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Fiamma Announces $4M Seed Round Led By Lightspeed Faction and L2 Iterative Ventures

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Investment Will be Leveraged to Revolutionize Bitcoin with Trust-Minimized and ZK Infrastructure Solutions

SINGAPORE, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Fiamma, a Bitcoin and ZK infrastructure company transforming Bitcoin into a dynamic and programmable asset, today announced an oversubscribed $4M seed round investment led by Lightspeed Faction and L2IV. Additional participating investors include Astera Ventures, Contribution Capital, Sat Ventures, Chapter One, and FoundersHead. The investment also includes participation from key strategic investors in the Bitcoin infrastructure space, such as BOB (Build on Bitcoin), alongside various angel investors such as the founders of Satlayer and Daedalus.

The company plans to utilize this investment to scale Fiamma’s operations, accelerate product development, and drive adoption of its foundational technologies; Fiamma Bridge, the first trust-minimized Bitcoin bridge, and Fiamma Layer, the first ZK verification layer on Bitcoin powered by BitVM2.

Yovela Luo, co-founder and CEO of Fiamma, states: “Bitcoin is one of the world’s most valuable assets, yet over 98% of it remains idle. At Fiamma, we’re activating this dormant asset, utilizing it in the most trustless and secure manner. This ushers in a Bitcoin renaissance, seamlessly weaving it into everyday life.”

Fiamma’s innovations represent the first implementations of BitVM2, a breakthrough that enables Bitcoin to not only scale but also interact with other programmable blockchains in the most trustless way. The company pioneered the development and implementation of the most efficient and smallest verifiers in Bitcoin script (Fflonk and Groth16). This innovation lays the groundwork for highly optimized ZK verification, with a continued commitment to advancing and refining these verifiers.

Cyimon Chen, co-founder and CTO of Fiamma, remarks: “With seven years as a ZK enthusiast and inspired by the BitVM paper, we quickly harnessed our expertise to develop the first functional ZK verifiers for Bitcoin.”

Bitcoin‘s unmatched security and decentralized nature have long been underutilized for real-world applications. Fiamma’s groundbreaking technology unlocks Bitcoin‘s potential to power programmable financial systems, including but not limited to stablecoins, payments, lending platforms, decentralized applications, pragmatically trustless cross-chain interoperability, DeFi protocols, and other innovative use cases—all while maintaining a trust-minimized and secure architecture.

As part of a broader ecosystem effort, Fiamma is working closely with strategic partners including the ones in the ZK and Bitcoin space. These collaborations will accelerate innovation and adoption while positioning Bitcoin as the backbone of the decentralized internet and financial systems. To celebrate this milestone, Fiamma is launching The Mama Code testnet campaign, inviting users to engage with the Fiamma Bridge and explore its innovative capabilities. Early adopters can participate and earn rewards.

Investor Quotes

Clara Boh at Lightspeed Faction, said “trustless bridging infrastructure is needed to maximize the utility and functionality of Bitcoin. Fiamma’s implementation of BitVM2 via its Bitcoin-secured ZK proof verification network paves the way for trustless bridging, scalability and Bitcoin-native applications. We are excited to support the Fiamma team as they strive to refine new opportunities for the Bitcoin ecosystem.”

Kevin Lee and Weikeng Chen at L2IV, added “Fiamma represents a groundbreaking step forward in bringing additional functionality to Bitcoin. Its unique architectural design seamlessly integrates advanced off-chain computation and verification through BitVM2, unlocking programmability and scalability without compromising Bitcoin‘s core security and decentralization principles. By leveraging this innovative framework, Fiamma enables features such as trustless smart contracts and composable DeFi, previously thought unattainable on Bitcoin.

The introduction of BitVM2 is particularly transformative—it pushes the boundaries of Bitcoin‘s scripting capabilities, allowing for more expressive and flexible execution of decentralized applications. This not only enhances the utility of Bitcoin but also redefines its role within the broader blockchain ecosystem. At L2 Iterative Ventures, we are proud to lead this financing round, recognizing Fiamma as a catalyst for innovation and a pivotal force in reshaping Bitcoin‘s future. Their solution positions Bitcoin as a true hub for decentralized applications, making it a cornerstone for the next wave of blockchain adoption.”

About Fiamma
Fiamma is unlocking real-world use cases for Bitcoin, transforming it into a dynamic asset and the foundation for a decentralized internet and financial system. Backed by Lightspeed Faction and L2IV, Fiamma leads innovation with the Fiamma Bridge and Fiamma Layer, the first products to implement BitVM2. These foundational technologies are just the beginning, as Fiamma continues to develop protocols that expand Bitcoin‘s potential across programmable blockchains and real-world applications.

For more information, visit fiammachain.io or follow us on Twitter.

Contact:

faction@mgroupsc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fiamma-announces-4m-seed-round-led-by-lightspeed-faction-and-l2-iterative-ventures-302322685.html

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Act Now: ez1095 Software Simplifies ACA Corrections with Built-In XML Import Feature

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ez1095 ACA software includes a powerful XML data import feature included in the e-file version to streamline correction and replacement form filing.

