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North American Semiconductor Industry Unites to Address Trade Challenges and Strengthen Resilience

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BROMONT, QC, Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Leading organizations across Quebec and the Northeastern states of the United States have joined forces to address trade challenges and strengthen resilience. Recognizing the semiconductor industry as a cornerstone of national security and economic sovereignty, this unprecedented collaboration aims to ensure that North America remains resilient, competitive, and autonomous in this critical sector.

The coalition includes:

AmCham QuébecVermont Agency of Commerce and Community DevelopmentUniversity of VermontTechnum Québec – Innovation Zone in Electronics and SemiconductorsDistriq – Quantum Innovation ZoneC2MI – MiQro Innovation Collaborative CentreISEQ – Pôle d’excellence de l’Industrie des Systèmes Électroniques du QuébecUniversité de SherbrookeConseil du patronat du Québec

Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between these stakeholders, the alliance will focus on:

Developing a resilient supply chain for uninterrupted access to critical components.Facilitating policy coordination to mitigate the impact of trade barriers.Establishing the Northeast Semiconductor Manufacturing Corridor, spanning Quebec and northeastern U.S. states, as a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing.

“As global pressures increase, North America must unite to secure its semiconductor supply chain,” said Michel Belval, president of the AmCham Quebec chapter. “This partnership exemplifies how collaboration across borders can drive innovation, protect economic stability, and address strategic challenges in a rapidly evolving world.”

“The Northeast Manufacturing Corridor is home to the highest concentration of semiconductor manufacturers, with thriving tech hubs on both the Canadian and American sides. This partnership not only strengthens our ability to address emerging industry demands but also highlights the importance of sharing expertise and resources across borders to drive progress in advanced technologies,” said Normand Bourbonnais and Manon Duclos, outgoing and current CEOs of Technum Québec.

This joint effort underscores the recognition of semiconductors as critical to economic and national security. By leveraging the collective strengths of this alliance, North America positions itself as a global leader in technological innovation while fostering economic prosperity throughout the region.

In the coming weeks, additional organizations are expected to join this movement, further expanding the scope of collaboration. This announcement marks the beginning of a long-term alliance aimed at advancing the electronics, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and technological innovation fields globally.

About Technum Québec – Electronics and semiconductor innovation zone
Designated innovation zone by the Quebec government in February 2022, Technum Quebec is the technological ambassador of a digital Quebec. The organization contributes to the growth of the ecosystem by increasing the collaborations required for the development of innovations, technological transfers and the creation of economic, social and environmental wealth. Its various collaborations will enable the sustainable integration of intelligent electronic systems in all economic spheres and position Quebec as a leader on the world stage.

About AmCham Québec
The Quebec Chapter of The American Chamber of Commerce in Canada, known as AmCham Canada, is based in Montreal, the province’s commercial hub. At the confluence of language and culture, AmCham Canada’s Québec chapter is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of firms involved in the US-Canada business and trade relationship. From clarifying language policy to demystifying tax and legal regulations on both sides of the border to putting members into contact with experts on best practices in developing business in ‘the other market’, the Québec chapter serves the province’s vibrant and diverse business community in its relationships with Canada’s largest trading partner.

About Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) helps Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities. Collaboration is central to carrying out this mission and we work with other state Agencies as well as businesses of all sizes, communities, educators, non-profits, students, recreational venues, and many others. 

About University of Vermont : For People and Planet
Founded in 1791, UVM is the leading public research university where discovery, creativity, community, and action coalesce to secure a thriving future for people and planet. Vermont’s state flagship and land-grant university produces $260 million annually in groundbreaking research and enrolls approximately 14,000 students from 50 states and 75 countries. At UVM, students, faculty, and staff work together in pursuit of a healthier, greener future. Learn more at uvm.edu.

About Distriq
The Quantum Innovation Zone based in Sherbrooke serves as a catalyst and orchestrator at the heart of Quebec’s quantum ecosystem.Recognized today as a world-class ecosystem, the Zone is primarily funded by the Government of Quebec. It brings together a comprehensive range of stakeholders and resources: fundamental and applied research, a startup creation studio, an incubator, investment funds, global business development expertise, industries, cutting-edge infrastructures, and a dynamic network of startups. This ecosystem attracts exceptional talent and world-class companies. Its mission is to accelerate the development and amplify the reach of Quebec’s quantum activities while positioning Sherbrooke as a place where technological innovation and an exceptional quality of life sustainably coexist.

About C2MI
The MiQro Innovation Collaborative Center (C2MI) serves as a reference in research and development to accelerate the commercialization of components essential to digital technologies, being a transversal vector for all the economic sectors and critical to wealth creation.  Backed by a world-class infrastructure in the manufacturing fields micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), advanced semiconductor assembly, quantum and printed electronics, C2MI is at the core of all industry sectors integrating components essential for the use and deployment of digital technologies.   The Centre is strongly committed to be a unique model of collaboration, where synergy between industrial and academic partners is necessary, even essential, for the development of next-generation products.  Visit: www.c2mi.ca.

