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Evogene Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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Conference call and webcast: today, August 22, 2024, 9:00 am ET

Financial and Business Highlights:

H1 2024 revenues $5.1M, up from $1.3M in H1 2023; Q2 2024 revenues $914K, up from $654K in Q2 2023.Anticipated continued revenue growth in the second half of 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year, primarily driven by Casterra’s initiation of supplying existing seed orders, which began in August 2024 and total over $8.0 million.H1 2024 loss $9.8M, down from $14.8M in H1 2023; Q2 2024 loss $6.0M, down from $7.8M in Q2 2023.Projected 2024 cash usage (excl. Biomica & Lavie Bio) $8.0M, down 36% from $12.5M in 2023.Implemented a 10:1 reverse stock split during July 2024.

Casterra:

Received a $440K order for castor seeds from an existing customer for a new African country.Completed a successful castor seed season in Brazil, with shipments planned for Q3 2024.Seeds produced in Brazil and Africa in 2024, are anticipated to meet existing orders totaling approximately $8.4M.

Biomica:

Promising Phase 1 results for BMC128 with nivolumab in RCC, NSCLC, and melanoma, presented at ASCO 2024.

Lavie Bio:

A significant milestone achieved in ICL collaboration, developing yield-increasing bio-stimulants for row crops under extreme weather conditions by leveraging AI to identify over a dozen novel microbial candidates.Announced commercial expansion of Yalos™ bio-inoculant to winter wheat.

REHOVOT, Israel, Aug. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Evogene Ltd. (Nasdaq: EVGN) (TASE: EVGN), a leading computational biology company aiming to revolutionize the development of life-science-based products, today announced its financial results for the second quarter period ended June 30, 2024.

Mr. Ofer Haviv, Evogene’s President and CEO, stated: “In our vision, we see Evogene as a pioneering company for creating groundbreaking life-science products, to improve life quality and longevity. During the past years we developed three innovative AI tech-engines addressing the main development challenges of products rooted in microbes, small molecules and genomics. Our AI tech-engines were structured to be compatible with the tremendous potential of various market segments and not limited to only one specific segment.

“In order to capture the value of our AI tech-engines, our business strategy is to establish diverse collaborative partnerships through licensing or collaboration, with expert partners in specific fields that complement our technology. Together, we’ll develop novel products, aiming for full or partial ownership upon project completion. This approach maximizes the potential of our AI tech-engines, while aiming to reduce financial and development risks. Today, Evogene has 4 subsidiaries, each focusing on a different market segment, and in addition, Evogene has diverse engagements with leading companies in additional market segments, not covered by our subsidiaries.

“I am very pleased to share with you the main achievements made by Evogene’s subsidiaries from the last report of our financial results.”

Casterra Ag Ltd. – focuses on developing an integrated solution to enable large-scale commercial cultivation of castor to address the global demand for stable castor oil supply, mainly for the biodiesel industry. Casterra is utilizing Evogene’s GeneRator AI tech engine to direct and accelerate the development of its unique elite castor seed varieties.

On June 25, Casterra announced receiving a $440K purchase order to supply castor seeds to a new African country in 2024. This order from an existing customer expands Casterra’s operations and strengthens its position in the bio-fuel market.On July 31, Casterra announced the successful completion of its castor seed growing and harvesting season in Brazil, with shipments planned for the third quarter of 2024. Additionally, the castor harvest season in Africa has begun as scheduled.Castor seeds produced in 2024 in both Brazilian and African territories are expected to enable Casterra to meet all its existing orders, amounting to approximately $8.4M, with completion anticipated by the end of this year. 

Lavie Bio Ltd. – a leading ag-biologicals company that develops microbiome-based, computational-driven novel bio-stimulant and bio-pesticide products, utilizing Evogene’s MicroBoost AI tech-engine.

On July 2, Lavie Bio announced the commercial expansion of its bio-inoculant Yalos™ to winter wheat following successful trials, with sales starting across the US for the 2024-2025 season, effectively doubling its market potential.On July 22, 2024, Lavie Bio announced a milestone in its collaboration with ICL in developing bio-stimulant solutions for row crops facing extreme weather conditions by leveraging AI to identify over a dozen novel microbes within 12 months.Lavie Bio’s pipeline is advancing according to plan, with field trials initiated in Q2 in most of the company’s programs, following successful optimization processes. Results are expected during Q4.

Biomica Ltd. – a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative microbiome-based therapeutics, utilizing Evogene’s MicroBoost AI tech-engine.

On May 23, positive safety and tolerability data for BMC128 was published. 72% of the patients treated have exhibited clinical benefits. 55% of patients showed sustained clinical benefit, with notable durations of effect (more than 24 months).These clinical results were presented at the prestigious 2024 ASCO annual conference in June.We look forward to continuing to evaluate BMC128’s beneficial activity in subsequent phases of clinical development.

Financial Highlights:

Cash Position: As of June 30, 2024, Evogene held consolidated cash, cash equivalents, and short-term bank deposits of approximately $20.9 million. This amount does not include $8.4 million of expected payments for the open purchase orders of Casterra. The consolidated cash usage during the second quarter of 2024 was approximately $5.7 million. Excluding Lavie Bio and Biomica, Evogene and its other subsidiaries used approximately $2.7 million in cash during the second quarter of 2024. Projected cash usage for 2024, excluding Lavie Bio and Biomica, is expected to be around $8.0 million, marking a notable 36% decrease from approximately $12.5 million in 2023.

Revenue: Revenues for the first half of 2024 were approximately $5.1 million, a significant increase from $1.3 million in the same period the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by revenues recognized from Lavie Bio’s licensing agreement with Corteva and AgPlenus’s new collaboration with Bayer. Revenues for the second quarter of 2024 were approximately $0.9 million, compared to approximately $0.7 million in the same period the previous year. The increase was mainly attributable to increased revenue in Lavie Bio.

Evogene anticipates continued revenue growth in the second half of 2024 compared to the previous year, mainly based on Casterra’s forecast for seed-order supply.

R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses, net of non-refundable grants, for the first half of 2024 were approximately $8.8 million, a decrease from $10.2 million in the first half of 2023. The decrease in expenses is mainly due to the cease of Canonic’s activities and a decrease in certain development expenses in Biomica as compared to the same period the previous year. Research and development expenses, net of non-refundable grants, for the second quarter of 2024 were approximately $4.0 million, and decreased significantly as compared to approximately $5.4 million in the same period in the previous year. The decrease is mainly attributable to decreased expenses in Canonic and Biomica, as mentioned above.  

Sales and Marketing Expenses: Sales and Marketing expenses for the first half of 2024 were approximately $1.9 million, a slight increase from approximately $1.7 million in the same period in the previous year. The increase is mainly attributable to increased sales and marketing activities in Casterra during the first half of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. Sales and Marketing expenses for the second quarter of 2024 were approximately $0.9 million and remained stable as compared to approximately $0.9 million in the same period in the previous year. 

General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses for the first half of 2024 decreased slightly to approximately $3.2 million from approximately $3.3 million in the same period last year. General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2024 decreased to approximately $1.5 million compared to approximately $1.8 million in the same period of the previous year, mainly due to decreased non-cash compensation and salary related expenses in Lavie Bio and Biomica, respectively, in the second quarter of 2024.

Other Expenses: The decision to cease Canonic’s operations in the first half of 2024 resulted in other expenses of approximately $0.5 million, mainly due to impairment of fixed assets in the first quarter of 2024.

Operating Loss: The operating loss for the first half of 2024 was approximately $10.2 million, a significant decrease from approximately $14.7 million in the same period of the previous year, mainly due to increased revenues as mentioned above. The operating loss for the second quarter of 2024 was approximately $6.1 million, a decrease from $7.9 million in the same period of the previous year, mainly due to decreased operating expenses as mentioned above. 

Financing Income: Financing income, net for the first half of 2024 was $379 thousand, compared to financing expenses, net of $86 thousand in the same period of the previous year. This increase was primarily due to increased interest income and a revaluation of convertible SAFE. Financing income, net for the second quarter of 2024 was $138 thousand, compared to financing income, net of $144 thousand in the same period of the previous year.

