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Northwestern Mutual Announces $150 Million Venture Capital Commitment to Accelerate Fintech Innovation

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MILWAUKEE, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual is taking another significant step to drive innovation in the financial services industry, announcing a new $150 million investment to support promising startups across the fintech and insurtech landscape. Awarded through Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures (NMFV), the funds will expand the company’s total venture capital allocation to $350 million – deepening its commitment to elevating the experience for clients and the advisors who guide them.

“This renewed commitment reinforces our belief in the power of innovation, and the exciting startups helping to transform how Americans achieve financial security,” said Michael Sias, vice president – corporate development and venture, Northwestern Mutual. “The funds expand our ability to partner with high-growth companies, delivering technology, collaboration, and value to our more than five million clients and our nationwide network of trusted financial professionals.”

The $150 million infusion to NMFV – known as Fund III – will target emerging and growth-stage firms in the fintech and insurtech space. The investments will enable Northwestern Mutual to forge new partnerships that enhance technology capabilities designed to strengthen client and advisor relationships. Fund III will also provide follow-on capital to propel portfolio companies through scaling and marketing expansion.

Since its inception in 2017 with a $50 million Fund I, NMFV has invested in more than 50 companies. In 2019, it launched Fund II, a $150 million vehicle with additional reserve capital, to enable strategic follow‑on support. NMFV pairs capital with strategic partnership, accelerating portfolio growth and, in some cases, enabling pilots and deployments of innovative solutions within Northwestern Mutual.

A standout from NMFV’s portfolio is fintech company Chime, which celebrated its landmark IPO in June 2025.

Among NMFV’s newest strategic partners is Levitate, an AI-driven relationship-marketing platform led by Jesse Lipson, founder of ShareFile (acquired by Citrix in 2011). Levitate is designed to seamlessly integrate with email, survey, and CRM workflows, automating routine tasks to boost operational efficiency and free teams to focus on strategic priorities.

For more information, visit www.nmfutureventures.com.

About Northwestern Mutual  

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what’s most important. With more than $780 billion of total assets1 managed across the company’s institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $40 billion in revenues, and $2.5 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life insurance, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 109 on the 2025 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2026.   

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with “Advisor” in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.

1 Includes investments and separate account assets of Northwestern Mutual as well as retail investment assets held or managed for clients.

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SOURCE Northwestern Mutual

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GEEKOM Launches A5 2027 Edition Mini PC, Built for Productivity That Lasts

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TAIPEI, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GEEKOM, a leading global Mini PC brand, is redefining the productivity Mini PC with the launch of the A5 2027 Edition. Designed for all-day productivity, the new A5 combines dependable performance, long-term reliability and flexible expansion in a compact form.

Powered by the 8-core, 16-thread AMD Ryzen™ 7 7730U, the A5 2027 Edition is built for real-world productivity — from running 30+ browser tabs alongside video meetings and large spreadsheets to Photoshop, 2D design and light 4K editing. With up to 64GB of memory, 7TB of storage and four-display support, it gives professionals, creators and small businesses the flexibility to build a workspace around the way they work.

But productivity also depends on how long a PC can be trusted to perform. The A5 2027 Edition uses brand-new SSDs, a reinforced all-metal internal frame and multi-layer motherboard protection, and undergoes 339 validation checks covering durability, aging, thermals and more. Together with flexible memory and storage upgrades, this quality-from-the-inside-out approach gives GEEKOM the confidence to offer a three-year warranty and engineer its PCs for more than five years of service.

Reliability also means being ready when work does not stop. The A5 2027 Edition‘s IceBlast 3.0 cooling system combines a larger silent fan, copper heat pipe and dedicated copper plate to efficiently move heat away from critical components. Better thermal control reduces throttling and long-term heat stress, enabling stable 24/7 operation for offices, retail systems, digital signage and other always-on environments.

The A5 2027 Edition also brings AI into everyday productivity. It can serve as a personal AI assistant for research, writing, content creation and data analysis, while emerging agentic applications can automate more complex, multi-step workflows. With stable, always-on operation, the A5 2027 Edition can keep these AI workflows running in the background when needed — helping users get more done with less hands-on effort.

The A5 2027 Edition brings GEEKOM‘s vision of all-day productivity to life: built to do more, built to keep running and built to last. Best All-Day Productivity Mini PC. Cool・Silent・Stable.

The GEEKOM A5 2027 Edition is available now through GEEKOM‘s official website and Amazon.

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SOURCE GEEKOM

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Real Estate Expert Howard Goldberg Details Coastal Rental and Multifamily Property Ownership in HelloNation

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The article explains how insurance costs, rental rules, maintenance demands, and seasonal changes shape coastal property ownership in South Florida.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should buyers know before purchasing a rental property or multifamily property near the beach in South Florida? That question is answered in a HelloNation article featuring expert insights from Howard Goldberg, Real Estate Expert with RE/MAX Consultants Realty 1. The article explores how coastal ownership affects daily routines, responsibilities, and long-term planning.

The article explains that owning rental property near the beach is not only a financial decision, but also a lifestyle commitment. While the scenery and walkability are appealing, owners often face ongoing planning around guests, vendors, weather, and property logistics. Multifamily property introduces additional complexity by increasing the number of tenants and systems that require attention.

One of the first considerations for coastal owners is insurance costs. The article notes that properties close to the ocean usually require flood coverage, wind protection, and higher deductibles. These expenses can rise sharply at renewal and may impact cash flow if not planned for. When multifamily property is involved, one change in policy affects several units, making financial buffers and consistent oversight even more important.

Rental rules also play a major role. The article emphasizes that South Florida cities often have strict requirements related to rental registration, tax accounts, inspections, and short-term rental regulations. In addition, many condo or homeowners associations add further restrictions, including lease minimums, parking limitations, and guest policies. Ignoring rental rules can result in fines or strained relationships with neighbors, making upfront research essential.

The article highlights how maintenance demands increase near the beach. Salt air corrodes materials, humidity stresses systems, and frequent storms challenge the durability of building exteriors. These factors create higher maintenance demands, which can disrupt weekends, stretch budgets, and complicate vendor scheduling, especially when guests are already occupying the property. With multifamily properties, shared infrastructure such as stairways and plumbing stacks can turn small issues into building-wide concerns.

While property management can reduce some of the daily involvement, it does not eliminate the need for owner participation. The article clarifies that owners must still review budgets, approve decisions, and respond quickly in case of emergencies. In South Florida, unexpected weather events or access issues may require urgent attention, regardless of whether a manager is in place.

The article also explores how personal use of a rental property presents challenges. Owners often want to reserve time for themselves, especially during peak seasons. However, holding dates back may reduce income, and using the property personally changes how it’s maintained and perceived. For multifamily properties, reserving one unit while others are booked may create inconsistencies that need clear policies to manage.

Seasonal changes also affect both income and operations. The article explains that winter often brings high demand but fast turnover, while summer may involve slower bookings and the need for more promotion. Owners should plan for vacancy periods, higher utility use, and variable staffing needs. Backup vendors for cleaning and repairs become important, particularly in larger properties with multiple units.

Before purchasing a rental property in South Florida, buyers are encouraged to weigh their time availability and risk tolerance against the demands of ownership. Understanding insurance costs, rental rules, and maintenance demands helps determine whether the lifestyle will feel rewarding or overwhelming.

Owning Rental or Multifamily Property Near the Beach: Lifestyle Considerations in South Florida features insights from Howard Goldberg, Real Estate Expert of Fort Lauderdale, FL, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon targets U.S. AI power market with 22.9kV SST

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World’s first 22.9kV Solid State Transformer (SST) developed, securing a competitive edge with next-generation technology.Completed local production bases for transformers and breakers in the U.S., cementing its position in the American power equipment market.

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With the advent of the artificial intelligence (AI) era, optimizing power supply networks has emerged as a critical global challenge. In the United States, the surge in power demand driven by the proliferation of AI and data centers, coupled with the need to replace aging grid infrastructure, is driving large-scale investment in power infrastructure.

Anticipating these transformative shifts in the power market, Hyosung Chairman Hyun-Joon Cho has spearheaded proactive investments to meet the demands of the AI and data center era. These investments are now supporting Hyosung Heavy Industries’ efforts to strengthen its position in the U.S. AI and data center power market.

“Driven by the expansion of AI and data centers, power infrastructure has now become a core industry directly linked to national security,” stated Chairman Cho. “Building on Hyosung Heavy Industries’ U.S. manufacturing facilities and technological prowess, we must establish ourselves as an irreplaceable, essential long-term partner in stabilizing the American power grid.”

Hyosung Heavy Industries plans to accelerate its push into the U.S. AI data center power market by combining next-generation grid technologies with its U.S. manufacturing base and established strengths in power equipment, including ultra-high-voltage transformers and circuit breakers.

Pioneering Next-Generation 22.9kV SST Technology

Hyosung Heavy Industries identified the Solid State Transformer (SST) as an indispensable technology for power transmission and distribution in the AI era, initiating preemptive research and development. In 2022, the company successfully developed the world’s first 22.9kV 1.05MVA-class SST capable of direct connection to urban distribution networks. This milestone secured a competitive advantage in next-generation power conversion technology, strengthening the company’s position as it moves to capture emerging market opportunities.

SST is a next-generation power system that utilizes power semiconductors to precisely control voltage and current while maintaining the insulation functions of conventional transformers. It is considered a field with high technological barriers to entry, demanding sophisticated power control capabilities. According to global market research firms, the global SST market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of more than 40%, supported by the modernization of power infrastructure. The large-capacity SST market for data centers handling high voltages of 22.9kV and above is in its nascent stages, with only a limited number of companies worldwide pursuing commercialization and demonstration projects. With the market still in its early stages, Hyosung Heavy Industries plans to accelerate its efforts to secure an early-mover position based on its advanced technology.

Expanding U.S. Manufacturing and Strategic Partnerships

Hyosung Heavy Industries is continuously expanding its ultra-high-voltage transformer production base. The company has invested a total of USD 300 million in the acquisition and expansion of its ultra-high-voltage transformer manufacturing facility in Memphis, Tennessee. Once the ongoing expansion is completed, the company will secure one of the largest ultra-high-voltage transformer production capacities in the United States.

Furthermore, Hyosung Heavy Industries has established a joint venture with Quanta Services, a leading North American energy infrastructure solutions company, to locally produce 72.5kV to 800kV ultra-high-voltage circuit breakers in Pennsylvania. Through this strategic move, Hyosung becomes the first Korean power equipment manufacturer to secure local production capabilities for both ultra-high-voltage transformers and circuit breakers in the U.S. market.

Quanta has an extensive business presence and customer network across the United States, providing infrastructure solutions for large-scale power demand facilities.

By leveraging Quanta’s industry-leading infrastructure solutions and Hyosung’s world-class technological expertise, the company aims to strengthen its competitive edge. Hyosung Heavy Industries aims to establish itself as a key player in the data center power infrastructure market by integrating its accumulated technological prowess, its robust U.S. local production base, and next-generation power grid technologies such as SST, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), STATCOM, and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems.

Website: https://www.hyosung.com/en/

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SOURCE HYOSUNG CORPORATION; Hyosung Heavy Industries

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