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TERAGO Reports Second Quarter and Six Months Ended 2026 Financial Results

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TORONTO, Aug. 12, 2026 /CNW/ — TERAGO Inc. (“TERAGO” or the “Company”) (TSX: TGO) (https://terago.ca/), Canada’s largest mmWave spectrum holder (91% of spectrum held) and a leading provider of Managed Fixed Wireless Internet, 5G Private Wireless Networks and SD-WAN solutions today reported financial and operating results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2026. All figures reported in this release are in thousands of Canadian dollars.

“The second quarter marked another period of meaningful progress for TERAGO, driven by stronger year-to-date booking activity and continued growth in ARPA,” said Daniel Vucinic, CEO of TERAGO. “We achieved year-over-year growth in Adjusted EBITDA, increased ARPA, and generated improved booking activity, which contributed to sequential growth in Backlog MRR¹ from the first quarter. These results reflect the strength of our operating strategy and the growing demand for our services. We are encouraged by the positive momentum across the business and remain focused on delivering sustainable profitable growth.

The quarter also marked a transformative milestone for TERAGO with ISED’s recent decision establishing a clear transition path to flexible-use licensing and the 2027 mmWave spectrum auction. This represents a pivotal development for the Canadian mmWave ecosystem. As Canada’s largest mmWave spectrum holder, we believe the framework significantly enhances the strategic value and future monetization potential of our spectrum portfolio, while expanding opportunities across advanced fixed wireless, private 5G, enterprise and consumer mobility, and other next-generation connectivity applications. We believe TERAGO is uniquely positioned to capitalize on these emerging opportunities and drive long-term shareholder value.”

Selected Financial Highlights and Key Developments

Total revenue decreased for quarter and six months ended June 30, 2026 by 2.1% to $6,210 and by 2.9% to $12,382 respectively, compared to $6,344 and $12,758 for the same periods in 2025. The decrease was primarily driven by a combination of decreased bookings in 2025 and delays in installations associated with larger multi-site deployments. In addition, management continued its initiatives to optimize the customer base by discontinuing service to unprofitable accounts. The overall decrease was partially offset by revenue from new customers in the current period.Adjusted EBITDA1,2 for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 increased by 16.8% to $1,055 as compared to an Adjusted EBITDA1,2 of $903 for the same period in 2025. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, Adjusted EBITDA1,2 increased by 2.6% to $1,986 as compared to an Adjusted EBITDA1,2 of $1,935 for the same period in 2025. The increases were primarily attributable to lower operating expenses in 2026 compared to the same periods in 2025.Net loss for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2026, was $3,823 or $(0.10) per share (basic and diluted) and $6,960 or $(0.18) per share (basic and diluted) respectively, compared to a loss of $4,256 or $(0.21) per share (basic and diluted) and $7,792 or $(0.39) per share (basic and diluted), respectively in the same period in 2025.ARPA1 for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 increased by 4.2% to $1,279 compared to $1,228 for the same period in 2025. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, ARPA1 increased by 3.0% to $1,266 compared to $1,229 for the same period in 2025. The increase in ARPA1 was a result of the Company’s ongoing focus to attract mid-market and large-scale, predominantly multi-location customers, as well as increasing wallet share with existing customers through its high-touch telecom aggregator service model. Churn1 for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2026 increased to 1.0% compared to 0.9% for the same periods in 2025. The Company continues to review, modify and improve its customer experience practices with a focus on reducing customer churn. 

Backlog MRR1 in the connectivity business decreased to $78,788 as of June 30, 2026, compared to $93,279 as of June 30, 2025. The decrease was primarily attributable to higher installation volumes, partially offset by lower booking levels experienced during fiscal 2025. Backlog MRR1 increased from March 31, 2026, reflecting improved booking activity, with bookings in 2026 trending above 2025 levels.

__________________________________

(1)

See ” Non-IFRS Measures”

(2)

See “Adjusted EBITDA” for a reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA.

