Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN)

Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN) is a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on improving mitochondrial health and protecting neuronal function to treat neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Its lead drug candidate is CNM-Au8®, an oral suspension developed to restore neuronal health and function by increasing energy production and utilization by driving critical cellular energy producing reactions that enable neuroprotection and remyelination to increase neuronal and glial resilience to disease-relevant stressors. CNM-Au8 is being studied in various clinical trials, including the Harvard/MGH Healey ALS Platform clinical trial for patients with ALS; RESCUE-ALS, a completed proof-of-concept clinical trial in patients with early symptomatic ALS; the REPAIR trials, completed target engagement clinical trials showing brain energy metabolite change with CNM-Au8; and a completed MS clinical trial for the treatment of visual pathway deficits in chronic optic neuropathy for remyelination in stable relapsing MS. The company also has a nanotherapeutic platform of drug discovery.

CNM-Au8

CNM-Au8, Clene's lead asset, is a highly concentrated aqueous suspension of catalytically active, clean-surfaced, faceted gold nanocrystals. Multiple pathogenic insults contribute to neuronal death. Mitochondrial dysfunction and NAD+ decline is a common final pathway in neurodegeneration, with NAD+ as a critical determinant of cell survival and function. CNM-Au8's catalytic mechanisms target the energetic deficits, oxidative stress and accumulation of misfolded proteins that are common to many neurodegenerative diseases.

The unique catalytic mechanism of action of CNM-Au8 is hypothesized to act as a neuroprotective and remyelinating therapy in neurodegenerative disease states in order to: (1) drive, support and maintain beneficial metabolic and energetic cellular reactions within diseased, stressed and/or damaged cells, (2) directly catalyze the reduction of harmful, reactive oxygen species ("ROS") and (3) promote protein homeostasis via activation of the heat shock factor-1 pathway, recognized to dampen the cytotoxicity caused by misfolded and denatured proteins, which are known to occur ubiquitously in neurodegenerative diseases.

CNM-Au8 is used in combination with other agents, has no known drug-drug interactions, and is designed to improve function and survival. The clinical effects of both function and survival were seen in its clinical ALS trials, as earlier announced.

More than 500 estimated years of collective exposure across ALS, MS, and Parkinson's disease participants in CNM-Au8 clinical trials and Expanded Access Protocol (compassionate use) programs have been recorded without any observed safety signals.

CNM-Au8 is a federally registered trademark of Clene Inc. Clene, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, with R&D and manufacturing operations in Maryland, began in 2013.

Market Opportunity

ALS is the most prevalent adult-onset progressive motor neuron disease, affecting approximately 30,000 people in the U.S. and an estimated 500,000 people worldwide, with a life expectancy of typically three to five years. Clene estimates that global ALS treatment sales will be greater than $1 billion annually within the coming few years. Additional treatments affecting daily function and survival remain the market need.

Additionally, there are more than 2 million MS patients globally, and Clene estimates the market size to be worth more than $23 billion annually. While the MS community has been successful at limiting relapses, non-relapsing MS patients continue to clinically deteriorate even while receiving effective immunomodulatory disease-modifying therapies ("DMTs"). A critical unmet medical need remains for therapeutic interventions that protect neuronal function and myelin health independent of immunomodulation to address progression independent of relapse activity.

Management Team

Robert Etherington is President, Director and CEO of Clene. He has more than 30 years of sales, marketing and leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining Clene, he worked at Actelion Pharmaceuticals, the largest biopharma company in the European Union prior to its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson in 2017, where he led that company's U.S. commercial operations. He began his pharmaceutical sales and marketing career at Parke-Davis, a division of Pfizer, where he rose to the position of Team Leader overseeing the drug Lipitor.

Mark Mortenson is Chief Science Officer at Clene. He is co-inventor of the technology platform developed to produce the company's therapeutics. He is the inventor or co-inventor on 32 other U.S. patents and hundreds of corresponding international patents. He is a former chief patent counsel responsible for 5,500 U.S. and international patents and patent applications. He holds bachelor's degrees in physics and ceramic engineering from Alfred University, a master's degree in materials science from Penn State University and a J.D. from George Washington University.

Benjamin Greenberg, M.D., MHS, FAAN, is Head of Medical at Clene. He is an internationally recognized expert in disorders of the central nervous system. He is currently professor of neurology and Vice Chair of Clinical and Translational Research in the department of Neurology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He holds a bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins, a master's degree in molecular microbiology and immunology from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and graduated from Baylor College of Medicine. He served residency in neurology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Morgan R. Brown is CFO at Clene. He has more than 30 years of finance and accounting experience, with 23 years at biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device companies. He has served in similar roles at Lipocine Inc., Innovus Pharmaceuticals, World Heart Corp., Lifetree Clinical Research and NPS Pharmaceuticals Inc. He previously worked at accounting firm KPMG. He is a CPA with a bachelor's degree in accounting from Utah State University and an M.S. in business administration from the University of Utah.

