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Cinode AB: Negative Growth and Declining Margins Among Consulting Firms

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STOCKHOLM, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Publicly listed consulting firms in Sweden and Finland faced a challenging 2024, experiencing declining margins and negative growth over multiple quarters. The fourth quarter marked the second quarter of the year with negative growth, with both average and median growth rates falling below zero.

At the same time, differences among companies are evident-technical consulting firms have continued to grow, both through acquisitions and organic expansion, while others have had to reduce their workforce and adjust to a weaker market.

“Two-thirds of consulting firms saw their margins decline in Q4 compared to last year. The weak economic climate is the primary reason, but fewer working days and increased vacation leave have also had a negative impact. IT consulting firms have been hit the hardest, and the previous interpretation of the rental law has further contributed to the challenges,” says Mattias Loxi, co-founder of Cinode.

Margins Are Falling

The average margin dropped to 7.2% (8.0%) in Q4, with the median declining to 6.5% (8.1%). For the full year, the average operating margin fell to 6.4% (6.7%), while the median decreased to 6.8% (7.2%).

“We see a clear trend of profitability being squeezed, but many firms have still managed to navigate the economic downturn relatively well through cost savings. This is different from previous recessions, where we saw more dramatic margin declines,” Loxi continues.

Growth Near Zero for the Full Year

The fourth quarter recorded an average negative growth rate of -1.6% (3.1%) and a median of -2.8% (4.9%). For the full year, growth was almost flat, with a median of 0.6% and an average growth rate of -0.1%.

“For the full year, we see that growth has essentially stalled, though some firms have still expanded through strategic acquisitions. However, organic growth is even more negative across the industry,” says Loxi.

B3 Consulting, Exsitec, CombinedX, and Prevas were among the consulting firms that grew the most in 2024, with acquisitions playing a crucial role in their expansion.

Consulting Firms Continue to Streamline Operations

More than half of consulting firms reduced their number of employees in Q4 compared to Q3. Over the full year, nearly half of the firms have cut their workforce.

“Consulting firms continue to optimize and adjust their costs in response to market changes. The strongest firms are those with a clear niche expertise and the ability to adapt their delivery model to customers’ evolving needs,” Loxi concludes.

See the full Q4 and 2024 year-end report on consulting firms in our infographic.

Mattias Loxi
Co-founder/CMO
mattias.loxi@cinode.com
+46 73-514 21 70

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com.

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Rocket One Expands AI Infrastructure Platform Through Strategic Partnership with Placeve to Advance Defense, Space, and Intelligent Edge Computing

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Initial Investment and Proposed Commercial Framework Further Advance Rocket One’s AI Infrastructure Strategy; Placeve’s AI Processor Technology Is Currently Under Evaluation Through NASA’s MISSE Program

HOBOKEN, N.J., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rocket One Inc. (Nasdaq: RKTO) (“Rocket One” or the “Company”), an AI infrastructure company focused on defense, space and intelligent edge computing, today announced a strategic collaboration with Placeve Inc., an innovator in energy-efficient artificial intelligence processors and hardware platforms, further advancing Rocket One’s strategy to build a next-generation AI infrastructure platform serving defense, space and intelligent edge computing markets.

The collaboration is expected to support Rocket One’s long-term strategy of building an AI infrastructure platform serving the rapidly expanding defense, space and intelligent edge computing markets, where demand for energy-efficient, high-performance computing continues to accelerate.

As part of the collaboration, Rocket One has made an initial investment in Placeve. The companies intend to jointly evaluate Placeve’s proprietary Fourier Processing Unit (FPU)-based AI processor architecture, software platform and machine-learning technologies for applications spanning defense, autonomous systems, commercial edge computing and the expanding space economy.

The collaboration is expected to include joint engineering initiatives focused on AI hardware integration, software optimization, AI workload acceleration, performance-per-watt improvements, validation testing and deployment pathways for commercial, defense and orbital environments.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving beyond traditional data centers into satellites, autonomous systems, defense platforms and critical infrastructure,” said Robb Knie, Chief Executive Officer of Rocket One. “Those environments require fundamentally different computing architectures that maximize performance while minimizing power consumption and operating reliably in mission-critical conditions. Our strategy is to build Rocket One into a leading AI infrastructure company serving these rapidly expanding markets. We believe this collaboration broadens our technology ecosystem, accelerates our access to next-generation AI computing platforms and further positions Rocket One at the intersection of artificial intelligence, defense and the space economy.”

Rocket One believes the next generation of AI infrastructure will increasingly depend on specialized computing architectures capable of delivering high-performance inference while reducing power consumption in environments where reliability, resilience and efficiency are mission critical.

The collaboration complements Rocket One’s previously announced nanomagnetic and spintronic computing initiatives designed to improve AI acceleration, memory performance and energy efficiency, as well as the Company’s pending provisional patent applications covering an AI-powered autonomous defense and space security platform intended to protect critical infrastructure across terrestrial and orbital environments. Together, these initiatives reflect Rocket One’s broader strategy of building an integrated AI infrastructure platform for government, commercial and space markets.

Under the proposed collaboration, Placeve will contribute its AI processor architecture, software tools and engineering expertise, while Rocket One will contribute application requirements, systems integration priorities and deployment strategies focused on defense, intelligent edge and space infrastructure. Through ongoing engineering collaboration and roadmap development, the companies expect to accelerate validation and potential commercialization of energy-efficient AI computing solutions.

“Rocket One’s vision for next-generation AI infrastructure aligns exceptionally well with our mission to deliver high-performance AI computing with dramatically improved energy efficiency,” said Marc Hensel, Chief Executive Officer of Placeve. “Working closely with Rocket One allows us to evaluate our technology against demanding real-world defense, space and edge computing requirements while creating a pathway toward broader commercial deployment.”

Placeve’s photonic-electronic AI processor technology is currently being evaluated through NASA’s Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) program aboard the International Space Station, providing operational experience for computing platforms designed to operate in demanding environments.

About Rocket One Inc.

Rocket One Inc. is focused on developing and commercializing infrastructure for the orbital economy, including next-generation nanomagnetic AI chip technology designed for radiation-tolerant, energy-constrained environments such as low-Earth orbit, deep-space platforms, and defense systems. The Company holds exclusive rights to certain technologies, including a nanomagnetic matrix multiplier architecture intended as a hardware accelerator for machine learning and AI workloads, and related magnetic memory technology with potential applications in radiation-tolerant computing for defense and space systems. The Company is also positioned to pursue opportunities in nano-launch systems and nanosatellite deployment. The Company’s biotechnology pipeline, including, but not limited to, HT-001, HT-KIT, HT-ALZ, and its GDNF-based metabolic program, will continue to be advanced under a wholly owned subsidiary.

About Placeve Inc.

Placeve Inc. develops energy-efficient AI processors and hardware platforms designed to deliver high-performance artificial intelligence inference in power-constrained environments. Its proprietary photonic-electronic AI technologies are intended to support commercial, industrial, autonomous, defense and space-related computing applications.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s strategic repositioning, the development potential of the licensed technologies, the suitability of those technologies for orbital, defense, and other applications, anticipated future operations and market opportunities. You should not place reliance on these forward-looking statements, which include words such as “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “continue,” “predict,” “potential,” “project” or similar terms, variations of such terms, or the negative of those terms. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation: the early-stage nature of the licensed technologies, which have not been fabricated as integrated devices, validated in space environments, or qualified for any commercial or government program, and the absence of any commercial product; the substantial additional capital the Company will require to fabricate, test, and qualify the licensed technologies, including for radiation tolerance and space deployment; the long development timelines associated with novel semiconductor and materials platforms; competition from larger, better-funded and well recognized companies in the semiconductor, AI hardware, space, and defense computing sectors; the Company’s ability to recruit qualified leadership and technical personnel in nanomagnetic devices, semiconductor engineering, and aerospace systems; the Company’s ability to comply with diligence milestones under the Virginia Commonwealth University license agreements, the failure of which could result in loss of license rights; intellectual property risks; export control and government contracting risks associated with defense and space applications; and the risks inherent in a strategic pivot. Additional risk factors are described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s other filings made with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee such outcomes. The Company may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. All such statements speak only as of the date made. Consequently, forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as the Company’s current plans, estimates, and beliefs. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. The Company does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to update, republish, or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, or circumstances or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events, except as may be required by applicable law.

Investor Contact
LR Advisors LLC
Email: investorrelations@rocketone.space

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Lumeris Partners With Schmitt-Thompson Clinical Content to Advance Tom™ Symptom-Checking Capability with Evidence-Based Telehealth Triage Guidance

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Partnership strengthens AI-powered symptom checking with trusted clinical content to support more consistent patient guidance and care navigation

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., and CHANDLER, Ariz., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lumeris, a leader in healthcare technology and services, and Schmitt-Thompson Clinical Content (STCC), the leading provider of telehealth triage guidelines and medical call center decision support information in North America, today announced a partnership to integrate STCC’s evidence-based clinical triage content into the symptom-checking capability within Tom™, Lumeris’ AI-powered Primary Care as a Service platform.

The partnership represents the next evolution of Tom’s ability to help care teams extend access, improve patient engagement and deliver more proactive support for individuals with complex health needs. By incorporating STCC’s clinical guidance, Tom’s symptom-checking capability provides healthcare organizations with a stronger clinical foundation for helping patients navigate symptoms between primary care visits while supporting more timely, informed interventions.

Patients with chronic conditions and other complex health needs frequently experience new symptoms, medication concerns or health-related questions between scheduled in-person primary care appointments. Without timely guidance from providers, they may delay care or seek treatment in higher-acuity settings that may not be necessary. Tom’s symptom-checking capability provides an accessible first point of contact, enabling patients and caregivers to report symptoms, ask health-related questions and receive support through natural, conversational interactions while helping care teams identify individuals who may require additional clinical attention.

The integration of STCC’s clinical content strengthens the guidance behind Tom’s symptom-checking experience, helping healthcare organizations deliver more standardized, evidence-based responses to symptom-based questions. By combining conversational patient engagement with trusted clinical decision support, organizations can improve consistency across care settings while helping care teams efficiently assess patient needs and determine appropriate next steps.

“One of the biggest challenges in caring for high-risk populations is making sure patients have access to the right support at the right time,” said Dr. David Carmouche, chief medical and commercial officer, Lumeris. “This partnership strengthens Tom’s role as an active member of the care team by combining conversational patient engagement with trusted clinical guidance. Together, we’re helping organizations deliver more consistent symptom assessment, streamline clinical workflows and support safer, more timely interventions.”

Following each symptom-checking interaction, Tom generates a structured summary along with recommended prioritization guidance to help care teams quickly assess patient needs and determine the most appropriate next actions. The capability complements clinical workflows rather than replaces them, allowing organizations to extend support beyond traditional care settings while maintaining appropriate clinical oversight.

The partnership further advances Lumeris’ vision for Tom as an intelligent extension of the primary care team, combining AI-powered patient engagement, evidence-based clinical guidance and care team workflows to help healthcare organizations improve access, enhance patient experiences and deliver more proactive, coordinated care.

“We’re excited to partner with Lumeris to bring our gold-standard clinical triage guidance to the Tom platform,” said Patty Maynard, chief operating officer, STCC. “Together, we’re enabling healthcare organizations to deliver symptom-checking experiences that combine conversational technology with evidence-based clinical decision support, helping patients receive more consistent guidance while supporting care teams with trusted recommendations they can confidently act on.”

About Lumeris
Lumeris is a leader in healthcare technology and services advancing the future of primary care through Tom, its AI-powered Primary Care as a Service platform designed to function as a proactive member of the care team embedded directly in clinical workflows. Tom autonomously supports best next actions that help providers expand capacity, improve patient access, and reduce administrative burden while enabling more personalized, scalable care delivery. Built on more than two decades of primary care and value-based care experience, Tom reflects Lumeris’ deep experience supporting health systems and physician organizations nationwide and operating Essence Healthcare, its leading Medicare Advantage plan. Founded in 2010, Lumeris is headquartered in St. Louis and Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company employs more than 1,200 engineers, clinicians, and healthcare specialists. Learn more at Lumeris.com.

About Schmitt-Thompson Clinical Content
Schmitt-Thompson Clinical Content (STCC) is the leading source of telehealth triage guidelines and medical call center decision support information in North America. STCC provides the most comprehensive triage and advice content, spanning the continuum of delivery: After Hours, used by hospitals, health systems and insurance companies and Office Hours, used in practices and clinics. Schmitt-Thompson Clinical Content is the ‘gold standard’ in telephone triage, offering evidence-based, efficient and time-tested decision support. It is used by more than 400 health systems and health plans and an additional 10,000 physician practices. Learn more: http://www.stcc-triage.com.

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NorthRock Partners Expands Minneapolis Presence with Addition of Kowalski Financial, Strengthening National Growth Strategy

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The partnership expands NorthRock’s Personal Office® model in its hometown of Minneapolis while bringing additional expertise and resources to Kowalski Financial’s clients.

MINNEAPOLIS, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NorthRock Partners (NorthRock), a financial advice firm redefining the wealth management experience through its Personal Office® model, announced today that Kowalski Financial (Kowalski) has joined NorthRock. The partnership brings over $200 million in assets under management (AUM) and five team members, strengthening NorthRock’s growing presence in Minneapolis, MN.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, NorthRock has grown into a national advisory firm by expanding what a single client relationship can include. Its Personal Office® model builds a dedicated, customized team around each client to coordinate investments, tax, estate planning, insurance, legal, business services, and philanthropy in one place, staying alongside clients as their lives change. Each firm that joins NorthRock adds depth to that team and extends the model to more families.

Kowalski Financial brings an experienced team, a strong commitment to client relationships, and a shared belief in delivering personalized, long-term financial advice. Through this partnership, Kowalski advisors will gain access to the full depth of NorthRock’s Personal Office® specialists, expanding the advice and resources available to their clients.

“From the first conversations with Marc and the Kowalski team, it was clear they care deeply about their clients and about doing things the right way,” said Cam Rosenow, Head of Growth at NorthRock Partners. “That matters to us. This partnership is a strong fit because it brings together a team with real client relationships, a shared advice-first mindset, and the ability to plug into the depth of NorthRock’s Personal Office® model. We’re excited to welcome them into our Minneapolis office and build together from here.”

Founded in 2019, Kowalski Financial provided multidisciplinary financial planning services, including estate planning and tax services. The firm adds a talented group of advisors and professionals who share NorthRock’s commitment to helping clients navigate both financial decisions and life transitions.

“Joining NorthRock represents an exciting opportunity for our team and the clients we serve,” said Marc Kowalski, CEO at Kowalski Financial. “We have always believed that great advice starts with understanding the full picture of a client’s goals, values, and priorities. NorthRock’s Personal Office® model provides an expanded platform of expertise and resources that will allow us to continue delivering the personalized guidance our clients expect while enhancing the services available to them.”

The addition of Kowalski Financial reinforces the continued momentum behind NorthRock’s growth strategy and Personal Office® model. As advisors and families seek more coordinated approaches to wealth management, NorthRock continues to partner with firms that share its commitment to delivering customized, comprehensive advice. Furthermore, the Kowalski team will relocate to NorthRock Partners’ offices in downtown Minneapolis.

About NorthRock Partners
NorthRock Partners is a financial advice company serving more than 6,000 clients and managing over $12 billion in assets. For more than 30 years, NorthRock has placed clients’ financial and life needs at the center through its Personal Office® model. This integrated approach builds a dedicated, customized team around each advisor and enables them to coordinate all aspects of a client’s life, including investments, tax, insurance, estate, legal, business strategies, lifestyle, and philanthropy. NorthRock is recognized as one of Barron’s Top 100 RIAs in the United States. The firm also offers specialized divisions that include NorthRock X for athletes and entertainers and Foundation X for philanthropic advice and services. Learn more at www.northrockpartners.com.

Disclosures:
All investment advisory and Personal Office® services are provided by and through NorthRock Partners LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

NorthRock Partners was recognized in Barron’s Top 100 RIAs in September 2025. The ranking was determined by Barron’s using criteria including AUM growth, employee growth, proprietary data and the number of advisors considered for evaluation. NorthRock Partners did not pay a fee to be considered for or included in the ranking. Additional information regarding the ranking methodology is available from Barron’s.

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