Connect with us

Technology

Eastside Distilling, Inc. Provides Update on its Merger with Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc.

Published

on

Beeline is well-positioned with its AI platform in an improving mortgage market

Beeline is addressing the Mortgage Needs of 100M Millennials and Gen Z

PORTLAND, Ore. and PROVIDENCE, R.I., Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Eastside Distilling, Inc. (“Eastside“) (Nasdaq: EAST) today announced that the recent merger between Eastside Distilling and Beeline is proving to be beneficial for both companies. For Eastside, its shareholders are now also invested in an emerging AI-driven mortgage platform designed for rapid growth in an industry expected to expand in 2025. Beeline shareholders gain access to a public market for their investment. 

Beeline is a direct-to-consumer mortgage origination and technology company providing mortgages to homeowners and investors seeking an easier path through a digital platform. It processes applications and answers questions for mortgage borrowers 24/7 for both conventional and non-qualified mortgages.  Most of the top 50 lenders will deny a borrower if they cannot qualify for a conventional mortgage. Beeline, however, offers non-qualified mortgages. The underwriting for these loans is often more suited to consumers who earn income in the gig economy or who are self-employed.   Beeline’s platform was built for digital-first consumers – making it the perfect fit for Millennials and Gen Z.  According to Maxwell, nearly 60% of all mortgages generated in 2023 were from Millennials and Gen Z. Combined this class makes up about 100M consumers.  

According to Nick Liuzza, CEO of Beeline, “There is no doubt our team saw the opportunity to address the mortgage needs of a large emerging audience who grew up with mobile devices and the ability to obtain real-time certainty and transact any time of the day.  Our platform, brand, and processes were designed for these generations and many of the platforms out there are not consistently meeting the needs of Millennials and Gen Z.  We are excited to serve these important consumers in a more material way in 2025.”

Beeline was the first mortgage lender to introduce its AI Chabot named “Bob” in June of 2023. “Bob” is currently performing six times better in converting a lead from an initial chat conversation to a completed loan application than its human counterparts. The cost to operate Bob is 90% less than the associated payroll to perform these functions. Bob has his own brain – he speaks in alignment with Beeline’s brand while logically sequencing sophisticated conversations. Unlike other AI chat bots, he is not tied to a set of responses – making him truly unique in his approach. 

The Mortgage industry has experienced tough times since early 2021 when rates rose quickly and those conditions persisted through the first half of 2024.  Many large lenders saw their revenues drop 70-90% from 2021 to 2023. Through all of this, Beeline was building its AI platforms and incurring financial losses intentionally.  Beeline knew that when the market normalized it would be ready to capitalize with a modern solution for Millennials and Gen Z. This decision laid the foundation for an opportunity for Beeline and Eastside Distilling shareholders.

The Mortgage Bankers Association released projections that the mortgage market should grow to $2.6 trillion in 2025, which is a 28% increase over 2024.  Beeline is still small, especially when compared to legacy, well-established lenders but its technology and platform are compelling and the timing of this merger aligns very well with current market demand and dynamics.  

About Eastside Distilling, Inc.
Eastside Distilling, Inc. (Nasdaq: EAST) is a producer of award-winning craft spirits, including whiskey, vodka, and rum. Founded in Portland, Oregon, Eastside is committed to quality, innovation, and sustainability, delivering exceptional products that reflect the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.

About Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc.
Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc. is a technology-driven mortgage lender offering a fully digital, AI-enhanced, platform that simplifies and accelerates the home financing process for homeowners and property investors. Based in Providence, RI, Beeline is dedicated to transforming the mortgage industry through innovative technology and customer-centric solutions.

Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements that reflect our expectations or anticipations rather than historical fact. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions, general competitive factors, the Company’s ongoing financing requirements and ability to achieve financing, acceptance of the Company’s products in the market, the Company’s success in obtaining new customers, the Company’s ability to execute its business model and strategic plans, and other risks and related information described from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). A detailed discussion of the most significant risks can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company assumes no obligation to update the cautionary information in this press release.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eastside-distilling-inc-provides-update-on-its-merger-with-beeline-financial-holdings-inc-302298061.html

SOURCE Eastside Distilling, Inc.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

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

Technology

Loyyal’s Xpand Point Partners with Easyrewardz to bring Loyalty Points Exchange for Programs across Middle East, India, Europe and APAC

Published

on

By

Partnership to offer loyalty points exchange for travel, hospitality, and lifestyle rewards for banking customers beyond borders

DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Easyrewardz, a leading provider of cloud-based CRM and loyalty platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Loyyal, a UAE-based pioneer in blockchain-powered loyalty solutions. This collaboration is set to redefine the loyalty landscape by introducing enhanced point conversion capabilities and offering unique, experiential redemption options, giving customers more flexible and engaging ways to use their loyalty points.

