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Firsthand Emerges from Stealth to Build the AI Agent Platform for Brands and Publishers

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11 months ago

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Firsthand’s applied generative AI technology allows brands and publishers to easily create and distribute their own AI agents to engage directly with consumers everywhere online – while retaining full control of their data and content.Seed round led by AI fund Radical Ventures

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Firsthand, a company enabling brands and publishers to build and distribute AI agents anywhere their consumers are, emerged from stealth today announcing a Seed round led by AI-focused Radical Ventures. The company’s innovative platform empowers brands and publishers to create their own AI agents that are embedded with their own protected knowledge and tasked with and measured by their own goals. These agents can conduct 1:1 personalized conversations and content presentation with consumers in their moment of need, anywhere they’re seeking information online. This represents a seismic shift in how companies can control how, when, and where their content appears in front of consumers, onsite and beyond their own digital properties – all powered by intelligent, AI-directed interactions. Firsthand was founded in 2023 by Jonathan Heller, Michael Rubenstein, and Wei Wei, pioneers of digital advertising who built industry-leading platform companies including DoubleClick, AppNexus, and FreeWheel – companies that were built to support an open digital ecosystem.

The Rise of AI Agents

Until recently, there has been no feasible way for brands and publishers to engage in real-time, one-to-one exchanges with consumers on and off their digital properties — where they can fully control how, when, and where their data and content assets are surfaced to consumers. The introduction of AI agents presents an unparalleled opportunity for companies to connect and interact with their audiences directly at scale through AI exchanges and consumer-directed actions.

For decades, powerful algorithms have dictated traffic, monetization, and representation, diverting value away from both brands and publishers. As consumers rush to navigate this new AI landscape, tech giants are seeking to aggressively exploit this unprecedented AI wave by ingesting data and serving AI applications fronting the data and content assets created by brands and publishers, directly to consumers. In this scenario, companies continue to see their most prized assets get summarized, diluted, and even misrepresented by tech giants. This dependency not only erodes vital brand-consumer relationships but also prevents them from fully realizing their potential in the new AI era.

Firsthand: AI-Powered Conversational Campaigns

Firsthand’s AI platform allows brands and publishers to harness the full potential of generative AI to engage in direct conversations with consumers, using their own proprietary data and content to drive more engaging and accurate interactions. Its platform is the only solution that allows companies to engage with their consumers wherever they are by distributing their agents, in context, across any partner’s site in a mutually-beneficial, rights-controlled process.

Firsthand’s platform consists of dual solutions: First, Lakebed, the company’s AI rights and data management layer, gives content owners full ownership of their knowledge assets and control over where, when, and by whom their content is used by AI. Second, the company’s generative marketing agents use approved content to enable 1:1 conversations personalized to consumers’ in-moment needs.

Through Firsthand’s platform:

Brands benefit from explicit questions and feedback coming directly from their consumers that drive campaign outcomes, richer first-party audience data to strengthen marketing and product strategy, and confidence to safely navigate the new AI landscape;Publishers see greater audience engagement with their knowledge, unlocking new, premium monetization opportunities whilst retaining full ownership and control of their greatest assets; andConsumers get direct access to the information they’re seeking from the most trusted sources.

AI specialists Radical Ventures led the Seed round, with David Katz leading the investment and serving on the Board. Additional participation included Brian O’Kelley (Scope3, AppNexus), David Rosenblatt (1stDibs.com, DoubleClick), and other leading technology entrepreneurs.

“The current digital ecosystem leaves publishers vulnerable: their data is exploited, their access controlled, and their voice diluted,” said David Katz, Partner at Radical Ventures. He continued: “In a landscape poised for AI-driven disruption, Firsthand’s infrastructure empowers them to take back control, unlock data value, and thrive in the future as new and exciting AI innovation changes the way we interact through devices.”

Firsthand is currently conducting a pilot program with a select group of brands and publishers.

About Firsthand
Firsthand is the AI agent platform purpose-built for brands and publishers. The company’s innovative platform allows brands and publishers to protect, control, and deploy their data and content across direct conversational campaigns that are powered by custom AI agents, and distributed anywhere a consumer is seeking information online. Founded by digital advertising veterans and funded by AI pioneers, Firsthand is focused on building the data and agent infrastructure that will power consumer interactions in the AI era. For more information and to see open roles, visit firsthand.ai.

Media Contact:
Veronique Valcu
media@firsthand.ai

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/firsthand-emerges-from-stealth-to-build-the-ai-agent-platform-for-brands-and-publishers-302067749.html

SOURCE Firsthand

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AI Wellness Launches “Ask My Avatar Challenge” at CES, Ushering in a Powerful New Way to Engage

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5 hours ago

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January 4, 2025

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Three Stations to Host Interactive Experiences from January 6–11

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Assisted Intelligence Wellness (known worldwide as AI Wellness), a global leader in wellness innovation, proudly announces the Ask My Avatar Challenge, a groundbreaking interactive experience taking place during CES 2025. The event will be hosted across three premier locations:

 

IFEZ Innovation StationVenetian VIP SuiteDesert Moon Wellness

This weeklong activation from January 6–11 invites attendees to engage with cutting-edge AI-powered digital avatars representing some of the most influential visionaries in health, fitness, and wellness.

Interactive Wellness at Its Best

The Ask My Avatar Challenge offers attendees the chance to ask questions directly to AI-powered avatars of leading experts in health, wellness, and technology, gaining real-time insights into their fields of expertise.

Participants can also spin the wheel after engaging with the avatars to win big prizes related to health and wellness, further enhancing the interactive experience.

For those who engage with all the avatars across the challenge, grand prizes include:

AI Wellness Powersuit: Revolutionary EMS technology for physical recovery and performance.AI Wellness Smart Ring: Advanced wearable technology that tracks biometrics and optimizes health in real time bundled with our Powersuit until February 15, 2025.XO Sprayer with 1 Vial of Exosomes from JuveXO: A breakthrough in regenerative skincare and healing.30-Day Cellular Reset from Dr. Daniel Pompa: A complete wellness program designed to optimize cellular health and detoxification.Botox Treatment from Dr. Gideon Kwok: A premium aesthetic experience tailored to rejuvenate and refresh your look.Mr. Olympia Jacket: A coveted collectible celebrating excellence in the world of fitness.Potency No. 710 Wellness Products: A range of high-quality plant-based skincare and wellness solutions.

Wellness Prizes You Can Win

Participants will also have the chance to win innovative products, including:

epsolution™️: A premium blend of Magnesium Sulfate Epsom Salt and Siberian Fir essential oil, created by Nick and Nikki Giacara. Learn MoreMr. Lulu Skincare: Targeting pigmentation concerns like dark spots, acne scars, sun damage, melasma, and dull skin. Learn MoreGlobal Healing: Cutting-edge wellness products founded by Dr. Edward Group. Learn MoreSilverceuticals: Advanced silver-based health solutions by Dr. Keith Moeller. Learn MoreRejuran Scar Gel: A revolutionary approach to skincare and healing.Mindbody Matrix Water: A wellness breakthrough by Dr. TK Hyun. Learn MorePneuma Nitric Oxide: Solutions for nitric oxide health by Dr. Nathan Bryan. Learn MoreVisual Healing Experience: A collaboration between Louie Schwartzberg’s Moving Art, Assisted Intelligence Wellness, and Earable Neuroscience.

And more!

Meet the Avatars

Attendees can interact with the avatars of renowned thought leaders, including:

Dr. Daniel Pompa – A Leader in Real Natural Detox Health Solutions.Bernard Hiller – Top Hollywood Acting Coach, providing guidance on social, emotional, and intellectual wellness.Dr. Gideon Kwok – The Lifestyle Architect, specializing in aesthetic wellness and holistic health.Dr. Nathan Bryan – The Father of Nitric Oxide, exploring the science of nitric oxide and its health benefits.Louie Schwartzberg – Visual Healing Innovator, combining art and neuroscience for wellness.Dr. Jessie Cheung – The Vitality Visionary, focusing on sexual wellness and hormonal health.Louis Chabert (Mr. Lulu): Expert in skincare, targeting pigmentation concerns and advancing professional skincare products.Dan Solomon – President of Mr. Olympia, representing the pinnacle of fitness excellence.

Additionally, attendees can engage with avatars from the Top 111 Innovations, each representing cutting-edge solutions and insights into the future of health, wellness, and technology.

Join the Challenge Across Three Stations

The Ask My Avatar Challenge will take place at three distinct locations:

IFEZ Innovation Station: Discover global health innovations and interact with top industry avatars.Venetian VIP Suite: A luxurious setting for engaging with expert avatars and wellness solutions.Desert Moon Wellness: A tranquil space for holistic wellness experiences, open through January 11th, featuring wellness activations that demonstrate how avatars integrate into clinic-like settings.

