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bolttech and Sumitomo Corporation announce strategic partnership

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The partnership will form a joint venture to deliver technology-enabled embedded solutions to distribution partners in Asia

SINGAPORE, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — bolttech, the fast-growing global insurtech, today announced its partnership with Sumitomo Corporation, one of Japan’s largest trading houses. The two companies will enter a joint venture to deliver technology-enabled embedded solutions to distribution partners across a number of markets in Asia.

The technology-enabled embedded solutions will enable distribution partners to provide end-to-end device lifecycle management services, such as device upgrade, enhancing their ability to offer seamless and comprehensive solutions to customers in the region.

With smartphone prices rising and penetration increasing in emerging markets, the global demand for device protection services is on the rise. This trend is particularly pronounced in South Asia and Southeast Asia, where the demand for affordable, high-performance used smartphones is growing, driven by the growing proportion of young consumers. With the market for device protection expected to grow faster than the global average, there is a growing need for technology-driven device insurance and protection solutions.

The partnership will kick off with a launch in Southeast Asia focusing on a device upgrade programme, leveraging bolttech’s distribution capabilities and Sumitomo Corporation’s vast network of financing and guarantees capabilities.

Shinichi Kato, Group CEO of Media & Digital Group at Sumitomo Corporation, said, “We are thrilled to join forces with bolttech, a partner with proven track record in offering technology-enabled solutions to address consumer needs. We are confident that this partnership will enable us to leverage our combined expertise and resources to deliver industry-leading device lifecycle management services, driving growth and innovation across the Asia region.”

Rob Schimek, Group Chief Executive Officer, bolttech, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sumitomo Corporation as our strategic partner. We are confident that Sumitomo Corporation’s expertise in devices and vast network, combined with our distribution capabilities, will drive us forward in creating a better protection experience for consumers in Asia. We are excited to continue our journey in shaping the future of insurance, working towards our vision of connecting people with more ways to protect the things they value.”

– End –

Accompanying photo:

Name and titles of individuals in photo

Front Line (from left to right): 

1.  Kshitij Chitransh – Director, New Business Development, SC-Nex
2.  Shun Ohishi – Deputy Director, Device Solution Team No.1
3.  Liam Riley – General Manager – bolttomo
4.  Takehiko Kotani – Director, Device Solution Team No.1

Second Line (from left to right): 

5.  Yuya Hasebe – Senior Associate, Device Solution Team No.1
6.  Kazushi Awa – Executive Officer, Group CFO, Media & Digital Group
7.  Eisuke Takenaka – Executive Officer, General Manager, Smart Communication Platform SBU
8.  Shinichi Kato – Senior Managing Executive Officer, Group CEO, Media & Digital Group
9.  Rob Schimek – Group CEO
10. Fi Fi Lu – Group Head of Embedded Device and Head of Product, Asia
11. Akiko Anzai – General Manager, Japan

Third Line (from left to right): 

12. Alister Musgrave – Regional General Manager – Hong Kong, Taiwan & Japan 
13. Yusuke Nakajo – Senior Associate, Device Solution Team No.1 
14. Hirano Yuki – Senior Executive, Smart Communication Platform SBU 
15. Tomoyuki Shionoya – Head, Smart Service Business Unit 
16. Stephan Tan – Group Chief Investment Officer, and CEO, Europe & Africa 
17. Makiko Eda – Managing Executive Officer, Chief Sustainability & DE&I Officer, Deputy Group CEO, Media & Digital Group 
18. Andy Ho – Group Head of Mergers and Acquisitions 
19. Eric Lai – Group Deputy General Counsel  

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/bolttech-and-sumitomo-corporation-announce-strategic-partnership-302449002.html

SOURCE bolttech

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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