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Flexpoint Ford Makes a Significant Minority Investment in Create Music Group to Fuel Strategic Growth

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CHICAGO and LOS ANGELES, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Create Music Group, a rapidly growing music and entertainment company, announced today a $165 million investment led by private equity investment firm Flexpoint Ford.  Flexpoint seeks to partner with companies that provide differentiated financial solutions and services to growing industries and has significant experience in the music space.  The firm’s investment is expected to support Create’s continued momentum and its efforts to further improve and augment the services it offers to its global client-base.

Founded in 2015 by Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Strauss, Chief Operating Officer, Alexandre Williams and Chief Business Development Officer, Wayne Hampton, Create Music Group is a dynamic, data-driven music company that leverages technology, an owned audience of more than 400 million fans, and a valuable catalog of IP,  providing a full range of services to independent artists and labels, including music distribution, music publishing, owned marketing channels, content creation support, advertising and branding, and tailored financial solutions. Create’s proprietary software platform and full suite of professional services gives a rapidly expanding number of independent artists and labels access to major-label services at every stage of their growth. Create’s rapid growth has largely been self-funded until now and this is the first major investment the company has taken on.

“Our partnership with Flexpoint marks a significant milestone for our company and their expertise will be instrumental as we continue to scale our operations and find new ways to serve our client’s evolving needs,” commented Jonathan Strauss, CEO of Create Music Group. “Flexpoint’s investment will also support our ambitious acquisition strategy which will allow us to expand our market presence and create the scale to continue to provide unparalleled services to our clients and partners.”

“We believe Jonathan and his team have set a new standard for the industry, challenging traditional music companies to rethink their strategies,” said Mike Morris, Managing Director at Flexpoint Ford. “By acting as a media company that offers comprehensive support to artists, including distribution, marketing, financial solutions and audience engagement, Create Music Group has created a blueprint for the future of music.”  Stephane Essama, Principal at Flexpoint Ford added, “We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the founders of Create and provide them with the capital that is needed to meet the enormous demand from their clients as the company continues to build a truly differentiated offering for artists and labels in the rapidly evolving music industry.”

Music industry veteran Charles Goldstuck also joined the funding round. The Raine Group acted as financial advisors to Create and Willkie Farr & Gallagher acted as legal counsel in connection with the transaction. Reed Smith acted as legal counsel to Flexpoint in connection with the transaction.

About Create Music Group
Established in 2015, Create Music Group is a rapidly growing music and entertainment company. The company operates as a record label, distribution company, and entertainment network which generates over 25 billion music streams each month on DSP’s. Named #2 on the Inc 5000 Fastest Growth Companies in America in 2020, the company has grown exponentially by leveraging its owned IP with its media and technology platform. The company works with superstar artists, major and independent record labels, and global media brands. It operates a number of companies including Label Engine, one of the largest independent music distribution platforms in the world, with over 75,000 artists and 5,000 label clients; and Flighthouse, a digital entertainment brand focused on Gen Z,  which has more than 300 million followers across social media. Create Music Group is based in Hollywood, CA and has more than 400 employees worldwide.

For more information, visit: https://createmusicgroup.com/

About Flexpoint Ford
Flexpoint Ford is a private equity investment firm that has approximately $8.2 billion of regulatory assets under management and specializes in privately negotiated investments in the financial services and healthcare industries. Since the firm’s formation in 2005, Flexpoint Ford has completed investments across a broad range of investment sizes, structures, and asset classes. Flexpoint Ford has offices in Chicago, Illinois, and New York, New York.

For more information, visit: www.flexpointford.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flexpoint-ford-makes-a-significant-minority-investment-in-create-music-group-to-fuel-strategic-growth-302181691.html

SOURCE Create Music Group

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THIRDREALITY Showcases Latest Innovations in Smart Home Technology at CES 2025

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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — THIRDREALITY, a leader in the smart home technology industry, is excited to present its latest breakthroughs at CES 2025, which promise to enhance the daily living experience through superior integration and functionality. Visit us at the Venetian Expo, Booth 52565 from January 7-10.

