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Classiq and QuEra Announce Integration of Neutral-Atom Quantum Computers into Classiq Platform

Classiq Technologies

Classiq, the leader in quantum software development, and QuEra Computing, the leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, today announced a strategic collaboration to integrate QuEra’s cutting-edge neutral-atom quantum computers into the Classiq platform. This integration will enable customers to optimize a wide variety of quantum and hybrid quantum/classical algorithms for QuEra’s quantum computers, leveraging the unique capabilities of QuEra’s advanced quantum technology. With this collaboration, Classiq users will be able to exploit the distinctive features of QuEra’s neutral-atom quantum computers, such as the ability to simultaneously operate on multiple qubits and advanced qubit shuttling. Additionally, the integration provides access to Classiq’s extensive pre-written algorithmic blocks and allows customers to estimate the resources needed to run their algorithms. These capabilities enable the creation of highly resource-efficient algorithms with a large number of qubits and, in the future, for logical qubits as well. “Our partnership with QuEra represents a significant step forward in the quantum computing landscape,” said Nir Minerbi, CEO of Classiq. “By integrating QuEra’s neutral-atom technology into our platform, we are providing our users with unprecedented opportunities to enhance and optimize their quantum algorithms. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering the most versatile and powerful quantum computing solutions available.” “We are thrilled to collaborate with Classiq and bring the power of our neutral-atom quantum computers to a broader audience,” said Yuval Boger, Chief Commercial Officer of QuEra. “Classiq’s platform is renowned for its ease of use and flexibility, and by integrating our technology, we can help users unlock new potential and achieve groundbreaking results in their quantum computing projects.” The integration of QuEra’s quantum computers into the Classiq platform is expected to accelerate the development and deployment of quantum applications across various fields, including pharmaceuticals, finance, logistics and more. Customers who have purchased on-premises computers will be able to use the Classiq platform for the rapid development of quantum algorithms. This partnership highlights the ongoing commitment of both companies to drive innovation and make quantum computing more accessible and impactful. About Classiq Classiq Technologies, the leading quantum software company, provides an all-encompassing platform (IDE, compiler and OS) with a single point of entry into quantum computing, taking you from algorithm design to execution. The high-level descriptive quantum software development environment, tailored to all levels of developer proficiency, automates quantum programming. This ensures that a broad range of talents, including those with backgrounds in AI, ML and linear algebra, can harness quantum computing without requiring deep, specialized knowledge of quantum physics. Classiq democratizes access to quantum computing and equips its users to take full advantage of the quantum computing revolution, including access to a broad range of quantum hardware. Classiq’s core technology, algorithmic quantum circuit compilation, is engineered to power the quantum ecosystem of today and the future. Classiq works closely with quantum cloud providers and advanced computation hardware developers providing software for use with quantum computers, HPC, and quantum simulators. Backed by investors such as HPE, HSBC, Samsung, Intesa Sanpaolo and NTT, Classiq’s world-class team of scientists and engineers has distilled decades of quantum expertise into its groundbreaking quantum engine. Follow Classiq on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) or YouTube, and visit the Slack community and https://www.classiq.io to learn more. About QuEra QuEra Computing is the leader in commercializing quantum computers using neutral atoms—widely recognized as a highly promising quantum modality. Based in Boston and built on pioneering research from nearby Harvard University and MIT, QuEra operates the world’s largest publicly accessible quantum computer, available over a major public cloud and for on-premises delivery. QuEra is developing large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers to tackle classically intractable problems, becoming the partner of choice in the quantum field. Simply put, QuEra is the best way to quantum. For more information, visit us at quera.com and follow us on X or LinkedIn. Contact Details Rainier Communications on behalf of Classiq Michelle Allard McMahon classiqPR@rainierco.com Merrill Freund on behalf of QuEra +1 415-577-8637 press@quera.com Company Website http://www.classiq.io/

July 23, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Top 4 Cannabis Stocks to Watch Ahead of Potential Federal Policy Changes

