GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Patria (Nasdaq:PAX) announced today that it will release financial results for the second quarter 2025 on Friday, August 1, 2025, and host a conference call via public webcast at 9:00 a.m. ET.
For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, there will be a webcast replay on the Shareholders section of Patria’s website at https://ir.patria.com/.
Patria distributes its earnings releases via its website and email lists. Those interested in firm updates can sign up to receive Patria press releases via email at https://ir.patria.com/ir-resources/email-alerts.
About Patria
Patria is a global alternative asset management firm focused on the mid-market segment, specializing in resilient sectors across select regions. We are a leading asset manager in Latin America and have a strong presence in Europe through our extensive network of General Partners relationships. Our on-the-ground presence combines investment leaders, sector experts, company managers, and strategic relationships, allowing us to identify compelling investment opportunities accessible only to those with local proficiency. With 36 years of experience and over $45 billion in assets under management, we consistently deliver attractive returns through long-term investments, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development in the regions where we operate. Further information is available at www.patria.com.
Asset Classes: Credit, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Private Equity, GPMS (Solutions), and Public Equities
Main sectors: Agribusiness, Power & Energy, Healthcare, Logistics & Transportations, Food & Beverage and Digital & Tech Services
Investment Regions: Latin America, Europe and the U.S.
Contact
Patria Shareholder Relations PatriaShareholderRelations@patria.com t +1 917 769 1611
FREMONT, Calif., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jackery, a global leader in innovative solar generators and green off-grid energy solutions, is turning up the heat this summer with its biggest savings of the year during Amazon Prime Day. From July 8-11, shoppers can score nearly 65% off Jackery’s best-selling portable power stations and solar generator bundles—perfect for summer camping trips, outdoor get-togethers, and emergency backup needs.
Whether you’re planning summer adventures or preparing for power outages, these Prime Day deals offer unbeatable value on reliable, clean energy solutions.
Best selling Jackery solar generators that will be available up to 65% off include:
Jackery has established itself as the trusted choice for portable power, with over 3 million units sold worldwide. The company’s products feature industry-leading lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery technology, providing over 4,000 charge cycles and a 10-year lifespan. All Jackery power stations are backed by comprehensive warranties and 24/7 customer support.
The brand’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond products, with initiatives supporting renewable energy adoption and environmental conservation. Jackery’s solar generators provide clean, quiet power without emissions, making them ideal for emergency preparedness, outdoor enthusiasts, and environmentally conscious consumers.
Deals will go live starting July 8 and are available while supplies last exclusively to Amazon Prime members with additional Prime Day celebratory deals extending to Jackery.com. For more information on Jackery, please visit www.jackery.com. Be sure to follow Jackery on social media at @JackeryUSA for the latest updates in real time.
About Jackery Founded in California in 2012, Jackery is a leader in innovative solar generators and renewable energy solutions. Offering a diverse range of products—from compact 100W units to essential home backup systems, all the way to robust 123kWh energy storage solutions for whole-home use—Jackery combines cutting-edge technology with a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Designed in the USA based on customer usability and the diverse energy needs of the United States, Jackery is dedicated to providing reliable, renewable energy solutions, prioritizing convenience, trust, energy independence, and environmentally responsible practices. With over 150,000 five-star reviews, Jackery has earned the trust of customers worldwide. To learn more, check out Jackery on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Response welcomes progress but calls for more inclusive, globally aligned framework
London, 8 July 2025 – 21Shares, one of the world’s leading issuers of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), has submitted its official response to the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Consultation Paper CP25/16, which proposes lifting the current ban on the sale, marketing, and distribution of crypto exchange-traded notes (cETNs) to retail clients admitted to UK recognised investment exchanges (UK RIEs).
While 21Shares welcomes the FCA’s move to open the UK retail market to cETNs, it cautions that the proposed framework remains overly restrictive. In its response, 21Shares urges the regulator to adopt a more inclusive and innovation-friendly approach that reflects international best practices and provides UK investors with regulated, diversified access to the digital asset class.
In particular, 21Shares highlights three key concerns:
Geographic limitation: The proposal restricts retail access to cETNs listed only on UK RIEs, ignoring equivalent products on FCA-recognised overseas regulated venues (ROIEs) and limiting investor choice.
Asset concentration risk: While the FCA leaves eligibility of cryptoassets to UK exchanges, this effectively concentrates power in the hands of mostly a single venue, the London Stock Exchange, which currently admits only Bitcoin and Ethereum. This setup risks driving retail investors to unregulated alternatives in search of broader exposure.
Misclassification risk: 21Shares argues against classifying UK RIE-listed cETNs as Restricted Mass Market Investments (RMMIs), noting that such instruments are already subject to robust listing, disclosure, and custody standards. Applying RMMI rules would reduce liquidity, hamper innovation, and limit inclusion in diversified investment strategies.
21Shares recommends that the final regime:
Recognise regulated cETNs from overseas exchanges (ROIEs)
Mandate a transparent eligibility framework for a broader range of cryptoassets as underlyings for cETNs
Confirm that cETNs are treated as Readily Realisable Securities (RRS), not RMMIs
“As a pioneer in the crypto ETP space, we have long advocated for a regulatory framework in the UK that allows retail investors to access digital assets through transparent and well-regulated products,” said Duncan Moir, President at 21Shares. “This consultation marks an important moment, but more needs to be done. A competitive, forward-looking regime must reflect the maturity of the global crypto market and the diversity of investor demand.”
21Shares stands ready to assist policymakers and contribute market data and regulatory insights to ensure the UK becomes a competitive, well-regulated hub for crypto investment products.
To read 21Shares’ response to the FCA consultation in full, click here.
Notes to editors
About 21Shares
21Shares is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange traded product providers and offers the largest suite of crypto ETPs in the market. The company was founded to make cryptocurrency more accessible to investors, and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21Shares listed the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP in 2018, building a seven-year track record of creating crypto exchange-traded funds that are listed on some of the biggest, most liquid securities exchanges globally. Backed by a specialized research team, proprietary technology, and deep capital markets expertise, 21Shares delivers innovative, simple and cost-efficient investment solutions.
21Shares is a member of 21.co, a global leader in decentralized finance. For more information, please visit www.21Shares.com.
This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of 21Shares AG in any jurisdiction. Neither this document nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever or for any other purpose in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this document should be considered investment advice.
This document and the information contained herein are not for distribution in or into (directly or indirectly) the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful.
This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. The securities of 21Shares AG to which these materials relate have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will not be a public offering of securities in the United States. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.
Within the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (iv) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.
Exclusively for potential investors in any EEA Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) is made available on the Issuer’s website underwww.21Shares.com.
The approval of the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the SFSA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities. You are about to purchase a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.
This document constitutes advertisement within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and not a prospectus. The 2024 Base Prospectus of 21Shares AG has been deposited pursuant to article 54(2) FinSA with BX Swiss AG in its function as Swiss prospectus review body within the meaning of article 52 FinSA. The 2024 Base Prospectus and the key information document for any products may be obtained at 21Shares AG’s website (https://21shares.com/ir/prospectusorhttps://21shares.com/ir/kids).
MENLO PARK, Calif., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Runway Growth Finance Corp. (Nasdaq: RWAY) (“Runway Growth”), a leading provider of flexible capital solutions to late- and growth-stage companies seeking an alternative to raising equity, today announced that it will release its second quarter 2025 financial results after market close on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Runway Growth will discuss its financial results on a conference call that day at 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET).
To participate in the conference call or webcast, participants should register online at the Runway Growth Investor Relations website. Participants are requested to register a day in advance or at a minimum 15 minutes before the start of the call. The earnings call can also be accessed through the following links:
A replay of the webcast will be available two hours after the call and archived on the same web page for 90 days.
About Runway Growth Finance Corp. Runway Growth is a growing specialty finance company focused on providing flexible capital solutions to late- and growth-stage companies seeking an alternative to raising equity. Runway Growth is a closed-end investment fund that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Runway Growth is externally managed by Runway Growth Capital LLC, an established registered investment adviser that was formed in 2015 and led by industry veteran David Spreng. For more information, please visit www.runwaygrowth.com.
Forward-Looking Statements Statements included herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance, condition or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in Runway Growth’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Runway Growth undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.
IR Contacts: Taylor Donahue, Prosek Partners, rway@prosek.com Thomas B. Raterman, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, tr@runwaygrowth.com
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Locus Technologies, the sustainability and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) compliance software leader, announced the appointment of Dr. Laura Underwood as Director of Digital Water Services. In this strategic role, Underwood will lead the continued growth and innovation of Locus Water, a comprehensive suite of solutions for water quality management, stormwater, wastewater, produced water, and PFAS tracking.
Underwood brings over two decades of leadership in the water and environmental sectors, most recently serving as Senior Director of Strategy & Innovation at Veolia. She has also held key roles in water utility management, including serving as the Director of Water Quality & Environmental Compliance for Veolia’s Municipal Water business. A long-time contributor to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and a passionate advocate for digital transformation, Laura has built a national reputation for advancing smart, sustainable water practices across the utility and industrial landscapes.
“Laura’s combination of deep technical experience and strategic vision makes her the ideal leader to accelerate the next phase of our water business,” said Neno Duplan, founder and CEO of Locus Technologies. “As the market moves toward fully digital, integrated solutions for water data and compliance, Laura will guide our efforts to deliver even more value to utilities, energy companies, and industrial customers.”
“I’ve long admired Locus’ pioneering role in cloud-based environmental data management,” said Laura Underwood. “Joining Locus is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of digital water services. I look forward to driving innovation that empowers customers to manage water more efficiently, comply with complex regulations, and meet their sustainability goals.”