About ISEQ – Pôle d’excellence de l’Industrie des Systèmes Électroniques du Québec
ISEQ is a Center of Excellence from the Quebec Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE) which brings together companies, associations, partners, collaborators and educational establishments whose activities are linked to the development and marketing of processes and computer and electronic products.

About Université de Sherbrooke
Renowned for its innovative spirit, its synergy with organizations and its research activities that meet the needs of society, the Université de Sherbrooke is a leading partner of senior and regional governments in fostering social, cultural and economic development. It also stands out for the strong growth of its research activities in recent years, its successes in technology transfer, and its initiatives in entrepreneurship and open innovation in collaboration with industry and society.

About the Quebec Employers Council (CPQ)
Created in 1969, the CPQ is a confederation of nearly 100 sector-based associations and several corporate members (companies, institutions and other employers). It represents the interests of more than 70,000 employers, of all sizes and in all regions, from the private and parapublic sectors.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/north-american-semiconductor-industry-unites-to-address-trade-challenges-and-strengthen-resilience-302362590.html

SOURCE Technum Québec

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Potoo Solutions Introduces Jennifer Elmashni to Serve as President

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NORWALK, Conn., Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Potoo Solutions, the in-class leader of e-commerce brand protection and data delivery services, announced today the hiring of Jennifer Elmashni in the newly created position of President. To be formally introduced February 3rd, Elmashni will be tasked with stewardship in navigating Potoo Solutions (www.potoosolutions.com) through the next phase of their growth and beyond.

“Tapping Jennifer Elmashni as our new President represents a new milestone in Potoo’s decade-long history…”

Accompanying the technological innovations advancing Potoo’s core product, Talon, Elmashni joins the organization with a wealth of knowledge in the eCommerce space. Uniquely, she has excelled in both agency and brand-side responsibilities. After graduating with a B.A. from UCLA and obtaining her master’s degree at Columbia University, she began her career at IBM, Booz & Company, and Walmart.com respectively, before earning executive leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, and most recently, BiC International. Importantly, Elmashni will be poised to lead from the direct experience of also having been a Potoo Solutions client.

Potoo Solutions CEO, Fred Dimyan exults, “Tapping Jennifer Elmashni as our new President represents a new milestone in Potoo’s decade-long history, one sure to unlock our full potential in continuing to deliver the absolute best service for our clients.”

About Potoo Solutions:

Potoo Solutions is a trusted partner of over 550 brands, delivering actionable analytics with concierge service. Potoo Solutions was honored as the INC 500’s fastest growing company in Connecticut in 2019, number 34 on The Financial Times America’s fastest growing companies in 2020, and by Marcum’s Tech Top 40 for three consecutive years. Potoo Solutions was founded in 2014 and is the leading provider of marketplace brand protection, price tracking, and gray market seller mitigation.      

Contact for Media Inquiries:

Jason Tufeldjason.tufeld@potoosolutions.com

Eliza Petersoneliza.peterson@potoosolutions.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/potoo-solutions-introduces-jennifer-elmashni-to-serve-as-president-302364978.html

SOURCE Potoo Solutions

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Autozi Internet Technology (Global) Ltd. Announces the Execution of Securities Purchase Agreement

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BEIJING, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Autozi Internet Technology (Global) Ltd. (“Autozi” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AZI), one of the leading and fast-growing lifecycle automotive service providers in China, today announced that it entered into a definitive Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with an institutional investor (the “Buyer”) on January 27, 2025, pursuant to which the Company issued to the Buyer a senior unsecured convertible note (the “Initial Note”) and warrant to purchase additional senior unsecured convertible notes (the “Warrants” and together with the Initial Note, the “Notes”). The closing of the transaction contemplated by the Agreement occurred on January 27, 2025 (the “Closing Date”). The transaction will result in gross proceeds to the Company of $27.5 million. Proceeds from the transaction will enhance Autozi’s financial flexibility to support its strategic growth initiatives and expand operational capacity.

Dr. Houqi Zhang, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Autozi, commented. “This financing represents a significant milestone for Autozi as we strengthen our foundation for sustainable growth and innovation. The capital raised will enable us to execute on three strategic priorities. First, we will actively pursue targeted mergers and acquisitions within China’s auto parts supply chain to achieve end-to-end coverage, enhancing our competitive edge and efficiency. Second, we are committed to building a cross-border supply chain platform, which will serve as the cornerstone for our global expansion and overseas market penetration. Third, we will further increase investment in R&D to advance our digital and intelligent platforms ensuring our technology remains at the forefront of industry trends. These initiatives reflect our vision to lead the automotive services sector through innovation, scale, and global reach, ultimately delivering sustainable value for our shareholders and partners.”

Under the Agreement, the Company will issue an additional Note in the principal amount of $500,000 on the effectiveness date of the registration statement registering the Class A ordinary shares of the Company (the “Ordinary Shares”) underlying the Notes. The Warrants are exercisable for additional Notes in an aggregate principal amount of up to $24,000,000 every 90 days following the Closing Date. The Notes are convertible into the Company’s Ordinary Shares at a conversion price determined based on the closing sale price of the Company’s Ordinary Shares at the time of conversion, subject to adjustment as provided in the Notes.

The Notes and Warrants were offered pursuant to exemptions from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D. The Notes, Warrants, and underlying Ordinary Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption. In connection with the transaction, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement, pursuant to which it has agreed to file a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to register the resale of the Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of the Notes. The Company plans to file a Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K with the SEC, which will include details of the Agreement, Notes, Warrants, and the Registration Rights Agreement.

Pryor Cashman LLP acted as legal counsel to the Buyer, and Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP served as U.S. legal counsel to the Company.

About Autozi Internet Technology (Global) Ltd.
Autozi Internet Technology (Global) Ltd. is a leading, fast-growing provider of lifecycle automotive services in China. Founded in 2010, Autozi offers a comprehensive range of high-quality, affordable, and professional automotive products and services through both online and offline channels across the country. Leveraging its advanced online supply chain cloud platform and SaaS solutions, Autozi has built a dynamic ecosystem that connects key participants across the automotive industry. This interconnected network enables more efficient collaboration and streamlined processes throughout the entire supply chain, positioning Autozi as a key driver of innovation and growth in the automotive services sector.

Forward-Looking Statements
All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, as actual results may be impacted by a variety of factors, including without limitation, changes in macroeconomic conditions, industry dynamics, competitive landscape, regulatory requirements, the Company’s ability to successfully implement its growth strategies and effectively manage costs and operations, and unforeseen business challenges. The Company encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement, periodic reports, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F and Current Report on Form 6-K, and in its other filings with the SEC.

Contact Information
The Blueshirt Group
Jack Wang
Email: Jack@blueshirtgroup.co

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/autozi-internet-technology-global-ltd-announces-the-execution-of-securities-purchase-agreement-302365109.html

SOURCE Autozi Internet Technology (Global) Ltd.

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Sarah Moloney Joins MikeWorldWide London as Managing Director

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LONDON, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MikeWorldWide, one of the world’s leading independent public relations agencies has announced the appointment of Sarah Moloney as managing director of its UK and European operations. Moloney has over 20 years’ experience in growing and running PR agencies, most latterly as UK MD and EVP at KWT Global, where she transformed the agency into a high-performing integrated brand communications business within the EMEA Stagwell Group, servicing some of the world’s largest B2B and consumer brands.

Tom Berry, the previous UK managing director of MikeWorldWide, becomes chair of the London office. He will provide counsel for Moloney, as well as provide strategic consultancy for a roster of clients at the agency worldwide.

“In the era of mega-mergers, Sarah is the ideal person to guide clients and our people with the necessary agility, strength, and bespoke marketing solutions required to compete in a rapidly evolving landscape,” said Michael Kempner, founder and CEO of MikeWorldWide. “As an earned first, yet fully integrated leader, she has the grit, experience, and vision to help accelerate the growth of MikeWorldWide as one of the leading mid-size agencies in the UK.”

Moloney’s strategy is to build on the agency’s high calibre client roster, helping enhance brand reputation and relevancy through impactful communications, as well as driving further growth for the UK business. She will also oversee the market integration of the agency’s innovative tech stack, which includes a series of sophisticated AI tools that offer clients greater precision and predictability.

“MikeWorldWide is an innovative and forward-thinking communications agency that offers its clients and prospects modern, integrated and intelligent thinking,” said Moloney. “I feel privileged to join a business that has a strong vision, great people and huge ambition. I look forward to working with Michael, Tom and the wider team in continuing to build an agency that has reputation and impact at its heart.” 

MikeWorldWide’s UK B2B and consumer clients include: The Sunday Times, TeamViewer, Sky Media, StubHub International, Ivanti and The Employers’ Network for Equality and Inclusion.

About MikeWorldWide

MikeWorldWide is a leading independent, integrated public relations agency serving global clients across the US & Europe. It employs more than 225 communications experts that live at the intersection of consumer brand marketing, technology, and corporate reputation. The award-winning firm applies its expertise and culture of caring through research, strategy, creativity, empathy, and insight for clients to maximize the potential of every marketing channel. It delivers breakthrough communications for the global enterprises, corporate leaders, and innovative brands who are driving the creative economy.

To learn more about MikeWorldWide, visit mww.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sarah-moloney-joins-mikeworldwide-london-as-managing-director-302364789.html

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