D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS)

D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) is a leader in quantum computing systems, software and services focused on delivering value to our customers via practical quantum applications for problems such as logistics, artificial intelligence, materials sciences, drug discovery, scheduling, fault detection and financial modeling. As the only provider building both annealing and gate-model quantum computers, the company is unlocking commercial use cases in optimization today, while building the technologies that will enable new solutions tomorrow. Founded in 1999, D-Wave is the world's first commercial supplier of quantum computing solutions.

D-Wave is a pioneer in quantum computing, with a history of delivering the world's first commercial quantum computer; the first real-time quantum cloud service; countless hardware and software product and research milestones; and the planned first cross-platform quantum solution which will deliver both annealing and gate-model quantum computers to customers via an integrated platform. Its current commercial product offerings include: Advantage™ (fifth generation quantum computer), Leap™ (quantum cloud service), Launch™ (quantum computing onboarding service), Ocean™ (full suite of open-source programming tools) and Quantum QuickStart™ (quantum programming training).

D-Wave's relentless pursuit of practical quantum computing has resulted in the technology being used today by some of the world's most advanced enterprises – our customers include more than two dozen of the Forbes Global 2000 companies.

D-Wave's commercial customers include blue-chip industry leaders like Volkswagen, Mastercard, Deloitte, ArcelorMittal, Siemens Healthineers, Unisys, Accenture, BBVA, NEC Corporation, Pattison Food Group Ltd., DENSO and Lockheed Martin. The company owns one of the largest quantum computer intellectual property portfolios in the industry including more than 210 issued U.S. patents. In addition, it has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers in leading scientific journals.

Advantage™ Quantum Computer

With the Advantage™ Quantum Computer, D-Wave has incorporated two decades of experience and over 10 years of customer feedback to create the first and only quantum computer designed for business applications. The platform features a new processor architecture with over 5,000 qubits and 15-way qubit connectivity. This is 2.5x more connections and more than double the number of qubits than the company's previous generation quantum computer.

D-Wave's quantum computers, first located at the company's facilities in British Columbia, Canada, have been available to North American users through its Leap™ quantum cloud service since 2018. Over the last two years, D-Wave has since introduced new Advantage systems located in Julich, Germany and Marina Del Rey, California, which marked the availability of the first Advantage quantum computer physically located in the United States. This system is part of the USC-Lockheed Martin Quantum Computing Center (QCC) hosted at USC's Information Sciences Institute (ISI), a unit of the University of Southern California's prestigious Viterbi School of Engineering.

Leap Quantum Cloud Service

D-Wave's customers interface with the Advantage quantum computer through the Leap™ quantum cloud service. Leap delivers immediate, real-time access to the company's Advantage quantum computer and quantum hybrid solver service, all with enterprise-class performance and scalability.

Leap allows developers proficient in Python to get started building and running quantum applications. Through a seamless and secure cloud-based connection, users can easily start solving complex problems of up to 1 million variables and 100,000 constraints.

Using Leap, D-Wave customers have developed quantum hybrid applications for use cases in manufacturing, logistics, financial services, life sciences, materials science, retail and transportation. By eliminating the need to wait hours, days, or even weeks, to get good answers to a broad array of problems, D-Wave is helping businesses accelerate solutions to their complex computing problems.

The Leap quantum cloud service is available directly from D-Wave and also in AWS Marketplace.

D-Wave Launch

D-Wave Launch™ is the company's onboarding platform aimed at helping businesses easily start their quantum journey. Through this program, D-Wave's team of experts and partners aid enterprises in identifying best use cases for quantum and work with them to develop a proof of concept and a production pilot.

From there, the team coordinates with customers to get their hybrid quantum applications up and running, providing ongoing Leap quantum cloud access to ensure the application is operating smoothly and delivering real business value.