REDMOND, Wash., Apr. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With ACA compliance deadlines approaching and penalties on the line, Halfpricesoft.com is urging employers and tax professionals to act quickly with the latest 2025 ez1095 software, now equipped with a built-in XML data import feature designed to simplify ACA correction and replacement form processing.

Don’t risk ACA penalties or last-minute filing stress. Get ahead of correction and replacement filing with ez1095. Download the software, leverage the built-in XML import feature, and ensure accurate, compliant ACA submissions, click here to get started now.

Developers at Halfpricesoft.com have enhanced ez1095 ACA (Affordable Care Act) software to include XML import functionality at no additional cost, allowing users to efficiently process corrections with greater speed and accuracy.

“ez1095 2025 software includes an XML data import feature to process correction and replacement forms more quickly and securely,” said Dr. Ge, Founder of Halfpricesoft.com.

This feature significantly reduces manual data entry and helps organizations manage ACA corrections with confidence. Businesses handling only a few corrections can choose to print paper forms with the “Corrected” box checked and submit by mail, while those needing to efile can follow step-by-step guidance here.

ez1095 supports all required ACA forms, including 1095-C, 1094-C, 1095-B, and 1094-B, and is IRS-approved to generate electronic filing documents for both current and prior tax years. By managing ACA filings in-house, organizations gain greater control, improved data security, and reduced processing costs.

The software also eliminates the need for pre-printed forms by allowing users to print both IRS and recipient copies on plain white paper. With robust import capabilities, including spreadsheets, XML files, and prior-year data, ez1095 ensures faster setup and streamlined processing.

Flexible Pricing Options:

$295 – Print & Mail Version

$495 – Federal Efile Version

$695 – State & Federal Efile Version

Each version supports unlimited companies, recipients, and ACA forms at no additional cost. Learn more

Key Features Include:

Built-in XML import for fast ACA correction processing

IRS-approved efile document generation

Support for original, correction, replacement, and test submissions

Print ACA forms (1095/1094 B & C) on plain white paper

Unlimited form processing for multiple companies

PDF generation for recipient distribution

No internet required to run the software

Easy step-by-step interface with built-in help resources

Efile direct, add-on feature available for those with no time or TCC code

Compatibility with Windows 11, 10, and 8

Don’t hesitate! Correct ACA forms today by visiting Halfpricesoft.com. Test drive the ez1095 for up to 30 days at no cost or obligation. Please note: Trial will appear on forms and efile feature is not enabled for test drive.

Halfpricesoft.com is a leading provider of small business software, including payroll, accounting, time tracking, and check printing solutions. Its product lineup includes W2, 1099, and 1095 form software, as well as ezACH direct deposit tools. Trusted by businesses for over two decades, Halfpricesoft.com helps streamline operations and simplify payroll and tax reporting.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/act-now-ez1095-software-simplifies-aca-corrections-with-built-in-xml-import-feature-302735658.html

SOURCE Halfpricesoft.com

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Code & Co. Opens New York Office

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Kirby Montgomery Appointed to Lead Local Team

BERLIN, LONDON and NEW YORK, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Code & Co., the global AI & Technology Due Diligence firm, today announces the opening of its New York City office and the appointment of Kirby Montgomery as Head of North America.

The US has long been a core market for the firm, accounting for a significant share of its 800+ engagements to date. Kirby will lead the local expert team, backed by Code & Co.’s practice and proprietary AI and software platform.

An operator-first appointment with a decade of PE-adjacent experience

Kirby brings twenty years of experience scaling software products across fintech, payments, and healthtech. Most recently, he was Head of Product and GM at SAP Taulia, leading the 0-to-1 build of a new payments line. Earlier, as VP of Product Management at C2FO, he helped replatform a supply chain finance product generating over $130M in gross revenue and launched the C2FO API platform. As Director of International Product at TreviPay (then MSTS), he helped scale annual transactions to $5B and expand from 4 to 30 countries, ahead of its acquisition by Corsair Capital in 2020. He also co-founded TheraWe, acquired by Rethink First (a K1 Capital platform).

Code & Co. first met Kirby in 2020 during its Tech DD on MSTS for the Corsair transaction. Over the next six years, he worked alongside the firm in a senior advisory capacity, making a full-time move the obvious next step.

From Our Leadership Team

“We have been serving US clients for years, but having a strong team on the ground, in their timezone, changes what we can deliver. Faster access and the speed to insight that modern deal-making demands, backed by our global team with 800+ deals behind them.”
– Dan Bender, Founding Partner

“Most investors are asking harder questions about AI than ever before and need answers they can act on. That is what drew me to Code & Co. The team has spent a decade building the tools, methodology, and track record to give investors real conviction and real-world action plans. I am here to scale that further, on both the buy-side and sell-side, and everything in between.”
– Kirby Montgomery, Head of North America

What We Do

Code & Co. offers an end-to-end suite of AI & Technology DD services, purpose-built for the pace and demands of modern deal-making.

