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Octo Capital, Audrose Capital Partners, and Affiliates of Antarctica Capital Close Investment in DYCM Solar Modules Holdings

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Capital funds first solar module production facility and business expansion, with more than one gigawatt of annual FEOC-compliant capacity expected to be in place by year-end 2026 and more than 1.2 GW of orders already secure

LIVERMORE, Calif., Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DYCM Solar Modules Holdings, LLC (DYCM) announced a Q2 closing of an investment led by Octo Capital, Audrose Capital Partners, and affiliates of Antarctica Capital. The capital will fund the growth of the business, including the initial buildout of more than one gigawatt of annual U.S. solar module production capacity and additional vertical expansion across the company’s manufacturing operations. DYCM’s first HJT module line is expected to begin commercial shipments in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The new line marks DYCM’s entry into volume domestic module production and anchors a broader buildout strategy. The company said all of its production lines will be housed in DYCM’s new 150,000-square-foot California facility, built to meet rising demand for American-made solar modules.

DYCM is among the first U.S. silicon solar module manufacturers to meet Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) regulations, officially known as “Prohibited Foreign Entity” restrictions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, that govern eligibility for federal clean energy tax credits.

As policy increasingly conditions incentives on supply chains free of prohibited foreign ownership and control, FEOC compliance has become a central purchasing criterion for utility-scale and commercial solar module buyers. Moreover, DYCM modules could provide up to 50% toward the Domestic Cost Percentage, helping developers secure the 10% Domestic Content Bonus. DYCM modules are also estimated to comply with Build America, Buy America Act requirements. The investment positions DYCM to capitalize on domestic demand for non-FEOC modules, offering U.S.-made modules with full supply chain traceability.

“This investment lets us build at the scale our customers are asking for,” said Sriram Das, Chief Executive Officer of DYCM. “Our California facility will produce one gigawatt of FEOC-compliant annual module capacity, and with more than 1.2 gigawatts already under contract, the demand is here today. Octo, Audrose, and Antarctica understand that American solar manufacturing has to be rebuilt on supply chains the market can trust, and they are backing us to do exactly that.”

“Electricity demand, driven largely by the AI infrastructure buildout, is colliding with a structural shortage of domestic clean energy,” said Fred Bronstein of Octo Capital, a DYCM Board Member. “DYCM sits at the intersection of the energy transition, AI-driven demand, and a policy backdrop built to reward domestic manufacturing. We’re thrilled to have led the transaction, alongside our partners at Audrose and Antarctica.”

“Audrose invests at the intersection of consumer and infrastructure, and DYCM sits right in the center of that space,” said Justin Landau, Managing Partner of Audrose Capital Partners and a DYCM Board Member. “Power demand will continue to climb to support AI and the data economy, and the coming crossover of AI and robotics will only accelerate it. Domestic, FEOC-compliant solar manufacturing is exactly the kind of durable, demand-backed opportunity with asymmetry in the supply chain that we look for, and we are excited to help scale DYCM into the future.”

“Our experience investing across the U.S. digital infrastructure and clean energy generation sectors has led us to believe that a diversified physical power infrastructure and supply chains in the U.S. are foundational to continued economic growth and national security priorities, including AI-related developments,” said Philipp Klingelhofer of Antarctica Capital. “Along with our partners, we see an immediate opportunity to take advantage of state-of-the-art manufacturing and assembly technology as well as a highly supportive regulatory framework to establish a competitive domestic supply chain for solar modules in the U.S. We’re excited to partner with the DYCM management team to execute on this opportunity and appreciate the support of our partners at Octo and Audrose to bring this vision to life.”

As the California facility becomes operational and additional lines are developed, DYCM expects to scale capacity in step with its order pipeline.

About DYCM
DYCM Solar Modules Holdings is a U.S. solar manufacturer producing advanced solar modules. The company is building domestic production capacity to serve utility-scale, commercial, and distributed customers seeking American-made products with full supply chain transparency.

About Octo Capital
Octo Capital is an alternative investment firm built for special situations in real assets. The firm invests across the capital structure — common equity, preferred equity, and high-yield debt — and has a primary focus on residential, hospitality, alternative energy, and domestic manufacturing. Since inception, Octo has invested more than $250 million of equity on behalf of its principal accounts and joint venture partners. Octo was founded in 2020 by Fred Bronstein, a former Elliott Management investment professional. For more information, visit: www.octocapitalmgmt.com

About Audrose Capital Partners
Audrose Capital Partners is a leading investment firm that pursues opportunistic investments at the intersection of consumer and infrastructure. Audrose takes control, minority, and structured positions in operating businesses and partners with founders and management teams to build long-term value. The firm was founded in 2018 by Justin Landau, following more than a decade in private equity. Its first investment was El Car Wash, which Mr. Landau also built and led as co-founder and CEO, through its sale in 2022 and as Co-CEO through 2025. Audrose’s portfolio also includes Rotten Candy, a consumer products company, and DYCM Solar, a next-generation U.S. solar module manufacturer.

