Sign Up NowThis Month's Tiny Gems - October 2015

ContentChecked Holdings Inc. (CNCK)
Elephant Talk Communications Inc. (ETAK)
International Stem Cell Corp. (ISCO)
Latitude 360, Inc. (LATX)
Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc. (OGES)
OurPet's Company (OPCO)

 

 

 

ContentChecked Holdings Inc. (CNCK)

 

ContentChecked Holdings Inc. (CNCK) is the parent company of a family of mobile applications designed for individuals with specific dietary requirements. Since the official U.S. launch of its first app in early 2015, ContentChecked has continued to build its database of product information obtained from food manufacturers – the database now incorporates 70% of all conventional U.S. products, fully supporting the needs of ContentChecked customers.

 

Consumers register their food allergies or intolerances with ContentChecked, and simply scan the bar codes of whichever items they are considering purchasing. The app then provides users with information on what products fit their pre-set requirements. This connection between food producers and users is the basis of the ContentChecked business model – a highly engaged consumer, ready to buy, and in need of recommendations.

 

By initially focusing upon food allergies and intolerances, ContentChecked had access to a marketplace of more than 15 million people in the United States that suffer from food allergies, in addition to a demographic who develop stomach problems as a result of different foods. Though the overall market for food allergies and intolerances is valued at $13 billion in 2015, ContentChecked further expanded its market reach through the launch of MigraineChecked, SugarChecked and VeganChecked applications.

 

With these offerings, ContentChecked's market reach now extends to the roughly 38 million people in the United States currently diagnosed with migraines; as well as to the largest health-related cost in the country: the 97 million people at risk of developing, or have already developed, Type 2 diabetes. ContentChecked's growth is spearheaded by a talented team of professionals using their experience in entrepreneurial endeavors, sales, marketing and advisory services, nutrition, web design, social media and graphics and data management to help users better manage their food allergies, migraines, and overall health.

 

 

 

Elephant Talk Communications Inc. (ETAK)

 

Elephant Talk Communications Inc. (ETAK) provides mobile proprietary Software Defined Network Architecture (ET Software DNA® 2.0) platforms for its growing base of strategic partners and clients, which includes some of today's world-leading MNOs and technology companies, including Vodafone, T-Mobile, Zain, HP and Affirmed Networks.

 

Targeting its share of the broader $1.4+ trillion telecommunications market, Elephant Talk empowers MNOs, MVNOs, MVNEs and MVNAs with a full suite of applications, reliable industry expertise, and high quality customer service. Understanding that partnership is crucial in enabling and delivering the highest level of quality of product capability and professionalism, Elephant Talk also closely collaborates with other expert organizations and leading service providers.

 

ValidSoft UK Ltd., a subsidiary of Elephant Talk uses personal authentication and device assurance to secure transactions and help customers reduce fraud losses. As part of its multi-factor authentication, ValidSoft integrates its leading Voice Biometric engine into multivendor solutions or as a standalone system. ValidSoft serves multiple clients in the financial government and business automation sectors and is the only company to have been granted four European Privacy Seals, reflecting its commitment to promoting strong data privacy.

 

Elephant Talk has implemented rigid structures and processes to ensure corporate integrity and the responsible oversight of all business activities. This vision starts with executive management and extends to every employee. Elephant Talk is guided by a visionary leadership team with a rich history of success in key markets pertinent to both the company's current and desired market positions. In order to achieve and maintain world-class system performance, Elephant Talk leverages this management team along with collaborations with the world's best technical partners.

 

 

 

International Stem Cell Corp. (ISCO)

 

International Stem Cell Corp. (ISCO) specializes in the therapeutic applications of human stem cells and the development and commercialization of cell-based biomedical products. The company was the first to develop and perfect a new class of human stem cells called parthenogenetic stem cells, created from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO has a strong patent portfolio offering clean intellectual property and freedom to operate. The company's stem cells present superior immune matching capabilities and can be used in millions of people regardless of sex or racial background, with minimal expectation of immune rejection after transplantation.

 

The company's human stem cells have been shown to be as pluripotent as embryonic stem cells, however their creation does not involve the destruction of a viable human embryo, which effectively sidesteps the controversy and ethical dilemmas associated with the use of human embryonic stem cells. In contrast to induced pluripotent stem cells, ISCO's stem cells do not involve manipulation of cells' genome thereby avoiding potential safety and regulatory obstacles in clinical applications.

 

The company's scientists are currently focused on using its stem cells to treat severe unmet medical needs of the central nervous system (Parkinson's disease), the liver and the eye, where cell therapy has been clinically proven but is limited due to the unavailability of safe human cells. Once the technology has been clinically validated there are an essentially unlimited number of potential applications. Because of their immune-matching ability a relatively small number of these stem cell lines could offer the potential of producing the first true stem cell bank as a means of serving populations of different immune types across the globe.

 

In addition to its therapeutic focus, ISCO also provides a growing revenue stream through two wholly owned subsidiaries. Lifeline Cell Technology specializes in producing primary human cells and growth media for biological research, and Lifeline Skin Care, the company manufactures and markets advanced anti-aging skincare products utilizing the company's expertise in stem cell biology.

 

 

 

Latitude 360, Inc. (LATX)

 

Latitude 360, Inc. (LATX) is an award-winning pioneer of a dining and entertainment venues that combine premier upscale casual dining with numerous state-of-the-art entertainment choices. The company develops, constructs and operates cutting-edge Latitude 360 venues ranging from 35,000-85,000 sq. ft., packed full of eating and entertainment options that appeal to a broad base of guests, private events and corporate clients.