Target Verticals

While the potential applications for quantum computing are essentially limitless, D-Wave has identified a number of industry verticals as key areas of focus for its quantum architecture, providing case studies for each. These include:

• Manufacturing – D-Wave worked with Volkswagen to identify a commercial optimization application, the binary paint shop problem, which was run on D-Wave's hybrid solver service. The solver outperformed four purely classical methods on problem sizes at commercial scale (N=3,000).
• Life Sciences – Menten AI makes use of D-Wave quantum computing to assist in the design of novel therapeutic peptides—short strings of amino acids that can act as potent drugs. With the rise of COVID-19, D-Wave's Advantage system made it possible to identify molecules that might be especially well-suited for binding and inhibiting the related spike protein, producing several promising peptide designs.
• Finance – Multiverse Computing, a leader in developing quantum solutions for the financial sector, leveraged D-Wave's hybrid solver service in a collaboration with BBVA, one of the world's largest financial institutions. Multiverse helped BBVA with financial portfolio optimization, using D-Wave's quantum technology to identify a portfolio with 15% risk that yielded a 60% return on investment.
• Logistics – SavantX is using the D-Wave Advantage system to optimize operations at the Port of Los Angeles. By using our quantum technology, SavantX improved cargo handling efficiency at Pier 300 with rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes by 60%, and the turnaround time for the trucks picking up those cargo containers by 12%

Market Opportunity

The quantum computing total addressable market is projected by the Boston Consulting Group to grow to between $450 billion and $850 billion over the next 15 to 30 years. For quantum hardware, software and service providers, the near-term TAM (3 to 5 years) is expected to be $400 million to $1 billion, growing to $90 billion to $170 billion over the long-term (15-30 years). Driving factors behind this growth include rising investments in quantum computing tech by governments and an increasing number of commercial use-cases.

Forward-thinking organizations see quantum as an opportunity to move ahead of the competition. From finding efficiencies and reducing waste to decreasing time to solution and solving problems abandoned due to complexity, the business value is real. According to data from Hyperion Research, 80% quantum early adopters are planning to increase their commitment to quantum in the next two to three years, and one-third are planning to invest at least $15M USD in quantum efforts.

D-Wave is strategically positioned – in an industry with significant barriers to entry – as evidenced by a decades-long track record serving a roster of blue-chip customers. The company is singularly focused on helping its customers achieve clear value by leveraging quantum computing in practical business applications. As one of very few quantum companies with a full stack of systems, software, developer tools and services, D-Wave is working to enable enterprises, governments, developers and researchers to access the power of quantum computing, thereby providing an intriguing opportunity for prospective investors.

Prior to listing on the NYSE in August 2022, D-Wave raised over $300 million as a private company with significant investors including PSP Investments, Goldman Sachs, BDC Capital, NEC Corporation, Aegis Group Partners and In-Q-Tel.

Leadership Team

Dr. Alan Baratz has served as the CEO of D-Wave since 2020. Previously, as Executive Vice President of R&D and Chief Product Officer, he drove the development, delivery, and support of all of D-Wave's products, technologies, and applications. Dr. Baratz has over 25 years of experience in product development and bringing new products to market at leading technology companies and software startups. As the first president of JavaSoft at Sun Microsystems, he oversaw the growth and adoption of the Java platform from its infancy to a robust platform supporting mission-critical applications in nearly 80 percent of Fortune 1000 companies. He has also held executive positions at Symphony, Avaya, Cisco, and IBM. Dr. Baratz holds a doctorate in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

John Markovich has served as D-Wave's CFO since 2021. He brings over 25 years of experience serving as CFO for rapidly growing private and public technology companies across all stages of development. Mr. Markovich has directed the finance, accounting, tax, treasury, M&A, legal, operations, customer service, IR, HR, and IT functions for companies ranging from privately held pre-revenue startups to an NYSE-listed Fortune 500 multi-national company with over $1.2 billion in annual revenue. During his career, he has negotiated and closed over 150 debt, equity, M&A, and joint venture transactions exceeding $2.5 billion in value. Mr. Markovich holds a BS in Business from Miami University and an MBA from the Michigan State Graduate School of Business.

GivBux Inc. (OTC: GBUX)

GivBux Inc. (OTC: GBUX) is a publicly traded super app and charitable giving platform. The company is creating a sharing economic community of brands and consumers in which consumers have an easier and more convenient way to shop and buy, merchants have a more efficient and profitable way to advertise, and charities receive built-in contributions from the community's transactions.

The GivBux Super App revolutionizes shopping by offering a user-friendly tool to make purchases swiftly at over 100 national retailers, along with an expanding roster of local merchants. Users earn cash back on every purchase, a portion of which can be directed toward a charity of their choice, embodying GivBux's commitment to giving back. Additionally, the app is evolving to include numerous functionalities like social networking, e-commerce, banking, messaging, food delivery and transportation, following the super app model.