The collaboration will bring Loyyal’s innovative loyalty points exchange platform, Xpand Point to India’s BFSI (Banking, Financial, and Insurance) sector, integrating it with Easyrewardz Loyalty Management System (LMS) to provide businesses with tools that enhance customer retention and drive deeper engagement. Through this partnership, millions of banking members will unlock a new world of benefits, both within India and globally, with exciting opportunities to earn, redeem, and exchange points across various categories of offers.

This alliance brings together two industry leaders, creating a powerful synergy that enhances their value propositions and sets the stage for a transformation in the loyalty market. The partnership also taps into growth opportunities in the Middle East, Europe and APAC region, with a focus on high-demand markets like Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, Germany, Turkey, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia where the need for advanced loyalty programs is rapidly increasing. These opportunities will be harnessed through a comprehensive redemption catalogue and Loyyal’s Xpand Point platform, enabling seamless integration and enhanced member experiences.

Ashish Kumar Singh, CEO of Loyyal, quoted, “We are thrilled to partner with Easyrewardz to bring our blockchain-powered loyalty ecosystem to the BFSI sector in India. This collaboration represents a significant opportunity for both companies to innovate and redefine customer engagement across multiple markets, leveraging our combined strengths to deliver personalized and rewarding experiences.”

The partnership aims to create additional growth opportunities for both companies by establishing them as channel partners. Together, Easyrewardz and Loyyal will promote each other’s services, collaborate on marketing initiatives, and offer cross-platform solutions that amplify customer loyalty and engagement. This partnership will enable Easyrewardz to leverage Loyyal’s network of merchants and points exchange partners in India to its clients and prospects in the GCC region through a redemption catalogue and the Loyyal Points Exchange platform.

Soumya Chatterjee, Co-Founder & CEO of Easyrewardz, highlighted the broader impact of this collaboration, saying, “At Easyrewardz, we have always been committed to creating exceptional customer experiences by understanding and anticipating the needs of businesses.

Our partnership with Loyyal will not only allow us to deepen our presence in the BFSI sector but also open doors to new possibilities in the GCC region. Easyrewardz has always had a customer-centric approach and thus by integrating Loyyal’s innovative Points Exchange platform – Xpand Point, into our existing reward offering we are further enhancing our affluent offerings and catering to the growing demand in premium segments for outbound travel and experiences.  Together, we will reshape the way businesses approach loyalty, focusing on delivering exceptional value and driving sustainable growth for our clients across industries.”

This partnership is set to deliver significant benefits for businesses by enabling them to adopt more flexible, personalized, and data-driven loyalty programs. With the ability to engage customers at multiple touchpoints and simplify redemption processes, the combined expertise of Loyyal and Easyrewardz will offer unparalleled loyalty solutions that foster deeper customer relationships and generate long-term value.

Gunjan Kumar, Chief Revenue Officer of Loyyal, expressed the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Easyrewardz marks a pivotal step in redefining customer loyalty. By integrating Loyyal’s cutting-edge Xpand Point platform with Easyrewardz extensive expertise in the BFSI sector, we are crafting a robust solution that not only meets current demands but also anticipates future trends in customer engagement. Together, we are moving beyond mere transactional loyalty to foster deeper, lasting relationships that enhance member retention.”

As industries increasingly focus on retaining loyal customers and nurturing brand advocates, this partnership positions Loyyal and Easyrewardz at the forefront of innovation, offering businesses the tools and strategies they need to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving loyalty landscape.

About Loyyal

Loyyal is renowned for its innovative Enterprise SAAS Suite for Loyalty & Payments powered with patented blockchain technology, based in UAE, US and India. Loyyal SAAS disrupts loyalty industry with metrics of incremental revenue, rapid growth and scalability at the lowest possible cost. Xpand Point, the world’s first blockchain enabled loyalty points exchange platform leverages Loyyal’s unique USP to empower every program with interoperable exchange facility across different programs, categories both locally and internationally. For more information, please visit www.loyyal.com for PR related queries contact Janis.dsouza@loyyal.com.

About Easyrewardz

Easyrewardz is an industry-agnostic cloud-based CRM & Loyalty platform that enables seamless omnichannel customer experience. Easyrewardz innovative ways to engage new customers & retain existing ones by leveraging technology are helping businesses embrace digital disruption leading to excellent customer experiences. Easyrewardz has more than a decade experience in managing BFSI, Retail and B2B loyalty & CRM programs to provide a seamless & rewarding experience to their customers, enabling consistent engagement.

More than 180 brands, including RBL Bank, Kotak Bank, J&K Bank, Bajaj Finserv, IIFL, Muthoot Fincorp, Bata (India & APAC), BESTSELLER, The Belgian Waffle, The Body Shop, Levi’s, Soch, Senco, and Motherhood Hospitals have trusted Easyrewardz to create brand markers and delight customer. For more information, please visit www.Easyrewardz.com

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2550900/Loyyal_and_Easyrewardz.jpg

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/loyyals-xpand-point-partners-with-easyrewardz-to-bring-loyalty-points-exchange-for-programs-across-middle-east-india-europe-and-apac-302298085.html

Continue Reading

Technology

XtalPi and Sinar Mas Multiartha Launch Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize AI Across Asia-Pacific

Published

on

By

SINGAPORE, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — XtalPi (2228.HK) has announced a strategic partnership with Indonesia’s powerhouse, led by one of its prominent business pillar Sinar Mas Multiartha. This landmark collaboration is set to transform the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics across the Asia-Pacific region. By establishing an ambitious joint venture, the alliance will integrate XtalPi’s cutting-edge AI and robotics research capabilities with Sinar Mas Group’s extensive industry reach, setting the stage for a commercial and technological revolution.

Sinar Mas Group, one of Indonesia’s most influential and diversified conglomerates, maintains a commanding presence across sectors such as healthcare, mining, renewable energy, logistics, consumer goods, chemicals, and financial services. With its robust supply chain and deep market penetration across the Asia-Pacific, the Group is well-positioned to drive industry innovation through advanced AI solutions, reshaping the region’s economic landscape.

XtalPi is a global leader in integrating AI and robotics for life sciences and advanced materials R&D, collaborating with over 300 top-tier enterprises and research institutions worldwide. Known for transforming scientific discoveries into commercially viable technologies, XtalPi has developed groundbreaking platforms that empower scientists to generate and analyze innovative, complex chemical and biological molecules of desired properties and functions at exceptional speed and precision. 

Founded in 2015 by three visionary MIT postdoctoral physicists, XtalPi has been at the forefront of advancements in AI for Science. By combining quantum physics, AI, cloud computing, and large-scale robotics, XtalPi delivers world-class R&D services that solve bottleneck problems and accelerate innovation in medicine, renewable energy, advanced materials, and beyond. XtalPi positions itself as a transformative force reshaping global industries, helping its partners increase the overall efficiency and success rate for breakthrough discoveries.

The partnership between XtalPi and Sinar Mas Group is set to unlock a powerful synergy of expertise. By delivering pioneering, commercially potent solutions across various sectors, this venture will drive significant revenue growth and fuel regional economic expansion. Together, the companies aim to seize opportunities in Southeast Asia’s booming AI market, setting new benchmarks for innovation, competitiveness, and economic influence.

“We are honored to join forces with Sinar Mas Group to realize our shared vision of using advanced technologies like AI to build a healthier, more sustainable future rich in discoveries,” said Shuhao Wen, Chairman of XtalPi. “The Group’s extensive industrial expertise and strategic market reach, combined with XtalPi’s trailblazing AI and robotics platform, will enable us to lead digital and intelligent transformation in key sectors such as renewable energy and advanced materials. We are thrilled about the unprecedented commercial potential this partnership unlocks, bringing next-generation solutions to Southeast Asia and beyond, benefiting global communities.”

By merging their strengths, XtalPi and Sinar Mas Group are set to redefine AI’s impact on industries across the Asia-Pacific, igniting accelerated growth and groundbreaking technological advancements. Together, they are paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future.

About XtalPi

XtalPi (stock code: 2228.HK) is a quantum physics-based, AI-powered, and robotics-driven, innovative R&D platform company. Established in 2015 by three postdoctoral physicists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the company is dedicated to driving intelligent and digital transformation in the life sciences and materials sciences sectors. XtalPi combines quantum physics, AI, cloud computing, and large-scale robotics to provide R&D solutions and services for biomedicine, chemical, renewable energy and advanced materials industries globally.

About Sinar Mas Group

Sinar Mas Group, one of Indonesia’s most influential and diversified conglomerates, maintains a commanding presence across sectors such as healthcare, mining, renewable energy, logistics, consumer goods, chemicals, and financial services. With its robust supply chain and deep market penetration across the Asia-Pacific, the Group is well-positioned to drive industry innovation through advanced AI solutions, reshaping the region’s economic landscape.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/xtalpi-and-sinar-mas-multiartha-launch-strategic-partnership-to-revolutionize-ai-across-asia-pacific-302298273.html

SOURCE XtalPi Inc.

Continue Reading

Technology

SkyPixel and DJI Call on Creators for 10th Annual Photo and Video Contest

Published

on

By

Entrants Invited to Share Creativity and Win Prizes Totaling Over $170,000

SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — DJI and SkyPixel, one of the world’s most popular online communities for aerial photography and videography, have opened the 10th anniversary of the Annual SkyPixel Photo & Video Contest. Running from November 7, 2024, to February 10, 2025, the competition showcases the evolution of aerial photography over the past ten years with an ever-increasing number of people appreciating other’s unique forms of expression found on the community site. As part of this evolution, this year will include the first ever ‘Handheld’ category in response to the growing number of people using handheld cameras to showcase their talent. To recognize the creativity submitted, the total prize package is worth over $170,000.

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and for 10 years now, the SkyPixel Annual Photo & Video Contest has been proud to award photographers and videographers for capturing and sharing their perspective of beauty with the world,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI. “The SkyPixel platform continues to be a community that ignites imaginations, reimagines the art of imagery, and embraces the diverse experiences of individuals and communities across the world.”

Ten Years Celebrating Creativity

Established in 2014, SkyPixel is a leading global community celebrating the remarkable stories that have shaped the art of image capture. The platform has become a huge success, garnering over 55 million registered users and accumulating over 50 million breathtaking aerial images and videos uploaded daily by photography and videography enthusiasts around the globe.

Since 2015, SkyPixel has successfully organized nine annual aerial photography and video contests, inspiring the imaginativeness of DJI users worldwide, resulting in more than 400k submissions from around the globe that have received over 1 billion views. Whether using handheld DJI cameras like the Osmo and Ronin series or DJI’s diverse line of drones that can empower anyone to become an aerial cinematographer, the magnitude of submissions and community engagement is testament to the exceptional creativity of the DJI community and the ability of DJI technology to help anyone anywhere capture uniquely individual cinematic moments.

Explore Without Limits

In the tenth iteration of the contest, DJI and SkyPixel are placing the boundless potential of human expression at the center of the competition, encouraging participants to “Explore Without Limits” which is the central theme. To ignite the artistic passion within all DJI users and support as many entries as possible, the categories for this year’s contest have been simplified to just three separate categories, namely Aerial Photography, Aerial Videography and Handheld Videography.  Furthermore, for the first time, contestants can also submit their entries via all DJI social media channels. Alongside the “Aerial Photography” and “Aerial Videography” categories, this year’s SkyPixel competition is unveiling the all new “Handheld” video category, opening up the award to people who chose to share their creativity from the ground. Meanwhile, each month will feature “Popularity Awards” recognizing content that explores new trends or innovate art.

Details of the SkyPixel 10th Annual Photo & Video Contest

The photo contest consists of one category:

Aerial Photography
Overlooking the world, framing moments of eternity. Whether awe-inspiring nature or grand architecture, energetic sporting moments or portraits brimming with emotion – all show the charm of the art of photography.Entries must be shot on aerial photography equipment and entered as a single work with a single image of no less than 3MB and a resolution of no less than 300dpi.Inspire / Mavic / Air / Mini / Phantom series, DJI Neo are eligible to participate.

The video contest is comprised of two categories:

Aerial Videography
Soar through the skies and capture the magnificent beauty of the earth. From natural wonders to urban jungles within cities, from impassioned sporting events to tranquil or colorful getaways – push the limits and let your creativity shine.Entries must be no longer than 5 minutes in length with no less than 30 seconds of footage shot on DJI products.Entries must contain more than 50% aerial footage.Inspire / Mavic / Air / Mini / Avata / Phantom series, DJI FPV / DJI Neo are eligible to participate.Handheld Videography
Hold the camera and record the most intimate moments of life. Whether it’s the pulse of the city, the serenity of nature, the speed and passion of the sports field, the excitement and experience of travel, you are free to interpret the spirit of the footage and tell your unique story.Entries must be no longer than 5 minutes in length with no less than 30 seconds of footage shot on DJI products.Entries must contain more than 50% handheld footage.Ronin Stabilizer / Ronin Cinema Cameras / Osmo Action / Osmo Pocket / Osmo Mobile series are eligible to participate.

Always fly with caution, observe the flight environment, and follow local regulations at all times.

Industry Leading Judges

This year’s SkyPixel submissions will be judged by some of the leading videographers and photographers from across the globe.

In photography, there are pioneering experts such as:

Anne Farrar, Assistant Managing Editor-Photography at National Geographic MagazineWeimin Chu, renowned landscape photographer, winner of the 2019 National Geographic Travel Photo Contest, 2023 World Press Photo Award, and 2024 Hasselblad Masters AwardDaniel Kordan, renowned landscape photographerLuke Stackpoole, trailblazer in the world of travel and adventure photography.

In the video category, industry heavy-weights include:

Claudio Miranda, Academy Award-winning cinematographer known for projects including Life of Pi, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Top Gun: MaverickChenyu Jin, Director of Photography known for Blossoms Shanghai and Like A Rolling StoneTianhong Pan, Director of Photography for Commercials, founder of the well-known self-media MediaStormSam Newton, renowned travel filmmaker.

Bonanza of Prizes

This year, SkyPixel and DJI will award three ‘Grand Winners’ and give away more than 80 prizes over the course of the competition with a total value of over US $170,000. For the Grand Winners awarded “Best Work”:

The winning photo participant will receive an all-new Hasselblad X2D 100C, XCD 3.5-4.5/35-75mm, and an XCD F4/45P (worth over $14,000)The winning aerial video participant will receive a DJI Inspire 3 drone, a DL 18 mm F2.8, PROSSD 1TB, and two TB51 Batteries (worth over $20,000)The winning handheld video participant will be awarded a DJI Ronin 4D-8K cinema camera, DJI Transmission, and two TB50 batteries (worth over $15,000).

All grand winners will also receive a SkyPixel trophy and be recognized as an official “SkyPixel Creator.” The full list of awards can be seen on the official SkyPixel website and includes prizes such as the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, DJI Air 3S, DJI Avata 2, and the Osmo Pocket 3. All entrants will also receive DJI credits which can be used at store.dji.com.

 Submission Details

Submission Start Date: November 7, 2024, 12:00 (UTC+8)Submission End Date: February 10, 2025, 23:59 (UTC+8)Award Announcement: March 27, 2025, 12:00 (UTC+8)

Submissions will be accepted via the official SkyPixel website and all DJI social media channels. Interested participants can visit the SkyPixel 10th Annual Photo & Video Contest website for more information on contest rules and guidelines: https://www.skypixel.com/contests/2024.

About SkyPixel

Founded in 2014, SkyPixel is a leading global community for aerial photographers and videographers. The platform has over 55 million registered users and hosts thousands of aerial images and videos uploaded daily around the world. In November 2023, SkyPixel hosted its 9th annual aerial photo and video contest and received over 130,000 submissions from 148 countries and regions – a 100% increase from 2022. For more info, please visit https://www.skypixel.com.

About DJI

Since 2006, DJI has led the world with civilian drone innovations that have empowered individuals to take flight for the first time, visionaries to turn their imagination into reality, and professionals to transform their work entirely. Today, DJI serves to build a better world by continuously promoting human advancement. With a solution-oriented mindset and genuine curiosity, DJI has expanded its ambitions into areas such as cycling, renewable energy, agriculture, public safety, surveying and mapping, and infrastructure inspection. In every application, DJI products deliver experiences that add value to lives around the world in more profound ways than ever before.

For more information, visit our:

Website: https://www.dji.com
Online Store: https://store.dji.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJI
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DJIGlobal
X: https://www.X.com/DJIGlobal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dji
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/DJI

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skypixel-and-dji-call-on-creators-for-10th-annual-photo-and-video-contest-302297246.html

SOURCE DJI; SkyPixel

Continue Reading

Trending