Connect with us

Technology

Investor Group Services (IGS) announces the new strategic hire of Austin Carter as Director of Business Development and the promotions of Chad Benoit, Ben LaPres, Peter Lee and Lori Popescu to Principal.

Published

on

BOSTON, Oct. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Austin Carter has joined IGS to lead the firm’s investment banking coverage efforts. Austin will focus on helping IGS expand and deepen IGS’ many relationships within the investment banking community, to help our expanding network of clients with their sell-side processes. Prior to joining IGS, Austin was the Vice President of Business Development at Silver Oak Services Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm based in Evanston, Illinois. Prior to Silver Oak, he served as a Vice President in Wells Fargo’s Technology, Media, and Telecom Investment Banking Group in New York City. Over the course of his investment banking career, Austin executed dozens of financial advisory assignments. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Yale University.

Austin is a critical addition to lead our Business Development efforts, focusing on expanding and enhancing our relationships with our investment banking partners. We are thrilled to have him join the firm,” explains Rob Lordi, Senior Managing Director.

As part of IGS’ continued growth and expansion of its leadership team, Chad Benoit, Ben LaPres, Peter Lee and Lori Popescu have been promoted to Principal. Chad, Ben, Peter, and Lori each bring unparalleled experience to the senior management team.

Since joining IGS in 2016, Chad Benoit has advised clients on hundreds of engagements across a wide variety of industries, with a focus on healthcare and technology. Throughout his tenure at IGS, Chad has led consulting teams that provide insights about the unique characteristics of a diverse set of markets. Through assessment of these dynamics, Chad advises clients on investment opportunities and guides their strategic initiatives. Chad graduated from Harvard University with a B.A. in Social Studies.

Ben LaPres has been a leader on IGS’ diligence and strategy engagements since 2017 and his experience spans engagements in industrials and manufacturing, logistics and consumer goods, professional services, and technology businesses, among others. Ben brings deep domain expertise from his background in engineering, where he held a number of program management and manufacturing operations leadership roles with multinational aerospace and defense firm CAES (formerly Cobham plc, recently acquired by Honeywell). Ben earned his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.S. in aerospace engineering from the University of Notre Dame.

Peter Lee joined IGS in 2018 and has been serving clients in both commercial diligence and strategy engagements, as well as actively building new client relationships. Peter’s experience primarily revolves around tech-enabled business and professional services across a range of end markets. Prior to joining IGS, Peter worked in Davy Group (Dublin, Ireland) as part of the Portfolio Construction team, focusing on equity research, investment selection, and asset allocation. Peter holds an M.B.A. from Boston College and a Bachelor of Commerce from the National University of Ireland Galway.

Lori has more than a decade of experience in investment banking and private equity consulting. Since joining IGS, Lori has advised clients in investment diligence across sectors as well as providing strategic advisory across several hundreds of engagements. Lori continues to be an integral part of developing new client relationships as well as leading teams in diligence and strategy reviews for private equity and corporate clients in a range of industries. Lori brings her experience in investment banking at Citi where she advised C-suite teams across sectors on M&A, capital markets transactions, optimizing debt levels and other strategic questions. Lori earned her M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.A. in mathematics and economics from Colby College.

“These well-deserved promotions reflect the important contributions each individual has made to the success and growth of our firm. Chad, Ben, Peter and Lori have been integral members of our management team and we look forward to their continued development and future contributions to the firm,” adds Mindy Berman, Senior Managing Director.

Investor Group Services (IGS) is an industry leading private equity consulting firm specializing in M&A commercial diligence, portfolio value creation and sell-side industry analysis. The Company was founded in 1998 and conducts comprehensive business evaluations, covering key issues such as addressable market size, growth, competitive positioning, value creation and performance improvement. IGS specializes in key high growth end markets including business services, software, media and telecom, consumer products and services, financial services and healthcare, plus specialty manufacturing and industrial solutions.

For additional information, please visit www.igsinsights.com

SOURCE Investor Group Services

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/investor-group-services-igs-announces-the-new-strategic-hire-of-austin-carter-as-director-of-business-development-and-the-promotions-of-chad-benoit-ben-lapres-peter-lee-and-lori-popescu-to-principal-302271718.html

SOURCE Investor Group Services

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Thinkpal learning tablet from Think Academy wins TechRadar Pro Picks and Trusted Reviews Best in Show awards at CES 2025

Published

on

By

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Think Academy debuted its Thinkpal tablet at CES 2025 and has won a TechRadar Pro Picks and Trusted Reviews Best in Show awards for this innovative new product.

