Artificial Intelligence
NowVertical Strengthens Focus Through Strategic Partnership and Sale of Affinio Social Product

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TORONTO, May 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NowVertical Group Inc. (TSX-V: NOW.V) (OTCQB: NOWVF) (“NOW” or the “Company”), the Vertical Intelligence (“VI”) company, today announced a two-way strategic partnership with Audiense Ltd. (“Audiense”), a private U.K. based audience intelligence platform provider. All $ figures stated below are in USD.
Highlights:
The strategic partnership and sale of assets underlying the Affinio Social platform to Audiense will:
- Provide approximately $3 million of free cash flow to NOW over a 24-month period from signing;
- Create a 2-way reseller relationship with Audiense, a leading audience intelligence platform provider and provide NOW access to approximately 2,000 Audiense customers for NOW VI solutions;
- Retain core IP and software to operate NOW’s Snowflake product which is core to its VI solutions; and
- Align long-term incentives through NOW receiving equity participation in Audiense.
“Underpinning our M&A program is our ability to integrate critical assets and maximize our sale and partnership value of secondary assets. Our Affinio Snowflake product remains a central feature of our AI and ML ecosystem. Today we have signed a deal to divest a non-core asset and strengthen our ability to allocate capital focused on our core VI solutions set, while generating increased free cash flow and participate in the future growth of the audience intelligence market,” said Daren Trousdell, Chairman and CEO of NOW.
The transaction allows NOW to retain the core IP needed to continue to operate its emerging first-party data analytics tool within the Snowflake marketplace, while generating free cash flow and gaining a new partner in transferring its non-core Affinio Social assets to a market-leading audience intelligence platform run by Audiense.
“We are excited about the future of integrating Affinio Social into our growing stack and bringing the audience intelligence community under one roof to accelerate innovation in the space” said Carlos Serra, Chief Corporate Development Officer of Audiense. “We have always seen Affinio as a strong and innovative competitor and as a result of this transaction, not only do we enrich Audiense’s platform, but we have created a partnership that can provide complimentary value to our customers through NOW’s VI solution set.”
Under the terms of the deal, NOW will receive an earnout consideration based on the revenues collected (net of applicable taxes) on (1) sales of the Affinio Social product, and (2) Audiense products sold by NOW. Audiense will become an official reseller of NOW’s VI products and solutions. In addition, Audiense will pay $2.2 million of deferred payments in cash to NOW within 24 months of the signing date, with customary acceleration events included. NOW will also receive an equity stake in Audiense equivalent to 2% of Audiense’s share capital on a fully-diluted basis as of the date hereof. As part of the transaction, Audiense is purchasing certain assets comprised primarily of IP and patents. NOW will receive a perpetual, royalty free license to use the transferred IP and patents, which NOW utilises within its Snowflake product offering. NOW anticipates that the deal will close before May 31, 2023.
About NowVertical Group Inc.
NowVertical Group is a Vertical Intelligence (VI) software and services provider that delivers vertically-specific data, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications into private and public verticals globally. NOW’s proprietary solutions sit at the foundation of the modern enterprise by transforming AI investments into VI, enabling its customers to minimize their risk, accelerate the time to value, and reduce costs. NOW is rapidly growing organically and through targeted acquisitions. For more information about NOW, visit www.nowvertical.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Related links:
For further information, please contact:
Daren Trousdell, Chief Executive Officer
e: [email protected]
t: (212) 302-0868
or
Glen Nelson, Investor Relations
e: [email protected]
t: (403) 763-9797
Forward‐Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward‐looking statements (within the meaning of applicable securities laws) which reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “project”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “will”, “may”, “estimate,” and other similar expressions. These statements are based on the Company’s expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections and include, without limitation, statements regarding the future success of the Company’s business.
The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on certain assumptions. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Several factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Artificial Intelligence
oToBrite Unveils Automotive-Grade 5MP/8MP Camera Modules to Meet Soaring Demand for High-Level ADAS/Autonomous Driving

HSINCHU, Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — oToBrite, a prominent provider of Vision-AI ADAS/AD solutions, has unveiled its latest offering in response to the surging demand for high-level Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving (AD) applications. With the need for enhanced perception technology, particularly for heavy commercial vehicles, as the heavier the vehicle is, the longer it will take to stop, oToBrite has successfully introduced automotive-grade 5MP/8MP camera modules. These cutting-edge modules can improve the visibility and perception capabilities of ADAS/AD systems, and have been adopted among clients in North America.
oToBrite has been a leading tier-1 player for vision-AI ADAS/AD solution in the automotive industry, leveraging its full-stack capabilities spanning camera module production technology, edge-computing system design, and vision-AI model development. The company offers flexible business model and comprehensive vision-AI technology stack, enabling it to provide system solutions, camera modules, or AI IP licensing to cater to diverse customer requirements. Its automotive-grade camera modules have already garnered the trust of prominent clients and entered the supply chain of car OEMs such as Luxgen, SONY, Toyota, XPENG, etc. with over 1 million automotive-grade camera modules deployed. To learn more about oToBrite’s offerings, please visit https://www.otobrite.com/en.
