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Unicon, Inc. Announces Strategic Leadership Changes, Setting Their Vision for Future Growth and Excellence

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Unicon, Inc. has announced significant changes to its leadership team. Kate Valenti has been appointed as the new CEO, succeeding John C. Blakley, who will now serve as Chairman of the Board.

GILBERT, Ariz., June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Unicon, Inc., a leading learner-centric technology consulting firm, today announced a number of significant changes to the Unicon leadership team, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation, strategic growth, and unwavering dedication to the educational technology market.

Building upon the strong foundation established by our founders, our vision is to be the technology enablement partner of choice for innovative institutions, EdTechs, and funding organizations.

Kate Valenti culminates her 20+ year career at Unicon as CEO, bringing her operational skills, strategic vision, and consistent focus on excellence to better support Unicon’s clients, improve learner experiences, and foster employee success. Kate will carry these long-standing values forward as her predecessor, John C. Blakley, assumes his role as Chairman of the Board.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to lead the Unicon team as CEO. Building upon the strong foundation established by our founders, our vision is to be the technology enablement partner of choice for innovative institutions, EdTechs, and funding organizations,” said Kate Valenti, CEO, Unicon. “My job is to inspire our talented team to push the boundaries of what’s possible, developing transformative digital learning solutions that improve learner experiences and outcomes.”

Under Kate’s leadership, Unicon has made several strategic changes to its leadership team and Board of Directors. Kate has built a strong internal and external set of advisors with diverse backgrounds to guide Unicon’s future in the educational technology market.

Recent updates to Unicon’s Executive team include Daniel McCallum’s expanded role as Chief Services Officer and the addition of Flora Ketley, Vice President of Financial Operations.

EJ Blanchfield, Managing Director and Head of Human Capital at GQG Partners, has joined the Board of Directors, bringing her invaluable operational and people perspectives to support Unicon’s growth and strategic initiatives. Ms. Blanchfield joins the existing board members: Nana Kyei, Managing Director at Jefferies, Robert Bowen, retired CEO Scientific Learning, Dr. William Lewis, retired CIO ASU, and Unicon founders John Blakley and Chris Franz.

For more information about Unicon’s leadership team, please visit our company page.

About Unicon
Unicon is a leading technology consulting firm focused solely on the education ecosystem. We partner with institutions and companies to create learner-centric digital experiences to transform online teaching and learning. We believe in the power of technology to expand access to education, and in the power of education to create a better future for all.

Unicon is a Contributing Member of 1EdTech, a Commercial Affiliate of the Apereo Foundation, a Trust and Identity Solution Provider in the Internet2® Industry Program, an Industry Member of Internet2®, an InCommon Participant, an InCommon Catalyst, an Instructure Certified Partner, and a community member of the Ed-Fi Alliance. Unicon is also an AWS Partner Network (APN) Advanced Consulting Partner, has achieved the AWS Education Competency, and is a member of the AWS Public Sector Partner Program. Follow Unicon on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

Media Contact

Kenna Ose, Unicon, Inc., (480) 558-2400, kose@unicon.net, https://www.unicon.net/

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View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/unicon-inc-announces-strategic-leadership-changes-setting-their-vision-for-future-growth-and-excellence-302183120.html

SOURCE Unicon, Inc.

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AULUMU Introduces the ADuo Particle Aramid Fiber Case for iPhone Duo

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1500D aramid fiber meets a universe-inspired particle array, combining technical aesthetics with everyday protection

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AULUMU, the design-driven accessories brand known for blending futuristic aesthetics with functional engineering, introduces the ADuo Particle Aramid Fiber Case for iPhone Duo. Part of the brand’s Particle Series, the new case combines a lightweight 1500D aramid-fiber construction with a distinctive particle-array design, dual-screen protection, and MagSafe compatibility in a slim, technical form.

Inspired by the primordial order of the universe and tactical aesthetics, the ADuo Particle transforms a finely woven surface into a dynamic visual composition. Its precisely arranged particles create a sense of depth and structure, evoking the ubiquitous particles found throughout the universe. The result is a design that balances visual complexity with a restrained, functional aesthetic.