AI & Tech DD: Fast, actionable, data-driven buy-side assessments covering every major market, strategy, and sector, supporting funds from first look through the entire value creation lifecycle.Sell-side & Vendor DD: Helping sellers get ahead of buyer scrutiny with rigorous exit readiness assessments and vendor DD materials that hold up to sophisticated acquirers.Lightning DD: Rapid pre-qualification delivering a sharp first point of view, driven by document analysis, deep research, and web signal intelligence, before significant time or capital is committed to a process.Cyber & IT DD: Full-spectrum infrastructure, security posture, and IT operational risk review, relevant across virtually every deal type.Embedded Software & Hardware: In-house expertise across embedded systems, hardware-adjacent software, and Industry 4.0 and IIoT environments.AI Future Readiness: Cutting through AI hype to assess whether a company’s strategy, architecture, governance, team, and roadmap are genuinely defensible and built to scale.Portfolio Monitoring & Continuous Diligence: Ongoing technology and AI maturity tracking across portfolio companies, powered by Code & Co.’s proprietary software stack.

About Code & Co.

Code & Co. is a leading AI & Technology DD firm serving private equity and growth investors globally. Founded in 2016, the firm has completed 800+ engagements for 200+ funds across buy-side, sell-side, and vendor mandates. Every team member is an operator with hands-on experience in technology, product, and AI. www.codeandco.com

Full press release: https://www.codeandco.com/media/code-co-opens-new-york-office

For inquiries: hello@codeandco.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/code–co-opens-new-york-office-302747121.html

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Fastmarkets and Expana form strategic partnership to strengthen forest products market intelligence

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LONDON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fastmarkets and Expana, global leaders in commodity price reporting and market intelligence, today announced a strategic partnership to deliver deeper, more actionable forest products intelligence to customers.

Under the partnership, Fastmarkets’ trusted forest products price benchmarks will be integrated directly into the Expana platform, giving customers streamlined access to essential upstream pricing alongside downstream market insights. The collaboration is designed to support faster, more confident decision‑making across increasingly complex and volatile forest products markets.

By combining Fastmarkets’ authoritative, IOSCO‑compliant price assessments with Expana’s downstream intelligence and analytics, customers can access critical pricing for key forest product categories – including pallets, wood, recovered paper and packaging – within a single workflow.

“As forest products markets become more volatile and margin pressure increases, customers need trusted price benchmarks embedded alongside downstream intelligence,” said Raju Daswani, CEO at Fastmarkets. “Partnering with Expana allows us to deliver that combination in a way that is practical, decision‑ready and directly aligned with how Expana’s agri-food customers operate.”

Fastmarkets delivers some of the most widely relied-upon forest products price assessments globally, spanning pulp, recovered paper, timber, biomass, wood products, pallets, tissue, nonwovens and graphic paper. These benchmarks provide transparency and confidence to buyers, sellers and traders navigating dynamic market conditions.

“At Expana, we are committed to providing our users with comprehensive, reliable data to support smarter decision-making,” said Julie Harris, CEO at Expana “Fastmarkets’ authoritative forest products price benchmarks are a natural fit for our customers, and this partnership represents a meaningful step forward in expanding the insights available on our platform,” she added.

Expana delivers comprehensive market intelligence and analytics across food, beverage and FMCG supply chains, with deep expertise in packaging materials, industrial inputs and cost modeling. The platform’s advanced analytics and forecasting tools help customers understand cross-commodity relationships and supply chain impacts, enabling more strategic procurement decisions across volatile markets.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment by Fastmarkets and Expana to improving market transparency and equipping customers across the value chain with high‑quality, decision‑critical intelligence.

For more information, contact media@fastmarkets.com or visit www.fastmarkets.com.

ABOUT FASTMARKETS

Fastmarkets is an industry-leading PRA and information provider for the agriculture, forest products, metals, carbon and energy transition markets. Its benchmark prices, analytics, forecasts, and insights are critical to customers seeking to trade, manage risk, and understand complex global markets.

Fastmarkets was founded in 1913, with a heritage dating back to 1865 through several of its acquired brands. Fastmarkets employs more than 700 people worldwide, with offices across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The company is privately held and backed by Astorg, a leading European private equity firm.

ABOUT EXPANA

Expana is the world’s leading agrifood-focused Price Reporting Agency and global information provider. In markets defined by volatility, opacity and risk, Expana equips businesses with the foresight when to buy or sell, how much, where to source, what to reformulate and how to price. By uniting frequently updated pricing data, predictive forecasts, cost modeling and expert analysis, Expana transforms market data into negotiation power and boardroom-ready intelligence. The result: reduced risk, millions saved in COGS, stronger supply resilience, and faster, more confident growth.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fastmarkets-and-expana-form-strategic-partnership-to-strengthen-forest-products-market-intelligence-302747342.html

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