Blockchain
Northern Data Group announces closing of Damoon acquisition
Northern Data AG (‘Northern Data Group’) (Ticker symbol German stock market: NB2) (ISIN: DE000A0SMU87) today announces the completion of the acquisition of Damoon Limited, formerly Damoon Designated Activity Company (‘Damoon’)’ from Tether Group. The transaction was first announced in July 2023 and following the required regulatory clearances, the acquisition of c. 70% of Damoon was completed by the end of December 2023, while the remaining c. 30% of Damoon was acquired on 3 January 2024. The closing of the transaction now makes Tether Group, one of the world’s most successful and innovative blockchain technology companies, the cornerstone shareholder in Northern Data Group.
The acquisition value of EUR 400 million for 100% of Damoon is exactly equivalent to the purchase price of the more than 10,000 highly sought-after NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs, which Damoon owns.
In total, including the recently announced purchases, Northern Data Group now owns more than 18,000 NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs. Taiga Cloud, Northern Data Group’s Cloud division, is in the process of deploying the NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs, with the first of the deployments live since December 2023. The deployment of the NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs strengthens Taiga Cloud’s position as Europe’s first and largest dedicated Generative AI Cloud Service Provider, offering flexible and secure access to this latest and most advanced GPU compute power, to meet the surging demand for Generative AI GPUs across Europe.
The ongoing success of Northern Data Group’s vision and strategy has prompted its Founder and CEO, Aroosh Thillainathan, to announce Director Dealings to acquire shares in Northern Data AG for up to EUR 9 million per month and for a total of up to EUR 30 million in the period from 8 January 2024 (inclusive) to 8 May 2024 (inclusive). This will be facilitated via a preset purchase plan agreement, which has been placed with a broker as an irrevocable standing order. To the extent the purchase is made via the stock exchange, the maximum volume of the daily purchases on the stock exchange may not exceed 25% of the average daily XETRA trading volume of the company’s shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on the 20 trading days prior to the respective purchase date. If the trading volumes allow, the order must be fully executed within the four-month period. The purchases will be publicly disclosed regularly. The order has been placed via ART Beteiligungs Management GmbH (ART), the family office of Aroosh Thillainathan, which is 100% owned by him.
Mr. Thillainathan’s current stake in Northern Data Group is 2,761,316 shares, which includes the shares received following the conversion of the mandatory convertible bond in the amount of more than EUR 37 million, which he had purchased via ART in October 2023.
Due to the closing of the Damoon transaction and the required disclosures, Northern Data Group now expects its audited financial statements for fiscal year 2022 to be published in Q1 2024. Accordingly, the next annual general meeting will take place approximately seven weeks thereafter. 2023’s audited financial statements are expected to follow by the end of H1 2024.
The total number of fully diluted, outstanding Northern Data Group shares, following the completion of the Damoon acquisition and including the underlying shares for the outstanding mandatory convertible bond, which has not been converted yet, is 53,497,231.
Aroosh Thillainathan, Northern Data Group’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“Northern Data Group’s growth as a global, leading High-Performance Compute company continues to go from strength to strength. Through the acquisition of Damoon, we have made outstanding progress in the realization of our Cloud strategy, and with the substantial investments made in the hardware critical to delivering Generative AI’s potential, Taiga Cloud, our Cloud Service Provider, is truly positioned for success.
In 2024, we expect to continue our dynamic development and actively seize market opportunities to deliver on our mission to drive the next era of tech-advancement. We’re building the High-Performance Computing infrastructure that will underpin the next wave of Innovation Bravery.”
Transaction Details
Northern Data Group completed the two capital measures agreed in the Investment Agreement announced in July 2023, as amended (“Investment Agreement”), (i) an increase of its share capital by EUR 10,487,826 and (ii) the issuance of a mandatory convertible bond with a nominal value of c. EUR 87 million, convertible into up to 4,763,051 shares in Northern Data Group, both against contribution in kind, by the end of December 2023. Thereby, Northern Data acquired 69.92% of Damoon, as well as 69.92% of the c. EUR 400 million shareholder loan granted to Damoon by Tether Group.
With the registration of a further increase of its share capital against contribution in kind by EUR 6,556,949 to EUR 48,734,180 on 3 January 2024, Northern Data Group acquired the remaining 30.08% of Damoon and of the shareholder loan granted to Damoon in implementation of the exercise of the call option granted to Northern Data Group in the Investment Agreement, as already announced in September 2023, thereby fully completing the acquisition of Damoon and the shareholder loan granted to Damoon.
The completion of this acquisition and the in total three capital measures follows regulatory clearances being obtained, and the confirmation of the court-appointed independent auditor that the value of the contributions in kind are at least equivalent to the value of the 17,035,775 shares in Northern Data Group and the c. EUR 87 million mandatory convertible bond, convertible into up to 4,763,051 shares in Northern Data AG, issued by Northern Data Group as consideration in total.
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Blockchain
Glidelogic Corp. Announces Revolutionary AI-Generated Content Copyright Protection Solution
Blockchain
Ethereum ETFs Aren’t Blockchain But Is A Revolutionary Tech: Top 6 Amazing Reasons To Invest In Them
The financial landscape is rapidly evolving, with the integration of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies becoming more prominent. Among these, Ethereum ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) have emerged as a significant investment vehicle, offering exposure to the Ethereum blockchain’s native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), without requiring direct ownership. However, it’s crucial to understand that Ethereum ETFs are distinct from the blockchain itself and serve different purposes in the investment world.
Understanding Ethereum and ETFs
Ethereum: A decentralized platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It operates using its cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), which fuels the network.
ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund): A type of investment fund that holds a collection of assets and is traded on stock exchanges. ETFs can include various asset classes, such as stocks, commodities, or bonds.
Ethereum ETFs: The Intersection of Traditional Finance and Cryptocurrency
An Ethereum ETF provides a way for investors to gain exposure to the price movements of Ether without directly purchasing the cryptocurrency. This is achieved through an ETF structure, where the fund holds assets linked to the value of Ether, and investors can buy shares of the ETF on traditional stock exchanges.
Key Features of Ethereum ETFs:
- Indirect Exposure: Investors gain exposure to Ether’s price changes without needing to manage or store the cryptocurrency themselves.
- Regulatory Compliance: Unlike the relatively unregulated cryptocurrency market, ETFs operate under the oversight of financial regulators, offering a layer of investor protection.
- Accessibility: Ethereum ETFs are available through traditional brokerage platforms, making them accessible to a broader range of investors.
Why Invest in an Ethereum ETF?
- Diversification: Including an Ethereum ETF in a portfolio can provide exposure to the cryptocurrency market, potentially enhancing diversification beyond traditional assets.
- Convenience and Familiarity: ETFs are a familiar investment product, simplifying the process of investing in cryptocurrencies.
- Professional Management: ETF managers handle the investment decisions, including the buying and selling of assets, which can be advantageous for those less familiar with the cryptocurrency space.
- Regulatory Oversight: ETFs are subject to regulatory scrutiny, potentially offering more safety and transparency compared to direct cryptocurrency investments.
- Potential for Growth: As the cryptocurrency market grows, ETFs linked to assets like Ether may benefit from rising prices.
Key Differences Between Ethereum and Ethereum ETFs
While both are related to the Ethereum blockchain, Ethereum itself and Ethereum ETFs represent different forms of investment:
- Ethereum (ETH):
- Direct ownership of the cryptocurrency.
- Full exposure to Ethereum’s features, including staking and network participation.
- Traded on cryptocurrency exchanges.
- Highly volatile and largely unregulated.
- Ethereum ETF:
- Indirect exposure through shares representing Ether’s value.
- Traded on traditional stock exchanges under regulatory oversight.
- Offers a more stable and familiar investment structure.
- Typically lower volatility compared to direct cryptocurrency ownership.
Future Considerations for Ethereum ETFs
The approval and launch of Ethereum ETFs mark a significant milestone in bringing cryptocurrencies closer to mainstream finance. They offer a convenient and regulated means for investors to gain exposure to the growing digital assets market. However, they also come with limitations, such as not allowing direct participation in the Ethereum ecosystem’s innovations, like dApps and smart contracts.
As the market evolves, we may see more sophisticated financial products that better capture the full potential of the Ethereum ecosystem. For now, Ethereum ETFs provide a balanced option for those interested in cryptocurrency exposure within the framework of traditional finance.
In conclusion, while Ethereum ETFs offer a gateway into the world of digital assets, they should be viewed as complementary to, rather than a replacement for, direct investment in the underlying blockchain technologies. Investors should carefully consider their investment goals, risk tolerance, and the unique attributes of both Ethereum and Ethereum ETFs when making investment decisions.
Source: blockchainmagazine.net
The post Ethereum ETFs Aren’t Blockchain But Is A Revolutionary Tech: Top 6 Amazing Reasons To Invest In Them appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
Nexo, a leading institution in the digital assets industry, has reinforced its commitment to data security by renewing its SOC 2 Type 2 audit and attaining a new SOC 3 Type 2 assessment without any exceptions. This rigorous audit process, conducted by A-LIGN, a respected independent auditor specializing in security compliance, confirms Nexo’s adherence to stringent Trust Service Criteria for Security and Confidentiality.
Key Achievements and Certifications
- SOC 2 and SOC 3 Compliance:
- SOC 2 Type 2: This audit evaluates and reports on the effectiveness of an organization’s controls over data security, particularly focusing on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data.
- SOC 3 Type 2: This public-facing report provides a summary of SOC 2 findings, offering assurance to customers and stakeholders about the robustness of Nexo’s data security practices.
- Additional Trust Service Criteria:
- Nexo expanded the scope of these audits to include Confidentiality, showcasing a deep commitment to protecting user data.
- Security Certifications:
- The company also adheres to the CCSS Level 3 Cryptocurrency Security Standard, and holds ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018 certifications, awarded by RINA. These certifications are benchmarks for security management and data privacy.
- CSA STAR Level 1 Certification:
- This certification demonstrates Nexo’s adherence to best practices in cloud security, further solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the digital assets sector.
Impact on Customers and Industry Standards
Nexo’s rigorous approach to data protection and compliance sets a high standard in the digital assets industry. By achieving these certifications, Nexo provides its over 7 million users across more than 200 jurisdictions with confidence in the security of their data. These achievements not only emphasize the company’s dedication to maintaining top-tier security standards but also highlight its proactive stance in fostering trust and transparency in digital asset management.
Nexo’s Broader Mission
As a premier institution for digital assets, Nexo offers a comprehensive suite of services, including advanced trading solutions, liquidity aggregation, and tax-efficient credit lines backed by digital assets. Since its inception, the company has processed over $130 billion, showcasing its significant impact and reliability in the global market.
In summary, Nexo’s successful completion of SOC 2 and SOC 3 audits, along with its comprehensive suite of certifications, underscores its commitment to the highest standards of data security and operational integrity. This dedication positions Nexo as a leader in the digital assets space, offering unparalleled security and peace of mind to its users.
Source: blockchainreporter.net
The post Nexo Reaffirms Commitment to Data Protection with SOC 3 and SOC 2 Compliance appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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