Blockchain Press Releases
Cuentas Announces OLB Group’s Purchase of Controlling Interest In Cuentas SDI, and the Black011.com Commerce Platform, Enabling the Companies to Offer an Increasing Array of Next-Generation Location-Based Physical and Digital Services to Accelerate the Growth of Cuentas SDI’s Network of Over 31,000 Local Convenience “Bodega” Stores
This Announcement is Designed to Add More Power and Reach to Cuentas’ Growing Portfolio of Financial and Lifestyle Solutions for the Unbanked and Underserved, Enabling the Companies to Offer Next-Generation Location-Based Digital Services to Cuentas SDI’s Growing Network of over 31,000 Local Convenience “Bodega” Stores In the Greater New York / New Jersey Area Alone With the Opportunity to Expand Across the Nation.
MIAMI BEACH, Fla., July 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Cuentas, Inc. (Nasdaq: CUEN) (Nasdaq: CUENW) (“Cuentas”), the Company that is creating an alternative financial ecosystem for a hard working population who do not have access to traditional financial alternatives, announced today that OLB Group (NASDAQ: OLB), a leading provider of fintech, digital assets and payment, has acquired the remaining controlling interest of Cuentas SDI LLC (Cuentas SDI). Cuentas is a minority shareholder of Cuentas SDI which has over 31,000 convenience stores in its network, with locations across the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tri state area. Cuentas had been seeking a new partner to acquire the outstanding 80% and invest in the expansion of and innovation around SDI. Management is very excited to see OLB take the stake. Subject to the acquisition, Cuentas will retain its 19.99% share in Cuentas SDI and will be providing additional services to the network, including the Company’s new Cuentas Mobile Wireless Service. Management’s goal is to use its growing partnership with OLB to increase its offerings to the underserved markets, providing an exciting new array of digital and traditional commerce services, from telco, OmniCommerce, discounts, debit, and credit opportunities, that can be fulfilled digitally or directly in store via OLB’s innovative POS solutions.
Cuentas further plans to work with its partner InComm, the global financial services giant, with whom the Company announced a partnership in 2022, to add innovative digital product offers and other services to its growing network ( Link CUENTAS and Incomm). Through these partnerships, Cuentas is working to connect the physical world to the digital world, bringing together digital point of sale solutions, physical incentives and cards, digital commerce and financial solutions, with Cuentas’ telecom and communications solutions, to provide deeper and more meaningful access to the underbanked and underserved who frequent the Company’s growing convenience store network. In a world where suburban big-box retailers threaten the smaller, urban outlets, Cuentas wants to empower convenience stores to offer similar levels of connectivity and digital resources including many of the biggest brands in today’s market.
“These small stores are often the heart and soul of the communities they serve,” said Cuentas Founder and CEO, Arik Maimon. “With this announcement we are well on the way to enabling Bodegas and other convenience stores to compete head-to-head with the big-box retailers”, added Maimon.
According to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), there are over 150,000 convenience stores in the US. (SOURCE NACS: LINK), and according to CNBC, over 60% of convenience stores are privately owned. Convenience stores are so common across the United States that 93% of Americans live within just a few minutes of one, yet many of these stores are struggling to stay relevant in a changing economic landscape (SOURCE CNBC LINK). Many of the Bodegas that are part of Cuentas SDI’s network are the first stop for local residents who need instant access, not only to goods but also to digital services from mobile phone bills to discount and prepaid cards. Cuentas SDI was established as a platform to enable individual convenience stores and larger groups to come together and take advantage of the network effect, combining offers, digital connectivity, modern Point of Sale (POS) solutions, and other innovations to enable stores to become increasingly important to their local communities. Management believes this announcement accelerates that journey.
“The Bodega is the place where locals go for a range of critical services beyond shopping, from paying bills to wiring funds, to obtaining discount and debit cards for a range of services,” said Cuentas President and Co-founder, Michael De Prado. “We are revolutionizing that relationship from both a physical and digital perspective,” added De Prado.
OLB has already worked with Cuentas on other initiatives and acquired the remaining equity in Cuentas SDI in this latest transaction. The Companies plan to re-brand the platform and integrate additional services to provide new revenue streams for the store owners, potentially including instant loans and advanced services to their network of customers. Both Cuentas and OLB share the mission of working together to provide new and increasingly innovative solutions to underbanked and underserved communities across North America, which has been estimated to be a trillion-dollar market opportunity.
Ronny Yakov, CEO of OLB Group, said, “We are excited to move forward with this exciting next step in our relationship with Cuentas. Our plan is to immediately focus on adding as many as 1,000 new stores to the network in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut area and then ramp up from that initial base.”
