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Beta Boom Closes $14.5 Million Fund II to Invest in Software Solutions for Fastest-growing, Yet Least Served Populations

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Pre-seed and seed stage VC firm Beta Boom has closed a $14.5 million Fund II with limited partners including Ally Bank, Pivotal Ventures, Bank of America, and Atento Capital. This fund will support early-stage startups that address the most critical needs of the fastest-growing, yet least-served populations.

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Beta Boom, a pre-seed and seed stage venture capital firm committed to achieving impact at scale, has closed a $14.5 million Fund II raised by Managing Partners Kimmy and Sergio Paluch. With Limited Partners that include Ally Bank, Pivotal Ventures (A Melinda French Gates Company), Bank of America, and Atento Capital, the fund will support early-stage startups that address the most critical needs of the fastest-growing, yet least-served populations.

“The closing of this fund allows us to continue investing in software startups that not only solve real and meaningful problems, but that also have strong market potential,” said Kimmy Paluch, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Beta Boom.

“The closing of this fund allows us to continue investing in software startups that not only solve real and meaningful problems, but that also have strong market potential. We see the greatest needs and opportunities in fintech, digital health, and the future of work, and that’s where Beta Boom’s focus remains,” said Kimmy Paluch, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Beta Boom. “We’ve always seen ourselves as somewhat of outliers in the VC space, and we have so much conviction in that. Not only have we created a sourcing strategy that’s purpose-built to identify incredible founders outside major tech hubs like Silicon Valley, but we are also ludicrously hands-on in the way we support our founders – because our investment in their success is driven by purpose.”

“Beta Boom is doing something different. We’ve been impressed by Kimmy’s deep experience and relationships, allowing the team to have steady, individualized support for their founders. Their unmatched growth mindset gives them the flexibility to learn, absorb, and adjust in an unpredictable ecosystem,” Erin Harkless Moore, Senior Director of Investments at Pivotal Ventures.

Priding themselves on a fiercely untraditional approach to evaluating founders, Beta Boom looks beyond referral networks and major tech hubs, consciously focusing across America’s Heartland. Prospective investments are evaluated on more than 30 dimensions across 5 categories – nearly 50 percent of which is attributed to the team execution and founder qualities such as grit. Attributes related to pedigree, like having attended an Ivy League school, results in detracted points to adjust for bias.

In hopes of taking a closer look at pedigree bias, Beta Boom recently conducted an analysis of the top 10 venture capital firms. After analyzing more than 800 seed investments made throughout the last five years, they found that 69 percent of investments were linked to pedigree.

“Many of our founders tell us that Beta Boom is the first time they feel like they’ve been taken seriously – which is both encouraging and disconcerting at the same time. We don’t care about a founder’s professional background or location; what we’re truly looking for is someone who has persevered in the face of adversity,” said Sergio Paluch, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Beta Boom. “Founders who are intimately connected to the problem they are trying to solve not only have a proven track record, but also have the power to become the next generation of unicorn founders – if given the opportunity.”

“Beta Boom’s approach is truly unique and special. Time and time again Kimmy and Sergio demonstrate their roles as true partners and champions, and not only because they provide critical, actionable support, but also because they see the potential and greatness in founders when they often struggle to see it themselves. Simply put, Beta Boom sets a new standard for the relationship investors need to have with their portfolio companies,” said Emily Brown, Co-founder and CEO of Attane Health.

Through a self-funded Fund I and its current Fund II, Beta Boom has already invested in 20 companies alongside leading investors like Union Square Ventures, Acumen America, SoGal Ventures, Serena Ventures, BBG Ventures, Alumni Ventures Group and others; supporting impact-driven companies like:

Bolder Money, an online money coaching program, that has increased the wealth of members by an average of $12KCanopie, addressing the maternal mental health crisis with accessible, evidence-based care, and has helped 80% of its mothers achieve clinically significant improvements in depression scoreAttane Health, providing healthy food access for those living with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, which affect one-third of all Americans

Beta Boom’s General Partners have led innovation and growth projects for some of the world’s leading brands, companies like Google and TiVo. Individually, and as a firm, they have been awarded for their commitment to changing both the business and venture capital landscape through recognition from Utah Business, Kem C. Gardner Institute, Silicon Slopes, Living Color, and other highly-respected accolades and organizations.

About Beta Boom

Since 2018, Beta Boom has invested in early-stage software companies solving the most critical needs of the fastest-growing, yet least-served, populations. Committed to investment principles that are fiercely untraditional, Beta Boom values grit and perseverance over pedigree and looks beyond Silicon Valley for founders who are intimately connected to the problems they’re trying to solve. The firm invests primarily in fintech, digital health, and the future of work, areas where the greatest opportunities lie in addressing unmet needs, at scale. Co-founded by Kimmy and Sergio Paluch, who have led product innovation projects for companies like Google and TiVo, Beta Boom is backed by Limited Partners that include Ally Bank, Pivotal Ventures (A Melinda French Gates Company), Bank of America, and Atento Capital. For more information about Beta Boom visit https://betaboom.com/.