This year, THIRDREALITY is thrilled to unveil several key products, each designed to address specific aspects of home automation and user convenience:

Smart Hub Gen3: Supports both Zigbee and Matter protocols. With local storage, cloud services, and local routine support, you can enjoy exceptional smart home control. Whether it’s home automation or remote management, experience reliable and efficient smart living.Motion Sensor R1: Powered by a 5.8G mmWave radar sensor for customizable detection with adjustable sensitivity. Battery-powered for easy installation, making smart home integration effortless and seamless.Smart Switch MT1: The first Thread product of THIRDREALITY. This product embodies the brand’s commitment to innovation, leveraging advanced Thread technology for exceptional responsiveness and seamless smart home integration, paving the way for the future of smart living.Smart Plug with Wi-Fi Sense: Transform your Wi-Fi into a powerful motion-sensing network with WiFi Motion. This camera-free, AI-driven solution provides motion alerts and analysis while safeguarding your privacy.Smart Blind Gen2: Designed for large windows (34 to 80 inches) and equipped with dual motors for smooth operation. With up to 1.5 years of battery life, it supports customization for various window needs.Water Leak Sensor KM1: Protect your home with our comprehensive water leak detection kit—featuring an 80-meter range, customizable alarm alerts, and seamless Matter compatibility. Stay connected and secure with reliable, scalable leak monitoring.

THIRDREALITY will also introduce the ListenCare Senior Speaker, a sound solution designed specifically for seniors with hearing impairments. This speaker enhances the daily lives of the elderly by offering clear, customizable audio. Featuring ultra-low latency technology, it ensures perfect synchronization between audio and visual media, while flexible volume control and personalized sound frequency settings allow users to adjust audio to their specific hearing needs. Whether for watching TV or enjoying music, the ListenCare Senior Speaker ensures every note and word is crystal clear, making it a perfect addition to any senior’s home environment. This innovative product highlights THIRDREALITY’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and quality of life for the elderly through smart technology.

We invite all CES attendees to our booth to experience these transformative technologies in action. For more information about THIRDREALITY and our range of products, please visit our official website at www.3reality.com.

About Third Reality:

Third Reality is a smart home technology company, dedicated to developing high-quality, user-friendly, and secure smart home products. Through continuous innovation and a deep understanding of market needs, the company strives to provide an improved smart home experience for users worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.3reality.com or follow our social media platforms.

Related Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThirdReality.offical
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thirdrealityinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG_rpEZrPoJNErGtvh5juHg
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thirdrealityofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirdreality_inc 

Media Contact:
Tina Zhu
Marketing Manager
Third Reality, Inc.
info@3reality.com 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thirdreality-showcases-latest-innovations-in-smart-home-technology-at-ces-2025-302340539.html

SOURCE Third Reality, Inc.

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Guns.com Outpaces Competition in 2024, Surging Momentum Carries into 2025

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Online Retailer Continues to Revolutionize the Online Shopping Experience for Gun Owners, Manufacturers, and Local Dealers Nationwide

BURNSVILLE, Minn., Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The future of online firearm sales is here, and Guns.com is leading the way. The fastest-growing online retailer in the firearms industry celebrates a record year in revenue with a 10% increase in customers, one of the highest growth rates in the firearm industry. More than a million new consumers shopped for the first time on Guns.com this year, on top of a strong base of loyal gun buyers. This achievement marks the biggest year for customers and firearm transactions on Guns.com since launching their retail operations in 2018. The leading online retailer has hit double-digit growth rates in sales every year since launch.

“The customer experience on Guns.com has become a benchmark in the industry. In addition to our cutting-edge technology, our success is largely due to the strategic partnerships with many of the industry’s best manufacturers and our growing network of 2,000 local FFL dealers nationwide.”

Guns.com’s leading technology provides the best online shopping experience the Second Amendment community has come to expect. With over half a billion dollars in sales since inception, local gun stores and manufacturers value a turn-key national marketplace to grow their businesses. More and more gun owners continue to prefer the innovative and modern way of buying and selling guns offered by Guns.com.