GivBux is forging a new path in charitable giving, with aspirations to build the largest community of givers in the United States, and eventually globally. The company believes it is uniquely positioned to make a major contribution to society by overlapping the worlds of commerce and philanthropy.

The GivBux Super App is currently available for free on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, California.

Products

The company, through wholly owned subsidiary GivBux Global Partners Inc., is engaged in the fintech mobile wallet sector, specifically as a point-of-sale payment system by means of a consumer mobile wallet. GivBux uses smartphone technology to bridge consumers and merchants together without the need for traditional plastic cards or paper cash.

The GivBux mobile app has been designed to store, send and receive funds; donate; and make real-time purchases at top retail brands, restaurants and other venues. The brands benefit, because they are empowered with a data-rich marketing tool to reach and retain consumers through their mobile phones.

With GivBux, recipients can use funds instantly by paying with their mobile phones at thousands of locations. GivBux rewards all users for using the app every time they make a purchase and every time their friends, friends of friends and stranger friends make purchases with the GivBux mobile wallet. These rewards can be redeemed for cash to pay at participating retail stores, restaurants, cinemas, entertainment venues and more.

Moreover, GivBux allows users to contribute to a charity or worthy cause of their choice. To encourage giving and recommendations, a trending 'Top 10 List' of all charities will be generated and displayed on the mobile wallet based on ongoing contributions by GivBux users.

Market Opportunity

A report from Future Market Insights, a New York-based market research organization, estimated the worldwide mobile wallet market at $9.5 billion in 2023. The report projects that in 2024 the industry is likely to reach a valuation of $11.9 billion, and, by 2034, the mobile wallet market is forecast to grow to a value of $138.5 billion, achieving a CAGR of 27.8% over the forecast period.

Key market growth drivers include payment convenience, transaction security and continuing technological innovation. The report points out that mobile wallet payments are widely accepted worldwide, fueled by a rise in digital transactions and a growing use of mobile phones for simple and effective payment options. Innovations like blockchain integration, contactless payments and artificial intelligence are improving functionality and user experience while staying ahead of rapidly evolving digital payment trends, according to the report.

Management Team

Umesh Singh is President and Director at GivBux. He is a Certified Professional Accountant (Canada) with more than 25 years of experience in accounting and finance. He began his career at PwC before joining Hayes Stuart Little & Company (now Grant Thornton), where he was Senior Accountant-Manager and later Partner. Prior to being named GivBux president, he was a member of the GivBux Advisory Board for more than three years.

Michael Arnkvarn is Vice President of International Business Development at GivBux. He has over 30 years of experience in management, sales and marketing. He managed several medium and large agribusiness and environmental businesses before founding Collagenna Skin Care Products, a natural health products and cosmetics company, in 2004. He has been CEO of multiple public small-cap companies and co-founder of a start-up cannabis company that eventually sold for more than $800 million.

Massimo Group (NASDAQ: MAMO)

Massimo Group (NASDAQ: MAMO) is a prominent manufacturer and distributor specializing in powersports vehicles and recreational watercraft. Established in 2009, the company has built a reputation for delivering value-packed utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and on-road vehicles to both recreational enthusiasts and professionals in the agricultural sector. In 2020, Massimo expanded its offerings by launching Massimo Marine, dedicated to crafting high-quality watercraft with advanced designs and exceptional customer service.

Massimo Group is focused on sustainability. Its recent initiatives, including the introduction of the MVR Series of electric carts, highlight the company's commitment to eco-friendly solutions that address growing consumer demand for sustainability in the powersports and marine industries.

The company's manufacturing capabilities have also evolved significantly. Its expanded 376,000-square-foot facility in Garland, Texas, now features advanced automation, including a vehicle assembly robot line. This addition is expected to significantly enhanced production capacity and efficiency, enabling Massimo to scale its operations and better meet market demand.

Product Portfolio

Massimo Group's product portfolio showcases its dedication to innovation and versatility. Its diverse lineup combines advanced features, sustainability, and value to meet the needs of a dynamic market.

• Massimo Motor: This category includes a wide range of UTVs, ATVs, go-karts, and mini-bikes designed for both recreational and practical applications. Notable recent additions include the T-Boss 1000 UTV, which combines rugged performance with advanced features, and the GKD 350 All-Terrain Go-Kart, a versatile two-seater ideal for various terrains. The Buck 550-6 Crew, a six-seater UTV, further expands this lineup, providing comfort and utility for families and light-duty users at an accessible price point.
• Massimo Marine: Specializing in pontoon and tritoon boats, this division emphasizes luxury and performance. A recent collaboration between Massimo and Vision Marine Technologies has introduced electric pontoon platforms, catering to consumers seeking eco-friendly watercraft for both commercial and recreational use.
• Massimo Electric: Reflecting the company's commitment to sustainability, Massimo Electric focuses on low-speed electric vehicles (LSVs) tailored for diverse applications. Recent launches include the MVR 2X Golf Cart and MVR Cargo Max Utility Cart, which deliver advanced features and versatility for recreational users and professionals in industries like farming and groundskeeping.

By combining practicality with cutting-edge design, Massimo Group seeks to set the standard in the powersports and marine industries.

Market Opportunity

The global ATV and UTV market is experiencing robust growth, with North America projected to reach approximately $9.18 billion in 2024 and expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% to $13.37 billion by 2029, according to Mordor Intelligence. Likewise, the U.S. electric UTV and ATV powertrain market is rapidly expanding. It was valued at $2.46 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2%, reaching $5.18 billion by 2030, as reported by Grand View Research.

The pontoon boat market complements this growth, driven by increased interest in leisure and marine tourism. The market size exceeded $7.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% through 2032, according to Global Market Insights. Massimo Marine's introduction of electric pontoon platforms through its Vision Marine partnership is expected to position the company to effectively address this growing market segment.

With strategic partnerships and an expanding dealer network, Massimo believes it is poised to penetrate deeper into domestic and international markets. The company's service coverage currently includes over 2,800 retail locations, 600 motor service centers, and 5,500 marine service centers, ensuring robust support and accessibility for customers. This extensive distribution network underpins Massimo's ability to capture market share and drive sustained growth.

Leadership Team

David Shan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, established Massimo Motor in 2009 and Massimo Marine in 2020. He has led the company through significant growth phases, including the development of diverse product lines and its public listing. Shan holds a bachelor's degree in international trade from Qingdao Ocean University of China.

Dr. Yunhao Chen, CPA, serves as the company's Chief Financial Officer, bringing extensive experience in capital markets, financial reporting, and corporate governance since her appointment in May 2023. She holds a Ph.D. in Accounting and an MBA in Finance from the University of Minnesota.

Michael Smith, Vice President, joined Massimo in 2019 and played a pivotal role in launching Massimo Marine. With a strong background in powersports retail and product innovation, he is dedicated to driving new product development. Smith studied International Business and Marketing at the University of California, San Diego.

SolarBank Corp. (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: GY2)

SolarBank Corp. (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: GY2) is a premier developer and owner of renewable and clean energy projects, specializing in distributed and community solar initiatives throughout Canada and the United States. The company is committed to advancing the transition to sustainable energy by offering end-to-end services that include project origination, financing structuring, engineering, procurement, construction, and long-term operations and maintenance. SolarBank focuses on delivering innovative energy solutions through solar photovoltaic systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

With a vision to provide scalable and reliable clean energy solutions, SolarBank has established itself as a leader in the renewable energy market by cultivating partnerships with utilities, commercial and industrial entities, municipalities, and residential customers. Its vertically integrated business model allows for optimized efficiency, cost management, and returns across diverse markets in North America. This end-to-end approach ensures greater control over project quality, costs, and operational outcomes, strengthening its competitive position.

Driven by a mission to create a greener future, SolarBank manages a robust portfolio of projects, including more than 100 megawatts (MW) of developed capacity and a pipeline exceeding one gigawatt (GW). The company's commitment to sustainability and innovation makes it a recognized player in the renewable energy sector.

SolarBank has offices in Toronto, Ontario and New York.

Projects

SolarBank boasts an impressive and diverse portfolio of renewable energy initiatives that underline its leadership in the clean energy space. In the U.S., the company has over 250 MW of solar projects under development, principally in New York, focusing on community solar farms and commercial and industrial installations. Notably, SolarBank is developing several community solar projects in upstate New York, which will deliver clean energy to local residents and small businesses. Community solar projects, which are a cornerstone of SolarBank's portfolio, provide scalable solutions for renters, homeowners, and small businesses to access affordable renewable energy, driving localized energy independence and economic savings.

In Canada, SolarBank has been a significant participant in Ontario's Feed-in-Tariff program, where it has secured contracts for close to 200 MW of capacity. Its current management includes 70 solar power projects, totaling 28.8 MW of operational solar assets. The company's expertise extends to the development and ownership of battery energy storage systems and EV charging stations, further diversifying its portfolio.

The company's vertically integrated approach spans the entire project lifecycle, from initial site acquisition and grid interconnection to long-term operation and maintenance services. This ensures seamless execution and high-quality outcomes, providing value to stakeholders and supporting the transition to a clean energy future.

