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Startup Founders Pitch Their Businesses to Investors During Competition on Ski Lifts in Taos

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The 10th Annual Ski Lift Pitch competition has taken the traditional elevator pitch to exhilarating new levels – to the powdery peaks of the world-renowned Taos Ski Valley where promising startups get a coveted opportunity with venture capital investors.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CNM Ingenuity, the New Mexico Office of Strategy, Science, and Technology, and the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division are excited to announce the finalists for the 10th annual Ski Lift Pitch set for February 3-4 at the renowned Taos Ski Valley. Nine startups were selected through the rigorous application process and are now preparing to pitch their businesses to world-class venture capital investors on their way up the slopes.

“We are so thrilled with this year’s lineup of finalists,” says Lindsay Humphries, Interim Program Director for CNM Ingenuity, an economic development arm of Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). “We will be showcasing a wide variety of industry sectors ranging from groundbreaking medical treatments and therapies, game-changing software, and innovative solutions to ongoing conservation problems. We’re so proud of this year’s finalists and are excited for them to present their technology and services at our 10th Ski Lift Pitch.”

This event was created to take the traditional elevator pitch to a new and exhilarating level – as in the 10,000-foot powdery peaks of Taos – with nine business founders pitching to potential investors while riding the ski lifts. All the founders will take three chairlift rides and three ski runs at the spectacular Taos Ski Valley, each getting to pitch their business to a different investor each time. At the end of the day, the investors select the top three businesses for a final pitch on the main stage in the ski lodge, with the winner taking home a $10,000 cash prize. 

“Ski Lift Pitch is an incredible event that goes beyond just offering a cash prize to the winning founder. The real magic lies in the connections and conversations that unfold during the day-and-a-half we spend together sharing meals, laughing, and fostering genuine relationships and connections,” Humphries says. “This event is all about stepping outside of your comfort zone and creating a strong foundation to support your entrepreneurial journey. It’s not just a pitch competition—it’s an experience designed to propel founders toward success.” 

The startups chosen to participate are:

Bee Wild Outside: No more plastic waste, no more bulky bottles. Clean, compact, and refillable sunscreen for all your outdoor adventures.

Bender: Creators of environmentally conscious and sustainable air conditioning pads.

Equility: Software that automates financial review to streamline account reconciliations, depreciation and amortization, undeposited funds, and more.

Evress: A software platform that helps monitor program implementation specifically for public school systems.

Firescape: Combines cutting-edge science with the latest in AI and satellite technology to offer unparalleled wildfire risk solutions.

Osazda Energy: Develops cutting-edge solutions to enhance solar cell performance through advanced solar paste metallization. Their goal is to drive efficiency and sustainability in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector.

NeuroGeneces: Innovative neurological assessments that can detect atypical brain decline up to two decades before symptoms emerge.

Sentire Medical Systems: A revolutionary monitoring system that will alert surgeons to the presence of bowel perforations during laparoscopic surgical procedures.

Shearit: Creators of the first non-pharmacologic to help treat cerebrovascular disease, one of the leading causes of strokes in the United States. 

About New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
The mission of the Outdoor Recreation Division, a division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, is to increase equitable access to the outdoors for all New Mexicans, ensuring healthy outcomes, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity. For more information, visit nmoutside.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram at @NMOutdoorRec.

About the New Mexico Office of Strategy, Science, and Technology
The Office of Strategy, Science and Technology (OSST) was created to connect New Mexico’s innovation infrastructure to the commercial market. OSST strives to lead and execute programs that encourage and enable the startup, growth, and relocation of technology-based industries in and to New Mexico by focusing on growing and diversifying existing technology companies, rapidly commercializing technologies, and promoting research and development in emerging technologies.

About CNM Ingenuity
The mission of CNM Ingenuity Inc., a non-profit economic development arm of Central New Mexico Community College,  is to promote the public welfare and prosperity of individuals and to foster economic development within both the private and public sectors. CNM Ingenuity Inc. accomplishes this purpose by forging links between educational institutions, businesses, industries, and government.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/startup-founders-pitch-their-businesses-to-investors-during-competition-on-ski-lifts-in-taos-302364713.html

SOURCE Central New Mexico Community College (CNM)

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In HelloNation, Custom Auto Expert Gecovey Coffman Breaks Down Brake Warning Signs

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AMARILLO, Texas, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What do small changes in your vehicle’s braking behavior really mean? A HelloNation article featuring Gecovey Coffman of Coffman Customs helps drivers understand how early brake warning signs can prevent major repairs and improve safety on the road.

