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Fathom Holdings Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

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– Fathom’s Real Estate Agent Network Grew 12% to ~12,224 Agent Licenses; Aiming to Return to 30% Agent Growth in Coming Quarters

CARY, N.C., Aug. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Fathom Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: FTHM) (“Fathom” or the “Company”), a national, technology-driven, end-to-end real estate services platform integrating residential brokerage, mortgage, title, and SaaS offerings for brokerages and agents, today reported financial results for the second quarter and the first six months of 2024.

“In the last few months, we have made significant progress toward achieving our goals for this year,” said Fathom Holdings CEO Marco Fregenal. “First, we achieved overall positive Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter, and more importantly, our real estate, mortgage, and title brands achieved positive Adjusted EBITDA. Second, we recently launched what we believe to be the most innovative revenue share program in the industry. Our mission has always been to empower Fathom agents to earn and retain more of their hard-earned money. Our new revenue share plans are a natural extension of this commitment. By offering two revenue share options—either through a split or a flat fee model—we provide agents with the flexibility to choose the best fit for their businesses. These additional income streams ensure our agents have the tools and opportunities to thrive in any market condition. Looking ahead, our focus remains on growth initiatives and exploring additional opportunities to attract high-quality agents, teams, and brokerages. Supported by a compelling value proposition and a robust pipeline of opportunities, our goal is to return to 30% agent growth in the coming quarters.”

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Fathom’s real estate agent network grew 12% to approximately 12,224 agent licenses at June 30, 2024 from approximately 10,930 agent licenses at June 30, 2023.

Fathom completed approximately 10,137 transactions for the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of approximately 8% compared to the second quarter of 2023. Real estate transactions decreased primarily due to the continuation of high mortgage interest rates in the second quarter of 2024. Fathom is addressing this decline by continuing its strategic recruiting efforts, powered by its recently announced new revenue share models and its service commitment to its agents.

Total revenue for the second quarter of 2024 decreased 11% to $89.2 million, compared to $100.1 million in the second quarter of 2023. The decrease in total revenue was due to a 12% decrease in brokerage revenue resulting primarily from fewer transactions and an increase in lease transactions compared to sale transactions. Offsetting the decline in total revenue was an 11% increase in other service revenue, driven by improved performance from Fathom’s mortgage and title businesses, offset by the absence of the Company’s insurance business, which was sold on May 3, 2024.

 Segment revenue for the 2024 second quarter, compared with the 2023 second quarter was as follows:

Three months ended
June 30,

($ in millions)

2024

2023

UNAUDITED

Real Estate Brokerage

$                83.1

$                94.7

Mortgage

3.7

2.0

Technology

1.1

0.8

Corporate and other services (a)

1.3

2.6

Total revenue

$                89.2

$              100.1

(a)

Transactions between segments are eliminated in consolidation. Such amounts are eliminated through the Corporate and other services line.

Our brokerage business gross profit percentage remained relatively constant at 6% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter of 2023. Excluding our insurance business, the gross profit percentage in our ancillary businesses dipped slightly to 53% in the second quarter of 2024 from 57% in the second quarter of 2023 primarily related to ramp-up costs associated with expanding our mortgage and title businesses. Our overall gross profit percentage, excluding our insurance business improved to 9% in the second quarter of 2024, up from 8% in the second quarter of 2023.

GAAP net loss for the second quarter of 2024 totaled $1.3 million, or $0.07 per share, an improvement compared with a loss of $4.3 million, or $0.27 per share, for the second quarter of 2023. The significant reduction in net loss was primarily due to the gain generated from the sale of the Company’s insurance business and improved net operating results, partially offset by an increase in non-operating expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA*, a non-GAAP measure, for the second quarter of 2024 totaled $0.2 million, compared to $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2023. The second quarter of 2024 marked the Company’s first positive Adjusted EBITDA* quarter since the second quarter of 2023.

First Six Months of 2024 Financial Results

Real estate transactions declined approximately 11% year-over-year to 17,446 transactions in the first half of 2024. The decline in real estate transactions was primarily due to the continuation of high interest rates in the first half of 2024. Fathom is addressing the decline by continuing its strategic recruiting efforts, powered by its recently announced new revenue share models and its service commitment to its agents.

Total revenue for the first six months of 2024 decreased 11% to $159.7 million, compared to $177.6 million for the first six months of 2023. The decrease in total revenue was due to an 11% decrease in brokerage revenue resulting primarily from fewer transactions and an increase in lease transactions compared to sale transactions. The decline in total revenue was partially offset by a 14% increase in Fathom’s other service revenue, particularly attributable to Fathom’s mortgage business, offset by the absence of approximately two months of revenues from the Company’s insurance business, which was sold on May 3, 2024.

Segment revenue for the 2024 first six months, compared with the 2023 first six months was as follows:

Six months ended
June 30,

($ in millions)

2024

2023

UNAUDITED

Real Estate Brokerage

$              148.5

$              167.8

Mortgage

5.9

3.5

Technology

2.2

1.5

Corporate and other services (a)

3.1

4.8

Total revenue

$              159.7

$              177.6

(a)

Transactions between segments are eliminated in consolidation. Such amounts are eliminated through the Corporate and other services line.

Gross profit percentages for the first six months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 were similar to the quarter-to-date comparisons, excluding the Company’s insurance business, which was sold in May 2024. Fathom’s brokerage gross profit remained relatively constant at 6%, while its ancillary businesses’ gross profit percentage decreased slightly to 52% from 55%. The Company’s overall gross profit percentage improved to 9% from 8%.

GAAP net loss for the first six months of 2024 totaled $7.2 million or $0.37 per share, compared with a loss of $10.0 million, or $0.63 per share, for the first six months of 2023. The significant reduction in net loss was primarily due to the gain generated from the sale of the Company’s insurance business and improved net operating results, partially offset by an increase in non-operating expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA* loss, a non-GAAP measure, was $1.3 million in the first six months of 2024, compared with an Adjusted EBITDA* loss of approximately $0.9 million for the first six months of 2023. The Adjusted EBITDA* loss for the first six months of 2024 was primarily attributable to the lower total contribution from the Company’s brokerage business due to fewer closed transactions, partially offset by growth in the Company’s mortgage business.

*Fathom provides Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, because it offers additional information for monitoring the Company’s cash flow performance. A table providing a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to its most comparable GAAP measure, as well as an explanation of, and important disclosures about, this non-GAAP measure, is included in the tables at the end of this press release.

Q2 2024 and Recent Highlights

In August 2024, the Company introduced two innovative agent commission plans, Fathom Max and Fathom Share, complementing its existing plan and showcasing Fathom Realty’s reimagined revenue share program. The strategic initiative is designed to enhance agent recruitment and retention, drive accelerated and sustainable growth, and boost long-term profitability for the Company, while reinforcing Fathom’s commitment to providing flexible, attractive options for real estate professionals.In May 2024, the Company strengthened its financial position by selling its wholly owned subsidiary, Dagley Insurance Agency, for approximately $15.0 million in cash, with $7.8 million received at closing, significantly bolstering its balance sheet.In April 2024, Fathom Realty launched Verus Title Elite, a strategic joint venture partnering with top-producing agents and teams across Texas. The initiative is expected to drive increased revenue and profitability for both Verus Title and Fathom Realty, further strengthening the Company’s market position in the title services sector.

Financial Outlook

In light of the recent introduction of two new revenue share models and their yet-to-be-determined impact on future revenues and Adjusted EBITDA, the Company has elected to withhold guidance for the third quarter ending September 30, 2024. Management plans to reassess and potentially reinstate guidance expectations in the fourth quarter of 2024, allowing time to evaluate the performance of these new models.

Conference Call

Fathom management will hold a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (2:00 p.m. Pacific time) today (August 12, 2024) to discuss these financial results.

U.S. dial-in: 1-833-685-0908
International dial-in: 1-412-317-5742

Please call the conference telephone number five minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization.

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available in listen-only mode simultaneously and available via the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.FathomInc.com.

A telephone replay of the call will be available through August 19, 2024.

U.S. replay dial-in: 1-877-344-7529
International replay dial-in: 1-412-317-0088
Replay ID: 6483169

About Fathom Holdings Inc.

Fathom Holdings Inc. is a national, technology-driven, real estate services platform integrating residential brokerage, mortgage, title, and SaaS offerings to brokerages and agents by leveraging its proprietary cloud-based software, intelliAgent. The Company’s brands include Fathom Realty, Encompass Lending, intelliAgent, LiveBy, Real Results, Verus Title, and Cornerstone. For more information, visit www.FathomInc.com.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties which we expect will or may occur in the future and may impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including: risks associated with general economic conditions, including rising interest rates; its ability to generate positive operational cash flow; risks associated with the Company’s ability to continue achieving significant growth; its ability to continue its growth trajectory while achieving profitability over time; risks related to ongoing and future litigation; and other risks as set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s most recent Form 10-K as filed with the SEC and supplemented from time to time in other Company filings made with the SEC. Copies of Fathom’s Form 10-K and other SEC filings are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Investor Contact:

Matt Glover
Gateway Group, Inc.
949-574-3860
FTHM@gateway-grp.com 

 

FATHOM HOLDINGS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

(in thousands, except share data)

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Revenue

Gross commission income

$             83,125

$             94,633

$         148,510

$         167,803

Other service revenue

6,082

5,456

11,200

9,827

Total revenue

89,207

100,089

159,710

177,630

Operating expenses

Commission and other agent-related costs

78,045

88,892

139,212

158,064

Operations and support

2,676

1,904

4,785

3,518

Technology and development

1,906

1,875

3,856

3,453

General and administrative

8,904

9,908

18,506

19,219

Marketing

759

927

1,359

1,644

Depreciation and amortization

546

820

1,274

1,515

Total operating expenses

92,836

104,326

168,992

187,413

Gain on sale of business

(2,958)

(2,958)

Loss from operations

(671)

(4,237)

(6,324)

(9,783)

Other expense (income), net

Interest expense, net

109

79

214

63

Other nonoperating expense

520

4

672

163

Other expense, net

629

83

886

226

Loss before income taxes

(1,300)

(4,320)

(7,210)

(10,009)

Income tax expense (benefit)

(6)

25

11

37

Net loss

$              (1,294)

$              (4,345)

$            (7,221)

$          (10,046)

Net loss per share:

Basic

$                (0.07)

$                (0.27)

$              (0.37)

$              (0.63)

Diluted

$                (0.07)

$                (0.27)

$              (0.37)

$              (0.63)

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Basic

19,763,055

16,023,981

19,470,764

16,017,560

Diluted

19,763,055

16,023,981

19,470,764

16,017,560

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

FATHOM HOLDINGS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

June 30,
2024

December 31,
2023

(UNAUDITED)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$                10,439

$                  7,399

Restricted cash

341

141

Accounts receivable

3,919

3,352

Other receivable – current

4,000

Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value

10,371

8,602

Prepaid and other current assets

4,854

3,700

Total current assets

33,924

23,194

Property and equipment, net

2,015

2,340

Lease right of use assets

4,470

4,150

Intangible assets, net

17,419

23,909

Goodwill

19,344

25,607

Other receivable – long-term

3,000

Other assets

48

58

Total assets

$                80,220

$                79,258

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$                  4,866

$                  3,396

Accrued and other current liabilities

2,639

2,681

Warehouse lines of credit

10,085

8,355

Lease liability – current portion

1,199

1,504

Long-term debt – current portion

3,497

416

Total current liabilities

22,286

16,352

Lease liability, net of current portion

4,363

3,824

Long-term debt, net of current portion

91

3,467

Other long-term liabilities

344

381

Total liabilities

27,084

24,024

Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)

Stockholders’ equity:

Common stock (no par value, shares authorized, 100,000,000; shares issued and outstanding,

 21,007,879 and 20,671,515 as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively)

Additional paid-in capital

131,943

126,820

Accumulated deficit

(78,807)

(71,586)

Total stockholders’ equity

53,136

55,234

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$                80,220

$                79,258

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

FATHOM HOLDINGS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

Six  Months Ended June 30,

2024

2023

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net loss

$                         (7,221)

$                       (10,046)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

2,799

2,867

Gain on sale of business

(2,958)

Non-cash lease expense

920

720

Deferred financing cost amortization

21

Gain on sale of mortgages

(3,153)

(1,882)

Stock-based compensation

5,151

6,005

Deferred income taxes

(37)

8

 Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 Accounts receivable

(658)

(1,252)

 Prepaid and other current assets

(1,222)

111

 Other assets

10

(6)

 Accounts payable

1,642

1,359

 Accrued and other current liabilities

308

369

 Operating lease liabilities

(1,005)

(800)

 Mortgage loans held for sale originations

(131,460)

(85,461)

 Proceeds from sale and principal payments on mortgage loans held for sale

132,843

83,250

Net cash used in operating activities

(4,041)

(4,737)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Purchase of property and equipment

(12)

(10)

Purchase of intangible assets

(1,193)

(899)

Proceeds from sale of business

7,435

Amounts paid for business and asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired

(130)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

6,100

(909)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Principal payments on debt

(295)

(491)

Borrowings from warehouse lines of credit

127,913

69,920

Repayment on warehouse lines of credit

(126,184)

(66,008)

Deferred acquisition consideration payments

(225)

(284)

Proceeds from note payable, net $200 in loan costs

3,300

Payment of offering cost in connection with issuance of common stock in connection with public offering

(28)

Net cash provided by financing activities

1,181

6,437

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

3,240

791

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period

7,540

8,380

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period

$                         10,780

$                           9,171

Supplemental disclosure of cash and non-cash transactions:

Cash paid for interest

$                              199

$                                21

Other receivables related to sale of business

$                           7,000

$                                —

Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities

$                           1,572

$                              144

Reconciliation of cash and restricted cash:

Cash and cash equivalents

$                         10,439

$                           9,099

Restricted cash

341

78

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in statement of cash flows

$                         10,780

$                           9,177

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net loss

$            (1,294)

$            (4,345)

$            (7,221)

$          (10,046)

Gain on sale of business

(2,958)

(2,958)

Stock based compensation

2,499

3,185

5,151

6,005

Depreciation and amortization

1,319

1,510

2,799

2,867

Other expense, net

629

83

886

226

Income tax expense (benefit)

(6)

25

11

37

Adjusted EBITDA

$                 189

$                 458

$            (1,332)

$               (911)

Note about Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement Fathom’s consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, the Company uses Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to understand and evaluate our core operating performance. This non-GAAP financial measure, which may be different than similarly titled measures used by other companies, is presented to enhance investors’ overall understanding of our financial performance and should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

Fathom defines the non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss), excluding other income and expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense, and transaction-related cost.

Fathom believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information about the Company’s financial performance, enhances the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects, and allows for greater transparency with respect to a key metric used by Fathom’s management for financial and operational decision-making. Fathom believes that Adjusted EBITDA helps identify underlying trends in its business that otherwise could be masked by the effect of the expenses that the Company excludes in Adjusted EBITDA. In particular, Fathom believes the exclusion of share-based compensation expense and transaction-related costs associated with the Company’s acquisition activity, provides a useful supplemental measure in evaluating the performance of its operations and provides better transparency into its results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes other income and expense, net which primarily includes nonrecurring items, such as, minor legal settlement claims, severance costs, professional fees related to investigating potential financing opportunities, if applicable.

Fathom is presenting the non-GAAP measure of Adjusted EBITDA to assist investors in seeing its financial performance through the eyes of management, and because the Company believes this measure provides an additional tool for investors to use in comparing Fathom’s core financial performance over multiple periods with other companies in its industry.

Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. There are a number of limitations related to the use of Adjusted EBITDA compared to net income (loss), the closest comparable GAAP measure. Some of these limitations are that:

Adjusted EBITDA excludes share-based compensation expense related to restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards and stock options, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, significant recurring expenses in Fathom’s business and an important part of its compensation strategy;Adjusted EBITDA excludes transaction-related costs primarily consisting of professional fees and any other costs incurred directly related to acquisition activity, which is an ongoing part of Fathom’s growth strategy and therefore likely to occur; andAdjusted EBITDA excludes certain recurring, non-cash charges such as depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and capitalized software, and acquisition related intangible asset costs, however, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future.

