a share in an iconic Jordan rookie card, vintage car or bluechip NFT with just a few taps. And with that purchase, you own a piece of your dream. That’s the world of fractionalized ownership which has been unlocked by Regulation A+ investing. Average investors now have the opportunity to own a piece of a prize that previously was only available to the super rich.” Rally has seen a post-pandemic uptick in the collectibles market: “Coming out of the pandemic we saw people with a desire to re-engage with hobbies like collecting. Rally is the perfect platform for those activities, as we give our members access to items they may have a deep nostalgia for but otherwise wouldn't be able to afford.” said Tepper. Rally has opened access to blue-chip NFTs like Bored Ape Yacht Club and CryptoPunks, with each NFT offering being a Regulation A+ offering just like any other asset class on the platform. According to Tepper, “after just a few months of NFT offerings, we're proud that in many cases there are more investors on Rally that own a share of these NFTs than there are owners outside of Rally. This is the core mission of our platform - giving access to assets that people otherwise wouldn't be able to afford.” Butler and Dalmore are excited about the growth and potential of the collectibles market. And they see collectibles as a part of the investment market: Look to build a portfolio of collectables that you enjoy owning. And if you plan to invest, look at historical valuations and trends, and make sure to diversify. Having onboarded more than 200 Regulation A+ clients since 2019, Dalmore is the broker dealer of choice for issuers looking to raise capital through Regulation A+ and otherwise. Learn more about Dalmore Group’s history, experience, Regulation A+ services and flexible fee arrangements at Dalmorefg.com. ABOUT DALMORE Dalmore Group specializes in helping companies raise capital online at scale through Regulations A+, CF and D, and has onboarded over 200 Regulation A+ issuers since 2019. Learn more about how Dalmore Group is leading the way for primary issuance and secondary market trading of private securities at www.dalmorefg.com and keep up to date on the latest company news and information directly via Dalmore Group’s LinkedIn page. ABOUT RALLY Rally is a platform for buying & selling fractional equity in unique, often one-of-a-kind assets with historical and cultural significance. Every week Rally runs Initial Offerings, allowing investors to purchase shares of assets similar to the way they would buy a share of a stock, with no minimums and no commission. It also facilitates a secondary market for those assets through registered broker dealers within the app, allowing investors to access liquidity daily during Market Hours (Monday through Friday, excluding standard stock market holidays, from 10:30am(ET) – 4:30pm(ET). Rally started with classic cars in 2017 and since then it has moved into 19 total investment categories including watches, wine, high end sports memorabilia, blue chip NFTs, dinosaur fossils, and more – asset brackets and collectibles with sizable enthusiast communities, but limited access to the best-in-class examples for everyday investors. The ultimate goal is to give everyone access to ownership and liquidity in the things they really care about, instead of just investing in a ticker symbol. Disclaimer This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, the solicitation of an offer to buy, or a solicitation of interest in any contemplated offering of, securities, nor shall there be any offer or sale of securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Any offering of securities will be made only by means of a duly qualified offering circular, which can be obtained by qualified investors through our platform. Information about our offerings must be read in conjunction with such offering circular in order to understand fully all of the implications and risks of the offering of securities to which it relates. Contact Details Trisha Larocchia +1 516-225-5932 tlarocchia@n6a.com Company Website https://dalmorefg.com/

April 26, 2022 08:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Shareholder Proposal Highlights Coca-Cola CEO’s Hypocrisy

