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Palmetto Secures $1.2B to Supercharge U.S. Residential Clean Energy Financing

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Investments from Morgan Stanley, Truist Bank and Other Prominent Financial
Institutions Fund Residential Energy Leases Nationwide

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Palmetto, a software company enabling consumer adoption of climate technology products and services, announced that it has raised over $1.2 billion in capital to support 2024 and 2025 Palmetto LightReach residential clean energy plans, in partnership with prominent financial institutions and corporate partners.

Palmetto’s LightReach energy plans enable homeowners to install rooftop solar and storage systems with $0 upfront investment and stable monthly payments. These plans offer savings over local utility rates within the first year, with no interest, dealer fees, or lifetime maintenance costs. Palmetto LightReach energy leases are part of the Company’s broader effort to make it easier and more affordable for consumers to switch to clean energy sources, and are available through the Company’s website or any of Palmetto’s network of over 600 small- and medium-sized businesses and enterprise partners.

Since 2010, Palmetto has been building the technology underpinnings of the new American clean energy ecosystem with a focus on superior customer experience. Palmetto’s proprietary technology platform leverages AI to provide homeowners with personalized energy recommendations and interactive tools to better understand their energy usage and spending. Through Palmetto’s marketplace, customers can explore custom-tailored solutions like solar panels, battery systems, EV chargers, protection plans, and smart energy devices, while financing some of these products directly through Palmetto LightReach. This streamlined experience empowers homeowners to reduce utility costs, lower their environmental impact, and make informed energy choices — all in a seamless and intuitive shopping experience.

Palmetto began quietly offering Palmetto LightReach energy plans towards the end of 2023 after listening to consumers regarding the limitations of existing financing options. Palmetto LightReach energy plans are now on track for an average adoption of 300 households per day in 30 states and counting. To date, over 20,000 households have adopted solar energy through a Palmetto LightReach solar lease or PPA energy plan.

“We launched Palmetto LightReach to improve the consumer experience; in our sector, we have seen consumer issues emerge with legacy financial product providers and an antiquated go-to-market motion that can confuse consumers and create a bad name for the clean tech industry,” said Chris Kemper, Founder, CEO and Chairman of Palmetto. “We invested over $200m over the past 8 years in our operating systems, which first scaled a singular product, solar power, and now extended to a far broader product catalogue. Consumer financing, alongside other additional strategic growth areas, leverage our tech-enabled scaling capabilities.  We will continue to grow and service our consumer base at a rapid rate; Palmetto LightReach is a great example of what we’re capable of executing.” 

The changing residential clean energy landscape

In the U.S., low-income families now devote nearly 18 percent of their take home pay to energy, with energy costs having risen by 30 percent in the last four years. In addition, the widespread adoption of AI and the power demands of data centers needed to run AI models, some analysts predict a further increase in energy costs of up to 20%. These rising costs are a driving force behind the increasing popularity of whole home electrification, as homeowners are seeking more cost-effective alternatives such as switching to electric appliances and heating systems, which are more energy efficient, especially when paired with renewable sources like solar power.

With solar power expected to grow substantially over the next six years, access to financing for affordable power will play an increasingly stabilizing role in households across the country. According to IEA’s The Renewables 2024 report, renewable energy sources are on course to meet almost half of global electricity demand by the end of this decade, and solar PV alone is forecast to account for a massive 80% of the growth in global renewable capacity between now and 2030 – the result of the construction of new large solar power plants as well as an increase in rooftop solar installations by companies and households. Palmetto LightReach plans empower consumers to harness solar energy affordably, reducing emissions from residential energy use, which accounts for 42% of U.S. energy-related emissions.

For more information on Lightreach energy plans, please visit: https://palmetto.com/products/lightreach.

About Palmetto:
Palmetto is an award-winning clean tech company dedicated to accelerating the transition to a clean energy future. By leveraging a cutting-edge technology platform, Palmetto simplifies the adoption of renewable energy for homeowners, fosters innovation among businesses and clean tech entrepreneurs, and drives scalable environmental impact.

Palmetto’s platform integrates digital tools, data assets, and actionable insights to create an end-to-end solution powering its consumer marketplace. The company operates as both a B2B and D2C provider, offering software, financial products, and support services that deliver competitive pricing and exceptional value to end consumers. Key offerings include the Clean Energy Operating Platform, LightReach Energy Plans, Energy Intelligence, and Asset Management Platforms for customer service, with more innovations on the horizon.

