TinyGems

Tiny Gems - April 2025

TinyGems
Monthly Picks

CNS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSP)

CNS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSP) is a clinical stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of novel treatments for primary and metastatic cancers of the brain and central nervous system.

The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Organ Targeted Therapeutics

The company's lead drug candidate, Berubicin, is proposed for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme ("GBM"), an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer. Berubicin also has potential to treat other central nervous system malignancies. Based on limited clinical data, Berubicin appears to be the first anthracycline to cross the blood brain barrier in the adult brain, and it was the subject of a successful Phase 1 study which found the MDT and produced efficacy data as well.

CNS holds a worldwide exclusive license to the Berubicin chemical compound. The company has acquired all requisite data and know-how from Reata Pharmaceuticals Inc. related to a completed Phase I clinical trial of Berubicin in malignant brain tumors. In this trial, 44% of patients experienced a statistically significant improvement in clinical benefit. In 2017, CNS entered into a collaboration and asset purchase agreement with Reata.

CNS intends to explore the potential of Berubicin to treat other diseases, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers and lymphoma. The company is also examining plans to develop combination therapies that include Berubicin.

CNS estimates that more than $25 million in private capital and grants were invested in Berubicin prior to the company's $9.8 million IPO in November 2019.

CNS intends to submit an IND for Berubicin during the fourth quarter of 2020 and expects to commence a Phase II clinical trial of Berubicin for the treatment of GBM in the U.S. in Q1 2021. A sub-licensee partner was awarded a $6 million EU/Polish National Center for Research and Development grant to undertake a Phase II trial of Berubicin in adults and a first-ever Phase I trial in pediatric GBM patients in Poland in 2021.

The company's second drug candidate, WP1244, is a novel DNA binding agent licensed from the MD Anderson Cancer Center. In preclinical studies, WP1244 proved to be 500-times more potent than the chemotherapeutic agent, daunorubicin, in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation. The company has entered into a sponsored research agreement with the MD Anderson Cancer Center to further the development of WP1244.

CNS Pharmaceuticals recently engaged U.S.-based Pharmaceutics International Inc. and Italian BSP Pharmaceuticals SpA for the production of the Berubicin drug product. The company has implemented a dual-track manufacturing strategy to mitigate COVID-19-related risks, diversify its supply chain and provide for localized availability of Berubicin. CNS has already completed synthesis of Berubicin's active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and has shipped the API to both manufacturers in order to prepare an injectable form of Berubicin for clinical use.

Global Brain Tumor Therapeutics Market

The high recurrence rate of malignant brain tumors is due to reappearance of focal masses, indicating that a sub-population of tumor cells in these cancers may be insensitive to current therapies and may be responsible for reinitiating tumor growth. This necessitates the development of newer drugs in the market that demonstrate greater efficacy in treating such aggressive cancers.

A global increase in neurological disorders has placed increased attention on cancers of the brain over the past decade. Neurological disorders are becoming one of the most prevalent types of disorders, due to longer life expectancy, greater exposure to infection and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Because few treatments for primary and metastatic cancers of the brain exist, costs are high and have acted as a restraint for the brain tumor therapeutics market.

Despite progress in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic strategies, effective treatments for brain cancer are limited by a lack of specific therapies for the brain and the difficulty in transporting therapeutic compounds across the blood brain barrier. Therefore, there is a significant need for novel and effective therapeutic drugs and strategies that prolong survival and improve quality of life for brain tumor patients.

Several companies are making significant investments into R&D, which is expected to bring more treatment options to the market in the near future. Industry reports consistently project continued growth in the market.

One report estimates that the global brain tumor therapeutics market will reach a valuation of $2.74 billion in 2023, with the market expected to register a CAGR of 11% during the forecast period from 2018 to 2023. Another report projects that the global brain tumor therapeutics market will reach $3.4 billion by 2025, up from $2.25 billion in 2019 (http://nnw.fm/eDUjp).

Management Team

John M. Climaco is the CEO of CNS Pharmaceuticals. For 15 years, Climaco has served in leadership roles for a variety of health care companies. Recently, Climaco served as the Executive Vice President of Perma-Fix Medical S.A, where he managed the development of a novel method to produce Technitium-99. Climaco also served as President and CEO of Axial Biotech Inc., a DNA diagnostics company. In the process of taking Axial from inception to product development to commercialization, Climaco forged strategic partnerships with Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson and Smith & Nephew.

Christopher Downs, CPA, is the company's Chief Financial Officer. Downs previously served as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of InfuSystem Holdings Inc. (NYSE: INFU), a supplier of infusion services to oncologists in the United States. Downs holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point, an MBA from Columbia Business School and a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Dr. Donald Picker is the Chief Scientific Officer of CNS. Picker has over 35 years of drug development experience. Prior to joining CNS, Picker worked at Johnson Matthey, where he was responsible for the development of Carboplatin, one of the world's leading cancer drugs, which was acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb with annual sales of over $500 million. In addition, he oversaw the development of Satraplatin and Picoplatin, third-generation platinum drugs currently in late-stage clinical development.

