Connect with us

Technology

PointsKash Completes Strategic Acquisition of ChainBytes Software Assets and Adds Founder Eric Grill to Accelerate AI-Powered Fintech Platform

Published

on

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PointsKash, Inc. (“PointsKash” or the “Company”), an emerging financial technology company developing next-generation financial kiosks, digital payments, cryptocurrency, digital banking, and loyalty rewards solutions, today announced it has completed the strategic acquisition of the proprietary software assets of ChainBytes in an all-stock transaction that closed on Friday, July 10, 2026.

The acquisition expands PointsKash’s proprietary software portfolio while significantly strengthening its engineering organization as the Company accelerates development of its AI-driven financial technology ecosystem. As part of the transaction, ChainBytes Founder and Lead Software Developer Eric Grill has joined PointsKash and will work alongside Peter Keating, PointsKash’s Lead Programming Architect, helping lead the Company’s next generation of software innovation.

The transaction represents what the technology industry commonly refers to as an “acqui-hire,” combining the acquisition of valuable proprietary software assets with the addition of an accomplished software architect and developer. By acquiring both intellectual property and engineering talent, PointsKash believes it has meaningfully strengthened its long-term technology roadmap while expanding its internal software development capabilities.

PointsKash expects to begin integrating key elements of the ChainBytes software platform into its broader technology ecosystem beginning in 2027, supporting future enhancements across its cryptocurrency platform, KashPoint™ self-service financial centers, PK Pay™ digital banking platform, enterprise merchant solutions, and emerging artificial intelligence initiatives.

Beyond the ChainBytes integration, PointsKash continues executing its broader strategy of embedding Artificial Intelligence (AI) throughout virtually every aspect of its enterprise. AI technologies are currently being incorporated into software development, customer support, merchant onboarding, compliance automation, executive reporting, business intelligence, fraud monitoring, operational workflows, cybersecurity initiatives, predictive analytics, and enterprise decision-support systems.

The Company believes these initiatives will significantly improve software development speed, operational efficiency, automation, decision-making, and scalability while reducing repetitive manual processes and administrative overhead. PointsKash also believes these investments will empower its executive leadership team to effectively oversee an organization many times larger than would traditionally be possible, allowing senior management to substantially increase productivity while maintaining disciplined operational control.

Michael Herron, Chief Executive Officer and President of PointsKash, commented:

“From the beginning, this transaction was never simply about acquiring software—it was about acquiring exceptional talent. Great software evolves, but great engineers continue creating value for years. Eric has built an impressive technology platform and earned a strong reputation within the cryptocurrency industry. Bringing both his software and, more importantly, his experience into PointsKash gives us tremendous momentum as we continue building one of the industry’s most comprehensive financial technology ecosystems.”

Herron continued:

“Eric joining forces with Peter Keating creates an exceptional software leadership team for PointsKash. Together, they will help drive our next generation of innovation as we integrate Artificial Intelligence throughout virtually every aspect of our organization. We believe AI will dramatically improve productivity, accelerate software development, streamline operations, reduce labor costs, and ultimately enable our executive leadership team to effectively manage workloads that historically would have required many times the personnel. Our objective is simple: build a smarter company capable of scaling faster than traditional financial technology organizations.”

Eric Grill, Founder of ChainBytes and now Principal Software Architect at PointsKash, said:

“What interested me about PointsKash was the opportunity to build at a much larger scale. I have spent decades designing software, solving difficult operational problems, and building systems that have to work in the real world. PointsKash gives me the resources, team, and platform to apply that experience across payments, digital assets, kiosks, banking, and AI. I am looking forward to working with Peter and building useful technology that actually moves the company forward.”

Peter Keating, Lead Programming Architect for PointsKash, added:

“I’ve always believed the best technology is built by talented people who enjoy solving difficult engineering challenges together. Eric brings extensive cryptocurrency software expertise and a practical engineering mindset that complements our existing architecture extremely well. Together, we’re building an AI-first software platform that will allow PointsKash to innovate faster, automate more intelligently, strengthen security, and deliver exceptional products across our entire financial ecosystem.”

The acquisition further advances PointsKash’s long-term strategy of developing one of North America’s most comprehensive integrated financial technology ecosystems, including:

KashPoint™ Self-Service Financial CentersPK Pay™ Digital Banking & Mobile Wallet PlatformCryptocurrency ServicesLoyalty & Rewards TechnologyEnterprise Merchant Financial SolutionsAI-Powered Executive Command CentersBusiness Intelligence & Operational AutomationConsumer & Enterprise Financial Software

As PointsKash continues expanding its engineering organization, strategic partnerships, enterprise merchant relationships, and proprietary technology portfolio, management believes the combination of experienced software talent, Artificial Intelligence, and internally developed intellectual property provides a strong foundation for future innovation, operational scalability, and long-term shareholder value.

About PointsKash, Inc.

PointsKash, Inc. is a financial technology company developing an integrated ecosystem of AI-enabled self-service financial centers, digital banking, digital payment solutions, cryptocurrency services, loyalty rewards, enterprise merchant technologies, and mobile financial applications. Through proprietary software, Artificial Intelligence, and strategic partnerships, PointsKash is building innovative financial solutions designed to empower consumers, merchants, and enterprise organizations throughout North America.

Media Contact

PointsKash, Inc.
Investor Relations
info@pointskash.com
www.pointskash.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding anticipated technology integrations, Artificial Intelligence initiatives, product development, future commercialization plans, expected operational efficiencies, business strategy, and future growth. These statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could affect actual results include, but are not limited to, technology development timelines, integration efforts, financing, regulatory developments, market conditions, and other risks facing the Company. PointsKash undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pointskash-completes-strategic-acquisition-of-chainbytes-software-assets-and-adds-founder-eric-grill-to-accelerate-ai-powered-fintech-platform-302824507.html

SOURCE PointsKash Inc.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Robo.ai Announces Core Executive Appointments, Forming a Local UAE Leadership Team at Neurovia AI

Published

on

By

ABU DHABI, UAE, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Robo.ai Inc. (NASDAQ: AIIO) (“Robo.ai” or the “Company”) today announced a series of senior executive appointments in its subsidiary Neurovia AI, an AI visual data processing and compression technology company. Mr. Khalifa Mohammed Alshehhi has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ziad Shaltuni Chief Growth Officer, and Mr. Ahmed Alhashmi Chief Marketing Officer. All appointments are effective immediately.

Following Robo.ai’s acquisition of Neurovia AI, the company has released its NeuroStream™ product, completed live technical validation at the 9th International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR 2026), and participated as an Official Partner in the 3rd Government Cybersecurity Summit and the 2026 UAE Data Center Infrastructure & Cloud Summit. Following the earlier appointments of the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operating Officer, the appointments announced today mark the key milestone of the company’s local organization development and lay the groundwork for large-scale commercial delivery of the NeuroStream™ platform across government and enterprise markets.

Chief Executive Officer: Mr. Khalifa Mohammed Alshehhi

Mr. Alshehhi’s career spans engineering, network operations, international business, and group-level investment management, with more than three decades of senior leadership experience. He has held senior positions at the UAE Ministry of Interior and at Etisalat, one of the largest mobile telecommunications groups in the Gulf region, and has been closely involved in major development and expansion programs across the technology and telecommunications sectors. He has worked extensively with regulators, government entities, and international operators, and his experience covers the Gulf telecommunications industry’s complete evolution from traditional networks to today’s digital ecosystem.

Chief Growth Officer: Ziad Shaltuni

Mr. Shaltuni brings more than two decades of experience in commercial strategy, growth transformation, and revenue management across North America and the Gulf region. He previously served as Chief Sales and Customer Care Officer of Mobily, the Saudi telecommunications operator, where he led a nationwide sales and customer operations organization of more than 3,000 people, held P&L responsibility for a revenue portfolio exceeding US$5 billion, and directed the large-scale expansion of the national retail and franchise network. He subsequently served as Vice President of Sales for MENA at OSN and as Chief Executive Officer of Modern Distribution Company in Riyadh, and has provided executive advisory support to regional technology companies including Space42 (part of G42). As Chief Growth Officer, he will oversee Neurovia AI’s growth strategy, commercialization roadmap, and channel ecosystem development.

Chief Marketing Officer: Ahmed Alhashmi

Mr. Alhashmi, a UAE National, is a senior brand and marketing executive with more than three decades of experience in marketing, brand building, and product management across the Gulf region. He served as Group Senior Vice President of Brand & Communication at Etisalat Group and as Chief Commercial Officer of its India operations, and played a leading role in the creation and launch of the Mobily brand in Saudi Arabia in 2005. He subsequently served as Senior Advisor and Director of Marketing & Communication at Khalifa University and as Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), among other roles. During his decade of service at Mobily and Etisalat, he oversaw cumulative marketing investments exceeding US$400 million. As Chief Marketing Officer, he will be responsible for Neurovia AI’s brand architecture, marketing communications, and regional market development.

