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Nelnet Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

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LINCOLN, Neb., Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nelnet (NYSE: NNI) today reported GAAP net income of $63.2 million, or $1.73 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with a GAAP net loss of $7.9 million, or $0.21 per share, for the same period a year ago.

Net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments1, was $52.7 million, or $1.44 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with a net loss of $0.7 million, or $0.02 per share, for the same period in 2023.

“We are pleased with the results in the fourth quarter of 2024 and optimistic about the opportunities ahead in 2025,” said Jeff Noordhoek, chief executive officer of Nelnet. “This past year was a record-breaking one for Nelnet Business Services, one of our three core businesses. For Nelnet Diversified Services, 2024 was a year of strategic reinvestment as we transitioned to the new federal servicing contract and expanded our private loan servicing portfolio. Nelnet Financial Services focused on consolidation and alignment as part of our strategy to diversify assets and offset earnings from our legacy student loan portfolio. Our results reflect a balanced mix of success across different segments – exactly what we expect from a diversified company.”

Nelnet has four reportable operating segments, earning interest income on loans in its Asset Generation and Management (AGM) and Nelnet Bank segments, both part of the company’s Nelnet Financial Services (NFS) division, and fee-based revenue in its Loan Servicing and Systems (referred to as Nelnet Diversified Services (NDS)) and Education Technology Services and Payments (referred to as Nelnet Business Services (NBS)) segments. Other business activities and operating segments that are not reportable and not part of the NFS division are combined and included in Corporate Activities.

Asset Generation and Management

The AGM operating segment reported loan and investment net interest income of $48.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with $35.6 million for the same period a year ago. The increase in 2024 was due an increase in loan spread2, offset by the anticipated runoff of the legacy Federal Family Education Loan Program loan portfolio. The average balance of loans outstanding decreased from $12.5 billion for the fourth quarter of 2023 to $9.4 billion for the same period in 2024.

AGM recognized a provision for loan losses in the fourth quarter of 2024 of $13.5 million ($10.3 million after tax), compared with $0.4 million ($0.3 million after tax) in the fourth quarter of 2023. Provision for loan losses was primarily impacted by establishing an initial allowance for consumer loans acquired during the fourth quarter of 2024. AGM also recognized a non-cash provision expense of $4.6 million ($3.5 million after tax) during the fourth quarter of 2024 related to the company’s ownership of beneficial interest in loan securitizations.

In addition, AGM recognized income of $8.3 million ($6.3 million after tax) related to changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting, compared with a loss of $4.9 million ($3.7 million after tax) for the same period in 2023. AGM recognized net income after tax of $25.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with $17.2 million for the same period in 2023.

1

Net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments, is a non-GAAP measure. See “Non-GAAP Performance Measures” at the end of this press release and the “Non-GAAP Disclosures” section below for explanatory information and reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial information.

2

Loan spread represents the spread between the yield earned on loan assets and the costs of the liabilities and derivative instruments used to fund the assets.

Nelnet Bank

As of December 31, 2024, Nelnet Bank had a $644.6 million and $757.0 million loan and investment portfolio, respectively,  and total deposits, including intercompany deposits, of $1.25 billion. Nelnet Bank reported loan and investment net interest income of $12.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with $6.9 million for the same period a year ago. The increase in 2024 was due to an increase in the loan and investment portfolio and net interest margin.

Nelnet Bank recognized provision for loan losses in the fourth quarter of 2024 of $8.6 million ($6.5 million after tax), compared with $2.6 million ($2.0 million after tax) in the fourth quarter of 2023. Provision for loan losses at Nelnet Bank is due primarily from the establishment of an initial allowance for loans originated and acquired during the period. In addition, Nelnet Bank recognized income of $5.5 million ($4.2 million after tax) related to changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting, compared with a loss of $4.6 million ($3.5 million after tax) for the same period in 2023.

Nelnet Bank recognized net income after tax for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 of $4.2 million, compared with a net loss of $3.3 million for the same period in 2023.

Loan Servicing and Systems

Revenue from the Loan Servicing and Systems segment was $138.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with $128.8 million for the same period in 2023. On April 1, 2024, the company began to earn revenue under its new Unified Servicing and Data Solution (USDS) contract which replaced its legacy student loan servicing contract with the Department of Education (Department). Revenue earned under the USDS contract on a per borrower blended basis is lower than the legacy contract. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the company recognized $10.9 million in non-recurring revenue under its Department servicing contract related to certain inflation provisions from the prior legacy contract.

In July 2024, Discover Financial Services announced the sale of an approximately $10 billion private education student loan portfolio, representing approximately 400,000 borrowers, to partnerships managed by two global investment firms, with the company assuming responsibility for servicing the portfolio upon the sale. The conversion of these loans to the company’s platform began in September 2024 with the majority of loan conversions completed in the fourth quarter of 2024. The company recognized $4.0 million in non-recurring conversion revenue in the fourth quarter of 2024.