“In just six years, we have become one of the nation’s leading platforms for buying and selling firearms, suppressors, ammo, optics, and more,” says Greg Minkler, Co-CEO and CMO of Guns.com. “The customer experience on Guns.com has become a benchmark in the industry, and we are proud to be the best online shopping experience in the firearm industry. In addition to our cutting-edge technology, our success is largely due to the strategic partnerships with many of the industry’s best manufacturers and our growing network of 2,000 local FFL dealers nationwide.”

Gun owners value the ease and usability of Guns.com, finding the precise gun they want thanks to the hundreds of thousands of listings from their national network of local gun stores and manufacturers. Exceptional customer service helps gun owners through each transaction, from understanding regulations to handling paperwork and ensuring a smooth transfer experience at the customer’s FFL of choice.

Strategic Industry Partnerships

Groundbreaking partnerships with large and small manufacturers across the industry doubled in the past year as more top brands are seeing the benefits of the unique business model of Guns.com. With the ability to drive sales directly to brick-and-mortar FFL dealers, Guns.com helps manufacturers grow in-store sales through an e-commerce platform like no other company can. Challenges in reaching customers are a thing of the past for manufacturers as they partner with Guns.com to implement innovative and strategic marketing solutions with access to real-time data and monthly reports.

“Working with Guns.com has been a positive experience,” says Kamil Mroczka, director of sales at Colt’s Manufacturing Company, LLC. “Together, we combine innovative marketing with targeted sales strategies, driving growth and achieving lasting success through creativity and collaboration.”

Manufacturers can connect directly to consumers with industry-leading innovations, like in-cart instant rebates and the “Buy Now” button, linking customers directly from a manufacturer’s website to an accurate and in-stock product listing on Guns.com. Renowned manufacturers such as FN America, Colt, Glock, KelTec, Smith & Wesson, Taurus, Rossi, Heritage Manufacturing, Rock River, Ruger, Walther, B&T USA, Kimber, CZ USA, Savage Arms, and many more are capitalizing on custom-branded pages on Guns.com to enhance their presence and connect with a broader audience.

Additionally, Guns.com launched a partnership in 2024 with Silencer Central, the suppressor industry leader, to offer a growing list of suppressors to millions of customers. Featuring the award-winning BANISH® line, customers can now conveniently shop for suppressors in addition to firearms, ammo, and gear. When a customer buys a suppressor on Guns.com, the purchase is fulfilled through Silencer Central, including all required paperwork and ATF forms. Once approved, the suppressor ships directly to the buyer’s door, avoiding expensive transfer fees.

Powering Local Businesses

An expansive and fresh inventory of more than 30,000 firearms is made possible by a growing network of over 2,000 local brick-and-mortar FFL dealers and pawn brokers. Guns.com quickly connects these licensed and vetted businesses with millions of customers nationwide through a simple and powerful marketplace. Dealers are drawn to Guns.com’s low-cost, user-friendly platform, which makes inventory management, order processing, and customer service simple.

“For years, we’ve tried other listing sites, but none were as effective and easy to use as Guns.com,” says Tim Hensley at Towers Armory in Oregon, Ohio. “We partnered up with Guns.com in early 2022, and since then, we have gone from average in-house sales to an online powerhouse.”

By joining the Guns.com network, local brick-and-mortar dealers expand their consumer reach and increase their sales with a higher margin. Local dealers are at ease knowing they are not competing against big box stores, private FFLs, or non-storefront FFLs on Guns.com. Business owners and managers can also keep their firearms for sale in-store, eliminating the complexity and hassle of quarantining inventory.

Revolutionizing the Used Gun Market

Guns.com is the only online firearm retailer to offer Certified Used guns, giving customers confidence and trust when buying a used gun. All used firearms purchased by Guns.com undergo a rigorous 10-point inspection process before receiving the “Certified” badge and are listed for sale. Customers also benefit from free shipping on all Certified Used guns, and a “no questions asked” return policy.

Local firearm dealers nationwide are seeing record sales of used firearms in 2024 through Guns.com. Used and certified used firearm sales are up 12% year over year, with used firearms accounting for nearly 26% of dealer sales.

Additionally, gun owners are choosing Guns.com to sell their older or unwanted firearms to get cash or to upgrade their collection. Their innovative online system guides the gun owner through simple steps to share basic details, features, and images of their firearm. The secure and streamlined process takes gun owners two minutes to submit their firearms for appraisal on average. Once submitted, the Guns.com expert appraisal team will review the request and provide a cash offer within one business day.