Net Loss: The net loss for the first half of 2024 was approximately $9.8 million, compared to approximately $14.8 million in the same period last year. The $5.0 million decrease in net loss was primarily due to increased revenues, decreased operating expenses, partially offset by the one-time $0.5 million of other expenses, related to ceasing Canonic’s operations and an increase in financial income. The net loss for the second quarter of 2024 was approximately $6.0 million, compared to approximately $7.8 million in the same period last year. The $1.8 million decrease in net loss was primarily due to decreased operating expenses as mentioned above.

For the financial tables click here.

Conference Call & Webcast Details: Thursday, August 22, 2024. 9:00 AM EST 4:00 PM IDT
To join the Zoom conference, please register in advance here.

Or join via audio
Or, dial from the US: +15642172000, from Israel: +972 3 978 6688 
Webinar ID: 842 8320 2980 
More International numbers

Webcast & Presentation link available at:
https://evogene.com/investor-relations

About Evogene Ltd. 

Evogene Ltd. (Nasdaq: EVGN, TASE: EVGN) is a computational biology company leveraging big data and artificial intelligence, aiming to revolutionize the development of life-science based products by utilizing cutting-edge technologies to increase the probability of success while reducing development time and cost.

Evogene established three unique tech-engines – MicroBoost AI, ChemPass AI and GeneRator AI. Each tech-engine is focused on the discovery and development of products based on one of the following core components: microbes (MicroBoost AI), small molecules (ChemPass AI), and genetic elements (GeneRator AI).

Evogene uses its tech-engines to develop products through strategic partnerships and collaborations, and its four subsidiaries including:

Biomica Ltd. (www.biomicamed.com) – developing and advancing novel microbiome-based therapeutics to treat human disorders powered by MicroBoost AI;Lavie Bio (www.lavie-bio.com) – developing and commercially advancing, microbiome based ag-biologicals powered by MicroBoost AI;AgPlenus Ltd. (www.agplenus.com) – developing next generation ag-chemicals for effective and sustainable crop protection powered by ChemPass AI;Casterra Ag (www.casterra.co) – developing and marketing superior castor seed varieties producing high yield and high-grade oil content, on an industrial scale for the biofuel and other industries powered by GeneRator AI.

For more information, please visit: www.evogene.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” relating to future events. These statements may be identified by words such as “may”, “could”, “expects”, “hopes” “intends”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “believes”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “demonstrates” or words of similar meaning. For example, Evogene and its subsidiaries are using forward-looking statements in this press release when they discuss Evogene’s strategy, Evogene’s ability to develop novel products, that Evogene’s strategy will result groundbreaking innovations and significant financial gains for Evogene, Casterra’s ability to supply all existing purchase orders by the end of 2024, Lavie Bio’s market potential, Lavie Bio’s pipeline advancement, Biomica’s BMC128’s future beneficial activity, and Evogene’s projected cash usage for 2024 and Evogene anticipated continued revenue growth in the second half of 2024. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions, describe opinions about future events, involve certain risks and uncertainties which are difficult to predict and are not guarantees of future performance. Therefore, actual future results, performance, or achievements of Evogene and its subsidiaries may differ materially from what is expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the control of Evogene and its subsidiaries, including, without limitation, the current war between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and any worsening of the situation in Israel such as further mobilizations or escalation in the northern border of Israel, and those risk factors contained in Evogene’s reports filed with the applicable securities authority. In addition, Evogene and its subsidiaries rely, and expect to continue to rely, on third parties to conduct certain activities, such as their field trials and pre-clinical studies, and if these third parties do not successfully carry out their contractual duties, comply with regulatory requirements or meet expected deadlines, Evogene and its subsidiaries may experience significant delays in the conduct of their activities. Evogene and its subsidiaries disclaim any obligation or commitment to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments or changes in expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1947468/Evogene_Logo.jpg

Evogene Investors Relations Contact:
Email: ir@evogene.com
Tel: +972-8-9311901

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
U.S. dollars in thousands

June 30,

 

December 31,

2024

2023

Unaudited

Audited

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

$           9,484

$          20,772

Short-term bank deposits

11,424

10,291

Trade receivables

376

357

Other receivables and prepaid expenses

3,696

2,973

Inventories

794

76

25,774

34,469

LONG-TERM ASSETS:

