Technology
HBX GROUP ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2026 TRADING UPDATE
Published
3 months agoon
By
LONDON, July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HBX Group International plc (HBX Group, the Company, the Group, HBX.SM) today issues a Q3 trading update for the three months ended 30 June 2026.
Total Transaction Value (TTV) up +12% to €2.4bn, and Revenue of €177m, down -3% year-on-year at constant currency, reflecting resilient leisure travel demand, targeted commercial actions, and a gradual recovery in previously disrupted travel corridors.Continued execution against strategic priorities, with progress across accommodation growth, ecosystem expansion, AI, and the expansion of key partnerships.Disciplined capital allocation, with the €100m share buyback programme progressing as planned, the maiden interim dividend of 7.5 euro cents per share (€18m) paid in June, and the completion of the Bridgify acquisition.FY26 guidance ranges narrowed around the midpoints, supported by encouraging booking momentum and improving trends in previously disrupted travel corridors, reinforcing confidence in full-year delivery.Leadership transition announced with the planned retirement of Nicolas Huss as CEO and Board Director effective 30 September 2026, with Brendan Brennan, current CFO, appointed as interim CEO.
Nicolas Huss, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“We continued to execute well during the third quarter, delivering resilient TTV growth in a challenging market environment.
Growth reflected our clear strategy and focus on execution, supported by strategic partnerships, ecosystem expansion and the increasing deployment of AI across the organisation. Our maiden dividend, paid in June, and ongoing share buyback programme underscore our commitment to disciplined capital allocation.
As expected, trading conditions during the quarter continued to be affected by the Middle East conflict. Encouragingly, leisure demand remained resilient, demand and booking trends improved as the quarter progressed and we saw early signs of recovery across several previously disrupted travel corridors. Our diversified footprint, strong partner relationships and agile commercial model enabled us to respond effectively, underpinning our confidence in delivering FY26 guidance.
Leading HBX Group has been a great privilege and I am planning my retirement confident in our future success. We remain focused on execution, growing market share, expanding our ecosystem and embedding AI across the business to support sustainable long-term growth, profitability and cash generation.”
Third quarter and nine-month 2026 Financial Performance Summary
Q3
2026
Q3
2025
Change
Change
constant
currency[1]
9M
2026
9M
2025
Change
Change
constant
currency1
TTV[2] (€m)
2,418
2,176
+11 %
+12 %
6,188
5,546
+12 %
+15 %
Revenue (€m)
177
182
-3 %
-3 %
486
501
-3 %
-1 %
Group TTV increased to €2.4bn in the third quarter of the year, up +12% on the prior period at constant currency, reflecting strategic mix changes and targeted commercial actions to prioritise growth with increased exposure to the fastest-growing supply and distribution channels. Growth was supported by increased contribution from shorter lead-time bookings, Third Party Supply (TPS) and Online Travel Agents (OTAs).
The Middle East disruption represented an estimated -4ppt headwind to Group TTV growth during the quarter. Excluding this impact, TTV growth would have been approximately +16% and revenue growth approximately +1% at constant currency.
Revenue of €177m decreased -3% in constant currency. Take rate (revenue as a proportion of TTV) was 7.3%, 1.1ppt contraction year-on-year, reflecting deliberate mix changes to prioritise growth, commercial actions and strategic investments. The pace of year-on-year take rate decline improved compared with H1 and Q2, consistent with the Group’s expectation that take rate changes would progressively moderate.
Performance in the quarter was driven by continued TTV growth across most of the Group’s largest source markets, including the US, the UK and China, helped by targeted commercial actions with key distribution partners.
€m
TTV
by destination
Q3
2026
Q3
2025
Change
Change
constant
currency1
9M
2026
9M
2025
Change
Change
constant
currency1
Europe
1,324
1,211
+9 %
+10 %
2,895
2,601
+11 %
+13 %
Americas
721
597
+21 %
+22 %
1,974
1,728
+14 %
+19 %
MEAPAC[3]
373
368
+1 %
+2 %
1,319
1,217
+8 %
+12 %
€m
Revenue
by destination
Q3
2026
Q3
2025
Change
Change
constant
currency1
9M
2026
9M
2025
Change
Change
constant
currency1
Europe
94
98
-4 %
-5 %
223
227
-2 %
-1 %
Spain
24
25
-4 %
-4 %
57
56
+2 %
+2 %
Rest of Europe
70
73
-4 %
-5 %
166
171
-3 %
-2 %
Americas
54
52
+4 %
+4 %
161
164
-2 %
+2 %
US
33
29
+14 %
+14 %
92
92
0 %
+5 %
Rest of Americas
21
23
-9 %
-9 %
69
72
-4 %
-1 %
MEAPAC3
29
32
-9 %
-6 %
102
110
-7 %
-4 %
The Group’s agile operating model, global platform, and diversified demand base supported a resilient performance in MEAPAC and strong growth elsewhere. In response to the conflict in the Middle East, HBX Group rapidly redirected commercial focus and resources towards the higher growth segments and travel corridors. Targeted pricing, sales and commercial initiatives supported volumes and partner engagement, and captured emerging growth opportunities.