Market Opportunity

SolarBank operates within a growing renewable energy market driven by global demand for sustainable power solutions. In North America, favorable policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States and Canada's investments in green technologies provide a robust foundation for renewable energy adoption. Solar PV installations and battery energy storage systems are at the forefront of this expansion, addressing energy reliability and grid stability while reducing carbon emissions.

The North American solar PV market was valued at $25.02 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $120.74 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.7% from 2020 to 2027. Likewise, the global BESS market is expected to expand from $7.8 billion in 2024 to $25.6 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 26.9%, as reported by MarketsandMarkets. These trends are driven by the increasing integration of renewable energy sources, the need for grid resilience, and declining technology costs.

SolarBank's operations have it well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities. With a development pipeline exceeding one gigawatt (GW), the company is focused on meeting growing demand in community and commercial solar sectors. Decentralized energy solutions, such as virtual net metering and behind-the-meter systems, further enhance SolarBank's market potential by addressing the critical need for flexible, cost-effective, and sustainable energy infrastructure. By leveraging its vertically integrated model and diversified portfolio, SolarBank stands as a key player in driving the renewable energy transition.

Leadership Team

Dr. Richard Lu, MD, MSc., MHSc., MBA, serves as President and CEO of SolarBank, bringing over 25 years of global energy experience. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the company's strategic initiatives across North America, Europe, and Asia, with a focus on renewable energy development and operational excellence.

Sam Sun, MBA, is the Chief Financial Officer of SolarBank. A Chartered Professional Accountant with more than 15 years of expertise in corporate finance, Mr. Sun has overseen financial strategies and internal controls across the cleantech, manufacturing, and mining sectors in Canada, the U.S., and China.

Andrew van Doorn, PE, serves as Chief Operating Officer, with nearly three decades of experience in engineering and construction. Mr. van Doorn has successfully led projects totaling over 200 MW of solar capacity and is a former Chairman of the Canadian Solar Industries Association.

Tracy Zheng, MBA, Chief Development Officer, has over 25 years of experience in brand marketing, business development, and solar project operations. She has spearheaded sales initiatives, conducted feasibility studies, and negotiated key partnerships that drive SolarBank's growth.

Matt Wayrynen, Executive Chairman and Director, has a background in resource company management, venture capital, and mergers and acquisitions. Under his leadership, Solar Flow-Through Funds, where Mr. Wayrynen acted as CEO, was acquired by SolarBank, enhancing its asset portfolio and growth prospects.

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Forward Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information ‎within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking ‎statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events. ‎Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, ‎objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the ‎use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will ‎continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", ‎‎"projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be ‎forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties ‎which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in ‎such forward-looking statements. In particular and without limitation, this report ‎contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the Company's expectations regarding its industry trends and overall market growth of the data center market; the Company's expansion into the data center market, including its pursuit of opportunities as a developer, owner, and strategic partner in data center infrastructure; supporting the demand for high-performance, sustainable energy solutions within the sector; details of the company's business plan including development of solar power projects, battery storage projects and EV charging projects; the completion of any contracts for, or construction of, any data center, solar power, battery storage or EV projects; the receipt of interconnection approval, permits and financing to be able to construct projects; the receipt of incentives for projects; and the size of the Company's development pipeline. No assurance ‎can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking ‎statements included in this report should not be unduly relied upon. These ‎statements speak only as of the date of this report.‎

Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. In making the forward looking statements included in this report, the Company has made various material assumptions, including but not limited to: obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals; that regulatory requirements will be maintained; general business and economic conditions; the Company's ability to successfully execute its plans and intentions; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Company's ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and services offered by the Company's competitors; that the Company's current good relationships with its service providers and other third parties will be maintained; and government subsidies and funding for renewable energy will continue as currently contemplated. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect, and the Company cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to the Company's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including those listed under "Forward-‎Looking Statements" and "Risk ‎Factors" in the Company's most recently completed Annual Information Form, and other public filings of the Company, which include: the Company may be adversely affected by volatile solar power market and industry conditions; the execution of the Company's growth strategy depends upon the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements; the Company's future success depends partly on its ability to expand the pipeline of its energy business in several key markets; governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar and battery storage power; general global economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our operating performance and results of operations; the Company's project development and construction activities may not be successful; developing and operating solar projects exposes the Company to various risks; the Company faces a number of risks involving Power Purchase Agreements ("PPAs") and project-level financing arrangements; any changes to the laws, regulations and policies that the Company is subject to may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power; the markets in which the Company competes are highly competitive and evolving quickly; an anti-circumvention investigation could adversely affect the Company by potentially raising the prices of key supplies for the construction of solar power projects; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; a change in the Company's effective tax rate can have a significant adverse impact on its business; seasonal variations in demand linked to construction cycles and weather conditions may influence the Company's results of operations; the Company may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows or have access to external financing; the Company may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future; the Company is subject to risks from supply chain issues; risks related to inflation; unexpected warranty expenses that may not be adequately covered by the Company's insurance policies; if the Company is unable to attract and retain key personnel, it may not be able to compete effectively in the renewable energy market; there are a limited number of purchasers of utility-scale quantities of electricity; compliance with environmental laws and regulations can be expensive; corporate responsibility may adversely impose additional costs; the future impact of any resurgence of COVID-19 on the Company is unknown at this time; the Company has limited insurance coverage; the Company will be reliant on information technology systems and may be subject to damaging cyberattacks; the Company may become subject to litigation; there is no guarantee on how the Company will use its available funds; the Company will continue to sell securities for cash to fund operations, capital expansion, mergers and acquisitions that will dilute the current shareholders; and future dilution as a result of financings.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this report are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB)

SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB) provides secured solutions for the e-government, IoT and cybersecurity sectors. Since 1988, the company has been a trusted global provider of traditional and digital identity offerings, providing cutting-edge electronic and digital security solutions to governments and organizations, both private and public, around the world.

SuperCom's mission is to revolutionize the public safety sector worldwide through proprietary electronic monitoring technology, data intelligence, and complementary services.

The company is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, with offices in California and other regions in the U.S.

Business Units

IoT and Connectivity

SuperCom IoT products and solutions provide advanced electronic monitoring solutions and services to criminal justice agencies, enabling customers to detect unauthorized movement of people, vehicles, and other monitored objects. The company provides an all-in-one, field-proven PureSecurity offender monitoring suite, accompanied by services such as GPS monitoring, home detention, domestic violence prevention, and more. The company's services are specifically tailored to meet each client's needs.

SuperCom's proprietary Puresecurity suite of hardware, connectivity, and software components is the foundation for its criminal justice services and offerings. SuperCom is leveraging its extensive technology expertise to implement groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into various parts of its core offerings. By leveraging the power of AI, SuperCom's PureSecurity platform can offer new abilities, such as amplified data analysis, predictive modeling, and streamlined automation – all geared toward optimizing decision-making and operational efficiency.

Competitive advantages of SuperCom's technology include:

• Long Battery Life (No Tag Charging Required)
• Ultra Lightweight Form Factor
• Next-Gen Location Tech
• Protection of Domestic Violence Victims
• And More

Cybersecurity

In 2015, SuperCom identified the cybersecurity market as a fast-growing space with significant advantages due to synergistic technologies and a shared customer base with its e-Gov and IoT business units. Consequently, SuperCom strategically acquired Prevision Ltd., a company with a strong presence in the market and a broad range of competitive cybersecurity services.

During the first quarter of 2016, SuperCom acquired Safend Ltd., an international provider of cutting-edge endpoint data protection guarding against corporate data loss and theft through content discovery and inspection, encryption methodologies, and comprehensive device and port control.

Both acquisitions significantly expanded the breadth of the company's global cybersecurity capabilities.

e-Gov

Through proprietary e-government platforms and innovative solutions for traditional and biometrics enrollment, personalization, issuance, and border control services, SuperCom has helped governments, and national agencies design and issue secured multi-identification, or Multi-ID, documents and robust digital identity solutions to their citizens, visitors, and lands.

The company has focused on expanding its activities in the traditional identification, or ID, and electronic identification, or e-Gov, markets, including the design, development, and marketing of identification technologies and solutions to governments in Europe, Asia, America, and Africa using SuperCom's e-Government platforms.

Market Opportunity

Data from Berg Insight estimates the market for electronic monitoring solutions will grow from $1.2 billion in 2021 to $2.1 billion in 2026, marking a CAGR of 10.8% for the forecast period.

High recidivism rates, prison overcrowding, and soaring incarceration costs are some factors that are driving the electronic monitoring of offenders' market growth.

An analysis by ReportLinker forecasts that the global cybersecurity market will grow from an estimated value of $173.5 billion in 2022 to $266.2 billion by 2027, achieving a CAGR of 8.9% for the period.

The increased number of data breaches worldwide, the ability of malicious actors to operate from anywhere in the world, the links between cyberspace and physical systems, and the difficulty of reducing vulnerabilities and consequences in complex cyber networks are some factors driving the cybersecurity market growth.