Long-term deposits and other receivables

30

28

Investment accounted for using the equity method

100

Right-of-use-assets

729

980

Property, plant and equipment, net

1,650

2,455

Intangible assets, net

12,685

13,169

15,194

16,632

$         40,968

$          51,101

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Trade payables

$              957

$            1,785

Employees and payroll accruals

2,333

2,537

Lease liability

558

853

Liabilities in respect of government grants

681

388

Deferred revenues and other advances

548

362

Other payables

816

1,019

5,893

6,944

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

Lease liability

252

285

Liabilities in respect of government grants

4,247

4,426

Deferred revenues and other advances

244

393

Convertible SAFE

10,392

10,368

15,135

15,472

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

Ordinary shares of NIS 0.2 par value:

Authorized − 15,000,000 ordinary shares; Issued and outstanding − 5,096,760 shares as of
June 30, 2024, and 5,079,313 (*) shares as of December 31, 2023

287

286

Share premium and other capital reserve

269,648

269,353

Accumulated deficit

(266,868)

(257,586)

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

3,067

12,053

Non-controlling interests

16,873

16,632

   Total equity

19,940

28,685

$         40,968

$          51,101

(*) Shares and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)

 

Six months ended
June 30,

 

Three months ended
June 30,

Year ended
December 31,

2024

2023

2024

2023

2023

Unaudited

Audited

Revenues

$       5,104

$       1,295

$      914

$654

$       5,640

Cost of revenues

847

783

537

461

1,692

Gross profit

4,257

512

377

193

3,948

Operating expenses:

Research and development, net

8,817

10,169

4,016

5,369

20,777

Sales and marketing

1,920

1,728

928

928

3,611

General and administrative

3,184

3,312

1,530

1,797

6,068

Other expenses

524

5

Total operating expenses, net

14,445

15,209

6,479

8,094

30,456

Operating loss

(10,188)

(14,697)

(6,102)

(7,901)

(26,508)

Financing income

667

699

260

391

1,486

Financing expenses

(288)

(785)

(122)

(247)

(965)

Financing income (expenses), net

379

(86)

138

144

521

Share of loss from equity accounted investment

(20)

(20)

Loss before taxes on income

(9,829)

(14,783)

(5,984)

(7,757)

(25,987)

Taxes on income (tax benefit)

1

(24)

1

21

(33)

Loss

$     (9,830)

$ (14,759)

$   (5,985)

$(7,778)

$   (25,954)

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company

$     (9,282)

$ (13,294)

$   (5,419)

$    (7,023)

$   (23,879)

Non-controlling interests

(548)

(1,465)

(566)

(755)

(2,075)

$     (9,830)

$ (14,759)

$   (5,985)

$(7,778)

$   (25,954)

Basic and diluted loss per share, attributable to equity holders of
the Company (*)

$       (1.82)

$     (3.18)

$     (1.06)

$(1.68)

$      (5.20)

Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic and
diluted loss per share (*)

5,087,029

4,177,554

5,090,993

4,185,242

4,589,386

(*) Shares and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the
reverse stock split

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
U.S. dollars in thousands

 

 

Six months ended
June 30
,

 

Three months ended
June 30,

Year ended
December 31,

2024

2023

2024

2023

2023

Unaudited

Audited

Cash flows from operating activities

Loss

$    (9,830)

$  (14,759)

$    (5,985)

$     (7,778)

$     (25,954)

Adjustments to reconcile loss to net cash used in operating activities:

Adjustments to the profit or loss items:

Depreciation

800

807

374

406

1,641

Amortization of intangible assets

484

481

239

241

971

Share-based compensation

999

1,219

460

801

1,877

Revaluation of convertible SAFE

24

220

49

26

254

Net financing expenses (income)

(222)

6

(28)

60

(666)

Loss (gain) from sale of property, plant and equipment

524

(26)

5

(26)

Share of loss from equity accounted investment

20

20

Taxes on income (tax benefit)

1

(24)

1

21

(33)

2,630

2,683

1,120

1,555

4,018

Changes in asset and liability items:

 

Decrease (increase) in trade receivables

(19)