Regulatory Development

On May 14, 2026, ISED released its Policy and Licensing Framework for Spectrum in the 26 GHz and 38 GHz bands, providing regulatory clarity on the future licensing and use of mmWave spectrum in Canada. The decision established the framework and timetable for the mmWave spectrum auction that is set to take place in October 2027. 2,400 MHz in 26 GHz and 2,400 MHz in 38 GHz bands is to be auctioned subject to a cross-band spectrum cap of 1,200 MHz. The framework also enables eligible incumbent licensees to transition existing spectrum holdings to flexible-use licences. TERAGO believes the decision affirms the strategic importance of mmWave spectrum to Canada’s communications infrastructure and provides long-term certainty regarding the licensing and future use of the Company’s spectrum holdings. As the largest holder of mmWave spectrum licences in Canada, the Company expects to hold contiguous 400 MHz spectrum blocks in the lower 26 GHz band and contiguous blocks varying in the upper 38 GHz band following completion of the transition process. TERAGO believes it is well positioned to participate in the flexible-use transition framework and to capitalize on future opportunities enabled by flexible-use licensing. These opportunities include fixed, nomadic, and mobile applications such as enterprise connectivity, private 5G wireless networks, public hotspot capacity expansion and advanced fixed wireless access. The Company intends to actively participate in the transition process and expects the decision to support continued investment, innovation, and long-term growth across its spectrum portfolio and network platform.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Comparison of the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025
(In thousands of dollars, except with respect to gross profit margin1, earnings per share1, backlog MRR1, churn rate,1 and ARPA1)

(in thousands of dollars, unaudited)

Quarter ended June 30

Six months ended June 30

2026

2025

% Chg

2026

2025

% Chg

Financial

Total Revenue

$

6,210

6,344

(2.1)

$

12,382

12,758

(2.9)

Cost of Services1

$

1,681

1,663

1.1

$

3,323

3,335

(0.4)

Gross Profit Margin1

72.9 %

73.8 %

(1.2)

73.2 %

73.9 %

(0.9)

Salaries and Related Costs1

$

2,330

2,508

(7.1)

$

4,745

5,232

(9.3)

Other Operating Expenses1

$

1,144

1,270

(9.8)

$

2,328

2,256

3.2

Adjusted EBITDA1,2

$

1,055

903

16.8

$

1,986

1,935

2.6

Net Loss

$

(3,823)

(4,256)

(10.2)

$

(6,960)

(7,792)

(10.7)

Basic & diluted loss per share

$

(0.10)

(0.21)

(53.3)

$

(0.18)

(0.39)

(54.3)

Quarter ended June 30

Six months ended June 30

2026

2025

Chg

2026

2025

Chg

Operating

Backlog MRR1

Connectivity

$

78,788

93,279

(14,491)

$

78,788

93,279

(14,491)

Churn Rate1

Connectivity

1.0 %

0.9 %

0.1 %

1.0 %

0.9 %

0.1 %

ARPA1

Connectivity

$

1,279

1,228

4.2 %

$

1,266

1,229

3.0 %

Conference Call

Management will host a conference call on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET to discuss these results.

To access the conference call, please dial 888-506-0062 or 973-528-0011 and use conference ID 411519 if applicable. Please call the conference telephone number 15 minutes prior to the start time so that you are in the queue for an operator to assist in registering and patching you through.

An archived recording of the conference call will be available through Thursday, August 27, 2026. To listen to the recording, call 877-481-4010 or 919-882-2331 and enter passcode 54348# if applicable.

A reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA1 is found below and in the MD&A for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2026. Adjusted EBITDA1 does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS/GAAP. TERAGO’s method of calculating Adjusted EBITDA1 may differ from other issuers and accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA1 may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The table below reconciles net loss to Adjusted EBITDA1 for the quarter and six months ended June 30 2026 and 2025.

__________________________________

(1)

See ” Non-IFRS Measures”

(2)

See “Adjusted EBITDA” for a reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA.

 

(in thousands of dollars, unaudited)

Quarter ended June 30

Six months ended June 30

2026

2025

2026

2025

Adjusted EBITDA1

$

1,055

903

$

1,986

1,935

Deduct:

Depreciation of network assets, property and equipment

and amortization of intangible assets

2,173

2,305

4,355

4,647

Stock-based compensation expense, net

427

251

331

479

Restructuring and other costs

196

267

196

332

Loss from operations

(1,741)

(1,920)

(2,896)

(3,523)

Add/deduct:

Foreign exchange loss (gain) 

7

(20)

9

(29)

Finance costs

2,142

2,372

4,194

4,336

Finance income

(67)

(16)

(139)

(38)

Net loss for the period

$

(3,823)

(4,256)

$

(6,960)

(7,792)

(1) Non-IFRS Measures

This press release contains references to “Cost of Services”, “Gross Profit Margin”, Salaries and Related Costs”, “Other Operating Expenses”, “Adjusted EBITDA”, “Backlog MRR”, “Churn” and “ARPA” which are not measures prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Cost of Services consists of expenses related to delivering service to customers and servicing the operations of our networks. These expenses include costs for the lease of intercity facilities to connect our cities, internet transit and peering costs paid to other carriers, network real estate lease expense, spectrum lease expenses, salaries and related costs of staff directly associated with the cost of services.

Gross Profit Margin % consists of gross profit margin divided by revenue where gross profit margin is revenue less cost of services.

Salaries and related costs includes regular payroll related expenses, commissions and consulting fees. All share based compensation, restructuring and other related costs are excluded from salaries and related costs.

Other operating expenses includes sales commission expense, advertising and marketing expenses, travel expenses and administrative expenses including insurance and professional fees, communication expenses, maintenance expenses and rent expenses for office facilities. All restructuring and other related costs are excluded from other operating expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA – The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful additional information to management, the Board and investors as it provides an indication of the operational results generated by its business activities prior to taking into consideration how those activities are financed and taxed and also prior to taking into consideration asset depreciation and amortization and it excludes items that could affect the comparability of our operational results and could potentially alter the trends analysis in business performance. Excluding these items does not necessarily imply they are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by some investors and analysts for the purpose of valuing a company. The Company calculates Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before deducting interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, foreign exchange gain or loss, finance costs, finance income, gain or loss on disposal of network assets, property and equipment, impairment of property, plant & equipment and intangible assets, stock-based compensation which includes equity settled deferred share unit expense and restructuring costs. Investors are cautioned that Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating earnings (losses), or net earnings (losses) determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of our financial performance or as a measure of our liquidity and cash flows. Adjusted EBITDA does not take into account the impact of working capital changes, capital expenditures, debt principal reductions and other sources and uses of cash, which are disclosed in the consolidated statements of cash flows. 

Backlog MRR – The term “Backlog MRR” is a measure of contracted monthly recurring revenue (MRR) from customers that have not yet been provisioned. The Company believes backlog MRR is useful additional information as it provides an indication of future revenue. Backlog MRR is not a recognized measure under IFRS and may not translate into future revenue, and accordingly, investors are cautioned in using it. The Company calculates backlog MRR by summing the MRR of new customer contracts and upgrades that are signed but not yet provisioned, as at the end of the period. TERAGO’s method of calculating backlog MRR may differ from other issuers and, accordingly, backlog MRR may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

__________________________________

(1)

See ” Non-IFRS Measures”

(2)

See “Adjusted EBITDA” for a reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA.

ARPA – The term “ARPA” refers to the Company’s average revenue per account per month in the period. The Company believes that ARPA is useful supplemental information as it provides an indication of our revenue from an individual customer on a per month basis. ARPA is not a recognized measure under IFRS and, accordingly, investors are cautioned that ARPA should not be construed as an alternative to revenue determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of our financial performance. The Company calculates ARPA by dividing our total revenue before revenue from early terminations by the number of customers in service during the period and we express ARPA as a rate per month. TERAGO’s method of calculating ARPA has changed from the Company’s past disclosures to exclude revenue from early termination fees, where ARPA was previously calculated as revenue divided by the number of customers in service during the period. TERAGO’s method may differ from other issuers, and accordingly, ARPA may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

Churn – The term “churn” or “churn rate” is a measure, expressed as a percentage, of customer cancellations in a particular month. The Company calculates churn by dividing the number of customer cancellations during a month by the total number of customers at the end of the month before cancellations. The information is presented as the average monthly churn rate during the period. The Company believes that the churn rate is useful supplemental information as it provides an indication of future revenue decline and is a measure of how well the business is able to renew and keep existing customers on their existing service offerings. Churn and churn rate are not recognized measures under IFRS and, accordingly, investors are cautioned in using it. TERAGO’s method of calculating churn and churn rate may differ from other issuers and, accordingly, churn may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

About TERAGO
TERAGO provides managed network and security services to businesses across Canada ensuring highly secure, reliable, and redundant connectivity including private 5G wireless networks, Fixed Wireless access, fiber, and cable wireline network connectivity. As Canada’s biggest mmWave spectrum holders, the Company possesses spectrum licenses in the 24 GHz and 38 GHz spectrum bands, which it utilizes to provide secure, dedicated SLA guaranteed enterprise grade performance that is technology diverse from buried cables ensuring high availability connectivity services. TERAGO serves Canadian and Global businesses operating in major markets across Canada, including Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Ottawa and Winnipeg, and has been providing wireless services since 1999. For more information about TERAGO and its suite of wireless internet and SD-WAN solutions, please visit www.terago.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond TERAGO’s control. Forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to statements regarding, the increasing importance of the mmWave spectrum, the progress of the ISED mmWave consultation, and having sufficient capital to support its growth strategy, consistently executing across all fronts of the business, success in providing Canadian enterprises with managed services and the 5G fixed wireless trials being conducted by the Company. All such statements constitute “forward-looking information” as defined under, applicable Canadian securities laws. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts constitute forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those risks set forth in the “Risk Factors” section in the Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2025 available on www.sedarplus.ca and under the Company’s corporate profile. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially include the inability to consistently achieve sales growth across all lines of TERAGO’s business including managed services, inability to complete successful 5G technical trials, the results of the 5G trials not being satisfactory to TERAGO or any of its technology partners, regulatory requirements may delay or inhibit the trial, the economic viability of any potential services that may result from the trial, the ability for TERAGO to further finance and support any new market opportunities that may present itself, delays with the ISED mmWave spectrum consultation, and industry competitors who may have superior technology or are quicker to take advantage of 5G technology. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as several factors could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates or intentions expressed with the forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by applicable Canadian securities laws, TERAGO does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether in words, oral or written as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

_____________________

(1)

See ” Non-IFRS Measures”

SOURCE TeraGo Inc.

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Technology

Hyundai Motor Group and KIRARA Release ‘Temper,’ a Musical Interpretation of Technological Refinement

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The Group’s collaborative composition with Korean musician KIRARA, titled ‘Temper,’ transforms manufacturing technology into sensory artElectronic track reflects the process of raw materials becoming finished vehicles through meticulous refinementBy blending glitch and breakbeat elements, the composition creates a precise and mysterious soundscape inspired by cutting-edge manufacturing technologiesSong available across major streaming platforms with an accompanying manufacturing technology video to follow later this yearPartnership demonstrates the Group’s commitment to communicating innovation through creative storytelling

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) has partnered with Korean electronic music artist KIRARA to debut ‘Temper,’ a musical composition that translates the Group’s technology development philosophy into an auditory experience. The track is available on the Group’s official YouTube channel (Link).

‘Temper’ reimagines the journey of raw materials transforming into finished vehicles through advanced manufacturing processes, weaving complex beats and synthesized textures to capture the precision of innovation. The Korean title ‘Jeongryeon’ (정련, or Jīngliàn精鍊 in Mandarin) refers to the process of refining materials by removing impurities to reveal their purest and most valuable form. This collaboration expresses the Group’s technology development efforts through music, representing a new approach to connecting with customers on a sensory level.

“Working on Hyundai Motor Group’s new technology was a constant source of wonder, much like when I first learned synthesizing. I wanted to express the refined technology and the feeling I had when encountering it through equally refined music.” – KIRARA

How Does the Track Capture Manufacturing Innovation?

‘Temper’ opens with an ambient, mysterious introduction representing infinite possibility within raw materials. As the composition progresses, layered beats build gradually — mirroring the vehicle’s emerging form — before concluding with crystalline clarity reflecting the final form of a finished vehicle.

To authentically convey cutting-edge technology, the track blends ambient techno genre elements, specifically glitch and breakbeat components, creating a sophisticated yet mysterious soundscape that mirrors the technical complexity inherent in the Group’s technological advancements.

Who Is KIRARA?

KIRARA is one of Korea’s leading electronic musicians. Since launching her career in 2014, she has released five studio albums and performed extensively at prestigious events including Pentaport Rock Festival (Korea), Venice Biennale (Italy), SXSW (United States) and Primavera Pro (Spain).

Drawing deep inspiration from 1990s British dance music and 2000s Japanese electronic music, KIRARA’s music evokes a unique juxtaposition of sorrow and euphoria through a delicate blend of melodies. She currently performs live sets — composing directly through computer and MIDI controller — more than 30 times annually across domestic and international venues.

Her recognitions include:

23rd Korean Music Awards (2026): Best Electronic Album for ‘KIRARA’ (fifth studio album), marking her second Korean Music Award, nine years after first winning the categoryKorean Music Awards (2017): Best Electronic Album for ‘Moves’ (second studio album)

Where Can Listeners Access ‘Temper’?

The track is now available on:

Hyundai Motor Group’s official YouTube channel (Link)Melon, Bugs, Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music

Later this year, the Group will release an accompanying manufacturing technology video featuring the ‘Temper’ composition.

– End –

About Hyundai Motor Group

Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication, and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all.
 

More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai, Kia Global Newsroom, Genesis Newsroom

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor Group

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Pepperstone Appoints New CTO to Drive AI-Native Proprietary Tech Push

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Former Xero engineering executive Nigel Fernandes will lead Pepperstone’s push to own more of its technology as the business expands into crypto and new markets. 

MELBOURNE, Australia, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Melbourne-based Pepperstone, a global online trading and fintech provider serving clients in more than 160 countries, today announced the appointment of Nigel Fernandes as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective 1 October 2026. The appointment comes as Pepperstone accelerates its shift toward owning more of its own technology, building a broader fintech ecosystem spanning crypto, AI-native engineering and institutional-grade infrastructure. 

Fernandes brings more than 20 years of technology leadership experience across financial services, retail, media and enterprise software. He will join from Xero, where he serves as SVP and Executive General Manager of Engineering leading a global organisation across cloud platforms, customer identity and data. Prior to Xero, he held senior leadership roles at Publicis Sapient, Coles Group, SEEK and Envato. 

“I’m excited to be joining Pepperstone at such a pivotal time for the business,” said Fernandes. “My focus will be building on the quality global brand that traders have trusted for years, investing in the technology we own to scale an AI-native engineering foundation that gives clients faster, more reliable access to the tools they need.” 

“The technology underpinning our client experience is core to everything we do. We’re expanding Pepperstone into a genuine fintech ecosystem that opens access to crypto and new markets, while investing in our own technology to give clients a more personalised experience,” said Tamas Szabo, Group CEO of Pepperstone. “Nigel’s track record building high-performing engineering teams at some of the world’s best technology companies makes him the right leader to help us build that.” 

As CTO, Fernandes will lead engineering, architecture, security and data globally, reporting to Group CEO Tamas Szabo. He will be based at Pepperstone’s global headquarters in Melbourne.

About Pepperstone 

Pepperstone is a global fintech and CFD broker serving traders in more than 160 countries. The company provides access to forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs and digital asset markets through industry-leading platforms, competitive pricing and a strong regulatory framework. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pepperstone-appoints-new-cto-to-drive-ai-native-proprietary-tech-push-302849795.html

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Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center launches Northwest Arkansas program to help small businesses grow and connect students to paid internships

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Over two years, the program gives early-stage founders mentorship and coaching while placing local college students in paid internships at area startups

PALO ALTO, Calif., Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, a non-profit, today announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind initiative in Northwest Arkansas that pilots a single model to address two challenges at once: giving early-stage small businesses the mentorship and coaching they need to grow, while helping local college students start their careers through paid internships at those businesses. The two-year program is delivered in partnership with the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC).

Supported by the Walton Family Foundation, the initiative is designed to build a new model that regions across the country can adapt to convert local entrepreneurial energy into lasting economic growth. Support for this work is foundational to Northwest Arkansas’s continued success as a national leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. The Wells Fargo Foundation provides additional support for the initiative.

Early-stage companies often lack access to the networks and knowledge they need to scale. At the same time, many students at the region’s colleges have limited access to clear pathways into the innovation economy. These two gaps exist side by side, and each reinforces the other.

The initiative is the first time the Center has brought together two programs it has run separately: Milestone Circles, which provides structured coaching and learning within peer cohorts; and Startup Intern Match, a paid internship placement program connecting university students with early-stage startups.

Startups entering the program are enrolled concurrently in Milestone Circles and Startup Intern Match, giving them onboarding frameworks and coaching before their interns arrive so they can make the most of the incoming talent. Across the grant period, the program will support four early-stage founder cohorts totaling 70 startups and place 140 students in paid internships.