About Antarctica Capital
Antarctica Capital is a global investment firm headquartered in New York with over $10 billion in assets under management. Antarctica’s asset management, insurance and retirement solutions platforms are built for creating enduring value for the institutions, businesses, and communities it serves. Our asset management business is focused on generating attractive risk-adjusted investment returns throughout market cycles and the ever-changing financial market landscape. Our insurance and retirement solutions businesses provide financial security to retail and institutional clients through insurance, investment and retirement savings products. Antarctica’s long-term capital, in conjunction with its vertically integrated asset management and investment platforms, uniquely positions the firm to maximize long-term value for both investors and portfolio companies. For more information about Antarctica Capital, visit https://antarcticacapital.com

Media Contact 
Gabriella Font, DYCM, press@dycmsolarmodules.com

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SOURCE DYCM Solar Modules Holdings, LLC

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Brook Gaming Officially Launches Sniper 2 Flagship Keyboard and Mouse Converter for Cross-Platform Console Gaming

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NEW TAIPEI CITY, Aug. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brook Gaming, the leading Taiwanese gaming accessory brand, has officially announced the global launch of the “Sniper 2” flagship keyboard and mouse converter. Designed to bridge the gap between PC peripherals and gaming consoles, the Sniper 2 allows players to enjoy their favorite console games using familiar keyboard and mouse configurations.

Plug-and-Play Across Major Platforms 
The Sniper 2 delivers smooth and precise control across a wide range of platforms. It offers comprehensive support for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile devices (iOS/Android), and the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 (NS2). Compatible with major wired and 2.4 GHz wireless keyboards and mice from top brands like Razer, Logitech, ZOWIE, and ROG, the device features true plug-and-play functionality. Whether playing action RPGs, racing titles, or shooters, players can experience seamless control in any genre.

Personalized Control Center with Full-Color Display and Dedicated App
The Sniper 2 features a compact design equipped with a Full-Color Status Display to instantly show current system configurations, alongside customizable dynamic RGB ambient lighting.

To provide an optimized experience, the dedicated Brook Sniper 2 App (available for iOS and Android) serves as a personal control center. Users can easily customize DPI, X/Y axis sensitivity, remap controller buttons, configure macros, and adjust stick deadzones to combat drift. Additionally, players can download official Config profiles or share their own settings with the gaming community.

With over two decades of experience in hardware development, Brook Gaming remains committed to its “Your Game, Our Play” philosophy. The Sniper 2 represents a continuous breakthrough in cross-platform compatibility, offering players total freedom in how they play.

For More Information

Sniper 2 Official Page: 
https://www.brookaccessory.com/products/sniper2/index.htmlBrook Gaming Official Website: 
https://www.brookaccessory.com/

About Brook Gaming
With over 20 years of experience in gaming hardware design and manufacturing, Brook Gaming believes that gaming should not be limited by equipment. We are committed to breaking down platform barriers through innovative technology, fulfilling our brand promise: “Your Game, Our Play.” We will continue to stand at the forefront of player needs, redefining the infinite possibilities of cross-platform gaming with forward-looking products.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/brook-gaming-officially-launches-sniper-2-flagship-keyboard-and-mouse-converter-for-cross-platform-console-gaming-302823347.html

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Levels® Launches Strawberry and Unflavored Whey Protein Powders at Select Walmart Stores Nationwide

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The minimal-ingredient whey protein powders are now available in 1.48 lb canisters at select Walmart locations nationwide, along with single-serve sachets in Vanilla Bean and Double Chocolate.

JUPITER, Fla., Aug. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Levels announced the launch of 1.48 lb canisters of Strawberry and Unflavored Whey Protein Powders, along with single-serve offerings in two of its most popular whey protein flavors, Vanilla Bean and Double Chocolate.

Levels® Launches Strawberry and Unflavored Whey Protein Powders at Select Walmart Stores Nationwide

These four products join Vanilla Bean and Double Chocolate 1.48 lb canisters already at Walmart stores across the U.S. The expanded flavor offerings broaden Walmart shoppers’ access to Levels’ whey protein, giving consumers new flavor and size options.