Committed to making clean energy accessible to everyone, Palmetto’s Get Solar, Give Solar program funds philanthropic initiatives to bring renewable energy to underserved communities worldwide. A triple bottom line company with team members across the United States, Palmetto prioritizes people, planet, and profit in every aspect of its operations.

Media Contact:
Press@Palmetto.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/palmetto-secures-1-2b-to-supercharge-us-residential-clean-energy-financing-302353891.html

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Achieve earns Top 3 ranking for personal loan customer satisfaction from LendingTree

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Recognition marks seventh consecutive quarter Achieve has ranked among the nation’s top lenders for customer satisfaction

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans, has been named one of the Top 3 lenders in personal loan customer satisfaction by LendingTree for the third quarter of 2026. This distinction from one of the nation’s largest online personal finance marketplaces underscores Achieve’s commitment to delivering transparent, supportive, and human-centered financial services.

This marks the seventh consecutive LendingTree customer service award that Achieve has earned, following a top-three ranking in the second quarter of 2026. The quarterly ranking is published by LendingTree, based on verified customer reviews and other data evaluating lenders on transparency, ease of the application process and the quality of customer service. Achieve consistently maintains high ratings for providing consumers with a clear path toward improving their financial health.

“For someone consolidating debt, a personal loan is more than a transaction. It’s an opportunity to improve their finances and move forward with greater confidence,” said Achieve President of Lending Kyle Enright. “Our team helps members understand their options and find the solution that fits their goals by pairing competitive fixed rates with personal guidance. Earning this recognition for a seventh consecutive quarter reflects the care our teammates bring to those conversations and the trust our members place in us.”

A rate cut earlier this year lowered the best available annual percentage rate (APR) on Achieve Personal Loans to 6.25%, a reduction of 274 basis points. This initiative, supported by advanced underwriting and enhanced with FICO® Score 10 T data, maintains access to fixed-rate loans for an expanded set of consumers, with an expected improvement in credit performance. These loans are originated by a bank partner via the Achieve Personal Loans platform.

Key highlights of the Achieve Personal Loan experience:

Competitive, fixed rates: APRs now start as low as 6.25% for qualified borrowers, providing a more affordable alternative to high-interest credit card debt.Rapid funding: Qualified members can have funds sent in as little as 24 hours to address immediate financial needs.Flexible terms: Borrowers can choose repayment schedules ranging from 2, 3, 4 and 5 years to align with their specific budget and goals.Transparent pricing: All loans feature fixed monthly payments and a clear payoff date, with no hidden fees or revolving balances.

For more information and important disclosures about Achieve Personal Loans, visit achieve.com/personal-loans

Achieve has served over 2 million consumers, helping to resolve over $22 billion in debt and facilitated over $15 billion in personal loans and home equity lines of credit since 2002. This latest accolade follows a series of recent wins. Achieve was named to Az Business Magazine’s AZ Big 100 List for 2026, and honored by InHerSight with eight recognitions, including being named the No. 1 finance company for women to work.

As a trusted leader in debt consolidation, Achieve remains committed to helping everyday people move toward a better financial future. This commitment is rooted in providing a transparent experience, a personalized approach to every member’s unique situation and the predictable, fast cash flow necessary to attain long-term financial stability. By focusing on these core principles, the company continues to redefine how consumers manage debt and build lasting financial health.

About Achieve

Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans, helps everyday people get on, and stay on, the path to a better financial future. Achieve pairs proprietary data and analytics with personalized support to offer personal loans, home equity loans, debt relief and debt consolidation, along with financial tips and education. Achieve is frequently recognized for providing top-rated customer experience and satisfaction by both consumers and leading personal finance review platforms and has 2,200 dedicated teammates across the country, with hubs in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.

Achieve refers to the global organization and may denote one or more affiliates of Achieve Company, including Achieve.com, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #138464); Achieve Home Loans, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #1810501); Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS ID #227977); Freedom Debt Relief (NMLS ID # 1248929); and Freedom Financial Asset Management (CRD #170229).