 

Through its three current award-winning locations in Jacksonville, Florida, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Indianapolis, Indiana, Latitude 360 employs roughly 500 talented individuals working to deliver the brand's unique "360 EXPERIENCE" which fuses the magic of exceptional food and beverage with multiple entertainment options in upscale, contemporary-designed venues. Key offerings at each 360 location include Las Vegas-style live performance showroom, a feature bar featuring the area's top musicians and/or DJs, luxury bowling, dine-in movies, high-definition sports theatre, game arcade and luxury cigar lounge and many choices of private meeting space. Latitude 360 also currently operates two additional locations under management agreements in Syracuse, NY and Saucon Valley, PA under the Revolutions brand – www.revoutionsbowl.com. These locations will be rebranded as Latitude 360 venues in 4Q 2015.

 

In 2014 Latitude 360 launched the first-of-its-kind monthly club membership program which provides guests with a cache of monthly entertainment assets at a value price as well as exclusive access to a 360 Club Concierge service – all for a monthly fee. The program has quickly grown to more than 5,000 monthly paying members.

 

Latitude 360 recently expanded its entertainment offerings when it acquired Major League Fantasy (MLF), a leader in the daily fantasy sports industry and launched its own branded daily fantasy sports service – "360 Fantasy Live" (www.360fantasylive.com). By implementing "360 Fantasy Live" into is existing locations, Latitude 360 is making a strong entrance into a rapidly growing market expected to reach $6 billion-$10 billion by year-end 2016. The acquisition of MLF allows Latitude 360 to position itself as one of the first live, multimedia venues to offer in-house, high-stakes, competitive daily fantasy events.

 

Led by an experienced and visionary management team, Latitude 360 is focused on further expanding its brick and mortar locations and anticipates opening additional 360 venues in major cities overseas and domestically.

 

 

 

Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc. (OGES)

 

Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc. (OGES) is an integrated energy storage solutions company focused on the design, development and manufacture of high-quality cells, batteries and power systems. The company's innovative 'Made in the U.S.A.' product line includes multiple lithium-ion technologies and form factors that are optimized to address three high-demand target markets – including stationary and grid storage; motive applications, such as electric and hybrid electric fleet vehicles; and specialty applications, such as military, aerospace, marine, medical and telecom backup.

 

Through a recent restructuring of its operations, Oakridge strategically positioned itself to expand its market reach moving forward. The company currently owns and operates two manufacturing facilities in Melbourne, Florida, which play an instrumental role in its efforts to meet the growing demand for its cutting-edge large format Pro Series golf car batteries and its small format Patriot Series RC batteries. These operations also allow Oakridge to bring stable employment opportunities back to the U.S., effectively highlighting its tireless commitment to the revitalization of the country's manufacturing industry.

 

The company also maintains a presence on the international stage through its recently formed subsidiary, Oakridge Global Energy Solutions Limited, Hong Kong. This subsidiary, which is expected to serve as the foundation for Oakridge's sales efforts throughout the Asia-Pacific region, was created primarily to address the tremendous international demand for its revolutionary stored energy solutions. The company also maintains a substantial interest in Leclanche S.A., a Swiss developer and manufacturer of large-sized lithium-ion batteries that was originally founded in 1909.

 

Oakridge has indicated plans to expand its presence in a collection of markets throughout Europe and Asia as it continues to build upon its established product development and manufacturing infrastructure. The company will lean on the expertise of its proven management team – which includes well over a century of combined industry experience – as it looks to increase its share of the $12 billion domestic battery manufacturing industry.

 

 

 

OurPet's Company (OPCO)

 

OurPet's Company (OPCO) develops, produces and markets various pet accessory and consumable products designed to awaken pets' natural instincts, be it in feeding, playing or waste management. Sold globally through pet specialty retailers, food, drug and mass chains, e-commerce and international channels, the company's products are marketed under a the OurPets®, Pet Zone® and PetTastic® brands with well-known sub-brands such as Play-N-Squeak™, Cosmic Catnip™, Durapet, SmartScoop and Flappy. In total, OurPet's has an intellectual property portfolio featuring more than 160 individual patents, giving the company sustainable access to the pet products industry for the foreseeable future.

 

In recent years, the U.S. pet products and services market has experienced strong growth, with total sales accounting for approximately $73 billion in 2014, according to a report by Packaged Facts. In 2015, this strong performance is expected to continue, building on the recent rise in related ecommerce purchases, as well as an uptick in dog and cat ownership throughout the country. In order to capitalize on this market performance, OurPet's maintains an ongoing new product development program to continually keep an evolutionary and revolutionary new product pipeline feeding its offerings. In July 2015, OurPet's introduced many new products at the national Super Zoo trade show in Las Vegas such as the Catty Whack®, Designer Diner™/Barking Bistro™ and the Zoom Plume™.

 

The company's capitalization strategy is guided by a management team of experienced industry professionals dedicated to further strengthening its product portfolio through aggressive development of innovative products. Management has a proven track-record of leveraging deep knowledge in the innovation, technology, distribution and pet markets to successfully push through adverse market conditions to achieve increases in revenue, margins and net income.

 

OurPet's, through its innovative and extensive line of popular pet products, is in a favorable strategic position to continue building upon its recent market growth. For prospective shareholders, this positioning makes the company an intriguing investment opportunity in the months to come. Look for OurPet's to capitalize on steady market performance moving forward, providing an opportunity for the company to realize strong investor returns in the future.