As of December 31, 2024, the company was servicing $532.4 billion in government-owned, FFELP, private education, and consumer loans for 15.8 million borrowers, compared with $532.6 billion in servicing volume for 16.1 million borrowers as of December 31, 2023.

The Loan Servicing and Systems segment reported net income after tax of $20.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared with $8.4 million for the same period in 2023.

Education Technology Services and Payments

For the fourth quarter of 2024, revenue from the Education Technology Services and Payments operating segment was $108.3 million, an increase from $106.1 million for the same period in 2023. Revenue less direct costs to provide services for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $69.7 million, compared with $66.7 million for the same period in 2023.

Net income after tax for the Education Technology Services and Payments segment was $13.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared with $10.1 million for the same period in 2023.

Corporate Activities

Included in Corporate Activities are the operating results of the company’s solar construction business. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the company reported a loss of $17.0 million ($13.0 million after tax) in its solar construction business. Since the acquisition of this business, the company has incurred low and, in some cases, negative margins on certain legacy projects. The 2024 loss includes the estimated losses on legacy construction projects. The company has a handful of remaining legacy construction contracts to complete, down from over 30 at the beginning of 2024.

Year-End Results

GAAP net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $184.0 million, or $5.02 per share, compared with GAAP net income of $89.8 million, or $2.40 per share, for 2023.  Net income in 2024, excluding derivative market value adjustments1, was $176.4 million, or $4.81 per share, compared with $121.6 million, or $3.25 per share, for 2023.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. The words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “ensure,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “scheduled,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current expectations as of the date of this release and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results and performance to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks related to the ability to successfully maintain and increase allocated volumes of student loans serviced by the company under existing and future servicing contracts with the Department of Education, risks related to unfavorable contract modifications or interpretations, risks related to consistently meeting service requirements to avoid the assessment of performance penalties, and risks related to the company’s ability to comply with agreements with third-party customers for the servicing of Federal Direct Loan Program, FFEL Program, private education, and consumer loans; loan portfolio risks such as credit risk, prepayment risk, interest rate basis and repricing risk, risks related to the use of derivatives to manage exposure to interest rate fluctuations, uncertainties regarding the expected benefits from purchased securitized and unsecuritized FFELP, private education, consumer, and other loans, or investment interests therein, and initiatives to purchase additional FFELP, private education, consumer, and other loans; financing and liquidity risks, including risks of changes in the interest rate environment; risks from changes in the terms of education loans and in the educational credit and services markets resulting from changes in applicable laws, regulations, and government programs and budgets; risks related to a breach of or failure in the company’s operational or information systems or infrastructure, or those of third-party vendors, including disclosure of confidential or personal information and/or damage to reputation resulting from cyber breaches; risks related to use of artificial intelligence; uncertainties inherent in forecasting future cash flows from student loan assets, including investment interests therein, and related asset-backed securitizations; risks related to the ability of Nelnet Bank to achieve its business objectives and effectively deploy loan and deposit strategies and achieve expected market penetration; risks related to the expected benefits to the company from its continuing investment in ALLO and Hudl, and risks related to solar tax equity investments, including risks of not being able to realize tax credits which remain subject to recapture by taxing authorities; risks and uncertainties related to other initiatives to pursue additional strategic investments (and anticipated income therefrom) including venture capital and real estate investments, reinsurance, acquisitions, solar construction, and other activities (including risks associated with errors that occasionally occur in converting loan servicing portfolios to a new servicing platform), including activities that are intended to diversify the company both within and outside of its historical core education-related businesses; risks and uncertainties associated with climate change; risks from changes in economic conditions and consumer behavior; risks related to the company’s ability to adapt to technological change; risks related to the exclusive forum provisions in the company’s articles of incorporation; risks related to the company’s executive chairman’s ability to control matters related to the company through voting rights; risks related to related party transactions; risks related to natural disasters, terrorist activities, or international hostilities; and risks and uncertainties associated with litigation matters and maintaining compliance with the extensive regulatory requirements applicable to the company’s businesses, including changes to the regulatory environment from the change in presidential administration, and uncertainties inherent in the estimates and assumptions about future events that management is required to make in the preparation of the company’s consolidated financial statements.

For more information, see the “Risk Factors” sections and other cautionary discussions of risks and uncertainties included in documents filed or furnished by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements in this release are as of the date of this release. Although the company may voluntarily update or revise its forward-looking statements from time to time to reflect actual results or changes in the company’s expectations, the company disclaims any commitment to do so except as required by law.

Non-GAAP Performance Measures

The company prepares its financial statements and presents its financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. However, it also provides additional non-GAAP financial information related to specific items management believes to be important in the evaluation of its operating results and performance. Reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial information, and a discussion of why the company believes providing this additional information is useful to investors, is provided in the “Non-GAAP Disclosures” section below.

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

Three months ended

Year ended

December 31,
2024

September 30,
2024

December 31,
2023

(1)

December 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

(1)

Interest income:

Loan interest

$        178,434

190,211

227,234

787,498

931,945

Investment interest

42,815

50,272

48,019

185,901

177,855

Total interest income

221,249

240,483

275,253

973,399

1,109,800

Interest expense on bonds and notes payable and bank deposits

141,170

168,328

205,335

680,537

845,091

Net interest income

80,079

72,155

69,918

292,862

264,709

Less provision for loan losses

22,057

18,111

3,050

54,607

8,115

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

58,022

54,044

66,868

238,255

256,594

Other income (expense):

Loan servicing and systems revenue

137,981

108,175

128,816

482,408

517,954

Education technology services and payments revenue

108,335

118,179

106,052

486,962

463,311

Reinsurance premiums earned

18,673

16,619

9,428

62,923

20,067

Solar construction revenue

13,828

19,321

11,982

56,569

31,669

Other, net

27,794

15,706

(36,390)

61,602

(74,327)

Gain (loss) on sale of loans, net

42

(107)

(886)

(1,643)

(17,662)

Derivative market value adjustments and
derivative settlements, net

14,879

(11,525)

(8,654)

16,258

(16,701)

Total other income (expense), net

321,532

266,368

210,348

1,165,079

924,311

Cost of services and expenses:

Costs incurred to provide loan servicing

1,497

196

1,889

Cost to provide education technology services
and payments

38,658

45,273

39,379

172,763

171,183

Cost to provide solar construction services

28,558

26,815

23,371

77,673

48,576

Total cost of services

68,713

72,284

62,750

252,325

219,759

Salaries and benefits

147,229

146,192

152,917

576,931

591,537

Depreciation and amortization

12,544

13,661

22,004

58,116

79,118

Reinsurance losses and underwriting expenses

16,180

16,761

7,084

55,246

16,781

Other expenses

50,681

44,685

44,613

189,503

173,070

Total operating expenses

226,634

221,299

226,618

879,796

860,506

Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests

5,764

29,052

26,951

42,629

31,925

Total expenses

301,111

322,635

316,319

1,174,750

1,112,190

Income (loss) before income taxes

78,443

(2,223)

(39,103)

228,584

68,715

Income tax (expense) benefit

(15,016)

282

9,399

(52,669)

(19,385)

Net income (loss)

63,427

(1,941)

(29,704)

175,915

49,330

Net (income) loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests

(268)

4,329

21,791

8,130

40,496

Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.

$          63,159

2,388

(7,913)

184,045

89,826

Earnings per common share:

Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
shareholders – basic and diluted

$              1.73

0.07

(0.21)

5.02

2.40

Weighted average common shares
outstanding –  basic and diluted

36,461,513

36,430,485

37,354,406

36,642,533

37,416,621

(1)

During the second quarter of 2024, the company identified certain immaterial errors in the previously issued consolidated financial statements that have been corrected to conform to the December 31, 2024 presentation. Refer to the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2025 for additional information.

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

As of

As of

As of

December 31, 2024

September 30, 2024

December 31, 2023

(1)

Assets:

Loans and accrued interest receivable, net

$                        9,992,744

10,572,881

13,108,204

Cash, cash equivalents, and investments

2,395,214

2,173,000

2,032,788

Restricted cash

736,502

679,334

857,379

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

194,357

196,400

202,848

Other assets

458,936

462,513

511,165

Total assets

$                      13,777,753

14,084,128

16,712,384

Liabilities:

Bonds and notes payable

$                        8,309,797

8,938,446

11,828,393

Bank deposits

1,186,131

1,070,758

743,599

Other liabilities

982,708

864,786

940,285

Total liabilities

10,478,636

10,873,990

13,512,277

Equity:

Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders’ equity

3,349,762

3,290,652

3,253,751

Noncontrolling interests

(50,645)

(80,514)

(53,644)

Total equity

3,299,117

3,210,138

3,200,107

Total liabilities and equity

$                      13,777,753

14,084,128

16,712,384

(1)

During the second quarter of 2024, the company identified certain immaterial errors in the previously issued consolidated financial statements that have been corrected to conform to the December 31, 2024 presentation. Refer to the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2025 for additional information.