A Core Leadership Team Rooted in the UAE

Benjamin Zhai, Chief Executive Officer of Robo.ai, stated: “Neurovia AI is a cornerstone of Robo.ai’s AI software strategy. We believe that a leadership team well versed in government and enterprise affairs, telecommunications infrastructure, commercial growth, and brand building across the Gulf region is key to taking the NeuroStream™ platform from technical validation to large-scale commercial delivery. With these appointments in place, Neurovia AI has the full organizational capability to undertake government and enterprise-grade projects across the region.”

About Neurovia AI Limited

Neurovia AI provides AI visual data processing and visual infrastructure through its NeuroStream™ platform. Dedicated to transitioning visual data from human viewing to machine understanding, the company utilizes AI-native compression and edge computing to address data bottlenecks in Physical AI. Its technology serves autonomous driving, smart cities, and intelligent manufacturing, providing a foundational layer for global machine perception and collaboration.

About Robo.ai Inc.

Robo.ai Inc. (NASDAQ: AIIO) is a technology company dedicated to building an artificial intelligence machine economy platform. Its mission is to integrate smart terminals through AI software, intelligent hardware, and smart assets to construct a unified artificial intelligence operating system and a blockchain-empowered ecosystem to pioneer an intelligent future.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. For further details, please refer to the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F and current reports on Form 6-K. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Media Contact

Neurovia AI Corporate Communications
Email: info@neuroviaai.ae
Website: www.neuroviaai.ae

Robo.ai Inc. Corporate Communications
Email: pr@roboai.group
Website: www.roboai.group

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/roboai-announces-core-executive-appointments-forming-a-local-uae-leadership-team-at-neurovia-ai-302824674.html

SOURCE Robo.ai Inc.; Neurovia AI

Continue Reading

Technology

Ericsson reports second quarter results 2026

Published

on

By

STOCKHOLM, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —

Strategic highlights – disciplined execution and margin resilience

Adjusted gross margin of 48.4%, supported by solid operational execution and improved margins in Mobile Networks.Strong net cash position supporting continued investments and capital returns, with SEK 8.2 b. returned to shareholders in Q2.Demonstrated AI-enabled drone sensing and tracking using existing cell towers at a Texas stadium during a major global sporting event.

Financial highlights – solid financial performance

Reported sales were SEK 52.7 (56.1) b. Organic* sales decreased by -1%* YoY primarily due to lower IPR licensing revenues, reflecting a non-recurring benefit from a partial settlement in the prior year period. Organic* sales grew in three out of four market areas.Adjusted[1] gross income was SEK 25.5 (27.0) b., with solid operational execution partly offset by currency headwinds. Reported gross income was SEK 24.1 (26.6) b.Adjusted[1] gross margin was 48.4% (48.0%). Networks and Cloud Software and Services adjusted gross margin increased. Reported gross margin was 45.8% (47.5%).Adjusted[1] EBITA was SEK 6.9 (7.4) b. with a 13.1% (13.2%) margin, benefiting from continued strong margin expansion in Cloud Software and Services. Reported EBITA was SEK 6.3 (6.8) b., with an 11.9% (12.0%) margin.Net income was SEK 4.1 (4.6) b. EPS diluted was SEK 1.22 (1.37).Free cash flow before M&A was SEK 0.4 (2.6) b.Capital returns to shareholders were SEK 8.2 b. in Q2, including SEK 3.2 b. of share repurchases.

Comment from Börje Ekholm, President and CEO: “Our Q2 results underscore the strength of our portfolio and disciplined execution. Adjusted gross margin was 48%, up by 2 percentage points after normalizing for the one-off benefit of the IPR settlement last year.

In Q2, we took action to mitigate component cost inflation. As the impact builds in the coming quarters, we will continue to pursue internal measures and pricing actions to help offset the effect. We also expect some pressure on Networks adjusted gross margin in Q3 due to higher volumes of network rollout projects.

Ericsson enters the next phase from a position of strength. Over recent years, we have strengthened our portfolio to capture the next wave of AI-driven connectivity. Building on our technology leadership in mobile networks, we have expanded into attractive growth areas, positioning Ericsson to capitalize as AI increasingly moves into the physical world.”

SEK b.