“This past year saw an increase of 13% more offers made and paid to gun owners. Since launching our Gift Card payout option in July, we’ve issued hundreds of thousands of dollars in gift cards, with each customer receiving a bonus gift card up to $50. These cards can immediately be used to upgrade the gun they sold – allowing consumers to essentially trade in their old gun and upgrade to any of the tens of thousands of firearms for sale on Guns.com” states Senior Buyer for Guns.com, Mark Sims. “Our appraisal team has over 100 years of combined experience, providing hundreds of competitive offers daily.”

Guns.com invites you to experience the best, most innovative shopping experience in the firearms industry at https://www.guns.com/. If you are interested in partnering with Guns.com to elevate your business in 2025, please email marketing@guns.com.

About Guns.com

Guns.com is the ultimate destination for gun owners, revolutionizing the online firearms retail experience since 2011. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, efficiency, and exceptional customer satisfaction, they empower and equip people to exercise their Second Amendment rights. With a growing network of over 2,000 local brick-and-mortar dealers, explore an extensive collection of over 30,000 new and Certified Used firearms. Stock up on a range of suppressors, ammo, gear, and more. Stay informed with industry news, in-depth product reviews, and exclusive content from top manufacturers. Experience why Guns.com stands unrivaled as the premier online marketplace for firearms and suppressors.

Media Contact

Dave Conlan, Guns.com, 1 8044860673, dave.conlan@guns.com, https://www.guns.com/

Twitter, LinkedIn

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/gunscom-outpaces-competition-in-2024-surging-momentum-carries-into-2025-302338139.html

SOURCE Guns.com; Guns.com

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Kanerika Unveils AI Agents Redefining Workplace Efficiency

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AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kanerika, a leading AI and data solutions company, has announced the launch of three AI agents: Alan, Susan, and Mike. Designed to simplify some of the most strenuous and time-consuming tasks in the workplace, these agents bring a new level of efficiency to legal document summarization, data redaction, and quantitative proofreading.

Kanerika Unveils three AI Agents Redefining Workplace Efficiency

“We believe AI agents are the future of work,” said Samidha Garud, Co-founder and CEO of Kanerika. “With the launch of Alan, Susan, and Mike, we’re addressing some common yet labor-intensive business tasks. These AI agents save valuable employee time, enhance productivity, and reflect our commitment to innovation and enterprise growth.”

Meet the AI Agents

Alan – The Legal Document Summarizer

Alan transforms lengthy legal documents into concise summaries. Users can customize summaries with simple, natural language rules tailored to their needs. With unlimited summary generation, Alan drastically reduces time spent on legal reviews, streamlining contract analysis and enhancing efficiency.

Susan – The PII Redactor

Susan ensures compliance by redacting sensitive information such as names and numbers. Upload your document, specify fields to redact, and Susan delivers a secure, redacted version to your inbox, meeting stringent data privacy standards.

Mike – The Proofreader

Mike validates documents with precision, checking quantitative data for arithmetic accuracy, and cross-document consistency. It flags discrepancies and provides a detailed report, helping businesses maintain error-free, trustworthy documentation.

Accessibility and Pricing

Kanerika is offering the basic versions of these AI agents for free, allowing users to experience the transformative potential of these tools. For those requiring advanced features, a professional version with enhanced capabilities is available at a competitive price point.

About Kanerika

Kanerika is a premier data and AI solutions company that helps enterprises enhance efficiency with innovative technologies. Known for employing cutting-edge methodologies, Kanerika delivers exceptional outcomes across industries. Certified with ISO 27701 & 27001, SOC II, and GDPR compliance, and appraised at CMMi Level 3, Kanerika is committed to quality service delivery. As a distinguished partner of Microsoft, AWS, and Informatica, Kanerika empowers businesses with robust solutions that drive growth and innovation.

For more information, please contact:
marketing@kanerika.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kanerika-unveils-ai-agents-redefining-workplace-efficiency-302340077.html

SOURCE Kanerika Inc.

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