At the core of the ADuo Particle is 1500D aramid fiber, selected for its refined woven texture and lightweight strength. The finely woven material creates a distinctive tactile surface while maintaining a slim profile for everyday carrying. A skin-friendly coating further enhances grip and makes routine cleaning easier, bringing material refinement and practical usability together.

The ADuo Particle is available in two finishes, each interpreting the particle-array concept through a different visual language. Abyss Blue features a UV-processed gradient particle array, creating a sense of depth through a gradual shift in color. Polar Black combines glossy particles with black aramid fabric, producing a subtle interplay of light and shadow that changes with the viewing angle. Together, the two colorways offer distinct expressions of the same technical design language.

Beyond its visual identity, the ADuo Particle integrates a series of protective details designed for everyday use. A full-coverage PC protective frame surrounds the front screen, helping protect its edges and corners. An aluminum-alloy camera guard adds protection around the camera area, while raised edges around the screen and camera help reduce direct contact with surrounding surfaces. These elements complement the slim construction without adding unnecessary visual bulk.

The case also supports compatible MagSafe accessories, extending its functionality beyond basic device protection. Users can pair it with magnetic accessories, including the AULUMU G09 Mag Stand, to create a more flexible setup for everyday work, viewing, and mobile use. By combining magnetic compatibility with a refined aramid-fiber exterior, the ADuo Particle fits naturally into a technical, minimalist everyday carry setup.

The ADuo Particle reflects AULUMU’s ongoing approach to product design: bringing material innovation, functional details, and a distinctive industrial aesthetic into everyday technology accessories. Rather than treating protection and appearance as separate priorities, the case integrates both into a cohesive design built around the character of the device and the needs of daily use.

AULUMU is also developing two additional ADuo Aramid Fiber Case variations: a distinctive all-white edition and a gradient edition inspired by the visual direction of the A18 Ultra Slim Gradient Aramid Fiber Case. Release dates for both versions have yet to be determined.

Available on the AULUMU website for $89.98

What is More

AULUMU is also preparing a special limited version of ADuo Particle Aramid Fiber Case which is the world first All-White Aramid Fiber case. The release date for this case has not yet been determined.

About AULUMU

Founded in 2022, AULUMU is a design brand focused on high-performance gear, drawing inspiration from the functional aesthetics of cyberpunk and the philosophical roots of ancient Greek thought. Since its inception, the brand has launched dozens of digital accessory products, secured multiple utility and invention patents, and received the 2025 Red Dot Design Award. Today, AULUMU products serve hundreds of thousands of users across more than 20 countries and regions, positioning the brand as a growing presence in the global high-performance accessories market.

For more information, visit: https://aulumu.com/, or follow AULUMU on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aulumu_official/

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SOURCE AULUMU

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LianLian Global and PayPal Power Cross-Border Payouts for Social Commerce, Marketplace, and eCommerce Customers

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Social commerce, marketplaces and eCommerce players served by LianLian Global can now pay creators, influencers, developers, and independent contractors directly to their PayPal and Venmo wallets.

NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LianLian Global  today announced it has partnered with PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL) to enable its social commerce, marketplace and e-commerce clients to send payouts directly to PayPal accounts globally and to Venmo accounts in the U.S.

The creator and gig economy runs on fast, low-friction payouts. Brands are expected to spend $32.6 billion on creators in 2026 and roughly 50 million people worldwide create content professionally or semi-professionally (Gigapay Global Creator Economy Report 2026). Many of these recipients already hold a PayPal or Venmo account: PayPal had over 400 million active accounts across approximately 200 markets at the end of Q2 2026, and Venmo reached 67 million monthly active accounts in Q4 2025.

Paypal Payouts is live in 96 global markets and 24 currencies. It allows merchants to send to any email address, mobile number, or Venmo user handle, with or without an existing PayPal or Venmo account.

To support enterprises expanding globally, LianLian Global provides digital payment services including pay-in, pay-out, acquiring, foreign exchange, virtual cards and payment aggregation. To date, its parent company Lianlian DigiTech has served more than 13.3 million clients. Its services reach more than 200 countries and regions, support transactions and settlement in more than 140 currencies, and connect with more than 180 global e-commerce platforms.

The partnership combines LianLian Global’s cross-border collection, FX and compliance infrastructure with PayPal’s global wallet network. Key offerings include:

Pay to PayPal: Payouts from LianLian Global clients to PayPal account holders in 96 markets, using only the recipient’s email or phone numberPay to Venmo: Domestic U.S. payouts to Venmo users, including creators, influencers and independent contractorsPayPal Payouts for Platforms: Mass disbursements for social commerce, marketplaces and affiliate platforms paying large numbers of sellers, creators and contractorsSpeed to settle: Save time and money by eliminating check runs and postage; no need for routing numbers and bank accounts.

Sandra Lam, Deputy CEO of US at LianLian Global: “Social commerce is creating a new economy, where creators, influencers and independent sellers drive discovery and sales alongside the platforms they sell on. Paying these participants fast, across borders and in small amount is what powers the network effect of social commerce. We see our work with Paypal as a key step in building the payout rails for the global gig economy.”

The collaboration expands LianLian Global’s payout coverage and supports its growth in the U.S. and global markets as cross-border platforms scale their creator and contractor programs.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lianlian-global-and-paypal-power-cross-border-payouts-for-social-commerce-marketplace-and-ecommerce-customers-302917635.html

SOURCE LianLian Global

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Crab2B Debuts as Hong Kong’s First Dedicated B2B Platform for Mobile Electronics

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HONG KONG, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With the global population surpassing 8 billion, mobile electronics have become essential to modern life, with smartphones now used by billions of people. Across approximately 13,861 cities worldwide, electronics wholesalers play a vital role in the supply chain. Among the world’s three major wholesale hubs for digital electronics, Dubai serves the Middle East and Africa, Miami connects markets across Latin America, and Hong Kong draws strength from its unique position linking mainland China with global markets. According to Hong Kong Customs data, re-exports of used mobile phones from Hong Kong reached 51.5 million units in 2025, while the total value of electronics exports hit HK$3.9216 trillion. Yet despite its value running into the trillions of Hong Kong dollars, it has long lacked a dedicated online platform.

Crab2B was created to fill this gap as Hong Kong’s first B2B platform dedicated to mobile electronics. Inspired by Alibaba’s online B2B marketplace model, the platform focuses on consumer electronics, bringing together hundreds of thousands of buyers and sellers worldwide and enabling them to connect directly.

Crab2B covers a broad range of products, including smartphones, tablets, laptops and other smart devices. Listings span brand-new and used devices, as well as certified pre-owned (CPO) and as-is products. The platform also connects buyers and suppliers with service providers offering product inspection, international logistics and repair services. Users can search for products by brand and model, while all merchants undergo rigorous verification before joining the platform. With these safeguards in place, Crab2B is designed to meet the needs of businesses across the value chain, protect the interests of both buyers and sellers, and facilitate mutually beneficial transactions.

Building on Hong Kong’s established trading network, Crab2B made its debut at the HKICEC Global Mobile Exchange Pavilion during the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows, held at AsiaWorld-Expo from October 18 to 21, 2026, where it also launched the Crab2B app. Looking ahead, Crab2B will remain firmly rooted in Hong Kong while expanding its global reach, continuing to refine the platform to deliver a smarter, more comprehensive digital marketplace for mobile electronics. By helping international buyers identify suitable suppliers, simplifying cross-border sourcing and reducing transaction costs, Crab2B aims to support the continued growth of Hong Kong’s digital trade sector and contribute to the city’s long-term prosperity and stability.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/crab2b-debuts-as-hong-kongs-first-dedicated-b2b-platform-for-mobile-electronics-302917652.html

SOURCE CRAB 2B TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT CO., LIMITED

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