The OLB Group will offer additional products and programs from its list of services to store owners, including wallets with instant credit loaded based on approvals, potentially issuing loans, and providing other novel services as well as building out a common point of sale network that enables store owners to participate in larger promotions and initiatives.
“There is a growing urgency and need to reinvent old financial systems to accommodate the needs of capable, deserving Americans who been increasingly left out of the system,” concluded Cuentas’ Maimon. “This announcement puts us in the heart of the communities we serve and one step closer to providing the most meaningful alternatives for this growing segment of the population who need it the most!”
About The OLB Group, Inc.
The OLB Group, Inc. is a diversified Fintech eCommerce merchant services provider. The Company’s eCommerce platform delivers cloud-based merchant services for a comprehensive digital commerce solution to over 10,500 merchants in all 50 states.
About Cuentas SDI
Cuentas SDI, LLC. is the company that owns the platform of Black011.com and the network serving over 31,000 convenience stores (“Bodegas”) in and around New York and New Jersey. The Company is managed and controlled by The OLB Group, Inc. Cuentas Inc., and is a shareholder in Cuentas SDI, LLC. Black011.com is the network that will deliver a range of services to the network’s customers, including digital incentives, promotions, gift cards, discounts, top up services, telecommunication services, money transfer solutions and other digital and physical products and solutions true the network of financial partners.
About Cuentas
Cuentas, Inc. (Nasdaq: CUEN & CUENW) is creating an alternative financial ecosystem for the growing global population who do not have access to traditional financial alternatives. The Company’s proprietary technologies help to integrate FinTech (Financial Technology), e-finance and e-commerce services into solutions that deliver next generation digital financial services to the unbanked, under-banked and underserved populations nationally in the USA. The Cuentas Platform integratesCuentas Mobile, the Company’s Telecommunications solution, with its core financial services offeringsto help entire communities enter the modern financial marketplace. Cuentas has launched its General Purpose Reloadable (GPR) Card, which includes a digital wallet, discounts for purchases at major physical and online retailers, rewards, and the ability to purchase digital content. In Q1 of 2023, Cuentas launched Cuentas Casa, an alternative housing development initiativethat secured a 10-year supply agreement for a patented, sustainable building system that will provide the bridge between its technology solutions and the affordable housing market. Cuentas has made investments to date in affordable housing projects for over 450 apartments. LINK: https://cuentas.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements,” as that term is defined in section 27a of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21e of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release, which are not purely historical, are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this news release contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements that are preceded by, followed by, or that include such words as “believe,” “plan,” or “expect” or similar statements are forward-looking statements.
Investor Relations
Cuentas, Inc.
800-611-3622
[email protected]
Blockchain Press Releases
Zilliqa launches Jasper Proto-Testnet for Zilliqa 2.0, the blockchain built for mass adoption
SINGAPORE, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Zilliqa, the established layer-1 blockchain platform that pioneered sharding technology, is excited to announce the launch of the Jasper proto-testnet for Zilliqa 2.0, the first release on its roadmap for its new, upgraded network designed to drive mass adoption of Web3.
This significant milestone sees the first Zilliqa 2.0 proto-testnet become available to the public, marking a crucial first step in the rollout of its new network, which promises to deliver an efficient and scalable blockchain designed to make Web3 as easy to use as the internet. The release of Jasper is the first step on the roadmap for Zilliqa 2.0, each of which will see the network expanded with further functionality according to the protocol’s whitepaper.
The Jasper proto-testnet introduces Zilliqa 2.0’s new Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism, which delivers lightning-fast transactions at low cost, all while remaining energy efficient and capable of scaling to the needs of businesses and developers globally. This early version of the Zilliqa 2.0 network allows developers and validators to explore the new network’s enhanced capabilities and experiment with running a validator node and earning rewards for helping to secure the network.
The proto-testnet offers other foundational features such as EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) compatibility and support for Scilla smart contracts, and the network will continue to undergo active development as work progresses on Zilliqa 2.0. The Zilliqa tech team will work closely with developers and validators to discuss their feedback and mitigate the impact of any bugs or downtime they encounter when testing this early, proto-testnet version of the Zilliqa 2.0 network.
Future milestones include the release of the Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet and the progressive introduction of features such as x-shards and smart accounts, which will deliver unprecedented customisation and accessibility.
A core feature of Zilliqa 2.0’s design is to be able to adapt to the scaling and security needs of the applications running on it, allowing businesses and developers to build on a platform that works for them while being seamlessly integrated with the global Web3 ecosystem and audience. Zilliqa 2.0’s simplicity and powerful customisation positions it as the ideal white-label solution for businesses looking to leverage the benefits of Web3.
Whether a company or developer wants to launch their own digital assets, build decentralised applications (dApps), or create new digital experiences, Zilliqa 2.0 will provide the infrastructure to do so efficiently and at scale.
Commenting on the release of the Jasper proto-testnet for Zilliqa 2.0, Zilliqa Head of Research Zoltan Fazekas said:
“This launch marks a significant step forward in realising our vision for Zilliqa 2.0. The Jasper proto-testnet is not just a test environment – it’s the beginning of a new era in blockchain technology, where speed, efficiency, and user-friendliness converge. We invite developers and businesses to join us in exploring the possibilities of this groundbreaking network.”
With the launch of Jasper, Zilliqa is calling on potential new validators worldwide to onboard and test the network as pioneers of Zilliqa 2.0. This is an opportunity to play a key role in the future of the network and earn sustainable rewards by contributing to its security and resilience. Developers and potential validators are encouraged to read the docs for Zilliqa 2.0 to get started with the Jasper proto-testnet.
About Zilliqa
Zilliqa is the industry-recognised layer-1 blockchain founded in Singapore in 2018. The blockchain serves as a versatile foundation that facilitates a broad array of Web3 applications and services across a multitude of sectors including luxury and entertainment, providing a robust platform for emerging startups and established enterprises alike.
The next evolution of the network, Zilliqa 2.0 offers a user-centric and customisable layer 1 infrastructure designed to drive the mass adoption of Web3. Currently rolling out testnet with the mainnet launch in Q4’2024.
For more information, visit roadmap.zilliqa.com.
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Blockchain Press Releases
HTX Ventures and HTX DAO Lead Web3 Investments and Innovation Discussions at Korea Blockchain Week 2024
SINGAPORE, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — HTX Ventures and HTX DAO showed strong engagement during the Korea Blockchain Week 2024 (1-7 September) .Through exclusive side events and engaging panel discussions, HTX Ventures and HTX DAO demonstrated their thought leadership in blockchain investments and AI innovation, connecting with influential partners and driving forward the industry’s most critical conversations.
As a leader in the Web3 space, HTX Ventures seized the opportunity to showcase its pioneering investment strategies, showing strong interests in prominent sectors like BTCFi, SocialFi, and decentralized AI. At the VIP private dinner hosted by HTX DAO on 3 September, an elite audience of trading firms, institutional clients, and key partners facilitated networking and potential future collaborations. Similarly, HTX Ventures’ private dinner on 5 September garnered strong interest from new and existing partners, reaffirming their influence in shaping the venture capital landscape in Web3.
Other events include “Entertainment Reimagined” Web3 entertainment side event with Fellaz and TRON on 4 Sept, Ecosystem Global Meet-up on 5 Sept, AI Crypto Summit, a Web3 conference on AI and blockchain, on 5 Sept, and several after parties.
Insights on Promising Sectors
Representing HTX Ventures, Managing Partner Edward delivered his insights on the evolving landscape of Web3 investments during several panel discussions.
On 4 September, during the “Navigating Investment in Web3, Tech, Narrative, or Fomo?” panel hosted by DFG, Edward highlighted key investment trends, noting the success of the meme sector, BTCFi innovations, and promising areas such as SocialFi, AI, and DePIN.
“The meme sector has performed remarkably well in this cycle. Attracting funds through memes and subsequently launching utility-driven products is one of the strategic paths that ecosystem developers and project teams are pursuing this cycle.” Edward said, “BTCFi, based on the BTC ecosystem this year, is also one of HTX Ventures’ key areas of interest. As an innovation track in 2024, the BTC ecosystem is witnessing various innovations, and we anticipate even more developments in this field. SocialFi projects, AI, and DePIN are also sectors that we are closely monitoring.”
Speaking from a broader market perspective, Edward particularly mentioned BTC and ETH ETFs. “The entry of BTC and ETH into the ETF era is poised to significantly alter the dynamics of the cryptocurrency market, bringing in more investors and capital while also potentially introducing greater regulation and market manipulation.”
How HTX Ventures Helps Portfolio Companies
At the MKGA Summit, Edward expanded on HTX Ventures’ strategies for supporting its portfolio companies. HTX Ventures provides a full service for its portfolio companies, including: fundraising support, world-class mentorship, listing opportunities, strategic networking, and global market entry.
One example is BounceBit, a portfolio company that has benefited from HTX Ventures’ extensive resources. “We connected BounceBit with projects across our portfolio, extended their global outreach, and provided in-depth research reports and marketing support, including Twitter space collaborations and events,” Edward explained. “We believe in supporting innovative projects like BounceBit for the long run.”
