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Firsthand Emerges from Stealth to Build the AI Agent Platform for Brands and Publishers

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Firsthand’s applied generative AI technology allows brands and publishers to easily create and distribute their own AI agents to engage directly with consumers everywhere online – while retaining full control of their data and content.Seed round led by AI fund Radical Ventures

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Firsthand, a company enabling brands and publishers to build and distribute AI agents anywhere their consumers are, emerged from stealth today announcing a Seed round led by AI-focused Radical Ventures. The company’s innovative platform empowers brands and publishers to create their own AI agents that are embedded with their own protected knowledge and tasked with and measured by their own goals. These agents can conduct 1:1 personalized conversations and content presentation with consumers in their moment of need, anywhere they’re seeking information online. This represents a seismic shift in how companies can control how, when, and where their content appears in front of consumers, onsite and beyond their own digital properties – all powered by intelligent, AI-directed interactions. Firsthand was founded in 2023 by Jonathan Heller, Michael Rubenstein, and Wei Wei, pioneers of digital advertising who built industry-leading platform companies including DoubleClick, AppNexus, and FreeWheel – companies that were built to support an open digital ecosystem.

The Rise of AI Agents

Until recently, there has been no feasible way for brands and publishers to engage in real-time, one-to-one exchanges with consumers on and off their digital properties — where they can fully control how, when, and where their data and content assets are surfaced to consumers. The introduction of AI agents presents an unparalleled opportunity for companies to connect and interact with their audiences directly at scale through AI exchanges and consumer-directed actions.

For decades, powerful algorithms have dictated traffic, monetization, and representation, diverting value away from both brands and publishers. As consumers rush to navigate this new AI landscape, tech giants are seeking to aggressively exploit this unprecedented AI wave by ingesting data and serving AI applications fronting the data and content assets created by brands and publishers, directly to consumers. In this scenario, companies continue to see their most prized assets get summarized, diluted, and even misrepresented by tech giants. This dependency not only erodes vital brand-consumer relationships but also prevents them from fully realizing their potential in the new AI era.

Firsthand: AI-Powered Conversational Campaigns

Firsthand’s AI platform allows brands and publishers to harness the full potential of generative AI to engage in direct conversations with consumers, using their own proprietary data and content to drive more engaging and accurate interactions. Its platform is the only solution that allows companies to engage with their consumers wherever they are by distributing their agents, in context, across any partner’s site in a mutually-beneficial, rights-controlled process.

Firsthand’s platform consists of dual solutions: First, Lakebed, the company’s AI rights and data management layer, gives content owners full ownership of their knowledge assets and control over where, when, and by whom their content is used by AI. Second, the company’s generative marketing agents use approved content to enable 1:1 conversations personalized to consumers’ in-moment needs.

Through Firsthand’s platform:

Brands benefit from explicit questions and feedback coming directly from their consumers that drive campaign outcomes, richer first-party audience data to strengthen marketing and product strategy, and confidence to safely navigate the new AI landscape;Publishers see greater audience engagement with their knowledge, unlocking new, premium monetization opportunities whilst retaining full ownership and control of their greatest assets; andConsumers get direct access to the information they’re seeking from the most trusted sources.

AI specialists Radical Ventures led the Seed round, with David Katz leading the investment and serving on the Board. Additional participation included Brian O’Kelley (Scope3, AppNexus), David Rosenblatt (1stDibs.com, DoubleClick), and other leading technology entrepreneurs.

“The current digital ecosystem leaves publishers vulnerable: their data is exploited, their access controlled, and their voice diluted,” said David Katz, Partner at Radical Ventures. He continued: “In a landscape poised for AI-driven disruption, Firsthand’s infrastructure empowers them to take back control, unlock data value, and thrive in the future as new and exciting AI innovation changes the way we interact through devices.”

Firsthand is currently conducting a pilot program with a select group of brands and publishers.

About Firsthand
Firsthand is the AI agent platform purpose-built for brands and publishers. The company’s innovative platform allows brands and publishers to protect, control, and deploy their data and content across direct conversational campaigns that are powered by custom AI agents, and distributed anywhere a consumer is seeking information online. Founded by digital advertising veterans and funded by AI pioneers, Firsthand is focused on building the data and agent infrastructure that will power consumer interactions in the AI era. For more information and to see open roles, visit firsthand.ai.

Media Contact:
Veronique Valcu
media@firsthand.ai

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SOURCE Firsthand

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Trina Storage and AMP-lify Sign MoU for 1 GWh of Grid-Connected Battery Storage Projects in Japan

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CHUZHOU, China, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trina Storage, the energy storage business unit of Trinasolar, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AMP-lify, a Japanese clean energy platform, to supply approximately 1 GWh of grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) equipment for AMP-lify’s projects. AMP-lify develops, constructs and operates grid-connected BESS, utility-scale solar, and onshore wind projects across Japan.

Under the MoU, Trina Storage will supply its Elementa 3 series BESS and provide related technical support for approximately 1 GWh of AMP-lify’s BESS projects. Trina Storage’s Japan team will support system configuration, technical consultation, delivery coordination and after-sales service.

Trina Storage’s Elementa 3 is equipped with Trina Storage in-house 587Ah high-capacity cell, providing up to 6.25 MWh per container for larger utility-scale sites. For projects affected by transport access, limited land or proximity to communities, the 1.56 MWh Elementa 3 Flex offers an approximately five-square-metre footprint, a weight of about 13 tonnes for standard-truck transport, operating noise of 65 dB or less and modular expansion.

Japan’s Seventh Strategic Energy Plan projects renewable energy at approximately 40–50% of power generation in fiscal year 2040 and calls for storage batteries to help balance renewable output. As variable renewable generation increases, developers need storage projects that combine appropriate system design with local execution and long-term support. Trina Storage’s BESS technology and Japan-based support are backed by its recognition as a BloombergNEF Tier 1 energy storage supplier for 11 consecutive quarters.

“Japan’s storage market needs projects that are technically sound and executable under local conditions. Working with Trina Storage’s technology and local support gives us a strong basis to move the projects from site evaluation through construction and into reliable operation,” said Martin Stein, Representative Director and CEO of AMP-lify.

“Japan’s storage market has distinct engineering and delivery requirements. Road weight limits and narrow site access affect transport, while mountainous terrain, limited land, community noise expectations, seismic design and coastal conditions influence system configuration. This MoU allows us to address those factors with AMP-lify from the earliest stages of development. By combining its local execution capabilities with our Elementa 3 portfolio and Japan-based technical support, we can configure each project around its site requirements while building toward the scale envisaged under this cooperation,” said Dr Leo Zhao, Head of Energy Storage, Trinasolar Asia Pacific.

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SOURCE Trina Solar Energy Development Pte. Ltd.

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Solidion Technology Announces Stock Buyback Program

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Board Authorization Reflects Confidence in Solidion’s Long-Term Strategy and Commitment to Enhancing Shareholder Value

DALLAS, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Solidion Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: STI) (“Solidion Technology” or “the Company”), an advanced battery technology solutions provider, today announced that its Board of Directors (“the Board”) has authorized a new stock buyback program, pursuant to which the Company intended to buyback up to $1.0 Million of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

The stock buyback program became effective on September 13, 2026 and will remain in effect until (i) the date on which the full amount authorized has been repurchased, (ii) March 14, 2028 or (iii) the date on which the authorization is terminated by the Board.

The authorization reflects the Board’s confidence in Solidion’s long-term strategy and provides the Company with additional flexibility in its approach to capital allocation. Solidion believes that the buybacks may represent an attractive use of capital while supporting the Company’s broader objective of creating long-term value for stockholders. Open-market repurchases are expected to be conducted in accordance with applicable federal securities laws, as well as applicable Nasdaq requirements and state law.

“The Board’s authorization of this stock buyback program reflects our confidence in Solidion’s long-term prospects and our commitment to disciplined capital allocation,” said Jaymes Winters, Chief Executive Officer of Solidion Technology. “We believe that our technology, intellectual property and strategic position provide a strong foundation for future growth. This program gives us the flexibility to act when we believe market conditions present an attractive opportunity to invest in Solidion and enhance long-term value for our stockholders.”

About Solidion Technology, Inc.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas with pilot production facilities in Dayton, Ohio, Solidion’s (NASDAQ: STI) core business includes manufacturing of battery materials and components, as well as development and production of next-generation batteries for energy storage systems, including UPS systems serving the artificial intelligence (AI) data center market and electric vehicles for ground, aerospace, and sea transportation. Solidion holds a portfolio of over 385 patents, covering innovations such as high-capacity, silane gas free and graphene-enabled silicon anodes, biomass-based graphite, advanced lithium-sulfur and lithium-metal technologies.

For more information, please visit www.solidiontech.com or contact Investor Relations.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Solidion Technology Inc., (NASDAQ: STI) (the “Company,” “Solidion,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Please follow us on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/solidion-tech
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SOURCE Solidion Technology, Inc.

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Sophia Space and SLI Set Terms for $300 Million Asset Financing for 10-Satellite High-Performance Edge Computing Constellation

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SLI’s asset financing model, proven across other asset classes, such as transportation and energy, now accelerates deployment of orbital infrastructure

PASADENA, Calif., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sophia Space today announced a $300 million financing framework with aerospace leasing specialist, SLI, for a planned 10-satellite high-performance edge computing constellation, bringing proven financing models used to scale aviation, energy, maritime, rail, and telecommunications, into this next phase of orbital computing. Under the arrangement, SLI will purchase the satellites from Sophia and lease them to the end-users on the basis of fixed monthly or quarterly payments.

Once deployed, the constellation would deliver aggregate computing capacity equivalent to 240 state-of-the-art edge servers, while allowing Sophia to preserve equity capital for technology development and operations.

The collaboration also reflects a long-term commitment between the two companies to develop the financing structures and deployment playbook that orbital compute infrastructure will require to move from the laboratory to low Earth orbit.

“Asset financing didn’t invent aviation or shipping, but it accelerated them at scale,” said Rob DeMillo, CEO and Cofounder of Sophia Space. “We’re doing the same for orbital computing. This approach with SLI signals that Sophia Space’s space infrastructure is mature enough to attract the capital structures that have historically built terrestrial infrastructure.”

The financing structure, outlined in a non-binding letter of support, aligns SLI’s financing with Sophia’s build and deployment schedule, supporting the purchase and deployment of 10 Sophia TILE spacecraft through a long-term operating lease. Mission launches are scheduled for as early as 2028.

The constellation is designed to deliver in-orbit edge data services for applications including Earth observation, weather analytics, supply-chain management, and disaster preparedness, while also addressing growing demand for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and other mission-critical security applications.

“Lowering barriers to entry unlocks markets,” explained Praveen Vetrivel, Chief Executive Officer at SLI. “Sophia has the technology, the team, and the vision. What had been missing was access to scalable, non-dilutive capital. This framework provides it, giving them the capacity and flexibility they need to build the next layer of digital infrastructure.”

The long-term lease is designed to span the satellites’ expected useful lives, matching capital deployment with the revenue-generating life of the assets. The approach provides Sophia with a predictable financing structure for scaling its orbital infrastructure without relying exclusively on equity capital.

SLI is the aerospace subsidiary of Libra Group, which brings more than $15 billion in asset financing experience in the transportation industries to the space economy.

About Sophia Space Inc.
Sophia Space is building the future of orbital computing and in-space data centers. Its modular TILE technology enables passive computing alongside in-situ data processing, AI acceleration, and edge computing for satellites, defense systems, and commercial space stations, dramatically reducing latency and delivering actionable insights where and when they are needed. Learn more at www.sophia.space

About SLI
SLI was established by Libra Group in 2023 to address the capital needs of the rapidly growing aerospace industry by providing flexible, innovative asset-financing solutions with an initial focus on satellites, ground stations and frontier aviation assets, such as zero-emission electric aircraft. Leveraging Libra Group companies’ decades of experience owning and leasing high-value, mission-critical assets around the world across aviation, maritime, and renewable energy, SLI seeks to bridge the gap between capital availability and asset deployment, accelerating the creation of an integrated aerospace economy. www.sliaerospace.com

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SOURCE Sophia Space

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