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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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Cat® Simulators New Hydraulic Mining Shovel System Builds Operator Skills for Mine Sites

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Simformotion™ LLC, a leader in heavy equipment simulator training solutions, announces the release of the new Cat® Simulators Hydraulic Mining Shovel System.

PEORIA, Ill., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Simformotion™ LLC – a leader in heavy equipment simulator training solutions – announces the release of the new Cat® Simulators Hydraulic Mining Shovel System. Operator trainees can utilize the system inside a classroom or at satellite mine locations.

“The new Hydraulic Mining Shovel simulator system is the cornerstone of our Cat Simulators mining models. The system trains students and operators using authentic Cat controls and teaches applications found on real-world job sites,” says CEO Lara Aaron.

The hands-on training system is set in a mining environment and teaches learners how to operate the Hydraulic Mining Shovel, including inspecting the machine, spotting and properly loading trucks, and more. Correct, efficient operation increases safety, production and cost savings. Simulation is a safe alternative to using actual machines for heavy equipment operator training. Students and operators can train anytime and anywhere using simulators — no need to take a costly machine out of production, worry about the weather or, most importantly, worry about the operator’s safety.

“The new Hydraulic Mining Shovel simulator system is the cornerstone of our Cat Simulators mining models. The system trains students and operators using authentic Cat controls and teaches applications found on real-world job sites. We often hear of the struggles to find skilled operators. Cat Simulators systems help companies build their own workforce,” says CEO Lara Aaron.

The Cat Simulators Hydraulic Mining Shovel system is available in multiple languages and includes SimU Campus™, a built-in reporting software that records and generates reports of learners’ simulation sessions and compares their performance to Caterpillar benchmarks. The system features authentic Cat controls, a motion system, exclusive walkaround machine inspection training, and a companion SimScholars™ curriculum, making the training package a unique offering.

The companion SimScholars online curriculum is a one-to-one match with the simulator model and can be used in the classroom or for remote learning. It is an interactive, turn-key solution complete with instructor guides, videos, quizzes and more. Integrate the Cat Simulators Hydraulic Mining Shovel system and its curriculum together for a unique, blended learning experience.

For even more training value and for a more immersive experience, add VR Edition. With the VR headset and patented VR Now technology, users experience a larger view of the virtual environment with greater depth perception. The simulator is portable and easy to move from a training room to a trailer to satellite locations.

About Simformotion™ LLC

©Copyright 2024 Simformotion™ LLC is a leader in heavy equipment simulator training solutions. Simulation can help address initiatives such as safety and production; while ensuring training can be delivered anytime day or night, regardless of weather conditions. Cat Simulators are chosen as training solutions in such markets as mining, construction, forestry, government, and trade and vocational schools. Simformotion™ LLC is a licensee of Caterpillar Inc. As used herein, “Simformotion” means Simformotion™ LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

About Caterpillar Inc.

About Caterpillar Inc. With 2023 sales and revenues of $67.1 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html.

CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow,” and the “Power Edge” and “Modern Hex” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com / www.caterpillar.com Third party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact
Kim Roberts, Simformotion, 1 3096703200, kroberts@simformotion.com, https://simformotion.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/cat-simulators-new-hydraulic-mining-shovel-system-builds-operator-skills-for-mine-sites-302255377.html

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GR0 CEO Kevin Miller Snags C-Suite Insiders CEO of the Year Award for Brand Optimization

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GR0 Co-Founder and CEO Kevin Miller Honored for Excellence in Leadership, Innovation, and Industry Impact

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Kevin Miller, Co-Founder and CEO of GR0, was awarded CEO of the Year for brand optimization from the prestigious C-Suite Leadership Awards Program. This recognition underscores Miller’s outstanding leadership, innovation, and transformative impact in the digital marketing industry.

Recognized for celebrating excellence in senior executives, the C-Suite Leadership Awards Program highlights remarkable achievements in business. Emphasizing the importance of exceptional leadership, innovation, and industry impact, the program honors high-performing executives who inspire success while shaping the future of their companies.

As Co-Founder and CEO of GR0, Kevin Miller has propelled his company to the forefront of the digital marketing industry. Leveraging extensive expertise from roles at Google and Open Listings, Miller has spearheaded notable successes for GR0, including accolades such as a Platinum dotCOMM award in 2024 and a Best SEO Company award from Clutch in 2021.

