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Azimut strengthens its support for the excellence of the Italian Alps blockchain with a new €105 million club deal

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The new capital will finance the international expansion of the company, which specialises in the production of computing power for blockchain technology and the digital mining process, thereby encouraging energy transition.

MILAN and TRENTO, Italy, July 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Azimut, an independent, global group in asset management, wealth management, investment banking and fintech, has successfully completed a new club deal to invest in Alps Blockchain S.p.A., one of Europe’s leading companies and a leader in Italy in the production of computational power for blockchain and digital mining.

This new €105 million investment by Azimut in Alps Blockchain, whose commitment was reached in just two days, follows a previous round of €40 million in 2023, confirming the confidence and involvement of private investors in the growth of this innovative company.

Azimut’s investment was made through Azimut Direct Investment Alps Blockchain II SCSp, a dedicated Luxembourg vehicle that invested in a 5-year guaranteed bond with the option of early redemption by Alps Blockchain. This transaction allowed around 1,000 customers, served by the Group’s network of financial advisors and wealth managers in Italy, to gain exposure to the growth of the blockchain sector.

Alps Blockchain is an Italian company that builds and operates mining farms with the aim of contributing to the development of new technologies and supporting the evolution of the energy sector, combining innovation and efficiency. Thanks to a path of continuous development, in the last three years the company has quintupled the number of mining machines installed in its planned sites globally from 2,500 to over 15,000. This increase has enabled the company to reach a total energy capacity of 50 MW and more than 2 EH/s (exahash per second) of computing power produced by June 2024.

Alps Blockchain’s positive trend is also reflected in its financial results. Revenues increased from €697,000 in 2020 to €17.3 million in 2022. In 2023, thanks in part to Azimut’s first investment round, revenues reached €43.6 million, an increase of around 140% compared to the previous year, which, with a positive EBITDA, confirms the company’s solid development capacity.

The funds raised will be used to support Alps Blockchain’s growth and internationalisation path, with a focus on consolidating and implementing its existing operations and considering expansion into new markets to further strengthen its global position.

From Italy, the company has already established operations in countries such as Paraguay and Ecuador, where the completed mining farms use hydroelectric power. Alps Blockchain actively supports the energy sector not only by focusing on hydropower, but also by exploring new sources and projects to promote the energy transition. Among the key markets for future growth is Oman, where the company is already present with a state-of-the-art mining farm within the Green Data City technology hub. The strategic focus is also on North America, a major destination for the mining industry and attractive for new expansion opportunities.

Giorgio Medda, CEO and Global Head of Asset Management & Fintech of the Azimut Group, commented: “We are thrilled to strengthen our relationship with Alps Blockchain, whose objective is to make mining more sustainable, and to offer our customers the opportunity to participate in the growth of an all-Italian excellence that is rapidly establishing itself around the world. This new transaction is part of Azimut’s broader commitment to promoting a global and sustainable energy transition through innovative investment solutions in private markets. A commitment that from 2022 to date counts investments of over €350 million. Our vision is that asset management can increasingly play a crucial role in combining efficient capital allocation with building a more sustainable future’.

Francesco Buffa, CEO of Alps Blockchain, stated: ‘At Alps Blockchain we are committed to shaping projects that foster the synergy between new technologies and the world of energy, generating a positive impact in both sectors. This new investment is an extraordinary confirmation of the confidence in our work and an essential support for the near future. On the sixth anniversary of the company’s establishment, which was July 20th, we are enthusiastically inaugurating a new chapter in its history dedicated to the pursuit of ambitious growth targets.

Francesca Failoni, CFO of Alps Blockchain, added: “The increase in resources will allow us to contribute even more substantially to the blockchain ecosystem, fostering the development of solid and sustainable projects over time. Thanks to this financial transaction, we will not only be able to increase and make our existing sites more efficient, but also invest in the construction of new facilities, aiming to quadruple the production capacity of computing power in the service of this technology by the first quarter of 2025.”