Media Contact

Liza Vilnits, Beyond Trending PR, 1 508-333-8548, liza@beyondtrendingpr.com

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SOURCE Beta Boom

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Chungnam National University Researchers Examines Corporate Social Responsibility’s Impact on Global Online Shopping

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Insights on the role of online purchasability and corporate social responsibility on global consumer behavior

DAEJEON, South Korea, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A study conducted by researchers from Chungnam National University explores how online shopping ease and corporate social responsibility (CSR) influence global product purchases in South Korea and Japan. The research highlights how CSR initiatives, when combined with user-friendly e-commerce platforms, boost purchase frequency. The finding reveals cross-country differences, with Japanese consumers showing a stronger response to CSR efforts, providing valuable information about consumer behavior and e-commerce strategies.

Online shopping is revolutionizing how we access and purchase products from international markets. Despite this growth, many consumers remain hesitant to purchase goods from foreign companies due to trust issues, cultural differences, and concerns about unfamiliar products. A new study led by Assistant Professor Ha Kyung Lee from Chungnam National University investigates how global companies can overcome these challenges by simplifying online shopping and highlighting their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. Their paper was made available online on 28th August 2024 and was published in Volume 81 of the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services on November 1, 2024.

In this study, the researchers analyzed the behavior of 1,033 online shoppers from South Korea and Japan. They found that companies’ social contributions—such as supporting environmental or social initiatives—strengthen the positive effect of online purchasability on purchasing frequency. Professor Lee explains, “When consumers find it simple to shop online, they are more likely to purchase global products. In fact, CSR initiatives significantly strengthen this link between online purchasability and purchase frequency.”

One of the most surprising findings was the difference in consumer responses between South Korea and Japan. While Japanese consumers, who are generally less active in online shopping than South Koreans, showed a stronger response to CSR. “Japanese consumers, CSR cues likely helped reconcile their positive perceptions of online shopping with their hesitancy to engage, making the influence of social contributions on purchasing behavior stronger in Japan than in South Korea,” Says Prof. Lee. This suggests that CSR can help build trust and overcome consumer hesitation, but that the effect of this might be influenced by cultural predispositions.

Businesses can apply these findings by improving usability and transparency while incorporating CSR messaging into their platform. This approach is particularly important in markets where trust in foreign brands is still developing. For companies entering new markets, CSR can act as a strategic tool to boost consumer confidence and overcome cultural or digital barriers.

Looking ahead, the study’s findings are likely to have long-term implications. CSR could act as a powerful tool when tailoring strategies to countries with lower online shopping adoption. Prof. Lee concludes, “Over time, CSR could become a standard feature in global e-commerce, helping bridge the digital divide and making online shopping accessible to more people.”

Reference
Title of original paper: How do online sales channels affect global product purchases? The role of CSR and cross-country differences
Journal: Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services
DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2024.104049

About the institute
Website: https://plus.cnu.ac.kr/html/en/

Media Contact:
Gaeun Kim
+82 42-821-6239
388089@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Chungnam National University

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Parks Associates Announces its Annual Top Leaders in Technology List for 2024

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International research and consulting firm highlights industry leaders in entertainment and streaming, energy, connected health, multifamily and smart spaces, and connected home and security

DALLAS, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Parks Associates, the research and consulting authority on digital lifestyles and technology, today released 2024 Top Leaders in Technology, an annual list that recognizes technology executives who are featured speakers at the firm’s 2024 executive conferences. Parks Associates recognizes these leaders for their pivotal roles in market growth and their dedication to expanding industry knowledge.

Parks Associates’ events include its signature event CONNECTIONS™: The Premier Connected Home Conference; Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer; Connected Health Summit: Consumer Engagement and Innovation; Smart Spaces: Apartments, Hospitality and Community Living; Future of Video: Business of Streaming; and CONNECTIONS™ Summit: Business of Smart Home.

“We are ecstatic to highlight these exceptional leaders, emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration through networking and event opportunities,” said Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO, Parks Associates. “These exceptional individuals deserve recognition because of their effort and dedication to advancing the industry they work in. We are proud to spotlight these accomplished individuals.”

Top Leaders in Technology include the following industry categories:

2024 Top Leaders in Technology
2024 Top Leaders in Connected Home and Security
2024 Top Leaders in Energy
2024 Top Leaders in Connected Health
2024 Top Leaders in Video and Entertainment
2024 Top Leaders in Multifamily

The firm hosted more than 2,400 executives through its virtual and in-person events, which highlight the impact of technology on the consumer and business landscape, including trends, growth, shifts in consumer and B2B preferences, and strategic business transformations. The research firm reports that 94% of US internet households own a smartphone, 88% have a streaming video service, 64% own a smart TV, 45% own a smart home device, and over one-half own a wearable.

“We thank the Top Leaders in Technology, who contributed their vision and support in 2024,” said Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein, VP, Marketing, Parks Associates. “Conference attendees included C-level, vice presidents, product managers, marketing directors, government officials, media influencers, and more.”