170

163

72

(9)

Decrease (increase) in other receivables

(725)

84

(546)

375

(1,445)

Decrease (increase) in inventories

(718)

317

(78)

342

490

Decrease in deferred taxes

94

Increase (decrease) in trade payables

(762)

26

(77)

(95)

742

Increase (decrease) in employees and payroll accruals

(204)

172

(99)

117

550

Increase (decrease) in other payables

(214)

(162)

(153)

297

(534)

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues and other advances

(84)

(73)

(13)

(81)

(288)

(2,726)

534

(803)

1,027

(400)

Cash received (paid) during the period for:

Interest received

402

283

231

145

905

Interest paid

(41)

(66)

(18)

(30)

(115)

Taxes paid

(10)

(10)

(31)

Net cash used in operating activities

$   (9,565)

$   (11,335)

$    (5,455)

$     (5,091)

$     (21,577)

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
U.S. dollars in thousands

 

Six months ended
June 30,

 

Three months ended
June 30,

Year ended
December 31,

2024

2023

2024

2023

2023

Unaudited

Audited

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

$         (172)

(483)

(31)

(124)

$         (785)

Proceeds from sale of marketable securities

6,924

6,287

6,924

Purchase of marketable securities

(503)

(503)

(503)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

10

26

26

Withdrawal from (investment in) bank deposits, net

(990)

(13,560)

3,241

(13,560)

(10,200)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

$   (1,152)

$    (7,596)

$   3,210

$      (7,900)

$     (4,538)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Issuance of a subsidiary preferred shares to non-controlling interests

9,523

9,523

9,523

Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares, net of issuance expenses

86

336

83

68

8,449

Repayment of lease liability

(462)

(413)

(231)

(207)

(836)

Proceeds from government grants

1,089

1,063

1,089

Repayment of government grants

(142)

(35)

(3)

(73)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(518)

10,500

(151)

10,447

18,152

Exchange rate differences – cash and cash equivalent balances

(53)

(316)

(35)

(223)

(245)

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(11,288)

(8,747)

(2,431)

(2,767)

(8,208)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

20,772

28,980

11,915

23,000

28,980

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

$    9,484

$    20,233

$    9,484

$    20,233

$     20,772

Significant non-cash activities

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

$        15

$           90

$        15

$           21

$          81

Investment in equity-accounted investee with corresponding
deferred revenues 

$      120

$              –

$            –

$              –

$             –

Increase of right-of-use asset recognized with corresponding
lease liability

$      184

$          135

$        54

$           64

$        194

 

 

 

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SOURCE Evogene

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Technology

VYLIT OPENS ITS CREATOR ADVISORY BOARD, GIVING CREATORS EQUITY IN THE PLATFORM

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Reality star & chef Dom DeAngelis, model & creator Cydney Moreau, and creator-entrepreneur Crystal Jackson named as founding members, with applications now open for creators who want a voice in how the platform is shaped

MIAMI, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vylit, the 18+ creator-first social platform co-founded by Ami Gan, former CEO of OnlyFans, and seasoned entrepreneur Kailey Magder, is opening applications for its Creator Advisory Board, which will include a select group of creators that will have a strong voice in shaping the platform they use and earn on.

Vylit is inviting creators not just to join the platform, but to help build it, with real shares in the company reserved for those who contribute to its growth, culture and direction. The Creator Advisory Board will give creators a direct voice in building Vylit’s community, the platform’s development and creator tools, along with ownership in the business they’re helping grow.

Applications are now open. Creators can apply by emailing vylit@vylitworld.com with their name, bio and social handles.

Vylit is launching the board with three founding members who show the range of creators it’s built for.

Dominic DeAngelis, known from YouTube and Vanderpump Villa, where his culinary skills earned recognition from viewers around the world, has been using the platform to share behind-the-scenes and day-in-the-life content with his subscribers — the kind of direct, monetized relationship with fans that Vylit is designed around.

“Social media sucks right now. The algorithms are negative, you don’t even see the people you follow anymore, and creators are struggling to find real connections with their fans,” said DeAngelis. “I’m thrilled to be part of a platform that’s doing it differently. Vylit is actually listening to creators and building with us, not just for us.”

Cydney Moreau, a Louisiana-born former track athlete turned model and creator with a following across fitness, fashion and lifestyle, balances her work with life as a mom. Vylit is where she’s turning that following into a business for the first time, on her own terms.

“As someone who is monetizing my content for the first time, knowing that I will have a say in how the platform treats other creators means everything,” said Moreau. “It’s not every day a platform actually wants creators in the room while they’re building it. Knowing Vylit is making decisions with our interests at heart gives me the confidence to build here, and I’m excited to help shape where this goes.”

Crystal Jackson, known to millions of followers as Mrs. Poindexter, is the co-founder of EssentL, a company building business infrastructure and benefits for creators. A former engineer turned multi-platform creator and entrepreneur, she brings an operator’s understanding of what creators actually need from the platforms they build on.

“I’ve spent years building an audience and a business across platforms that weren’t built for today’s creator ecosystem,” said Jackson. “What drew me to Vylit is that they’re handing creators actual ownership and a real say in the decisions that affect us. That’s not something I’ve seen anyone else do, and I want to help build it right.”

Since launching, Vylit has positioned itself as the “HBO of social media,” a space between traditional social media and adult subscription platforms, where creators can be expressive, marketable and in control. The Creator Advisory Board takes that further. Rather than building the platform for creators and handing it over, Vylit is building it with them, giving them direct ownership and a say in its direction.

“The users driving value should have a say in the business,” said Ami Gan, Co-Founder and CEO of Vylit. “Creators understand culture and digital monetization better than anyone. At Vylit, that expertise earns them a real seat at the table.”

“We didn’t want to build another platform where creators show up after the fact,” added Kailey Magder, Co-Founder and COO of Vylit. “We want them involved from day one, shaping the product, the community and the direction of the business.”

Vylit truly puts creators in charge, giving them real ownership and a direct say in how the platform evolves. The Creator Advisory Board is just the start.

To learn more, visit https://vylitworld.com/ 

To access the media kit, click here.

ABOUT VYLIT
Vylit is an 18+ creator-first social platform redefining how adults share, discover and monetize content. Co-founded by Amrapali (Ami) Gan and Kailey Magder, Vylit was created to fill the gap between traditional social media and creator platforms, offering a premium digital experience for expression. Built as “the HBO of social media,” the platform allows topless content while prohibiting explicit material, giving creators greater freedom. Vylit combines social connectivity with built-in monetization, interest-based discovery through its Vybe Matching Engine, and in-house AI Image Generation and Chat tools designed for its users. Learn more at www.vylitworld.com.

FOR PRESS INQUIRIES
pr@vylitworld.com 

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CNBC Names PayJoy one of the World’s Top FinTech Companies of 2026

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Recognition highlights PayJoy’s leadership in emerging market consumer finance

SAN FRANCISCO, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CNBC and Statista have named PayJoy to the “World’s Top Fintech Companies 2026,” which honors companies providing digital funding and bank-independent lending solutions for individuals and businesses. PayJoy is a leading financial services provider for underserved consumers across emerging markets.

Now in its fourth edition, the ranking identifies 500 leading companies across eight fintech market segments worldwide, including Payments, Neobanking, Wealth Technology, Digital Assets, Enterprise Fintech, Insurtech, Regtech, and Alternative Financing. Companies were evaluated using an aggregated scoring model built on both general and segment-specific KPIs, drawing on desk research from publicly available sources alongside company self-reports submitted through an open application process.

PayJoy’s inclusion reflects its work bringing credit access to the emerging middle class in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, South Africa, the Philippines, and Indonesia, nine countries where traditional financial infrastructure has long excluded first-time borrowers.

“This recognition from CNBC and Statista is a meaningful validation of the work our team does every day,” said Doug Ricket, PayJoy CEO and Co-Founder. “Millions of people across the markets we serve are building credit for the first time through PayJoy. Being named among the world’s top fintech companies reflects the scale and impact of that work.”

