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Firsthand Emerges from Stealth to Build the AI Agent Platform for Brands and Publishers

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Firsthand’s applied generative AI technology allows brands and publishers to easily create and distribute their own AI agents to engage directly with consumers everywhere online – while retaining full control of their data and content.Seed round led by AI fund Radical Ventures

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Firsthand, a company enabling brands and publishers to build and distribute AI agents anywhere their consumers are, emerged from stealth today announcing a Seed round led by AI-focused Radical Ventures. The company’s innovative platform empowers brands and publishers to create their own AI agents that are embedded with their own protected knowledge and tasked with and measured by their own goals. These agents can conduct 1:1 personalized conversations and content presentation with consumers in their moment of need, anywhere they’re seeking information online. This represents a seismic shift in how companies can control how, when, and where their content appears in front of consumers, onsite and beyond their own digital properties – all powered by intelligent, AI-directed interactions. Firsthand was founded in 2023 by Jonathan Heller, Michael Rubenstein, and Wei Wei, pioneers of digital advertising who built industry-leading platform companies including DoubleClick, AppNexus, and FreeWheel – companies that were built to support an open digital ecosystem.

The Rise of AI Agents

Until recently, there has been no feasible way for brands and publishers to engage in real-time, one-to-one exchanges with consumers on and off their digital properties — where they can fully control how, when, and where their data and content assets are surfaced to consumers. The introduction of AI agents presents an unparalleled opportunity for companies to connect and interact with their audiences directly at scale through AI exchanges and consumer-directed actions.

For decades, powerful algorithms have dictated traffic, monetization, and representation, diverting value away from both brands and publishers. As consumers rush to navigate this new AI landscape, tech giants are seeking to aggressively exploit this unprecedented AI wave by ingesting data and serving AI applications fronting the data and content assets created by brands and publishers, directly to consumers. In this scenario, companies continue to see their most prized assets get summarized, diluted, and even misrepresented by tech giants. This dependency not only erodes vital brand-consumer relationships but also prevents them from fully realizing their potential in the new AI era.

Firsthand: AI-Powered Conversational Campaigns

Firsthand’s AI platform allows brands and publishers to harness the full potential of generative AI to engage in direct conversations with consumers, using their own proprietary data and content to drive more engaging and accurate interactions. Its platform is the only solution that allows companies to engage with their consumers wherever they are by distributing their agents, in context, across any partner’s site in a mutually-beneficial, rights-controlled process.

Firsthand’s platform consists of dual solutions: First, Lakebed, the company’s AI rights and data management layer, gives content owners full ownership of their knowledge assets and control over where, when, and by whom their content is used by AI. Second, the company’s generative marketing agents use approved content to enable 1:1 conversations personalized to consumers’ in-moment needs.

Through Firsthand’s platform:

Brands benefit from explicit questions and feedback coming directly from their consumers that drive campaign outcomes, richer first-party audience data to strengthen marketing and product strategy, and confidence to safely navigate the new AI landscape;Publishers see greater audience engagement with their knowledge, unlocking new, premium monetization opportunities whilst retaining full ownership and control of their greatest assets; andConsumers get direct access to the information they’re seeking from the most trusted sources.

AI specialists Radical Ventures led the Seed round, with David Katz leading the investment and serving on the Board. Additional participation included Brian O’Kelley (Scope3, AppNexus), David Rosenblatt (1stDibs.com, DoubleClick), and other leading technology entrepreneurs.

“The current digital ecosystem leaves publishers vulnerable: their data is exploited, their access controlled, and their voice diluted,” said David Katz, Partner at Radical Ventures. He continued: “In a landscape poised for AI-driven disruption, Firsthand’s infrastructure empowers them to take back control, unlock data value, and thrive in the future as new and exciting AI innovation changes the way we interact through devices.”

Firsthand is currently conducting a pilot program with a select group of brands and publishers.

About Firsthand
Firsthand is the AI agent platform purpose-built for brands and publishers. The company’s innovative platform allows brands and publishers to protect, control, and deploy their data and content across direct conversational campaigns that are powered by custom AI agents, and distributed anywhere a consumer is seeking information online. Founded by digital advertising veterans and funded by AI pioneers, Firsthand is focused on building the data and agent infrastructure that will power consumer interactions in the AI era. For more information and to see open roles, visit firsthand.ai.

Media Contact:
Veronique Valcu
media@firsthand.ai

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SHEIN Ramps Up Denim Production Using Cool Transfer Denim Printing by 90% in 2024

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Almost 380,000 pieces of denim apparel were produced in 2024 using this process

SINGAPORE, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SHEIN is transforming the way its denim is being produced by increasing its adoption of Cool Transfer Denim Printing, a technology that consumes less water and energy compared to traditional denim manufacturing methods, while at the same time creating a more streamlined production process.

