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Plug and Play announces expansion into Seattle along with Partnership with SBI Holdings and SNBL and Future Participation as co-GP in SBI US Gateway Fund

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The partnership comprises the establishment of Plug and Play Seattle with SBI Holdings and SNBL as the Founding Anchor partners and Plug and Play’s future participation as co-GP in the $40M SBI US Gateway Fund

Plug and Play expands presence to Seattle, Washington, in strategic collaboration with SBI Holdings and SNBL to foster innovation and early-stage investment

SEATTLE, Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Plug and Play, the world’s leading innovation platform based in Silicon Valley that connects startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies, announced today a strategic collaboration with SBI Holdings, Inc., and SNBL to establish Plug and Play’s first presence in the Greater Seattle Region. The expansion includes two new offices in the region, with locations at the SNBL Global Gateway (SGG) business incubation facility in Everett, WA, and at CoMotion Labs technology incubator on the University of Washington’s (UW) Seattle campus, aiming to drive regional innovation and support early-stage startup growth.

This collaboration not only marks Plug and Play’s entry into the Seattle area but also includes Plug and Play’s participation as co-General Partner (co-GP) for the newly launched SBI US Gateway Fund. The $40 million fund established by SBI and SNBL focuses on early-stage startups in North America with promising advancements in sectors such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, climate technology, supply chain, and healthcare, including biotechnology and drug research and development. Through its co-GP role, Plug and Play will leverage its extensive global network and innovation expertise to guide and support portfolio companies, providing strategic growth opportunities and strengthening investment outcomes.

Strengthening the U.S.-Japan Innovation Pipeline
The launch of the SBI US Gateway Fund is a significant step in connecting North American startups with key investment and partnership opportunities from Japan. With this partnership, Plug and Play, SBI, and SNBL aim to create synergies between the U.S. startup ecosystem and Japanese investors, fostering long-term growth and sustainability in cutting-edge fields. The fund’s operations will benefit from Plug and Play’s expansive reach across five continents and its experience in corporate innovation and startup acceleration.

“We are thrilled to bring Plug and Play’s innovation platform to Seattle in partnership with SBI Holdings, SNBL, and the University of Washington,” said Saeed Amidi, Founder & CEO at Plug and Play. “The Pacific Northwest is home to a dynamic and rapidly growing tech ecosystem, and we are excited to contribute to this community by supporting the next generation of innovative companies.”

Yoshitaka Kitao, Representative Director, Chairman, President & CEO from SBI Holdings, stated, “This collaboration with Plug and Play and SNBL represents a major milestone in our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting transformative startups. By connecting Japanese investment with North American innovation, we are creating a unique bridge that will empower startups with not only capital but also strategic guidance and industry connections. Together, we are shaping the future of technology and healthcare advancements.”

Ryoichi Nagata, Representative Chairman, President & CEO from SNBL stated, “We are excited to join forces with Plug and Play and SBI Holdings in this groundbreaking collaboration. Through the combined strengths of our organizations, we aim to build a robust platform that will enhance our ability to support startups and innovation utilizing the SNBL Global Gateway business incubation facility. This strategic alliance enables us to leverage our respective expertise and extensive networks, creating unparalleled opportunities for growth and advancement on a global scale.”

This new collaboration between Plug and Play, SBI, SNBL, and UW will provide startups with capital and access to a unique blend of corporate innovation resources, strategic advisory services, and a wide network of industry leaders across key sectors. These resources are expected to amplify the value and growth of portfolio companies in the SBI US Gateway Fund, setting a strong foundation for sustainable innovation and development.

Plug and Play x SNBL Global Gateway (SGG) (Everett, WA)
SBI has partnered with SNBL, the largest non-clinical contract research organization in Japan, to operate an accelerator program and SBI US Gateway Fund at SGG business incubation facility in Everett, WA. Plug and Play plans to use the SGG business incubation facility as a hub to operate their accelerator programs.

Plug and Play x CoMotion Labs (Seattle, WA)
Plug and Play, SBI, and SNBL have agreed to partner with the University of Washington’s CoMotion Labs to help foster the startup ecosystem in the Seattle area and on campus. CoMotion Labs provides a multi-industry incubation environment for early-stage startups. While preference is given to UW spinoffs, CoMotion Labs also accepts startups from outside the UW community. From critical infrastructure to learning, mentoring, and networking, CoMotion Labs nurtures and enables success and helps startups grow without taking equity or IP.