The article points out that many drivers ignore early signs like brake squealing or a slight change in pedal feel, assuming they’re harmless or temporary. But these signals often indicate worn brake pads or related issues that deserve prompt attention. When left unchecked, what begins as a small inconvenience can grow into a costly and potentially dangerous brake problem.

Brake squealing is among the most common early signals. According to the article, this high-pitched sound during light braking usually stems from worn brake pads or dust buildup. In Amarillo’s dry climate, dust is a regular factor in how brakes wear. The article explains that while occasional noise might be harmless, repeated or worsening squealing is one of the clearest brake warning signs to watch for.

Another issue the article explores is brake vibration. This can be felt through the pedal or steering wheel and is typically caused by uneven wear on the rotors. Brake vibration can worsen over time and reduce the driver’s ability to stop smoothly. The piece recommends brake inspection at the first sign of vibration to prevent further damage.

Pulling to one side when braking is another signal that may indicate uneven pressure or worn brake pads on a single wheel. The article explains how this imbalance can affect stability, especially in wet or dusty conditions, and is often overlooked until it impacts everyday driving.

The article also sheds light on the role of heat in brake wear. Stop-and-go traffic, frequent hard stops, and Amarillo’s shifting weather can all raise the temperature of brake components. This kind of repeated heat exposure increases the chances of brake squealing and accelerates the wear on pads and rotors alike.

The article emphasizes that a timely brake inspection can make a significant difference. It describes how inspections help identify wear patterns before they reach critical levels, limiting both cost and downtime. A standard brake inspection often includes checking for worn brake pads, measuring rotor thickness, and evaluating the condition of the brake fluid.

Speaking of brake fluid, the article notes that this is a frequently overlooked part of the system. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture, which can reduce its effectiveness and lead to a softer pedal feel. The piece stresses that brake fluid should be checked regularly, as degraded fluid contributes to inconsistent stopping power, particularly under heavy use.

Seasonal changes also play a role in brake behavior. The article explains that temperature fluctuations, especially during Amarillo’s cooler mornings and warmer afternoons, can cause brake materials to expand and contract. These shifts often make existing problems like brake squealing or brake vibration more noticeable.

Even with modern dashboard alerts in newer vehicles, the article encourages drivers not to rely solely on sensors. Physical feedback, like vibration, squealing, or pulling, often appears first. By recognizing and responding to these brake warning signs early, drivers can maintain safer and more reliable braking performance.

Ultimately, the HelloNation article promotes regular maintenance as the most effective way to prevent serious brake problems. A proactive approach, based on local driving conditions and vehicle feedback, protects both safety and the vehicle’s long-term reliability.

The article, When Your Brakes Are Telling You Something, features insights from Gecovey Coffman, Custom Auto Expert of Amarillo, TX, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-custom-auto-expert-gecovey-coffman-breaks-down-brake-warning-signs-302747736.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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Sinai.ai Closes $1.45M Pre-Seed Round to Reimagine the Future of Reading

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The AI-native books platform backed by KAUST Innovation Ventures, DisrupTech Ventures, and a coalition of leading investors is transforming the way people read, bringing books to life as living, interactive aiBook™ experiences

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sinai.ai, an AI-native books platform, today announced the close of its $1.45M pre-seed funding round, led by KAUST Innovation Ventures (KIV) and DisrupTech Ventures, with participation from Maza Ventures and YOUXEL Ventures, alongside a coalition of angel investors. The capital will fund proprietary tech, AI infrastructure, user acquisition, and licensing.

The $150 billion global book market has seen little innovation in format for decades. Sinai was built to change that. At the heart of the platform is the aiBook™, a trademarked, patent-backed book format built on 100% licensed, full-text content. Readers can converse with their book in real time, generate study guides and quizzes, access titles across multiple languages, and switch between reading and listening. Sinai is launching with thousands of titles, having already secured partnerships with double-digit publishers, including several prominent names in the industry.