About Locus Technologies Locus Technologies is the only scientist-driven software company at the nexus of analytical and field data management, Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) compliance, and sustainability. Locus software manages air, water, waste, energy, emissions, site, and incident data within a configurable platform for risk mitigation and regulatory reporting. The company’s work in embodied carbon, CO2 emissions, refrigerants, and PFAS raises the bar in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures. And with industry-leading methods for data intake, queries, validation, tracking, visualization, and tasking, Locus is uniquely suited for the most complex or consequential operations — where accuracy and credibility cannot be compromised. Founded in 1997, Locus software now supports 1.3 million sites and 500 million real-time records for nuclear, chemical, petroleum, manufacturing, water utilities, environmental consulting firms, and U.S. Department of Energy facilities such as Los Alamos National Laboratory*. Locus Technologies is headquartered in Mountain View, California. To learn more, visit www.locustec.com.
Media Contact: Brenda Mahedy Locus Technologies media@locustechnologies.net
UPPSALA, Sweden, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AAC Clyde Space (OTC: ACCMF), based in Uppsala, Sweden, focused on small satellite technologies and services that help governments, businesses and institutions access high-quality data from space, today announced that Luis Gomes, CEO, will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on July 10, 2025.
This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.
It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
30 June: AAC Clyde Space has resolved to carry out a directed share issue amounting to approximately SEK 64.5 million
18 June: AAC Clyde Space wins strategic order for first phase of ESA-backed satellite swarm mission
23 May: Major General Lars-Olof Corneliusson elected to the Board of Directors of AAC Clyde Space
About AAC Clyde Space AAC Clyde Space provides small satellite technologies and services that help governments, businesses and institutions access high-quality data from space. Covering satellite components, mission services and space-based data delivery, the company offers end-to-end solutions that turn space-based intelligence into real-world impact. Applications include weather monitoring, maritime safety, security and defence, agriculture and forestry. AAC Clyde Space is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, with main operations also in the UK, Netherlands, South Africa and the USA. The company’s shares are traded on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market in Stockholm (Ticker: AAC) and on the US OTCQX Market (Symbol: ACCMF). The Company’s Certified Adviser is DNB Carnegie Investment Bank AB.
AboutVirtualInvestorConferences® Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
CONTACTS: AAC Clyde Space Håkan Tribell Director of Communications +46 707 230 382 investor@aac-clydespace.com
VirtualInvestorConferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com
UPPSALA, Sweden, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AAC Clyde Space (OTC: ACCMF), based in Uppsala, Sweden, focused on small satellite technologies and services that help governments, businesses and institutions access high-quality data from space, today announced that Luis Gomes, CEO, will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on July 10, 2025.
This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.
It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
30 June: AAC Clyde Space has resolved to carry out a directed share issue amounting to approximately SEK 64.5 million
18 June: AAC Clyde Space wins strategic order for first phase of ESA-backed satellite swarm mission
23 May: Major General Lars-Olof Corneliusson elected to the Board of Directors of AAC Clyde Space
About AAC Clyde Space AAC Clyde Space provides small satellite technologies and services that help governments, businesses and institutions access high-quality data from space. Covering satellite components, mission services and space-based data delivery, the company offers end-to-end solutions that turn space-based intelligence into real-world impact. Applications include weather monitoring, maritime safety, security and defence, agriculture and forestry. AAC Clyde Space is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, with main operations also in the UK, Netherlands, South Africa and the USA. The company’s shares are traded on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market in Stockholm (Ticker: AAC) and on the US OTCQX Market (Symbol: ACCMF). The Company’s Certified Adviser is DNB Carnegie Investment Bank AB.
AboutVirtualInvestorConferences® Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
CONTACTS: AAC Clyde Space Håkan Tribell Director of Communications +46 707 230 382 investor@aac-clydespace.com
VirtualInvestorConferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com
NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtual Investor Conferences, the leading proprietary investor conference series announced the agenda for the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference July 10.
Individual investors, institutional investors, advisors, and analysts are invited to attend.
It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. There is no cost to log-in, attend live presentations, or schedule 1×1 meetings with management.
“Technology and AI companies are transforming how industries operate; and access to capital is critical to support that momentum,” said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. “Our Virtual Investor Conferences connect innovative companies with engaged investors in a format that’s built for meaningful interaction. We’re proud to power visibility and engagement for this dynamic sector.”
July 10th
To facilitate investor relations scheduling and to view a complete calendar of Virtual Investor Conferences, please visit www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.
About Virtual Investor Conferences®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtual Investor Conferences, the leading proprietary investor conference series announced the agenda for the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference July 10.
Individual investors, institutional investors, advisors, and analysts are invited to attend.
It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. There is no cost to log-in, attend live presentations, or schedule 1×1 meetings with management.
“Technology and AI companies are transforming how industries operate; and access to capital is critical to support that momentum,” said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. “Our Virtual Investor Conferences connect innovative companies with engaged investors in a format that’s built for meaningful interaction. We’re proud to power visibility and engagement for this dynamic sector.”
July 10th
To facilitate investor relations scheduling and to view a complete calendar of Virtual Investor Conferences, please visit www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.
About Virtual Investor Conferences®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
Silver Spring, MD, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) (“BTCS” or the “Company”) short for Blockchain Technology Consensus Solutions, a blockchain technology-focused company, today announced its strategic intent to raise $100 million in 2025 to acquire Ethereum. This initiative is part of the Company’s long-term vision to build the leading publicly traded company focused on Ethereum infrastructure while remaining one of the largest holders of ETH among public companies.
“We believe that Ethereum has significant growth potential and is central to the future digital financial infrastructure. Now, with Ethereum at 2021 price levels, is the time to deepen our exposure,” said Charles Allen, CEO of BTCS. “Our approach to capital formation has been – and continues to be – designed to minimize dilution, maximize flexibility, and align with our commitment to sound financial management for the protection of our shareholders.”
This initiative represents a transformative expansion of BTCS’s Ethereum-first strategy, leveraging a cutting-edge financing model that combines both decentralized finance (“DeFi”) and traditional finance (“TradFi”) mechanisms. The planned capital raises1 will be structured through a sophisticated DeFi/TradFi accretion flywheel consisting of At-The-Market (“ATM”) equity sales, convertible debt issuance, on-chain borrowing via Aave, yield generated from NodeOps (staking Ethereum), and vertical integration with Builder+ (block building), one of the most advanced opportunities for driving revenue and increasing ETH per share while minimizing dilution.
Key principles of the DeFi/TradFi Strategy
Subject to market conditions, the Company intends to raise funds to acquire Ethereum on a rolling basis, with a targeted emphasis on maximizing capital efficiency. BTCS plans to adhere to a strict net asset value (“NAV”) leverage cap of up to 40% at the time of each financing, covering its combined exposure to convertible debt and Aave borrowings, to ensure a conservative and sustainable balance sheet. The strategy includes:
ATM Equity Sales: Opportunistic issuance through the Company’s existing ATM program, designed to access equity markets efficiently and transparently. This would utilize BTCS’s current $250 million shelf registration to the extent it is not restricted by baby shelf limitations.
Convertible Debt: Opportunistic use of the previously announced convertible debt arrangement with ATW Partners LLC (“ATW”), which BTCS may utilize upon mutual agreement with ATW, provided it represents the lowest cost of capital. This arrangement, which forms part of BTCS’s broader capital strategy, is designed to provide access to funding while minimizing shareholder dilution.
DeFi Borrowing via Aave: Continuing to borrow stablecoins from Aave using ETH as collateral. This structure operates as a perpetual loan, carrying no associated banking or underwriting fees. The current net annual cost of capital remains extremely favorable at around 3%, with no shareholder dilution. This structure can be implemented in minutes, is highly scalable, and provides a flexible mechanism for rapid growth.
This innovative mix of financing is designed to achieve the least dilutive cost of capital while expanding the Company’s Ethereum holdings in a responsible and forward-looking manner, with the goal of increasing its ETH per share and simultaneously driving revenue growth.
A New Frontier in Crypto Capital Formation
By utilizing both decentralized and institutional capital markets, BTCS aims to set a precedent for how public blockchain companies can bridge DeFi and TradFi to create shareholder value and foster trust in programmable financial systems.
“We’re engineering a capital structure that mirrors the ethos of crypto itself—efficient, transparent, and decentralized,” said Allen. “With 20 years of capital markets experience and 10 years at the forefront of crypto, BTCS is uniquely positioned to lead in this new paradigm. With a new crypto-friendly administration and increased institutional interest in Ethereum, now is the time to rapidly scale our operations.”
The chart below illustrates the history of BTCS’s ETH accumulation over the last 5 years:
The Company plans to provide additional updates, in accordance with its disclosure obligations under securities laws, regarding the specific timelines, instruments, and market conditions as part of its regular investor communications.
About BTCS:
BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) (short for Blockchain Technology Consensus Solutions) is a U.S.-based blockchain infrastructure technology company currently focused on driving scalable revenue growth through its blockchain infrastructure operations. BTCS has honed its expertise in blockchain network operations, particularly in block building and validator node management. Its branded block-building operation, Builder+, leverages advanced algorithms to optimize block construction for on-chain validation, thus maximizing gas fee revenues. BTCS also supports other blockchain networks by operating validator nodes and staking its crypto assets across multiple proof-of-stake networks, allowing crypto holders to delegate assets to BTCS-managed nodes. In addition, the Company has developed ChainQ, an AI-powered blockchain data analytics platform, which enhances user access and engagement within the blockchain ecosystem. Committed to innovation and adaptability, BTCS is strategically positioned to expand its blockchain operations and infrastructure beyond Ethereum as the ecosystem evolves. Explore how BTCS is revolutionizing blockchain infrastructure in the public markets by visitingwww.btcs.com.
Certain statements in this press release, constitute “forward-looking statements” within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 including statements regarding plans to raise $100 million in 2025, Ethereum’s growth potential, plans for capital raises and limiting our NAV leverage cap and rapidly increasing the Company’s ETH per share and simultaneously driving revenue growth. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation market conditions, regulatory issues and requirements, unexpected issues with Builder+, as well as risks set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 which was filed on March 20, 2025. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Silver Spring, MD, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) (“BTCS” or the “Company”) short for Blockchain Technology Consensus Solutions, a blockchain technology-focused company, today announced its strategic intent to raise $100 million in 2025 to acquire Ethereum. This initiative is part of the Company’s long-term vision to build the leading publicly traded company focused on Ethereum infrastructure while remaining one of the largest holders of ETH among public companies.
“We believe that Ethereum has significant growth potential and is central to the future digital financial infrastructure. Now, with Ethereum at 2021 price levels, is the time to deepen our exposure,” said Charles Allen, CEO of BTCS. “Our approach to capital formation has been – and continues to be – designed to minimize dilution, maximize flexibility, and align with our commitment to sound financial management for the protection of our shareholders.”
This initiative represents a transformative expansion of BTCS’s Ethereum-first strategy, leveraging a cutting-edge financing model that combines both decentralized finance (“DeFi”) and traditional finance (“TradFi”) mechanisms. The planned capital raises1 will be structured through a sophisticated DeFi/TradFi accretion flywheel consisting of At-The-Market (“ATM”) equity sales, convertible debt issuance, on-chain borrowing via Aave, yield generated from NodeOps (staking Ethereum), and vertical integration with Builder+ (block building), one of the most advanced opportunities for driving revenue and increasing ETH per share while minimizing dilution.
Key principles of the DeFi/TradFi Strategy
Subject to market conditions, the Company intends to raise funds to acquire Ethereum on a rolling basis, with a targeted emphasis on maximizing capital efficiency. BTCS plans to adhere to a strict net asset value (“NAV”) leverage cap of up to 40% at the time of each financing, covering its combined exposure to convertible debt and Aave borrowings, to ensure a conservative and sustainable balance sheet. The strategy includes:
ATM Equity Sales: Opportunistic issuance through the Company’s existing ATM program, designed to access equity markets efficiently and transparently. This would utilize BTCS’s current $250 million shelf registration to the extent it is not restricted by baby shelf limitations.
Convertible Debt: Opportunistic use of the previously announced convertible debt arrangement with ATW Partners LLC (“ATW”), which BTCS may utilize upon mutual agreement with ATW, provided it represents the lowest cost of capital. This arrangement, which forms part of BTCS’s broader capital strategy, is designed to provide access to funding while minimizing shareholder dilution.
DeFi Borrowing via Aave: Continuing to borrow stablecoins from Aave using ETH as collateral. This structure operates as a perpetual loan, carrying no associated banking or underwriting fees. The current net annual cost of capital remains extremely favorable at around 3%, with no shareholder dilution. This structure can be implemented in minutes, is highly scalable, and provides a flexible mechanism for rapid growth.
This innovative mix of financing is designed to achieve the least dilutive cost of capital while expanding the Company’s Ethereum holdings in a responsible and forward-looking manner, with the goal of increasing its ETH per share and simultaneously driving revenue growth.
A New Frontier in Crypto Capital Formation
By utilizing both decentralized and institutional capital markets, BTCS aims to set a precedent for how public blockchain companies can bridge DeFi and TradFi to create shareholder value and foster trust in programmable financial systems.
“We’re engineering a capital structure that mirrors the ethos of crypto itself—efficient, transparent, and decentralized,” said Allen. “With 20 years of capital markets experience and 10 years at the forefront of crypto, BTCS is uniquely positioned to lead in this new paradigm. With a new crypto-friendly administration and increased institutional interest in Ethereum, now is the time to rapidly scale our operations.”
The chart below illustrates the history of BTCS’s ETH accumulation over the last 5 years:
The Company plans to provide additional updates, in accordance with its disclosure obligations under securities laws, regarding the specific timelines, instruments, and market conditions as part of its regular investor communications.
About BTCS:
BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) (short for Blockchain Technology Consensus Solutions) is a U.S.-based blockchain infrastructure technology company currently focused on driving scalable revenue growth through its blockchain infrastructure operations. BTCS has honed its expertise in blockchain network operations, particularly in block building and validator node management. Its branded block-building operation, Builder+, leverages advanced algorithms to optimize block construction for on-chain validation, thus maximizing gas fee revenues. BTCS also supports other blockchain networks by operating validator nodes and staking its crypto assets across multiple proof-of-stake networks, allowing crypto holders to delegate assets to BTCS-managed nodes. In addition, the Company has developed ChainQ, an AI-powered blockchain data analytics platform, which enhances user access and engagement within the blockchain ecosystem. Committed to innovation and adaptability, BTCS is strategically positioned to expand its blockchain operations and infrastructure beyond Ethereum as the ecosystem evolves. Explore how BTCS is revolutionizing blockchain infrastructure in the public markets by visitingwww.btcs.com.
Certain statements in this press release, constitute “forward-looking statements” within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 including statements regarding plans to raise $100 million in 2025, Ethereum’s growth potential, plans for capital raises and limiting our NAV leverage cap and rapidly increasing the Company’s ETH per share and simultaneously driving revenue growth. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation market conditions, regulatory issues and requirements, unexpected issues with Builder+, as well as risks set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 which was filed on March 20, 2025. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Malawi’s Minister of Mining, Ken Zikhale Reeves Ng’oma, has confirmed his participation as a speaker at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders. Minister Ng’oma will feature in the Ministerial Forum, showcasing policy frameworks and investment incentives aimed at accelerating mineral exploration, production and beneficiation in Malawi and across the continent.
Malawi – under the leadership of Minister Ng’oma – is attracting attention from major investors targeting its rare earths, uranium, titanium, graphite and downstream value chains. In June, Minister Ng’oma signed a $7 billion deal with China’s Hunan Sunwalk, marking the largest-ever foreign investment in the country’s mining sector. The deal covers the development of titanium extraction and processing facilities in Salima, alongside major commitments to skills development, technology transfer and community investment. The country also secured $5 billion at China’s Xidian International Stock Exchange to develop a Special Economic Zone in Chipoka. Up to $1 billion worth of mining, infrastructure and agri-industrial projects will be deployed within the first year as part of the deal. The China-Africa Cooperation on Critical Minerals Roundtable at AMW provides an ideal platform for Minister Ng’oma to forge new investment partnerships with Chinese investors.
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
In addition to Chinese investors, major financial institutions across the globe are also supporting cornerstone projects. Malawi’s Ecobank has proposed a $30 million loan, the European Investment Bank a $40 million facility and Gerald Group a $50 million loan to fund the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project. Operated by Australia’s Lindian Resources, the project will be one of the world’s largest rare earths production facilities once operational in 2026.
In the uranium sector, Lotus Resources secured $38.5 million from South African banks First Capital Bank and Standard Bank to advance the Kayelekera Uranium Project, with first production scheduled for Q3 2025. Additionally, Sovereign Metals raised $40 million in March to support the Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project, home to the world’s largest known rutile deposit and second-largest graphite reserve. With projected annual outputs of 245,000 tons of rutile and 288,000 tons of graphite over 25 years, the project will position Malawi as a major player in global critical minerals supply.
Amid this surge in investment, Malawi’s mining sector has the potential to generate up to $30 billion in mineral exports between 2026 and 2040. Against this backdrop, AMW 2025 provides a timely platform for Minister Ng’oma to engage global investors, spotlight Malawi’s growing mining sector and drive new partnerships. Held under the theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, AMW will feature high-level panel discussions and strategic project showcases amplifying Malawi’s role in the continent’s mining future.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, in collaboration with leading digital assets exchange Quidax (www.Quidax.io), hosted an educational series aimed at equipping Nigerian finance professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving digital assets ecosystem.
The exclusive two-day event, held at the prestigious Capital Club in Victoria Island, Lagos, convened representatives from commercial banks, asset management firms, pension fund administrators, and securities traders. Some of the participants at the event were from Zenith Bank, ARM, Investment One, FBNQuest, Interswitch, Ecobank, Africa Prudential, Meristem, Wema Bank, Capitafield, Sterling Bank, and several other companies.
Driving Adoption Through Education and Regulation
Speaking at the event, Abdulrasheed Dan Abu, Head of FinTech and Innovation at the Securities and Exchange Commission, underscored the programme’s significance. He stated that the initiative reflects the commission’s statutory responsibility not only to regulate the capital market but also to actively develop it.
Dan Abu emphasized the integral role of traditional financial institutions in the growth of the digital asset ecosystem. “The banks hold fiat currency. If they don’t understand what is going on, it creates a disconnect in the value chain. The more banks that understand digital assets, the better the playing field for users,” he explained.
This educational series builds on a series of significant regulatory milestones in Nigeria’s digital finance space. On 29 March 2025, President Bola Tinubu signed into law the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, which formally classifies cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets as securities, thereby placing them under the SEC’s purview. Prior to this, in June 2024, the commission issued rules for Virtual Asset Service Providers, providing crucial regulatory backing to exchanges and other entities operating in the space.
Quidax’s Pan-African Mission and the Importance of Collaboration
Buchi Okoro, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quidax, highlighted the event’s core purpose: supporting adoption by educating both beginners and advanced participants within the financial industry. “Adoption starts with education. This session caters to people at different knowledge levels, from total beginners to those who have conducted blockchain pilots,” he said.
Okoro reiterated Quidax’s ambitious Pan-African mission, noting that the exchange already operates in nine countries and plans to expand to all 54 African nations. “We’re solving African problems for Africans, and this event partnership with the SEC helps us do that within regulatory guardrails,” he added.