To learn more about Plug and Play Seattle, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/locations/seattle.

About Plug and Play
Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we’re present in 60+ locations across five continents. We offer corporate innovation programs and help our corporate partners in every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. We also organize startup acceleration programs and manage over $1 billion in AUM across our funds, driving innovation across multiple industries where we’ve invested in hundreds of successful companies, including Dropbox, PayPal, Guardant Health, Honey, N26, Rappi, Turing, and more. For more information, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/.

About SBI Holdings
Established in 1999 as a pioneer of Internet-based financial services in Japan, the SBI Group is a comprehensive Internet financial group that operates globally, encompassing five core businesses: “Financial Services Business,” such as securities, banking and insurance businesses; “Investment Business,” which is engaged in private equity investment including venture capital investment; “Asset Management Business,” that provides various asset management related services; “Crypto-asset Business,” which operates crypto asset trading and exchange services; and “Non-financial Business,” which includes business activities related to biotechnology, healthcare and medical informatics, Web3, and new overseas markets. For more information, please visit https://www.sbigroup.co.jp/english/.

About SNBL
Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories, Ltd. (SNBL) is the largest and the oldest non-clinical contract research organization in Japan, with a strong focus on supporting the growth and development of the global biotechnology and drug discovery ecosystem. Founded in 1957, SNBL provides comprehensive services ranging from translational research (TR) to contract research and Medipolis, a unique blend of biomedical facilities. Headquartered in Kagoshima, Japan, SNBL is dedicated to advancing innovation in biotechnology and healthcare through its partnerships, research, and support of new and groundbreaking therapies. For more information, visit https://en.snbl.com/.

Media Contacts

Plug and Play Media Relations
Jacky Tsang
press@pnptc.com

SBI Holdings, Inc. Corporate Communications Dept.
Tel: +81 3 6229-0126

SNBL IR & Corporate Communications
ir@snbl.com

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SOURCE Plug and Play

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Forging New Paths: Alfasigma Group and Fangzhou Inc. Chart a Course for Internet Healthcare

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SHANGHAI, Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On November 13th, a high-level delegation from the Alfasigma Group, led by Mr. Andriy Samoylovych, Chief Commercial Officer of Global Growth Markets, and Ms. Zhou Qin, General Manager of Alfasigma China, met with Dr. Xie Fangmin, Chairman and CEO of Fangzhou Inc. (“Fangzhou” or the “Company”) (06086.HK), at the Company’s offices in Shanghai. The two companies discussed current trends in China’s Internet healthcare sector, along with potential areas for future collaboration.

Embracing Digital Evolution

The emergence of the Internet and digital technology has expanded the possibilities for Internet healthcare in China. Increasing numbers of patients are looking online for medical services that bring greater convenience and an improved customer experience. “The evolution of Internet hospitals in China is a gradual process that relies not only on technological advancements, but also fundamentally on developing patients’ acceptance of new healthcare delivery models,” elaborated Dr. Xie.

By leveraging an innovative hybrid model which combines initial offline consultations with online follow-ups, Fangzhou has boosted patients’ acceptance and trust in its Internet Hospital services. This model has facilitated more convenient communication between doctors and patients, fostering deeper relationships and engagement, which are crucial to improving patients’ treatment adherence.

Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Healthcare Delivery

Mr. Andriy Samoylovych engaged in a comprehensive discussion with the Fangzhou team, addressing topics such as expanding patient access to innovative drugs, the current landscape of Internet healthcare in China, and the insights gained from Internet based doctor/patient education.

For many years, Fangzhou and Alfasigma Group have engaged in extensive collaboration across multiple therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular health, vascular surgery, nephrology, endocrinology, hepatology, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, and reproductive health. The meeting highlighted the latest achievements of both organizations while outlining directions for future partnership. Fangzhou and Alfasigma Group are eager to work together to drive innovation and enhance the delivery of Internet healthcare.

About Fangzhou Inc.

Fangzhou Inc. (06086.HK) is China’s leading online chronic disease management platform. With 45.6 million registered users and 217,000 registered doctors on its platform (as of June 30, 2024), the Company provides tailored medical care and precision medicine for a growing population of chronic disease patients. For more details, visit https://investors.jianke.com.

