Technology

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

Published

5 months ago

June 25, 2024

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

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SOURCE Create Music Group

Technology

Reolink Black Friday Sales 2024 – Enjoy Early Saving Today

Published

34 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Black Friday is just around the corner, enjoy early Black Friday security camera deals to enhance home security sooner. Reolink, an innovative leader in intelligent visual technology for the home, is offering diverse range of security cameras, enabling consumers to keep a vigilant eye on their home’s safety.

From now to November 18th, visit the Reolink website and its Amazon store to get the industry-leading 4K continuous recording battery camera Altas PT Ultra, 4K 180° color night vision battery camera Argus 4 Pro, 2K Dual-Band Wi-Fi Battery Doorbell, along with Argus 3 Pro and E1 Zoom.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra with Solar Panel (Save 31%, now $249.99)

Altas PT Ultra is an industry-leading 4K pan & tilt battery camera that offers continuous recording with a blindspot-free view. Equipped with a powerful 20000mAh battery, it can deliver a 96-hour 4K continuous recording on a single charge. The ColorX technology delivers day&night true-color vision without the needs of spotlights or infrared lights. Originally $359.99, it’s $249.99 during the sale, offering a significant 31% discount.

Reolink Argus 4 Pro with Solar Panel (Save 30%, now $229.99)

Argus 4 Pro is the world’s first 4K battery-powered camera with ColorX Night Vision and dual image stitching technology, providing a 180° blindspot-free view. Its battery life is 30% longer than the average battery-powered cameras in the market, reducing the frequency of charging. Originally $329.99, it’s $229.99 during the sale, offering a remarkable 30% discount.

Reolink Battery Doorbell (Save 30%, now $153.99)

Battery Doorbell features 2K/4MP resolution and captures a full head-to-toe view with no subscription fees. It can run on battery power or be hardwired for consistent operation, offering flexible installation and power supply solutions. Battery Doorbell can support Reolink Home Hub for local storage of video recordings and centralized management of cameras. Originally $219.99, it’s $153.99 during the sale, offering an amazing 30% discount.

Black Friday may be on the horizon, but from today until November 18th, customers can dive into early Reolink Black Friday sales. From now until November 18th, customers can purchase coupons for just a few dollars on the Reolink website. These coupons can be combined with Reolink Black Friday discounts and redeemed for up to $40 from Nov. 19 to Dec. 2. Visit Reolink website and its Amazon store to score the best security camera deals.

About Reolink

Reolink offers smart security solutions for homes and businesses, aiming for a seamless security experience with its wide range of products. Serving millions globally, it provides video surveillance and protection, standing out for its commitment to security technology innovation.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/reolink-black-friday-sales-2024—enjoy-early-saving-today-302306481.html

SOURCE Reolink Innovation Inc.

Technology

AEKE Reimagines Home Fitness Experience with Launch of AI-Powered Smart Home Gym K1 on Kickstarter

Published

34 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — AEKE is redefining home fitness with the launch of the Smart Home Gym K1, set to debut on Kickstarter this December 3rd. The all-in-one, AI-powered gym with an auto-foldable and movable design brings a new level of accessibility and efficiency to fitness by transforming any space into a hyper-personalized training hub.

Taking up just 0.3 square meters, the new AEKE K1 features an AI coaching system that empowers users to train smarter other than harder.

Key Features of the AEKE K1:

AI-Driven Personalization: Leveraging advanced AI, the K1 builds custom workout plans and courses, adapting them based on individual progress and goals through a six-dimensional body assessment.Precision Motion Tracking: Powered by high-sensitivity AI cameras and powerful 5T chips, our self-developed vertical AI Model ensures precise tracking, offering real-time feedback on form, speed, and balance and rep count.Compact-Smart Design: With its sleek, compact design, the K1 easily integrates into any room, blending in without dominating home space.No Ongoing Fees: Access all the features and updates with no subscriptions, making it a cost-effective solution.Complete Training Solution: Catering to a range of fitness goals from weight loss to muscle gain, the K1 includes a variety of workout programs from strength training to yoga to keep exercise routines diverse and effective.Targeted Strength-Building Strategy: With advanced algorithms built by AEKE, K1 adapts intensity as users grow stronger, backed by professional strength training plans and data-driven performance insights to help users stay on track.Personalized and immersive experience: Motion gaming and exercise competition, a 2.1-channel Bluetooth speaker and customer can customized their own music playlist during course make it more immersive and fun.

“We are hugely grateful to our crowdfunding supporters for enabling us to create an innovative fitness experience. I’ve seen firsthand how financial, time, and space constraints hold many people back from accessing quality fitness instruction. Inconsistent training levels can also make it tough for people to find reliable trainers and see results, even after investing time and money. The K1 removes common barriers to fitness and makes professional fitness training accessible to everyone, helping them more efficiently achieve their goals, no matter their schedule or space,” said Loong, COO of AEKE.

