IFC investment supports VUZ’s international expansion, following precedent in scaling telecom and media ventures across the world.

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VUZ, the world’s leading immersive media company, has secured the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to invest in its $12M Pre-Series C funding round. This strategic investment positions VUZ for accelerated global growth in immersive live streaming and content, AI-driven streaming technologies, and live spatial experiences, building on the next generation of media, the creator economy, sports, and entertainment.

The IFC and the World Bank Group collectively manage over $1 trillion in global assets and investment commitments, operating in more than 100 countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record of over $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions to drive sustainable development through the private sector.

This round also includes participation from Al Jazira Capital, Crosswork VC Success fund (a pre-IPO venture capital fund), multiple existing investors, and several high-profile Saudi family offices, bolstering VUZ’s presence in key markets across the world.

The investment marks a pivotal collaboration between VUZ and IFC, which is known for its selective backing of global winners, including Souq.com (acquired by Amazon). With over 100 investments in telecom and communications companies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, IFC brings unmatched expertise in market entry and infrastructure scaling across frontier economies.

Through this partnership, VUZ will scale further in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and accelerate expansion, particularly in Africa, the USA, and Asia, where demand for immersive experiences and next-generation media is rising rapidly. The move aligns with IFC’s mission to advance digital inclusion and economic growth through media innovation and connectivity.

In 2024, VUZ achieved EBITDA profitability, with 80% year-over-year gross profit growth, a significant milestone for a tech streaming scale-up. The company’s platform — home to 30,000+ hours of premium immersive exclusive content — blends XR, VR, AR, and AI-powered media across sports, entertainment, and creator ecosystems. VUZ has a pipeline of partnerships with some of the largest football clubs, giga projects, and global athletes, as well as A-list artists, creators, and ambassadors.

“We are honored to welcome IFC as a strategic investor, said Khaled Zaatarah, Founder of VUZ. With IFC and the World Bank Group’s track record in scaling telecom and digital media companies globally, and over $1 trillion in assets under management, this partnership sets the stage for massive global scale. Together, we’ll bring immersive media to the world’s fastest-growing markets.”

Key highlights:

3 billion+ screen views to date; targeting over 5 billion by 2026Exclusive immersive content partnerships with LaLiga, Serie A, PFL, and moreThe largest exclusively owned immersive premium content library of over 30,000 hoursOver 40 global telecom integrations, with 20+ in progressStrategic launches across TV Devices, Apple Vision Pro, Oculus, and VUZGo, a new web-embedded immersive tech layer4 global patents powering proprietary streaming technologies

“This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to creative industries as a driver of jobs and income in emerging markets. VUZ’s tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators”, said Farid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds.

VUZ empowers a creator network with a combined global reach exceeding 100 million, offering monetization tools, immersive production capabilities, and a deeply engaging fan experience. Its technology now sits at the center of conversations with device manufacturers, sports federations, and media conglomerates seeking to deliver content that transcends physical limitations.

“This is the scale-up stage we’ve been building toward for years,” Zaatarah added. “With a solid foundation, patented tech, and profitability achieved, we are ready to scale globally and define the future of media.”

In addition to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and other recent strategic investors, VUZ is backed by a distinguished and globally diverse group of institutional partners. These include e& capital, KBW Ventures, Al Jazira Capital, DFDF, SRMG Ventures, Caruso Ventures, Shorooq Partners, Plug and Play Ventures, Hala Ventures, Vision Fund, Knollwood Investment Advisory, Panthera Capital, Faith Capital, WIN, Elbert Capital, Yasta Partners, AlTouq Group, Impact46, Media Visions, 500 Startups, DAI, Al Falaj, and DTEC Ventures (Oraseya Capital), along with notable tech leaders including Magnus Olsson, Samih Toukan, and Jonathan Labin — reflecting strong international conviction in VUZ’s vision, performance, and global growth potential. 

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690932/VUZ.jpg

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LUCKY ENERGY partners with Italian-American Influencers Cugine, Scarlotta Brothers & New York Giants Quarterback Tommy DeVito on “FREE MONEY” Campaign 
–Gives Away $10,000 to NY Small Business–

AUSTIN, Texas, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — New York’s favorite Italian-American influencers, Cugine, the Scarlotta Brothers, and Tommy DeVito, have partnered with Lucky Energy drink to give away $10,000. In Lucky Energy’s “FREE MONEY” campaign, the New York celebrities host a ‘shark-tank’- inspired pitch competition. Small businesses in New York were invited to compete for the prize. See the campaign HERE.

To enter the competition, participants were required to submit a 200-word statement outlining their plans for the prize money. Hundreds of local businesses submitted entries, and 22 finalists were selected to deliver a live, 2-minute pitch to Cugine, the Scarlotta Brothers, and Tommy DeVito at a 7-Eleven in Midtown Manhattan on 4/9/25. After 2 rounds of pitches, the unanimous winner was Corey Cash, founder of Kings County Barbeque in Brooklyn, NY, who plans to use the funds for his food truck.

“As we continue to grow our brand and product portfolio in New York, we remain committed to spreading luck, entertainment, and energy to the world. FREE MONEY is a reflection of our dedication to motivating others. This campaign was designed to inspire entrepreneurs to keep pushing forward and not give up on their dreams. Through this process, we met incredible entrepreneurs and are excited to have played a role in raising awareness for their businesses,” said Hamid Saify, CMO of Lucky Energy.

Lucky Energy is available at 7-Eleven, Stop & Shop, and local corner stores throughout New York and can also be purchased directly from its website and Amazon.com. It comes in 7 classic flavors and is priced at $25.88 per 12-pack.

To stay updated on the latest news and product launches, visit www.luckybevco.com and follow the brand on Instagram and TikTok. For press inquiries, please contact Valeria Carrasco directly at valeria@hallettsconsulting.com.

ABOUT Lucky Energy Drink
Lucky Energy is committed to providing simpler, cleaner, better-for-you products. Founded by serial beverage entrepreneur Richard Laver, the brand’s mission is to motivate people to keep going. The product line features seven flavors, with a unique blend of five super ingredients, including maca and beta-alanine, and has 0 sugar and 0 calories. Products are available on luckybevco.com, Amazon, and over 10,000 locations nationwide. For more information, visit www.luckybevco.com and follow the brand on Instagram and TikTok.

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SOURCE Lucky Beverage Company

NEWTOWN, Pa., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The law firm of Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating claims regarding data privacy violations at Harbin Clinic, LLC (“Harbin Clinic”). Harbin Clinic learned of suspicious activity in February 2025. To join this case, go HERE.

About Harbin Clinic, LLC

Harbin Clinic, LLC is a physician-directed medical group in Georgia offering a wide range of healthcare services

What happened?

Harbin Clinic was recently notified by Nationwide Recovery Services (NRS), a third-party debt recovery and financial services provider, about a cybersecurity breach that may have exposed personal data belonging to some of its patients. The breach stemmed from suspicious activity detected in July 2024, which caused a system disruption at NRS. An investigation revealed that between July 5 and July 11, unauthorized individuals accessed the network and copied certain files. In February 2025, NRS informed Harbin Clinic that patient data might have been affected by the breach. Up to 210,140 individuals have been affected by this breach.

What type of information was stolen?

The personal information in the compromised files may have included:

NamesAddressesSocial Security NumbersDates of BirthFinancial Account Information

How can I protect my personal data?

If you receive a data breach notification concerning Harbin Clinic you must guard against possible misuse of your personal information, including identity theft and fraud, by regularly reviewing your account statements and monitoring your credit reports for suspicious or unauthorized activity.

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a class action lawsuit to seek legal remedies for individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised by the Harbin Clinic data breach.

For more information, please contact:

Marc H. Edelson, Esq.
EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP
411 S. State Street, Suite N-300
Newtown, PA 18940
Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2
Email: medelson@edelson-law.com
Web: www.edelson-law.com 

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving data breaches, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation in cases alleging securities and investment fraud, violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft and unpaid overtime, consumer fraud, and catastrophic injuries.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

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SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP