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Cox Enterprises Backs Socium Ventures with a Second $300 Million Fund, Reinforcing Commitment to Fostering Innovation

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David Yang joins Socium Ventures as Partner

ATLANTA, Oct. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Socium Ventures is a venture and growth investment firm focused on investing in durable and compounding companies. Today, Cox Enterprises announced the second fund for Socium Ventures, a $300 million investment, bringing the total managed capital to $600 million. Socium Ventures is actively seeking investment opportunities in the $3 million to $25 million range across industries and sectors experiencing technology-led growth, including enterprise and vertical software, advanced computer tools, public sector software, healthcare, fintech, B2B marketplaces and sustainability. The Socium Ventures team looks to support its portfolio companies across every stage of development with strategic and operational support as well as permanent capital over the long term.

“Cox Enterprises has built innovative businesses for 126 years,” said Dallas Clement, president and chief financial officer, Cox Enterprises. “This second round of funding for Socium Ventures strengthens our ability to partner with the next generation of original thinkers to create solutions to big problems and prosperity for the next generation.”

Launched in June 2023, Socium Ventures, backed by Cox Enterprises, is looking to build on the strengths of the Cox platform, including its deep and permanent capital base as well as the strategic and operational expertise of Cox’s $23 billion family of businesses. Socium Ventures’ current portfolio of companies include New York-based Carbyne, a company revolutionizing how citizens engage with emergency services nationwide— and recently added Knowde and Crisp to the portfolio.

“This second fund recognizes what we’ve accomplished since launching Socium Ventures last year,” said Andrew Davis, senior vice president of Strategy and Investments, Cox Enterprises and managing partner of Socium Ventures. “Moving forward, we will continue our investing strategy to help early-stage businesses scale for a bigger impact. This is a formula that has worked well for us, and we are excited about our future prospects.”

In a significant addition to its team, Socium Ventures welcomes David Yang as a partner. He is the first dedicated senior hire for the firm. Yang joins Socium Ventures after spending 15 years investing in growth technology companies across investment stages, including venture, growth and public companies. His past investments have included Chime, Deuna, Digital Ocean, JOKR, Papaya Pay and PinDuoDuo. He started his investing career at Warburg Pincus and TA Associates.

“I’ve spent my career supporting founders and leadership teams who are building foundational companies,” said Yang. “I’m incredibly excited to join Socium Ventures and execute against our mandate of partnering with durable and compounding companies that are leading the charge on innovation and growth.”

For more information about Socium Ventures and its latest investments, please visit sociumventures.com.

About Cox Enterprises
Cox Enterprises is dedicated to empowering people to build a better future for the next generation. Cox is a leader in the broadband, automotive, and media industries, as well as a leading investment platform with strategic positions in emerging technologies driving the future of agriculture, renewable energy, health care, and public sector software. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Cox is a global company with $23 billion in annual revenues and a proud history spanning more than 125 years. To learn more about Cox and its commitment to its people, planet and communities, visit coxenterprises.com. 

About Socium Ventures
Socium Ventures, a venture and growth investment fund launched by Cox Enterprises, represents a new era in full life cycle investment strategies. Socium Ventures is dedicated to supporting portfolio companies at every stage of development and building strong partnerships with founders. Seeking investment opportunities for Series A and beyond, Socium Ventures offers a unique proposition, providing companies with access to deep and permanent capital, extensive strategic and operating experience, and support across stages and over the long term. Learn more at SociumVentures.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cox-enterprises-backs-socium-ventures-with-a-second-300-million-fund-reinforcing-commitment-to-fostering-innovation-302286408.html

SOURCE Cox Enterprises

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GLOBAL VOTING FOR 7 WONDERS OF FUTURE CITIES OFFICIALLY SWITCHED ON

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DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New Clark City, Philippines, hosts “switch-on” ceremony as New7Wonders opens worldwide public voting on www.7wondersfc.com to choose the urban developments shaping our future.