Both awards are given to innovative products and solutions at CES that stand out from a packed crowd. Think Academy President, Alex Peng, was presented the awards at CES, noting the awards were given to Thinkpal because it is both a wholly unique product in the education technology market and also provides such value to parents and educators.

Designed to transform the way kids learn, explore, and thrive in an ever-evolving world, the Thinkpal is powered by cutting-edge AI that serves as a guide and tutor for young learners. With significant learning loss experienced in recent years, families and educators have faced unprecedented challenges as test scores in reading and math have seen steady declines. Parents have expressed their struggles in reigniting their children’s passion for learning, while educators grapple with the complexities of bridging diverse learning gaps.

To meet these challenges, the Thinkpal tablet offers a tailored, AI-powered solution that provides step-by-step writing guidance and real-time math support, making learning more intuitive and enjoyable.

Alex Peng introduced several key features of the Thinkpal during a press event. He showed the audience how Thinkpal’s “GeniusTutor,” an AI-powered system that transforms learning into an interactive and engaging experience, is the heart of this product’s features. Built on the Microsoft Azure OpenAI GPT-4o model, GeniusTutor provides real-time guidance and feedback, empowering students to:

Conquer complex math problems through logic-driven, step-by-step explanationsMaster writing with interactive prompts and instant feedback that build confidence and creativityEnhance vocabulary and reading skills with innovative tools like “Point-and-Discover,” where children can point to words in a physical book, and the tablet’s camera instantly provides explanations, along with guided reading exercises

Adding a touch of fun and companionship, “Thinkie,” an advanced AI-powered learning companion, engages children through voice-based natural language interactions. Thinkie chats, answers questions, and fosters curiosity, making the learning process enjoyable and dynamic.

With an extensive library of ebooks, gamified coursework, and compatibility with popular applications like Google Classroom, the Thinkpal Tablet is a versatile tool for modern families. The 11-inch TÜV Rheinland-certified eye-care screen also safeguards children’s vision during extended use, while the optional keyboard transforms the tablet into a Chromebook-like device, enhancing productivity and usability.

“Our mission is to provide every child with a personalized, world-class tutor that inspires confidence and a lifelong love for learning”, noted Alex Peng during a media interview Q&A. “We’re honored that TechRadar and Trusted Reviews recognize the potential of the Thinkpal to improve learning through advanced and accessible technology.”

The Thinkpal Tablet will be available for $249 ($339 including keyboard) at shop.thethinkacademy.com. Pre-orders open today.

About Think Academy

Think Academy, a subsidiary of TAL Education Group (NYSE: TAL), has been at the forefront of education innovation for over two decades. Serving more than 5 million K-12 students across 10+ countries, Think Academy is dedicated to creating fair and comprehensive educational opportunities. By integrating advanced technology with expert curriculum design, Think Academy is shaping the future of learning to be more accessible, engaging, and impactful.

For media inquiries, contact:
Cecilia Qian
cecilia@impact5r.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thinkpal-learning-tablet-from-think-academy-wins-techradar-pro-picks-and-trusted-reviews-best-in-show-awards-at-ces-2025-302348472.html

SOURCE Think Academy

Continue Reading

Technology

MLVision M5 Unveiled at CES 2025: Pioneering Innovation in Wearable Technology with the World’s Lightest AI-Powered AR Glasses

Published

on

By

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At CES 2025, MLVision has officially launched its groundbreaking MLVision M5, setting a new global standard for wearable technology. Weighing a mere 25.8 grams, the MLVision M5 is the world’s lightest AI-powered AR glasses. The device combines cutting-edge artificial intelligence, precision engineering, and a commitment to privacy and accessibility.

“MLVision M5 is more than just a wearable device; it represents a significant breakthrough in both weight and product design,” said CEO Zhaoen Dai. “Our goal is to create smart AR glasses that feel effortless to wear, leveraging cutting-edge AR display technology and advanced AI models to genuinely help users work and live more efficiently and conveniently.”

Crafted with aviation-grade titanium and ultra-lightweight floating plastic, this device achieves an unprecedented balance between durability and comfort. Weighing only 25.8g, 40% less than traditional AR glasses, it ensures an effortless, all-day wearing experience that feels almost weightless. The ergonomic design caters to users’ needs, making it a perfect companion for both work and leisure.