 

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SOURCE Fathom Holdings Inc.

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American Doctors Return From Medical Mission In Conflict-Affected Syria

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Doctors treated life-threatening conditions, provided specialized care, and delivered critical training to local healthcare providers.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, 24 Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) volunteer doctors from the United States returned from a week-long medical mission to northwest Syria, where they provided life-saving medical care and specialized training to local healthcare providers. From September 15-20, 2024, the volunteer physicians conducted a wide range of medical interventions, including complex cardiac procedures, oncological and retina surgeries, pediatrics subspecialty clinics and intensive care consultations, impacting thousands of lives in a region devastated by conflict and last year’s disastrous earthquake.

SAMS Member and group leader of the mission, Dr. Bassel Atassi, an oncologist of Chicago, who completed the week-long mission in northwest Syria, shared, “During our mission, we carried out 277 surgeries and provided 1,367 consultations. Our focus was not only on treating patients but also on training local doctors in pathology, cardiology, and oncology and other essential practices to help them treat and local refugees. The knowledge transfer was crucial in ensuring that the impact of our work extends far beyond our time on the ground”

“This mission represents the unwavering commitment of our volunteers to provide life-saving care in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable,” said SAMS’ President Dr. Mufaddal Hamadeh. “We are proud of the medical impact made and the meaningful training and collaboration with local healthcare providers that will continue to benefit the region long after our departure. The resilience and courage of the people we serve inspire us to continue our vital work in Syria and beyond.”

The mission included a diverse array of medical services and training initiatives aimed at bolstering local healthcare capacity. Highlights included:

Pediatric and Adult Cardiology: Conducting echocardiograms, pacemaker implants, and catheter-based interventions for pediatric patients and performing adult cardiac surgeries, including coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgeries.Oncology: Performing major surgeries in urological, gastrointestinal, and gynecological oncology while providing oncological consultations and training at SAMS-supported oncology centers.Specialized Consultations and Procedures: Retinal specialists performed vitrectomies and laser procedures, while intensive care specialists led ICU rounds and critical care consultations.Training and Education: The mission delivered hands-on training, crash courses, and a 2-day Pediatric Scientific Conference, focusing on pediatric specialties, benefiting over 200 general pediatricians in northwest Syria.

Syrians and refugees are still recovering from the earthquake that struck the border area in February 2023, but life is improving thanks to the work of SAMS and its countless volunteers and 2,400 staff in the region—nearly half of whom were displaced by the disaster.

For more information, contact:
Blaine Heck / 201-314-9506 / 383715@email4pr.com

About SAMS:
SAMS is a nonprofit, non-political organization that works on the front lines of crisis relief, providing medical and humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable in Syria, its neighboring countries, and beyond. Last year, SAMS provided lifesaving medical services to 3.6 million people. For more information about SAMS, go to www.sams-usa.net.

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SOURCE Syrian American Medical Society

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Pyka Secures $40M Series B to Advance Commercialization of Dual-use Autonomous Electric Aircraft

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Funding will accelerate Pyka’s growth and further scale production of its autonomous aircraft for agriculture, defense, and commercial logistics.

ALAMEDA, Calif., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pyka, an electric aviation technology leader that designs and manufactures large-scale autonomous electric aircraft, today announced a $40M Series B raise. The funding round was led by Obvious Ventures, with participation from both new and existing investors, including Piva Capital, Prelude Ventures, Metaplanet Holdings, and Y Combinator.

Pyka is rapidly commercializing autonomous electric aircraft by applying its technology to many of the world’s most critical flight missions, including agricultural crop protection, commercial cargo transportation, and defense logistics.

“This accomplishment is a significant milestone for Pyka,” said Michael Norcia, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Pyka. “We are designing, developing, and commercializing autonomous electric aircraft at a pace that few companies have been able to achieve. With commercial production well underway, and our aircraft deployed with customers on multiple continents, we are extremely proud of the progress we’ve made as a company thus far. This round of funding brings us one step closer to unlocking autonomous electric flight for society.”

The company currently produces the largest commercially-approved uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) in the United States and maintains active commercial operations across the U.S., Central America, and Brazil. Pyka’s portfolio of customers includes key players in the agriculture, commercial cargo, and defense logistics value chains, such as Dole, Embraer, Sierra Nevada Company, Heinen Brothers Agra Services, and Skyports Drone Services. In early 2024, Pyka delivered three aircraft to the United States Air Force as part of the Agility Prime program.

The new investment will accelerate Pyka’s growth across its dual-use product line. On the commercial side, it will support further investment in Pyka’s domestic manufacturing capabilities, boost production of its Pelican Spray and Pelican Cargo products, and enable expanded operations with both U.S. and international customers. Additionally, the Series B funds will advance the development of new capabilities to support contested logistics operations for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied partners.

“From the beginning, Pyka was focused on getting into the air and getting into business with commercial operations. Their cost-effective mindset and discipline caught our attention,” said Andrew Beebe, Managing Director at Obvious Ventures. “And what got us really excited was the passion of the team and their mission-driven focus on electrifying aviation and decarbonizing one of the worst offenders in the world.”

Pyka’s family of products includes Pelican Spray, a 1,320-lb, fully autonomous, and 100% electric aircraft designed for complex agricultural operations. The aircraft combines best-in-class spray precision and chemical drift reduction technologies to provide safe, clean, and cost-effective crop protection at scale. Pelican Spray is the largest FAA-approved UAS for agricultural operations and the most productive spray UAS on the Market.

Additionally, Pyka produces Pelican Cargo, the world’s first large-scale autonomous electric cargo aircraft capable of heavy-payload, long-range, and off-airport operation. The 100% electric aircraft can transport up to 400 lbs over a range of 200 miles. Pyka has partnered with Sierra Nevada Company to introduce RUMRUNNER, a modified edition of Pelican Cargo, to customers within the U.S. Department of Defense for sustainment in contested logistics operations.

All of Pyka’s products incorporate its proprietary autonomous flight engine and all-electric propulsion system to enable operations in the world’s most complex environments without putting human operators in harm’s way, at unprecedented cost savings to customers.

About Pyka:

Pyka is defining the future of safe, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective aviation with autonomous electric airplanes for crop protection and cargo delivery. Pyka’s proprietary technology includes autonomous flight control software, flight computers, high energy density batteries, advanced electric propulsion systems, and carbon composite airframes. Learn more at www.flypyka.com.

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SOURCE Pyka

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#PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2024 Surpasses Goal by Raising over €610.000 for Street Child to Develop Secondary Schools in Sierra Leone

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PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 23, 2024 /CNW/ — Plume completed its fourth annual #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge (#PSCC24) – a 5-stage 824 km route from Zurich, Switzerland to Venice, Italy that took place from September 2-6, 2024. The #PSCC is a fundraiser to benefit #PlumeStrong, Plume’s social impact initiative with a mission to empower communities worldwide through meaningful initiatives that promote health, education, equality, efficiency, sustainability, technological innovation, and security. #PlumeStrong envisions a world where more individuals, particularly children, have access to education, resources, and opportunities.

During the five-day ride through the iconic mountain passes of Switzerland and Italy, Plume employees and corporate partners were joined by #PlumeStrong Ambassadors Tadej Pogačar, a three-time Tour de France winner, Urška Žigart, a Slovenian professional racing cyclist, currently riding for the Liv AlUla Jayco WorldTeam, Scott Ogden, English Grand Prix motorcycle racer currently competing in the 2024 Moto3 World Championship for MLav Racing, and Marko Baloh, Guinness & WUCA World Record Holder and elite ultra-cyclist and coach. 

Together, #PSCC24 and its supporters raised over €610,000 surpassing the initiative’s original target of €550,000. Recently, #PlumeStrong and its charity partner Street Child announced that the money raised during the #PSCC24 will be used to benefit Street Child’s work in Sierra Leone. The initial goal was to develop 15 rural secondary schools, providing quality education to over 1,500 children annually, teacher training, and the establishment of a community agriculture project to help sustain the school. Due to the excess funds already raised, #PlumeStrong and Street Child are now expanding the project to develop an additional 5 schools bringing the total number to 20.