With the Kickstarter campaign launching this month, early backers can be among the first to embark on a unique fitness journey offered by the award-winning AEKE K1, which has clinched the German Red Dot Award, the American IDA Design Award, and the International CMF Design Award since it was unveiled.

Currently, AEKE is gearing up for crowdfunding and is offering many benefits for customers who place a deposit. For more details and to get updates, visit aeke.com

About AEKE

Founded in 2022, With a team of over 200 industrial sports scientists, hardware engineers, and AI experts, AEKE combines AI technology with a human-centric approach to deliver the most intelligent and effective fitness experience.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/aeke-reimagines-home-fitness-experience-with-launch-of-ai-powered-smart-home-gym-k1-on-kickstarter-302305600.html

SOURCE AEKE

Technology

UST Opens New Office and Generative AI Experience Center in Cyberjaya, Malaysia

Published

34 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

Inauguration of third delivery center in Malaysia positions the country as the focal point for UST’s expansion in Southeast Asia

CYBERJAYA, Malaysia, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has opened a new office and state-of-the-art Generative AI Experience Center in Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia. This facility will act as a hub for innovation and collaboration, bringing together leaders and thinkers at the forefront of the Generative AI space to drive digital transformation in Southeast Asia and beyond.

The new Cyberjaya facility is UST’s third delivery center in Malaysia and will develop cutting-edge AI solutions for use in a diverse range of market sectors, including banking, manufacturing, retail, O&G, telecom, and education. The GenAI Center of Excellence in Malaysia will elevate customer experiences across Southeast Asia to improve both the engineering services and the digital portfolio of UST. A key focus area will be developing custom Large Language Models (LLMs) tailored to specific business needs. Additionally, work conducted at the Center of Excellence will empower cloud, infrastructure, and cybersecurity applications, automating backend tasks and digitising front-end user experiences, benefiting both engineering and GBS teams.

The facility was formally opened on November 11, as part of a ceremony featuring notable tech industry leaders and government officials including: Y.A.B. Dato’ Seri Amirudin Bin Shari, Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Selangor state; Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, Senior Vice President of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC); Puan Nor Suhaila Binti Saat, Director, Sepang Municipal Council; Kamarul Ariffin Abdul Samad, Chief Executive Officer, Cyberview Sdn Bhd; TS Koay, Managing Director Dell Technologies Malaysia, Chai Ping Chua, Country Site Leader Experian Malaysia, Sunil Balakrishnan, CVO & Global Head of Center Operations, UST; Gilroy Mathew, Sr Vice president, UST; and Amar Chhajer, Vice President & Country Head Malaysia, UST.

“The opening of this advanced new delivery center will enhance our ability to support the growing Malaysian and Southeast Asian markets and positions us for further growth in this dynamic region. UST’s focus on Generative AI aligns with the current digital landscape and will empower businesses to harness the potential of AI and automation to drive digital transformation. We’re grateful for the support of our partners and stakeholders, who has been instrumental in fostering a strong tech community here in Malaysia. UST’s focus on Generative AI aligns with the current digital landscape and will empower businesses to harness the potential of AI and automation to drive digital transformation,” said Amar Chhajer, Vice President & Country Head – Malaysia, UST.

“UST is a key partner in our mission to develop digital infrastructure and nurture local tech talent. The UST Gen AI Center of Excellence is exactly the type of forward-thinking initiative that will help propel Malaysia into the next phase of digital evolution. It will be a catalyst for research and development in AI, helping to unlock new opportunities and insights across a wide range of sectors. UST’s commitment to Malaysia’s thriving tech ecosystem has been instrumental in helping transform this sector of our economy. Over the past decade, UST has invested in developing over 10,000 engineering professionals in Malaysia, contributing to the creation of a dynamic and resilient digital ecosystem,” said Y.A.B. Dato’ Seri Amirudin Bin Shari, Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Selangor state.

UST began operating in Malaysia in 2006, opening its first center in Penang in 2011. This location also became home to UST’s first Infinity Lab in 2020, supporting innovation that has helped UST expand operations throughout Southeast Asia. UST Malaysia has grown to become one of the company’s biggest delivery center locations in the world and there are currently over 1,500 USsociates in Malaysia. UST Malaysia has two delivery centers in Penang. UST is certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ in Malaysia.

About UST

Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world’s best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering expertise, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse innovation and agility into our clients’ organizations–delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact–touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com

Media Contacts, UST:

Tinu Cherian Abraham
+1 (949) 415-9857

Merrick Laravea
+1 (949) 416-6212

Neha Misri
+91-9284726602

Roshni Das K
+91 7736795557
media.relations@ust.com

Media Contacts, India:

Adfactors PR
ust@adfactorspr.com

Media Contacts, U.S.

S&C PR
+1-646.941.9139
media@scprgroup.com

Makovsky
ust@makovsky.com

Media Contacts, U.K.:

FTI Consulting
UST@fticonsulting.com