Contacts

Austin Kilgore
akilgore@achieve.com
214-908-5097

Elina Tarkazikis
etarkazikis@achieve.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/achieve-earns-top-3-ranking-for-personal-loan-customer-satisfaction-from-lendingtree-302924429.html

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Mediaplanet Launches Men’s Mental Health Campaign in USA TODAY, Featuring Jake Shane, Howie Mandel, Kevin Love, Dr. Mark Hyman and Yung Pueblo

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NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mediaplanet today announces the launch of its Men’s Mental Health campaign, publishing within USA TODAY and through the Future of Personal Health digital content hub. The national campaign brings together leading healthcare experts, mental health advocates, organizations, athletes and public figures to encourage more open conversations around men’s mental health and provide accessible, actionable resources for building healthier lives. Featuring Netflix podcaster and internet sensation Jake Shane as the publication’s cover story, the campaign also includes editorial from global influence Howie Mandel, All-Star athlete Kevin Love, Dr. Mark Hyman and author Yung Pueblo, offering personal experiences and expert perspectives on mental health, emotional well-being, resilience and personal growth.

Through personal stories, expert insights and practical resources, the campaign directly challenges the expectation that men should navigate mental health struggles alone while encouraging a more open and supportive approach to overall well-being. “I wish people would take care of their mental health the way we take care of our dental health,” said Howie Mandel. His perspective reflects the campaign’s broader mission to normalize mental health care as an essential part of everyday health and encourage men to prioritize their well-being before they reach a point of crisis.

The campaign was made possible through the participation and support of Vibrant Emotional Health, Financial Therapy Association, NOCD, Spear Center, NeuroStar Advanced Therapy, American Association of Kidney Patients, Crisis Text Line, YMCA, One Mind at Work, The Hidden Opponent, Kevin Love Fund, American College of Sports Medicine, Whitman-Walker, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Mark Hyman, Yung Pueblo, Kevin Love, Howie Mandel and Jake Shane.

Media Contact: Joelle Hernandez, joelle.hernandez@mediaplanet.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mediaplanet-launches-mens-mental-health-campaign-in-usa-today-featuring-jake-shane-howie-mandel-kevin-love-dr-mark-hyman-and-yung-pueblo-302924437.html

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Wonderloom Media’s Dr. Insanity Launches Patreon With Exclusive Content for Superfans Amid Rising Demand for Premium True Crime

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Wonderloom Media’s true crime channel, with more than 6 million YouTube subscribers, gives its most dedicated fans a deeper way to experience its documentary-style storytelling

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wonderloom Media, the creator economy studio formed by Content Partners and media entrepreneur Ed Simpson, today announced the launch of a Patreon membership for Dr. Insanity, one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, expanding the depth of content available to the channel’s biggest fans.

The Dr. Insanity Patreon offers members extended cuts of episodes, exclusive content and a community space, giving superfans more of the stories they follow on YouTube. The membership launches October 31 alongside a weeklong feature on a Times Square billboard, running through November 5.

Dr. Insanity now has more than 6.1 million YouTube subscribers and over 3 billion total views, and has continued to grow since Wonderloom acquired the channel in June 2026. The Patreon launch is part of Wonderloom’s push to expand Dr. Insanity’s content and bring it to fans wherever they watch, including its distribution on Tubi.

True crime superfans can become members of the Dr. Insanity Patreon at www.patreon.com/c/DrInsanity

About Wonderloom Media
Wonderloom Media is a creator-first media platform that acquires, operates and scales YouTube-native content businesses. Formed by Content Partners and media entrepreneur Ed Simpson, Wonderloom brings institutional operating experience, expanded distribution and 360° monetization to digital-native properties with loyal audiences and long-term growth potential. Its portfolio includes Dr. Insanity, one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, with more than 6.1 million subscribers and over 3 billion views.

About Dr. Insanity
Dr. Insanity is one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, known for documentary-style storytelling and a loyal, highly engaged audience. The channel has more than 6.1 million subscribers and over 3 billion views. https://www.youtube.com/@DrInsanityCrime 

Media Contact:
Michal Mitchell
Wonderloom@relativity.ventures

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wonderloom-medias-dr-insanity-launches-patreon-with-exclusive-content-for-superfans-amid-rising-demand-for-premium-true-crime-302922403.html

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