Technology
LightInTheBox Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Published
2 years agoon
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SINGAPORE , May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LITB) (“LightInTheBox” or the “Company”), an apparel e-commerce retailer that ships products to consumers worldwide, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.
“We faced macroeconomic headwinds and increasing competition in the first quarter of 2024,” said Mr. Jian He, Chairman and CEO of LightInTheBox. “We addressed the complex landscape with our high-quality development strategy, pivoting from prioritizing sales growth to focusing on profitability. We also strove to grow our brand awareness with high value-for-money products and optimize our consumption experience.”
“As we move through 2024, we will remain focused on high-quality development and profitability. We are fostering new brands and initiating a series of strategic adjustments to differentiate our products, services and customer experience while refining our localized operations and marketing campaigns in key markets. We believe these strategic initiatives will optimize marketing ROI, drive user traffic and cultivate a loyal customer base over time, strengthening our brand recognition worldwide and overall competitiveness. Delivering high-quality development and sustainable, long-term value for all stakeholders remains our ultimate goal,” Mr. He concluded.
First Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights
Total revenues were $71.2 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared with $147.8 million in the same period of 2023.
Apparel sales were $56.4 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared with $119.2 million in the same period of 2023.
Net loss was $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared with $4.0 million in the same period of 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $3.1 million in the same period of 2023.
First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Total revenues decreased by 51.8% year-over-year to $71.2 million from $147.8 million in the same quarter of 2023. Sales from apparel decreased by 52.7% to $56.4 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared with $119.2 million in the same quarter of 2023.
Total cost of revenues was $29.7 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared with $65.3 million in the same quarter of 2023.
Gross profit in the first quarter of 2024 was $41.4 million, compared with $82.5 million in the same quarter of 2023. Gross margin was 58.2% in the first quarter of 2024, compared with 55.8% in the same quarter of 2023.
Total operating expenses in the first quarter of 2024 were $45.5 million, compared with $86.5 million in the same quarter of 2023.
Fulfillment expenses in the first quarter of 2024 were $5.7 million, compared with $8.6 million in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, fulfillment expenses were 8.1% in the first quarter of 2024, compared with 5.8% in the same quarter of 2023 and 5.9% in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Selling and marketing expenses in the first quarter of 2024 were $32.7 million, compared with $69.1 million in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, selling and marketing expenses were 46.0% in the first quarter of 2024, compared with 46.8% in the same quarter of 2023 and 48.5% in the fourth quarter of 2023.
G&A expenses in the first quarter of 2024 were $7.3 million, compared with $9.1 million in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, G&A expenses were 10.2% in the first quarter of 2024, compared with 6.1% in the same quarter of 2023 and 5.0% in the fourth quarter of 2024. As part of G&A expenses, R&D expenses in the first quarter of 2024 were $4.6 million, compared with $5.2 million in the same quarter of 2023 and $3.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Loss from operations was $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared with $4.0 million in the same quarter of 2023.
Net loss was $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared with $4.0 million in the same quarter of 2023.
Net loss per American Depository Share (“ADS”) was $0.03 in the first quarter of 2024, compared with $0.03 in the same quarter of 2023. Each ADS represents two ordinary shares. The diluted net loss per ADS in the first quarter of 2024 was $0.03, compared with $0.03 in the same quarter of 2023.
In the first quarter of 2024, the Company’s basic weighted average number of ADSs used in computing the net loss per ADS was 111,388,157.
Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $3.1 million in the same quarter of 2023.
As of March 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of $30.9 million, compared with $73.6 million as of March 31, 2023.
Share Repurchase Program
On June 27, 2023, the Company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $10 million of its ordinary shares in the form of ADSs no later than December 31, 2023. The Company has since extended the share repurchase program through June 30, 2024. As of April 17, 2024, the Company had repurchased 3.2 million ADSs with a total aggregate value of approximately $3.5 million.
Business Outlook
For the second quarter of 2024, based on current information available to the Company and business seasonality, the Company expects net revenues to be between $60 million and $70 million.
Non-GAAP Financial Measure
In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses a non-GAAP measure, Adjusted EBITDA, as a supplemental measure to review and assess operating performance. The presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company’s non-GAAP financial measure excludes share-based compensation expenses, depreciation and amortization expenses, interest income, interest expenses and income tax expense.
The Company presents this non-GAAP financial measure because it is used by management to evaluate operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measure helps identify underlying trends in its business. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measure could provide further information about the Company’s results of operations and enhance the overall understanding of the Company’s past performance and future prospects.