In Europe, double-digit TTV growth was supported by resilient intra-regional and domestic travel demand. Southern Europe was a key driver of performance, with healthy demand from UK travellers to Mediterranean destinations.
In the Americas, trading remained strong, supported by broad-based demand across North and Latin America. Growth benefited from strong growth in the US and Canada, helped by World Cup related travel and strong relationships with distribution partners across the region.
In MEAPAC, trading was affected by the Middle East conflict. In Asia Pacific, travellers increasingly favoured intra-regional travel following disruption to certain long-haul routes earlier in the quarter, with booking trends improving as flight capacity recovered. In the Middle East, trading improved progressively during the quarter and signs of recovery emerged towards the end of the quarter during the ceasefire period.
Across regions, the Group continued to leverage its scale, global sourcing network and commercial capabilities to respond quickly to changing market conditions, supporting trading performance and partner engagement during a period of continued volatility.
Delivering commercial milestones in line with strategy
Commercial progress continued during the third quarter, with further execution against the Group’s strategic priorities across accommodation, ecosystem expansion and AI. These initiatives support long-term growth while enhancing commercial effectiveness, productivity and efficiency.
Growth in accommodation was supported by:
Strengthened strategic partnerships, including the expansion of our relationships with lastminute.com and Sabre, increasing access to demand across key European leisure markets.Continued execution of previously announced commercial agreements, supporting expansion in attractive growth markets, broadening distribution reach and reinforcing the Group’s diversified global partner network.
Ecosystem expansion is being delivered by:
Expanding the Group’s mobility offering through enhanced collaboration with Emerging Travel Group, extending an existing accommodation relationship into transfers and supporting a more connected traveller journey.New strategic partnerships across airline and OTA ecosystems, including Pelago (Singapore Airlines), Gulf Air, Tigerair Taiwan and De VakantieDiscounter, expanding distribution reach, strengthening monetisation opportunities and increasing multi-product adoption across the traveller journey.Completion of the Bridgify acquisition, adding AI-native technology capabilities and expanding the Group’s experiences offering with a broader portfolio of content.
Accelerated use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was supported by:
Progress on MCP-enabled connectivity initiatives and commercial agreements, supporting the development of AI-powered capabilities across the Group’s travel ecosystem.Development of an AI-powered Connectivity Factory, designed to automate the end-to-end supplier integration process and accelerate onboarding times for new partners, supporting scalability and faster time-to-market.Development of specialised finance agents to automate invoice reconciliation, improve operational efficiency and accelerate payment cycles for partners.
During the quarter, HBX Group continued to execute its capital allocation strategy, returning approximately €38 million to shareholders through its maiden interim dividend of €18 million and approximately €20 million of share repurchases under its €100 million buyback programme. Year-to-date, total shareholder returns amount to approximately €50 million.
Leadership transition
HBX Group has published a separate announcement today with the news that Nicolas Huss plans to retire as CEO and step down from the Board with effect from 30 September 2026. Nicolas will remain in post until then to support an orderly handover, and the Board has appointed Brendan Brennan, current CFO, as interim CEO from 1 October 2026. Brendan brings strategic leadership experience and has a deep knowledge of the business, ensuring continuity of leadership as the Company remains focused on executing its existing strategy. The Board has initiated a comprehensive search for a permanent successor, considering both internal and external candidates, and expects to announce an appointment by the Company’s next Annual General Meeting in February 2027.
Outlook
The Group’s performance in the third quarter was slightly better than the assumptions underpinning its previous outlook. With only two months remaining until year end, FY26 guidance has been narrowed around the midpoint. It reflects an estimated -3ppt full-year impact from the Middle East conflict, an improvement compared to the Group’s previous estimate of -4ppt. Bookings momentum is encouraging and reinforces confidence in the outlook. The Group’s medium-term expectations remain unchanged.