Industry Leaders Endorse the Initiative
The event garnered strong support from other key industry players, reinforcing the collaborative spirit essential for digital asset integration.
Pascal Maguire, Sales Director for Africa at Fireblocks, stressed the need for such forums: “We need more finance and payments experts and decision makers to attend such forums as this enables them to see that they have trusted partners in firms like Quidax, Fireblocks, and the SEC who can both educate them and guide them on their adoption and innovation journey.”
Ajibade Laolu Adewale, Chairman of the Committee of E-Business Heads in Nigerian Banks and Chief Partnership Officer at Wema Bank, a panelist at the event, highlighted the pressing need for digital assets due to inefficiencies in traditional banking. “Today, moving money internationally still takes days and depends on informal channels. With blockchain, you can transfer value instantly and securely,” he stated.
Attendees also expressed their positive reception. Sunday Joseph Olaniyan, Head of E-Business at Sun Trust Bank, remarked, “Events like these bring such awareness even closer to us as institutions here in Nigeria and presents us with the opportunity to not be left out of this wave of change. People like myself who have been aware of digital assets are now even more sensitized to the global trend and I sure do not want to be left behind at all.”
Adding to the sentiment, Bukola James-Cole, Director of Capital Market at Africa Prudential PLC, spoke about the natural evolution of money. She emphasized, “Whether we like it or not it will happen so the earlier we start getting educated about digital assets the better for the industry.”
– on behalf of Quidax.
About Quidax: Quidax is an African-founded cryptocurrency exchange (https://apo-opa.co/3TvxUhk) that makes it easy for anyone to buy, sell, store and transfer cryptocurrencies. Quidax additionally enables OTC trading (https://apo-opa.co/3IiELby) and gives fintechs the tools to offer cryptocurrency services to customers through a dedicated crypto API.
Quidax was officially launched in 2018 and has customers in over 70 countries.
Ireland’s economy is deeply connected to the global trade network and relies on foreign direct investment (FDI), notably from the US. This paper presents a framework to estimate the impact of geo-economic fragmentation through three channels: (1) supply chain disruptions, (2) trade distortions resulting from tariff increases, and (3) FDI relocation, including driven by tax policy changes. Our findings suggest that while the impact of supply disruptions and higher tariffs would be relatively contained under moderate shock assumptions, potential FDI relocations would be associated with a sizeable loss of value added but more limited impact on the indigenous economy.
Yen N Mooi. “Benchmarking Public Spending Efficiency in Education, Health, and Infrastructure in Ireland”, Selected Issues Papers 2025, 090 (2025), accessed July 8, 2025, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229016872.018
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Summary
The paper benchmarks Ireland’s public spending efficiency to peer countries in infrastructure, health, and education using a variety of indicators and maps the efficiency frontiers in these sectors using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method. It finds that while Ireland is at the efficiency frontier for education spending, there is room for potential gains in public spending efficiency on health and infrastructure. Achieving these gains could create further fiscal space to improve Ireland’s buffers for shocks in an environment of heightened global uncertainty and structural shifts.
People pray before Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance at a town hall hosted by Lance Wallnau on Sept. 28, 2024, in Monroeville, Pa.AP Photo/Rebecca Droke
The NAR is a loosely organized but influential charismatic Christian movement that shares similarities with Pentecostalism, especially in its belief that God actively communicates with believers through the Holy Spirit. Unlike traditional Pentecostalism, however, the organization emphasizes modern-day apostles and prophets as authoritative leaders tasked with transforming society and ushering in God’s kingdom on Earth. Prayer, prophecy and worship are defined not only as acts of devotion but as strategic tools for advancing believers’ vision of government and society.
After the shooting, the Christ for the Nations Institute issued a statement “unequivocally” denouncing “any and all forms of violence and extremism.” It stated: “Our organization’s mission is to educate and equip students to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through compassion, love, prayer, service, worship, and value for human life.”
But the shooting has drawn attention to the school and the larger Christian movement it belongs to. One of the most important aspects of NAR teachings today is what is called “the Seven Mountain Mandate.”
The Seven Mountain Mandate calls on Christians to gain influence, or “take dominion,” over seven key areas of culture: religion, family, education, government, media, business and the arts.
The Seven Mountains concept was originally proposed in 1975 by evangelical leader Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. Now known as “Cru,” the Campus Crusade for Christ was founded as a global ministry in 1951 to promote Christian evangelism, especially on college campuses.
Since 1996, Bill Johnson, a senior leader of Bethel Church, and Johnny Enlow, a self-described prophet and Seven Mountains advocate, among others, have taken the original idea of the Seven Mountains Mandate and reshaped it into a more aggressive, political and spiritually militant approach. Spiritual militancy reflects an aggressive, us-vs.-them mindset that blurs the line between faith and authoritarianism, promoting dominion over society in the name of spiritual warfare.
Their version doesn’t just aim to influence culture; it frames the effort as a spiritual battle to reclaim and reshape the nation according to their vision of God’s will.
Lance Wallnau, another Christian evangelical preacher, televangelist, speaker and author, has promoted dominion theology since the early 2000s. During the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Wallnau, along with several prominent NAR figures, described Donald Trump as anointed by God to reclaim the “mountain” of government from demonic control.
In their book “Invading Babylon: The 7 Mountains Mandate,” Wallnau and Johnson explicitly call for Christian leadership as the only antidote to perceived moral decay and spiritual darkness.
NAR-aligned leaders have framed electoral contests as struggles between “godly” candidates and those under the sway of “satanic” influence.
Similarly, NAR prophet Cindy Jacobs has repeatedly emphasized the need for “spiritual warfare” in schools to combat what she characterizes as “demonic ideologies” such as sex education, LGBTQ+ inclusion or discussions of systemic racism.
In the NAR worldview, cultural change is not merely political or social but considered a supernatural mission; opponents are not simply wrong but possibly under the sway of demonic influence. Elections become spiritual battles.
This belief system views pluralism as weakness, compromise as betrayal, and coexistence as capitulation. Frederick Clarkson, a senior research analyst at Political Research Associates, a progressive think tank based in Somerville, Massachusetts, defines the Seven Mountains Mandate as “the theocratic idea that Christians are called by God to exercise dominion over every aspect of society by taking control of political and cultural institutions.”
The call to “take back” the culture is not metaphorical but literal, and believers are encouraged to see themselves as soldiers in a holy war to dominate society. Some critics argue that NAR’s call to “take back” culture is about literal domination, but this interpretation is contested.
Many within the movement see the language of warfare as spiritually focused on prayer, evangelism and influencing hearts and minds. Still, the line between metaphor and mandate can blur, especially when rhetoric about “dominion” intersects with political and cultural action. That tension is part of an ongoing debate both within and outside the movement.
At the same time, the Seven Mountains Mandate doesn’t depend on centralized leadership or formal institutions. It spreads organically through social networks, social media – notably podcasts and livestreams – and revivalist meetings and workshops.
André Gagné, a theologian and author of “American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and the End Times,” writes about the ways in which the mandate spreads by empowering local leaders and believers. Individuals are authorized – often through teachings on spiritual warfare, prophetic gifting, and apostolic leadership – to see themselves as agents of divine transformation in society, called to reclaim the “mountains,” such as government, media and education, for God’s kingdom.
This approach, Gagné explains, allows different communities to adapt the action mandate to their unique cultural, political and social contexts. It encourages individuals to see themselves as spiritual warriors and leaders in their domains – whether in business, education, government, media or the arts.
The framing of the Seven Mountains Mandate as a divinely inspired mission, combined with the movement’s emphasis on direct spiritual experiences and a specific interpretation of scripture, can create an environment where questioning the mandate is perceived as challenging God’s authority.
Slippery slope
These beliefs have increasingly fused with nationalist rhetoric and conspiracy theories.
The ‘Appeal to Heaven’ flags symbolize the belief that people have the right to appeal directly to God’s authority when they think the government has failed. Paul Becker/Becker1999 via Flickr, CC BY
A powerful example of NAR political rhetoric in action is the rise and influence of the “Appeal to Heaven” flags. For those in the New Apostolic Reformation, these flags symbolize the belief that when all earthly authority fails, people have the right to appeal directly to God’s authority to justify resistance.
To be clear, its leaders are not calling for violence but rather for direct political engagement and protest. For some believers, however, the calls for “spiritual warfare” may become a slippery slope into justification for violence, as in the case of the alleged Minnesota shooter.
Understanding the Seven Mountains Mandate is essential for grasping the dynamics of contemporary efforts to align government and culture with a particular vision of Christian authority and influence.
Art Jipson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
At its heart, pizza is deceptively simple. Made from just a few humble ingredients – baked dough, tangy sauce, melted cheese and maybe a few toppings – it might seem like a perfect candidate for the kind of mass-produced standardization that defines many global food chains, where predictable menus reign supreme.
Yet, visit two pizzerias in different towns – or even on different blocks of the same town – and you’ll find that pizza stubbornly refuses to be homogenized.
We are researchersworking on a local business history project that documents the commercial landscape of Gainesville, Florida, in the 20th and 21st centuries. As part of that project, we’ve spent a great many hours over the past two years interviewing local restaurant owners, especially those behind Gainesville’s independent pizzerias. What we’ve found reaffirms a powerful truth: Pizza resists sameness – and small pizzerias are a big reason why.
Why standardized pizza rose but didn’t conquer
While tomatoes were unknown in Italy until the mid-16th century, they have since become synonymous with Italian cuisine – especially through pizza.