Glossary 

Blockchain: a digital ledger based on a decentralised data structure consisting of a series of concatenated blocks containing transactions. The blockchain is designed to be secure, transparent and tamper-proof through the use of cryptography and the participation of a network of nodes that validate and store information in a distributed manner.

Mining: The process by which transactions are verified, grouped into blocks, validated and added to the blockchain. Critical to some types of blockchain, such as that of bitcoin, this process is carried out by miners, who use computing power to solve complex cryptographic functions in exchange for fees and the issuance of new cryptocurrency value.

Mining farm: A mining farm is a data centre designed to generate computing power to serve the blockchain. It is an industrial facility that houses a group of specialised devices designed to solve cryptographic functions, called ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), which work in a coordinated manner to perform the mining process.

Azimut is an independent, global group in asset management, wealth management, investment banking and fintech, serving individuals and businesses. A public company listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (AZM.IM), it is a leader in Italy and present in 18 countries worldwide, with a focus on emerging markets. The shareholding structure sees around 2,000 managers, financial advisors and employees united in a syndicate that controls around 22% of the company. The remainder is free float. The Group includes several companies active in the promotion, management and distribution of financial and insurance products, mainly based in Italy, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China (Hong Kong and Shanghai), Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey and the USA. In Italy, Azimut Capital Management Sgr is active in the promotion and management of mutual funds governed by Italian law, in alternative investment funds governed by Italian law, and in the individual management of investment portfolios on behalf of third parties. In addition, Azimut Capital Management handles the distribution of Group and third-party products through its network of financial advisors, while Azimut Libera Impresa Sgr handles alternative products. The main foreign companies are Azimut Investments SA (founded in Luxembourg in 1999), which manages the AZ FUND1 and AZ Multi Asset multi-fund funds, and the Irish company Azimut Life DAC, which offers life insurance products.

Alps Blockchain is an Italian tech company with a global vision, specialising in the production of computing power for digital mining. Through the design and operation of state-of-the-art mining farms, it aims to combine the potential of blockchain and mining with the needs of the energy sector, creating shared value and fostering mutual evolution. Founded in 2018, it introduced an innovative solution to support the Italian energy sector, breathing new life into historic hydroelectric power plants through the installation of mining farms integrated with the traditional production system. Today, Alps Blockchain has extended its reach from Europe to South America and the Middle East, focusing on projects that generate scalable growth and new opportunities through computational power generation.

Contacts – Azimut Holding S.p.A.
www.azimut-group.com

Contatti – Alps Blockchain
www.alpsblockchain.com 
Nicole Vuillermin
Tel. +39 335 69 72 986
Email: n.vuillermin@alpsblockchain.com

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Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2470651/ALPS_Logo.jpg

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DTE Energy intends to pause future electric rate requests following upcoming filing as data centers come online

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Affordability benefits from data centers expected to help offset reliability investments for all customers

DETROIT, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) announced today that its electric company intends to forego asking for rate increases for at least two years following its upcoming filing with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on April 28, 2026.

“Now more than ever, we know affordability matters to our customers – and we’re doing everything we can to keep energy bills as low as possible while also providing the reliable power they need,” said Joi Harris, president and chief executive officer, DTE Energy. “As long as the first data center project we’re supporting comes online as planned by the end of 2027 and we’re able to receive other regulatory approvals, we will refrain from filing another rate request until at least 2028—providing customers two years without an increase in rates after the current request is complete.”

Affordability Benefits of Data Center Development

When a new large customer is brought onto the electric system, fixed costs can be spread more widely. DTE’s two data center contracts – one approved and one currently with the MPSC for approval – will contribute nearly $9 billion to improving DTE’s electric system through 2045, helping to reduce the total amount needed from other customers.

“That’s why we’re excited to see the expected benefits of responsible data center development come to fruition,” said Harris. “This new industry is not only helping to grow Michigan’s economy, but once the data centers are fully online, it will make energy more affordable for all customers while bolstering our investments in creating the grid of the future.” 

