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Asetek – Q1 2025: Liquid cooling on track, soft start to year for SimSports

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Q1 2025 revenue of $9.8 million, compared with $12.2 million in Q1 2024Gross margin of 44%, level with Q1 2024Q1 adjusted EBITDA of ($306) thousand compared with ($37) thousand in Q1 2024SimSports revenue of $1.1 million, a decline from $2.2 million in Q1 2024, following soft demand after high year-end 2024 activityCompleted rights issue in January 2025 raising $10.4 million net proceeds to strengthen financial positionFull year 2025 outlook reduced due to lowered SimSport segment revenue expectations – Group revenue expected in the range of $45 to $53 million with adjusted EBITDA at 0% to 3%

AALBORG, Denmark, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Asetek reported first-quarter revenue of $9.8 million, compared with $12.2 million in the same period of 2024. The change from last year reflects principally a lower average selling price on liquid cooling products, resulting from a recent shift in the market toward increased demand of more affordable gaming PC’s with value based liquid coolers. Gross margin was 44% for the first quarter, level with the same period of 2024.

“The Liquid Cooling business is on track as the volume impact from two OEMs moving to dual sourcing is already offset by increased demand from all other customers, showing that the demand for Asetek’s quality products is intact, despite customers moving to lower ASP products, with strong margins maintained. SimSports demand was soft during the quarter, reflecting the strong end to 2024, with several shipments delayed into late Q1 2025 due to global logistics challenges, as well as weaker consumer spending amid heightened macroeconomic uncertainties,” says André S. Eriksen, the CEO of Asetek.

“It is too early to predict the long-term impact of the import tariff scheme introduced by the U.S. in early April. The duties are industrywide and create uncertainties across the value chain from manufacturers to end-users. For now, it has effectively shut down the U.S. market for our sim racing equipment, while we, at least for now, experience more resilience in the Liquid Cooling segment. We focus on what we control and believe we have a good relative competitive position with a growing share of production outside China and a lowered cost base,” Eriksen continues.

Total operating expenses decreased 9% to $6.1 million in the quarter, from $6.7 million in the same period of 2024. Personnel costs declined by 12%, reflecting the ongoing rightsizing of the organization. Adjusted EBITDA was negative $306 thousand and operating loss was $1.8 million in the quarter, both compared with adjusted EBITDA of negative $37 thousand and operating loss of $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2024.

To strengthen the Company’s financial position and enable continued investments in the SimSports segment, Asetek completed an equity rights offering in early January, raising net proceeds of $10.4 million through the issuance of 219.9 million new common shares. In the quarter, over $3 million of the proceeds were used to settle accrued liabilities and debt.

At March 31, 2025, total assets were $83.3 million ($79.4 million at December 31, 2024) and total equity was $50.9 million ($41.1 million). Working capital at March 31 increased to $13.1 million ($4.4 million at December 31, 2024) including $9.0 million of cash and cash equivalents ($3.3 million).

OPERATIONS

In the first quarter, the Company shipped 171 thousand sealed loop coolers compared with 172 thousand in the first quarter of 2024. In the quarter, 5 new SimSports products and 11 new liquid cooling products began shipping. In the second quarter of 2025, about 10 new liquid cooling products are expected to begin shipping, as well as 4 new SimSports products.

In March, Asetek announced the launch of its Next-Gen collection of SimSports offerings, a dynamic range of options including new variants of its popular steering wheels, release of the Dished Suede Rim for enhanced steering control and grip, and re-launch of its Invicta pedals with an advanced hydraulic brake cylinder that replicates the sensation of a real race car. Products will be available for customers from the second quarter of 2025.

As previously communicated in the prospectus issued in connection with Asetek’s rights issue at the end of 2024, Asetek has received an indication of interest concerning its Liquid Cooling business. Such interest has increased in relevance, and discussions are taking place with multiple parties related to a potential partnership focused on utilization of the currently dormant data center related liquid cooling asset portfolio. Discussions are ongoing, and no agreements, terms or commitments have been entered into by the Company at this stage, and it is uncertain whether any formal agreements will materialize.

US TARIFFS

The U.S. administration announced a new baseline 10% import tariff on goods from all countries, along with higher reciprocal tariffs for selected countries, most significantly on products made in China. With limited exceptions, these broadly applied measures impact the entire value chain for Asetek and its industry peers.

EXPECTATIONS FOR 2025

On April 25, Asetek updated its revenue outlook for the SimSports segment for the full year 2025. Revenue for the SimSports business segment is now expected to be in the range of $5 to $10 million, with the previously communicated gross margin guidance of 30–35% expected to decrease to 28-33%. The prior revenue guidance for the SimSports segment indicated an expected revenue in the range of $12 to $15 million in 2025.