Fahri Diner

“I am so proud of what the #PlumeStrong team achieved, said Fahri Diner, Founder and CEO of Plume. “We set a goal for this year’s ride and once again exceeded it. The #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2024 (#PSCC24) was indeed a serious ‘challenge’ and not just a social ride – everyone who participated should feel an incredible sense of accomplishment. And more importantly, it was a successful fundraiser to help Street Child to provide additional educational opportunities for children. As is cycling, this was a beautifully orchestrated team effort, and we are so grateful for the commitment of our people, sponsors, partners, support teams and everyone who donated to the #PSCC24. On behalf of all of us at Plume, a big THANK YOU to all.”

Lucinda Dannatt

“We are thrilled by the success of the #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2024, which has exceeded the initial fundraising goal, said Lucinda Dannatt, Director, Policy & Development and Co-Founder at Street Child. “Thanks to the incredible dedication of #PlumeStrong and its supporters, Street Child can now develop an additional 5 secondary schools, bringing the total to 20 schools and ensuring that at least 2,000 children in Sierra Leone will have the opportunity to receive a quality education. A huge thank you to everyone who braved the 800 km of mountain passes or supported us through donations and sponsorships. Your commitment has made this remarkable achievement possible.”

Tadej Pogačar

“Participating in the #PlumeStrong challenge is a point of pride in my life, and I am thrilled to have ridden again with #PlumeStrong,” said Tadej Pogačar. “I recognize the importance of giving back to those in need and this cycling challenge is one of my favorite ways to do so. The money being raised today will impact those in Sierra Leone and beyond, and I’m honored to be part of this great effort.”

Urška Žigart

“It’s a privilege to be a part of this incredible community of individuals all focused on providing opportunities to communities around the world,” said Urška Žigart. “Becoming a #PlumeStrong Ambassador is a milestone for me, made sweeter by the fact that we’re building a bridge to the cycling world. I look forward to participating in these challenges for years to come.”

Watch the #PSCC24 recap video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2mPn2VA_nI 

Media queries:
Plume: corporatecomms@plume.com
Street Child: ben.weich@street-child.org 

About Plume
Plume is the creator of the world’s first SaaS experience platform for communications service providers (CSPs) and their subscribers, deployed in more than 60 million locations globally. As the only open and hardware-independent, cloud-controlled solution, Plume enables the rapid delivery of new services for smart homes, small businesses and beyond, at massive scale. On the front end, Plume delivers self-optimizing, adaptive WiFi, cybersecurity, access, parental controls and more. CSPs get robust data- and AI-driven back-end applications for unprecedented visibility, insights, support, operations and marketing. Plume leverages OpenSync®, an open-source framework that comes pre-integrated and supported on the leading silicon, CPE and platform SDKs.

Visit plume.com, plume.com/homepass, plume.com/workpass, plume.com/uprise, and opensync.io.

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© 2024 Plume Design, Inc. All rights reserved. Adaptive, Advanced loT Protection, Concierge, Flow, Harvest, Haystack, HomePass, OpenSync, Plume, Plume Adaptive WiFi, Plume IQ, Powered by Plume, Signal, SuperPod, WorkPass, Work From Here, WorldPass, and the Plume and OpenSync Logos, among others, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plume Design, Inc. See trademark guidelines.

About Street Child
Street Child is one of the world’s fastest-growing international children’s charities, established in 2008. Street Child works to ensure children are safe, in school and learning even, and especially, in low resource environments and emergencies. The charity works with an expanding network of local organisations and a focus on the power and purpose of inspirational local level organisations sits at the heart of all they do – and has done so since the first partnership in Sierra Leone in 2008.

Today Street Child works in over 25 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.  

Learn more

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View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/plumestrong-cycling-challenge-2024-surpasses-goal-by-raising-over-610-000-for-street-child-to-develop-secondary-schools-in-sierra-leone-302255700.html

SOURCE Plume Design, Inc.

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