The newly launched 5MP/8MP camera modules from oToBrite feature high-sensitivity CMOS sensors. oToBrite’s 5MP camera module series is equipped with Sony IMX490 Sensor and has multiple viewing angles, including 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120°. The 8MP camera module series employs Sony IMX728 sensors and also offers various viewing angles. Both 5MP and 8MP series are equipped with GMSL2 interfaces and tested with waterproof and dustproof standards of IP67/69K. They can operate within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, ensuring the utmost reliability and stability for customers.
oToBrite holds a distinct advantage in camera production technology, with 1K class clean room factory certified with IATF16949 and endorsed by several leading car OEMs. Additionally, the in-house developed 5/6-axis active alignment machine for high-end camera modules exhibits the capability to manufacture over 60 SKU variants of camera modules.
About oToBrite
oToBrite is a leading vison-AI ADAS/AD solutions provider. Based in Hsinchu Science Park, oToBrite has IATF 16949 certified clean room factory and several years of experience as an automotive Tier-1 supplier. Through comprehensive research and development capabilities, oToBrite provides vision-AI algorithm, ECU/domain controller and automotive-grade/special purpose camera products.
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Artificial Intelligence
CFOs are the change agents driving shift to servitized business model to harness growth, cost efficiency and technology opportunities

Time for action is now: Customer expectations for servitization already exist (61%) and projected to increase (70%) in the next three years, in terms of value, service and reliability.
LONDON, Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — IFS, the global cloud enterprise software company, has shared the latest findings of its recent global research polling 2,000 senior decision-makers – VP and above – in France, Germany, Japan, Nordics, UK, USA and the UAE –across Manufacturing, Services, Telecoms, Energy & Resources, Construction & Engineering, and A&D industries. In its last overview, the company highlighted the overarching dependence on AI to create and accelerate business value from servitization.
The survey points to specific executives as drivers or enablers to successfully make the shift and align the organization behind it. The survey highlights the CFO (21%) behind the CEO (35%) as the guardian of business resilience, financial health and as the purse string holder for technology investments. CFOs recognize that the move to servitization is essential in providing predictability in revenues, expenditure and third-party costs, and are aligning themselves to becoming stewards of identifying cross-business strategies that will build competitive advantage.
At the heart of the business case for servitization, the CFO is focused on three elements: Faster and more cost-efficient time to market, visibility and predictability into revenues and CAPEX, accelerating organization alignment across people, processes and technology, to support not only the processes but also to provide the insights required to assess and optimize as they go within their business and intra-company.
CFOs exhibit the greatest urgency in implementing a servitized model out of all C-level respondents (CIOs, CHROs and CTOs), with (32%) prioritizing adoption within the next 18 months. This implies change is not only necessary but will deliver business benefits, with progress and success measured by a fully servitized P&L. CFOs are also most likely (26%) to say their role is the one driving the shift within the organization, as they understand how technology capabilities will reach deep into their organization and enable it to become more technology-driven with regards to the design and delivery of products and services: Product R&D (34%) and service R&D (32%) are two areas CFOs prioritized when looking at servitized business processes.
The priority outcome CFOs want to achieve from servitization is enhancing insight-driven decision-making capabilities (32%) – pointing to why AI is their #1 essential technology choice (49%) as it will fuel faster, more accurate and more data-led inputs into the strategic choices that impact the bottom line.
Technology as a revenue growth enhancer makes wise fiscal sense. For example, EAM is a must-have for servitization success (34%)– assets that are predictively maintained will last longer, have less downtime and result in less expenditure. FSM (40%) maximizes profitable revenue streams and enables significant cost savings across the service lifecycle through optimized workforce scheduling and planning. Similarly, the wealth of connected asset data that can be harnessed through the application of automation, ML, IoT, end-to-end connectivity – all CFO “must-implements” – explain why CFOs have emerged as such strong proponents of technology and servitization.
The CFO’s confidence about the organizational readiness is high at (42%) indicating they have the processes mapped out and are progressing well in their move to servitization, but still have either organizational impacts on people and processes (23%) or technology needs to overcome, making the CHRO the second most significant executive to drive and enable the transformation.
CHROs are more cautious about servitization readiness within the organization, being acutely aware that shifting from a product-focused to a service-focused mindset within their organizations is a barrier to implementing servitization (42%). However, CHROs are in alignment with the CFO on customer expectations for servitization, which are high now, and are set to increase. They also agree that technology is essential to success, with AI their top pick (50%).