Guidance for the Liquid Cooling segment remains unchanged, based on present discussions with the majority of the Company’s key Liquid Cooling customers, who have confirmed that, at present, no changes are being made to their purchasing plans. Given the high level of uncertainty, Asetek remains committed to maintaining regular and proactive communication with all customers to promptly identify and implement any necessary measures should conditions change.

As a result, total group revenue for 2025 is now expected to be in the range of $45 to $53 million, compared to the previous guidance of $52 to $58 million. The Group’s adjusted EBITDA margin is now expected to be in the range of 0–3%, revised from the previous guidance of 3–5%.

The adjusted outlook mainly reflects the impact of tariffs implemented to date by the U.S. government on imports from other countries, most significantly related to products made in China. In 2024, approximately 50% of total revenue in the SimSports segment was derived from sales to the U.S. market. Due to the tariffs, Asetek has ceased all SimSports shipments to the U.S. as well as major U.S.-based consumer electronics retailers have ceased purchasing from China, which effectively means that, at present, no sales are being made to the U.S. market. The updated full-year revenue guidance for the SimSports business segment also reflects the above-mentioned soft start to 2025.

Asetek continues to focus on factors within its control. In 2024, approximately two-thirds of the Company’s production was based in China and one-third in Malaysia. The sim racing products are currently made in China while manufacturing of liquid coolers is split between both countries. In response to potential additional tariffs on Chinese goods, Asetek began expanding its production capacity in Malaysia late last year. This geographic diversification provides Asetek with a relative advantage over competitors with greater exposure to China-based manufacturing.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

CEO André Sloth Eriksen and CFO Peter Dam Madsen will present the Company’s results today at 1:30 pm CEST and invite investors, analysts and media to join the presentation. The presentation is expected to last up to one hour, including Q&A, and can be followed via live webcast or conference call.

Webcast – audio and slide presentation:

All participants wishing to join the webcast are required to pre-register using the following link:
https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/625030454

Registration must be completed before the event starts.

Q&A: questions can be submitted through the online webcast during the presentation.

The first quarter 2025 earnings release and presentation are available online at ir.asetek.com, as well as through news agencies. A recorded version of the presentation will be made available at ir.asetek.com shortly after the presentation has concluded.

For questions or further information, please contact:
Per Anders Nyman, Head of Investor Relations
+45 2566 6869
investor.relations@asetek.com

About Asetek

Asetek (ASTK), is a developer and manufacturer of high-quality gaming hardware. Founded in 2000, Asetek established its innovative position as the leading OEM developer and producer of the all-in-one liquid cooler for major PC & Enthusiast gaming brands. In 2021, Asetek introduced its line of products for next level immersive SimSports gaming experiences. Asetek is headquartered in Denmark and has operations in China and Taiwan.

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

https://news.cision.com/asetek/r/asetek—q1-2025–liquid-cooling-on-track–soft-start-to-year-for-simsports,c4141465

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SOURCE Asetek

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Federal Court Issues Preliminary Injunction Against OpenAI, Sam Altman, and Sir Jony Ive; iyO Alleges Trade Secret Theft by Altman’s Hardware Chief

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SAN FRANCISCO, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted iyO Inc. a preliminary injunction against OpenAI, Sam Altman, Sir Jony Ive, and io Products. The ruling, where the Court found that iyO was likely to succeed on the merits of its trademark claim, officially bars the defendants from using the “io” name for their hardware while iyO’s federal lawsuit proceeds.

Federal court bars OpenAI, Sam Altman, and Jony Ive from using ‘io’ name as iyO alleges trade secret theft.

Amended Complaint: Trade Secret Theft and Corporate Espionage
The ruling caps a year of escalating legal action. On March 13, 2026, iyO amended its federal complaint to include trade secret theft claims against the defendants and Tang Yew Tan — former Apple VP of Product Design, co-founder of io Products, and current Chief Hardware Officer at OpenAI.

The amended complaint outlines a highly coordinated timeline of alleged misappropriation:

May 2024: Just 11 days after iyO’s viral TED talk was published, Tan pre-ordered the iyO One. Nine days later, he contacted iyO’s Design and Manufacturing Lead, Dan Sargent, to schedule a dinner meeting for early June.

June 2024: Forensic analysis of Sargent’s company laptop revealed that in the days leading up to the dinner with Tan, Sargent downloaded 33 highly secret files, accessed dormant intellectual property folders, and exported 17 CAD files into cross-platform formats unused by iyO. These files were renamed with obfuscated strings (e.g., “grgrgege.x_t”) and exported outside of business hours. Sargent has since admitted to bringing iyO prototypes to show Tan.