 

Non-GAAP Disclosures
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)

Non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by management are meant to provide additional information and insight relative to business trends to investors and, in certain cases, to present financial information as measured by rating agencies and other users of financial information. These measures are not in accordance with, or a substitute for, GAAP and may be different from, or inconsistent with, non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. The company reports this non-GAAP information because the company believes that it provides additional information regarding operational and performance indicators that are closely assessed by management. There is no comprehensive, authoritative guidance for the presentation of such non-GAAP information, which is only meant to supplement GAAP results by providing additional information that management utilizes to assess performance.

Net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

2024

2023

2024

2023

GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.

$               63,159

(7,913)

184,045

89,826

Realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments (a)

(13,792)

9,507

(10,124)

41,773

Tax effect (b)

3,310

(2,282)

2,430

(10,026)

Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.,
excluding derivative market value adjustments

$               52,677

(688)

176,351

121,573

Earnings per share:

GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.

$                   1.73

(0.21)

5.02

2.40

Realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments (a)

(0.38)

0.25

(0.28)

1.12

Tax effect (b)

0.09

(0.06)

0.07

(0.27)

Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.,
excluding derivative market value adjustments

$                   1.44

(0.02)

4.81

3.25

(a)

Derivative market value adjustments” includes both the realized portion of gains and losses (corresponding to variation margin received or paid on derivative instruments that are settled daily at a central clearinghouse) and the unrealized portion of gains and losses that are caused by changes in fair values of derivatives which do not qualify for “hedge treatment” under GAAP. “Derivative market value adjustments” does not include “derivative settlements” that represent the cash paid or received during the current period to settle with derivative instrument counterparties the economic effect of the company’s derivative instruments based on their contractual terms.

The accounting for derivatives requires that changes in the fair value of derivative instruments be recognized currently in earnings, with no fair value adjustment of the hedged item, unless specific hedge accounting criteria is met. Management has structured all of the company’s derivative transactions with the intent that each is economically effective; however, the company’s derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting in the consolidated financial statements. As a result, the change in fair value of derivative instruments is reported in current period earnings with no consideration for the corresponding change in fair value of the hedged item. Under GAAP, the cumulative net realized and unrealized gain or loss caused by changes in fair values of derivatives in which the company plans to hold to maturity will equal zero over the life of the contract. However, the net realized and unrealized gain or loss during any given reporting period fluctuates significantly from period to period.

The company believes these point-in-time estimates of asset and liability values related to its derivative instruments that are subject to interest rate fluctuations are subject to volatility mostly due to timing and market factors beyond the control of management, and affect the period-to-period comparability of the results of operations. Accordingly, the company’s management utilizes operating results excluding these items for comparability purposes when making decisions regarding the company’s performance and in presentations with credit rating agencies, lenders, and investors.

(b)

The tax effects are calculated by multiplying the realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments by the applicable statutory income tax rate.

 

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SOURCE Nelnet, Inc.

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QC Ware Announces 5th Q2B Tokyo Conference Focused on the Roadmap to Quantum Value in Asia and Beyond, Quemix to Co-host and Sponsor

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QC Ware hosts the 5th Q2B conference in Tokyo to connect the Asian and global quantum technology landscape and bring together quantum industry experts across computing, AI, telecommunications, sensing, finance, automotive, chemicals, and more.

TOKYO, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — QC Ware, a leading provider of industry-disrupting quantum technology, quantum-inspired machine learning, and quantum chemistry simulation solutions, today announced the 2026 Q2B Tokyo Conference (Q2B26) taking place June 4-5, 2026.

As the Q2B26 Tokyo Co-host and Platinum Sponsor, Quemix will contribute to discussions and demonstrations aimed at accelerating the adoption of quantum technologies in various industries, spanning pharmaceutical, biotech, finance, automotive, logistics, and artificial intelligence. “Quemix is proud to once again serve as a co-organizer for Q2B Tokyo, a venue that brings together the most significant global advancements in quantum technology. Our sessions will dive deep into these trends, offering a closer look at a variety of practical use cases implemented on real quantum devices.

We look forward to sharing our latest progress as we drive the practical realization of quantum computing. Please join us at Q2B to witness these breakthroughs in person.” said Quemix CEO and President, Yu-ichiro Matsushita. “A key highlight will be Quemix’s presentation of six industrial use cases, demonstrating tangible progress in real-world quantum applications across the automotive and materials industries.”

The conference, being held at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, will dive deep into all major quantum technologies and themes: computing, sensing, communications, security, error correction, quantum AI, HPC integration, and more. Attendees can expect to see featured keynotes, industry case studies, and discussions led by experts at the forefront of quantum R&D from some of the world’s leading businesses and institutions across government, academia, and industry.

“Our team at QC Ware is really excited to see all of you at the 5th annual Q2B Tokyo conference! Quantum advantage is getting closer every day, and at this event you will be getting practical updates on progress by many of the leading QC hardware and software developers. If you are working in an enterprise that will be impacted by AI and quantum computing, then attending this event is a must!” said QC Ware CEO, Matt Johnson. “The quantum ecosystems of Japan and Asia are incredibly dynamic and exciting, and the work undertaken to directly and indirectly create that environment cannot be overstated.”

Through keynotes, business seminars, breakout sessions, technical workshops, and panel discussions, attendees at Q2B Tokyo will learn about the latest hardware and software breakthroughs as well as applications in optimization, chemistry simulations, pharmaceutical and materials discovery, error correction, and quantum AI. Additionally, the conference features several panels and sessions from field practitioners, end users, and experts across industries. Notable speakers include:

Kazuya Masu – Director, AIST – G-QuATTaro Shimada – Chair of the Board, Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance for Revolution (Q-STAR) and CEO, ToshibaMitsuhisa Sato – Division Director of Quantum-HPC Hybrid Platform Division, RIKEN Center for Computational ScienceMitsunobu Koshiba – Co founder, Cdots LLCShuntaro Takeda – Associate Professor, The University of TokyoYu-ichiro Matsushita – CEO, QuemixCarmen Palacios-Berraquero – Founder and CEO, Nu QuantumThom Murray – VP Quantum Technology Evangelism, D-Wave SystemsDr. Michael J. Biercuk – CEO and Founder, Q-CTRLShunsuke Okada – Chair of Executive Committee, Q-STARMatt Terabe – Chief of Quantum Technology, Deloitte TohmatsuSameh Yamany – Chief Technology Officer, VIAVI SolutionsAsif Sinai – Co-founder and CEO, QedmaTatsuo Nakamura – CEO & President & Founder, VALUENEX, Inc.Pouya Dianat – Chief Revenue Officer, Quantum Computing Inc.Yuval Boger – Chief Commercial Officer, QuEra Computing inc.Joseph Spencer – Director, GQI

Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the exhibit floor with vendors showcasing their latest advancements in quantum technologies, featuring: Quemix, Classiq, Denso, Quantinuum, SQAI, QuEra Computing, Qedma, Quantum Machines, IonQ, Fujitsu, JHPC RIKEN Softbank, Quantum Computing Inc, IQM, Q-CTRL, D-Wave Quantum, Quanmatic, Toyota Tsusho, Lquom, Norma, Alpine Quantum Technologies, Q-STAR, Qunova Computing and more.

Find the agenda, featured speakers, sponsors, and register to attend Q2B26 Tokyo here.

About QC Ware

QC Ware is a quantum and classical computing SaaS company focused on delivering enterprise value through cutting-edge computational technology. The company develops enterprise-grade applications that run on state-of-the-art classical computing hardware and algorithms targeting near-term quantum hardware. Its flagship product, Promethium, is an advanced molecular discovery platform that leverages quantum chemistry to accelerate research across pharmaceutical, materials science, and chemical industries. With specialization in machine learning and chemistry simulation applications, the team bridges the gap between theoretical quantum computing and practical business solutions. Composed of some of the industry’s foremost experts, QC Ware is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with a European subsidiary in Paris. The company also organizes Q2B, a global series of conferences for industry, practitioner, and academic quantum computing communities. Learn more at www.qcware.com.

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SOURCE QC Ware Corp.

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8 Greenberg Traurig Attorneys to Speak at eMerge Americas Conference

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MIAMI, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Eight attorneys from Greenberg Traurig, P.A. will speak at the 2026 eMerge Americas conference, considered the premier global technology event, April 23-24 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

In addition to serving as an event sponsor, Greenberg Traurig is a founding partner of eMerge Americas and has played a central role in the conference’s development since its inception. Early planning discussions hosted at the firm’s Miami office helped spark the creation of eMerge Americas, laying the groundwork for what has become a premier global technology conference. Today, the annual event connects business leaders, government officials, investors, and entrepreneurs from around the world to discover the newest technologies fueling future innovation.

“Miami has emerged as one of the world’s premier tech hubs, attracting global talent and capital at an unprecedented pace,” said Jaret L. Davis, co-managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Miami office, a senior vice president of the firm, and general counsel for eMerge Americas. “As a founding partner of eMerge Americas, Greenberg Traurig’s attorneys are at the forefront of that transformation and are proud to share the eMerge Americas stage with the innovators and leaders building the future of technology both locally and globally.”

For over a decade, Davis has helped lead Greenberg Traurig’s work as a critical player guiding deals and investments in the technology industry. He routinely represents technology companies, including publicly traded clients with an aggregate market capitalization exceeding $100 billion, and several of Miami’s largest unicorn companies.

The following is a list of Greenberg Traurig speakers at the event and their corresponding panels:

Kieran Dwyer, Minneapolis Corporate shareholderDate and time: April 23, 3:15-3:45 p.m.Location: eMerge AI + DEEP TECH StagePanel: AI-Native Law: Securing and Governing Autonomous Systems at ScaleDescription: Explore what it means to operate in an artificial intelligence-native environment, how accountability is defined when systems act independently, and what it takes to secure and govern AI at scale.Jaret L. Davis, Miami co-managing shareholder and Corporate shareholderDate and time: April 24, 3-3:45 p.m.Location: Main StagePanel: Talent as National Infrastructure: Building the Workforce Powering America’s Innovation EconomyDescription: Dive into how education systems, economic development strategy, and private-sector innovation are aligning to build the workforce powering America’s innovation economy.Matthew Squires, Salt Lake City Corporate and Latin America shareholderDate and time: April 24, 1-1:30 p.m.Location: eMerge AI + DEEP TECH StagePanel: Investing Through Disruption: Venture Capital in the AI Acceleration EraDescription: From agentic AI and developer tooling to infrastructure and emerging platforms, the conversation will focus on areas where sustainable value is forming, how to separate momentum from substance, and what founders should understand about how capital is being deployed today.

Additionally, Greenberg Traurig attorneys will be presenting on a variety of topics at the firm’s booth, located at #517 in the eMerge AI Pavilion (view the full map):

Kieran Dwyer and Joshua B. Forman, Miami Corporate shareholderDate and time: April 23, 10-10:30 a.m.Topic: Inside the AI Boom:  Explore the trends driving data center development, training, and AI deployment.Alan N. Sutin, Miami Technology, Media & Telecommunications Practice chair and Global Intellectual Property & Technology Practice senior chairDate and time: April 23, 11-11:30 a.m.Topic: Managing Risk When Licensing AI and Other Rapidly Evolving TechnologiesJohn D. Owens, III, Miami Corporate shareholderDate and time: April 23, 1:30-2 p.m.Topic: The Mainstreaming of Secondaries: The Role of Secondaries in the Venture Capital Market in 2026Shomari B. Wade, Washington, D.C., Government Contracts shareholderDate and time: April 23, 2:30-3 p.m.Topic: Navigating the New Era of Federal Acquisition: Policy Changes and Industry ImpactsErika Cabo, Miami Corporate of counsel  Date and time: April 24, 10:30-11 a.m.Topic: Tokenization: Where the Real Opportunities Are — From Stablecoins to SecuritiesKieran DwyerDate and time: April 24, 11:30 a.m.-noonTopic: Five Questions Board Members Should be Asking About AI (and That CEOs Should be Ready to Answer)Date and time: April 24, 12:30-1 p.m.Topic: Effective AI Governance as an AI Accelerator – enabling teams to move faster within defined guardrails. 

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has approximately 3,100 lawyers across 51 locations in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm’s broad geographic and practice range enables the delivery of innovative and strategic legal services across borders and industries. Recognized as a 2025 BTI “Best of the Best Recommended Law Firm” by general counsel for trust and relationship management, Greenberg Traurig is consistently ranked among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100, NLJ 500, and Law360 400. Greenberg Traurig is also known for its philanthropic giving, culture, innovation, and pro bono work. Web: www.gtlaw.com.

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Rockefeller Foundation Accelerates U.S. Economic Solutions at “Big Bets for America: Baltimore”

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More than 250 U.S. leaders from across philanthropy, policy, the private sector, and nonprofits to surface and scale bold solutions to the country’s most pressing economic challenges.

BALTIMORE, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Rockefeller Foundation today hosted Big Bets for America: Baltimore, bringing together more than 250 leaders spanning policy, philanthropic, private, and non-profit sectors in Baltimore to surface, accelerate, and scale ambitious solutions to the country’s most pressing challenges. With a Steering Committee—consisting of Abell Foundation, Baltimore Community Foundation, Baltimore Homecoming, Greater Baltimore Committee, and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation—and strategic partners Greater Washington Partnership, Baltimore Development Corporation, and Johns Hopkins University, the Foundation and event participants, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, announced new initiatives and innovative collaborations to create economic pathways and advance opportunities for communities across the State of Maryland and nationwide. In Baltimore, The Rockefeller Foundation also launched a $100 million commitment to connect America’s workers to good jobs and its next class of U.S. Big Bets Fellows.

“For 250 years, America’s promise has been that hard work leads to a stable, dignified life,” said Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. “Today, too many communities have been left so far behind that this promise feels out of reach. With the commitments announced today, The Rockefeller Foundation is betting on the resilience of the American worker and the ingenuity of our communities — and building the infrastructure to help that bet pay off at national scale.”

Big Bets for America is a national series of convenings that brings together leaders from across the United States to accelerate economic growth, energize action, and move communities forward. The Baltimore event builds on momentum from the series’ inaugural gathering in Oklahoma City in November 2025.

Major announcements from Big Bets for America: Baltimore include:

The Rockefeller Foundation Commits $100 Million to Connect America’s Workers to Good Jobs. The Rockefeller Foundation launched a new three-year, $100 million commitment to help communities across the country connect more people to good jobs and adapt to rapid economic and technological change. The strategy aims to benefit 10 to 20 million people across approximately 250 of America’s most distressed communities, help enable the creation of roughly 1.6 million additional good jobs nationally, and leverage aligned capital in partnership with employers and public, private, and philanthropic funders. The strategy focuses on sectors with the strongest job growth outlook: healthcare and the care economy, energy transition, food systems, and AI-enabled industries.
 The Rockefeller Foundation to Increase Support for Invest in Our Future. As part of The Rockefeller Foundation’s commitment to advancing good jobs and building stronger, more inclusive workforce systems, The Foundation expects to provide over the next three years an additional $12 million to Invest in Our Future, a pooled fund supported by RF Catalytic Capital, Inc., that mobilizes clean energy opportunities to drive economic opportunity, including jobs, in communities nationwide. Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has worked with aligned funders to unlock hundreds of millions of philanthropic dollars for clean energy deployment and has shown that combining philanthropic capital, policy implementation, and strong cross-sector partnerships can rapidly scale impact and turn clean energy investments into real economic opportunities at the state and local levels.
 Governor Wes Moore Announces $1.5 Million in Philanthropic Awards to ENOUGH Communities. Governor Wes Moore highlighted the distribution of $1.5 million in philanthropic funding awards from the Sherman Family Foundation, the Bainum Family Foundation, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and The Rockefeller Foundation to strengthen education and child care access in nine ENOUGH communities – Maryland jurisdictions with high concentrations of childhood poverty. The funding will support nine ENOUGH communities as they launch and sustain programs to strengthen education and child care, including through such efforts as reducing chronic absenteeism through safe transportation options to school and developing afterschool programs to boost literacy rates.
 The Rockefeller Foundation Announces Second Class of U.S. Big Bets Fellows. The Rockefeller Foundation named 10 bold innovators to its 2026 class of U.S. Big Bets Fellows — working in California, Central Appalachia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Building on the inaugural 2025 class, this year’s fellows are working to expand workforce pathways and unlock capital for underserved communities. Over the course of the four-month fellowship, The Rockefeller Foundation will provide fellows with tailored programming, peer networking, and professional development to sharpen their approaches and scale their impact. 
 The Engine Introduces the Tough Tech Map. The Engine launched the Tough Tech Map, a public interactive directory connecting Tough Tech startups to sector- and geography-specific infrastructure — from national labs to test beds and fellowships to incubators. Developed in partnership with the broader ecosystem, the map aims to centralize resources startups in climate, health, advanced compute, and other Tough Tech sectors need to scale. Learn more at www.ToughTechMap.xyz.
 LACI Expands City Climate Innovation Challenge to Baltimore & 15 Other US Cities. The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) announced a new cohort of cities for its City Climate Innovation Challenge, which includes Baltimore City and 15 others. The Challenge helps cities identify climate innovations and cleantech entrepreneurs, pilots the selected solutions, provides technical assistance, and scales what works to better improve lives and livelihoods in urban areas. Baltimore’s inclusion signals growing momentum for the program as it scales LACI’s unique model of public-private climate collaboration to cities across the country.
 The Clean Fight Announces Expansion of its National Deployment Grant Fund. The Clean Fight announced that its National Deployment Grant Fund, an initiative that uses targeted catalytic grants of $50,000 to $250,000 to accelerate the adoption of proven clean energy solutions in homes, schools, and communities across America – prioritizing vulnerable and underserved communities – has received $1 million from The Rockefeller Foundation toward its $10 million goal. The Fund’s model is built on the idea that funding the right “first” project unlocks many more: each grant is structured to generate the evidence, financing model, or de-risked use case that allows other communities to follow without ongoing subsidy. In New York, The Clean Fight has supported 70 companies and 22 deployment projects with $5.4 million in catalytic grants, generating over 5,000 follow-on deployments statewide and nearly 1,000 jobs. The Rockefeller Foundation’s contribution is helping take The Clean Fight’s model national, with learnings shared broadly through open-source reference designs, implementation guides, and national convenings. 
 Big Bets for America Series to Go to Cleveland. Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and The Rockefeller Foundation announced that the next Big Bets for America convening will take place in Cleveland on June 9. More details about that agenda will be provided in the coming weeks.