The non-GAAP financial measure is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as an analytical tool. The Company’s non-GAAP financial measure does not reflect all items of income and expenses that affect the Company’s operations and does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. Further, the non-GAAP measure may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited. The Company compensates for the limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating performance. The Company encourages you to review the Company’s financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.
For more information on the non-GAAP financial measure, please see the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Result” set forth at the end of this press release.
Conference Call
The Company’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on May 28, 2024 (9:00 p.m. Hong Kong/Singapore Time on the same day).
Preregistration Information
Participants can register for the conference call by going to https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10039195-64w0b3.html. Upon registration, participants will receive dial-in numbers, an event passcode, and a unique access PIN.
To join the conference, simply dial the number in the calendar invite you receive after preregistering, enter the event passcode followed by your unique access PIN, and you will be connected to the conference instantly.
A telephone replay will be available two hours after the conclusion of the conference call through June 4, 2024. The dial-in details are:
US/Canada:
+1-855-883-1031
Singapore:
800-101-3223
Hong Kong, China:
800-930-639
Replay PIN:
10039195
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at http://ir.lightinthebox.com.
About LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.
LightInTheBox is an apparel e-commerce retailer that ships products to consumers worldwide. With a focus on serving its middle-aged and senior customers, LightInTheBox leverages its global supply chain and logistics networks, along with its in-house R&D and design capabilities to offer a wide selection of comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and visually interesting apparel that brings fresh joy to customers. LightInTheBox operates its business through www.lightinthebox.com, www.ezbuy.sg and other websites as well as mobile applications, which are available in over 20 major languages and over 140 countries and regions. The Company is headquartered in Singapore, with additional offices in California, Shanghai and Beijing.
For more information, please visit www.lightinthebox.com.
Investor Relations Contact
Investor Relations
LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.
Email: ir@lightinthebox.com
Jenny Cai
Piacente Financial Communications
Email: lightinthebox@tpg-ir.com
Brandi Piacente
Piacente Financial Communications
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Email: lightinthebox@tpg-ir.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “targets” and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about LightInTheBox’s beliefs and expectations, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as LightInTheBox’s strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements.
LightInTheBox may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: LightInTheBox’s goals and strategies; LightInTheBox’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the global online retail market; LightInTheBox’s ability to attract customers and further enhance customer experience and product offerings; LightInTheBox’s ability to strengthen its supply chain efficiency and optimize its logistics network; LightInTheBox’s expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products; competition; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in LightInTheBox’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and LightInTheBox does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(U.S. dollars in thousands, or otherwise noted)
As of December 31,
As of March 31,
2023
2024
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
66,425
26,527
Restricted cash
5,279
4,337
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses
634
733
Inventories
5,767
4,583
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
6,875
9,034
Total current assets
84,980
45,214
Property and equipment, net
2,789
2,471
Intangible assets, net
3,604
3,298
Goodwill
27,393
26,947
Operating lease right-of-use assets
6,559
5,520
Long-term rental deposits
392
356
Other non-current assets
592
1,487
TOTAL ASSETS
126,309
85,293
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY / (DEFICIT)
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable
15,846
13,902
Advance from customers
17,001
15,350
Operating lease liabilities
5,046
4,289
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
94,622
63,468
Total current liabilities
132,515
97,009
Operating lease liabilities
1,915
1,609
Deferred tax liabilities
154
151
Unrecognized tax benefits
107
107
TOTAL LIABILITIES
134,691
98,876
EQUITY / (DEFICIT)
Ordinary shares
17
17
Additional paid-in capital
283,137
283,361
Treasury shares
(30,359)
(31,193)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,856)
(2,617)
Accumulated deficit
(259,321)
(263,151)
TOTAL EQUITY / (DEFICIT)
(8,382)
(13,583)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY / (DEFICIT)
126,309
85,293
LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data, or otherwise noted)
Three months ended March 31,
2023
2024
Revenues
Product sales
144,601
67,831
Services and others
3,180
3,338
Total revenues
147,781
71,169
Cost of revenues
Product sales
(64,176)
(29,070)
Services and others
(1,103)
(650)
Total Cost of revenues
(65,279)
(29,720)
Gross profit
82,502
41,449
Operating expenses
Fulfillment
(8,636)
(5,746)
Selling and marketing
(69,112)
(32,741)
General and administrative
(9,057)
(7,259)
Other operating income
345
286
Total operating expenses
(86,460)
(45,460)
Loss from operations
(3,958)
(4,011)
Interest income
30
70
Interest expense
(1)
–
Other income, net
21
111
Total other income
50
181
Loss before income taxes
(3,908)
(3,830)
Income tax expense
(48)
–
Net loss
(3,956)
(3,830)
Net loss attributable to LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.
