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Monaker Group Announces Closing of HotPlay Acquisition with NASDAQ Approval for NextPlay Technologies Listing

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SUNRISE, FL, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via NewMediaWireMonaker Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKGI), a technology solutions company building a digital business ecosystem for digital advertisers, consumers, video gamers and travelers, is pleased to announce it has received NASDAQ approval for NextPlay Technologies listing and, that effective on June 30, 2021, closed the transactions previously contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement entered into between the company, HotPlay Enterprise Limited (“HotPlay”) and its stockholders, by issuing 52,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the HotPlay stockholders in exchange for 100% of the outstanding capital shares of HotPlay (making HotPlay a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company). 

HotPlay Enterprise Limited is a provider of in-game, AI-powered advertising technology and online-to-offline couponing solutions that are also equipped with a hyper-local insertion capability.

Monaker plans to complete a name change to NextPlay Technologies shortly, and the company believes it is now in a position to grow by capitalizing on the synergies of our growing ecosystem of technology platforms that includes AI-powered AdTech, Digital Connected TV (with a reach to approximately 50 million end-users), travel, gaming, FinTech and cryptocurrency banking. The NextPlay ecosystem connects companies and brands to consumers across multiple interactive media channels, including Smart TVs, PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

“Our offerings are expected to feature high-margin AdTech and blockchain solutions capable of reaching global consumers through virtually all connected devices,” stated Monaker CEO, William Kerby.

HotPlay CEO Nithinan (Jessie) Boonyawattanapisut commented, “This transformative combination brings together HotPlay and Monaker’s recently acquired media and fintech platforms. This integration provides us with more refined and specific information about user demographics through the overlay of geographic information about their neighborhood and, in some cases, subscription choices and spending patterns. All these help us identify who should be served with which ads more accurately. We believe we are now able to make several game-changing moves to create tremendous synergies across our digital platforms and take advantage of the vast opportunities for growth and expansion we see ahead of us.”

The company has taken steps to change its name to NextPlay Technologies and trade under the stock symbol NXTP on NASDAQ which the company expects to occur by next week, if not sooner, with a new CUSIP: 65344G102. Current shareholders do not need to take any action regarding the name or ticker symbol change. The company’s new website at www.nextplaytechnologies.com is planned for launch by July 12, 2021.

Further details about the HotPlay closing will be available in an upcoming Monaker Group Form 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at monakergroup.com.

About Monaker Group

Monaker Group, Inc., is an innovative technology-driven company building a next-generation enterprise through acquisition and organic growth, leveraging the strengths and channels of our existing technologies with those that we acquire, creating synergy and opportunity in the leisure space. Monaker Group plans to transform into NextPlay Technologies, an innovative global technology company focused on consumer engaging products in the video gaming and travel verticals with innovative Ad Tech, Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain solutions. For more information about Monaker Group, visit monakergroup.com and follow us on Twitter and Linkedin @MonakerGroup.

About HotPlay Enterprise Limited

HotPlay Enterprise Limited is a next generation in-game advertising (IGA) company established as a strategic collaboration from top tier professionals in the key industries of technology, multimedia, games, and entertainment. HotPlay leverages proprietary artificial intelligence to reach, engage and convert gamers by seamlessly integrating native ads and non-intrusive digital coupons redeemable through both online and offline channels. Its AdTech is built to connect advertising partners with the 2.7 billion gamers worldwide, delivering campaign performance tracking in real time. For more information, go to hotplay.games.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of, and within the safe harbor provided by the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations, opinions, belief or forecasts of future events and performance. A statement identified by the use of forward-looking words including “will,” “may,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimate,” “should,” and certain of the other foregoing statements may be deemed forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future activities and results to be materially different from those suggested or described in this news release. Factors that may cause such a difference include risks and uncertainties related to our ability to complete the acquisition of control of International Financial Enterprise Bank (IFEB) promptly and on the terms disclosed; our need for additional capital which may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all, which raises questions about our ability to continue as a going concern; the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had, and is expected to continue to have, a significant material adverse impact on the travel industry and our business, operating results and liquidity; amounts owed to us by third parties which may not be paid timely, if at all; certain amounts we owe under outstanding indebtedness which are secured by substantially all of our assets and penalties we may incur in connection therewith; the fact that we have significant indebtedness, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition; our revenues and results of operations being subject to the ability of our distributors and partners to integrate our alternative lodging rental (ALR) properties with their websites, and the timing of such integrations; uncertainty and illiquidity in credit and capital markets which may impair our ability to obtain credit and financing on acceptable terms and may adversely affect the financial strength of our business partners; the officers and directors of the Company have the ability to exercise significant influence over the Company; stockholders may be diluted significantly through our efforts to obtain financing, satisfy obligations and complete acquisitions through the issuance of additional shares of our common or preferred stock; if we are unable to adapt to changes in technology, our business could be harmed; our business depends substantially on property owners and managers renewing their listings; if we do not adequately protect our intellectual property, our ability to compete could be impaired; our long-term success depends, in part, on our ability to expand our property owner, manager and traveler bases outside of the United States and, as a result, our business is susceptible to risks associated with international operations; unfavorable changes in, or interpretations of, government regulations or taxation of the evolving ALR, Internet and e-commerce industries which could harm our operating results; risks associated with the operations of, the business of, and the regulation of, Longroot and IFEB (assuming the acquisition is closed); the market in which we participate being highly competitive, and because of that we may be unable to compete successfully with our current or future competitors; our potential inability to adapt to changes in technology, which could harm our business; the volatility of our stock price; risks associated with dilution to existing shareholders; the fact that we may be subject to liability for the activities of our property owners and managers, which could harm our reputation and increase our operating costs; and that we have incurred significant losses to date and require additional capital which may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. More information about the risks and uncertainties faced by Monaker are detailed from time to time in Monaker’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, under the headings “Risk Factors”. These reports are available at www.sec.gov. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on the Company’s future results and/or could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. The Company takes no obligation to update or correct its own forward-looking statements, except as required by law, or those prepared by third parties that are not paid for by the Company. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