May 2025: Barely 11 months after the dinner, OpenAI announced a $6.5 billion acquisition of io Products, a company built on what iyO alleges is its proprietary technology.

Following the acquisition announcement, iyO CEO Jason Rugolo confronted OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who refused to cease use of the “io” name and threatened to sue Rugolo for using iyO’s own federally registered trademark.

Statement from iyO Leadership
“Sam, Jony, and Tang investigated us,” said Jason Rugolo, founder and CEO of iyO. “Then targeted us opportunistically, trying to eliminate us with a fancy $6.5 billion press release during our fundraise using a copy of our name. This week, a federal judge said: not so fast.”

iyO’s lawsuit asserts nine causes of action, including trade secret misappropriation, trademark infringement, intentional interference, and unfair competition. The company is seeking injunctive relief, compensatory and exemplary damages, disgorgement of profits, and a constructive trust over any portion of the $6.5 billion acquisition value attributable to the alleged stolen intellectual property and brand infringement.

ABOUT IYO
iyO began its mission inside Google X in 2018 to make natural language computing as commonplace as cellular phones. Spinning out as an independent venture-backed startup in 2021, iyO developed the iyO One, the iyO yO, and the recently announced iyO Wand, which are revolutionary screenless computer form factors that allow users to interact with AI and the internet through voice alone. iyO is headquartered in Redwood City, CA.

WEBSITE
www.iyo.ai 

IYO INC.
2606 SPRING STREET
REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063
UNITED STATES

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
©2026 IYO INC.

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Pudu Robotics Inaugurates U.S. Headquarters in Dallas, Accelerating Long-Term Growth in the Americas

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DALLAS, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pudu Robotics, a global leader in commercial service robotics, officially opened a new U.S. headquarters in Dallas, Texas, on April 23 as part of its global strategic expansion. The new facility is set to enhance Pudu’s regional capabilities and underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the Americas, marking a new phase of scaled, structured business development.

Dallas Unlocks Greater Efficiency and Regional Coordination

As a central hub for nationwide and cross regional operations across the Americas, Dallas brings strong strategic advantages. The area offers well-developed logistics and supply chain infrastructure, a business friendly environment, and access to a broad base of enterprise customers. Its central location will allow Pudu more efficient coverage across both North America and South America. As Pudu transitions into a phase of rapid, scalable growth in the Americas, its new centralized headquarters, which is located in Richardson’s Sherman Tech Center and combines a modern office space, product showroom, and on site warehousing, will enhance support management, operations, and long term regional coordination.

Meanwhile, as part of its broader infrastructure optimization, the company has also transitioned its Santa Clara office into a streamlined logistics support function outpost and established a dual warehouse system on both coasts to support nationwide delivery in the U.S.

Pudu in the Americas – A Growing Footprint Across Diverse Industries

Since entering the U.S. market in 2018, Pudu has steadily expanded its footprint across the Americas to a point of deep, localized operations. To date, nearly 15,000 Pudu robots have been deployed across the Americas, driving regional revenue growth of 285% year over year, bringing the company to a phase of large scale commercialization.

This rapid adoption is fueled by Pudu’s comprehensive product matrix, which addresses the specific labor and efficiency needs of the American market across four core categories:

Service Delivery: Led by the industry-favorite BellaBot and the newly enhanced BellaBot Pro, which have become the gold standard for hospitality and retail interaction.Commercial Cleaning: Featuring the best-selling PUDU CC1 series, the PUDU MT1 series designed for large-scale dry cleaning, and the recently launched PUDU BG1 series—an AI-native large scrubber-dryer robot built for heavy-duty environments.Industrial Delivery: The PUDU T-series robots provide versatile logistics support with payload capacities ranging from 150kg to 600kg, streamlining warehouse and factory workflows.General embodied AI: Represented by the advanced PUDU D5 series, pushing the boundaries of how robots interact with and adapt to complex human environments.

Partnerships with local distributors have also accelerated, achieving 63.6% YoY growth, with a rapidly expanding client base across diverse industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, industrial logistics and warehousing, real estate and property services, retail, and entertainment, sports and more. The company’s robots have enjoyed strong adoption by global industry leaders, including Walmart, Accenture, NASA, Norwegian Cruise Line, Honeywell, top automotive brands, and others.

