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Accel-backed Jetapult takes major stake in KSA-based UMX for $4.5mn in an all-cash deal

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Marks a significant investment by a Global strategic investor in one of MENA’s pioneering game development studios

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Accel-backed Jetapult, a global strategic investment company in the gaming landscape, takes a major stake in UMX Studio, one of the first homegrown game development studios in Saudi Arabia. The company invested $4.5mn in an all cash transaction.

In addition to capital, UMX Studio will get help to support the expansion of their existing portfolio, expand their audiences across global markets, and build games in new genres.

UMX Studio founded by Mr. Ali Alharbi in 2014, develops high-quality mobile games featuring stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and suitability for all ages. Their games have garnered over 70 million downloads till date, showcasing their competence in developing high-resonance Arabic content that reflects their culture and values.

This is Jetapult’s first investment in the MENA region, with further investments planned in markets like South East Asia and Europe.

Speaking on the occasion, Sharan Tulsiani, the Co-Founder and CEO of Jetapult, said, “Jetapult’s investment in UMX goes beyond providing capital; we bring a wealth of proven gaming expertise and cutting-edge technology to this partnership.

Sharing a unified vision with Ali, this collaboration will not only unlock UMX’s global potential but also contribute to the growth of local talent and enhance gaming experiences across the Middle East’s vibrant development ecosystem”

The investment comes in the context of the exponential growth of the gaming and e-sports sector in the MENA region, and with the Saudi National Gaming and Esports entity aiming to make the country a global gaming hub by 2030. In 2023, gaming revenues in the MENA were approximately $7.2 billion, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a key growth player and is home to 23.5 million gaming enthusiasts.*

Mr. Ali Alharbi, Founder UMX, stated, “This significant investment from Jetapult not only marks a milestone for UMX Studio but also heralds a new era for the Saudi Arabian gaming industry. We are thrilled to partner with a globally recognized leader in the gaming investments space. This collaboration will not only accelerate our expansion but also empower us with advanced tools and expertise. In partnership with Jetapult we are committed to setting new benchmarks and establishing a solid foundation for nurturing and expanding Saudi Arabia’s gaming talent.”

Jetapult, co-founded by Sharan Tulsiani and Yash Baid, is backed by Accel Partners, Fireside, JetSynthesys, amongst others. The company aims to support game studios with a scientific approach to sustainable growth in markets such as Southeast Asia, MENA, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, through a $100 million commitment over the next five years. Jetapult employs a pioneering “Invest & Operate” (I&O) model, which combines strategic capital with hands-on operational support.

UMX has shown consistent year-over-year growth in profitability, driven by a portfolio of games that consistently top the Apple and Google charts in the region.

Jetapult is committed to UMX’s vision of fostering the Saudi Arabian market to become a hub for game development by harnessing Jetapult’s strategic expertise and UMX’s local talent and cultural nuance.

Mr. Barath Shankar Subramanian, Partner, Accel, stated, “Jetapult’s investment in UMX Studio marks a significant milestone in expanding its presence in emerging markets like MENA, where gaming and game development is rapidly gaining momentum. Jetapult’s unique ‘Invest & Operate’ model, which was the core of our investment thesis, has the potential to transform the global gaming ecosystem, enabling growth for gaming studios and the exploration of new gaming genres.”

*As per PWC in 2024

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2529416/Jetapult.jpg

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Asian Hall of Fame Heritage Gala Highlights Impactful Legacy

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Benefit supported Women In Tech, Entertainment, Science & Sports Scholars

LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global ambassador Asian Hall of Fame highlighted positive messages of interracial synergy with its Heritage Gala on May 1, 2026 at the iconic Biltmore Los Angeles. CBS LA Anchor Suzie Suh served as Master of Ceremonies of the festive Asian Heritage Month celebration brought to life by vibrant heritage costumes representing Asia, Latin America, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The intergenerational benefit funded Women In Tech, Entertainment, Science & Sports (WinTESS) scholarships for 103 applicants from all racial backgrounds.

Guests from California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and New York applauded the Class of 2026 Official Announcement, including Asian Hall of Fame’s first-ever Major League Baseball Inductee Hideo Nomo, nominated by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and DTLA muralist Robert Vargas as Goodwill Ambassador.

Dedicated San Marino philanthropist and Board of Governors Chairwoman Melinda Rogers was honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year, with a moving speech presented by her younger brother William Rogers. Chairwoman Rogers highlighted the endearing impact of family, and delighted audiences with her custom Korean hanbok, designed alongside Anna Kim at her Koreatown boutique.