RazorPitch KDLY, TLRY, CGC, ACB

When it comes to investing in the legal marijuana industry, they don't call it the "green rush" for nothing. Many analysts are projecting massive growth for the cannabis industry. New Frontier, a Washington D.C.-based cannabis research firm, expects total U.S. legal cannabis sales to exceed $57 billion by 2030. In light of such tremendous growth potential, many see marijuana as a golden investment opportunity. Cannabis is now legal in 37 states for medical use and fully legal in 23 states. However, on a federal level, its status has barely changed since the 1970s, sharing the same classification as heroin, ecstasy, and LSD. Cannabis stocks jumped after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended easing restrictions on marijuana in August. With that date approaching, let's take a look at a few stocks in the sector for your radar. KindlyMD, Inc. (NASDAQ: KDLY) is a healthcare company focused on integrating traditional primary care and pain management with behavioral and alternative therapies to combat opioid dependency in the U.S. As Utah's largest alternative pain treatment center, KindlyMD prioritizes holistic pain management and often recommends medical cannabis to improve patient health outcomes. In response to the ongoing opioid crisis, which saw over 80,000 opioid-related deaths in 2021, KindlyMD offers comprehensive care plans to ensure the safe use of opioids when necessary, including appropriate dosing and weaning plans. The company also educates patients on medical cannabis as an alternative treatment option, having conducted over 60,000 patient visits to date. Last month, KindlyMD successfully completed its initial public offering, raising approximately $6.8 million. This milestone demonstrates strong investor confidence in the company's comprehensive approach to healthcare. KDLY announced in June that it had become the first alternative medical treatment company in Utah to sign contracts with the state's top insurance payors, including Select Health, Medicare, and Medicaid. This credentialing allows nearly 70% of Utah's population to access KindlyMD's services through their insurance plans. Tim Pickett, PA-C, founder and CEO, stated, "This is a major milestone for KindlyMD. Now, the scope of services we provide at our Company-branded clinics, including behavioral healthcare and medical interventions incorporating alternative medicine, are covered by and reimbursable by the largest insurance providers across the state." On June 10, KDLY announced a collaboration with Curaleaf Holdings, Inc., (OTCQX: CURLF) to expand patient education on medical cannabis in Utah. This partnership includes community care events throughout the summer, aiming to enhance patient understanding of holistic pain management. Pickett noted, "Our collaboration with Curaleaf will provide more patients with access to pain management treatment options and alternative therapies, including medical cannabis care in the state of Utah." Additionally, KindlyMD further strengthened its position by contracting with Blue Cross Blue Shield, increasing its statewide insurance coverage to nearly 80%. Pickett commented, "The addition of Blue Cross Blue Shield under Utah's leading insurance payors reflects our commitment to transforming healthcare and making a meaningful difference in people's lives." As the cannabis industry continues to gain momentum, KDLY stands out for its unique approach to integrating medical cannabis into comprehensive pain management and behavioral health plans. This strong foundation, coupled with the company’s expanding insurance coverage and successful partnerships, positions KindlyMD for potential growth. For investors looking to tap into the burgeoning cannabis market, KDLY presents a compelling opportunity. Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) is a global leader in medical cannabis, dedicated to improving patient lives through a diverse portfolio of brands including Tilray, Aphria, Broken Coast, Symbios, and Navcora. From its origins as a licensed producer in Canada, Tilray has expanded its operations to Europe, establishing GMP-certified production facilities in Portugal and Germany. Today, Tilray Medical is a major supplier of medical cannabis across 20 countries and five continents, serving patients, healthcare professionals, and governments. Recently, Tilray announced it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended May 31, 2024, on July 29, 2024, at market close. Despite recent fluctuations in share price, Tilray remains a formidable player in the cannabis industry, demonstrating long-term strength through its expanding craft beer business. Acquiring brands from Anheuser-Busch in 2023, Tilray has doubled its alcohol sales, diversifying its revenue streams and enhancing its position in a competitive market. TLRY’s strategic investments include building a $250 million cash reserve to support future acquisitions and operational expansion. This move, while diluting shares, positions Tilray advantageously for growth in the evolving cannabis sector. The company holds the top market share in Canada and Germany and distributes medical cannabis globally. In its Q3 2024 report, TLRY reported revenue of $188.3 million, a 30% increase from the previous year, although it fell short of the $198.3 million analysts' expectations. The company significantly reduced its loss to $82.1 million from $1.2 billion a year ago. With notable hedge fund interest and a robust portfolio, TLRY is well-positioned to benefit from potential federal legalization of medical cannabis in the U.S. Irwin Simon, CEO, highlighted Tilray's readiness to capitalize on regulatory changes, particularly the potential rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III, which would facilitate the sale of pharmaceutical-grade products in the U.S. Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC) is a global leader in the cannabis industry, committed to enhancing lives through innovative products and a diverse brand portfolio. With notable brands like Doja, 7ACRES, Tweed, and Deep Space, as well as vaporizer technology from Storz & Bickel, Canopy Growth stands out for its dedication to premium and mainstream cannabis products. The company recently reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. For Q4 FY2024, Canopy Growth achieved a 7% increase in net revenue year-over-year, or 16% excluding divested businesses. This growth was significantly driven by a 43% revenue increase from Storz & Bickel, reflecting strong sales of the new Venty portable vaporizer. The Canadian cannabis sector saw a 16% rise in medical cannabis revenue, contributing to a 4% increase in overall Canadian cannabis revenue. In fiscal year 2024, Canopy Growth made impressive strides in reducing costs. The total cost of goods sold (COGS) decreased by 45%, with Canadian cannabis COGS dropping 54% year-over-year. Consolidated gross margins improved to 27%, marking a significant 4,600 basis point increase from the previous year. Despite an operating loss of $229 million and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $59 million, Canopy Growth showed a 72% improvement in adjusted EBITDA loss compared to FY2023. The company's financial stability is also notable, with $203 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments as of March 31, 2024. Strengthening balance sheet actions have positioned Canopy with no material debt obligations until March 2026. David Klein, CEO of Canopy Growth, highlighted the company’s strong foundation for future growth, emphasizing its momentum in the global cannabis markets and its readiness to capitalize on regulatory advancements in Germany and the U.S. As Canopy Growth enters FY2025, its broad portfolio of impactful brands and expanding U.S. ecosystem set the stage for continued success. Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB), headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, is a leading global player in the cannabis industry, serving medical and recreational markets across Canada, Europe, Australia, and South America. The company has built a diverse portfolio of cannabis brands, including Aurora Drift, San Rafael '71, Daily Special, Tasty's, and Greybeard for adult use, and MedReleaf, CanniMed, Aurora, and Whistler Medical Marijuana Co. for medical purposes. Additionally, Aurora's international brands include Pedanios, Bidiol, IndiMed, and CraftPlant. Aurora's strategic focus on innovation and high-quality products has positioned it as a significant force in the global cannabis market. The company recently reported its financial results for the fiscal year 2024, highlighting substantial improvements and operational efficiency. For Q4 2024, Aurora Cannabis achieved a 5% year-over-year increase in total net revenue, reaching $67.4 million. The global medical cannabis sector drove this growth, with net revenue rising 20% to $45.6 million. The company's strong performance in medical cannabis was bolstered by the acquisition of MedReleaf Australia and increased sales in Poland and the UK. Aurora's record annual adjusted EBITDA of $12.8 million marks its sixth consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA, reflecting the company's effective cost management and revenue growth. Aurora ended the fiscal year with approximately $180 million in cash and is debt-free in its cannabis business. The company remains focused on achieving positive free cash flow by the end of 2024. According to CEO Miguel Martin, Aurora's leadership in the global medical cannabis market is distinguished by its ability to meet diverse patient needs worldwide, underscored by a significant increase in its quarterly adjusted gross margin to 66%. With a solid financial foundation and a robust global presence, Aurora Cannabis is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the evolving cannabis industry. Disclaimers: RazorPitch Inc. "RazorPitch" is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment adviser. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions, or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact may be forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward looking statements in this action may be identified through use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements indicating certain actions & quote; may, could, or might occur. Understand there is no guarantee past performance will be indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap and growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investors investment may be lost or impaired due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. RazorPitch has been retained and compensated by Cambridge Consulting to assist in the production and distribution of content related to KDLY. RazorPitch is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by RazorPitch or any third party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in this article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. RazorPitch is not a fiduciary by virtue of any persons use of or access to this content. Contact Details Mark McKelvie +1 585-301-7700 Company Website http://razorpitch.com