Pizza arrived in the U.S. from Naples in the early 20th century, when Italian immigration was at its peak. Two of the biggest destinations for Italian immigrants were New York City and Chicago, and today each has a distinctive pizza style. A New York slice can easily be identified by its thin, soft, foldable crust, while Chicago pies are known for deep, thick, buttery crusts.
After World War II, other regions developed their own types of pizza, including the famed New Haven and Detroit styles. The New Haven style is known for being thin, crispy and charred in a coal-fired oven, while the Detroit style has a rectangular, deep-dish shape and thick, buttery crust.
By the latter half of the 20th century, pizza had become a staple of the American diet. And as its popularity grew, so did demand for consistent, affordable pizza joints. Chains such as Pizza Hut, founded in 1958, and Papa John’s, established in 1984, applied the model pioneered by McDonalds in the late 1940s, adopting limited menus, assembly line kitchens and franchise models built for consistency and scale. New technologies such as point-of-sale systems and inventory management software made things even more efficient.
As food historian Carol Helstosky explains in “Pizza: A Global History,” the transformation involved simplifying recipes, ensuring consistent quality and developing formats optimized for rapid expansion and franchising. What began as a handcrafted, regional dish became a highly replicable product suited to global mass markets.
Today, more than 20,000 Pizza Huts operate worldwide. Papa John’s, which runs about 6,000 pizzerias, built its brand explicitly on a promise rooted in standardization. In this model, success means making pizza the same way, everywhere, every time.
So, what happened to the independent pizzerias? Did they get swallowed up by efficiency?
Not quite.
Chain restaurants don’t necessarily suffocate small competitors, recent research shows. In fact, in the case of pizza, they often coexist, sometimes even fueling creativity and opportunity. Independent pizzerias – there are more than 44,000 nationwide – lean into what makes them unique, carving out a niche. Rather than focusing only on speed or price, they compete by offering character, inventive toppings, personal service and a sense of place that chains just can’t replicate.
A local pizza scene: Creativity in a corporate age
For an example, look no farther than Gainesville. A college town with fewer than 150,000 residents, Gainesville doesn’t have the same culinary cache as New York or Chicago, but it has developed a very unique pizza scene. With 13 independent pizzerias serving Neapolitan, Detroit, New York and Mediterranean styles and more, hungry Gators have a plethora of options when craving a slice.
What makes Gainesville’s pizza scene especially interesting is the range of backgrounds its proprietors have. Through interviews with pizzeria owners, we found that some had started as artists and musicians, while others had worked in engineering or education – and each had their own unique approach to making pizzas.
The owner of Strega Nona’s Oven, for example, uses his engineering background to turn dough-making into a science, altering the proportions of ingredients by as little as half of a percent based on the season or even the weather.
Gainesville’s independent pizzerias often serve as what sociologists call “third places”: spaces for gathering that aren’t home or work. And their owners think carefully about how to create a welcoming environment. For example, the owner of Scuola Pizza insisted the restaurant be free of TVs, so diners can focus on their food. Squarehouse Pizza features a large outdoor space; an old, now repurposed school bus outfitted with tables and chairs to dine in, and a stage for live music.
Squarehouse also is known for its unusual toppings on square, Detroit-style pies – for example, the Mariah Curry, topped with curry chicken or cauliflower and coconut curry sauce. It refreshes its specialty menus every semester or two.
While the American pizza landscape may be shaped by big brands and standardized menus, small pizzerias continue to shine. Gainesville is a perfect example of how a local pizza scene in a small Southern college town can be so unique, even in a globalized industry. Small pizzerias don’t just offer food – they offer a flavorful reminder that the marketplace rewards distinctiveness and local character, too.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Federal funding cuts to the University of Colorado Boulder have already impacted research and could cause even more harm. Glenn J. Asakawa/University of Colorado
The Trump administration has been freezing or reducing federal grants to universities across the country.
The Conversation asked Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation at the University of Colorado Boulder, to explain how these cuts and freezes are impacting the university he works for and Colorado’s local economy.
The other 30% of research funding comes from a variety of sources. The second-largest is international partnerships at $127 million. Last year, CU Boulder also received $27 million in philanthropic gifts to support research and approximately $29 million from collaborations with industry.
At CU Boulder, federal funding also supports research projects like the Dust Accelerator Laboratory that helps us understand the composition and structure of cosmic dust. This research allows scientists to reconstruct the processes that formed planets, moons and organic molecules.
How much federal funding has CU Boulder lost?
So far in 2025, CU Boulder has received 56 grant cancellations or stop-work orders. Those amount to approximately $30 million in lost funding. This number is not inclusive of awards that are on hold and awaiting action by the sponsor.
This number also does not include the funds that have not been accessible due the considerable lag in funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
Nationwide, National Science Foundation funding has dropped by more than 50% through the end of May of this year compared to the average of the past 10 years. The university anticipates that our funding received from these agencies will drop a similar amount, but the numbers are still being collected for this year.
This research directly impacts the safety, well-being and prosperity of Colorado residents facing wildfires, droughts and floods.
Michael Gooseff, a researcher from the College of Engineering and Applied Science, collects weather data from the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica. Byron Adams/University of Colorado Boulder
At CU Boulder, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics is one of the world’s premier space science research institutions. Researchers at the lab design, build and operate spacecraft and other instruments that contribute critical data. That data helps us understand Earth’s atmosphere, the Sun, planetary systems and deep space phenomena. If the projects the lab supports are cut, then it’s likely the lab will be cut as well.
Scientists test the solar arrays on NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution orbiter spacecraft at Lockheed Martin’s facility near Denver. Photo courtesy of LASP
One of the largest space missions CU Boulder is involved in is the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution orbiter. MAVEN, as it’s known, provides telecommunications and space weather monitoring capabilities. These are necessary to support future human and robotic missions to Mars over the next decade and beyond, a stated priority for the White House. If MAVEN were to be canceled, experts estimate that it would cost almost $1 billion to restart it.
I’m concerned that this stagnation, amid broader cuts to science agencies, could undermine progress in this field and undercut the training of its critical workforce. The result could be the U.S. ceding its leadership in quantum innovation to global competitors.
Massimo Ruzzene receives funding from the National Science Foundation.
Education rates are rising; marriage rates are falling. But the relationship between those two trends isn’t straightforward.Ugur Karakoc/E+ via Getty Images
The longer someone stays in school, the more likely they are to delay getting married – but education does not reduce the overall likelihood of being married later in life, according to our research recently published in Education Economics. Education also influences who Americans marry: Obtaining a four-year degree vs. just a high school diploma more than doubles someone’s likelihood of marrying a fellow college graduate.
Previous research has documented that the more education you have, the more likely you are to get married. But correlation does not imply causality, and plenty of other factors influence marriage and education.
Our study applies economic theory and advanced statistics to a 2006-2019 sample from the American Community Survey: more than 8 million people, whom we divided into different cohorts based on birthplace, birth year and self-reported ancestry.
To isolate the causal relationship, we needed to sidestep other factors that can influence someone’s decisions about marriage and education. Therefore, we did not calculate based on individuals’ own education level. Instead, we estimated their educational attainment using a proxy: their mothers’ level of education. On the individual level, plenty of people finish more or less education than their parents. Within a cohort, however, the amount of schooling that mothers have, on average, is a strong predictor of how much education children in that cohort received.
We found that an additional year of schooling – counting from first grade to the end of any postgraduate degrees – reduces the likelihood that someone age 25 to 34 is married by roughly 4 percentage points.
Among older age groups, the effects of education were more mixed. On average, the level of education has almost zero impact on the probability that someone age 45 to 54 is married. Among people who were married by that age, being more educated reduces their likelihood of being divorced or separated.
However, more education also makes people slightly more likely to have never been married by that age. In our sample, about 12% of people in that age group have never married. An additional year of education increases that, on average, by 2.6 percentage points.
Why it matters
Marriage rates are at historical lows in the United States, especially for young people. Before 1970, more than 80% of Americans 25 to 34 were married. By 2023, that number had fallen to only 38%, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Yet the rising costs of higher education may make marriage less attainable. A 2016 study found that the more college debt someone had, the less likely they were to ever marry.
Declining marriage rates have important effects on individuals, families and society as a whole. Many people value the institution for its own sake, and others assign it importance based on religious, cultural and social values. Economically, marriage has important consequences for children, including how many children people have and the resources that they can invest in those children.
What still isn’t known
Education levels are only part of the explanation for trends in marriage rates. Other cultural, social, economic and technological factors are likely involved in the overall decline, but their exact contribution is still unknown.
One idea gaining traction, though little research has been done on it, considers the ways smartphones and social media may be reducing psychological and social well-being. We stay in more, go out less, and are increasingly divided – all of which could make people less likely to marry.
The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.
John V. Winters does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
July 8, 2025 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau
The Competition Bureau has obtained a court order to advance its investigation into Amazon’s conduct on its online Canadian marketplace, Amazon.ca, to determine if the company is engaging in conduct that may be an abuse of dominance under the Competition Act.
The Bureau is investigating the Amazon Marketplace Fair Pricing Policy. The policy allows Amazon to penalize sellers for certain conduct, including if they set a price for a product on Amazon.ca that is significantly higher than recent prices offered on Amazon or elsewhere. The Bureau is seeking to determine whether the purpose or effect of the policy is to:
allow Amazon to charge higher fees to sellers than it otherwise would, and whether this in turn causes sellers to charge higher retail prices to customers;
prevent the entry or expansion of existing or potential rivals by preventing sellers from offering lower prices elsewhere than they do on Amazon; or
lessen price competition among online marketplaces or retail channels.
The Bureau has obtained a court order from the Federal Court that requires Amazon to produce records and information relevant to the investigation.
There is no conclusion of wrongdoing at this time.