Our content creators, film crew, social media team, and TV host will be on-site to engage attendees, guide them to the stations, and highlight the interactive elements of the challenge.

What You Can Do With Your Avatar

Creating a digital avatar unlocks endless possibilities:

Real-Time Engagement: Allow clients or customers to interact with your avatar anytime.24/7 Support: Integrate your avatar into platforms for scheduling, customer support, and more.Unlimited Content: Create high-quality, on-demand materials for education and marketing.Global Visibility: Use AI Wellness Screens, interactive platforms, and more to amplify your reach.

Quote from Founder, Abby Aboitiz

“The Ask My Avatar Challenge exemplifies how assisted intelligence and wellness can work together to create meaningful, engaging experiences. By bringing the wisdom of thought leaders and innovators to life through digital avatars, we’re bridging the gap between innovation and education in a way that’s accessible, exciting, and transformative.”

Quote from Dan Solomon, President of Mr. Olympia

“Technology and wellness are converging in incredible ways, and the Ask My Avatar Challenge is a perfect example. The top brands in the world are taking their game to an entirely new level by   By combining innovative tools like digital avatars with the knowledge of industry leaders, we’re shaping a future where fitness and health education are accessible, interactive, and transformative.”

About Assisted Intelligence Wellness (AI Wellness)

Assisted Intelligence Wellness is at the forefront of merging AI with health and wellness. From the Ask My Avatar Challenge to innovative partnerships, AI Wellness redefines how we engage with wellness through immersive digital experiences and cutting-edge technology.

For additional details or media inquiries:
Contact: info@aiwellness.ai
Website: aiwellness.ai

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ai-wellness-launches-ask-my-avatar-challenge-at-ces-ushering-in-a-powerful-new-way-to-engage-302342225.html

SOURCE Assisted Intelligence Wellness, Inc.

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MALLINDA LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING VITRIMAX™ VHM RESIN, ENABLING ECONOMIC FULL RECYCLABILITY FOR COMPOSITES

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January 4, 2025

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DENVER, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mallinda Inc., a pioneer in advanced polymer technology, today announced the commercial launch of Vitrimax™ Versatile Hot Melt (VHM) Resin, a revolutionary vitrimer-based composite resin system that transforms how manufacturers process and recycle high-performance composites. This breakthrough technology combines the superior mechanical properties of thermosets with the processing flexibility of thermoplastics, marking a significant advancement in sustainable manufacturing and, for the first time, enabling economic recyclability and reuse for high-performance composites. Mallinda targets 100% recycling and re-use of production scrap with Vitrimax™ VHM customers, and targets end-of-life circularity programs as well.  Due to molecular-level design for circularity, Vitrimax™ resins and their composites can always be profitably recycled at lower cost than their virgin inputs. Vitrimax™ VHM Resin and carbon fiber composite samples are available for immediate purchase at mallinda.com/shop. For more information about Vitrimax™ VHM and how it can transform your manufacturing processes, visit mallinda.com or contact info@mallinda.com. 

“Vitrimax VHM represents a paradigm shift in composite materials,” said Philip Taynton, CEO at Mallinda. “We’ve successfully bridged the gap between performance and sustainability, offering manufacturers unprecedented flexibility in scalable manufacturing and processing while maintaining the structural integrity demanded by modern applications.”

The launch follows successful commercial-scale production validation, with demonstrated batch consistency at 200L reactor scale and qualification for 2.1 tons per batch manufacturing. One day’s batch could produce 10,000 square meters of composite materials. Recognizing the transformative nature of this technology, multiple Fortune Global 500 companies already collaborate with Mallinda to commercialize VHM resins to their particular requirements.

Key Features and Benefits:

Revolutionary Vitrimer Technology: A new polymer class combining thermoset performance with thermoplastic processabilityInfinite Recyclability: Enables truly circular manufacturing with complete component material recoveryManufacturing Flexibility: Post-cure processing capabilities with tunable glass transition temperatureField Repairability: Parts can be reshaped and repaired on-demand, in the fieldSustainable Solution: Enables economically viable separation and recycling of resin, composite fabric, and integrated components including precious metalsSelf-Healing Properties: Enhanced durability through stress-relief capabilities.