July 22, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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BestGrowthStocks.Com Issues Analysis on the Next Beneficiaries of the AI Revolution

SoundHound AI Inc.

NEW YORK, NY / NewsDirect / July 22nd, 2024 / Best Growth Stocks, a leading independent equity research and corporate access firm focused on finding and reporting on the best growth stocks utilizing exclusive ai-assisted research recently issued a comprehensive analysis of SoundHound AI, Inc. a pioneer in advanced voice-enabled AI and conversational intelligence technologies and a comprehensive analysis of the next beneficiaries of the AI revolution. SoundHound AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOUN) has garnered significant investor attention following multiple recent announcements that could prove to be significant catalysts for the AI company. Best Growth Stock's full report offers an analysis of SoundHound’s operations, potential upcoming catalysts, growth drivers, financials, share structure, chart, and more. Bonus content “The Next Beneficiaries of the AI Revolution” offers a comprehensive analysis of the next beneficiaries of the AI revolution, which ones stand to benefit near term, and stocks under $15/share to watch within each sector. Access this full analysis and bonus AI report with no obligation: https://bestgrowthstocks.com/soun-analysis/ Access this full analysis and bonus AI report with no obligation: https://bestgrowthstocks.com/soun-analysis/ About SoundHound AI SoundHound AI (Nasdaq: SOUN), a global leader in conversational intelligence, offers voice AI solutions that let businesses offer incredible conversational experiences to their customers. Built on proprietary technology, SoundHound’s voice AI delivers best-in-class speed and accuracy in numerous languages to product creators across automotive, TV, and IoT, and to customer service industries via groundbreaking AI-driven products like Smart Answering, Smart Ordering, and Dynamic Drive Thru, an AI-powered multimodal food ordering solution. Along with SoundHound Chat AI, a powerful voice assistant with integrated Generative AI, SoundHound powers millions of products and services, and processes billions of interactions each year for world class businesses. About Best Growth Stocks Best Growth Stocks is a leading independent equity research and corporate access firm focused on finding and reporting on the best growth stocks utilizing our exclusive ai-assisted research. BGS is also a financial news provider, focused on giving investors direct access to CEOs of promising, publicly-traded companies, and market experts. Our CEO interviews aim to answer the questions that rest on the minds of current and future shareholders. This is not to be construed as financial advice. Please consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Media Contact Best Growth Stocks Senior Editor: Steve Macalbry Editor@BestGrowthStocks.com SOURCE: BestGrowthStocks.Com Contact Details Media Source LLC Steve Macalbry +1 989-274-7778 Editor@bestgrowthstocks.com

July 22, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tonix Pharmaceuticals Awarded potential 34 million dollar Contract with U.S. Department of Defence

Tonix Pharmaceuticals

Tonix Pharmaceuticals CEO Dr. Seth Lederman joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share exciting news about a significant achievement for the company. Tonix Pharmaceuticals has been awarded a potential contract worth up to $34 million over five years by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Defense. This contract aims to develop small molecule broad-spectrum antiviral agents for the prevention or treatment of infections, thereby enhancing the medical readiness of military personnel in biological threat environments. Dr. Lederman explained that Tonix’s program will concentrate on the optimization and development of its TNX-4200 program. The goal is to develop an orally available CD45 antagonist with broad-spectrum efficacy against various viral families through extensive preclinical evaluation. The program is expected to establish essential physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and safety attributes to support an Investigational New Drug (IND) submission, ultimately funding a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical study. The agreement with DTRA is a strategic move to address the DoD’s objective of protecting U.S. Joint Forces from potential biological weapon threats. The DoD announced in December 2022 that it aims to move beyond the traditional ‘one bug, one drug’ approach and is seeking broad-spectrum drugs, as predicting which viruses or how many may be deployed in a biological threat scenario is challenging. Dr. Lederman emphasized that the collaboration with DTRA underscores Tonix Pharmaceuticals' commitment to advancing medical readiness and protection for military personnel. By developing a broad-spectrum antiviral agent, Tonix aims to provide a versatile and robust solution to potential viral threats, enhancing the preparedness and resilience of the U.S. military in diverse and unpredictable biological threat environments. The TNX-4200 program’s focus on creating an effective, orally available antiviral agent highlights Tonix’s innovative approach to addressing complex medical challenges. The successful development of this broad-spectrum antiviral could significantly impact the way viral infections are managed in military and potentially civilian populations, offering a proactive measure against a wide array of viral threats. Tonix Pharmaceuticals continues to be at the forefront of medical innovation, dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the healthcare and defense sectors. The support from the DoD through this substantial contract is a testament to the potential and importance of Tonix’s TNX-4200 program in safeguarding the health and readiness of military personnel against biological threats. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

July 19, 2024 12:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Mainz BioMed Seeks FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for Advanced Colorectal Cancer Test

Mainz Biomed N.V.

Mainz BioMed CEO Guido Baechler joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce the company has submitted an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requesting Breakthrough Device Designation for its innovative non-invasive Next Generation colorectal cancer screening product. This product incorporates a novel portfolio of mRNA biomarkers. Achieving this designation could potentially expedite the approval process, significantly benefiting early cancer detection efforts. Baechler emphasized that the regulatory submission is backed by consistently strong results from the company's clinical studies, ColoFuture and eAArly Detect, as well as data from a comprehensive pooled study encompassing both the European and U.S. cohorts, which were presented at ASCO 2024. These studies have culminated in the final configuration of the Next Generation Test. This test integrates the Fecal Immunochemical Test with proprietary mRNA biomarkers and is enhanced by an advanced AI and machine learning algorithm. This integrated approach is set to be employed in the FDA premarket approval study. The Next Generation Test configuration was rigorously evaluated in a clinical setting involving 295 subjects from 21 specialized gastroenterology centers across the United States. The results underscored the exceptional efficacy of Mainz Biomed’s multimodal screening test, which allows for precise differentiation among colorectal cancer, advanced adenomas, non-advanced adenomas, and samples with no pathological findings. The FDA’s Breakthrough Devices Designation program is designed to accelerate the development, assessment, and review of medical devices and combination products that provide more effective treatment or diagnosis for life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating conditions. This designation for Mainz BioMed's colorectal cancer test could pave the way for quicker market access and wider availability of this critical diagnostic tool. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

July 19, 2024 12:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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ABVC BioPharma's CEO Discusses New Drug Development and AI Integration

ABVC BioPharma

After successfully completing Phase II clinical trials for their medication to treat Major Depressive Disorder, ABVC BioPharma Inc. and AiBtl BioPharma Inc. are now embarking on a groundbreaking clinical study focused on Depression in Cancer Patients. This new study will integrate AI-driven solutions to address the significant challenge of depression among cancer patients, a condition that often complicates treatment and adversely affects overall quality of life. Dr. Uttam Patil shared with Steve Darling from Proactive that the study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the prevalence and impact of depression in cancer patients. It will explore innovative therapeutic approaches by integrating real-time patient monitoring and enhanced patient analysis through an AI model. This advanced methodology is expected to increase the lead time for clinical trials, utilizing novel and sophisticated treatment protocols. The clinical study will be conducted at the renowned Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, involving cancer patients who experience depressive symptoms. By leveraging advanced AI technologies and employing cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, the study aims to monitor and treat depression in participants under meticulous medical supervision. Dr. Patil emphasized that the integration of AI-driven solutions in this clinical study represents a significant leap forward in the treatment of depression in cancer patients. The use of real-time patient monitoring and AI-based analysis is anticipated to provide valuable insights and improve patient outcomes, setting a new standard for clinical trials in this area. The collaboration between ABVC BioPharma and AiBtl BioPharma highlights their commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative solutions. This study is poised to make a substantial impact on the management of depression in cancer patients, offering hope for improved quality of life and better treatment outcomes. Through this pioneering study, ABVC BioPharma and AiBtl BioPharma are at the forefront of integrating technology with healthcare, paving the way for future advancements in the field. The companies are dedicated to utilizing AI to enhance patient care and accelerate the development of effective treatments for depression in cancer patients. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

July 18, 2024 10:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tonix Pharmaceuticals receives positive feedback from FDA on Tonmya™ for fibromyalgia management