This growth is matched by organizational development. Since entering the U.S. market in 2018, a initial team has flourished into a multi functional organization of professionals, with localized sales, after sales service, solutions, and marketing capabilities that enable stronger customer support and execution.

Building a Global Future Based on a Strategy of Localization

Looking ahead, Pudu will continue expanding its presence across key sectors including retail, logistics, food service, healthcare, and commercial cleaning, while bringing its service delivery, commercial cleaning, industrial delivery, and general embodied AI robotics solutions into broader industry scenarios.

“We are building for the long-term in the Americas with a localized approach,” said Raymond Pan, General Manager of the Americas at Pudu Robotics. “Our ambition over the next five years is to serve one million people across the U.S . Our new headquarters and infrastructure optimization provide a foundation for this ambition, alongside continuing investment in localized products, enhancing our local supply chain, and strengthening our partner ecosystem.”

Pudu has established itself as a global leader in service robotics, with more than 120,000 units shipped worldwide, operations spanning over 80 countries and regions, and 23% market share in commercial service robotics—ranking No. 1 globally per Frost & Sullivan’s “Market Research on Global Commercial Service Robotics (2023)”. Going forward, Pudu will accelerate its development and localization efforts across the Americas, while, at the same time, continuing to scale its presence in other key international markets as part of its global expansion strategy.

About Pudu Robotics

Pudu Robotics, a global leader in the commercial service robotics, committed to establishing a global intelligent robotics infrastructure that will serve 10 billion people worldwide.

Pudu Robotics has achieved full-stack proprietary R&D in core technologies, including navigation algorithms, multi-robot scheduling, swarm control, motion controllers, and integrated joint modules. Built on three core technologies—Embodied Navigation, Embodied Manipulation, and Embodied Interaction—Pudu Robotics has pioneered an “One Brain, Multiple Embodiments” architecture, establishing a comprehensive product portfolio that includes specialized, semi-humanoid, and humanoid robots.

Currently, Pudu offers four major product lines: service delivery, commercial cleaning, industrial delivery and general embodied AI. Its solutions are widely deployed across industries such as retail, hospitality, manufacturing, real estate and property services, healthcare, entertainment and sport, education, and public services.

To date, Pudu Robotics has shipped over 120,000 units globally, with a presence in more than 80 countries and regions.

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KuCoin Hosts HEXAGON BLOCK PARTY at Hong Kong Web3 Festival, Headlined by DJ Don Diablo and Rooted in Shared Values of Community and Connection

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Headlined by internationally renowned DJ Don Diablo, the event brought together guests from the Web3 and fintech communities for an immersive evening experience.

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, and the exclusive Crypto Exchange and Payments Partner for Tomorrowland Winter and Tomorrowland Belgium (2026-2028), brought the spirit of global electronic music culture to Asia with the HEXAGON BLOCK PARTY in Hong Kong on April 22, which it co-hosted with Finoverse.

Headlined by internationally renowned DJ Don Diablo, the event welcomed guests from across the Web3, fintech, and broader innovation communities, creating an immersive gathering shaped by shared energy, conversation, and in-person connection. Building on KuCoin’s recent Tomorrowland Winter activation, which highlighted a shared belief that trust can be strengthened through community, creativity, and cultural experience, the event carried that momentum forward in Hong Kong through a similar spirit of openness, energy, and human connection. 

Held in the heart of Hong Kong, HEXAGON BLOCK PARTY was designed as more than an evening celebration. By combining world-class music with a culturally driven atmosphere, the event offered a welcoming space for founders, builders, creators, and community participants to come together in a more human and experience-led setting. It reflected a shared belief that meaningful community is built not only through ideas and technology, but also through moments of creativity, openness, and collective experience.

The event aimed to create a cultural touchpoint in Hong Kong that resonated beyond the venue itself. The event served as a space where ideas, creativity, and communities could converge, bringing together guests across Web3, fintech, and digital culture through a shared experience rooted in openness, energy, and connection.

As the global partnership between KuCoin and Tomorrowland continues, the journey moves forward to Tomorrowland Belgium in July 2026, where KuCoin will once again collaborate with Tomorrowland to create new experiences at the intersection of music, culture, and Web3, further expanding the role of digital assets in real-world cultural moments.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust and security, serving over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-first approach, the platform combines advanced technology, deep liquidity, and strong security safeguards to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to 1,500+ digital assets through a broad product suite and remains committed to building transparent, compliant, and user-centric digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance, backed by SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 Certifications. In recent years, we have built a strong global compliance foundation, marked by key milestones including AUSTRAC registration in Australia, a MiCA license in Europe, and regulatory progress in other markets. 

Learn more at www.kucoin.com.

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