Distinguished philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis (Inductee 2007) shared an inspiring fireside chat with stories of family legacy and community empowerment. Guests received commemorative autographed memoirs, and complimentary gifts from Nan Yang Delight and SUP. Inductees in attendance were Marc Anthony Nicolas, Kristen Lui, incoming Inductees Kitty Lo and Maggie Tseng, Official Design Partner of the 2026 Season.

The dramatic Heritage Costume Show, sponsored by Meridien Vacation Homes, presented pageant holders including a Rose Pageant Princess, Miss Asia USA, Miss Teen Latina Global, Hi-Teen USA, Miss International U.S. Virgin Islands, Miss Taiwanese American, and Mrs. Asia Glamour.

Maki Mae performed from her upcoming album release with pianist Jason Lo and cellist Ryan Phipps. Walter Nishinaka and Los Angeles Taiko Collective kicked off raffle drawings, including an 18-carat gold ring donated by long-standing supporter Vartan Kazanjian, owner of Estate Jewelers of South Pasadena.

ABOUT ASIAN HALL OF FAME
Established in 2004, Asian Hall of Fame strengthens interracial synergy by advancing mainstream recognition of Asian and Native legacy. Inductees include Connie Chung, Kristi Yamaguchi, Margaret Cho, amongst others. Contact: press@asianhalloffame.org, (626) 600-9418, www.asianhalloffame.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asian-hall-of-fame-heritage-gala-highlights-impactful-legacy-302771594.html

SOURCE Asian Hall of Fame

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Notice of Data Privacy Incident

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MOUNT STERLING, Ill., May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brown County

Brown County, Illinois provides notice of a data privacy incident involving personal information of certain county constituents and staff.

What Happened? On April 3, 2025, we received alerts of unusual activity in one of our email accounts. We launched an immediate investigation, and retained independent cyber incident response specialists to assist. The investigation determined that two email accounts experienced unauthorized access. We have no evidence of fraud or identity theft from this incident.

What Information Was Involved. The information involved varied by individual, and may have included a first and last name along with a Social Security number, driver’s license number, government issued identification number, medical information, or health insurance information.

What We Are Doing. In addition to the above, we are offering complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services to individuals whose Social Security numbers were believed to be involved.

What You Can Do. Generally, it is best practice to remain vigilant for incidents of identity theft and fraud from any source by reviewing your account statements and credit reports for suspicious activity and errors. If you discover any suspicious or unusual activity, promptly contact your financial institution or service provider.

Individuals are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.

Individuals may further learn about identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps to take to protect personal information by contacting the credit reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or state Attorneys General. The FTC encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. It may be reached at 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261.

For More Information, you may contact us at 1-800-405-6108, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST for further assistance.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/notice-of-data-privacy-incident-302771596.html

SOURCE Kennedys CMK LLP

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SharkNinja Set to Join S&P MidCap 400; Flowers Foods and F&G Annuities & Life to Join S&P SmallCap 600

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NEW YORK, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — S&P Dow Jones Indices will make the following changes to the S&P MidCap 400, S&P SmallCap 600: 

SharkNinja (NYSE: SN) will replace Flowers Foods Inc. (NYSE: FLO) in the S&P MidCap 400, and Flowers Foods will replace CSG Systems Intl Inc. (NASD: CSGS) in the S&P SmallCap 600 effective prior to the opening of trading on Monday, May 18. NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) is acquiring CSG Systems Intl in a deal expected to close soon, pending final closing conditions.F&G Annuities & Life Inc. (NYSE: FG) will replace Mister Car Wash Inc. (NASD: MCW) in the S&P SmallCap 600 effective prior to the opening of trading on Tuesday, May 19. Leonard Green & Partners L.P. is acquiring Mister Car Wash in a deal expected to close soon, pending final closing conditions.

Following is a summary of the changes that will take place prior to the open of trading on the effective date:

Effective Date

Index Name

Action

Company Name

Ticker

GICS Sector

May 18, 2026

S&P MidCap 400

Addition

SharkNinja

SN

Consumer Discretionary

May 18, 2026

S&P MidCap 400

Deletion

Flowers Foods

FLO

Consumer Staples

May 18, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Addition

Flowers Foods

FLO

Consumer Staples

May 18, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Deletion

CSG Systems Intl

CSGS

Industrials

May 19, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Addition

F&G Annuities & Life

FG

Financials

May 19, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Deletion

Mister Car Wash

MCW

Consumer Discretionary

ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES

S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®. More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has been innovating and developing indices across the spectrum of asset classes helping to define the way investors measure and trade the markets.

S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

S&P Dow Jones Indices
index_services@spglobal.com

Media Inquiries
spdji.comms@spglobal.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sharkninja-set-to-join-sp-midcap-400-flowers-foods-and-fg-annuities–life-to-join-sp-smallcap-600-302771602.html

SOURCE S&P Dow Jones Indices

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