Q2
2026

Q2
2025

YoY
change

Q1
2026

QoQ
 change

Jan-Jun
2026

Jan-Jun
2025

YoY
 change

Net sales

52.691

56.132

-6 %

49.332

7 %

102.022

111.157

-8 %

 Organic sales growth*[2]

-1 %

2 %

Gross income

24.122

26.649

-9 %

23.299

4 %

47.421

53.186

-11 %

Gross margin[2]

45.8 %

47.5 %

47.2 %

46.5 %

47.8 %

EBIT

5.919

6.391

-7 %

1.443

7.362

12.322

-40 %

EBIT margin[2]

11.2 %

11.4 %

2.9 %

7.2 %

11.1 %

EBITA[2]

6.277

6.763

-7 %

1.788

8.065

13.415

-40 %

EBITA margin[2]

11.9 %

12.0 %

3.6 %

7.9 %

12.1 %

Net income

4.076

4.626

-12 %

0.887

4.963

8.843

-44 %

EPS diluted, SEK

1.22

1.37

-11 %

0.27

1.48

2.61

-43 %

Free cash flow before M&A[2]

0.385

2.581

-85 %

5.921

-93 %

6.306

5.285

19 %

Net cash, end of period[2]

59.839

36.040

66 %

68.141

-12 %

59.839

36.040

66 %


Adjusted financial measures[1][2]

Adjusted gross income

25.481

26.958

-5 %

23.734

7 %

49.216

53.653

-8 %

Adjusted gross margin

48.4 %

48.0 %

48.1 %

48.2 %

48.3 %

Adjusted EBIT

6.520

7.048

-7 %

5.211

25 %

11.731

13.259

-12 %

Adjusted EBIT margin

12.4 %

12.6 %

10.6 %

11.5 %

11.9 %

Adjusted EBITA

6.878

7.419

-7 %

5.556

24 %

12.433

14.352

-13 %

Adjusted EBITA margin

13.1 %

13.2 %

11.3 %

12.2 %

12.9 %

*Sales adjusted for the impact of acquisitions and divestments and effects of foreign currency fluctuations.
[1] Adjusted metrics are adjusted to exclude restructuring charges.
[2] Non-IFRS financial measures are reconciled at the end of this report to the most directly reconcilable line items in the financial statement.

NOTES TO EDITORS

You find the complete report with tables in the attached PDF or on https://www.ericsson.com/en/investors/financial-reports/interim-reports

Video webcast for analysts, investors and journalists

President and CEO Börje Ekholm and CFO Lars Sandström will comment on the report and take questions at a video webcast at 9:00 AM CEST (8:00 AM BST London, 3:00 AM EDT New York).

Join the webcast or please go to www.ericsson.com/investors

To ask a question: Access dial-in information here

The webcast will be available on-demand after the event and can be viewed at www.ericsson.com/investors.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Investors
Daniel Morris, Head of Investor Relations
Phone: +44 7386657217
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com

Lena Häggblom, Director, Investor Relations
Phone: +46 72 593 27 78
E-mail: lena.haggblom@ericsson.com

Alan Ganson, Director, Investor Relations
Phone: +46 70 267 27 30
E-mail: alan.ganson@ericsson.com

Media
Ralf Bagner, Head of Media Relations
Phone: +46 76 128 47 89
E-mail: ralf.bagner@ericsson.com

Media relations
Phone: +46 10 719 69 92
E-mail: media.relations@ericsson.com

This is information that Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Swedish Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 07:00 CEST on July 14, 2026.

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

https://news.cision.com/ericsson/r/ericsson-reports-second-quarter-results-2026,c4374341

The following files are available for download:

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ericsson-reports-second-quarter-results-2026-302824675.html

SOURCE Ericsson

Continue Reading

Technology

Waton Financial to Bring MoTA’s Multi-Agent Investment Platform to Individual Investors

Published

on

By

HONG KONG, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With MoTA’s public beta scheduled for Q3 2026, the Nasdaq-listed AI company is betting that institutional-grade portfolio intelligence should be available to a much broader group of investors – not only the wealthiest.

One figure highlights a fundamental challenge in wealth management: 1.2%, the average annual fee charged by a human financial advisor to manage assets. On a $500,000 portfolio, that translates into $6,000 a year. Investors with smaller portfolios are often offered little more than a questionnaire and a standardized basket of ETFs marketed as “personalized” advice. Waton Financial Limited (Nasdaq: WTF) believes its AI agent platform, MoTA, can offer an alternative.

The premise is straightforward, but the model behind it is more ambitious. MoTA – short for Manager of Trading Agent — doesn’t scale advisory costs by headcount. Instead, it brings together a team of four or more specialized AI agents that analyze cross-market data, monitor portfolio risk, construct portfolios, and translate their findings into clear, actionable insights. Similar multi-agent architectures have been used by hedge funds for years. MoTA’s proposition is to make this approach available to individual investors, with economics that do not depend on whether an account holds four figures or seven.