Company Contacts:

Monaker Group

Richard Marshall

Director of Corporate Development

Tel (954) 888-9779

[email protected]

HotPlay Enterprise Limited

Nithinan (Jessie) Boonyawattanapisut

Chief Executive Officer

[email protected]

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Artificial Intelligence

Red light therapy for repairing spinal cord injury passes milestone

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BIRMINGHAM, England, May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) could benefit from future treatment to repair nerve connections using red and near-infrared light.

The method, invented by University of Birmingham scientists and patented by University of Birmingham Enterprise, delivers light directly to the site of the injury. 
Their latest research, published in Bioengineering and Translational Medicine, determined an optimal ‘dose’ for this novel approach, and showed it can deliver therapeutic improvements including significant restoration of sensation and movement, and regeneration of damaged nerve cells. 
Researchers led by Professor Zubair Ahmed used cell models of SCI to determine the frequency and duration of light required to achieve maximum restoration of function and stimulate nerve cell regrowth. 
They found delivery at a wavelength of 660nm for one minute a day increased cell viability (the number of live cells) by 45% over five days’ treatment. 
Professor Ahmed said: “The effect of 660nm light was both neuroprotective, meaning it improved survival of nerve cells, and neuroregenerative, meaning it stimulated nerve cell growth.” 
The researchers also investigated the effect of light therapy in preclinical models of SCI, using an implantable device and transcutaneous delivery with the light source placed against the skin. They showed comparable results for both methods, with a one-minute dose of 660nm light, delivered daily for seven days resulting in reduced tissue scarring, increased levels of proteins associated with nerve cell regeneration, improvements in the connections between cells and significant functional recovery. 
This is the first time transcutaneous and direct light delivery have been compared in SCI. Professor Ahmed said: “To make light therapy viable for treating SCI in humans an implantable device will be required, to provide line of sight to damaged tissue and the opportunity for greater accuracy and standardise dosing without impedance due to the thickness of the skin and other tissues surrounding the spinal cord.”
The researchers are planning to develop an implantable device for use in humans with traumatic SCI. They have already received further funding and are seeking commercial partners or investors to develop a prototype device to take into first-in-man clinical trials.
Full release here. 
University of Birmingham Enterprise helps researchers turn ideas into products and services that meet real-world needs. Follow us on LinkedIn and X.
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2404909/University_of_Birmingham_Enterprise.jpg
Media enquiries: Ruth Ashton
Commercial enquiries: Veemal Bhowruth

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TerraPay Continues to Attract Top Industry Talent, Names Hassan Chatila as Vice President and Global Head of Network

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LONDON, May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — TerraPay, a leading global money movement company, is excited to announce the appointment of Hassan Chatila as Vice President – Global Head of Network.