Assisting both D2C and B2B clients, GR0 is known for delivering measurable growth and impactful results as a trusted agency for businesses seeking transformative omnichannel digital marketing solutions.

Miller’s dedication to his team and commitment to fostering an exemplary working environment have not gone unnoticed. He was recognized with a Best CEO Award from Glassdoor and was instrumental in GR0 being named a Best Company for Women by Great Place to Work in 2024. These achievements underscore Miller’s holistic approach to leadership, focusing on business success and employee well-being.

For further details on Miller’s remarkable achievements and to explore GR0’s transformative digital marketing strategies, visit GR0’s website.

About GR0: A leading omnichannel digital marketing agency based in Los Angeles, GR0 delivers exceptional growth and impactful results for a diverse clientele. With a record of innovation and recognition in digital marketing, GR0 sets benchmarks and drives success stories for businesses worldwide.

Media Contact

GR0 Agency, GR0, +1 (310) 439-1887, performancepr@gr0.com, gr0.com 

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/gr0-ceo-kevin-miller-snags-c-suite-insiders-ceo-of-the-year-award-for-brand-optimization-302253897.html

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First Pacific Bank expands its instant payments offerings with Finastra, driving growth

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With Finastra Payments To Go, the bank enhances its payments infrastructure and unlocks new opportunities 

LAKE MARY, Fla., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Finastra today announced that First Pacific Bank, a Southern California-based community bank that offers custom financial solutions for individuals and businesses, has selected Finastra Payments To Go to modernize its payments infrastructure. The cloud-based, SaaS payments hub solution will help the bank to deliver FedNow send and receive services 24/7, support ISO 20022 compliance, and enable its projected growth. 

As part of Finastra’s commitment to Open Finance, Payments To Go offers seamless connectivity to other software providers, fintechs, and financial institutions, giving banks the flexibility needed to deploy modern and agile payment solutions quickly and efficiently.

“Our selection of Payments To Go was driven by the need for a robust instant payments platform that supports our growth and innovation plans, particularly as we expand our commercial business,” said Sharokin Badal, SVP, Director of Deposit and Treasury Services at First Pacific Bank. “With Finastra, our customers will benefit from additional payment offerings, enabling better cash flow and financial management. The modernity and scalability of Payments To Go, along with its seamless integration with our existing vendors, make it the ideal solution.”

Deployed on Microsoft Azure cloud, Payments To Go provides the bank with the agility needed to offer new and innovative payments rails, including FedNow Service. As one of the first software providers in the industry to complete certification for the FedNow Service and ISO 20022 compliance, Finastra is well-positioned to provide financial institutions with the ability to deliver instant payment services around the clock, with more than 200 customers across the US able to launch FedNow Service through its solutions.

“Our payments as a service solution provides First Pacific Bank with a modern infrastructure that enables scalability and an enhanced customer experience,” said Radha Suvarna, Chief Product Officer, Payments at Finastra. “We’re pleased that the bank selected us to not just prepare them for regulatory and compliance requirements, but to support the team as they meet the moment to unlock new opportunities in payments innovation.”

“Readiness for both ISO 20022 messaging standards for Fedwire and the FedNow Service are critically important for community-based financial institutions to stay competitive and compliant as the instant payments space continues to evolve,” said Erika Baumann, Director Commercial Banking and Payments at Datos Insights. “By aligning with global standards and embracing new payment rails, community banks are well positioned to improve their offerings.”

To learn more about Payments To Go, visit Finastra at Sibos 2024 on stand G30.

About Finastra
Finastra is a global provider of financial services software applications across Lending, Payments, Treasury and Capital Markets, and Universal (retail and digital) Banking. Committed to unlocking the potential of people, businesses and communities everywhere, its vision is to accelerate the future of Open Finance through technology and collaboration, and its pioneering approach is why it is trusted by ~8,100 financial institutions, including 45 of the world’s top 50 banks. For more information, visit finastra.com.

About First Pacific Bank
First Pacific Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Pacific Bancorp (OTC Pink: FPBC) and is a growing community bank catering to individuals, professionals, and small-to-medium sized businesses throughout Southern California. With a history that spans 17 years, the Bank offers a personalized approach, access to decision makers, a broad range of solutions, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience. First Pacific Bank operates locations in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, and the Inland Empire. For more information, visit firstpacbank.com or call 888.BNK.AT.FPB.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/first-pacific-bank-expands-its-instant-payments-offerings-with-finastra-driving-growth-302254356.html

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