Parks Associates 2024 events were sponsored by leading industry companies:

CONNECTIONS™ SUMMIT AT CES
American International Group (AIG)
Alarm.com
Calix
Cox Communities
Homebase
Ivani
Kaadas Smart Locks
Nice
Origin
Shelly
SkyBell
SmartThings
Ubiety Technologies
Universal Electronics

SMART ENERGY SUMMIT
Arcadia
Resideo
SkyBell
SmartThings
Universal Electronics

CONNECTIONS™
Affiliated Monitoring
Alarm.com
Becklar
bluesalve partners
Calix
Cardinal Peak, an FPT Software Company
Cognitive Systems
Cox Communities
Ivani
Johnson Controls
Kaadas Smart Locks
Kwikset
Midea
Moen
Nice
Origin
Rapid Response Monitoring
RSPNDR
Savant
Schlage
Shelly
SkyBell
SmartThings
Trident IoT
Ubiety Technologies
VectorSolv
Xailient
Z-Wave Alliance

SMART SPACES
ADT Multifamily
Calix
Cox Communities
DoJo Networks
Homebase, a Quext Company
Kwikset
Nice
Salto
SkyBell
SmartRent
VANTIVA
WireStar Networks
Xfinity Communities
Zentra Access

CONNECTED HEALTH SUMMIT
Alarm.com
Becklar
Calix
FPT Software

FUTURE OF VIDEO
Adeia
Bango
FPT Software
JWP Connatix
SymphonyAI
Wurl

Parks Associates’ 2025 event schedule is available at https://www.parksassociates.com/events. For more information, contact Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein, 972-490-1113.

About Parks Associates
Parks Associates, a woman-owned and woman-led internationally recognized market research and consulting company, specializes in emerging technology solutions serving the consumer and small to medium business (SMB) markets. Parks Associates is a partner to companies navigating the changing consumer technology landscapes through data-driven market insights, extensive consumer and industry intelligence, custom marketing services and executive networking experiences and conferences.

The company’s expertise includes home automation, control systems and security, digital media and platforms, entertainment, home networks, internet and video services, connected health and independent living solutions, mobile applications and services, support services, consumer electronics, and energy management solutions. https://www.parksassociates.com

Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein
Parks Associates
972.490.1113
388079@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Parks Associates

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New Jerseyan Wins $2 Million Powerball on Jackpot.com, Two Days Before the $1.15 Billion Mega Millions Draw

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The latest win on the platform adds to the excitement as customers continue to use Jackpot.com to try their luck at tonight’s $1.15 billion Mega Millions jackpot drawing

TRENTON, N.J., Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Jackpot.com, the online website and app that allows individuals to safely and securely order official state lottery tickets and scratchers from their mobile phone and other devices, announced today that a New Jersey resident has won a $2 million dollar Powerball prize after purchasing a ticket on the Jackpot.com app. 

This latest claimed prize comes amid a surging Mega Millions jackpot that now sits at $1.15 billion. The lucky player, who wishes to remain anonymous, is still relatively new to the Jackpot.com app, though they experienced some quick luck, scoring a massive win just three weeks after signing up with the lottery courier.

“This time of year is always busy for the lottery industry, and now even more than usual given all the buzz around the over one billion dollar Mega Millions jackpot, but it’s great to celebrate any life-changing win,” said Akshay Khanna, CEO and co-founder of Jackpot.com. “For those who have yet to purchase lottery tickets online via Jackpot.com, don’t wait! We are very excited to award this prize to our winner and hope people continue to leverage the ease and accessibility of ordering lottery tickets digitally, you never know if you’ll be the next winner.”

Jackpot.com has launched a special promotion for new players that join the website or app, giving a FREE Mega Millions ticket on their first play by using promo code XMAS.

This latest prize is part of a flurry of activity within the lottery industry that took place over the course of 2024. The record-breaking year started off strong as a once-in-a-lifetime $842.4 million Powerball jackpot was won on New Year’s Day, shortly followed by a second lucky winner that took home a $1.13 billion Mega Millions prize in March, and a $1.326 billion Powerball jackpot that was won in April, all of which signify some of the largest prizes ever awarded.

Following its New Jersey launch in May 2024, Jackpot.com has become one of the major players in the Garden State lottery landscape, contributing to a fiscal year 2024 sales amount totaling $3.63 billion, the fourth-highest sales result in the New Jersey Lottery’s history.

Currently live in eight states (AK, AZ, CO, MA, NJ, NY, OH, TX) with more on the way, Jackpot.com has significantly invested in responsible gaming protocols and player safety by allowing customers to set limits on both spending and daily deposits, as well as providing access to local and national responsible gambling resources, self-exclusion, self-suspension and automated notifications that offer help should problematic behavior be detected. Jackpot.com is also the only lottery courier service to launch with iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gambling.

About Jackpot.com
Jackpot.com allows customers to order official state lottery tickets from their mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Currently available in Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, Arkansas, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Texas, Jackpot.com is expanding its safe and secure lottery courier service to additional markets across the US. An Associate Member of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), Jackpot.com has invested significantly in responsible gaming safeguards, with default spending limits and other features built in throughout the experience, earning it iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gaming. To learn more, visit www.jackpot.com or download the iOS or Android app.

Contact: jackpot@5wpr.com 

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SOURCE Jackpot.com

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