This device introduces an industry-first modular design, setting a new benchmark for adaptability in AR glasses. This innovation allows users to seamlessly transition between an all-in-one configuration and a clip-on style, accommodating diverse preferences and use cases. For nearsighted users, the M5 eliminates the need for custom prescription lenses—a common limitation in traditional AR glasses. Instead, it can be conveniently clipped onto existing prescription glasses, offering unmatched practicality and cost savings. This thoughtful modularity not only enhances accessibility but also positions the MLVision M5 as a versatile solution for a broad spectrum of users.

One of MLVision M5’s standout features is its immersive visual projection system, which offers an 86-inch private virtual screen. Powered by MLVision’s proprietary Hummingbird Micro-LED light engine and advanced nano-scale diffraction waveguide technology, the glasses create a secure and private viewing experience, ideal for reading confidential documents or browsing personal files. To prioritize eye health, the device utilizes soft green light with a projection distance of 4 meters, reducing strain during extended use.

The MLVision M5 is also equipped with the AIOS platform, delivering unparalleled AI-driven capabilities to enhance user productivity and accessibility. With intelligent tools like document summarization, real-time translation in seven languages, and interactive AI chat for setting reminders and brainstorming ideas, the device seamlessly integrates into the modern workflow. Additionally, its innovative Care Mode provides real-time audio transcription, enabling a more inclusive experience for users with hearing impairments.

The MLVision M5 excels as a navigation powerhouse, offering intuitive, real-time directions to guide users seamlessly through various environments. Whether exploring a new city, finding the fastest route to your destination, or navigating while riding a bike, the M5 ensures you always stay on the right path with ease and confidence.

The MLVision M5 will launch in China at the end of January 2025. Pricing and pre-order details will be announced in the coming weeks.

MLVision, a global innovator in wearable technology, continues to push the boundaries of what is possible by merging innovation, style, and functionality. With the launch of MLVision M5, the company reinforces its commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and creating cutting-edge solutions that redefine how technology is integrated into everyday life.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mlvision-m5-unveiled-at-ces-2025-pioneering-innovation-in-wearable-technology-with-the-worlds-lightest-ai-powered-ar-glasses-302348534.html

SOURCE MLVision

Continue Reading

Technology

Brandivio Launches Advanced Retail Allocation Platform for Inventory Excellence

Published

on

By

Brandivio’s inventory optimization solutions empower footwear and apparel brands and retailers to buy smarter, allocate & replenish faster, and meet demand with precision.

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Brandivio, a new generation inventory excellence platform for apparel and footwear retailers, announces its expansion into North America, in conjunction with the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Big Show in New York City.

The Brandivio platform addresses the unique needs of the retail allocation market, ensuring apparel and footwear retailers have innovative tools to grow and thrive,” said Keith Whaley, SVP of Retail Solutions at Brandivio.

Brandivio, already supporting top-tier brands in EMEA, is built by seasoned retail experts to solve critical inventory challenges in fashion and footwear.

Leveraging machine learning, real-time demand signals, and automation, the Brandivio platform optimizes the distribution of products across a retailer’s stores and e-commerce channels ensuring the right products are in the right places at the right times, ultimately improving sales and margin performance, customer satisfaction, and inventory efficiency.

Key Features of Brandivio –

Advanced Demand Sensing: Predict future demand for short lifecycle products using machine learning native algorithms incorporating hyper-local external datasets to map powerful demand drivers.Dynamic Inventory Allocation: Adjust inventory in real time at the SKU/location level based on in-season trends to reduce stockouts and overstock situations.Real-Time Analytics: Drive test and learn strategies, optimize assortment in-season and connect functional teams across the organization with actionable insights for rapid response to market trends.Automation: Reduce up to 80% of existing manual planning efforts and redirect planner focus towards even greater efficiencies.Ease of Use: Intuitive workflows ensure rapid adoption without extensive training.

“Retailers can no longer rely on outdated tools or seasonal strategies,” said James Townsend, CEO of Brandivio.

“Brandivio democratizes retail data science, enabling brands to level the playing field, compete effectively, and maximize profits in today’s fast-paced market.”

This launch underscores Brandivio’s mission to support U.S. retailers facing tighter margins and increasing competition. “Our platform addresses the unique needs of this market, ensuring retailers have the tools to grow and thrive,” added Keith Whaley, SVP of Retail Solutions.

Contact us for a demo at info@brandivio.com or visit Brandivio.com for more.

Media Contact

Keith Whaley, Brandivio, Inc., 1 9494453183, keith.whaley@brandivio.com, https://brandivio.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/brandivio-launches-advanced-retail-allocation-platform-for-inventory-excellence-302345595.html

SOURCE Brandivio, Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending