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XFoil Launches a Direct-to-Consumer eFoil Line, Undercutting the $15,000 Industry Pricing by More Than Half

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XFoil, a Silicon Valley-engineered electric hydrofoil brand founded by PLX Devices CEO Paul Lowchareonkul, today announced the ecommerce launch of its eFoil lineup: The Escape and The Apex, starting at $6,499. The launch introduces a direct-to-consumer pricing model that bypasses dealer networks entirely, bringing premium composite eFoils to market at less than half the cost of comparable boards from legacy competitors priced between $12,000 and $15,000. Each XFoil board is built from hand-laid carbon fiber composite construction and features a proprietary active flight stabilization system that continuously adjusts to counter choppy water in real time, significantly lowering the learning curve that has historically made eFoiling difficult for new riders. After five years of research, prototyping, and ocean validation in Kailua, Hawaii, XFoil boards are in stock and shipping factory-direct to customers worldwide via ocean freight or express air. The platform’s performance credentials were established at Hawaii’s first-ever eFoil race in August 2025, where a first-time XFoil rider with ten minutes of practice recorded the fastest lap of the day, outperforming riders on boards costing two to four times as much. The Escape and Apex are available now at xfoil.com. Every board includes a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, 100% satisfaction guarantee, and free worldwide shipping.

FREMONT, Calif., July 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Born in Hawaii and engineered in Silicon Valley, XFoil brings aerospace-grade composite construction and gyro-stabilized flight technology to market, starting at just $6,499 with units in stock and shipping direct from the factory.

XFoil is a Silicon Valley-engineered electric hydrofoil brand born on the waters of Hawaii.

XFoil is launching their official e-commerce store featuring the Escape eFoil and the brand new Apex eFoil. The launch follows multiple successful Kickstarter campaigns and introduces a direct-to-consumer pricing model that eliminates the dealer markups long considered standard in the premium eFoil category.

While competing eFoil brands routinely price comparable boards between $12,000 and $15,000+, XFoil boards start at $6,499, a difference the company attributes not to cutting corners but to cutting middlemen. By selling directly from its factory to the customer’s door, XFoil is able to offer the same hand-laid carbon fiber composite construction, precision motor engineering, and safety systems found in boards twice its price, without the commission structures that inflate dealer-network pricing.

Innovative Features

Aerospace-Grade Composite Construction: Each XFoil board is built from hand-laid carbon fiber composite, the same category of material used in aerospace and motorsport engineering, delivering a board that is lightweight, rigid, and built for long-term durability.Active Flight Stabilization: This proprietary stabilization system continuously adjusts in real time to counter choppy water and rider movement, significantly lowering the learning curve that has historically made eFoiling difficult for new riders.Direct-to-Consumer Pricing: By selling factory-direct and bypassing dealer networks entirely, xFoil offers the same caliber of engineering found in $12,000–$15,000 boards at a starting price of $6,499.Factory-Direct Shipping: XFoil boards are in stock and ready to ship now, traveling directly from the factory to the customer’s door by ocean freight or express air, bypassing the domestic warehousing and distribution delays typical of the category.Race-Proven Performance: At Hawaii’s first-ever eFoil race in August 2025, a first-time XFoil rider with only ten minutes of practice recorded the fastest lap of the day, outperforming riders on boards costing two to four times as much.

Built by a Lifelong Waterman, Engineered Like a Tech Product

XFoil was founded by Paul Lowchareonkul, a serial entrepreneur and CEO of PLX Devices Inc., headquartered in Silicon Valley, California. Over the past two decades, Lowchareonkul has designed, patented, and introduced disruptive innovations across the automotive, clean energy, and consumer electronics industries.

A lifelong waterman, Lowchareonkul has windsurfed, kitesurfed, and explored some of the world’s most demanding water sports destinations since the age of ten. That firsthand experience with the unpredictability of wind and weather conditions, became the inspiration behind XFoil’s engineering priorities: a board that gives riders reliable, controllable flight regardless of conditions.

The XFoil platform has spent five years in research and development, design, prototyping, testing, and continuous refinement of its core architecture and proprietary active flight stabilization system. Years of ocean validation and engineering iteration shaped the version of XFoil now shipping to customers.

Fighter-Jet Technology, Engineered for a Forgiving Learning Curve

Traditional eFoils have a reputation for being difficult to learn, requiring riders to manage balance and instability simultaneously while building confidence on the water. XFoil’s proprietary active flight stabilization system continuously adjusts to counter choppy water and rider movement in real time.

Factory-Direct Shipping Eliminates the Wait

For many customers coming from the crowdfunding world, the announcement carries particular significance: XFoil boards are in stock and ready to ship now, the production run is complete, with units shipping factory-direct to customers’ doors by ocean freight or express air, bypassing the domestic warehousing and dealer distribution timelines that typically add weeks or months to delivery.

Tested in the Waters Where Hydrofoiling Was Born

XFoil’s engineering may be rooted in Silicon Valley, but its testing ground is Hawaii, widely regarded as the birthplace of modern hydrofoiling. Every XFoil board is developed and proven in the demanding open-ocean conditions of the islands before reaching customers, a heritage the company says gives it credibility that lab-built competitors can’t claim.

In August 2025, XFoil hosted Hawaii’s first-ever eFoil race. A first-time rider competing on an XFoil board, with only ten minutes of practice, recorded the fastest lap of the day, outperforming riders on boards costing two to four times as much.

At a Glance

Starting price of $6,499, less than half the cost of comparable $12,000–$15,000 competitor boardsDirect-to-consumer model eliminates dealer markups entirelyHand-laid carbon fiber composite construction; lightweight, rigid, and built for durabilityActive gyro-stabilization automatically counters choppy water, lowering the learning curve for new ridersIn stock and ready to ship now, factory-direct via ocean freight or express airDeveloped and race-tested in Hawaii, the birthplace of modern hydrofoiling1-year manufacturer’s warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee included on every board

The Escape and Apex are available now at xfoil.com, with worldwide shipping and a full lineup of accessories, training resources, and customer support.

About XFoil

XFoil, a brand of PLX Devices Inc., designs and engineers premium electric hydrofoils that combine aerospace-grade composite materials, Silicon Valley engineering, and Hawaii-tested performance. Founded on the principle that premium eFoiling shouldn’t require a $15,000 price tag, XFoil sells directly to consumers, eliminating dealer markups while delivering race-proven performance, safety, and craftsmanship. To learn more, visit xfoil.com

Media Contact

Ashley Mizell, xFoil, 1 7047732206, support@xfoil.com, https://xfoil.com/

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Menu Order AI Appoints Krishna Kumar as Chief Operating Officer

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Menu Order AI welcomes veteran AI and technology executive Krishna Kumar as Chief Operating Officer to accelerate enterprise growth, restaurant partnerships, and AI innovation.

NEEDHAM, Mass., July 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Menu Order AI today announced the appointment of Krishna Kumar as Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO), strengthening the company’s leadership team as it expands its AI-powered platform for restaurants and consumers.

Krishna brings decades of experience leading artificial intelligence, software development, enterprise technology, and global product initiatives. Throughout his career, he has built high-performing teams and helped organizations transform innovative ideas into scalable technology platforms.

As Chief Operating Officer, Krishna will oversee engineering, product operations, strategic partnerships, and enterprise growth while helping scale Menu Order AI’s restaurant and consumer platforms.

“Krishna’s operational expertise and deep understanding of artificial intelligence make him an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” said Melissa Butler, Founder & CEO of Menu Order AI. “As we continue expanding our restaurant partnerships and consumer platform, his leadership will help accelerate our mission of becoming the intelligence layer between restaurant menus and diners.”

Since launching, Menu Order AI has grown to more than 150,000 downloads and averages approximately 35,000 monthly active users. The platform helps guests instantly discover personalized menu recommendations based on their dietary preferences and nutrition goals, including high-protein, low-carb, and GLP-1-friendly options.

The company is also expanding its restaurant QR platform, enabling guests to scan a QR code at participating restaurants and receive AI-powered menu recommendations instantly without downloading an app.

“I am excited to join Menu Order AI during such an important stage of its growth,” said Krishna Kumar, Chief Operating Officer. “Artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of the restaurant industry, and Menu Order AI is uniquely positioned to improve both the guest experience and restaurant performance. I look forward to helping build the next phase of the company’s growth.”

Menu Order AI continues to expand partnerships across restaurants, hospitality, and healthcare while developing AI solutions that simplify one of the most common consumer decisions—what to order.

About Menu Order AI

Menu Order AI is an AI-powered restaurant recommendation platform that helps consumers make smarter dining decisions by providing personalized menu recommendations based on individual nutrition goals and dietary preferences. The platform serves dine-in, takeout, delivery, and drive-thru guests while helping restaurant partners enhance the guest experience through AI-powered menu guidance.

For more information, visit www.menuorderai.com.

Menu Order AI – Apple App StoreMenu Order AI – Google Play Store

Melissa Butler
Founder / CEO
Menu-Order AI
melissa@menuorderai.com

This release was issued through WebWire®. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com.

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Conformal Coatings Market worth $2.19 billion by 2031 – Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarkets™

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., July 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — According to MarketsandMarkets™, “Conformal Coatings Market by Type (Acrylic, Silicone, Epoxy, Urethane, Parylene, Other types), By End-use Industry (Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Aerospace & Défense, Industrial, Telecommunication, Other End-use Industries), and Region – Global Forecast to 2031″, The conformal coatings market is projected to grow from USD 1.66 billion in 2026 and to reach USD 2.19 billion by 2031, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.7% during the forecast period.

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Conformal Coatings Market Size & Forecast:

Market Size Available for Years: 2022-20312026 Market Size: USD 1.66 billion2031 Projected Market Size: USD 2.19 billionCAGR (2026-2031): 5.7% 

Conformal Coatings Market Trends & Insights: 

The protection of electronic assemblies from environmental hazards such as water, dust, and chemicals is becoming more essential with the increase in demand for electronics. This increase in demand for electronics has led to increased interest in using conformal coatings as a method of improving reliability and lifespan of sensitive electronic components. There is an increasing demand for conformal coatings across all industries including automotive, electronics, aerospace, telecommunications, industrial automation, healthcare and renewable energy, where electronic systems must operate in extreme conditions on a consistent and reliable basis. Manufacturers and end-users are selecting conformal coatings to provide added circuit board protection, reduce maintenance, extend the useful life of products, and minimize product failures due to environmental conditions and electrical degradation. The performance of conformal coatings continues to improve through advancements in coating formulations, selective coatings, UV cure technology, automated dispensing equipment and inspection methods. Enhanced dielectric insulation, thermal stability, chemical resistance, moisture resistance, and mechanical durability provided by these advancements enable coated electronic assemblies to endure extreme temperatures, high humidity, low humidity, vibration, salt fog, and aggressive chemical environments. These improvements are critical for the future of electric vehicles, advanced electronic systems, 5G infrastructure, renewable energy installations, industrial IoT devices and medical electronics, all of which will require operational reliability for an extended period.Asia Pacific accounted for a significant share of 75.1% in 2025.By type, the acrylic segment accounted for 37.5% of the conformal coatings market in 2025.By end-use industry, the automotive segment dominated the market in 2025, with a share of 30.7%.Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Germany), Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) (US), Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan), and Dow Inc. (US) were identified as star players in the conformal coatings market given their strong share and product footprint.Europlasma NV (Belgium), Specialty Coating Systems Inc. (US), CHT Germany GmbH (Germany), AI Technology, Inc. (US), Master Bond (US), Aculon (US), and Percision Coatings Inc. (US) have distinguished themselves among startups and SMEs by securing strong footholds in specialized niche areas, underscoring their potential as emerging market leaders.

Browse in-depth TOC on “Conformal Coatings Market”

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Conformal coatings are chemical-resistant, thin, solid forms of flexible material, typically applied to electronic assemblies to protect against moisture, dust, limited chemicals, corrosion, temperature fluctuations, and all other possible atmospheric contaminants. The importance of conformal coatings lies in the enhancement of reliability, durability, and life span of electronic components used in the automotive industry, consumer electronics, telecommunications equipment, aerospace/defense systems, industrial automation, medical devices, and renewable energy applications. There are many different chemistries utilized for conformal coatings: acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, epoxy, and parylene. Each type of conformal coating has unique performance properties and capabilities, depending on the application. Coatings can be applied to assemblies by several methods: spraying, dipping, brushing, selective coating, or vapor deposition. If applied correctly, conformal coatings create a thin (0.001 – 0.010 inch), even, protective layer. After application, the coatings are “cured” by one of many ways to achieve the required physical, electrical, and environmental performance properties. Coatings are grouped by chemistry into 5 broad categories: acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, epoxy, and parylene. When correctly applied, conformal coatings prevent electrical-related failures due to corrosion, leaking current, or contamination, thus allowing electronic systems to function reliably in extreme or very harsh environments for extended periods of time.

By type, the silicone segment will witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

The silicone segment is expected to account for the fastest CAGR in the conformal coatings market during the forecast period. The silicone-based formulation provides excellent performance in extreme operating conditions such as very high or low temperatures, high humidity, extreme vibration, and exposure to corrosive chemicals. Silicone conformal coatings are well-suited to protect electronics that operate in these conditions, as they provide excellent thermal stability, flexibility, moisture resistance, and dielectric insulation. The silicone formulation differs from many conventional coating materials because it will maintain its ability to protect electronic assemblies over the entire temperature range rather than degrade as other conventional materials do. Therefore, silicone conformal coatings will continue to be the preferred choice for manufacturers of electronic devices that require long-term protection from these types of damage and to ensure reliable operation when operated in an industrial setting. The demand for silicone conformal coatings will continue to be driven by the increasing deployment of electric vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), renewable energy systems, aerospace electronics, telecommunications infrastructure, and industrial automation equipment. All these applications need added protection from environmental stressors that can cause corrosion, electrical leakage, and premature failure of sensitive electronic components over time. As the trend toward smaller electronic devices continues to grow and power densities increase, the need for a coating material that has durable protective capabilities without hindering performance will also increase. Manufacturers will increasingly recognize the importance of having durable and reliable silicone conformal coatings, and therefore, the silicone conformal coating segment of the conformal coating market is expected to have the highest growth of any type during the forecast period.

By end-use industry, the telecommunication segment will record the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

The telecommunications segment is expected to account for the fastest CAGR in the conformal coatings market during the forecast period. This is due to the rapid development of 5G networks, fiber optic communication infrastructure, edge computing facilities, and data transmission systems globally. The equipment used in telecommunications now requires increasingly complex electronic assemblies, printed circuit boards, antennas, routers, switches, and base station components that provide reliable service regardless of the weather or other external influences. The use of conformal coatings helps protect these sensitive electronic parts from factors such as humidity, dust particles, rust, saline, chemicals, and temperature variation that could jeopardize network reliability and provide operational efficiency. The increasing number of 5G base stations being installed outdoors, combined with the development of distributed communication networks, has increased the need for more advanced conformal coating solutions that can provide a longer-lasting level of protection from the elements. Furthermore, investments in cloud computing, data center development, IoT connectivity, and next-generation communications technology are increasing the demand for high-reliability electronic products that will have an extended service life. The growing availability of improved coating materials with superior dielectric insulation properties, enhanced thermal stability, and improved environmental resistance is also accelerating the growth of the overall market. Thus, the telecommunications sector is expected to be one of the most rapidly expanding end-user sectors for conformal coatings throughout the forecast period.

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Asia Pacific will record the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is expected to account for the fastest CAGR in the conformal coatings market during the forecast period, as the electronics manufacturing sector continues to grow, automotive production increases, and more investments are made within superior communication infrastructure across the area. Major global suppliers of semiconductors, printed circuit boards (PCBs), consumer electronics, telecommunications equipment, and industrial electronic systems can be found in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan, and other Southeast Asian nations. The fact that there has been such an increase in producing these electronic devices means that there will be more demand for conformal coatings to protect electronic components from moisture, corrosion, dust, and chemicals. There is also an increasing number of electric vehicles being produced, along with batteries and ADAS (advanced driver-assisted systems), which are automotive electronics. All these factors will lead to increased use of conformal coating technologies across the industry. In addition, the deployment of 5G networks, expansion of data centers, industrial automation, and investments in renewable energy infrastructure provide significant opportunities for electronic protection. The demand for modern conformal coatings will increase dramatically as the desire for reliability, durability, and performance in electronic assemblies continues to grow. Thus, Asia Pacific will record the highest growth rate of any region in the world conformal coatings market throughout the forecast period.

Key Players

The conformal coatings market comprises major players such as Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Germany), Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) (US), Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan), Dow Inc. (US), H.B. Fuller (US), Element Solutions Inc (ESI), ALTANA AG (Germany), Chase Corp. (US), Dymax (US), and MG Chemicals (Canada) are covered in the conformal coatings market. Partnerships, acquisitions, and expansions are some of the major strategies adopted by these key players to enhance their positions in the conformal coatings market.

Get access to the latest updates on Conformal Coatings Companies and Conformal Coatings Market Size

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MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe.

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Built on the ‘GIVE Growth’ principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore™, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts.

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England’s Togetherness and Leadership Inspire a New Generation as EE Launches Mentor Badge to Support Boys Both On and Off the Pitch

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LONDON, July 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — England’s exploits this summer have been defined by resilience, but it’s the composure shown by its leaders in high-pressure moments that’s resonating most. Thomas Tuchel’s calm considered touchline manner and Harry Kane’s steadying presence and leadership on the pitch have offered fans a real-world lesson in emotional intelligence, and proof that strength and openness aren’t mutually exclusive, even under intense scrutiny.

That leadership couldn’t be arriving at a more important moment. New research from EE, lead partner of the Home Nations Football Associations, reveals the scale of harmful online influence shaping boys’ attitudes and behaviour, with 42% of boys aged 11–16 exposed to damaging stereotypes, including the idea that men shouldn’t show emotion on a weekly basis. Against that backdrop, seeing elite figures model a different kind of strength matters: 69% of boys say hearing professional footballers speak openly about pressure and vulnerability makes them more comfortable with their own emotions. Meanwhile, 71% of parents believe a coach holds as much, or more, sway over their son’s sense of masculinity than online content does.

This isn’t a small issue. Football remains one of the most powerful spaces in a young boy’s life; a place where identity, confidence and belonging are shaped as much as skill. Tuchel’s approach echoes EE’s ongoing ‘Yes Boys’ campaign, which is working to counter negative online influences by helping young players build confidence, identity and resilience, both in the changing room and beyond it. With 95% of grassroots coaches saying emotional and mental wellbeing support is now central to their role, EE is equipping them with practical tools through the EE Mentor Badge, developed in partnership with Internet Matters, to help translate elite-level leadership into everyday coaching practice.

Thomas Tuchel commented about EE’s Mentor Badge: “EE has designed a programme to help coaches guide boys through the pressures of growing up online. Every module is built with leading voices in science, psychology and football, equipping coaches with the tools to help build up our boys – on and off the pitch.”

EE Mentor Badge: Key Tips for Coaches and Parents

Challenge Language, Not Character – Address harmful language calmly and consistently to set clear team standards.Redefine Leadership – Model inclusive behaviour and define leadership through how players treat each other, not hierarchy.Curiosity Over Confrontation – Ask where a phrase came from rather than shutting the conversation down.Focus on Performance, Not Appearance – Keep the emphasis on effort, not looks-based trends.Know When to Escalate – Follow safeguarding procedures for persistent or targeted behaviour.

To find out more and access the full Mentor Badge, search ‘EE Yes Boys’ or click here.

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