The Unflavored Whey Protein Powder boasts 25g of protein and 5.6g of BCAAs per scoop, with only two ingredients total. The Strawberry Whey Protein Powder contains 24g of protein and 5.4g of BCAAs per scoop, with only eight ingredients.

Both products hold the Clean Label Project® Purity Award. The rigorous testing screens for over 400 potential contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and plasticizers, making it one of the most demanding certifications in the industry and one that’s held by less than 30% of brands in the space.

“Consumers are demanding better protein — products made with real ingredients they can actually trust,” said Blake Niemann, Founder & CEO of Levels. “Launching four flavors and sizes that are new to Walmart makes it easier than ever for people to enjoy high-quality whey protein made with minimal ingredients, transparent sourcing, and nothing artificial.”

“Walmart is a best-in-class retail partner for Levels, and we’re excited to bring new flavors and sizes to Walmart shoppers across the country. This continued expansion increases Levels’ Walmart distribution by nearly 120%, reinforcing the brand’s strong and growing presence at retail.”

In an industry beset by rising concerns about product safety and ingredient sourcing, Levels stands out with its radically simple approach and minimal 6–8 ingredient formulas. Levels sources grass-fed, hormone-free dairy to make its whey protein concentrate, the least-processed form of whey.

In addition to Walmart, Levels can be found at major retailers including Sam’s Club, Costco, Target, Kroger, Meijer, Wegmans, H-E-B, and Amazon. Levels products are also available online at levelsprotein.com and through leading retail websites.

About Levels
Founded by Blake Niemann, Levels was built on a simple belief: protein powder shouldn’t need a chemistry degree to understand. The brand builds its whey powders around high protein content, minimal ingredients, and flavors that are ridiculously good tasting — a formula that has driven distribution to a projected 10,000 retail locations and 30,000 points of distribution in 2026.

About Walmart
Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers at more than 10,500 stores and clubs in 19 countries, as well as at Walmart.com, with the purpose of saving people money so they can live better. Since 1962, Walmart has been committed to creating opportunities and bringing value to customers, associates, and communities around the world. Additional company information can be found by visiting the corporate website and press center.

Media Contacts
Deirdre O’Donoghue, Levels: deirdre@levelsprotein.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/levels-launches-strawberry-and-unflavored-whey-protein-powders-at-select-walmart-stores-nationwide-302852224.html

SOURCE Levels®

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Creality Launches SPARKX i7 Nano: Bringing Compact Multi-Color Printing to $299

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HOUSTON, Aug. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Creality, a global leader in the 3D printing industry, today announced the availability of the SPARKX i7 Nano, the latest addition to its i7 series. This desktop 3D printer saves space while delivering premium print quality across up to four colors. With a minimalist design that fits easily on a desk, the i7 Nano makes multi-color 3D printing more compact, affordable, and accessible.

Following the January debut of the i7 Color Combo, the i7 Nano is also built for smarter, more effortless 3D printing. It integrates AI-powered capabilities that simplify both creation and printing, including CubeMe for automatically turning 2D portraits into multi-color 3D models. A built-in 720p AI camera monitors prints for common failures such as spaghetti and air printing, while vibration compensation and dynamic pressure adjustment help maintain consistent print quality.

Beyond these shared features, the i7 Nano comes with an integrated spool holder and optimized filament layout, taking up less desktop space and making it easier to fit into compact workspaces. The spool holder mounts directly onto the printer body with a convenient snap-on design, eliminating the need for an external CFS Lite. This compact solution keeps the printer’s footprint small while maintaining a clean appearance without compromising printing performance.

Paired with the new CFS nano Kit, a small unit mounted on top of the printer, the i7 Nano enables vibrant multi-color printing with automatic filament switching for up to four colors. The CFS nano features a dual-motor system, with one motor controlling filament channel switching and the other handling filament feeding and retraction. This ensures smooth and efficient color changes while keeping the overall setup streamlined. The CFS nano also allows quick installation without complex disassembly or modifications and is compatible with existing i7 units.

The i7 Nano features a build volume of 260 × 260 × 255 mm and a maximum printing speed of up to 500 mm/s. It supports a hardened steel nozzle with a maximum temperature of 300°C and multiple nozzle diameters, including 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mm. It is also equipped with automatic bed leveling, RFID filament reading and automatic filament refill to deliver an easy-to-use and reliable printing experience for beginners.

The SPARKX i7 Nano with CFS nano Kit will be available starting from August 15 for $299 in the U.S. at the Creality US Store.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/creality-launches-sparkx-i7-nano-bringing-compact-multi-color-printing-to-299-302851758.html

SOURCE Creality

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