What participants at Big Bets for America: Baltimore are saying:

Governor of Maryland Wes Moore: “When I committed to an unprecedented attack on child poverty in Maryland, I knew we needed more than just government on board. That’s why I’m grateful to our philanthropic partners who are stepping up alongside us to make bets on solutions no government can tackle alone. Today we’re taking another step forward on a truly collaborative approach that brings together government, philanthropy, and the private sector to set the standard for what real, structural progress looks like, and making Maryland a model for the nation.”
 Mayor of Baltimore Brandon Scott: “Baltimore was proud to host this gathering of public and private sector partners committed to equitable, community-driven economic growth. Especially in areas that have historically faced intentional disinvestment—like many neighborhoods in Charm City—we have to be just as intentional with the ways we work to create opportunity today. I’m grateful that The Rockefeller Foundation shares that focus, and look forward to working together on many of the partnerships announced during this convening.” 
 Mayor of Cleveland Justin Bibb: “Cleveland is investing in its people, its neighborhoods, and its future – and it’s working. The moment is here to bet on our city, to connect residents to opportunity, and to unlock investment at scale. We’re ready to show the country what inclusive growth looks like in action.” 
 Kate Frucher, CEO, The Clean Fight: “This is the moment to make sure proven clean energy solutions – ones that improve lives right now and build resilience for decades to come – don’t sit on the sidelines. Supporting the right first project doesn’t just benefit one community, it creates a powerful slipstream for everyone who comes after. That’s exactly what our Deployment Grant Fund is built to do – using the disproportionate impact that strategically placed, small-dollar grant funding can have.” 
 Emily Knight, The Engine: “We built the Tough Tech Map to open up access to the infrastructure founders need to scale, not just in major hubs, but everywhere. It serves as connective tissue, helping startups leverage shared Tough-Tech-specific resources so they can stay capital efficient while turning breakthrough ideas into real-world impact.”
 Matt Petersen, Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator: “LACI’s City Climate Innovation Challenge was created to help local governments pilot and scale the best cleantech solutions that improve air quality, create jobs, and grow the economy. Thanks to the support of the Rockefeller Foundation and others, we are excited to launch our next cohort of 16 cities across the U.S, including Baltimore, to increase access to reliable and affordable EV charging for every neighborhood, including apartment dwellers and underserved communities.”
 Derrick Adams, Charm City Cultural Cultivation: “I’ve seen how different cities have transformed their communities into these types of communities where people can thrive. We’re really going into an entrepreneurial culture right now where there’s not going to be a lot of big industry in the way it used to be. We see it through the younger generations, the way they are mapping out their future…if you want to look at the way the economy is moving…people want to be in community, but we need to figure out how this community can advance.”
 Torrey Smith, Philanthropist, two-time Super Bowl Champion: “The reality is there are so many more people doing way bigger and better things with less. And that’s why it’s important when you are the Baltimore Orioles or the Baltimore Ravens: You have the opportunity to uplift people by using your platform and providing them with opportunities.”
 Kevin Plank, Under Armour: “Across the country, leaders are rethinking where they invest, where they grow, and where they place long-term confidence because capital is moving. Talent is mobile and cities are either stepping forward or falling further behind. But Baltimore has everything it needs to compete. …What is needed now isn’t more consensus; it’s shared conviction followed by action.”

About The Rockefeller Foundation
Investing $30 billion over the last 113 years to promote the well-being of humanity, The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on unlikely partnerships and innovative solutions that deliver measurable results for people in the United States and around the world. We leverage scientific breakthroughs, artificial intelligence, and new technologies to make big bets across energy, food, health, and finance, including with our public charity, RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC). For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn, Instagram @rockefellerfdn, and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation.

About The Engine
The Engine is a nonprofit incubator and accelerator dedicated to supporting early stage Tough Tech companies by providing the infrastructure, programs, and ecosystem support they need to thrive. Tough Tech is transformational technology rooted in breakthrough science and engineering, aimed at solving the world’s most pressing challenges. These companies are capital-intensive, highly regulated, and technically complex, requiring specialized infrastructure, patient support, and a resilient path from lab to market. Learn more at www.engine.xyz

About Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI)
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation through scaling cleantech startups, transforming markets through catalytic partnerships with policymakers, innovators, and market leaders in transportation, energy, and sustainable cities, like the Transportation Electrification Partnership, and enhancing communities through green jobs workforce training, pilots and other programs. Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP) in 2011, LACI is recognized as one of the top 10 innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. LACI has helped 506 portfolio companies raise over $1 billion in funding, generated $344 million in revenue, and created 2,626 jobs throughout the Los Angeles region, with a long term economic impact of more than $733 million.

About The Clean Fight
The Clean Fight is a not-for-profit dedicated to accelerating the adoption of climate solutions for 100% of the population – moving them into communities faster, more affordably, and at scale. Through catalytic grants, deployment programs, and prize competitions, The Clean Fight designs and delivers adoption models that turn one-off projects into first-of-many. The Clean Fight is supported by NYSERDA, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and leading philanthropic partners. Learn more at thecleanfight.com.

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