(3,956)
(3,830)
Weighted average numbers of shares used in calculating loss per ordinary
share
–Basic
226,660,302
222,776,314
–Diluted
226,660,302
222,776,314
Net loss per ordinary share
–Basic
(0.02)
(0.02)
–Diluted
(0.02)
(0.02)
Net loss per ADS (2 ordinary shares equal to 1 ADS)
–Basic
(0.03)
(0.03)
–Diluted
(0.03)
(0.03)
LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.
Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results
(U.S. dollars in thousands, or otherwise noted)
Three months ended March 31,
2023
2024
Net loss
(3,956)
(3,830)
Less: Interest income
30
70
Interest expense
(1)
–
Income tax expense
(48)
–
Depreciation and amortization
(829)
(626)
EBITDA
(3,108)
(3,274)
Less: Share-based compensation
(5)
(224)
Adjusted EBITDA*
(3,103)
(3,050)
* Adjusted EBITDA represents net loss before share-based compensation expense, interest income, interest expense,
income tax expense and depreciation and amortization expenses.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lightinthebox-reports-first-quarter-2024-financial-results-302156577.html
SOURCE LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.
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Purina Films Docuseries A Different Breed Earns Three Daytime Emmy® Award Nominations
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Emmy®-nominated series celebrates the extraordinary bond between people and pets through the world of canine competition
ST. LOUIS, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When pet lovers see the human-pet bond in action, it creates connection and deepens the appreciation they have for the animals in their own lives. That connection recently led Purina to dive deeper into the world of canine competition through a docuseries that is now receiving critical acclaim. Today, Purina is celebrating three Daytime Emmy® Award nominations for A Different Breed, its original nine-episode documentary series produced through Purina Films in partnership with InkBlot Narratives and WPP Media, including recognition for Outstanding Lifestyle Program, Outstanding Editing and Outstanding Directing.
The Daytime Emmy® Awards recognize excellence in daytime television and streaming programming across lifestyle, documentary, instructional, travel, culinary and children’s content. A Different Breed is nominated alongside productions from some of the entertainment industry’s leading studios, networks and streaming platforms.
Streaming on Prime Video, A Different Breed follows 18 teams on the road to the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge National Finals, putting the spotlight on the competitors, their dogs and the extraordinary relationships that drive them. The series marks an intentional shift from traditional brand-led content toward storytelling that entertains, inspires and fosters meaningful connections – all in new channels and formats that resonate with the viewing habits of today’s consumer.
“The way people discover and engage with content continues to evolve, and we’re evolving with them,” said Andrea Faccio, President and Chief Growth Officer at Purina. “At Purina, we’ve always believed the bond between people and pets is full of inspiring stories. A Different Breed gave us the opportunity to share those stories in a way people actively choose to experience, and we’re incredibly proud to see them recognized alongside some of the industry’s most celebrated programs.”
Through Purina Films, Purina is evolving how it connects with pet lovers taking a more entertainment-led approach to storytelling, creating premium content that highlights the meaningful role pets play in people’s lives. By inviting viewers behind the scenes of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge and into competitors’ lives and homes, A Different Breed tells the kinds of emotionally rich stories today’s audiences actively seek out.
The backdrop of the series is the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge, a premier canine performance sports competition that has showcased extraordinary canine athletes and their handlers for nearly 30 years. The competition features a variety of events, including high-flying disc routines, agility courses, weave pole racing and diving dog competitions.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will announce the winners of the Daytime Emmy Awards on October 30, 2026.
All nine episodes of A Different Breed are available to stream exclusively on Prime Video in the U.S. at no additional cost with a Prime membership. The second season of the Emmy®-nominated series is in production, continuing Purina’s commitment to bring audiences authentic stories that celebrate the incredible bond between people and pets.
About Nestlé Purina PetCare
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations.
Purina manufactures some of the world’s most trusted and popular pet care products, including Dog Chow, Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies and Tidy Cats. Our more than 11,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. Nearly 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.
Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive.
Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.
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SOURCE Purina
Technology
Toy Foundation Partners with Build-A-Bear & Chuck E. Cheese to Raise $100,000 for Children in Need
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July 21, 2026By
The International Day of Play-themed cause marketing campaigns engaged consumers through promotions, exclusive product, & pin pad donations.