Upcoming investment request

DTE Electric’s upcoming investment request is designed to build on recent reliability gains and continue strengthening its electric grid for the customers and communities the company serves in southeast Michigan. The request reflects DTE’s ongoing commitment to targeted investments that reduce outages, restore power faster when interruptions do occur and ensure reliable and cleaner energy for customers every day.

In 2025, DTE’s electric customers experienced the company’s best reliability performance in nearly 20 years — progress driven by sustained investments in tree trimming, grid hardening, automation and other system improvements.

“Reliable power isn’t just about keeping the lights on, it’s about supporting families, businesses and the broader Michigan economy,” said Matt Paul, president and chief operating officer, DTE Electric. “While we’re proud of our progress, we know we have more work ahead. Every investment we make moves us closer to our goal: a stronger, more reliable grid for every DTE customer, no matter the weather.”

As DTE continues investing in reliability and cleaner energy, the company is focused on limiting the long-term impact on customer bills and reducing the need for future rate requests. DTE continues to drive efficiencies in its operations and expects growing data center development to create meaningful customer affordability benefits over time.

What Happens Next

The filing on April 28 represents a formal request of $474.3 million to support several billion dollars of investment in the electric grid and power generation, marking the beginning of an approximately 10‑month regulatory review process. A final decision by the MPSC and any potential rate changes are not expected until late February 2027.

Key Things Media Should Know

The filing itself does not result in a bill increase. The filing will be reviewed by the MPSC as a contested case with opportunity for intervenor testimony. A final decision on the rate request will not be received from the MPSC until February 2027, with a customer rate change happening soon after.

Customers are seeing real reliability improvements – when we invest, it works.
DTE delivered its most reliable year in nearly 20 years in 2025, reducing the time customers spent without power by 60% compared to 2024, building on a 70% improvement the year before. Continued investment is essential to delivering the reliability customers demand and deserve. Learn more: Building a stronger, more reliable electric grid for you

These investments are enhancing DTE’s clean energy advancements. The upcoming filing also supports the completion of the conversion of the Belle River Power Plant from coal to natural gas as well as the development of the Trenton Channel Energy Center – expected to be the largest stand-along battery energy storage facility in the Great Lakes region when it is commissioned. Learn more: DTE CleanVision IRP: Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050

DTE remains focused on affordability. Since 2021, DTE’s electric bill growth has been among the lowest in the country. Residential electric bills are in the first quartile nationally and remain below the state of Michigan, Great Lakes region and national averages. For more information about DTE’s plans to build the energy grid of the future and the impact of our investment requests, visit https://www.dteenergy.com/future

No costs related to data centers are included in this investment request and data centers will not raise customer rates. Data centers—including the one DTE has been approved to support in Saline Township and the project under review in Van Buren Township – are governed by separate contracts and are required to pay the full cost of the infrastructure needed to serve them, ensuring other customers are protected. DTE customers will NOT subsidize data center rates. For more information, visit dteenergy.com/datacenterfacts

About DTE Energy 

DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.4 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, x.com/DTE_Energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

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SOURCE DTE Energy

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Therap Timesheet Module: Simplifying Staff Hours and Activity Management

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TORRINGTON, Conn., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Therap Services, the national leader in HIPAA-compliant electronic documentation solutions for organizations in Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), and other human services industries, has introduced a new Timesheet module designed to simplify how staff track daily work activities and paid/unpaid time off, helping agencies reduce administrative complexity and focus more on delivering quality services.

Centralized Time Tracking and Administration

The Timesheet module brings staff time tracking into one centralized system, reducing the need for manual processes and disconnected tools. Agencies can track staff activities consistently across teams, improving clarity and standardization.

Flexible Timesheet Creation and Approval Workflow

With built-in workflows for submitting and reviewing time entries, the module helps reduce administrative burden while supporting timely approvals. Agencies gain better control over staff hours, helping ensure accurate records and smoother internal processes.

Self-Service Tools for Staff

Staff can easily log their hours and time off through a simple interface, empowering them to manage their own entries. This reduces back-and-forth communication and allows teams to focus more on service delivery.