About Alfasigma

Alfasigma is an international pharmaceutical company founded in Italy, and operating in over 100 countries worldwide (through direct branches, affiliates and subsidiaries). With more than 75 years of history, Alfasigma has a long track record in the research, development, production and distribution of innovative therapeutic indications. Its product portfolio spans specialty care, primary care and consumer care in five main areas: Gastroenterology, in which it is a leader, Vascular, Rheumatology, Metabolic, Nutraceuticals & Medical foods.

Media Contact
For further inquiries or interviews, please reach out to:
Xingwei Zhao Associate Director of Public Relations Email: pr@jianke.com

Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated due to various factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements

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SOURCE Fangzhou Inc.

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Zupe Announces Wellness Social Network for iOS

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Built for users that value healthspan and featuring artificial intelligence, Zupe offers verified expert content, innovative ways to get trusted advice, and a convenient marketplace featuring a global selection of wellbeing brands.

HONG KONG, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Zupe announced the upcoming launch of its wellness super-app. Zupe is a discovery platform—restoring trust in online advice and recommendations—that connects users with verified experts and curated products. Designed for health-forward consumers who are more in touch than ever in knowing what they want, Zupe helps them find what they need and what’s good for them.

Initially launching for iOS, the user-friendly interface intelligently integrates technology to offer a holistic digital ecosystem for health and wellness that prioritises trust and transparency. Users can share ideas, ask questions, contact experts, watch product reviews, and shop for wellness products across a number of categories spanning health, fitness, nutrition, appearance, sleep, sexual wellness, and mindfulness.

Research by the company and market data demonstrates a rising distrust of social media, particularly information and products promoted by content creators. A recent focus group commissioned in early October 2024 by Zupe indicated that 7 in 8 participants between the ages of 24-35 had negative views on obtaining ‘health information by using mainstream social media’.

The Community Feed provides users with a fast and intuitive way to access content from others, engage in discussions, and ask—and answer—questions. Experts, thoughtfully verified by Zupe, can access a dedicated suite of features. This includes options to speak to experts via instant messaging, voice calls, and video conferencing, as well as the ability to recommend products from the Zupe Marketplace to earn a commission. Diversity of thought is encouraged, and real, honest views are essential, reflected in the platform’s core features built around expert opinions and reviews. Zupe’s in-app AI also offers impartial, fact-based insights into expert content.

The Zupe Marketplace carries hundreds of wellbeing products curated from brands across the world. Users can find leading supplements and futuristic devices through to superfoods and sexual wellness products.

Qualified experts users can trust

At a time when almost anyone online can claim to be an expert—often to sell a course or consultation—Zupe combats health washing and misinformation by verifying each individual providing advice on the app. The company uses a two-stage process: candidates are interviewed by Zupe, and their qualifications and social media presence are checked for compliance with expert standards. They are then screened by a third-party background check provider to verify their documentation. Once verified, experts gain access to various dedicated features, including monetisation options and a “Verified Expert” badge.

The platform welcomes a variety of experts, from conventional specialists to alternative practitioners, supported by evidence-based methods and recognised qualifications. Currently, doctors, nurses, and other medically regulated professions are not eligible to be experts on the app due to regulatory rules. Zupe also requires individuals to meet additional standards, such as having a minimum number of years of experience, to be considered an expert.

Experts are encouraged to engage in open, honest and constructive discussion. Zupe’s community standards require experts to support their claims with research or they risk having their content removed.

Chat to experts and ask questions

Expert features—a result of thoughtful software integration—offer users innovative ways to receive paid advice. Users can contact experts via instant messaging, voice calls, or video conferences. Fractional pricing allows users to pay by the minute for most features, enabling short answers and quick advice without significant costs. Users can also contact experts directly for more personalised and extensive advice. The “Ask” function lets anyone pose and answer questions, fostering open discussions with expert responses clearly marked by their “Verified Expert” badge.

A global marketplace of leading wellbeing products

The Zupe Marketplace with its unique shopping experience eliminates frustration over finding the right products for a user’s health goals through the platform’s educational content and intuitive tools.

Today’s consumers no longer trust influencers and see through traditional marketing. Zupe builds trust by allowing real users and verified experts to test, try, and review products on the Marketplace in exchange for honest feedback—empowering them to express their opinions, both positive and negative. This radical honesty fosters trust and helps users make informed purchasing decisions, with reviews discussing product benefits, limitations, and value for money. Recognising the prevalence of sponsored content, Zupe’s approach challenges current practices: brands cannot incentivise experts or users, and moderation ensures compliance with Zupe’s community standards.

