Technology

The9 Signed a Legally Binding Term Sheet with a Leading AI SaaS Legal Service Platform 365LAWHELP.COM

Published

7 months ago

February 21, 2024

SHANGHAI, Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The9 Limited (Nasdaq: NCTY) (“The9”), an established Internet company, today announced that it signed a legally binding term sheet (the “Term Sheet”) with Zhejiang Fazhidao Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Fazhidao”) to purchase 19% shares of Fazhidao by cash and issuance of The9’s restricted shares. The9 is also granted a purchase option to purchase up to 51% of the total shares of Fazhidao, based on a valuation calculated as 7 times of Fazhidao’s audited annual profit after tax, provided that such valuation should be higher than a pre-agreed valuation.

Established in 2019, Fazhidao owns and operates 365LAWHELP.COM and mobile app FaBaoWang, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) Software as a service (SaaS) legal service platform in China. It has more than 120,000 cumulative paid subscribers from large companies to micro companies and individuals. The gross sales were over US$50 million in 2023. 365LAWHELP.COM has provided more than 100 million times services to customers cumulatively. It has created large-scale AI legal models based on 13 billion model parameters, collecting historical legal service interactive data with the dynamic growth of more than 100,000 new consultation conversations data used for machine learning every day. Daily service data feeds back to the large-scale AI legal model at the same time, continuously improving the service quality.

365LAWHELP.COM develops AI legal Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Gpt) which provides the legal advice that complies with the laws and regulations based the platform’s real-time data. Based on database cases and AI model calculations, precaution measures and potential solutions are provided. Also future event development is predicted for customers to plan in advance develop forecasts and feasibility plans. The platform also provides the highest level of confidentiality for all customers’ information. The services offered include professional online legal consultation, one-stop enterprise-specific compliance services, tax consulting services, contract customization and review, electronic signatures, contract template download, legal letter submission, litigation document drafting and risk management and control solutions for enterprises’ modules including human resources, finance, administration and intellectual property.

Pursuant to the Term Sheet, The9 will pay cash consideration of US$1 million and will issue restricted Class A ordinary shares to Fazhidao with the value of US$14.2 million. The value of each share will be determined by the average closing price of The9 ADS 20 trading days prior to the signing of the definitive agreement. A portion of restricted shares will be released from lock-up when the market capitalization of The9 will reach US$200 million, US$500 million and US$1 billion respectively. The rest of the restricted shares shall be released from the lock-up when either of the following conditions are met: Fazhidao completes a qualified IPO and its shares owned by The9 become freely tradable in the open market; or if and when the The9 exercises its purchase option and, as a result, holds a minimum 51% of the then total share capital of Fazhidao. Fazhidao may undergo certain restructuring to facilitate these conditions.

“We are the leading AI SaaS legal service platform in China. We are the pioneer in this industry to use AI and industry big data to address the legal needs for enterprises effectively and efficiently. With the storage of substantial volume of industry data and by leveraging AI legal models to support its legal technology services, our AI platform has becoming more and more powerful to provide our customers with convenient and professional services. Our proprietary AI SaaS legal technology has already obtained 52 Software invention patents, copyrights and trademarks in China. There are more than 50 million companies in China. Majority of these are micro companies without in-house legal counsel. In 2023, the legal service market in China was approximately US$40 billion. There is a big room for us to increase our paid subscribers in China to 1 million in 3 years. The legal service market in the U.S. is even much bigger, being approximately US$300 billion in 2023. We observed there are several AI legal platforms in the U.S. with shorter history than us and doing very well in the U.S. With the investment from The9, we are going to strengthen our proprietary development ability and we are confident to safeguard our leading position in China and seek for global expansion in future. Our vision is to use AI legal technology to serve the billion individual and corporate markets in China and the U.S. through continued and focused AI legal technology improvement, and to deliver efficient, professional and affordable AI legal solutions. Everyone will no longer have legal troubles,” said Mr. Junkai Li, founder and CEO of Fazhidao.

“We believe AI technology and application will bring revolutionary changes to almost every industry in the World. Therefore huge market opportunities will be created for many industries. This investment is part of The9’s overall strategy to start with AI application business, including integrating AI technology into our business, partnering with other AI companies and investing and acquiring innovators who have developed their own AI applications,” said Mr. George Lai, CFO and Director of The9.