Dynamic Views and Navigation

Multiple viewing options make it easier for both staff and administrators to understand schedules at a glance. This improved visibility supports better planning, coordination, and day-to-day decision-making, especially in fast-paced service environments.

Integrated EVV and Visual Tracking

By aligning timesheet entries with scheduled services, the module helps promote consistency between recorded time and delivered services. Visual indicators show the status of entries at a glance, making oversight more efficient and helping agencies stay compliant and audit-ready.

Why This Matters for Providers

The Timesheet module helps agencies:

Reduce manual effort and administrative workloadImprove accuracy and consistency in staff time trackingIncrease visibility into staff activities and schedulesSupport timely approvals and better oversightStrengthen alignment between services and recorded time

To know more, visit:

https://www.therapservices.net/products/comprehensive-esolution-for-person-centered-services/

About Therap Services

Therap’s comprehensive and HIPAA-compliant software is used in human services settings for documentation, communication, reporting, EVV and billing.

Learn more at:

https://www.therapservices.net/

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SOURCE Therap Services

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Groundfloor Co-Founder and CEO Brian Dally Named Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Southeast Finalist by EY US

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EY US celebrates entrepreneurs shaping the future of business

ATLANTA, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Groundfloor, the award-winning private markets platform, today announced that its co-founder and CEO, Brian Dally, has been named one of 35 finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Southeast Award, one of the most prestigious awards programs in the world.

Now in its 41st year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program by EY US celebrates leaders who reshape industries, drive innovation, and create long-term value. An independent panel of judges selected Dally as a finalist following a rigorous application and interview process.

“We built Groundfloor from day one for the purpose of opening access to private markets on equal terms for the full spectrum of individual retail investors,” said Dally. “The importance of that mission has always been fuel for overcoming the barriers, misapprehensions, and challenges we’ve faced. I am profoundly grateful for this recognition, my 13-year partnership with Nick, and the believers who contributed their talent, capital, and ideas to making it possible.”

After a successful stint with Republic Wireless, where he helped deliver affordable mobile phone access to millions, Dally launched Groundfloor with the goal of expanding access to private capital markets. Despite early skepticism from industry experts, he and his co-founder, Nick Bhargava, invested significant personal resources and navigated complex regulatory hurdles to bring the concept to life. Their efforts led to the first-ever SEC qualification of its kind, opening a new pathway for individual investors to participate in private markets.

Under Dally’s leadership, Groundfloor has grown into a category leader with more than 300,000 registered users who have invested over $2.2 billion across its platform. The company pioneered fractional investments into deferred pay business purpose residential real estate debt, a now widely recognized asset class, and has continued to innovate with products like Groundfloor Notes. In keeping the company aligned with its vision, Dally also turned to individual investors instead of VCs for growth capital. Groundfloor is now proudly owned by 32% of its own customers.

Over the last 13 years, Groundfloor has been widely recognized for its innovation, growth, and unique approach to fundraising, earning accolades including the Forbes Fintech 50, Benzinga’s Best Alternative Investment Platform, and six consecutive years on the Inc. 5000 list.

Regional award winners for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Southeast Award will be announced on June 18th in Charlotte, N.C., and will go on to be considered for national honors later this year.

About Groundfloor
Groundfloor is an award-winning investing and lending company that unlocks institutional-grade private markets for investors and borrowers. Known for its regulatory prowess and developing new financial products, the company was the very first to be qualified to offer direct real estate debt investments for both accredited and non-accredited audiences alike. Groundfloor has won numerous awards for its product innovation and growth, including the Forbes Fintech 50 and six years in a row of being on the Inc. 5000. Since it launched in 2013, Groundfloor’s investors have invested $2.2 billion across its offerings. Start investing or borrowing at Groundfloor.com.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year ®
Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year ® has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 80 countries and territories globally. The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum ® in November where national finalists and award winners are announced. The national overall winner represents the US at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year ® competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

Media Contact:
Hela Sheth
hela@katalystcomms.com

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SOURCE Groundfloor Finance Inc.

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