Sandra L. Silberman, M.D., Ph.D., is the Chief Medical Officer of CNS Pharmaceuticals. Silberman is a hematologist/oncologist who earned her B.A., Sc.M. and Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins University School of Arts and Sciences, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, respectively, and her M.D. from Cornell University Medical College. She then completed both a clinical fellowship in hematology/oncology and a research fellowship in tumor immunology at the Brigham & Women's Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. Silberman has played key roles in the development of many drugs, including Gleevec(TM), for which she led the global clinical development at Novartis. Silberman advanced several original, proprietary compounds into Phases I through III during her work with leading biopharmaceutical companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, Imclone and Roche.

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.

FAVO Capital Inc. (OTC: FAVO)

FAVO Capital Inc. (OTC: FAVO) is redefining the private credit and alternative lending industry through a strategic redevelopment of its operations and offerings. With a focus on leveraging financial technology and a client-centric approach, FAVO Capital empowers small to medium-sized businesses with fast, flexible, and reliable access to capital, bridging the gap left by traditional financial institutions.

As part of its strategy to uplist to Nasdaq, FAVO Capital is enhancing its technology platform, operational scalability, and market positioning to meet higher regulatory standards and attract institutional investors. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, FAVO employs over 120 professionals across five global offices, delivering sustainable growth and value for clients and shareholders alike.

Products and Services

  • Proprietary Lending Platform and Mobile App (In Development): FAVO Capital is in the early stages of developing an advanced digital platform designed to enhance client engagement and streamline funding processes. This platform will eventually allow businesses to apply for funding products, track progress, and manage repayment efficiencies. A complementary mobile app is also being planned to provide real-time insights and tailored recommendations, laying the groundwork for an improved borrower experience.
  • Fintech-Driven Lending Solutions: FAVO Capital is exploring proprietary and third-party technology tools, including advanced analytics and algorithms, to enhance decision-making speed and reliability in the lending process.
  • Flexible Financing Options: FAVO specializes in structuring customized capital solutions tailored to the diverse needs of small business owners, offering scalable and adaptable products that evolve with changing market conditions.

Market Opportunity

The private credit market is experiencing exponential growth as traditional banks reduce their focus on small business lending. According to industry reports, the global private credit market is projected to surpass $1.5 trillion by 2025, driven by increasing demand for alternative financing options.

FAVO Capital is uniquely positioned to capture market share within this booming sector by leveraging fintech innovation to meet the needs of underserved small businesses. With a focus on efficiency, speed, and client satisfaction, FAVO addresses critical gaps in the financial ecosystem while building a platform for long-term growth.

Recent Highlights

  • Fintech Innovation: Initial investments in app development and analytics lay the groundwork for future operational efficiency and improved borrower experience.
  • Operational Scale: A global footprint with over 120 employees combines the agility of a local lender with the reach of an international financial institution.
  • Proven Growth: FAVO's technology-driven approach has enabled consistent expansion, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner for small businesses.

Leadership Team

Vincent Napolitano is a Founder and CEO of FAVO Capital Inc. With over two decades of experience in finance and business development, Vincent has been instrumental in building FAVO Capital into a trusted partner for businesses seeking innovative financial strategies. Prior to founding FAVO Capital, Vincent spent 25 years on Wall Street, holding key positions at prominent firms and developing expertise in structuring complex financial deals. He also served as Chief Investment Officer for multiple special purpose vehicles (SPVs), acquiring private stock in pre-IPO unicorn companies such as Facebook and Twitter.

Shaun Quin is a Founding Member and President of FAVO Capital Inc., overseeing the company's mission to deliver innovative and efficient private credit solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. With over 20 years of global experience as a partner, investor, and director, Shaun brings a strategic and customer-focused approach to his leadership. His expertise in fostering collaboration, building high-performance cultures, and empowering businesses has positioned FAVO Capital as a trusted leader in private lending.

Vaughan Korte, CFO, brings over 15 years of global financial expertise to his role with FAVO Capital Inc. His track record includes managing financial operations for Adidas across 60 countries with budgets exceeding $500 million. Vaughan's leadership ensures FAVO Capital remains financially resilient, aligning financial strategy with organizational goals and fostering shareholder value.

Glen Steward, Chief Strategy Officer, is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 28 years of experience in the investment and trading industries. He drives FAVO Capital's strategic initiatives, ensuring the company remains competitive and agile in a rapidly evolving market. Glen has held directorships and board memberships across Mauritius, South Africa, and the United States. His strategic acumen has been pivotal in integrating the FAVO Group of Companies into FAVO Capital Inc., fueling growth and market leadership.