Investor Perspectives

“We strongly believe that AI will fundamentally reshape a wide range of industries, and the book industry is long overdue for meaningful innovation. For over two decades, the core format of books has remained largely unchanged. What the Sinai.ai team is building introduces a truly new paradigm — transforming books into interactive, intelligent experiences where readers can engage, learn, and explore in entirely new ways. We are particularly excited about the team and their ability to execute on a vision that sits at the intersection of content, technology, and user experience. We are always proud to back Egyptian founders who are building category-defining companies and pushing the boundaries of innovation beyond local markets.”
— Mohamed El Sayed Okasha, DisrupTech Ventures

“What drew me to Sinai.ai is that they’re approaching a huge, old industry with respect and clarity. Publishing has been around for centuries, and for good reason, but much of how it operates hasn’t evolved at the pace of technology. Instead of trying to break it, Sinai.ai is working alongside it, using AI to modernize how books are created, produced, and distributed. That’s a harder path. It requires understanding the incentives of everyone involved and building something that fits into a real ecosystem, not just replacing it. But it’s also the more enduring one. The companies that last are often the ones that reshape industries from within, and Sinai.ai feels like it’s doing exactly that.”
— Tambi Jalouqa, Maza Ventures

About the Team

Sinai.ai was co-founded by five individuals: Ahmed Kamel (CEO), a serial tech entrepreneur with post-graduate studies in AI and innovation at Stanford; Mohamed Elshamy (CRO), Yale MBA, with experience at Google, McKinsey, and Meta; Mohamed Elshenawy (CTO), PhD in AI from the University of Toronto, and led AI teams in different ventures; Hana Malhas (CFO), University of Michigan MBA, with deep experience in creative industries; and Abdullah Moatasem (CCO), creative director with credits at Warner Bros., Netflix, and Disney+.

Media Contact
Hana Malhas
6692369534
412491@email4pr.com
www.sinai.ai

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sinaiai-closes-1-45m-pre-seed-round-to-reimagine-the-future-of-reading-302747713.html

SOURCE Sinai.ai Inc.

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OpenTable Acquires Canadian Reservation Platform Libro, Expanding Presence in Quebec and Beyond

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SAN FRANCISCO, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant technology, announced today that it has acquired Libro, a leading Canadian reservation and table management platform. With Libro currently serving thousands of restaurant partners in the region, the acquisition will strengthen OpenTable’s offering in Canada, specifically across Quebec.

By joining forces, OpenTable and Libro will combine industry-leading discovery, table management systems (TMS), and guest relationship tools to better serve the Canadian hospitality industry.

“Libro and OpenTable share a deep commitment to the success of local restaurants, making this a natural fit for both companies,” said Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable. “By combining Libro’s localized expertise with our global diner network, we are deepening our commitment to the Canadian dining scene and providing Libro’s restaurant partners the option to soon join OpenTable’s diner network, driving broader visibility and more bookings.”

“This is an exciting next chapter for Libro and the restaurants we serve,” said Lorne Schwartz, CEO of Libro. “By joining forces with OpenTable, we’re able to expand our reach and bring even more value to our community, while continuing to deliver the localized support and innovation our partners rely on.”

To ensure seamless service for current partners, Libro will continue to operate as a standalone brand, while benefiting from expanded visibility on the OpenTable marketplace. A phased integration of inventory, infrastructure, and security capabilities is expected to be completed in the foreseeable future.

As part of the agreement, OpenTable will welcome Libro’s employees and leadership team. The combined expertise of both organizations will focus on delivering innovative solutions for restaurateurs and diners across North America.

About OpenTable

OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG), helps more than 65,000 restaurants worldwide fill 1.9 billion seats a year. OpenTable’s world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most – their team, their guests, and their bottom line – while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion.

About Libro
Libro is one of North America’s leading online guest experience platforms, providing restaurants with a fully branded way to fill tables, manage reservations, reduce no-shows, engage customers, and elevate the overall guest experience.

The platform enables operators to strengthen relationships with their guests and drive repeat visits—all within a seamless reservation experience.

Headquartered in Montreal, Libro serves restaurants across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opentable-acquires-canadian-reservation-platform-libro-expanding-presence-in-quebec-and-beyond-302747348.html

SOURCE OpenTable, Inc.

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