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Sproutr Raises Seed Round to Help MGAs/MGUs, Program Administrators, and Carriers Launch Innovative P&C Products and Programs Faster and More Efficiently

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InsurTech Startup Supports Over 35 Customers and has Successfully Launched More Than 60 Innovative Products and Programs in Just Two and a Half Years

SOLEBURY, Pa., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sproutr, a boutique insurance product design and build firm, today announced the close of its seed round led by Altai Ventures, one of the leading specialist fintech venture capital firms.

Built by insurance operators, Sproutr exists to bridge one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: the gap between innovation and execution. By helping MGAs/MGUs, program administrators, and carriers navigate complex regulatory processes and internal structures, Sproutr empowers them to launch new P&C products and programs faster, smarter, and more efficiently — seizing market opportunities before they’re lost.

“Within virtually every entity that sells insurance products lies a team that is often not spoken about – a department responsible for developing policy language, drafting endorsements, and by doing so, one that defines the very promises that insurers make to their policyholders and without which they would not be able to operate,” explained Oleg Ilichev, Managing Partner, Altai Ventures. “Developing effective product language comes from program management experience. Leading with outcome-based insurance insights, Sproutr has built a method that enhances these existing workflows and offerings by combining the best insurance product experts with modern technology to design insurance products and programs in a more efficient and strategic manner,” said Ilichev.

Sproutr addresses a critical industry challenge, which is the gap between insurance innovation and execution. For new and existing MGAs/MGUs and program administrators, translating early-stage ideas into viable, carrier-backed programs involves navigating complex regulatory processes, internal carrier structures, and uncertain timelines. All of these factors can hinder innovation.

On the carrier side, rigid workflows and siloed responsibilities can also slow down decision-making, leading to missed market opportunities by launching products too late or chasing ill-defined business cases.

Sproutr’s mission is to redefine the standards in insurance program and product design by simplifying the process of bringing regulated products to market. Sproutr achieves this through its tech-forward approach, proprietary frameworks & processes, and deep industry expertise, helping new and established MGAs/MGUs, program administrators, and others capitalize on market opportunities and avoid missteps.

Sproutr is comprised of experienced insurance operators who have successfully launched and scaled insurance programs across the P&C spectrum. The firm delivers end-to-end advisory, authoring, and execution support across all stages of development, including:

Market ValidationUnderwriting GuidelinesForm & Rate DevelopmentRegulatory FilingsCarrier Paper StrategyPost Launch Audits and More

“At Accelerant, we pride ourselves on helping our Members move with agility and purpose,” said Mike McAuliffe, President at Accelerant Underwriting Managers. “Sproutr has been instrumental in delivering on this promise, sharing our Member-centric worldview and helping them build products and programs that meet real market needs,” noted McAuliffe.

Sproutr’s team of insurance professionals (CUOs, Product Managers, Compliance Experts, etc.) has over 300 years of combined experience building products and programs. Currently, the firm supports over 35 customers and has successfully launched over 60 products and programs in just 2.5 years. Some of the customers that trust Sproutr include: Accelerant, Blitz Insurance, Boost, District Cover, Everspan, MGT Insurance Company, and Sertis, among others.

“Having built, launched, and managed programs at AIG, Hippo, Hanover, and Attune, I know firsthand how hard it is to bring new insurance products to market even when you have access to the required parts (paper, capacity, & product), ” said JoAnne Artesani, CEO & Founder, Sproutr. “I founded Sproutr to direct my experience towards building a practice dedicated to propelling founders and program writers in executing their visions using smart, cost-effective, and pragmatic approaches. At Sproutr, we call this “Seeing Beyond”. Today, we operate these principles at scale with a technology-driven, customer first approach and a growing team of incredible talent, which drove my decision to bring strategic capital into Sproutr,” explained Artesani.

Sproutr, a profitable insurtech startup with over 35 customers, plans to use its funding to create more value for its growing customer base by accelerating the firm’s execution of its technology roadmap and scaling its growing team. The firm is a proud partner program member of AAIS and an approved service provider of TMPAA. For more information about Sproutr, visit: https://www.sproutr.com/ 

About Sproutr
Sproutr is an insurance product design & build firm. Moving beyond advisory services, Sproutr exists to support start-up and legacy insurance providers in leading core insurance functions to validate, design, and author new or expanding product launch efforts. Their team has deep experience and credibility in leading underwriting, process, and product design and implementation within Fortune 500 companies and unicorn insurtechs. Choosing Sproutr means gaining the strength and credibility of a multi-disciplinary team that has navigated real industry obstacles. 

About Altai Ventures
Altai Ventures is a specialist venture capital firm with a focus on backing and incubating early-stage startups in financial services. Altai’s mission is to empower extraordinary founders to reinvent financial services by using its operating expertise, deep industry knowledge, and strategic LPs to drive immediate, meaningful value creation.

Media Contact:
JoAnne Artesani
info@sproutr.com
215-867-9277

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SOURCE Sproutr Holdings LLC

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Wulcea Elevates Consumer Trust in Heated Apparel Through Multi-National Safety Certifications and Rigorous Technical Testing

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NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As smart heated clothing gains broader adoption, consumers are paying closer attention to the safety and reliability of the technology behind these products. Wulcea, a brand specializing in graphene-powered heated apparel, combines its flexible GrapheneNano™ heating technology with documented safety compliance and durability testing for its heating components and battery systems.

“Trust in smart heated apparel goes beyond warmth—it comes down to confidence in battery safety and heating element reliability,” said John C, Founder of Wulcea. “Our goal is to give users peace of mind through certified technical standards.”

Advanced Graphene Heating Elements Supported by Global Standards

At the core of Wulcea’s thermal architecture is its GrapheneNano™ heating technology. Engineered to eliminate garment stiffness, Wulcea integrates flexible graphene elements that deliver balanced warmth across key upper-body zones while preserving natural garment drape and full freedom of movement.

Wulcea supports its heating components with applicable compliance documentation for major markets. These include CE and FCC compliance documentation addressing relevant electrical and electromagnetic compatibility requirements, as well as PSE compliance for applicable products in Japan. RoHS compliance further addresses restrictions on specified hazardous substances in applicable electrical and electronic components.

Multi-Certified Battery System for Dependable Power

To power its heating elements, Wulcea pairs its heated apparel with rechargeable battery systems designed for convenient everyday use. Featuring a compact design and housed in dedicated interior pockets, the batteries provide portable power while maintaining a streamlined garment profile and comfortable fit.

Wulcea backs its battery options with comprehensive third-party accreditations. UL certification demonstrates that the battery system has been evaluated against recognized power bank safety requirements, covering key areas such as overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, and thermal safety. The battery systems are also supported by applicable CE and FCC compliance documentation, addressing relevant regulatory requirements for electrical and electromagnetic compatibility.

For daily handling and travel, RoHS compliance validates that the battery system meets stringent global standards for material safety. The battery models have also undergone applicable UN 38.3 testing, supporting compliance with international requirements for lithium battery transportation.

Real-World Durability and Practical Usability

Component compliance forms Wulcea’s foundation, but reliability is defined by real-world performance. Built for high-flex endurance, Wulcea’s flexible graphene heating elements are tested through 10,000 active flexing cycles to maintain steady thermal output through repeated bending and everyday body movement.

Everyday convenience is equally essential. Built for hassle-free care, Wulcea’s heating elements withstand 100 machine-wash cycles under standard care guidelines, maintaining internal conductivity and structural stability under repeated laundering.

Integrated NTC temperature sensors provide thermal monitoring and are designed to stop heating if temperatures exceed 131°F (55°C). Combined with runtime of up to 10 hours on the low setting and a discreet interior control button, these features support practical everyday use in cold-weather conditions.

Aligning Technical Standards with Everyday Warmth

By combining graphene-based heating technology with documented battery safety compliance and durability testing, Wulcea continues to focus on the technical foundations of dependable heated apparel. This approach reflects the brand’s emphasis on bringing together safety considerations, practical functionality, and everyday comfort for cold-weather use.

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SOURCE Wulcea

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NIDS Co., Ltd. Confirms CES 2027 Participation, Pursues Expansion of Global Supply Chain for Environmental Sensors

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Company introduced optical and gas sensors at SEDEX and is strengthening its composite sensor business for robotics, home appliances, automotive, and smart building applications

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Environmental sensor manufacturer NIDS Co., Ltd. has confirmed its participation in CES 2027 and is moving to expand its global business-to-business (B2B) supply chain. Building on its experience supplying sensors to domestic and international home appliance and automotive companies, the company aims to secure overseas customers and extend its applications into smart building HVAC and robotics.

NIDS recently participated in the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association’s Sensor Pavilion at SEDEX 2026, held at COEX in Seoul, where it introduced its next-generation sensor modules. The company said the exhibition allowed it to raise awareness of its technology among domestic home appliance and electronic component industry professionals and to lay the groundwork for collaboration in the sensor field.

The company will use CES 2027 as its next stage. NIDS plans to firm up discussions on sensor module supply with global home appliance makers, HVAC specialists, and robotics companies. It aims to extend the industry contacts gained at the domestic exhibition overseas and to convert product introductions into actual supply opportunities.

Founded in 2000, NIDS develops and manufactures environmental sensors and air quality management solutions. According to the company, it has supplied more than 10 million sensors cumulatively to domestic and international companies, including Dyson, Samsung Electronics, and Hyundai Motor. Drawing on this supply track record, the company intends to showcase its precision sensing technology and mass-production capabilities to overseas customers.

Its main products include particulate matter sensors, optical gas sensors based on non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology, composite environmental sensors, and electronic nose sensor modules. The particulate matter sensors measure PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10, while the gas sensor lineup targets carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and other gases. The electronic nose is used for detecting everyday odors, gas leaks, and fires. The company said it designs the core components required for air quality measurement in-house and has a system in place to mass-produce 5 million units annually.

The area where NIDS will expand development and supply going forward is next-generation composite sensor modules. The company has been pursuing a sensor business that responds to industry-specific demand in home appliances, automotive, and smart building HVAC, and is now concentrating its capabilities on markets such as robotics, industrial safety, and odor detection based on this technology. Building on its experience supplying individual components, NIDS plans to continue developing and supplying, on a B2B basis, modules that handle multiple types of environmental data.

The company will also highlight its sensor product lineup and its newly developed ultra-compact MEMS sensor technology at the exhibition. NIDS plans to introduce its optical and gas sensor lineup along with examples of their application in actual air quality management systems. By explaining both the measurement functions of its components and its experience operating sensors for finished-product services, the company aims to broaden the scope of partnership discussions.

NIDS explained that, because it owns its precision sensors, it can control sensor sensitivity and tune algorithms to suit the system in which they are applied. Drawing on this technical operating experience, the company plans to pursue partnerships with customers and to promote its business capabilities extending from sensor components to air quality and odor management and industrial safety management.

NIDS will also leverage its existing branch network in its overseas market development. Through its overseas bases in the United States, Japan, and China, the company plans to widen its touchpoints with buyers and seek new supply opportunities in conjunction with its CES participation. Its goal is to generate export results by combining exhibition participation with its local networks.

The company intends to keep expanding the global supply of sensor components as a core pillar of its business. Building on the supply experience accumulated in home appliances and automotive, it will broaden its partners to robotics, HVAC, and smart buildings, and respond to industry-specific air quality measurement demand through the development of next-generation modules.

“We plan to continue expanding the development and B2B supply of next-generation composite sensor modules needed across a range of industries, including home appliances, automotive, and smart building HVAC,” NIDS said.

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SOURCE NIDS Co., Ltd.

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Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. and ICP DAS Showcase iTLC Intelligent Traffic Control Solutions at APTA 2026 in Chicago

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Advancing smart intersection technologies and expanding international market opportunities through strategic collaboration

CHICAGO, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Towards Buddha Co., Ltd., an overseas distributor of the iTLC Intelligent Traffic Control System, joined its technology partner ICP DAS at APTA 2026 TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago, USA, to showcase the iTLC-9000 Series and its applications in intelligent traffic management.

The exhibition highlighted innovative traffic control technologies designed to support reliable, secure, and integrated smart intersection operations, while providing opportunities to connect with international transportation professionals and explore emerging market needs.

Innovative Traffic Control Solutions

Under the theme “Innovative Traffic Control System,” the exhibition featured the iTLC-9000 Series, highlighting four key capabilities: modular and redundant design, secure networking, traffic signal integration, and active alert systems.

These technologies are designed to support system reliability, communication security, and efficient traffic infrastructure management, addressing the evolving requirements of modern intelligent transportation systems.

As cities worldwide continue to modernize transportation infrastructure, integrated and adaptable traffic control solutions are becoming increasingly important for smart intersection development.

Strengthening International Market Connections

As an overseas distributor of iTLC solutions, Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. plays an important role in connecting traffic control technologies with international markets.

During APTA 2026, Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. and ICP DAS engaged with transportation professionals, system integrators, and industry representatives to introduce iTLC technologies, exchange industry insights, and explore potential business opportunities.

“APTA 2026 provided a valuable platform to connect with the global transportation industry,” said a representative of Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. “Together with ICP DAS, we look forward to expanding international awareness of iTLC solutions and developing new opportunities in intelligent traffic control.”

Looking Ahead

Building on its participation at APTA 2026, Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. will continue collaborating with ICP DAS to promote iTLC solutions, strengthen international partnerships, and explore new opportunities in the global intelligent transportation market.

About Towards Buddha Co., Ltd.

Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. is an overseas distributor of the iTLC Intelligent Traffic Control System, focused on international market development and connecting advanced traffic control technologies with transportation industry needs.

Media Contact

Towards Buddha Co., Ltd.
Contact: Michael Chen
Email: Towardsbuddhaincorporation@gmail.com
Website: https://www.towardsbuddha.com 

SOURCE Towards Buddha Co., Ltd.

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