Advisory Board

Bilal Adam, Accounting & Financial Counsel, is a financial expert with over 20 years of experience, including roles as CEO of Stewards Investment Capital. His insights into bespoke investment solutions, including fixed income, equity, and digital assets, support FAVO Capital's innovative approach to private credit.

Honorable Earnest Hart, Corporate Governance Counsel, brings decades of legal and governance experience, having served as a New York Supreme Court Judge and COO at Columbia University Medical Center. His guidance ensures FAVO Capital maintains robust corporate governance standards.

Rocco Trotta, Business Leadership and Scalability Counsel, is the co-founder of LiRo-Hill and has decades of experience scaling businesses. His expertise in organizational efficiency and talent development strengthens FAVO Capital's ability to attract excellence across all aspects of the business.

As FAVO Capital redevelops its operations and prepares for an uplisting to Nasdaq, the company is laying the foundation to redefine private credit with emerging fintech solutions and exceptional leadership. Learn more by visiting investors.favocap.com.

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.

Newton Golf Company Inc. (NASDAQ: NWTG)

Newton Golf Company Inc. (NASDAQ: NWTG), a Sacks Parente Company, is a technology-forward golf equipment manufacturer committed to enhancing player performance through innovative design. Since its founding in 2018, the company has developed a growing portfolio of premium golf products, including putters, golf shafts, grips, and related accessories. Its proprietary advancements include the First Vernier Acuity putter, patented Ultra-Low Balance Point (ULBP) technology, weight-forward Center-of-Gravity (CG) design, and ultra-light carbon fiber putter shafts.

As part of its commitment to growth in golf shaft technologies, the company expanded its manufacturing operations in April 2022, opening a dedicated facility in St. Joseph, Missouri. This move reinforced its goal of maintaining high-quality production standards while manufacturing and assembling substantially all of its products in the United States. In addition to golf clubs and accessories, Newton Golf Company is exploring expansion into golf apparel and other product categories.

The company sells its products through multiple channels, including resellers, its direct-to-consumer website, Club Champion retail stores, and distributors in the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. Future expansion may include growth through mergers, acquisitions, or the development of complementary product lines.

Newton Golf Company is headquartered in Camarillo, California.

Products

Newton Golf Company is focused on delivering high-performance golf equipment with a strong emphasis on precision engineering and cutting-edge materials. The company's key product lines include:

  • Newton Motion Golf Shafts: Launched in November 2023, these shafts are engineered with proprietary flex profiles designed for greater distance, reduced dispersion, and optimized performance across swing speeds. The company's DOT system eliminates traditional shaft flex definitions, making it accessible to all golfers.
  • Gravity Putters: Introduced in October 2024, these putters incorporate patented Ultra-Low Balance Point (ULBP) technology to improve stroke consistency and tighten putt dispersion. Manufactured in the U.S., they feature premium materials such as steel, aluminum, titanium alloys, and patented magnesium face plate technology.
  • Golf Grips & Accessories: The company continues to innovate in this category, providing golfers with performance-enhancing grips and accessories to complement their clubs.

All Newton Golf Company products are manufactured with strict quality control standards to ensure precision and reliability, reinforcing the brand's reputation for premium performance.

Market Opportunity

The global golf equipment market was valued at approximately $8 billion in 2022, with the U.S. market accounting for $2.9 billion. The golf club segment dominated the industry, representing 45.7% of total market share. Increasing participation in golf, particularly among younger players and women, is driving demand for high-quality, customizable golf equipment.

Key industry trends supporting growth include:

  • The increasing popularity of premium, high-performance golf equipment among both professionals and amateurs.
  • A shift toward customization, as golfers seek tailored products that enhance performance.
  • A growing interest in golf from younger demographics, with amateur and collegiate golfers being particularly receptive to innovation.

Newton Golf Company's emphasis on U.S.-based manufacturing provides it with a competitive edge in terms of supply chain efficiency, quality control, and sustainability, further strengthening its position in the market.

Leadership Team

Dr. Greg Campbell, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, brings nearly 40 years of experience in emerging technologies, product development, and public company leadership. He currently serves as CEO of V-Grid Energy Systems, a California-based company focused on converting agricultural waste into renewable electricity and bio-carbon. He has successfully taken two companies public and previously managed a $1.2 billion P&L as SVP & GM at Lam Research. Campbell holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from UCLA and a BA/MA in Engineering from Cambridge University.

Ryan Stearns, Chief Financial Officer, was appointed in 2024 and oversees financial planning and corporate strategy. He brings expertise in scaling businesses and optimizing financial performance to support the company's growth.

Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (NYSE American: PLG) (TSX: PTM)

Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (NYSE American: TSX) PTM) is the operator of the Waterberg Project, a bulk underground platinum group metals (PGM) deposit discovered by Platinum Group in 2011 and located on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. The Waterberg Project is planned as a fully mechanised platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold mine, including by-product copper and nickel production, and is projected to be one of the largest and lowest cost PGM mines globally.

The project is a joint venture between Platinum Group; integrated PGM producer Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. (OTCQX: IMPUY); Japanese consortium HJ Platinum, which includes trading house Hanwa Co. and the government-backed Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC); and local empowerment partner Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd. Platinum Group has an effective 50.22% interest in the Waterberg Project.

The company's primary business objective is to advance the Waterberg Project to a development and construction decision. An update to the 2019 Definite Feasibility Study is expected in 2024.

PGMs are essential and precious metals that include platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium. These metals are known for their purity, high melting points and unique catalytic properties. They are utilized in a number of industrial processes, technologies and commercial applications and play a critical role in autocatalysis and pollution control in the automotive sector. The bulk of global PGMs are mined in Southern Africa and Russia.

The unique properties of PGMs are being applied to various technologies as possible solutions for more efficient energy generation and storage, which may create new demand for PGMs. The company's battery technology initiative through Lion Battery Technologies Inc., using platinum and palladium in lithium battery technologies, represents one such new opportunity in the high-profile lithium battery research and innovation field.

Platinum Group Metals Ltd. founded Lion Battery Technologies Inc. in partnership with Anglo American Platinum Ltd. (AMS: JNB) to support the use of palladium and platinum in lithium battery applications. Lion Battery has entered into an agreement with Florida International University to further advance a research program that uses platinum and palladium to unlock the potential of Lithium Sulfur (Li-S) battery chemistries.

Platinum Group is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Waterberg Project

Platinum Group's sole material mineral property, the Waterberg Project, is presently in process with pre-construction permitting; engineering work, including road upgrade and traffic studies; finalization of power and water infrastructure design; and construction camp design.

The company's principal product from the Waterberg Project is planned to be a PGM-bearing concentrate. The concentrate will contain economic amounts of six elements comprising platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, copper and nickel. The company's partner in the Waterberg Project, Impala Platinum Holdings, has acquired a right of first refusal to enter into an offtake agreement, on commercial arm's-length terms, for the smelting and refining of mineral products from the Waterberg Project.

The Waterberg project has proven and estimated reserves of 19.5 million ounces of PGMs and gold. When fully operational, the mine is projected to produce more than 400,000 ounces of PGMs annually during the peak period of steady state production. The life of the mine is projected at 45 years.

South Africa's PGM mining sector remains closely tied to economic developments in the global automotive industry, which in 2022 accounted for approximately 43% of the total global demand for platinum and 82% of the total global demand for palladium.

Market Opportunity

According to a report from Straits Research, a global market and business research firm, the worldwide platinum market had an estimated value of $7.72 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $11.95 billion by 2031. That represents a CAGR of 5.13% over the forecast period.

Platinum, one of the rarest of precious metals, is about 30 times scarcer than gold. It is crucial to the automotive and electronics industries and is also used to make jewelry. Stricter emissions regulations around the world have led to an increased demand for platinum to be used in catalytic converters to reduce automotive emission, the report states.

A report from Allied Market Research estimated the global palladium market at $16.3 billion in 2021 and projects the market will reach $28.6 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% over the period.

Palladium is also used in automotive catalytic converters for reducing emissions and in jewelry, dentistry, watchmaking, blood sugar test strips, aircraft spark plugs, surgical instruments, electrical contacts and musical instruments.

An increase in demand for consumer electronics has driven demand for palladium-based multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) used to store energy in electronic devices such as broadcasting equipment, mobile telephones, computers, electronic lighting and high voltage circuits, according to the report.

Management Team

Frank R. Hallam is Co-Founder, Director, President and CEO of Platinum Group. He has over 30 years of experience in the mining, minerals and petroleum industry as an operator, principal and founder. He was a co-founder and former CFO of MAG Silver Corp. He was also co-founder and director of West Timmins Mining Inc. and a director of Lake Shore Gold Corp. In addition, he was CFO and director with gold exploration company Tan Range Exploration Corp. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and was formerly an auditor in the public mining practice of PwC. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University.

Greg Blair is CFO of Platinum Group. He has been with Platinum Group since 2010 in various roles, most recently as Interim CFO. Prior to joining Platinum Group, he was at a public accounting firm working on public company (mainly mining) audits. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a degree in Economics from Simon Fraser University and has completed the Canadian Securities Course.

Kris Begic is VP Corporate Development of Platinum Group. He has over 25 years of experience in the mining industry and capital markets and has been involved with the raising of over $500 million for various exploration and development projects globally. His efforts are focused on project generation, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, investor relations and marketing.

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.

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