New7Wonders today officially launched global public voting for the 7 Wonders of Future Cities, in a landmark ceremony hosted in the Philippines on World Cities Day, marking the beginning of a year of worldwide participation, inviting people everywhere to vote for the cities and urban developments they believe best represent the future of urban life, which will culminate with the official declaration of the seven winning cities and developments on 31 October 2027. 

Hosted and organised by New Clark City, an Official Participant in the 7 Wonders of Future Cities campaign and one of the Philippines’ flagship urban development projects, the special switch-on ceremony brought together city leaders, media and invited guests to witness the activation of the global voting platform. 

Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of New7Wonders and Chairman of the 7 Wonders of Future Cities campaign, led the official switch-on. In a ceremonial moment, the campaign website at www.7wondersfc.com was transformed from its presentation format into the worldwide public voting platform, opening the opportunity for citizens across the globe to participate in selecting the urban visions that will define the cities of tomorrow. “Today, from the Philippines to the world, we have switched on more than a voting platform – we have switched on a global conversation about the future of our cities,” said de la Fuente. “For the next year, people everywhere have the opportunity to discover, engage with and champion the places they believe should become global symbols of urban progress.”

The 7 Wonders of Future Cities is a worldwide participation campaign from New7Wonders, the global authority behind the New 7 Wonders of the World and the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and is organised by Global Platform Limited, its Dubai, UAE-based worldwide licensing and commercial arm. Building on the extraordinary worldwide engagement of previous campaigns, which together have generated more than 600 million votes, the new initiative shifts the focus from celebrating humanity’s natural and historical wonders to recognising the places being created and transformed for humanity’s future. Participating cities and developments are brought together through three central themes: Environmental & Nature, Smart City and Human-Centric development. These reflect the conviction that successful future cities must balance ecological responsibility, technological progress and the needs and aspirations of the people who inhabit them.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-voting-for-7-wonders-of-future-cities-officially-switched-on-302925559.html

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SCANOLOGY Introduces AirGO Pad for On-Site 3D Scanning, Inspection and Reporting

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HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SCANOLOGY introduces AirGO Pad, an integrated mobile measurement platform that brings 3D scanning, inspection and reporting alongside the part being measured. Combining computing, industrial 3D inspection software and touchscreen operation, AirGO Pad works with compatible SCANOLOGY wireless 3D scanners to help operators complete the inspection workflow on-site without carrying a separate laptop.

When inspecting a large component, operators need to move around the part while keeping scan data and measurement controls accessible. Finding a suitable place for a laptop—and returning to it to check results or adjust settings—can interrupt that process, particularly where space is limited. AirGO Pad places the inspection interface on a portable tablet, allowing operators to view data and interact with the software beside the component.

Users can connect a compatible wireless 3D scanner and view 3D data in real time, monitoring scan coverage and quality as they work. They can then align data, perform measurements and inspect results on the same device. During scanning, operators can create comparison points, features and other inspection elements as needed. Preconfigured report templates complete the workflow, enabling standardized inspection reports to be generated directly on AirGO Pad.

The platform’s design supports these transitions between scanning, inspection and reporting. Its high-definition touchscreen keeps model details and measurement results within reach. Operators can use the tablet in handheld mode while moving around the part, then unfold the convertible stand to review results on a suitable surface. A neck strap provides additional support when carrying and operating the device.

“Making a measurement system mobile means considering more than how operators carry the 3D scanner. They also need access to their data and inspection tools beside the part. We developed AirGO Pad to bring these activities together, from reviewing scan data to producing the inspection report,” said a product manager at SCANOLOGY.

AirGO Pad supports SCANOLOGY’s third-generation handheld and wireless optical 3D scanning systems, standard CAD/3D formats and wireless PC synchronization for measurement, annotation and review.

For product details or to request a demonstration, visit AirGo Pad product page.

About SCANOLOGY

SCANOLOGY develops industrial 3D measurement solutions for manufacturing and engineering. Its products are used for 3D measurement, automated inspection, and quality control. They are trusted by more than 10,000 enterprises across over 70 countries and regions, serving industries such as aerospace, automotive, and heavy manufacturing.