Tonix Pharmaceuticals

Tonix Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TNXP) CEO Dr Seth Lederman joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce the receipt of formal minutes from a pre-New Drug Application (NDA) meeting with the US FDA regarding Tonmya sublingual tablets, which is aimed at managing fibromyalgia. This significant development marks a crucial step forward in the regulatory process for Tonmya™. During the meeting, both the company and the FDA concurred that the proposed data package is comprehensive and sufficient to support the NDA submission. Tonix Pharmaceuticals has reaffirmed its plan to submit the NDA for Tonmya to the FDA in the second half of 2024. If the submission proceeds as planned, it could pave the way for a potential FDA approval in the second half of 2025. Dr Lederman highlighted the promising potential of Tonmya to benefit fibromyalgia patients, a demographic that frequently expresses dissatisfaction with existing treatment options. Many patients currently resort to using off-label treatments, including addictive and detrimental opioids, due to the lack of effective alternatives. The positive outcomes from the pre-NDA meeting underscore the robustness and completeness of the data package that supports the registration of Tonmya for the management of fibromyalgia. Tonix Pharmaceuticals is optimistic about the impact that Tonmya could have on the fibromyalgia treatment landscape. The company's focus remains on advancing this promising therapy through the regulatory process and ultimately providing a new, effective option for patients struggling with this challenging condition. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

July 18, 2024 10:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Freelance jobs grow despite AI, finds new data from Freelancer.com