“The industry has long sought a solution that doesn’t compromise between performance and sustainability,” said Eduardo Torres, CEO, MTorres America, “Vitrimax VHM delivers on both fronts, offering a truly circular solution for composite manufacturing.”  

This innovation addresses critical industry challenges, including manufacturing efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability. The technology enables manufacturers to reprocess scrap material and rejected parts, significantly lowering the overall carbon footprint of their manufacturing processes while maintaining high-performance standards. The product is optimized for the prepreg process and is ready for immediate application in UAV’s, sporting goods, automotive, marine, and aerospace secondary structures. The Vitrimax™ technology platform stands to have outsize impact on wind energy, hydrogen pressure vessels, and urban air mobility.

“The performance and recyclability of Mallinda’s vitrimer chemistry have been validated in multiple academic studies.  Circularity in composites is challenging, but the Vitrimax™ chemistry is likely one of the best places from which to start.” Said Professor Steven Nutt, Director of M.C. Gill Composites Center, University of Southern California.

About Mallinda

Mallinda Inc. is a leading global developer of Vitrimer resin systems and has identified advanced composite materials as the leading emerging market for its technology. Mallinda Inc. is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mallinda-launches-groundbreaking-vitrimax-vhm-resin-enabling-economic-full-recyclability-for-composites-302342236.html

SOURCE Mallinda Inc.

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Human In Motion Robotics Invites Media to Experience CES 2025 Innovation Award-Winning XoMotion™ Exoskeleton

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6 hours ago

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January 4, 2025

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VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Human In Motion Robotics Inc. (HMR), a leading innovator in robotic mobility, invites media to visit its booth at CES 2025 and experience XoMotion™, the world’s most advanced medical exoskeleton recently honored with a CES 2025 Innovation Award.

Revolutionizing Rehabilitation Medicine

XoMotion has been recognized for its potential to transform rehabilitation by emulating natural human movement and empowering individuals with mobility impairments through innovation. This cutting-edge exoskeleton offers a leap forward in:

Patient Independence: Enables hands-free, self-balancing movement, fostering a sense of control and improving rehabilitation outcomes.Therapist Support: Reduces physical burden on therapists by assisting with lifting, mobilizing, and training patients, allowing them to focus on personalized care.Versatility: Suitable for various conditions, including spinal cord injury, stroke, and neurological impairments, at different stages of recovery.

Key Features of XoMotion:

Self-Balancing & Hands-Free Operation: Ensures stability and allows natural upper body function.Omnidirectional Movement: Provides true functionality with complex walking motions.Safe & Versatile: Reduces therapist strain and caters to a wide range of patients.

Meet the XoMotion Team at CES 2025

Join HMR at booth 54612 at the Venetian Exhibit Hall D from January 7th to 10th, 2025, to witness XoMotion in action and connect with the team. See firsthand how this innovative technology is empowering individuals and transforming rehabilitation.

Experience the Future of Mobility:

The media are encouraged to schedule a visit to the HMR booth to witness live demonstrations of XoMotion and learn how this cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing human mobility.

Meet Product Ambassador Chloe Angus

A highlight of the HMR booth will be the opportunity to meet Chloe Angus, Director of Lived Experience at HMR. Chloe, an XoMotion ambassador, will be available to share her inspiring story and answer questions from the media.

Meet the Co-Founders of HMR

Siamak Arzanpour, CEO and Edward Park, COO will both be in attendance at CES and will be available for interviews. 

CES 2025

Dates: January 7-10, 2025Location: Las Vegas, NevadaHMR Booth Number: 54612 at the Venetian Exhibit Hall D

To Schedule a Media Visit or to get a copy a link to our full Press Kit please contact:

Phil Astrachan
VP of Marketing
phil@humaninmotion.com
415-310-7466

About Human In Motion Robotics

Human In Motion Robotics is dedicated to enhancing human mobility through advanced exoskeleton solutions. XoMotion is a testament to the company’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and supporting healthcare professionals. Following its recent Canadian regulatory approval, HMR is committed to expanding global access to XoMotion. The company is pursuing regulatory clearances for XoMotion in the US, Asia, and the EU.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/human-in-motion-robotics-invites-media-to-experience-ces-2025-innovation-award-winning-xomotion-exoskeleton-302342217.html

SOURCE Human in Motion Robotics Inc.

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