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TOLLBIT, A TWO-SIDED MARKETPLACE FOR AI COMPANIES AND PUBLISHERS, CLOSES AT $24 MILLION IN SERIES A FUNDING

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TollBit Ensures AI Companies Can Pay Publishers to Access the Content They Need in Real Time

NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — TollBit founders Olivia Joslin and Toshit Panigrahi announced today that the company has raised $24M led by Lightspeed in Series A funding for their platform, which has created a fluid payment system benefiting both AI companies and content creators. TollBit allows AI agents and applications to pay websites directly to use their content or data. TollBit empowers publishers and content owners to monitor AI bot traffic and put up a tollbooth to monetize usage. The platform makes it easy for publishers to onboard multiple AI and LLM partners in real-time.

By providing tech infrastructure and payment protocol, TollBit helps AI companies use content without legal uncertainty. The system relies on tokens that are issued and validated by the platform to ensure every scrape or use is authorized and logged.

Joslin and Panigrahi welcome the support of two major new investors, Lightspeed and Section 32, both venture capital firms that focus on the growth of new technologies. Additional investments are from industry veterans Jeff Dean and Manuel Bronstein.

Today’s funding announcement comes on the heels of strong growth since the company’s March 2024 seed round, which totaled nearly $7M. TollBit’s initial funding came from top investors with ties across digital media, tech, and AI. The seed round was led by Sunflower Capital and included participation from AIX Ventures, Lerer Hippeau, Checker Media, Operator Collective, and Liquid 2. Additional early funding came from BDMI.

In more evidence of the company’s strength, TollBit also announced today that it has secured partnerships with its first AI companies and onboarded over 200 publisher sites. Publisher partners include Penske Media Corporation, TIME, Mumsnet, Trusted Media Brands, CANDR Media Group, and ADWEEK. 

“This market has grown so fast and we find both sides working with us to find mutually beneficial solutions,” said Joslin. “Our platform supports multiple 1:1 deals between publishers and AI companies. That solves the problem that both sides face with unscalable and time-consuming one-on-one negotiations.”

Panigrahi added, “We are very excited to be pioneering a standard so that any AI application can source content directly from any publisher – large or small – under standard terms in real-time without having long, protracted negotiations. This is the only way to create a sustainable AI ecosystem.”

TollBit, he added, “is the only company offering a real-time solution for digital publishers to license their content per use and get paid immediately.”

“As AI agents become more accessible and proliferate at an exponential rate, publishers and digital content owners need a way to monetize content that doesn’t rely simply on eyeballs and clicks,” said Michael Mignano, Partner at Lightspeed, who will be joining TollBit’s board. “TollBit is the solution, addressing the needs of both publishers and AI developers — we’ll be watching and supporting the team as they innovate for tech companies in this new gen AI era.” 

Panigrahi and Joslin, alumni of Toast, the cloud-based restaurant management company, say TollBit’s nimble technology will also help publishers scale, as it provides them with the flexibility to set rates going forward. “We believe TollBit will create a healthier online ecosystem where publishers have the resources to invest in the quality, timely content that AI companies rely on to innovate and thrive—and that consumers expect,” Panigrahi said. TollBit has managed to create one system that every publisher can use, despite the use of different types of technology by a diverse industry.

Sara Beykpour, CEO of Particle, the AI-powered news application, praised TollBit’s platform: “Particle is really excited about the model TollBit is championing. Our visions are aligned, and we look forward to seeing TollBit enable innovation in media while ensuring that content publishers are compensated.”

Danielle Coffey, CEO of the News/Media Alliance, which represents more than 2,200 publishers, expressed her support for TollBit’s platform, “As publishers work with AI developers to build equitable partnerships, TollBit offers a scalable ecosystem solution to help news publishers monitor, provide access, and service licenses. We welcome efforts by companies like TollBit to help meet the needs of our industry, which is necessary for journalism to thrive.”

“TIME has always embraced innovation to expand access to our trusted journalism. We look forward to partnering with TollBit to ensure we receive fair value for our content as we uphold our commitment to providing reliable information for audiences around the world,” said TIME Chief Operating Officer Mark Howard.

Jacob Salamon, VP of Business Development at Trusted Media Brands, owner of media properties including Reader’s Digest, said, “The media landscape continues to evolve rapidly as new technologies and AI tools are implemented and we are fortunate to have a partner like TollBit to help us embrace innovation in a way that can work for all of us.”

Chris Dicker, CEO of CANDR Media Group, said, “To ensure the sustainability and growth of the evolving digital media ecosystem, innovative tools like TollBit are essential. We are excited to have partnered with them and are eager to embrace a future where the use of premium content is exchanged fairly and transparently.”

“As the front page and homepage for the advertising, brand, and media industries, ADWEEK is on the front lines covering how AI is transforming publishers’ business models, and is an advocate for ensuring content creators are compensated and recognized for their work,” said ADWEEK CEO Will Lee. “We are thrilled to partner with TollBit to ensure ADWEEK will be fairly compensated for our commentary and journalism.”

To learn more, please visit www.tollbit.com.