Safe Harbor Statement

This current report contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond The9’s control. The9 may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about The9’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: The9’s goal and strategies; The9’s expansion plans; The9’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; The9’s expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products and services; The9’s expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with business partners it collaborates with; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in The9’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this current report is as of the date hereof, and The9 does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

The9 Limited
17 Floor,
No. 130, Wu Song Road,
Hong Kou District,
Shanghai 200080, PRC

About The9 Limited

The9 Limited (The9) is an Internet company listed on Nasdaq in 2004. The9 aims to become a global diversified high-tech Internet company, and is engaged in blockchain business including the operation of cryptocurrency mining. The9 is also stepping into AI application business in different industries.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the9-signed-a-legally-binding-term-sheet-with-a-leading-ai-saas-legal-service-platform-365lawhelpcom-302066911.html

SOURCE The9 Limited

Technology

PEAC Institute Launches “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert”

Published

46 mins ago

September 21, 2024

24 Hour Pause for Peace Will Be the Largest Peace Initiative Ever Worldwide, Unifying 96 Countries on Six Continents Through Music

MONTCLAIR, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — On this International Day of Peace, PEAC Institute, part of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winning team, has launched “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert,” the largest peace initiative ever organized worldwide through music.

“Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.”

On October 4, 2025, this ground-breaking program will activate a massive network of youth ensembles that spans 96 countries and territories across six continents and host two 24-hour commercial festivals featuring some of the biggest acts in music and entertainment. This extraordinary day-long event will be live-streamed globally, allowing millions to participate simultaneously.

“It has been 40 years since Live Aid and We Are the World historically unified and changed the world through music,” said Rebecca Irby, president and CEO of PEAC Institute. “With our planet riddled with post-pandemic fatigue, climate chaos, unsettling wars and more, we believe it is time to create a new trajectory for humanity by inviting everyone around the globe to a 24 hour pause for peace to enjoy the sounds of music and feel the transformative power of human connection,” Irby explained.

Additionally, 24 Hour Pause for Peace plans to amass more than 100 million ambassadors to sign an appeal to the United Nations calling for a 24 hour ceasefire during the children’s concerts and commercial music events. All countries are welcome to participate with no exceptions. One of Pause for Peace’s core beliefs is everyone has the right to be equally respected and heard, particularly in collectively calling for peace.

“Achieving this ambitious global endeavor requires the support and participation from the most impactful brands, organizations, and influential leaders, artists and celebrities,” said Jennifer McKenna, 24 Hour Pause for Peace CEO.

Pause for Peace is a $165 million global initiative. Currently, it is in its first phase of raising seed capital through consumer brand-aligned sponsorships and private donors. Funding for the program is tax-deductible through PEAC’s 501(c)(3) status.

“We have assembled an exceptional executive team of change agents in entertainment, production, consumer marketing, charitable development and global security to make this extraordinary, worldwide peace event happen.” McKenna added. “Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.” To become involved in 24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert as a sponsor, partner or donor, sign up to be an Ambassador, or for more information, go to www.24hourpauseforpeace.org.

About PEAC Institute

PEAC Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. PEAC stands for peace, education, art and communication. It was formed in 2016 through a campaign with partner organization, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which garnered a 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. PEAC now holds special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and has a global presence working with countries and territories worldwide to reach the most marginalized youth through art and communication activities to help them explore and express. For more information on PEAC Institute, go to www.peacinstitute.org.

Media Contact

Chadwick Boyd, Pause for Peace, 1 4046060611, chadwick@24hourpauseforpeace.org, www.24hourpauseforpeace.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/peac-institute-launches-24-hour-pause-for-peace-a-global-concert-302254527.html

SOURCE Pause for Peace

Technology

Global Times: China opens 12 nuclear research facilities to global scientists

Published

2 hours ago

September 21, 2024

The involved facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

VIENNA, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — China will open 12 nuclear research facilities and testing platforms to international scientists and institutions to enhance global cooperation, a senior Chinese official said here on Monday.

These include the China Advanced Research Reactor, the new-generation tokamak device Huanliu-3, and the Beishan Underground Research Laboratory, Liu Jing, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), said at a meeting on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) annual general conference.

The facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

Monday’s meeting, themed “Share for Development,” was organized by the CAEA to promote international cooperation in nuclear technology research and development, as China marks the 40th anniversary of its accession to the IAEA.