Management Team

Ordan Trabelsi is President and CEO of SuperCom. He has over 15 years of experience as CEO, growing high-tech companies globally. He also has experience in research and development and product innovation, as well as hands-on experience in cybersecurity, encryption, advanced mathematics, and mobile and internet network technologies. Prior to joining SuperCom, he served as co-founder and CEO of Klikot Inc., a global social networking company. He holds an MBA from Columbia University and a B.Sc. in Computer Engineering from The Technion: Israel Institute of Technology.

Barak Trabelsi is COO of SuperCom. He has expertise in big data, cyber, mobile, and internet network technologies, as well as extensive experience in product development and strategies. Prior to joining SuperCom, he served as Senior Product Manager at Equinox Ltd. Before that, he served for four years as VP of R&D at Sigma Wave, a wireless, security, and internet-focused company. He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Business, as well as an MBA from Tel Aviv University.

Gil Alfi is VP of Sales at Safend Ltd., SuperCom's cybersecurity subsidiary. He joined SuperCom in 2016 as VP of Business Development for Safend. He has more than 18 years of experience in technology companies. He served as an R&D team technology lead for more than seven years and as Director of Product Management for various telecom and wireless companies for more than 10 years. Prior to joining SuperCom, he served as Regional Sales Director at Safend, managing sales regions in Europe and Africa. He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Mathematics and an M.Sc. in Computer Science from Bar-Ilan University.

Thumzup Media Corp. (NASDAQ: TZUP)

Thumzup Media Corp. (NASDAQ: TZUP) is at the forefront of modernizing the social media branding and marketing industry with its unique platform designed to connect advertisers directly with everyday social media users. The company's mission is to empower individuals by turning their authentic social media activity into a monetizable asset while providing brands with cost-effective and impactful advertising solutions.

Through its flagship Thumzup platform, the company offers a seamless system where users post about participating advertisers and receive cash payments via Venmo or PayPal. Thumzup recently announced plans to integrate bitcoin as an additional payment option, expanding accessibility for gig economy workers.

By prioritizing accessibility and transparency, Thumzup is redefining traditional marketing strategies with an inclusive, user-driven approach. It is leveraging its scalable technology to disrupt the status quo, offering a win-win ecosystem for advertisers and users alike.

The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

Products

Thumzup's key offering, the Thumzup platform, features two integrated components: a sophisticated advertiser dashboard and an intuitive consumer-facing app. The advertiser dashboard provides companies with tools to design, manage, and analyze campaigns.

On the consumer side, the Thumzup app allows users to participate in campaigns by posting approved content to their social media accounts. In exchange, users receive direct cash rewards.

Recent enhancements to the platform include the launch of video capabilities, enabling integration with Instagram Reels. This update allows advertisers to tap into the growing popularity of short-form video content, broadening campaign possibilities.

The platform not only incentivizes users but also delivers authentic, relatable content for advertisers, bridging the gap between grassroots engagement and effective campaign management.

Market Opportunity

The global social media advertising market is projected to reach $219.8 billion in 2024, with an expected annual growth rate of 3.86%, resulting in a market volume of $255.8 billion by 2028, according to Statista. Thumzup targets the intersection of this growth with the rise of micro-influencers and everyday social media users, a segment that remains largely untapped in the advertising ecosystem.

In October 2024, Thumzup achieved 202% year-over-year growth in advertisers on its proprietary platform, demonstrating significant traction and scalability. With plans for further expansion in both advertiser partnerships and user engagement, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for authentic and trust-building marketing strategies. As Thumzup integrates innovative features like video support and continues its geographic expansion, it is poised to capture a larger share of the rapidly growing social media advertising market.

Leadership Team

Robert Steele, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Thumzup, has over 25 years of experience as a technologist and entrepreneur. He has successfully launched multiple companies, including iBrite, a pioneer in mobile software development. Mr. Steele's leadership and innovative vision drive Thumzup's mission to democratize the social media marketing industry.

Robert Haag, Director of Thumzup, is the Managing Member of Westside Strategic Partners LLC and a Managing Director at IRTH Communications. With decades of experience in financial communications, investment, and corporate strategy, Mr. Haag provides critical guidance on strategic initiatives and business growth.

Dr. Joanna Massey, member of the company's Board of Advisors, brings over 25 years of executive experience with Fortune 500 companies and startups to Thumzup. She has held senior roles in communications at Lions Gate Entertainment and CBS Corporation. Dr. Massey leverages her expertise to support Thumzup's growth strategy.