Company Guidance
(constant currency)
FY26
Mid-term[4]
TTV
+13% to +15% (prior +11% to +15%)
Low double digit %
Revenue
-2% to flat (prior -4% to +1%)
High single digit %
Adj. EBITDA
-5% to -2% (unchanged)
EBITDA margin in 60s %
Op. FCF conversion
90% to 100% (unchanged)
c.100%
A webcast for the investment community will be held at 09:00 UK time in which we will deliver an overview of the Q3 2026 performance, followed by a Q&A session. To register for the webcast, please use the following link: HBX Group Q3 Trading Update.
Contact details:
Investors: igreen@hbxgroup.com / M. +44 7826 910691
Media: hbx@brunswickgroup.com
About HBX Group
HBX Group is a leading global B2B travel technology marketplace that owns and operates Hotelbeds, Bedsonline, The Luxurist, Roiback, Civitfun and PerfectStay. We offer a network of interconnected travel technology products and services to partners including online marketplaces, tour operators, travel advisors, airlines, loyalty programmes, destinations, and travel suppliers.
Our vision is to simplify the complex and fragmented travel industry through a combination of cloud-based technology solutions, curated data, and a broad portfolio of products designed to maximise revenue. HBX Group is present in more than 170 countries and employs more than 3,500 people worldwide. We are committed to making travel a force for good, creating a positive social and environmental impact.
HBX Group International PLC (HBX.SM) is listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange, (ISIN: GB00BNXJB679).
[1] Constant currency changes exclude the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations by translating current year results at the exchange rates used in the prior year.
Consolidated unaudited Revenue for the 3-month period from 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026 and 9-month period 1 October 2025 to 30 June 2026.
[2] Total Transaction Value.
[3] Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
[4] Medium-term refers to the future annual periods beyond the current year on a 2-3 year view.
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SOURCE HBX Group
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Korean Buyers Invited to Connect with Chinese Suppliers at C-TOUCH & DISPLAY and FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026
Published
21 minutes agoon
October 20, 2026By
SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Featuring Korea Day business matchmaking, next-generation display technologies and advanced functional materials, the October exhibitions offer Korean industry professionals new opportunities to explore suppliers and strengthen cross-border partnerships.
As demand grows for advanced displays, semiconductor technologies and high-performance materials, C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026 and FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026 will welcome Korean buyers and industry professionals to Shenzhen, China, from October 27–29. The exhibitions will provide opportunities to discover new technologies, meet Chinese manufacturers and explore business partnerships across the electronics, display, automotive and advanced materials supply chains.
C-TOUCH: Exploring Next-Generation Display and Semiconductor Technologies
C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026 will showcase technologies spanning OLED, Micro LED, flexible displays, touch panels, e-paper, commercial displays, automotive displays and AI+AR smart glasses. As display technologies converge with AI computing, optical communications and semiconductor packaging, the exhibition will connect Korean visitors with suppliers developing materials, components, manufacturing equipment and integrated solutions.
A key highlight is the TGV Glass Substrate Advanced Packaging Zone, where visitors can explore eight major process stages, including laser induction, etching, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), electroplating, chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), coating and photolithography.
FILM & TAPE EXPO: Functional Materials for Electronics and Advanced Manufacturing
FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026 will bring together suppliers of functional films, optical films, protective and release films, polyimide (PI) films, adhesive tapes, optical clear adhesives (OCA), thermal-management materials and precision converting equipment.
The exhibition will also cover coating, laminating, slitting, rewinding, inspection and die-cutting technologies. These solutions support applications across consumer electronics, semiconductors, automotive electronics, batteries and energy storage, PCB/FPC and industrial manufacturing.
Korea Day: Connecting Korean Buyers with Chinese Suppliers
A major opportunity for Korean visitors will be Korea Day, a dedicated buyer–supplier matchmaking initiative designed to facilitate business connections between Korean industry professionals and Chinese suppliers.
The program will provide a focused setting for buyers to communicate their sourcing needs, explore relevant products and technologies, and discuss potential cooperation directly with suppliers. For companies seeking new sourcing options, manufacturing partners or materials for product development, Korea Day can help make exhibition visits more targeted and productive.
Easier Travel: China’s 30-Day Visa-Free Policy for South Korean Citizens
Travel planning has also become more convenient for eligible Korean visitors. Under China’s current unilateral visa-free policy, South Korean citizens holding ordinary passports may enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange visits and transit.
The policy has been extended through December 31, 2026. Visitors should consult the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Korea for the latest official guidance.