Alex Rumble, SVP of Corporate Communications, Product Marketing, AR, & CI at IFS, commented: “The CFO’s remit has evolved hugely in the last decade away from financial reporting to understanding and influencing business-wide strategies and aiding transformation.” Rumble added, “Our research illustrates this very well and that CFOs not only understand the positive impact of aligning a business behind the customer’s expectations, but also the much broader business value of doing so.” She concluded: “Today CFOs are visionary advocates of change and digital transformation and will help build predictability in revenue and costs, ultimately the holy grail for CFOs but still technology dependent.”
Together, CFOs and CHROs can partner to be a powerful force to not only accelerate servitization, but also ensure that the whole organization is primed for success. CHROs must act as a secondary catalyst to mobilize cultural change, acting as a bridge between the business and ensuring the communication and implementation of the overall strategy is not siloed to the C-level.
About IFS
IFS develops and delivers cloud enterprise software for companies around the world who manufacture and distribute goods, build, and maintain assets, and manage service-focused operations. Within our single platform, our industry specific products are innately connected to a single data model and use embedded digital innovation so that our customers can be their best when it really matters to their customers – at the Moment of Service™. The industry expertise of our people and of our growing ecosystem, together with a commitment to deliver value at every single step, has made IFS a recognized leader and the most recommended supplier in our sector. Our team of over 5,500 employees every day live our values of agility, trustworthiness, and collaboration in how we support our thousands of customers. Learn more about how our enterprise software solutions can help your business today at ifs.com.
CONTACT: IFS Press Contacts: EUROPE / MEA / APJ: Adam Gillbe IFS, Director of Corporate & Executive Communications Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 7775 114 856
NORTH AMERICA / LATAM: Mairi Morgan IFS, Director of Corporate & Executive Communications Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 520 396 2155
The following files are available for download:
https://news.cision.com/ifs/i/cfos-are-the-change-agents-driving-shift-to-servitized-business-model-to-harness-growth–cost-effici,c3220272
CFOs are the change agents driving shift to servitized business model to harness growth, cost efficiency and technology opportunities
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cfos-are-the-change-agents-driving-shift-to-servitized-business-model-to-harness-growth-cost-efficiency-and-technology-opportunities-301941481.html
Artificial Intelligence
Breaking language barriers: thebigword’s AI workflows enhance translation delivery on time to 99% while significantly reducing turnaround times

LEEDS, England, Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — thebigword, a leading provider of language solutions, is proud to announce an improvement in its on-time delivery performance and significant reduction of turnaround times. This has been made possible through a strategic fusion of human expertise and state-of-the-art AI and Machine Translation technologies.
This exciting achievement reaffirms the company’s commitment to delivering accurate and timely translations to clients worldwide, setting new industry standards.
With the ever-growing demand for rapid and high-quality translations, thebigword has taken numerous steps, including the ability to create and implement self-driving AI workflows, to ensure their clients are receiving the highest quality of translation and customer service.
Through the enhanced integration of AI and Machine Translation solutions into its translation workflows, thebigword has achieved remarkable outcomes, such as the significant reduction in turnaround times and this notable increase in on-time deliveries. With 99% of translation projects across various languages and industries delivered on time to clients, with shorter turnaround times.
thebigword’s collaborative approach leverages the strengths of their human translators with the power of AI technologies to allow for faster translation turnaround times, while maintaining the highest levels of accuracy. Their technology platform also enables quick resource allocation, ensuring that translation projects are assigned, executed and delivered quickly to reduce delivery times.
Joshua Gould, Chief Executive Officer of thebigword Group said: “thebigword is delivering a very human service with the utilisation of next-generation AI. These innovations represent an ongoing effort to enhance the overall client experience through our ability to deliver accurate, high-speed translations at an affordable price for any budget.”
Mark Daley, Global Managing Director of thebigword Translation said: “thebigword understands how crucial timely delivery of accurate translations are for the global success of our clients, and some of the latest technological integrations we have enabled have allowed us to achieve an impressive 99% as well as faster turnaround times.”
As thebigword celebrates this achievement, it looks forward to building on its success with other translation milestones and continuing to provide high-quality translation services – further enabling its mission of eradicating the final barrier of global communication.
About thebigword:
As one of the largest language service providers globally, thebigword utilises the greatest minds and boundary-shattering technology to deliver phenomenal quality at scale to both our clients and linguist network.
thebigword provides the best translation, interpretation, localisation and language technology solutions for businesses, the public sector and individuals – handling up to 50,000 worldwide assignments every day.
For more information about thebigword’s innovative AI and Machine Translation solutions, please visit www.thebigword.com.
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For media enquiries, please contact:Lauren HockneyGlobal Head of [email protected]
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