Applications are open on a rolling basis and can be submitted at https://nasdaqcenter.org/milestone-circles-ar/#apply.

Milestone Circles in Northwest Arkansas

A CEO peer-cohort program that brings together early-stage founders for structured coaching, peer accountability, and shared learning. Four cohorts will run over two years, supporting 70 early-stage startups, with up to 16 in-person sessions per cohort, including onboarding, accountability sessions, and a graduation. Projected outcomes across the grant period include an average revenue increase of at least 10% among revenue-generating participants, a combined minimum of $500,000 in new capital raised, and at least 30 new jobs created.

The program is part of the Center’s national Milestone Circles initiative, which has graduated 8,381 founders across 17,839 applications to date. In 2025 alone, the program delivered 5,267 hours of technical assistance across 238 program experiences, and enrollment is expected to surpass 9,000 participants in 2026.

Startup Intern Match in Northwest Arkansas

A paid internship placement program connecting University of Arkansas and NWACC students with early-stage startups across four cohorts over two years, led on the student side by the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Students are compensated at $15 per hour for 10 hours per week over 12-week placements. Startups entering the program are enrolled concurrently in Milestone Circles, giving them onboarding frameworks and coaching before interns arrive. Across the grant period, 140 students will be placed.

The Center brings a proven track record in student placement. Most recently, working with Lehigh University, the Center placed 80 to 120 students per semester in startup internships. Demand is substantial, with more than 4,150 startups requesting interns to date, exceeding current program capacity by 32 times.

Both programs close with a joint graduation and Nasdaq Tower recognition in Times Square. Local advisor Matt Waller, former dean of the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business, provides regional credibility and on-the-ground relationship support, and facilitates Milestone Circles NWA.

Quotes

“Northwest Arkansas is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial energy, and we are proud to partner with the Walton Family Foundation to fuel that momentum,” said Nicola Corzine, CEO and Founding Executive Director of the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center. “Milestone Circles and Startup Intern Match will create real, lasting connections between students and startups, between founders and mentors, and between the Center and the Northwest Arkansas community.”

“Through the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, we are committed to immersive learning that connects students with real-world challenges, founders, and emerging companies,” said Brent Williams, dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. “We are pleased to partner with the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and Northwest Arkansas Community College on Startup Intern Match, an initiative that expands access to startup experiences while strengthening the talent pipeline across our region.”

“This partnership connects classroom learning with paid, real-world experience at startups across Northwest Arkansas, helping students build the skills and professional networks they need for strong careers,” said Dr. Chris LaFata, dean of Business and Computer Information Systems at Northwest Arkansas Community College.

“Northwest Arkansas has no shortage of ambitious founders. What they often lack is a room of peers who will ask the hard questions and hold them accountable. That is what Milestone Circles provides,” said Matt Waller, professor at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas and facilitator of Milestone Circles NWA.

“Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey,” said Yee-Lin Lai, senior program officer for the Walton Family Foundation’s Home Region Program. “Milestone Circles will connect Northwest Arkansas founders with peers and mentors who can help them navigate challenges and grow, while startup internships will give students hands-on experience and help build the region’s next generation of entrepreneurial talent.”

About the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center

The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center is a non-profit committed to growing access and resources for entrepreneurs. Since 2015, the Center has served more than 140,000 entrepreneurs worldwide, meeting the real-time needs of founders through educational programming and advancing entrepreneurial opportunity by sharing insights with policy leaders, capital allocators, and academic partners.

About the Walton Family Foundation

The Walton Family Foundation is at its core, a family-led foundation. Three generations of the descendants of our founders, Sam and Helen Walton, and their spouses, work together to lead the foundation and create access to opportunities for people and communities. We work in three areas: improving education, protecting rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and investing in our home region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta. To learn more, visit waltonfamilyfoundation.org.

About the Milestone Circles NWA facilitator

Matt Waller is a Professor of Supply Chain Management at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, where he holds the William Dillard II Endowed Leadership Chair. He served as dean of the college for eight years before returning to full-time faculty in 2023. He co-founded Mercari Technologies, one of Arkansas’s first venture-backed companies, and advises early-stage founders across Northwest Arkansas. He facilitates Milestone Circles NWA.

Media contact

Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center

thecenter@extensionpr.com 

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SOURCE Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center

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