Register to Visit Shenzhen This October
C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026 and FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026 will take place October 27–29 at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Bao’an, Shenzhen, China.
C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026: Pre-register here
FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026: Pre-register here
About RX Kuozhan
RX Kuozhan is a joint venture between Reed Exhibitions and Kuozhan Exhibition Services (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., established in 2015. The company organizes a portfolio of industry-leading exhibitions serving the display, touch technology, functional films, adhesive materials, commercial display and advanced materials sectors. Through its exhibitions and industry engagement initiatives, RX Kuozhan connects manufacturers, technology providers, buyers and industry professionals, facilitating business partnerships, technology exchange and cross-industry collaboration in China and international markets.
For more information, please visit C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN and FILM & TAPE EXPO.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/korean-buyers-invited-to-connect-with-chinese-suppliers-at-c-touch–display-and-film–tape-expo-2026-302912105.html
SOURCE RX Kuozhan
Technology
What’s Next for Webull Corporation Shareholders After 19.09% Stock Drop? Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP Explains Securities Fraud Class Action Lead Plaintiff Deadline
Published
21 minutes agoon
October 20, 2026By
Complaint alleges Webull Corporation misled investors between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026; investors may seek lead plaintiff role by December 7, 2026
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP (“Glancy”) announced today that the class action lawsuit covers investors who bought Webull Corporation (“Webull” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BULL) securities between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026. The Webull Corporation case, Ward v. Webull Corporation et al., was filed on October 8, 2026 in the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida (Tampa) (Case No. 8:26-cv-03052).
Investors who suffered losses on Webull Corporation investments can submit their Webull Corporation loss information here before the December 7, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.
Key dates in the Webull Corporation case
Class period: April 26, 2025 to October 6, 2026Complaint filed: October 8, 2026Lead plaintiff deadline: December 7, 2026
What happened?
On October 7, 2026, the bipartisan House Select Committee on China issued a report which found “a profound gap” between Webull’s public marketing as “an American company” and actual control of the alleged St. Petersburg, Florida-based firm. The committee reportedly found “Webull’s ownership architecture, technical workforce, technology infrastructure, cross-border data routing, corporate financing, and compliance frameworks are tied in structural ways to the People’s Republic of China.” The Select Committee also reportedly found that Webull initially told the Select Committee that it had no offices or employees in China, while Webull’s mainland China subsidiary in fact employed approximately 863 employees, or 62% of Webull’s global workforce.
Webull Corporation stock fell $1.39 or 19.09%, to close at $5.89 on October 7, 2026, thereby injuring investors.
What is the Webull Corporation lawsuit about?
The Webull Corporation securities lawsuit alleges that, between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about Webull Corporation’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, the complaint alleges defendants failed to disclose that: (1) Webull’s mainland China operations were not limited to research and development and technical support functions, but rather Webull’s software development, data pipelines, and core engineering depended on PRC-based personnel and on infrastructure subject to Chinese law; (2) Webull’s ownership structure, technical workforce, technology infrastructure, cross-border data routing, financing, and compliance structure were structurally tied to China; (3) as a result, Webull’s representations that its principal business operations were based in the U.S. and that its U.S. customer data was insulated from non-U.S. access materially overstated Webull’s independence from the PRC; and (4) as a result, defendants’ positive statements about Webull Corporation’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
“The complaint filed against Webull Corporation alleges that, among other things, the Company failed to disclose that Webull’s mainland China operations were not limited to research and development and technical support functions, but rather Webull’s software development, data pipelines, and core engineering depended on PRC-based personnel and on infrastructure subject to Chinese law. For investors who bought during the class period, the December 7, 2026 deadline is the first major step in this case,” said Charles H. Linehan, Partner at Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP.
What’s the next step?
Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP is a leading national shareholder rights law firm, ready to assist Webull Corporation investors in potentially pursuing claims to recover their losses.
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff in the Webull Corporation class action, you must move the Court no later than December 7, 2026. To learn more about your rights, visit the Webull Corporation case page, email shareholders@glancylaw.com, or call 310-201-9150 (toll-free: 888-773-9224).
You may retain counsel of your choice. If you bought Webull Corporation securities during the class period, you may take no action and remain an absent class member. No class has been certified yet in the Webull Corporation case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible? Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Webull Corporation securities between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026 and suffered losses may be members of the proposed class in the Webull Corporation shareholder lawsuit. Any class member may ask the court to appoint them lead plaintiff by December 7, 2026.
