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Orbits Raises $2.6 Million Pre-Seed Round to Bring an AI Assistant to the Household

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Backed by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) Speedrun fund, N49P, and Garage Capital, the funding will expand the consumer launch of Bit, an intelligent assistant designed to manage the logistics of running a home.

TORONTO, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Orbits, a Toronto and San Francisco-based developer of Bit, an AI household assistant, today announced it has closed nearly $2 million USD (about $2.6 million CAD) in pre-seed funding from the Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) Speedrun fund, the early-stage arm of the world class venture capital firm, alongside N49P, Garage Capital, and angel investors, including a team member at Anthropic.

Founded by CEO Nomaan Ahmed and CTO Erik Tillberg, Orbits was created to solve a pervasive consumer problem: despite a boom in workplace productivity software, the home remains fundamentally unorganized. The founding duo brings a proven track record of scaling consumer ventures, having previously grown a platform from inception to over one million monthly subscribers and nine figures in ARR. Ahmed has successfully steered teams across the corporate spectrum, from early-stage startups to billion-dollar enterprises, while Tillberg contributed to the field as an AI researcher at the University of Toronto.

“I grew up one of four kids with two busy parents who somehow made it all work. Looking back, I can see what they gave up to keep everything running, and that was a second full-time job that nobody signed up for,” said Nomaan Ahmed, co-founder and CEO. “There’s a booming market of tools to simplify your 9-to-5 and almost nothing for your 5-to-9. A household manager used to be something only wealthy families could afford; Bit is one every family can have.”

At the core of Orbits is Bit, an AI household assistant capable of interacting in-app, via text messages, and beyond. Bit acts as a unified layer for family operations, consolidating calendars, lists, and communications while executing real-world tasks automatically.

Capabilities of Bit include:

Real-World Execution: Bit can now browse the web, log into accounts, make authorized purchases, dinner reservations, reschedule appointments or collect quotes for things like a new roof or to fix an HVAC system.Industry Leading Security: All third-party account credentials are encrypted end-to-end and are never stored, offering the gold standard in privacy and security.Proactive Household Management: Texting family members with reminders for chores or coordinating external service providers like babysitters.Autonomous Action: Unlike standard AI agents that merely analyze communications to generate schedules and to-do lists, Bit bridges the gap between planning and real-world execution.

This initial funding round allows Orbits to expand beyond its early community of families, scale its infrastructure, and hire key talent. Orbits is available today on the App Store and Google Play.

“This capital and the support of world-class investors gives us the momentum to turn a clear, widespread consumer need into a category-defining product,” says Erik Tillberg, co-founder and CTO. “We are building an intelligent, shared layer for the home that evolves daily based on how our users live.” 

“Orbits is rethinking one of the most overlooked parts of everyday life: the work it takes to keep a household running,” said Fareed Mosavat, Partner, a16z Speedrun. “AI is becoming incredibly capable, but much of the attention so far has focused on work and productivity. Nomaan and Erik, and Bit, are bringing that capability into the home to take on one of the hardest jobs out there: managing a household.”

About Orbits
Orbits is an AI household assistant for iOS and Android. Using the AI assistant, Bit, families can save hours every week managing their homes. To learn more or to install the app, visit https://tryorbits.com.

Media Contact
Bill Tawson
422812@email4pr.com
(302) 600-2502

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ISPE Announces Keynote Speakers for its 2026 ISPE Pharma 4.0™ and Biopharma Conference

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The conference will take place 10–11 December in Berlin, Germany, and virtually.

The conference will feature three technical tracks covering digital enablement, compliant operations, and practical biopharma manufacturing transformation through Pharma 4.0™ principles.

NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) has announced its keynote speakers for the 2026 ISPE Pharma 4.0™ and Biopharma Conference, set for Thursday, 10 December, through Friday, 11 December, in Berlin, Germany, and virtually.

The conference is ISPE’s first international event to integrate Pharma 4.0™ and biopharma topics into a single program. Sessions will address digital transformation and advanced manufacturing across traditional pharmaceutical operations as well as biologics, cell and gene therapies, ATMPs, and mRNA technologies.

“This year’s keynote speakers represent a unique cross-section of expertise spanning pharmaceutical engineering, bioprocess innovation, digital manufacturing, and product development. Their perspectives will help attendees better understand the technologies, strategies, and leadership approaches shaping the future of Pharma 4.0™ and biopharma,” said Lineke Pelleboer, International Program Committee Conference Co-Chair, Senior Business Developer at Bilthoven Biologicals.

ISPE has announced the following keynote speakers:

Chris Grail, Senior Vice President, Global Pharma Engineering and Maintenance Excellence Lead, Bayer AGJochen Maas, PhD, Former Managing Director, Research and Development, SanofiPeter Neubauer, PhD, Professor of Bioprocess Engineering, Technische Universität BerlinKerstin Seemann, Senior Vice President, Head of Global CMC Development, Merck KGaAAdrian Widmer, Global Head of Digital, AI, and Operational Excellence (Interim), RocheJan Wokittel, Director and Cluster Lead, Smart Manufacturing, Roche

“Across the conference tracks, attendees will explore practical approaches to digital transformation, from data readiness and AI enablement to smart manufacturing, compliance, and scalable biopharma operations, with real-world lessons from industry leaders,” said Markus Zeitz, International Program Committee Conference Co-Chair and Head of Digital Quality with Takeda.

The conference comprises three technical tracks:

Pharma 4.0™ Enabling Digital FoundationsPharma 4.0™ Compliant by DesignPharma 4.0™ in Action: Biopharma Manufacturing Transformation

Learn more and register for the conference today: ISPE.org/26Pharma.

About ISPE
The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) is a global nonprofit association serving its members through leading scientific, technical, and regulatory advancement across the entire pharmaceutical lifecycle. The 25,000+ members of ISPE provide solutions to complex pharmaceutical industry challenges through innovation, member and workforce development, and technical, regulatory, and compliance collaborations in more than 120 countries worldwide. Founded in 1980, ISPE has its worldwide headquarters and training center in North Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and its operations center in Tampa, Florida, USA. For more information, visit ISPE.org.

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Echo Global Logistics Named One of Just 10 Non-Asset-Based 3PLs Nationwide to Earn CTPAT Validation

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Echo is among the first few providers admitted into U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s CTPAT program, adding a new layer of supply chain security to its brokerage model

CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Echo Global Logistics, Inc. (“Echo”), a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services, has achieved Validated status in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program, one of only 10 non-asset-based 3PLs selected nationwide. Authorized by the CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2023, the pilot marks the first time CBP has opened CTPAT — previously reserved for asset-based carriers, importers, and customs brokers — to non-asset-based freight brokers. Following a comprehensive review, CBP confirmed that Echo’s supply chain security program meets CTPAT’s security criteria.

“CTPAT has historically focused on asset-based transportation providers, so Echo’s selection as one of the first non-asset-based 3PLs represents an important milestone for our company and our industry,” said Troy Ryley, President of Echo’s Mexico division. “In addition to our extensive network of CTPAT-certified carriers, Validation adds another layer of security to Echo’s truck brokerage model, giving our clients added confidence that security is embedded throughout their supply chain — even though Echo, like most freight brokers, has traditionally operated a non-asset-based model.”

For shippers, CTPAT-validated partners are recognized by CBP as lower-risk, which can translate to fewer cargo exams and more predictable transit times across the border. Echo maintains an extensive network of carrier partners, including CTPAT-certified carriers, while applying its own validated security processes to the management and protection of freight — creating a layered security approach that now extends from the carrier to the broker itself.

Echo provides clients with cross-border, customs brokerage, and intra-Mexico solutions, creating a comprehensive Mexico offering for all supply chain needs. Operating within an intricate cross-border trade environment, additional security protocols support the protection of freight. Echo’s security strategy and tools are aligned with CTPAT criteria, supporting a more secure and seamless transportation process across the region. Learn more about Echo’s Mexico operations: Mexico Cross-Border Shipping Solutions | Echo Global Logistics.

“For our clients and business partners, this achievement provides added confidence that freight is supported by a logistics provider whose security program has been independently validated by CBP,” said Gabriel Guajardo, Director, Southern Border at Echo. “Combined with our extensive network of CTPAT carriers, Validation status strengthens our layered approach to cargo security and supply chain risk management, helping us deliver secure and reliable transportation solutions across North America.”

About Echo Global Logistics
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. is a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and full-service supply chain solutions. Headquartered in Chicago with 65 locations across North America, Echo helps organizations simplify complex supply chains through one integrated network of transportation, warehousing, distribution and fulfillment services. Echo’s capabilities span Truckload, Partial Truckload, LTL, Intermodal, Cross-Border & Intra-Mexico, Managed Transportation, Drop-Trailer and Trailer Pool, Container Management and Drayage, Food-Grade and Temperature-Controlled shipping, warehousing, warehousing services, parcel, and distribution and fulfillment. Powered by Echo’s proprietary technology platform—including automation, machine learning, and AI-enabled decision support—customers gain greater visibility, optimize transportation performance, and improve efficiency across every stage of the supply chain. For more information, visit www.echo.com.

ECHO: Corporate 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christopher Clemmensen
EVP of Marketing
Echo Global Logistics
312-784-2132

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FP Markets wins three awards at the Global Forex Awards 2026

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LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global Forex and CFD broker FP Markets has been recognised with three prestigious distinctions at the Global Forex Awards 2026, earning: ‘Best Value Broker – Global’, ‘Most Transparent Broker – Asia’, and ‘Most Transparent Broker – Latam’.

The awards ceremony took place on 15 September 2026 at the Amara Hotel in Limassol, Cyprus, bringing together leading companies and industry professionals from across the global trading and fintech industry. Now in their eighth year, the Global Forex Awards recognise brokers and trading providers that deliver exceptional service, innovation, and trusted solutions.

The triple win highlights FP Markets’ global reach, competitive trading conditions, and commitment to delivering a reliable trading experience to traders across markets.

John Lewis, Chief Marketing Officer at FP Markets, said: “In an industry where competition is intense, being voted Best Value Broker globally, alongside Most Transparent Broker in both Asia and Latam, is a reflection of what our clients experience day to day.” He added: “These wins showcase the dedication of our teams across every region we operate in, and our commitment to delivering value for our clients with the transparency they rely on.”

With over two decades of industry experience and more than 80 awards earned to date, FP Markets continues to strengthen its global presence, investing in advanced trading technologies and broadening its product offering. Looking ahead, the company continues to prioritise innovation and the client-focussed approach that has been at the core of its philosophy since inception.

About FP Markets

FP Markets is a global, multi-regulated, award-winning broker established in Sydney, Australia in 2005 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus. The broker offers 10,000+ CFD instruments across seven asset classes, available on industry-leading platforms including MetaTrader 4/5, TradingView, and cTrader.

FP Markets’ regulatory presence includes, among others, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa, and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Kenya.

For more information, visit www.fpmarkets.com

 

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