National Legal & Policy Center

This morning National Legal and Policy Center will present a resolution at The Coca-Cola Company ’s annual shareholder meeting that would require the board to implement a policy to require the chair of the board of directors to be an independent member. Currently James Quincey holds the roles of both Chairman and CEO. Speaking as sponsor of the resolution was Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. His remarks as delivered follow; Extended remarks can be accessed at NLPC.org: I am Paul Chesser, director of the Corporate Integrity Project for National Legal and Policy Center. Because the company is allowing only three minutes for the presentation of proposals, my extended remarks can be found on our website, NLPC.org. On March 31, 2021, Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO James Quincey caved to progressive political activists and said about Georgia’s election integrity law, “I want to be crystal clear. The Coca-Cola Company does not support this legislation, as it makes it harder for people to vote, not easier.” However, as voter ID legislation has moved through the Parliament the last few months in Mr. Quincey’s home country, the United Kingdom, we have not heard a peep from him. Why not? Why does Mr. Quincey apply more stringent voting standards against the United States, where he receives his sizable paychecks? That’s not the only example of Mr. Quincey’s lack of awareness. Last year it was discovered also, under Mr. Quincey’s leadership, that Coca-Cola had imposed diversity training for its employees. The sessions included a course called “Confronting Racism,” which alleges that U.S. whites are socialized to believe they are “inherently superior” and suggests they “try to be less white” by being “less oppressive” and “break with white solidarity.” And during the height of the rioting across the nation during the summer of 2020, Mr. Quincey poured gasoline on the fire by embracing the violent, Marxist “Black Lives Matter” cause that destroyed many of our cities’ downtowns, including Atlanta’s. Mr. Quincey’s virtue-signaling has also addressed the topic of gender as well, with Coca-Cola boasting of its initiatives to help women, and highlighting its Equal Opportunity Policy that prohibits harassment, intimidation, retaliation, and threats against women. Those policies ring hollow, however, as Mr. Quincey totally ignored our request for him to call a special meeting of the Board to remove director Bobby Kotick, whose management of Activision Blizzard led to many credible charges of sexual harassment and assault at his company. Characterized as a “frat boy culture” by the California Dept. of Fair Employment and Housing, Mr. Kotick’s company lost several top executives, and hundreds of employees signed a petition calling for his ouster. While Mr. Quincey has bashed Americans and their alleged default racism, he has led our company in solidarity and submission to Communist China, even sponsoring the Genocide Olympics, and maintaining a factory in a province where millions of Muslim-minority Uyghurs are forced into slave labor and concentration camps. This is who moralist James Quincey believes Coca-Cola should partner with – genocidal communists, while hypocritically bashing Americans and their freedoms back home. His leadership has earned the company the mocking nickname, “Woke-a-Cola.” If any corporate resolution to separate the roles of Chairman and CEO is justified, it’s this one. END DELIVERED REMARKS The full text of NLPC’s shareholder resolution for The Coca-Cola Company can be viewed here. The text of Chesser’s extended remarks in support of the resolution can be viewed here. NLPC this week will also present shareholder resolutions on various issues at the annual shareholder meetings held by Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Goldman-Sachs, Johnson & Johnson, Boeing and Berkshire-Hathaway. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Paul Chesser +1 703-327-1970 pchesser@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

April 26, 2022 08:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

An Easier Way to Invest and Learn Along the Way from Plynk

YourUpdateTV

Would it surprise you to know that 80 million Americans are interested in investing, but don’t know where to begin? Many people might be feeling left behind or not comfortable entering the world of investing. That does not have to be the case. Financial literacy could be the key, as it empowers us to make smart financial decisions. It’s important for individuals to know it’s never too late or too early to increase their knowledge and begin their financial journey. Enter Plynk: A new investment app for beginners that helps them get started with investing, build confidence, and gain knowledge along the way. Too often, the industry has overcomplicated investing with unnecessary jargon and complex charts. By including educational content and tips throughout the app, beginner investors aren’t alone– now is your opportunity to learn how Plynk is here to help. Plynk Think allows you to learn and gain confidence by encouraging a learn-by-doing approach. In honor of financial literacy month, Plynk is offering an earn-while-you-learn offer. All you have to do is read a lesson in Plynk Think, make an investment, and you can qualify for the match. For complete terms and conditions everyone can visit PlynkInvest.com Learn more at www.plynkinvest.com A bout Plynk: Plynk is a new, no-experience-required investing app to help make investing easier for beginners. Created by people who have a passion for making investing simple, Plynk makes it easy to get started, get comfortable and get the hang of investing. Plynk offers straightforward language, clear explanations and just a $1 minimum to make it easy to begin investing. Plynk also includes tips, how-tosand easy to understand educational articles that help beginners learn as they go.Learn more at www.plynkinvest.com. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 25, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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First MENA fintech Pay-Now, Pay-Later school fees app zenda raises $9.4m

zenda

zenda, MENA’s first fintech app for families has announced it has secured a $9.4m oversubscribed seed round. Leading regional and global investors (STV, COTU, Global Founders Capital, and VentureSouq) participate in the oversubscribed round. zenda currently addresses pain points around the payment of school fees - in particular, the lack of convenience and flexibility in payment options for parents and the poor collection of payments for schools. zenda was founded in June 2021 by Raman Thiagarajan and Haseeb Ahmed, alumni of McKinsey & Company, where Raman led the Firm’s Financial Services Practice in the MENA region. zenda is the founders’ second start-up, and leverages deep insights and knowledge from their successful previous ed-tech venture. With approximately US$37B processed annually in fee payments to private educational institutions in the GCC, US$34B in the rest of Middle East and Africa, and US$70B annually in India, the market is sizable yet largely untapped. Fee payments in schools (nurseries - K12 - tertiary) are mostly non-digital, and even where digital, are cumbersome, manual and expensive. Also the majority of families earn monthly but fee payments are usually termly or bi-annual, resulting in cash flow stress for parents and collection delays for schools. Using zenda, families can track dues and make payments through a multitude of pay-now and pay-later options, and unlock rewards for paying on time. zenda integrates with schools through its proprietary data model and APIs (much like zapier) and eliminates last mile reconciliation challenges and delays. CEO and founder of zenda, Raman Thiagarajan said: “In today’s digital world, we seek low friction and immediacy - why should that not be the case for fee payments? Part of the ecosystem still runs on cash or cheque with no convenient option to pay later. Since our launch, feedback from the market and especially from our users has been terrific – we are grateful & pumped with the response from parents and seeing how they have embraced our service. zenda schools are witnessing a systematic increase in their collections. We have a truly outstanding team and I feel privileged that such a passionate group is with us on this journey. We are excited and hopeful for the possibilities ahead – in providing customer-centric digital financial services to solve some of the simple yet important problems for families in our regions” zenda has witnessed strong market traction with schools and with families. Its user base grew 20X since June 2021 and crossed $100M+ in annual contracted TPV volume by Q4 2021, across UAE and India. zenda’s success is also attributable to the team’s expertise and deep insights into how educational institutions operate, from their earlier venture. zenda’s mission is to help families thrive. In the future, it aims to make it easier for families to manage money and to enable their financial wellness through tailored banking and financial experiences. Commenting on the announcement, Ihsan Jawad, General Partner at STV said: “Raman, Haseeb and the team have identified a compelling gap in the market and in supporting families on a topic that is very important to them. Seeing their strong traction over the past several months, we couldn't be more excited about zenda. The UAE itself is a USD 8+ billion market for private education fees and they are already well poised to capture leadership. They have built an outstanding team and we look forward to working with them in helping zenda achieve its mission.” About zenda zenda is a fintech app for families. It enables families to pay school fees with pay-now and pay-later options, unlocking rewards for paying on time. Finance runs deeply through the family - from paying school fees to saving for short term expenses such as family trips, to investing for education. But family finance has remained stuck in a single-player paradigm. We want to change that. zenda’s mission is to help families thrive. It aims to make it easier for families to manage money and enables their financial wellness - banking and financial experiences built from the ground up, designed specifically for families. For more information please visit www.zenda.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter. Contact Details zenda Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.zenda.com/

April 25, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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