“For decades, the industry has treated high-quality financial advice as a premium service,” said Tony Zhou, Waton’s Chairman and CTO. “That made sense when good advice depended on a human advisor with a CFA charter and a Bloomberg terminal. AI changes the economics. An AI agent does not get tired, does not require a minimum AUM requirement, and has no incentive to recommend the fund that pays the highest commission.”

That distinction matters. MoTA’s advisory engine is not a single model generating generic, one-size-fits-all allocations. It is an orchestration layer – what the company calls its Agent Orchestration Engine – that coordinates multiple specialized agents. A research agent analyzes fundamental data and technical signals. A risk agent monitors position sizing and correlations. An allocation agent aligns recommendations with user-defined goals, such as retiring in 15 years, making a down payment on a home in three, or funding a child’s education in 10. An advisory agent then presents the reasoning – not just the conclusion – in language users can question, refine, or act on.

What the Agent Talents Market Makes Possible

In June, MoTA Alpha launched alongside a feature still relatively uncommon in fintech: a marketplace for AI agents. The Agent Talents Market allows third-party developers to build and list their own specialized agents, ranging from retirement-planning specialists and ESG screeners to tax-loss-harvesting agents. This architecture means MoTA’s advisory capabilities are not limited to Waton’s internal R&D; they can expand as more developers build on the platform.

For individual investors, the difference can be substantial. A traditional wealth management firm typically assigns each client a single advisor, with additional support often reserved for larger accounts. MoTA, by contrast, allows users to deploy multiple teams, each comprising four or more specialized AI agents. One team might monitor Hong Kong small-cap stocks while another tracks the user’s exposure to U.S. technology stocks, with both working simultaneously. Because AI agents can operate continuously without charging by the hour, this model offers broader coverage at a fundamentally different cost structure.

Delivering that level of flexibility, however, depends on building a broad and diverse ecosystem of specialized agents. Rather than relying solely on agents developed in-house, Waton is also working with external partners and third-party developers to expand the range of capabilities available through the platform.

Waton’s partnerships with Panda AI and Tsinghua-linked X-Tech, announced in March, are intended to support the development of this ecosystem. The company expects the first third-party advisory agents to become available in the marketplace by late 2026.

Why Pixel Art

MoTA’s visual identity draws on 8-bit pixel art, featuring neon green against deep purple, CRT-style scan lines, and typefaces reminiscent of a 1990s Game Boy. It is an unconventional choice for a financial product.

“Most fintech apps use the same blue-and-white, highly serious visual language,” Zhou said. “That aesthetic can make finance seem complicated and best left to professionals. We wanted to send the opposite message. Pixel art means anyone can pick this up. People do not need a finance degree to play a video game, and they should not need one to play a more active role in managing their money.”

The idea behind the design is simple: understanding finance is not just about having the right knowledge, but also about making it easy for people to get started and stay involved. Many people lose interest because investing can feel complicated and time-consuming. MoTA is designed to make the experience feel more approachable, so more people can take an active interest in managing their investments.

The Numbers Behind the Narrative

Waton listed on Nasdaq in April 2025 at $4.00 per share. The company currently holds approximately $29.88 million in combined cash and segregated cash, with a net cash position of about $28.08 million. Waton believes this gives it sufficient runway to take MoTA through public beta and into its advisory rollout without raising additional capital.

The broader market outlook also points to strong growth. Global robo-advisory assets are projected to reach approximately $72 billion by 2030, representing annual growth of about 30%. Yet many existing products remain broadly similar, relying on passive ETF portfolios and limited personalization, while user satisfaction has plateaued. MoTA is betting that investors want a service that goes beyond a risk-tolerance questionnaire and scheduled portfolio rebalancing.

MoTA’s public beta is scheduled for Q3 2026 and will initially include onboarding tools for new investors, personalized analysis of U.S. and Hong Kong equity portfolios, and goal-based planning. Future plans include services for high-net-worth clients, digital asset allocation, and deeper integration with Waton’s brokerage infrastructure.

About Waton Financial Limited

Waton Financial Limited (Nasdaq: WTF) is the world’s first Nasdaq-listed AI agent holding company. Its flagship product, MoTA (Manager of Trading Agent), is an AI-powered investment platform designed to support users across the investment process, from trade execution to intelligent analysis and advisory services. Powered by a multi-agent architecture, MoTA combines advanced investment capabilities with a distinctive pixel-art interface. Waton also serves brokerage firms worldwide through its Broker Cloud platform and a range of SaaS and AI infrastructure solutions.

Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. This is not investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/waton-financial-to-bring-motas-multi-agent-investment-platform-to-individual-investors-302824691.html

SOURCE Waton Financial

Continue Reading

Trending