The Marketplace brings together hundreds of products from leading global brands including Pure Encapsulations, Researched Nutritionals, and LELO. Zupe takes care of everything—from driving product awareness and seeding products to experts to generating honest content that drives sales and providing business performance insights to brands.

Zupe AI

Zupe AI takes getting accurate health information to a new level by providing objective insights alongside expert content. Coming later, Zupe AI will be able to complement expert features and take action across the app, like asking users questions about their health concerns and then making appropriate product recommendations. Artificial intelligence and generative AI empower users with Zupe’s Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) engine, leveraging the latest research and knowledge. Content is enriched with data from Zupe’s proprietary technology to deliver objective, quick, and simple facts. Zupe AI is multimodal, providing intelligent feedback on textual, visual, and audio content. For instance, the Zupe AI can offer a neutral opinion on a post about a nutritional supplement–based on current research. The Zupe AI model is currently available in the Community Feed and in English. 

Get early access

Download Zupe on iOS here.

About Zupe

Zupe is revolutionsing the way consumers pursue optimal health and wellness—with its app for iOS, and, soon, Android and web versions. The Hong Kong-headquartered company is dedicated to innovating the online health experience with plans to enter major global markets.

References:

1 Zhang, Y., Wang, Y., Yongsatianchot, N., Gaggiano, J. D., Suhaimi, N. M., Okrah, A., Kim, M., Griffin, J., & Parker, A. G. (2024). Profiling the dynamics of trust & distrust in social media: A survey study.

Press Contact
tatum@zupe.life 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/zupe-announces-wellness-social-network-for-ios-302310774.html

SOURCE Zupe Group Limited

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Flexport Appoints Daniel Sanvicente as Senior Vice President, Head of APAC

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SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Flexport, a global leader in supply chain technology, announced today the appointment of Daniel Sanvicente as Senior Vice President, Head of APAC, effective December 2, 2024. Sanvicente will bring more than 25 years of leadership experience and deep expertise in the Asian Pacific region to Flexport, where he will focus on driving growth and strengthening the company’s regional presence.

“Today, more than ever, the Asia Pacific region is a critical hub for global supply chains. Daniel’s deep knowledge of the region and track record of building exceptional teams to help organizations scale effectively will be invaluable as Flexport continues to invest in and expand its presence in the Asia Pacific region,” said Ryan Petersen, Founder & CEO, Flexport.

Sanvicente’s track record in the global logistics industry helped drive growth and operational excellence at some of the world’s largest logistics players. Most recently, he served as Chief Commercial Officer for Asia Pacific at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, where he built and led a team responsible for some of the organization’s biggest growth drivers. Prior to that, he led commercial strategy for Panalpina Greater China before taking on a leadership role focused on driving sales growth across the APAC region from Singapore. After Panalpina was acquired by DSV in 2019, Sanvicente established and led a newly combined commercial organization spanning 15 countries. He began his career at DB Schenker, where he developed strategic commercial and operational roadmap to scale teams in markets such as Miami, New York, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

“I am excited to embark on my new journey with Flexport. What drew me to Flexport is its vision of leveraging cutting-edge technology to power global trade, which I believe has enormous growth potential. I look forward to working with the world-class teams at Flexport to deliver exceptional value for our customers and to grow our presence across the Asia Pacific region,” said Sanvicente.

Flexport has seen significant growth in APAC in recent years. The company is the seventh largest freight forwarder in the Transpacific Eastbound trade lane and services an extensive global network of ocean freight routes. Flexport has also strengthened its air freight capabilities by operating dedicated freighters that connect key APAC gateways with the U.S. to meet rising demand. In addition to growing its presence in strategic markets such as Greater China and Korea — which have been central to its growth in cross-border e-commerce and other sectors —  Flexport recently announced a partnership with ITL Corporation in Vietnam to further accelerate its expansion in Southeast Asia.

About Flexport
We believe that global trade can move humanity forward. That’s why it’s our mission to make global commerce so easy there will be more of it. Flexport powers your supply chain from factory floor to customer door – making it easy for you to ship anywhere, sell everywhere, and grow faster. Companies of all sizes—from emerging brands to Fortune 500s—used Flexport technology and services to move nearly $33 billion of merchandise across 112 countries in 2023.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flexport-appoints-daniel-sanvicente-as-senior-vice-president-head-of-apac-302310824.html

SOURCE Flexport, Inc.

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