Approximately 380,000 pieces of SHEIN’s denim apparel produced in 2024 were made using the Cool Transfer Denim Printing process, saving over 10,000 metric tons of water compared to traditional denim production techniques. This marks a 90% increase from 2023, when 200,000 denim pieces were made using this innovative method. Since introducing Cool Transfer Denim Printing in 2022, SHEIN has saved nearly 19,500 metric tons of water. These milestones illustrate the company’s ability to scale innovation within its supply chain, integrating advanced manufacturing practices, while promoting resource efficiency.

Traditional denim manufacturing is known for being resource-intensive, requiring vast amounts of water and energy for processes such as dyeing, bleaching, and washing. Recognizing these challenges, SHEIN partnered with NTX® in 2021 to introduce Cool Transfer Denim Printing, an innovative process that not only minimizes the use of water and energy but also simplifies the production cycle, ensuring precision and efficiency at every step.

This method of printing involves a digital printer using reactive ink to print denim textures, artwork or patterns onto a transfer film. The designs on the transfer film are then imprinted onto white denim fabric using cold transfer equipment, replicating the effects of washing denim to produce features like faded finishes, whiskering, and retro-worn effects. Verified by Bureau Veritas in October 2023, the process reduces water usage by 70.5% compared to conventional denim washing methods.

In addition to the savings in water and energy, the Cool Transfer Denim Printing process eliminates the need for workers to be in contact with harmful chemicals, such as chlorine and caustic soda, which may be used in traditional denim production. By reducing exposure to these substances, SHEIN aims to foster safer working conditions for workers providing support on denim production.

Innovative On-demand Denim Production Process Aimed at Reducing Water

The integration of Cool Transfer Denim Printing complements SHEIN’s on-demand business model, which leverages a digitalized supply chain to match customer demand with merchandise supply. SHEIN’s process involves launching new products in small initial batches of 100-200 items, assessing customer feedback in real-time, and restocking items based on demand. This approach ensures that suppliers produce what customers want, while helping to reduce overproduction and excess inventory.

Cool Transfer Denim Printing’s streamlined and efficient production process aligns perfectly with this methodology. By simplifying denim manufacturing and enabling precise replication of intricate designs and effects, the technology supports smaller production runs that can be quickly scaled based on customer interest. This synergy allows SHEIN to produce denim pieces to meet demand, while at the same time working towards reducing any additional waste.

Unlocking New Creative Opportunities

Cool Transfer Denim Printing is also a catalyst for creativity and innovation. This technology provides designers with unprecedented flexibility to produce vibrant, intricate, and highly detailed prints that were once challenging to achieve with traditional methods.

The process enables precise replication of denim textures and effects. These capabilities open up limitless possibilities for SHEIN’s design teams, allowing them to craft unique and standout denim pieces that resonate with diverse customer preferences and push the boundaries of modern fashion.

This initiative is part of SHEIN’s broader strategy to accelerate change in manufacturing processes, become more resource-efficient and promote innovation in the future of fashion.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shein-ramps-up-denim-production-using-cool-transfer-denim-printing-by-90-in-2024-302342810.html

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CYPFER Collaborates with Hollywood Powerhouse Michael Bay to Fortify Cybersecurity in the Film and Entertainment Industry

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Protecting Intellectual Property and Creative Assets Becomes Paramount in Hollywood

MIAMI, NEW YORK, TORONTO, LONDON, and DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – CYPFER, a global leader in cybersecurity, is thrilled to announce its work with Michael Bay, the iconic filmmaker behind blockbuster franchises like Transformers, Bad Boys, and 13 Hours. Known for redefining modern action cinema, Bay’s films have achieved unparalleled success, earning critical acclaim for their stunning visuals and groundbreaking sequences.

This initiative aims to strengthen cybersecurity in the film and entertainment industry, focusing on protecting intellectual property, creative assets, and the digital operations of high-profile productions.

“In today’s entertainment landscape, protecting the creative work that powers our films is as critical as the production itself,” says Michael Bay. “Cyber threats targeting the film industry are on the rise, and ensuring that scripts, footage, and digital assets remain secure is a top priority.”

“The entertainment industry is increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, and securing high-value assets like scripts is vital,” says Daniel Tobok, CEO of CYPFER. “We are proud to support a visionary like Michael Bay and bring our cybersecurity expertise to protect his work and the Hollywood ecosystem.”

“The risks in digital filmmaking are greater than ever,” Bay adds. “CYPFER’s cybersecurity expertise gives me confidence that my work is secure, allowing me to focus on delivering unforgettable stories to audiences worldwide.”

“At CYPFER, we’re committed to protecting the creative assets that drive industries like film and entertainment,” concludes Tobok. “This effort sets a new standard for cybersecurity in Hollywood, ensuring that Michael Bay’s groundbreaking work remains secure against evolving threats.”