NEW YORK, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Toy Foundation™, the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association™, celebrated the United Nation’s International Day of Play (June 11) with two cause marketing campaigns with Build-A-Bear Foundation and Chuck E. Cheese. Together, the campaigns raised over $100,000, as families across the country and around the world supported The Toy Foundation’s mission to deliver the power of play to children in need.
The Toy Foundation’s partnership with Chuck E. Cheese included a three-part fundraising campaign throughout the month of June. At nearly 500 Chuck E. Cheese locations, families who donated $5 at checkout received 500 tickets to use toward prizes, turning a charitable gift into extra fun. Families also had the option to make a $1 or $3 donation directly at the pin pad, powered by FreedomPay’s Gateway to Giving™ — a charitable program that enables seamless giving at the point of sale, creating another opportunity to support a child in need. At select fun centers, families could also purchase a Chuck E. Cheese x Crazy Aaron’s Limited-Edition Thinking Putty, with one hundred percent of the purchase price benefitting The Toy Foundation.
“Partnering with The Toy Foundation this International Day of Play allowed us to make a real difference through the power of play,” said Scott Drake, CEO of CEC Entertainment. “Play is at the heart of everything we do, and we are deeply grateful to the families that joined us in supporting this great cause. Together, we are giving back in a meaningful way that inspires pride across our entire community.”
Build-A-Bear brought its signature warmth to workshops across the U.S. and the UK with a weeklong fundraising campaign held June 8 to 12. Shoppers made donations in amounts of their choosing at checkout, both in stores and online, with every dollar supporting The Toy Foundation’s work to deliver play to children in need.
“Build-A-Bear Foundation is proud to partner with The Toy Foundation in advancing the shared belief that play has the power to positively impact children’s lives,” said David Henderson, president of Build-A-Bear Foundation. “From toy donations and sponsorship support to this International Day of Play fundraising campaign, we are committed to helping create more moments of joy for children and families in need. We are so grateful to our guests and partners whose generosity continues to make that impact possible.”
These fundraising campaigns complimented The Toy Foundation’s International Day of Play toy collection initiative, which resulted in nearly 20 companies donating $5.7 million in toys. The toy donations are being distributed to more than 450,000 children in under-resourced communities, schools, and hospitals around the world.
“We are grateful to Build-A-Bear Foundation and Chuck E. Cheese for their support, collaboration, and partnership in hosting two successful cause marketing campaigns, and to the companies that generously donated toys in honor of International Day of Play,” said Pam Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “Together, we are making a lasting impact, transforming children’s lives with the power of play.”
The Toy Foundation partners with companies and retailers to create tailored cause marketing campaigns that engage consumers and support children through play.
Campaign opportunities include:
Retail campaigns that donate a portion of proceeds from select productsPoint-of-sale donation campaignsCo-branded products featuring cause-related messagingCustomized campaigns tailored to a company’s goals
To learn more and get involved in advancing the toy industry’s collective impact, visit toyfoundation.org or contact The Toy Foundation team.
About The Toy Foundation™ www.toyfoundation.org
The Toy Foundation™ is a 501(c)(3) children’s charity and philanthropic arm of The Toy Association. The uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry, The Toy Foundation is dedicated to creating a world where every child experiences the comfort, joy, and extraordinary benefits of play. The Toy Foundation works toward this vision through two program areas, Toy Chest, a toy distribution initiative, and Play Fund, a grant distribution initiative. By working together, The Toy Foundation has delivered the power of play to 38 million children in need worldwide. To learn more about The Toy Foundation, visit toyfoundation.org.
About Build‑A‑Bear Workshop, Inc.
Founded in 1997, Build‑A‑Bear is a leading global retailtainment brand on a mission to add a little more heart to life. At Build-A-Bear, guests are invited to create personalized furry friends through a unique stuffing, dressing, accessorizing and naming process, accentuated by a memorable “heart ceremony” that creates moments of connection for people of all ages.
Over the years, Build‑A‑Bear has grown into a multi‑generational phenomenon, positioned at the intersection of pop‑culture trends. Beyond its signature retail experience, the brand also offers pre‑stuffed plush, gifting, partnerships with best‑in‑class licensed and collectible characters, and original storytelling through Build‑A‑Bear Entertainment, LLC. Build‑A‑Bear’s current brand platform and message, “The Stuff You Love,” crosses ages and cultures while celebrating nearly 30 years of helping people mark life’s meaningful moments.
Today, Build‑A‑Bear operates more than 650 company-owned, partner-operated and franchise experience locations across more than 30 countries, complemented by buildabear.com. Build‑A‑Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) reported $529.8 million in total revenues for fiscal 2025, representing the company’s 5th consecutive year of record results. Learn more at the Investor Relations section of buildabear.com.
About Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese is where over 550,000 happy birthdays are celebrated every year. For nearly 50 years, Chuck E. Cheese has been the place Where A Kid Can Be A Kid®, making birthday kids the star of the show through its interactive experiences, arcade games and the beloved Chuck E. Cheese character. The brand operates more than 500 locations globally and remains committed to providing a fun, safe and inclusive environment through industry-leading programs such as Kid Check® and its partnership with Autism Speaks. As a strong advocate for local communities, Chuck E. Cheese has donated more than $24 million to schools and nonprofits through its fundraising programs. For more information, visit www.chuckecheese.com.
Contact: Erin Wright
The Toy Foundation
646.520.4851
ewright@toyfoundation.org
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Play a Video Game Against a Dish of Living Neurons: Intactis Bio Launches “Biostack”
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July 21, 2026By
Served from a rack mountable Biohybrid Processing Unit (BPU) to lower AI energy usage.
SALT LAKE CITY, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Intactis Bio launched the Biostack Alpha, a video game in which allows anyone to compete against living human neurons grown in the lab. A player sits on one side of the web-browser. On the other is Biohybrid Intelligence: a small population of neurons in a dish that receives the game board as patterns of electrical stimulation. These neurons then answer, move by move, where to drop the next piece.
Biocomputation is a field focused on curbing the AI energy crises by replacing inefficient silicon chips with low energy biological processors. Biostack is the most tactile and publicly accessible demonstration yet to emerge from the field of biocomputation. Play today at play.intactis.bio.
A biocomputer you can rack
Biostack runs on the Intactis BPU (Biohybrid Processing Unit), a biocomputer built into the same form factor as the GPUs widely distributed in data centers today. Living neurons at its core are wrapped in the cooling, life support, and signal hardware needed to keep the neurons healthy while they compute. The unit pairs the living substrate with silicon and rack mountable networking, which allows the systems to scale out using existing data center infrastructure.
The map that makes neurons playable
What makes the tissue controllable is a computational neuroscience model. Intactis ran a comprehensive screen to map how electrical stimulus drives neural outputs, cataloguing more than 150 statistically significant relationships and accounting for up to 96% of the tissue’s response. “Biocomputation is not a black box. We have the actual equation,” said Daniel Rodriguez-Granrose, PhD, Founder and CEO of Intactis Bio. This design space lets the company map neural responses onto specific game controls, so the biocomputer can directly learn the Biostack board state and ideal responses in a closed loop.
How a dish of neurons plays
Each turn, Biostack compresses the board (the current piece, the height of every column, and any gaps) into a compact code and delivers it to the tissue as a timed sequence of electrical pulses. The neurons respond, and the system reads their answer as a six-bit placement: four bits choose one of ten columns, two bits choose one of four rotations. Together this represents over 1000 unique electrical inputs to encode the board space and up to 40 possible destinations for every piece. Intactis has successfully transmitted this information to the neurons, and mapped their response back to the live game. In this demo, game performance held and even improved across overnight gaps between sessions. The living network is genuinely shaped by use.
Why a game matters
The stakes reach well beyond the screen. AI’s appetite for electricity is on track to outrun global electricity production. A supercomputer can draw on the order of 20 megawatts; a human brain runs on about 20 watts. The company projects energy-cost reductions around 95%, total-cost reductions around 90%, and data center footprint reductions around 88% versus exaflop-scale silicon.
From demo to business
Intactis sells the capability as Cloud Biocompute as a Service, targeting gaming, robotics, AI and LLM developers already spending $20,000 or more per month on GPUs. The company has secured more than $1 million in early capital and non-dilutive support and is raising a $5 million seed round to bring the BPU to data center partners. Intactis is built by a team with more than $900 million in prior exits.
About Intactis Bio
Intactis Bio builds biohybrid computers that run living human neurons alongside silicon to deliver compute with dramatically lower energy, cost, and footprint. Its rack-mountable Biohybrid Processing Unit (BPU) targets the widening gap between AI compute demand and available power. Learn more at intactis.bio.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/play-a-video-game-against-a-dish-of-living-neurons-intactis-bio-launches-biostack-302831095.html
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