For more information on the full ranking, visit https://www.cnbc.com/worlds-top-fintech-companies-2026/ 

About PayJoy
PayJoy expands credit access across emerging markets through point-of-sale financing and card offerings. Its proprietary secured-credit technology enables first-time borrowers to responsibly build financial stability and participate fully in the modern economy. Through its cutting-edge machine learning, data science, and anti-fraud AI, PayJoy has financed over $3.5 billion of loans to more than 20 million people and employs over 1,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.payjoy.com/ 

Contact
payjoy@thekeypr.com

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Youngstown Innovation Hub Breaks Ground at YBI’s 107 Building

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the United States works to strengthen its aerospace and defense manufacturing base, the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense broke ground today on YBI‘s 107 Building in downtown Youngstown, positioning the region as a national proving ground for advanced and additive manufacturing. The Hub is managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM).

Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense breaks ground at YBI’s 107 Building.

The Hub is one of four Innovation Hubs established across Ohio as part of a statewide initiative to strengthen innovation-driven economic growth. Once complete, it is projected to generate approximately $161.6 million in economic impact, create 450 new jobs, and produce 185 new STEM credential opportunities and 40 internship opportunities by 2029.

The groundbreaking comes as Ohio was recently ranked the No. 1 state for business in America by CNBC’s 2026 America’s Top States for Business rankings, up from No. 5 in 2025.

Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel attended and delivered remarks at the ceremony.

“Today is about more than renovating a building. It’s about building opportunity for Ohioans,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “The Mahoning Valley has always been defined by the people who make things, solve problems, and never stop working toward a better future. This Innovation Hub builds on that proud tradition while preparing the next generation for in-demand careers in manufacturing.”

Hub and YBI leadership also spoke at the ceremony.

“Today’s groundbreaking of the Youngstown Innovation Hub represents much more than the start of a building renovation. It reflects what can happen when state, regional, industry, academic, and community partners come together around a shared vision for the future of manufacturing, aerospace and defense innovation,” said Megan Malara, Ph.D., director of the Youngstown Innovation Hub.

The renovation is made possible in part by a $750,000 state capital investment. Ohio State Sen. Al Cutrona and state Rep. Lauren McNally were credited with helping advance the funding request through the legislative process. YBI also recognized the broader Lake to River legislative delegation, including state Reps. Nick Santucci, Tex Fischer, Monica Robb Blasdel, Dave Thomas, and Sarah Fowler Arthur, for their support, as well as U.S. Sens. Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno for their support of the project in the U.S. Senate.

Speakers at the ceremony included Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel; Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development; Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Julius Oliver, 1st Ward Councilman for the City of Youngstown; State Sen. Al Cutrona; State Rep. Nick Santucci; State Rep. Lauren McNally; and Megan Malara, Ph.D., director of the Youngstown Innovation Hub. Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI, served as master of ceremonies.

The City of Youngstown, which committed $1.35 million in local matching funds to the project, was represented at the ceremony. John Wilczynski, executive director of America Makes, attended, and Barb Ewing recognized Kimberly Gibson and Alexander Steeb of America Makes for their roles in advancing the project.

Upon completion, the five-story, 130,000-square-foot concrete-framed building will offer flexible space for offices, workspaces, and display areas, along with robust power capacity to support multiple high-demand tenants. The building’s security features, including limited access points and naturally separated manufacturing bays, are designed to meet U.S. Department of War contracting criteria, positioning tenants to compete directly for federal defense work.

“It’s great to finally be transitioning from talking about this project to actually working on it. We appreciate all the support we’ve had from our political leaders and the community. YBI is proud to be a part of the project team that’s changing the trajectory of the Mahoning Valley,” said Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI.

Companies looking to expand, relocate, or enter the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector are encouraged to visit the Youngstown Innovation Hub website at youngstownhub.us.

About the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense

Managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), the Youngstown Innovation Hub is a national proving ground for advanced and additive manufacturing, strengthening U.S. aerospace and defense supply chains and workforce development. Learn more at youngstownhub.us.

About YBI

YBI is a globally recognized economic development nonprofit, advancing innovation and growth across Ohio and beyond. Through a flexible suite of high-quality entrepreneurial services and resources, YBI supports startups, small businesses, and manufacturers at every stage of development. For more information, visit ybi.org.

Media Contact:
Jessica Sprowl, Marketing and Communications Director, YBI
jsprowl@ybi.org

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