Yu Jianfeng, chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation, said at the event that the company aims to deepen cooperation with the IAEA and expand international collaboration. He expressed hope that opening China’s nuclear research facilities will contribute to advancing nuclear technology globally.

IAEA’s Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov commended China’s remarkable achievements in nuclear energy development and highlighted the long-standing, fruitful relationship between the IAEA and the CAEA.

Welcoming China’s decision to open up more of its nuclear research and development facilities, Chudakov said the move will further strengthen the agency’s technical capacity to support its member states.

On Monday evening, the CAEA and China’s permanent mission to the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations in Vienna jointly held a reception at the UN headquarters in Vienna to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China’s accession to the IAEA. More than 200 participants, including IAEA representatives and foreign envoys to Vienna, attended the event.

Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, said at the reception that China and the IAEA have expanded practical cooperation and jointly promoted the development of nuclear energy over the past 40 years.

China, he said, will continue to strengthen collaboration with the IAEA and its member states to address emerging challenges in international security, safeguard the global non-proliferation regime, and promote the use of nuclear energy and technology for the benefit of the Global South.

At the reception, Liu, Li and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi jointly unveiled a bronze statue of Qian Sanqiang, a renowned Chinese nuclear physicist and one of the founders of China’s nuclear industry.

The statue, donated by China, will be permanently displayed at the IAEA headquarters, alongside sculptures of Polish-French physicist Marie Curie and other prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Contact: xutianshu@globaltimes.com.cn

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-china-opens-12-nuclear-research-facilities-to-global-scientists-302254830.html

SOURCE Global Times

Technology

The Ar-King of Spirits: Ed Arking’s Impact on the Liquor Industry

Published

3 hours ago

September 21, 2024

In the interest of providing luxury liquors in a convenient and stress-free format, Served Neat was born. When asked about his intentions for the company, Ed states, “My goal with Served Neat is to create a one-stop shop where customers can easily discover these rare gems.”

MOORESTOWN, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Served Neat is an emerging online platform with a curated selection of some of the world’s most popular luxury spirits. The website offers daily flash deals that highlight a variety of high-end international brands including Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace, Clase Azul, and more.

“While there are websites selling spirits, none have the decades of experience that we bring from WTSO. Served Neat will offer not only incredible bottles but also the best customer service in the industry.”

Ed and Joe Arking, the father-son team behind the concept of Served Neat, have decades of experience hand-selecting and supplying sought-after liquors. Ed Arking, CEO of New Jersey’s Roger Wilco, grew up in the world of wine and spirits and formed his own business aspirations.

“Growing up, I watched my father navigate and succeed in the ever-evolving wine and spirits industry,” Ed explains. “While I always aspired to create something similar, I knew I needed to wait for the right moment.” Ed has gone on to manage his own liquor store and lead projects for up-and-coming brands, such as the vodka-infused and non-carbonated Smooth Water.

As he evolved in his career, Ed discovered the perfect time to make his lifelong vision a reality. He recalls, “I noticed a gap in the market—especially for whiskey and tequila. These categories have surged in popularity, making it difficult for the everyday consumer to find those elusive sought-after allocated bottles.”

When it comes to Served Neat, quality and knowledge is key. Ed adds, “While there are websites selling spirits, none have the decades of experience that we bring from WTSO. Served Neat will offer not only incredible bottles but also the best customer service in the industry.”

Served Neat is the sister company to WTSO and The Wine Market, two online platforms dedicated to sourcing and distributing top-notch wines from every corner of the globe.

At The Wine Market, an online marketplace for the world’s most popular wine brands, convenience and quality are key. Each bottle in their curated collection is a testament to exceptional flavor and craftsmanship.

Since 2006, WTSO has enjoyed creating a unique wine experience and sharing it with new beginners and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Using an extensive network of wineries and wine makers, WTSO connects customers to thousands of brands from top wine appellations around the globe. The strong relationships they’ve formed within the wine world allow the business to deliver authentic and high-quality bottles to homes across the United States.

Wine and spirits lovers alike are invited to explore Served Neat, WTSO, and The Wine Market to find their next favorite bottle. Visit their websites to learn more about these one-of-a-kind online marketplaces!

Media Contact

Julie Blount, WTSO, 1 8669572795, marketing@wtso.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-ar-king-of-spirits-ed-arkings-impact-on-the-liquor-industry-302254517.html

SOURCE WTSO