About CYPFER

CYPFER is on a global mission to help companies create Cyber Certainty™. With an experienced  team of incident responders, threat researchers, seasoned ransom experts, and data restoration experts, CYPFER is the trusted firm for leading law firms, insurance carriers and  global organizations. CYPFER’s cybersecurity professionals are located across the US, Canada,  UK, and Caribbean. The CYPFER team is ready to respond and help clients experiencing cyber attacks 24x7x365. CYPFER’s experts provide white-glove service and aim to restore Cyber Certainty™ for all clients on every engagement.

CYPFER’s core services include:

Ransomware Advisory

Incident Response Services with specialized expertise in ransomware response and recovery

On-site and/or remote post-breach restoration support to augment internal teams

Digital Forensics to uncover malicious activity, insider threats, and protect sensitive data

Global Incident Response Retainer Services guaranteeing priority access to ransomware advisory, incident response, and recovery support for swift resolution

CYPFER has offices in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and the UAE. The company currently employs around 200 cybersecurity experts and has supported clients across six continents. CYPFER is executing plans to expand globally and aims to boast a workforce of 300 cybersecurity professionals by the end of 2025.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cypfer-collaborates-with-hollywood-powerhouse-michael-bay-to-fortify-cybersecurity-in-the-film-and-entertainment-industry-302341270.html

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transcosmos bolsters integrated fulfillment services in Japan via business alliance with DMS

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Further expands global e-commerce one-stop services that cover about 40 countries and regions worldwide

TOKYO, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — transcosmos hereby announces that the company today, December 23, 2024, began a business alliance with DMS Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; Representative Director and President: Katsuhiko Yamamoto), a company offering logistics and sales promotion services for direct mail and online shopping companies.

Integrating transcosmos’s know-how acquired through operating e-commerce business and CX enhancement solutions built on DMS’s services, transcosmos will streamline its operations while helping clients expand their sales, ultimately leading clients to success.

Along with recent trends and changes in the e-commerce market, every e-commerce business is carrying out a variety of initiatives to deliver a greater customer experience while retaining competitiveness, as is already well known. In particular, to increase repeat customers and strengthen brand loyalty, it is a must to offer a greater post-purchase customer experience. To meet the growing e-commerce business demands, transcosmos will expand its logistics business drastically, focusing on the scalability and quality of its CX fulfillment business.

Under this new business alliance, the two companies will enhance their respective logistics centers—transcosmos’s e-commerce one-stop center Kitakashiwa and DMS’s logistics centers for direct mail and online shopping—through the following initiatives:

Reduce delivery lead time by expanding logistic centers and utilizing centers located in both east and west Japan Increase services by utilizing the latest technologies for logistics DX including automation as well as utilizing printing equipment for catalogue and direct mailOptimize delivery costs by the mutual use of the two companies’ competitive delivery fee by package size

With the initiatives above, the two companies will deliver the best possible services by expanding logistics centers that guarantee the same level of service quality for both companies.

transcosmos e-commerce one-stop services

In addition, transcosmos will add DMS’s CRM services centered around the DMS member database and direct mail to transcosmos e-commerce one-stop service lineup. With the new services in place, transcosmos will further strengthen its sales marketing services by diversifying both digital marketing and real promotion.

Integrating transcosmos’s know-how acquired through operating e-commerce business and CX enhancement solutions built on DMS’s services, transcosmos will streamline its operations while helping clients expand their sales, ultimately leading clients to success.

About transcosmos e-commerce one-stop services
transcosmos e-commerce one-stop services help clients in various ways that best match each client’s needs. The options include: 1) use transcosmos’s managed services that ranges from e-commerce website development and operations, fulfillment (receipt of goods, picking, packaging, and shipping), customer care, web marketing, analysis and more, 2) launch your e-commerce business by yourself, and 3) sell your products via transcosmos’s e-commerce sales channels.
Visit transcosmos e-commerce solution website here (no translation available): https://transcosmos-ecx.jp/

transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries.Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

About DMS Inc.
With a history of over 60 years since foundation, DMS has built a solid customer base offering its core direct mail services as well as logistics, sales promotion, event services across a range of areas where companies and public-sector organizations directly communicate with consumers. Today, DMS is providing integrated information solutions that help companies solve challenges, optimize communication, and create a well-being society by fusing digital and real-world services through promoting alliance with digital companies. For more details, please visit DMS’s solution website, +D SOLUTION here: https://www.dmsjp.co.jp/en/

About transcosmos inc.
transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have combined superior “people” with up-to-date “technology” to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients’ business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 182 bases across 35 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients’ excellent products and services to consumers in 46 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the “Global Digital Transformation Partner” of our clients, supporting the clients’ transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/

Media Contact

transcosmos inc., transcosmos inc., +81-3-6709-2251, pressroom@trans-cosmos.co.jp, https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/transcosmos-bolsters-integrated-fulfillment-services-in-japan-via-business-alliance-with-dms-302342734.html

SOURCE transcosmos inc.

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