This key addition to TerraPay’s global network leadership also marks a critical step in the company’s ongoing strategy to simplify and streamline global money movement for businesses and individuals alike, underscoring its commitment to enhancing its network capabilities.
With over 20 years of experience in the cross-border payments, Hassan brings with him a rich legacy of leadership and innovation. Before joining TerraPay, he served as the Global Head of Western Union’s Account Payout Network, where he played a pivotal role in expanding and optimizing the network to support seamless global transactions. His impressive career portfolio also includes key leadership roles at Earthport and Temenos, where he led significant payments transformation initiatives and drove substantial growth.
In this new role at TerraPay, Hassan will lead the expansion and optimization of TerraPay’s global payout network. He will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the network’s capabilities, ensuring that TerraPay continues to offer its partners transparent and efficient payment solutions.
Welcoming Hassan to the team, TerraPay Founder and CEO, Ambar Sur, said, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Hassan on board. As an industry expert, he comes with a highly reputable cross-border payment expertise and deep leadership experience. On TerraPay’s journey of growth, Hassan’s appointment is a critical step in furthering our network expansion goals. I look forward to working together and further deepen TerraPay’s position as a global money movement leader.”
Hassan Chatila, VP – Global Head of Network, TerraPay, commented on his new role, saying, “I am thrilled to join TerraPay at this pivotal time. Over the years, TerraPay has built an expansive global money movement network driven by the mission to build a borderless world of payments. I look forward to leveraging my experience to further develop our network capabilities, create new opportunities across markets and help TerraPay achieve its ambitious goals.”
For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]
About TerraPay
TerraPay simplifies global money movement – by providing a single connection to the most expansive cross-border payments network regulated in 31 global markets and enabling payments to 144 receive countries, 210+ send countries, 7.5Bn+ bank accounts and 2.1Bn+ mobile wallets. TerraPay is on a mission to connect a borderless financial world, making moving money everywhere instant, reliable, transparent and fully compliant. TerraPay pushes the boundaries for global businesses – ranging from banks, fintechs and money-transfer operators to travel businesses, creator economy platforms and e-commerce marketplaces – while driving financial inclusion in even the most inaccessible markets. Founded in 2014, TerraPay is headquartered in London, with global offices in Bangalore, Dubai, Miami, Bogota, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Hague, Dakar, Joburg, Nairobi, Milan, Singapore and is expanding rapidly, having received funding from leading investors, including the IFC (the World Bank), Prime Ventures, Partech Africa and Visa.
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1222771/TerraPay_Logo.jpg
 

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Artificial Intelligence

Aareon invests up to €100m in AI-powered proptech Stonal

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PARIS, May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Stonal, the leading data management platform for real estate owners and investors in Europe, has announced a strategic investment by Aareon, Europe’s trusted provider of SaaS solutions for the property industry, to accelerate its European expansion.

Founded in 2017 by Michel Tolila, the current executive chairman, and Jean-Maurice Oudot, Stonal’s mission is to deliver data quality at scale for asset owners and investors. Its collaborative AI-powered platform extracts information from documents and blueprints, creating an accurate and up-to-date database on buildings open to stakeholders such as property managers, surveyors, and insurers. Its decision-making modules offer ESG reporting and CapEx planning to increase returns, improve productivity and preserve value.
Since its inception, the company has quickly expanded into residential and commercial real estate. In early 2024, Stonal launched its proprietary StonalGPT, the first generative artificial intelligence solution designed for real estate owners and investors, establishing itself as one of the pioneers in this field.
Robin Rivaton, CEO of Stonal: “The real estate industry, both residential and commercial, is at a crossroads. AI is a massive opportunity to reshape the sector in a remarkable way, but it still requires a significant amount of data on which to train these systems. Thanks to the strategic partnership with Aareon we will reach such a scale and accelerate our European expansion.”
Aareon is the trusted provider of SaaS solutions for the European property industry. With locations across France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, Aareon serves 13,000 customers totalling 18 million units.
Harry Thomsen, CEO of Aareon: “Investing in Stonal is a strategic step to strengthen our “Aareon Sustain” product portfolio and amplify our proficiency in AI technology across the Aareon Group. With an expected uptick in the need for robust data management solutions, this collaboration not only reinforces the existing partnership between Stonal and Aareon in France but also equips us to meet our customers’ needs and deliver unrivalled innovation and operational excellence.”
Aareon’s investment in Stonal reflects the growing appetite of the real estate sector for technological solutions that enable it to address the major challenges it faces, applying to both larger companies and smaller ones. Expanding ESG expectations, increased CapEx for greener properties, stringent building safety regulations, higher vacancy due to remote work for offices, all converge in the context of high interest rates. The capacity to evaluate risks and make well-informed decisions promptly is now more crucial than ever.
Stonal was advised on this deal by Lazard, Aareon by Vulcain.
About StonalFounded in 2017, Stonal is the leading data management platform for real estate owners and investors in Europe. It helps more than 130 clients, REITs, insurers, housing organisations, asset managers, family offices, to manage a combined portfolio of more than 200 million sqm (including 1.6 million housing units) across all Europe. With 150 employees, Stonal is present in France and the UK.
Contact: Perrine ABRARD, Stonal CMO [email protected]
About AareonAareon is Europe’s trusted provider of SaaS solutions for the property industry, leading the charge towards a digital future. Passionately committed to connecting people, process, and property, Aareon brings the ecosystem closer together. Our Property Management System, powered by smart software solutions, promotes efficient property management and maintenance, enabling superior digital experiences for everyone involved. In our continuous pursuit of innovation, Aareon remains the industry’s reliable partner, inspiring positive change for sustainable spaces for all.
With a dedicated team of around 2,000 professionals, Aareon achieved pro forma revenues of €410 million and a pro forma Adjusted EBITDA of €137 million in 2023.
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2404363/Stonal_Logo.jpg

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