Something dangerous is happening to the U.S. economy, and it’s not inflation or trade wars. Chaotic deregulation and the selective enforcement of laws have upended markets and investor confidence. At one point, the threat of tariffs and resulting chaos evaporated US$4 trillion in value in the U.S. stock market. This approach isn’t helping the economy, and there are troubling signs it will hurt both the U.S. and the global economy in the short and long term.
The rule of law – the idea that legal rules apply to everyone equally, regardless of wealth or political connections − is essential for a thriving economy. Yet globally the respect for the rule of law is slipping, and the U.S. is slipping with it. According to annual rankings from the World Justice Project, the rule of law has declined in more than half of all countries for seven years in a row. The rule of law in the U.S., the most economically powerful nation in the world, is now weaker than the rule of law in Uruguay, Singapore, Latvia and over 20 other countries.
When regulation is unnecessarily burdensome for business, government should lighten the load. However, arbitrary and frenzied deregulation does not free corporations to earn higher profits. As a business school professor with an MBA who has taught business law for over 25 years, and the author of a recently published book about the importance of legal knowledge to business, I can affirm that the opposite is true. Chaotic deregulation doesn’t drive growth. It only fuels risk.
Chaos undermines investment, talent and trust
Legal uncertainty has become a serious drag on American competitiveness.
A study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that public policy risks — such as unexpected changes in taxes, regulation and enforcement — ranked among the top challenges businesses face, alongside more familiar business threats such as competition or economic volatility. Companies that can’t predict how the law might change are forced to plan for the worst. That means holding back on long-term investment, slowing innovation and raising prices to cover new risks.
When the government enforces rules arbitrarily, it also undermines property rights.
For example, if a country enters into a major trade agreement and then goes ahead and violates it, that threatens the property rights of the companies that relied on the agreement to conduct business. If the government can seize assets without due process, those assets lose their stability and value. And if that treatment depends on whether a company is in the government’s political favor, it’s not just bad economics − it’s a red flag for investors.
When government doesn’t enforce rules fairly, it also threatens people’s freedom to enter into contracts.
Consider presidential orders that threaten the clients of law firms that have challenged the administration with cancellation of their government contracts. The threat alone jeopardizes the value of those agreements.
If businesses can’t trust public contracts to be respected, they’ll be less likely to work with the government in the first place. This deprives the government, and ultimately the American people, of receiving the best value for their tax dollars in critical areas such as transportation, technology and national defense.
Regulatory chaos also allows corruption to spread.
For example, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits businesses from bribing foreign government officials, has leveled the playing field for firms and enabled the best American companies to succeed on their merits. Before the law was enacted in 1977, some American companies felt pressured to pay bribes to compete. “Pausing” enforcement of the law, as the current presidential administration has done, increases the cost of doing business and encourages a wild west economy where chaos thrives.
When corruption grows, stable and democratic governments weaken, opportunities for terrorism increase and corruption-fueled authoritarian regimes, which oppose the interests of the U.S., thrive. Halting the enforcement of an anti-bribery law, even for a limited time, is an issue of national security.
Legal uncertainty fuels brain drain
Chaotic enforcement of the law also corrodes labor markets.
American companies require a strong pool of talented professionals to fuel their financial success. When legal rights are enforced arbitrarily or unjustly, the very best talent that American companies need may leave the country.
The science brain drain is already happening. American scientists have submitted 32% more applications for jobs abroad compared with last year. Nonscientists are leaving too. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has witnessed a 50% increase in Americans taking steps to obtain an Irish passport. Employers in the U.K. saw a spike in job applications from the United States.
Business from other countries will gladly accept American talent as they compete against American companies. During the Third Reich, Nazi Germany lost its best and brightest to other countries, including America. Now the reverse is happening, as highly talented Americans leave to work for firms in other nations.
Threats of arbitrary legal actions also drive away democratic allies and their prosperous populations that purchase American-made goods and services. For example, arbitrarily threatening to punish or even annex a closely allied nation does not endear its citizens to that government or the businesses it represents. So it’s no surprise that Canadians are now boycotting American goods and services. This is devastating businesses in American border towns and hurts the economy nationwide.
Similarly, the Canadian government has responded to whipsawing U.S. tariff announcements with counter-tariffs, which will slice the profits of American exporters. Close American allies and trading partners such as Japan, the U.K. and the European Union are also signaling their own willingness to impose retaliatory tariffs, increasing the costs of operations to American business even more.
Modern capitalism depends on smart regulation to thrive. Smart regulation is not an obstacle to capitalism. Smart regulation is what makes American capitalism possible. Smart regulation is what makes American freedom possible.
Clear and consistently applied legal rules allow businesses to aggressively compete, carefully plan, and generate profits. An arbitrary rule of law deprives business of the true power of capitalism – the ability to promote economic growth, spur innovation and improve the overall living standards of a free society. Americans deserve no less, and it is up to government to make that happen for everyone.
Something dangerous is happening to the U.S. economy, and it’s not inflation or trade wars. Chaotic deregulation and the selective enforcement of laws have upended markets and investor confidence. At one point, the threat of tariffs and resulting chaos evaporated US$4 trillion in value in the U.S. stock market. This approach isn’t helping the economy, and there are troubling signs it will hurt both the U.S. and the global economy in the short and long term.
The rule of law – the idea that legal rules apply to everyone equally, regardless of wealth or political connections − is essential for a thriving economy. Yet globally the respect for the rule of law is slipping, and the U.S. is slipping with it. According to annual rankings from the World Justice Project, the rule of law has declined in more than half of all countries for seven years in a row. The rule of law in the U.S., the most economically powerful nation in the world, is now weaker than the rule of law in Uruguay, Singapore, Latvia and over 20 other countries.
When regulation is unnecessarily burdensome for business, government should lighten the load. However, arbitrary and frenzied deregulation does not free corporations to earn higher profits. As a business school professor with an MBA who has taught business law for over 25 years, and the author of a recently published book about the importance of legal knowledge to business, I can affirm that the opposite is true. Chaotic deregulation doesn’t drive growth. It only fuels risk.
Chaos undermines investment, talent and trust
Legal uncertainty has become a serious drag on American competitiveness.
A study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that public policy risks — such as unexpected changes in taxes, regulation and enforcement — ranked among the top challenges businesses face, alongside more familiar business threats such as competition or economic volatility. Companies that can’t predict how the law might change are forced to plan for the worst. That means holding back on long-term investment, slowing innovation and raising prices to cover new risks.
When the government enforces rules arbitrarily, it also undermines property rights.
For example, if a country enters into a major trade agreement and then goes ahead and violates it, that threatens the property rights of the companies that relied on the agreement to conduct business. If the government can seize assets without due process, those assets lose their stability and value. And if that treatment depends on whether a company is in the government’s political favor, it’s not just bad economics − it’s a red flag for investors.
When government doesn’t enforce rules fairly, it also threatens people’s freedom to enter into contracts.
Consider presidential orders that threaten the clients of law firms that have challenged the administration with cancellation of their government contracts. The threat alone jeopardizes the value of those agreements.
If businesses can’t trust public contracts to be respected, they’ll be less likely to work with the government in the first place. This deprives the government, and ultimately the American people, of receiving the best value for their tax dollars in critical areas such as transportation, technology and national defense.
Regulatory chaos also allows corruption to spread.
For example, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits businesses from bribing foreign government officials, has leveled the playing field for firms and enabled the best American companies to succeed on their merits. Before the law was enacted in 1977, some American companies felt pressured to pay bribes to compete. “Pausing” enforcement of the law, as the current presidential administration has done, increases the cost of doing business and encourages a wild west economy where chaos thrives.
When corruption grows, stable and democratic governments weaken, opportunities for terrorism increase and corruption-fueled authoritarian regimes, which oppose the interests of the U.S., thrive. Halting the enforcement of an anti-bribery law, even for a limited time, is an issue of national security.
Legal uncertainty fuels brain drain
Chaotic enforcement of the law also corrodes labor markets.
American companies require a strong pool of talented professionals to fuel their financial success. When legal rights are enforced arbitrarily or unjustly, the very best talent that American companies need may leave the country.
The science brain drain is already happening. American scientists have submitted 32% more applications for jobs abroad compared with last year. Nonscientists are leaving too. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has witnessed a 50% increase in Americans taking steps to obtain an Irish passport. Employers in the U.K. saw a spike in job applications from the United States.
Business from other countries will gladly accept American talent as they compete against American companies. During the Third Reich, Nazi Germany lost its best and brightest to other countries, including America. Now the reverse is happening, as highly talented Americans leave to work for firms in other nations.
Threats of arbitrary legal actions also drive away democratic allies and their prosperous populations that purchase American-made goods and services. For example, arbitrarily threatening to punish or even annex a closely allied nation does not endear its citizens to that government or the businesses it represents. So it’s no surprise that Canadians are now boycotting American goods and services. This is devastating businesses in American border towns and hurts the economy nationwide.
Similarly, the Canadian government has responded to whipsawing U.S. tariff announcements with counter-tariffs, which will slice the profits of American exporters. Close American allies and trading partners such as Japan, the U.K. and the European Union are also signaling their own willingness to impose retaliatory tariffs, increasing the costs of operations to American business even more.
Modern capitalism depends on smart regulation to thrive. Smart regulation is not an obstacle to capitalism. Smart regulation is what makes American capitalism possible. Smart regulation is what makes American freedom possible.
Clear and consistently applied legal rules allow businesses to aggressively compete, carefully plan, and generate profits. An arbitrary rule of law deprives business of the true power of capitalism – the ability to promote economic growth, spur innovation and improve the overall living standards of a free society. Americans deserve no less, and it is up to government to make that happen for everyone.
