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Plug and Play Welcomes Final Silicon Valley Startup Batches of 2024

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Over 175 Startups Sourced Globally to Drive Innovation in Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Health, and More

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Plug and Play, the global innovation platform connecting startups to industry leaders, has announced the launch of their final Silicon Valley accelerator program of 2024, closing out a year of significant progress and growth. Alongside their partners, Plug and Play sourced more than 175 startups from around the world to participate in the program, which spans 20 different industries, including enterprise and AI, fintech, and health. The cohort features founders from over 15 countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Germany, Japan, and more, reflecting the global reach of Plug and Play’s program.

As the last Silicon Valley program of 2024, these startups will participate in an intensive three-month accelerator, culminating at the Silicon Valley Summit, November 19-21, 2024, where they will pitch their solutions to a curated audience of investors, corporate partners, and industry leaders.

“At Plug and Play, we believe in the power of innovation to transform industries, and our global network helps us connect the right partners to the right startups to accelerate growth and success,” said Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play. “These entrepreneurs are not just pushing boundaries; they are creating solutions that address real industry needs, and we look forward to their pitches at the Silicon Valley Summit.”

Key Data from Plug and Play’s Silicon Valley Program

175+ startups accepted into the November 2024 batch55+ artificial intelligence startups in the November 2024 batch focusing on next-generation technologies160+ startups accepted into the June 2024 batch950+ startups accelerated through Plug and Play’s Silicon Valley programs since 2022

Participation in this three-month program allows startups to build their businesses through exclusive events, mentor sessions, and private dealflows, enabling them to leverage Plug and Play’s extensive network for potential pilots, proofs of concept, investments, and other key collaborations. There are no equity requirements for startups in any Plug and Play program.

“The value of Plug and Play’s accelerator program lies in its network that connects startups with leading global corporations. These connections are especially beneficial in emerging fields like AI, where access to corporate partnerships can accelerate both sales and product development,” said Anatoly Kvitnitsky, CEO & Founder of AI or Not. “Having been a part of two startups that have gone through the program, I’ve seen firsthand how it can propel a company’s trajectory and set it up for long-term success.”

For the full list of participating startups, please visit the website.

Since 2006, Plug and Play has accelerated growth and innovation for startups worldwide, supporting early-stage companies in scaling their operations and securing partnerships. The Silicon Valley program has become a hub for innovation, consistently helping startups secure pilots, proof of concepts, and investment opportunities.

The Silicon Valley Summit, held November 19-21, 2024, will be a pivotal moment for these startups as they present their solutions to key decision-makers in the tech ecosystem. This exclusive event will feature cutting-edge innovations across industries, positioning these startups for success in the global marketplace.

Plug and Play invites the media to follow the journey of these startups through the final accelerator batch of the year and attend the Silicon Valley Summit. To schedule interviews with the Plug and Play team or founders, cover the summit, or request additional information, please contact Jacky Tsang at press@pnptc.com.

Visit the website for more information about the Silicon Valley Summit.

A press kit with photos showcasing the program and events, video clips from previous summits, and key information about the event is available.

About Plug and Play
Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we’re present in 60+ locations. We also organize startup acceleration programs and have built an in-house VC arm to drive innovation across multiple industries where we’ve invested in hundreds of successful companies including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, PayPal, and Einride. For more information, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/. 

Media Contact
Jacky Tsang
Senior Communications & PR Associate
press@pnptc.com 

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SOURCE Plug and Play

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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