SOURCE SCANOLOGY

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SKYWORTH Solar Announces Global Launch of Solavita as a Smart Microgrid Brand

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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SKYWORTH Solar has officially announced the global launch of Solavita, its dedicated brand for smart microgrid solutions. Positioned strategically as “A Smart Microgrid Expert for Diverse Energy Scenarios,” Solavita consolidates the company’s extensive solution portfolio and service infrastructure under a unified global identity, building upon its rapidly expanding international footprint.

Addressing Grid Flexibility and Long-Term System Value

The launch comes as electricity systems face growing demands for flexibility. The International Energy Agency’s 2026 mid-year electricity update highlights the importance of flexible resources and more efficient use of infrastructure as renewable generation expands. For customers, the priorities vary by market: managing electricity costs, using more locally generated solar power, or maintaining essential loads where grid supply is unreliable.

“As renewable energy becomes more distributed, the long-term performance of the whole system becomes increasingly important,” said Fan Ruiwu, Chairman of SKYWORTH Solar. “We see that performance as the foundation of our international energy business. With Solavita, we are bringing our capabilities together around a common approach to solution development and service, while working with local partners to adapt delivery to each market. Our focus is on the value these systems provide throughout their life.”

Solutions for Different Energy Needs

To address the dual challenges of grid volatility and operational cost, Solavita engineers its systems around a core architectural philosophy prioritizing grid-forming stability, intelligent automation, cross-generation efficiency, and multi-tier security. Translating these technical principles into practical applications, the brand introduces a comprehensive solution matrix tailored to specific market demands.

For residential users, the SolaHome suite utilizes an advanced Home Energy Management System (HEMS) to seamlessly coordinate rooftop solar, battery storage, and flexible domestic loads like heat pumps and EV chargers. In markets with dynamic electricity tariffs, such as Germany, HEMS automates energy dispatch to capitalize on low-price periods. This practical value is evidenced by a recent residential installation in Jesteburg, Germany, combines 18.9 kW of rooftop solar with 20.48 kWh of battery storage. Solavita reports nearly €50 in electricity-price arbitrage benefits during the first month of dynamic-tariff operation.

Expanding beyond the home, the portfolio scales up with SolaBiz, which integrates distributed solar, commercial storage, and smart dispatch to help factories and retail spaces manage peak-demand costs and safeguard against grid disruptions.

For larger utility and off-grid demands, SolaMatrix delivers scalable, containerized storage and microgrid management focused on stabilizing renewable integration in weak grid environments.

Finally, ensuring energy access in highly mobile contexts, SolaGo offers plug-and-play balcony solar and portable power systems for outdoor activities and critical emergency backup, completing Solavita’s end-to-end coverage of modern energy applications.

Global Engineering Foundation and Ecosystem Delivery

To guarantee the reliable implementation and long-term asset value of these diverse solutions, SKYWORTH Solar underpins Solavita with a robust global engineering foundation.

On the technology front, the Smart Microgrid Technology Centre connects cutting-edge research with product engineering, supported by academic collaborations with Tianjin University and Hainan University. This pipeline is further strengthened by a comprehensive Haikou test platform—scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2026—to rigorously validate grid-connected, islanded, and grid-forming systems.

The InfraCosmos Digital Platform supports lifecycle data management, operational monitoring and fault identification. It connects system information with service and maintenance, helping teams monitor performance and respond to operating issues.

Beyond hardware and software, this foundation extends to flexible supply chain execution and strategic project delivery. Solavita employs F+D+EPC+O (Financing, Development, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations) framework for large-scale, asset-light project coordination, alongside a localized PD2C cooperation model actively deployed in markets like Germany and Italy to ensure rapid, market-specific service.

These capabilities underpin Solavita’s positioning as a smart microgrid expert, connecting system development with local delivery and ongoing service. The aim is to make integrated energy systems practical to deploy and support in each market.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/skyworth-solar-announces-global-launch-of-solavita-as-a-smart-microgrid-brand-302925531.html

SOURCE SKYWORTH Solar

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