About TollBit
TollBit offers AI agents and applications an easy and compliant way to compensate websites directly for content. The platform seeks to address the new economics of content creation in the AI era by reducing the legal uncertainties of scraping and protecting the health of the entire content ecosystem.

About Lightspeed
Lightspeed is a multi-stage venture capital firm focused on accelerating disruptive innovations in the enterprise, consumer, fintech, and health sectors. Over the past two decades, we’ve backed hundreds of entrepreneurs and helped build more than 500 companies globally.

About Section 32
Section 32 is a venture capital firm investing at the frontiers of technology. Our goal is to accelerate the discovery, development, and distribution of revolutionary technologies that improve the human condition. We invest across the entirety of technology.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tollbit-a-two-sided-marketplace-for-ai-companies-and-publishers-closes-at-24-million-in-series-a-funding-302283475.html

SOURCE TollBit

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SE Healthcare Launches PulseCheck: A Real-Time Solution for Addressing Burnout and Workforce Engagement

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The PulseCheck tool will serve as a vital supplement to SE Healthcare’s comprehensive Burnout Prevention Program®, offering organizations a quick, focused way to assess employee burnout levels between more formal, large-scale surveys. With the ability to conduct more frequent, targeted evaluations, PulseCheck empowers leaders to track trends over time and respond swiftly to emerging issues, maintaining a healthy and resilient workforce.

CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — SE Healthcare is proud to announce the launch of PulseCheck, a groundbreaking new feature designed to provide healthcare organizations with real-time insights into workforce well-being and engagement. Available as of September 2024, PulseCheck is poised to transform how healthcare leaders monitor burnout and support staff mental health, ensuring that healthcare professionals receive the support they need when they need it most.

By providing real-time feedback via PulseCheck, SE Healthcare is equipping leaders with the data needed to understand burnout dynamics and make informed, proactive decisions that ultimately benefit both staff and patient care.

The PulseCheck tool will serve as a vital supplement to SE Healthcare’s comprehensive Burnout Prevention Program®, offering organizations a quick, focused way to assess employee burnout levels between more formal, large-scale surveys. With the ability to conduct more frequent, targeted evaluations, PulseCheck empowers leaders to track trends over time and respond swiftly to emerging issues, maintaining a healthy and resilient workforce.

“PulseCheck marks a significant step forward in how healthcare organizations can actively engage with their teams and foster a culture of well-being,” said Greg Coticchia, CEO of SE Healthcare. “By providing real-time feedback, we’re equipping leaders with the data needed to understand burnout dynamics and make informed, proactive decisions that ultimately benefit both staff and patient care.”

Key Features of PulseCheck:

Frequent Data Collection: Unlike traditional quarterly or semi-annual assessments, PulseCheck is designed for quick, frequent surveys that capture the pulse of the workforce. Configurable to trigger at specific intervals, it provides continuous, real-time data on burnout risk and staff engagement.Customizable Questions and Resources: Organizations can tailor PulseCheck to reflect their unique needs, including the integration of internal Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources or using the tool’s default external mental health resources.Engagement as a Critical Metric: Participation and engagement metrics are core indicators of PulseCheck’s effectiveness. SE Healthcare’s goal is to ensure high engagement levels before introducing additional real-time reporting capabilities, enhancing the accuracy and impact of the tool.Data-Driven Strategy Adjustments: PulseCheck’s monthly reporting and potential integration with live dashboards will enable organizations to track trends and refine their burnout prevention strategies. This data empowers leadership to make adjustments based on current insights, ensuring a proactive approach to employee wellness.

Success Stories: Measurable Impact at Leading Healthcare Centers

One of the key aspects of SE Healthcare’s Burnout Prevention Program has been its proven ability to reduce burnout and improve nurse retention across a variety of healthcare settings. Recently, at a leading pediatric center, the program achieved a 27% reduction in burnout levels within just six months. This success translated into higher nurse engagement, improved job satisfaction, and a stronger, more resilient workforce dedicated to providing exceptional care to children.

This pediatric center is just one example of how SE Healthcare’s data-driven approach can transform healthcare environments. Furthermore, across several large healthcare systems, our initiatives have demonstrated a 35% reduction in the highest levels of burnout, significantly enhancing staff well-being and reducing turnover.

“With PulseCheck, our goal is to replicate this success by providing even more immediate and actionable insights,” stated Coticchia. “The results we’ve seen—such as the 24% reduction in overall burnout presence at one of our partner hospitals—are a testament to the effectiveness of real-time data and engagement strategies.”

Why PulseCheck is a Game-Changer: PulseCheck bridges the gap between comprehensive burnout surveys by providing more frequent, lightweight monitoring tools that maintain employee engagement and offer actionable feedback. Its focus on flexibility and integration with broader burnout prevention strategies ensures that leaders have the resources they need to create a healthy, sustainable work environment.

The High Cost of Inaction: Burnout among healthcare professionals has reached critical levels, with studies indicating that burnout rates have a direct impact on patient safety and organizational costs. According to a 2023 report by SE Healthcare, hospitals implementing burnout prevention programs saw a 35% reduction in the highest levels of burnout, along with a significant decrease in nurse turnover. PulseCheck’s ability to monitor well-being in real-time addresses the urgent need for timely intervention, preventing minor issues from escalating into critical challenges.

About SE Healthcare: SE Healthcare is dedicated to empowering healthcare professionals through innovative tools and strategies that enhance well-being and foster a positive work environment. Our evidence-based programs are designed to reduce burnout, improve retention, and ensure better patient outcomes. By addressing the root causes of burnout and focusing on continuous improvement, SE Healthcare leads the way in creating healthier, more sustainable healthcare systems.

Media Contact

Jillian Tice, SE Healthcare, 1 7176693893, jillian@sehqc.com, https://www.sehealthcaresolutions.com/ 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/se-healthcare-launches-pulsecheck-a-real-time-solution-for-addressing-burnout-and-workforce-engagement-302283485.html

SOURCE SE Healthcare

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SEI Increases Stock Share Repurchase Program by $400 Million

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OAKS, Pa., Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of SEI Investments Company approved an increase in its stock repurchase program by an additional $400 million, increasing the available authorization under the program to approximately $429 million, which includes $29 million remaining under the company existing share repurchase authorization.

About SEI®
SEI (NASDAQ:SEIC) delivers technology and investment solutions that connect the financial services industry. With capabilities across investment processing, operations, and asset management, SEI works with corporations, financial institutions and professionals, and ultra-high-net-worth families to solve problems, manage change, and help protect assets—for growth today and in the future. As of June 30, 2024, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.5 trillion in assets. For more information, please visit seic.com.

Investor Relations Contact: 

Media Contact:                

Brad Burke                                              

Leslie Wojcik

SEI                                                            

SEI

+1 610-676-5350                          

+1 610-676-4191

bburke2@seic.com                                    

lwojcik@seic.com

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sei-increases-stock-share-repurchase-program-by-400-million-302283678.html

SOURCE SEI Investments Company

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SentriForce Marks 20 Years of Security Innovation

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Video Surveillance Provider Celebrates Milestone, Plans for Continued Growth

HOUSTON, Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SentriForce, a provider of comprehensive video surveillance solutions, is proud to announce its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, the Houston-based firm has led the industry with its responsive, innovative approach to evolving customer needs, shaping how competitors operate and setting new standards for security excellence.

SentriForce was founded in 2004 as a small business managed service provider. In 2008, the company pivoted to providing video surveillance as a service following the Great Recession. Throughout SentriForce’s 20-year history, the company has sought creative solutions to the unique problems faced by each of its market verticals, including the construction, single-family residential, multi-family residential, municipal infrastructure and retail industries.

SentriForce was among the first security providers to install flashing red-and-blue lights on its video surveillance units, a simple and highly effective deterrent that has since become the industry standard. Other innovations include reliable and aesthetically pleasing solar-powered equipment and the use of thermal imaging technologies that allow for easier detection of intruders.

One of the firm’s most recent innovations is LotWitness, a space-saving crime deterrent designed to enhance safety in retail parking lots. Using high-intensity strobe lights and customizable audio announcements, LotWitness reminds visitors to secure valuables before leaving their cars, ultimately reducing the risk of theft and vandalism.

Consistent efforts to raise the bar in the security industry are the leading drivers of SentriForce’s success and rank among the company’s most prized accomplishments, CEO Chris Peschang said.

“We are always looking for more effective ways to deter and detect unwanted activity on our customers’ jobsites and properties,” he said. “Ultimately, our job is to give people peace of mind.”

In addition to a record of standard-setting product and service development, SentriForce differentiates itself from competitors by monitoring its own video surveillance feeds. Defying industry trends, this approach fosters a culture of accountability within the company, ensuring that customers receive the highest level of service and support. Unlike many competitors who outsource their monitoring services, SentriForce has a vested interest in the security and well-being of its clients.

SentriForce’s ability to keep services in-house reduces response times and offers better protection of video evidence and data, Peschang added.

“It’s so important for customers to know who is monitoring their property,” he said. “We remain committed to keeping our monitoring in-house for the same reason we still offer month-to-month contracts: We believe that consistently providing high-quality service is the key to earning customer loyalty.”

Looking ahead, SentriForce plans to continue expanding its footprint throughout the country. The company already serves major cities in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida and Georgia, and plans to develop new products and services to meet the evolving needs of multiple markets, further solidifying its position as a leader in the security industry.

“As we move into new markets and regions, SentriForce will stay true to its customer-first service philosophy. I can’t wait to see what the next 20 years hold,” Peschang said. 

For more information about SentriForce, visit sentriforce.com.

ABOUT SENTRIFORCE

SentriForce is a leading provider of comprehensive video surveillance services for construction sites, residential neighborhoods, apartment communities, retail commercial properties and municipal infrastructure facilities. Its state-of-the-art video security solutions are designed to keep assets safe and mitigate risk exposure on projects or properties.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sentriforce-marks-20-years-of-security-innovation-302283689.html

SOURCE SentriForce

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