There are certain things that HTX Ventures looks into when investing in a company, and one of the most important things is the product. Edward said, “HTX Ventures now focuses more on the product and the team itself. Through financial and resource support, HTX Ventures aims to help teams develop genuinely innovative products that serve a large number of crypto users, which is our long-term investment goal.”
Embracing AI in a Decentralized Manner
HTX Ventures is also at the forefront of integrating AI with blockchain technology. On 5 September, Zhao Lei represented HTX Ventures at the AI Crypto Summit’s panel discussion on “The Rise of Autonomous Agents in DeFi & CeFi”. She underscored the transformative potential of decentralized AI, which leverages blockchain for transparent decision-making and enhanced security.
“Our investment arm and exchange have supported several high-potential projects involving decentralized AI from early on. One example is Fetch.ai. Their platform runs AI agents that can conduct transactions and other economic activities,” she said.
Conclusion
The active participation in the plentiful activities showcased HTX Ventures’ and HTX DAO’s commitment to keep building the industry, as well as the great emphasis they put on the Korea and Asia markets.
As the global investment arm of HTX, HTX Ventures is actively seeking high-potential investment opportunities around the globe including key areas like Korea, offering investment and ecosystem support to help innovative startups in the region grow. By staying ahead of market trends and actively supporting innovative projects in key sectors, HTX Ventures is solidifying its position as a driving force in the global blockchain and AI landscape. With the side events, HTX Ventures built a stronger connection with the industry professionals and the local community, opening a new way for more collaboration opportunities.
About HTX Ventures
HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, integrates investment, incubation, and research to identify the best and brightest teams worldwide. With more than a decade-long history as an industry pioneer, HTX Ventures excels at identifying cutting-edge technologies and emerging business models within the sector. To foster growth within the blockchain ecosystem, we provide comprehensive support to projects, including financing, resources, and strategic advice.
HTX Ventures currently backs over 300 projects spanning multiple blockchain sectors, with select high-quality initiatives already trading on the HTX exchange. Furthermore, as one of the most active FOF (Fund of Funds) funds, HTX Ventures invests in 30 top global funds and collaborates with leading blockchain funds such as Polychain, Dragonfly, Bankless, Gitcoin, Figment, Nomad, Animoca, and Hack VC to jointly build a blockchain ecosystem. Visit us here.
Feel free to contact us for investment and collaboration at [email protected]
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Blockchain Press Releases
Instant Nodes arrives in the USA with Global Payments Giant, Paddle Partnership
DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Instant Nodes is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with global payment giant, Paddle. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies as both firms join forces to deliver unparalleled on-ramp and off-ramp solutions to the USA market and beyond.
As a leader in blockchain and decentralised solutions, Instant Nodes has strived to provide innovative and efficient services to our customers. Now, with the integration of Paddle, we are set to revolutionise how our services are delivered and monetised.
Why Paddle?
Paddle’s comprehensive platform is designed to handle all aspects of global payments complexity, from subscription management to payment processing. Their expertise in managing complex billing scenarios and ensuring smooth transactions aligns perfectly with our vision at Instant Nodes.
Instant Nodes can leverage Paddle’s technology and tax compliance solutions to streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and develop cutting-edge blockchain solutions.
The Benefits of Our Partnership
This partnership is poised to bring numerous benefits to our clients. With Paddle’s seamless payment infrastructure, Instant Nodes can offer more flexible and efficient billing options, making it easier for clients to access and pay for our services.
Paddle’s robust analytics and reporting tools will provide us with valuable insights into our revenue streams, enabling us to make data-driven decisions to further improve our offerings.
A Word from Our Leaders
Ilgar Alekperov, Founder of Instant Nodes, shared his excitement:
“Partnering with Paddle is a game-changer for us. Their advanced payments infrastructure platform will not only simplify our billing processes and tax compliance but also enhance our overall service delivery. We believe this collaboration will drive significant growth and allow us to better serve our clients with innovative blockchain solutions.“
Dylan Yepes at Paddle also commented:
“We are delighted to partner with Instant Nodes, a company that is at the forefront of blockchain innovation. Our platform is designed to handle the complexities of global payments and billing, and we are confident that Instant Nodes’ customers will greatly benefit from the streamlined processes and enhanced payment experiences we offer.”
To start deploying nodes, visit https://instantnodes.io/
About Instant Nodes
Instant Nodes is an RPC solution which is focused on building data integrity in digital assets blockchains.
X: https://x.com/InstantNodes | Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/instantnodes/
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