FREELANCER.COM

Freelancer.com (ASX: FLN), the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by number of users and jobs posted, today released its quarterly Fast 50 Index for Q2 2024 based on data from 251,000 jobs posted to the platform. Computer Security (up 27.1% from 868 to 1,103 jobs) emerges as the fastest-growing freelance skill on Freelancer.com, based on job postings across more than 2,000 skill categories from April 1 to June 30, 2024. This trend in cybersecurity skills suggests more small-to-medium businesses are turning to freelancers for cyber security support, further backed by Network Administration (up 9.9%, from 1,229 to 1,351) also placing in the top 25 fastest growing jobs on the platform. The data also shows no negative impact on generative AI tools on freelance jobs, evident in the growth of Writing, Business Service, and Legal Skills seen in this quarter’s Fast 50 report, all of which were predicted to decrease with the rise in generative AI. PDF writing (up 26.7%, from 2,533 to 3,210) was the second fastest growing job, followed by third place being Microsoft Word (up 23.9%, from 3,368 to 4,173) projects which are also associated with content writing. Writing job Copy Typing came in at the 16th place, growing 11.6% (from 4,428 to 4,941). Legal jobs, which were expected to have been ‘at threat’ to AI, have also increased (up 12.0% from 1,138 to 1,274), as well as Legal Research (up 10.8% from 917 to 1,016). In addition to the index, Freelancer.com ’s annual AI survey, which surveyed more than 4,100 workers globally, investigated AI impact on income and the initial results are shedding light on earnings. When asked how the introduction of AI tools have impacted earnings, more than half of workers (52.5%) reveal they’re earning either the same or more. One fifth (19.2%) say that they’re earning a lot more since generative AI tools were introduced, while only one sixth (17.7%) admit to earning less. “AI is creating more jobs than it takes. While many critics continue to speculate which jobs will be made redundant with AI tools, the data shows that freelance jobs which are labeled as the ‘most at risk to AI disruption’ are in fact growing. The preliminary results from our AI survey also dispel the myth that freelancer are earning less since the introduction of generative AI as more three quarters of workers we surveyed are either earning the same or earning more, with a subset taking advantage of AI and earning a lot more.” said Matt Barrie, Chief Executive at Freelancer.com. Cybersecurity threats are on the rise across all organizations, but are particularly harmful for small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs) which have little-to-no security expertise and usually minimal protection. As a result, businesses turned to freelancers for help. In 2Q24, Computer Security jobs ranked as the fastest growing skills (up 27%), indicating there has been an uptick in cyber security threats targeting SMBs. Many of the projects posted throughout the quarter require help with network security, security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities, and creation of cyber security response play books. General business services are also increasing on the platform as more employers are hiring freelancers to support their small businesses. A clear indication of this is the popularity of Market Research and Telemarketing jobs coming in as the fourth and fifth fastest growing skills in Q2 2024, up by 21.1% (from 1,525 to 1,859) and 19.4% (from 1,177 to 1,405), respectively. Other business related skills grew in Q2 2024, including Sales (up 15.5% from 3.467 to 4,005), Lead Generation (up 12.2% from 1,802 to 2,021) and Business Plans (up 10.9% from 1,197 to 1,328). A sudden increase in General business services means that many of the new businesses, which are usually started at the beginning of the year, now require further assistance in helping grow and scale their business. Fastest Falling Skills for Q2 2024 The main category of jobs that fell in Q2 2024 was eCommerce related jobs, which saw a significant increase in Q1 2024. Shopify Templates, ranked as the fastest falling skill and was down by 13% (from 1,476 to 1,284). CSS, which is commonly used in website development, was also down (11.8% from 9.486 to 8,368). Both WooCommerce (from 1.072 to 952) and Shopify (2,545 to 2,269) also fell in the quarter. The easing of eCommerce jobs in this quarter was mainly due to seasonality. Typically, entrepreneurs will start a business at the beginning of the year, requiring help to set up their websites or eCommerce platforms. From there, the entrepreneur either pivots to hiring freelancers for other business services, such as sales or research which we’ve seen in Q2 2024 fastest growing jobs, or are equipped with enough to run their business without any further help. Fastest Growing Overall Job The most popular online freelancing job by total volume is currently Graphic Design with almost double the amount of projects than the other top skills. Graphic Design is followed by PHP (programming), Photoshop, Website Design and HTML (programming). These are typically the best skills for any new freelancer to focus on initially when starting their freelancing journey. How Electronic Repairs Are Becoming the Fastest Growing Skill Globally Electronic Repairs has emerged as one of the fastest-growing job categories on the platform over the past year. In Q2 2024, it ranked 19th among the top 25 fastest-growing jobs, with a 10.7% increase (from 14,945 to 16,548 jobs). However, its most impressive growth is evident in the year-over-year comparison, where Electronic Repairs jobs surged by 162%, from 6,315 in Q2 2023 to 16,548 in Q2 2024. Electronic Repairs are in-person jobs where freelancers are deployed across select countries and cities to fix laptops, printers and computer hardware as part of the Freelancer Global Fleet Program. ##### Freelancer.com Fast 50 The Freelancer.com Fast 50 index is the world’s largest forward indicator of trends in online jobs related to industries, technologies, products, and companies. The data is based on 251,000 jobs posted to the Freelancer.com platform between 1st April to 30th June 2024. Data: Fast 50 Quarterly Index – Q2 2024 2023 Q2 v 2024 Q2 Fastest Growing Jobs for Q2 2024 Fastest Falling Jobs for Q2 2024 About Freelancer Twelve-time Webby award-winning Freelancer.com is the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by total number of users and projects posted. More than 74 million registered users have posted over 23.8 million projects and contests to date in over 2,000 areas as diverse as website development, logo design, marketing, copywriting, astrophysics, aerospace engineering and manufacturing. Freelancer owns Escrow.com and Loadshift. Freelancer Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker ASX:FLN and is quoted on OTCQX Best Market under the ticker FLNCF. Contact Details Freelancer.com Marko Zitko +1 650-800-6863 mzitko@freelancer.com

July 18, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Ascend Wellness CEO Outlines Company's Growth Strategy and Market Expansion Plans

Ascend Wellness Holdings

Ascend Wellness CEO John Hartman joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss the company’s current status and future plans. Ascend Wellness, a prominent multi-state cannabis operator in the United States, has established its presence primarily in the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions. The company, now in its fifth year of operation, has expanded its footprint to seven states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania, both of which are transitioning to recreational cannabis use. During the interview, Hartman emphasized Ascend Wellness's strategic approach of focusing on select markets and maximizing the number of dispensaries allowed in each state. This targeted strategy is aimed at optimizing market penetration and ensuring robust growth. Drawing on his extensive background in wholesale, retail, and manufacturing, Hartman highlighted the company's emphasis on effective capital deployment and growth through mergers and acquisitions (M&A). A significant development discussed was the refinancing of a term loan due in August 2025. This financial maneuver provides Ascend Wellness with a five-year runway to concentrate on growth initiatives. The refinancing is expected to enhance the company's balance sheet management, providing greater financial stability and flexibility. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

July 17, 2024 10:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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