The European Banking Authority (EBA) today launched a public consultation on the draft Guidelines on the sound management of third-party risk. The draft Guidelines focus on third-party arrangements in relation to non-ICT related services provided by third-party service providers and their subcontractors with a particular focus on the provision of critical or important functions. These Guidelines revise and update the previousEBA Guidelines on outsourcing, published in 2019, in line with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). The consultation runs until 8 October 2025.
The draft Guidelines specify the steps to be taken by financial entities for the life cycle of third-party arrangements (i.e. risk assessment, due diligence, contractual phase, sub-contracting, monitoring, exit strategies and termination processes) to ensure consistency with the requirements under the DORA framework to the extent possible. The draft Guidelines provide specific criteria for the application of the proportionality principle.
In addition, the draft Guidelines ensure consistency with the DORA register by allowing financial institutions to store consistent information for both ICT and non-ICT services, including the possibility of using one single register. Taking into account the application of proportionality, the level of information to be documented has been limited to reduce the burden on both financial entities and competent authorities.
To ensure a smooth and efficient transition, financial entities falling under the scope of the updated Guidelines have a transitional period of two years to review and amend their existing third-party arrangements (TPA) and to update the register for non-ICT TPA.
Consultation process
Comments to the consultation paper can be sent by clicking on the “send your comments” button on the EBA’s consultation page. The deadline for the submission of comments is 8 October 2025.
The EBA will hold a virtual public hearing on 5 September from 09:00 to 13:00 – Paris time. The EBA invites interested stakeholders to register using this link by 1 September (16:00 CEST). The dial-in details will be communicated to those who have registered for the meeting.
All contributions received will be published following the end of the consultation, unless requested otherwise.
Legal basis
The draft Guidelines have been developed in accordance with Article 74 of Directive 2013/36/EU which mandates the EBA to further harmonise institutions’ governance arrangements, processes and mechanisms across the EU. Article 11 of Directive (EU) 2015/2366/EU (PSD2), Article 26 of Directive 2019/2034/EU (IFD), Article 16 of Directive (EU) 2014/65 (MiFID II), Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (MiCAR) and Article 16 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 have also been taken into account.
REYKJAVIK, Iceland, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lucinity, a leading provider of anti-financial crime software, announced today that its platform is now officially recognized as Microsoft Certified Software for Financial AI. This certification confirms that Lucinity meets Microsoft’s rigorous requirements for technical quality, security, and interoperability within the Azure ecosystem.
The Microsoft certification process evaluated Lucinity’s architecture, security model, and interoperability. Lucinity’s infrastructure follows Azure’s best practices, ensuring that customer data is always accessed and processed through secure, access-controlled pathways. Interoperability with Microsoft environments enables institutions to easily connect existing systems and tools—such data sources or analytics platforms—with Lucinity’s software, removing integration barriers and accelerating time to value.
“This certification reflects our commitment to helping financial institutions fight financial crime with trusted, innovative AI,” said Guðmundur Kristjánsson (GK), founder and CEO of Lucinity. “Built on Microsoft Azure, our platform has been tested, certified, and proven to meet the high standards expected by the world’s leading banks. This certification gives our customers confidence that Lucinity is secure, scalable, and ready to integrate seamlessly into their existing infrastructure.”
Lucinity provides a complete FinCrime operating system that combines intelligent automation with core compliance capabilities. The platform includes Case Manager for unified alert and investigation workflows, Transaction Monitoring with configurable scenario detection, Customer 360 for enriched intelligence, Regulatory Reporting for efficient SAR filing, and the Luci AI Agent.
The Luci AI Agent leverages Azure’s advanced Large Language Models in a multi-LLM framework to deliver explainable, audit-ready automation. Its AI skills—such as case summarization, money flow analysis, and adverse media search—can be easily configured via the no-code Luci Studio. These capabilities are also accessible through the Luci AI Agent plugin, which brings AI directly into familiar enterprise tools like Excel, CRM systems, and case managers without the need for complex integrations. Together, these components provide a seamless, scalable infrastructure for fighting financial crime with speed, accuracy, and confidence.
Lucinity is also available through the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, allowing financial institutions to purchase and deploy the platform using existing cloud commitments while streamlining procurement. A recent deployment through the Marketplace with a global financial services provider—specializing in cross-border payments for millions of businesses—demonstrates Lucinity’s enterprise-ready architecture.
With this certification, Lucinity reinforces its position as a trusted partner for financial institutions seeking intelligent, interoperable, and secure AI solutions for fighting financial crime.
About Lucinity
Lucinity is a Reykjavík-based software company founded in 2018. It helps banks, fintechs, and payment companies fight financial crime with greater speed and efficiency. Lucinity’s FinCrime operating system includes Case Manager, Customer 360, Transaction Monitoring, Regulatory Reporting, and the AI Agent Luci—working together to reduce investigation time from hours to minutes.
The platform is user-friendly, configurable, and self-serve, helping compliance teams improve productivity, cut costs, and make auditable, explainable decisions. Lucinity’s customers include Visa, Trustly, Tandem Bank, Finshark, and Arion Bank. Lucinity also invests in AI innovation through Lucinity Labs, which holds patents in federated learning and PII encryption.
TALLINN, Estonia, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S), a next-generation blockchain project focused on speed, decentralization, and mobile accessibility, has announced its confirmed listing on global cryptocurrency exchange LBank. To mark this milestone, the project has launched a limited-time rollback event, temporarily reducing the token price to $5, significantly below its final listing price of $20.
As digital asset adoption continues to accelerate globally, Bitcoin Solaris is gaining traction for its performance-driven architecture and mobile-first approach. With its dual-consensus framework and high-speed transaction capabilities, BTC-S is positioning itself as a user-centric platform designed to support the next wave of scalable blockchain innovation.
Bitcoin Solaris: The Tech and the Mission
Bitcoin Solaris positions itself as a forward-compatible evolution of Bitcoin’s original principles. It introduces a powerful dual-consensus structure combining Proof-of-Work and delegated proof-of-stake, delivering decentralized security and lightning-speed transaction finality. While Bitcoin takes minutes to settle, BTC-S hits confirmation in just 2 seconds with over 10,000 TPS achieved in testing. That’s not a theory; it’s already running.
Its architecture is built on two layers:
The Base Layer, secured by traditional mining for decentralization.
The Solaris Layer, optimized with fast block production and validator rotation.
This design ensures resilience during high load periods and keeps energy use 99.95 percent lower than Bitcoin.
Adaptive mobile mining logic integrated into the upcoming Solaris Nova app.
These are not buzzwords. They are features shaping a scalable, user-first financial layer that aims to outperform legacy networks.
Mobile Mining: Wealth in Your Pocket
What makes Bitcoin Solaris radically different is how it brings mining to the people. With the upcoming Solaris Nova app, users will be able to mine directly from their smartphones using optimized, battery-safe processes. You can track your projected profits through the Solaris mining calculator and see how much power you’re stacking without expensive hardware.
This concept changes the game:
No rigs required.
No massive electricity bills.
No technical knowledge barrier.
It opens up digital wealth building to over 3 billion smartphone users.
Community, Validation, and Real Influencer Buzz
With more than 13,900 unique users already involved and over $6.3 million raised, Bitcoin Solaris is proving it isn’t just hype. Detailed reviews from major influencers add to the excitement:
Token Galaxy breaks down how BTC-S delivers utility that aligns with mobile-first scalability.
Crypto Show dives into the performance benchmarks and community potential.
There’s also growing buzz on social platforms like Telegram and X, where early adopters are rallying around the project. And let’s not forget the security angle. Bitcoin Solaris is fully audited by Cyberscope and Freshcoins, delivering peace of mind to even the most cautious investors.
BTC-S is currently in phase 11 of its presale at a price of $11 per token, with a confirmed launch price of $20. That’s a 150 percent return for those who act now. But what’s driving the real excitement is the new Rollback Event. For a limited time only, Bitcoin Solaris has slashed the price down to $5, creating what many are calling the final entry opportunity before the big run.
This isn’t marketing fluff. The numbers are there:
To receive your tokens on launch day, Bitcoin Solaris recommends using Trust Wallet or Metamask for seamless delivery.
It’s also worth noting that this might be the shortest explosive presale we’ve seen in the 2024-2025 cycle.
A Strategic Future with Flexible Architecture
Bitcoin Solaris isn’t just racing for attention. It’s building a long-term foundation with cutting-edge mechanics that include:
Validator rotation for enhanced decentralization.
2-second finality combined with smart contract triggers.
Cross-chain bridges enabling asset transfers across ecosystems.
With bitcoinsolaris.com becoming a hub for updates and new development rollouts, BTC-S is rapidly positioning itself as more than just a coin. It’s a decentralized operating layer built for today’s pace.
Final Verdict
The market is shifting. The real innovation is happening with projects like Bitcoin Solaris. With fast finality, real-world mobile mining, and a limited-time rollback opportunity, BTC-S is capturing both the technical edge and community momentum.
Early investors are not just betting on a coin. They’re backing a smarter system designed for performance, accessibility, and long-term growth. While others speculate on the next bull cycle, Bitcoin Solaris is building it.
Disclaimer:This content is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented.We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article.This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital.It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
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NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (the “Company” or “ARI”) (NYSE:ARI), today announced the Company will hold a conference call to review its second quarter 2025 financial results on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Company’s second quarter 2025 financial results will be released after the market closes on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. During the conference call, Company officers will review second quarter 2025 performance, discuss recent events and conduct a question-and-answer period.
To register for the call, please use the following link:
After you register, you will receive a dial-in number and unique pin. The Company will also post a link in the Stockholders’ section on ARI’s website for a live webcast. For those unable to listen to the live call or webcast, there will be a webcast replay link posted in the Stockholders’ section on ARI’s website approximately two hours after the call.
About Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE: ARI) is a real estate investment trust that primarily originates, acquires, invests in and manages performing commercial first mortgage loans, subordinate financings and other commercial real estate-related debt investments. The Company is externally managed and advised by ACREFI Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, Inc., a high-growth, global alternative asset manager with approximately $785 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2025.
Additional information can be found on the Company’s website at www.apollocref.com.
Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided by the same. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. When used in this release, the words believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, plan, continue, intend, should, may or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: higher interest rates and inflation; market trends in the Company’s industry, real estate values, the debt securities markets or the general economy; the timing and amounts of expected future fundings of unfunded commitments; the return on equity; the yield on investments; the ability to borrow to finance assets; the Company’s ability to deploy the proceeds of its capital raises or acquire its target assets; and risks associated with investing in real estate assets, including changes in business conditions and the general economy. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements, and other risks, uncertainties and factors are based on the Company’s beliefs, assumptions and expectations of its future performance, taking into account all information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements are not predictions of future events. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (the “Company” or “ARI”) (NYSE:ARI), today announced the Company will hold a conference call to review its second quarter 2025 financial results on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Company’s second quarter 2025 financial results will be released after the market closes on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. During the conference call, Company officers will review second quarter 2025 performance, discuss recent events and conduct a question-and-answer period.
To register for the call, please use the following link:
After you register, you will receive a dial-in number and unique pin. The Company will also post a link in the Stockholders’ section on ARI’s website for a live webcast. For those unable to listen to the live call or webcast, there will be a webcast replay link posted in the Stockholders’ section on ARI’s website approximately two hours after the call.
About Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE: ARI) is a real estate investment trust that primarily originates, acquires, invests in and manages performing commercial first mortgage loans, subordinate financings and other commercial real estate-related debt investments. The Company is externally managed and advised by ACREFI Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, Inc., a high-growth, global alternative asset manager with approximately $785 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2025.
Additional information can be found on the Company’s website at www.apollocref.com.
Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided by the same. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. When used in this release, the words believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, plan, continue, intend, should, may or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: higher interest rates and inflation; market trends in the Company’s industry, real estate values, the debt securities markets or the general economy; the timing and amounts of expected future fundings of unfunded commitments; the return on equity; the yield on investments; the ability to borrow to finance assets; the Company’s ability to deploy the proceeds of its capital raises or acquire its target assets; and risks associated with investing in real estate assets, including changes in business conditions and the general economy. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements, and other risks, uncertainties and factors are based on the Company’s beliefs, assumptions and expectations of its future performance, taking into account all information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements are not predictions of future events. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
HONG KONG, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nano Labs Ltd (Nasdaq: NA) (“we,” the “Company” or “Nano Labs”), a leading Web 3.0 infrastructure and product solution provider in China, today announced a strategic partnership with Layer 2 cross-chain bridge protocol Orbiter Finance to jointly develop a compliant stablecoin distribution and exchange service across multiple networks. The service will support various compliant stablecoins, including those pegged to USD, HKD, offshore RMB.
Leveraging Orbiter Finance’s multi-chain support capabilities alongside Nano Labs’ expertise in Web3.0, the new solution aims to provide users with low-cost, compliant cross-chain transfers and mainstream token exchanges. The initial product is expected to launch in Q4 2025, with the tentative domain name NBNB.io.
Built on a secure and efficient cross-chain infrastructure for stablecoins, this collaboration is designed to promote the widespread adoption of compliant stablecoins across both DeFi and traditional finance sectors.
Looking ahead, both parties plan to expand support for additional blockchains and drive adoption in institutional-grade applications.
About Orbiter Finance
Orbiter Finance is a leading Layer 2 cross-chain bridge protocol that has processed over USD 23 billion in transaction volume to date.
About Nano Labs Ltd
Nano Labs Ltd is a leading Web 3.0 infrastructure and product solution provider in China. Nano Labs is committed to the development of high throughput computing (“HTC”) chips and high performance computing (“HPC”) chips. Nano Labs has built a comprehensive flow processing unit (“FPU”) architecture which offers solution that integrates the features of both HTC and HPC. In addition, Nano Labs has actively positioned itself in the digital assets space, adopting BNB as its primary reserve asset. It has accumulated nearly US$160 million in mainstream digital currencies including BNB and BTC, and established an integrated platform covering multiple business verticals, including HTC solutions and HPC solutions*. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at: ir.nano.cn.
* According to an industry report prepared by Frost & Sullivan.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s plan to appeal the Staff’s determination, which can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Such statements are based upon management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control, which may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law.
San Diego, CA, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WILLPORT Holdings, Inc., a digital estate planning technology company, is now offering securities under Regulation Crowdfunding through StartEngine Primary, LLC. This offering gives the public a chance to invest in the continued development of WILLPORTtrust, a secure digital platform aimed at transforming how families plan, manage, and personalize their legacies using blockchain and AI.
The Offering
This Regulation Crowdfunding offering is conducted through StartEngine Primary, LLC, a registered funding portal and member of FINRA/SIPC. Investment details and required disclosures are available on the campaign page at https://www.startengine.com/offering/willport-trust.
About WILLPORTtrust
Set for beta launch in 2026, WILLPORTtrust is being developed in collaboration with some of the industry’s leading Trust Lawyers and Estate Planning Experts. The platform is designed to simplify and secure the creation and execution of estate plans for families including those previously underserved by the Trust and Estate Industry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOJxe4RoD_w
Key features include:
Time-Based Wealth Transfers – Distribute assets over time rather than in lump sums
Legacy Messaging – Attach a voice or video message to your inheritance delivery, sent directly to the beneficiary.
Digital Executor Assignment – Delegate key estate responsibilities with precision
TRUSTlocker Vault – Encrypted storage for documents such as wills, directives, and digital credentials
Safe Key Protocol – Secure release of documents triggered by verified life events
WILLPORTtrust seeks to modernize estate planning by offering a user-friendly experience that protects both assets and the emotional bonds behind them. The product’s success depends on a range of factors, including market reception, continued development progress, and regulatory compliance.
THIS REG CF OFFERING IS MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH STARTENGINE PRIMARY, LLC, MEMBER FINRA/SIPC. THIS INVESTMENT IS SPECULATIVE, ILLIQUID, AND INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF YOUR ENTIRE INVESTMENT.
For more information, please contact: WILLPORT Holdings, Inc. 1645 Village Center Circle, Suite 200 Las Vegas, Nevada, 89134 Tel: 855-945-5778 service@willport.com
SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cloudbrink, a leader in high-performance secure connectivity, today announced that respected industry analyst firm GigaOm has positioned Cloudbrink Personal SASE as a Leader and Fast Mover in the Innovation/Platform Play quadrant of the ZTNA Radar chart. According to the report, “Cloudbrink excels in supporting distributed workforces with latency-sensitive applications through its unique acceleration capabilities that enhance performance while maintaining security.”
“Cloudbrink’s location so close to the center in the GigaOm Radar is a testimony to the work we’ve put in listening to customers and translating their needs into our solution,” said Prakash Mana, CEO of Cloudbrink. “We’re energized by the reception the product has gotten in awards, analyst reports, and above all, by our customers. ZTNA needs to take into account network demands as well as user performance requirements. We will continue to innovate to be at the forefront of its evolution.”
Cloudbrink scored well on a number of decision criteria in the GigaOm report, including “exceptional” ratings for Session Monitoring, and Unmanaged Device Support, and “superior” for Legacy Application Support.
In the Business Criteria section, Cloudbrink was top ranked, tied for the highest score. The report rated Cloudbrink “exceptional” for both cost and ease of use, and said, “As a 100% cloud-native SaaS solution, Cloudbrink enables rapid onboarding in minutes through its web-based management portal, with horizontal scaling capabilities to maintain performance as an organization grows. The solution demonstrates flexibility by supporting all popular use cases while delivering insights beyond typical offerings through additional high-fidelity telemetry, making it particularly suitable for latency-sensitive applications where other ZTNA solutions may struggle.”
The report also praised Cloudbrink’s support for distributed offices across the globe. The report states, “International organizations benefit from CloudBrink’s comprehensive unmanaged device support that applies zero-trust controls while enabling secure access from various endpoints. Manufacturing industries appreciate the solution’s protocol-agnostic approach to legacy application support that maintains performance optimization regardless of application age. The extensive session monitoring provides organizations with detailed visibility into user experience metrics, connection quality, and application performance, making it valuable for businesses requiring both security and optimal application delivery across global operations.”
The GigaOm Radar report examined 28 ZTNA solutions and compared offerings against the capabilities (table stakes, key features, and emerging features) and nonfunctional requirements (business criteria).
Consistent Accolades for Cloudbrink Innovation
Cloudbrink’s prominent position in the GigaOm Radar for ZTNA comes on the heels of several awards the company has recently received. In April Cloudbrink was awarded Most Innovative Secure Remote Access in the Cyber Defense Awards, at the RSA conference. Cloudbrink was also named Remote Work Tech Innovation of the Year in the RemoteTech Breakthrough Awards in June. Both awards selected Cloudbrink from thousands of nominations.
About Cloudbrink Cloudbrink delivers a high-performance secure connectivity solution that significantly enhances productivity for the work-from-anywhere generation. The Personal SASE service (which includes high-performance ZTNA) offers up to a 30-fold increase in network performance and ensures a secure, seamless, in-office experience for employees, no matter where they are. With a focus on speed, simplicity, security, and savings, Cloudbrink streamlines management and support while providing edge-native zero-trust access for users and devices for simplified operations, reduced complexity, and fewer support calls. For more information go to www.cloudbrink.com.
Media contact: Chris Fucanan AquaLab PR for Cloudbrink chris@aqualabpr.com 916-345-3475