What is a lead plaintiff? In the Webull Corporation class action, the lead plaintiff is the investor, or group of investors, that the court appoints to represent all class members and oversee the case. Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, courts generally presume the movant with the largest financial interest is the most adequate lead plaintiff.
Do I have to be lead plaintiff to recover? No. A Webull Corporation investor’s ability to share in any future recovery does not depend on serving as lead plaintiff. Webull Corporation investors may take no action and remain absent class members.
What is the deadline? Motions to serve as lead plaintiff in the Webull Corporation class action must be filed by December 7, 2026.
Does it cost anything to contact Glancy or participate in this action? Glancy represents Webull Corporation investors on a contingency fee basis, which means investors pay no attorneys’ fees unless there is a recovery. Any fees are subject to court approval and are paid from the recovery.
Can I choose my own lawyer? Yes. Webull Corporation investors may retain counsel of their choice.
Why work with Glancy on the Webull Corporation lawsuit? Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP is a premier law firm with decades of experience representing investors and consumers in securities litigation and other complex class action litigation. Contact Glancy about the Webull Corporation lawsuit. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
About Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP
Glancy was named one of Law360’s Securities Groups of the Year and ranked second in total investor recoveries by ISS Securities Class Action Services in 2025.
Glancy’s successes have been widely covered by leading news and industry publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, Reuters, the Associated Press, Barron’s, Investor’s Business Daily, Forbes, and Money.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Related links
Webull Corporation case page, Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLPComplaint: Ward v. Webull Corporation et al., U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida (Tampa)Webull Corporation SEC filings index, EDGARGlancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP
CONTACT:
Charles H. Linehan
Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP
1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Email: shareholders@glancylaw.com
Telephone: 310-201-9150 | Toll-free: 888-773-9224
www.glancylaw.com
Follow Glancy on LinkedIn, X, or Facebook.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
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SOURCE Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP
Technology
NetDragon Partners with Jiuzhou Culture to Establish Joint Venture
Published
21 minutes agoon
October 20, 2026By
Takes Controlling Stake in AI Harness Business to Advance a Third Growth Engine
HONG KONG, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (“NetDragon” or the “Company”; Hong Kong Stock Code: 0777), a global leader in building internet communities, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a legally binding memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with Jiuzhou Culture (“Jiuzhou”), a leading AIGC short drama production and distribution company in China, to establish a joint venture (“JV”) in which NetDragon will hold a 51% controlling interest. The partnership will focus on artificial intelligence technologies, AIGC-powered content creation and digital technology services, further expanding NetDragon’s AI application scenarios and commercialisation opportunities while accelerating the development of a new growth engine.
Deepening the Integration of AIGC and Content to Build a Diversified Digital Business Platform
Rapid advances in AIGC are continuing to reshape content creation, digital entertainment and software services. With the ongoing maturation of generative AI, large-scale AI models and AI agents, AI is evolving from a supporting tool into a productivity platform that can enhance the entire value chain, from content creation and production to operations and commercialisation. Through the JV Company, NetDragon and Jiuzhou will combine their complementary strengths in technology, IP, content and industry resources to accelerate the deployment of AIGC across real-world commercial applications.
Under the MOU, Jiuzhou will inject into the JV Company all intellectual property, technologies and assets relating to the AI Harness system business, laying a solid foundation for product development and commercialisation. NetDragon will contribute Hong Kong dollars cash equivalent to RMB 50 million to the JV Company, acquire a 51% shareholding interest and consolidate the JV Company’s financial results. The JV Company will focus on expanding foundational artificial intelligence software, large-scale AI models and the AI Harness system business. It is expected to serve as the first commercial validation platform in China for NetDragon’s “AI ecosystem co-creation” strategy, marking the launch of the Company’s third growth engine and laying the groundwork for the business model to be replicated and scaled across various sectors.
To accelerate the scalable commercialisation of the AI Harness business, the transaction also incorporates a multi-tiered, progressive performance-based incentive warrant scheme. NetDragon will issue 25 million unlisted warrants to Jiuzhou at an issue price of HK$0.10 per warrant share, to be granted in three tranches with initial exercise prices of HK$10, HK$12 and HK$15, respectively. The warrants will only become exercisable upon achievement of specified key performance indicators by the JV Company. Assuming full exercise of all warrants at the initial exercise prices, NetDragon will receive aggregate gross proceeds of approximately HK$314 million, which will supplement the Company’s development capital while achieving deep alignment of interests and shared equity upside with its strategic partner.
Strengthening AI Ecosystem Synergies to Drive a Third Growth Engine
As generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into content production, digital services and global operations, NetDragon and Jiuzhou will take this collaboration as a new starting point to fully leverage their complementary strengths and accelerate the commercialisation of AI capabilities, translating technological innovation into tangible business value. In recent years, NetDragon has continued to advance its AI strategy across AI+gaming, AI+education and enterprise intelligence, while actively exploring emerging AI businesses with the potential to establish independent commercial models. Jiuzhou, meanwhile, has built deep expertise in micro-dramas and digital content, with an integrated value chain spanning copyright operations, content creation, co-production, paid distribution and official distribution. It has also continued to expand the use of AIGC across content production, creation and operations. The two parties will further explore the deep integration of AI technology with the content industry, accelerating the implementation of AI capabilities in scenarios such as content generation, AI model applications, translation and localisation, platform operations, and enterprise technology services, to build scalable and sustainable business models.
Following the launch of the MOYU AI platform in August 2026, NetDragon’s investment and controlling stake in the AI Harness business marks another important step in increasing resource allocation to its AI business and broadening its long-term growth pathways. The performance-linked equity incentive collaboration with Jiuzhou is expected to establish a new model of strategic collaboration for NetDragon, enabling the Company and its partners to grow the business together and share in the value created. Looking ahead, NetDragon will remain focused on its core AI business, deepen technological innovation and resource integration, and leverage its established strengths in gaming and education alongside the emerging growth engine of AI ecosystem co-creation. Under this three-pronged strategy, the Company aims to continuously strengthen its core competitiveness, enhance long-term investment value, and deliver sustainable returns to shareholders.
About NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited
NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 777) is a global leader in building internet communities, with a long track record of developing and scaling multiple internet and mobile platforms that impact hundreds of millions of users. Over the desktop and mobile internet eras, NetDragon previously established China’s first online gaming portal, 17173.com, and China’s most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless.
Established in 1999, NetDragon is one of the most reputable and well-known digital entertainment IP developers and operators in China with a history of successful flagship game titles deeply welcomed by users both at home and abroad. For more than a decade, NetDragon has also achieved success with its EdTech business both domestically and globally. Fully embracing the new AI era, NetDragon is driving its vision of “Infinite Growth” through AI-enabled digital entertainment and online learning, whilst building a systematic AI product methodology to create value growth.
NetDragon’s overseas edtech business entity, currently a U.S.-listed subsidiary named Mynd.ai, is a global leader in interactive technology and its award-winning interactive displays and software can be found in more than 2 million learning and training spaces across 126 countries.
About Jiuzhou Culture
Founded in 2021, Jiuzhou is a leading player in the online micro-drama industry, with an integrated business model spanning copyright operations, content creation, co-production, paid distribution and official distribution. The company has established a comprehensive, end-to-end content ecosystem designed to enhance operational efficiency and unlock synergies across the value chain. Embracing technological innovation, Jiuzhou actively integrates cutting-edge technologies such as AIGC to enhance content quality and creative capabilities. Its self-developed Moss tool has accelerated AI adoption across the entire value chain, leveraging technology to advance the development of the global short drama ecosystem.
In terms of content creation, Jiuzhou has accumulated the rights to more than 4,000 short dramas and has successfully distributed over 1,000 productions. Its portfolio spans more than 20 popular genres, including contemporary drama, romance, campus life, fantasy, suspense and historical fiction, catering to the diverse entertainment preferences of audiences in China and worldwide. By combining paid content, free-to-view short dramas and international expansion, Jiuzhou has developed a distinctive business ecosystem that strengthens its competitive position and drives continued innovation in the micro-drama industry.
Internationally, the company leverages its strengths in content production, audience reach and distribution networks to bring Chinese micro-dramas to global audiences while tailoring its offerings to local tastes and cultural preferences. Its flagship international platform, ShortMax, focuses primarily on North American and European markets, offering a wide selection of localized Chinese dramas and original productions. ShortMax is now available in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, having achieved peak monthly active users (MAU) of over 30 million, more than 90 million cumulative registered users and 200 million downloads.
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SOURCE NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited
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Technology4 days agoFF EAI Robotics (FFR) and FF Jointly Launch FF Nova, First Embodied AI Humanoid Robot Priced Below $2,500 in U.S., FF Nova Mini, Physical AI Spark Program Curriculum, Nova Reinforcement Learning Developer Program and Developer Community Recruitment
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Technology5 days agoLRQA and K-Frontiers strengthen local inspection capabilities in Malaysia through strategic partnership
