Technology

NIP Group Expands Esports Portfolio Through Strategic Partnership with The9 Limited

Published

4 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Partnership to Transform MIR M into Global Esports Title

WUHAN, China, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NIP Group Inc. (NASDAQ: NIPG) (“NIP Group” or the “Company”), a leading digital entertainment company, and The9 Limited (“The9”) today announced that NIP Group has entered into a strategic partnership with China Crown Technology Limited (“China Crown“), a wholly owned subsidiary of The9, to develop “MIR M” into a competitive esports title. Together, both parties aim to create a game that embodies the characteristics of MIR M and is suitable for esports adoption.

China Crown secured the exclusive publishing license of “MIR M” from Wemade Co., Ltd. (“Wemade”) in Mainland China in May 2024. The game is the latest version of the classic game “MIR”, including both mobile and PC versions. China Crown’s parent company, The9, listed on Nasdaq in 2004 and is one of China’s earliest online game developers and operators, known for successfully introducing multiple globally renowned titles to China, such as World of Warcraft and MU Online.

Under the agreement, the parties will collaborate deeply across three key areas: in-game esports integration, esports tournament system development, and promotion and marketing. NIP Group will leverage its extensive esports experience, event production capabilities, and social media resources both domestically and internationally, in combination with the vast player base of the game soon to be released by The9, to expand the market jointly. In addition, they will build a highly commercialized tournament ecosystem centered around the game and provide extensive support for its global promotion. This includes creating a synchronized, comprehensive, and highly efficient esports marketing network that resonates with esports fans.

Mario Ho, Chairman and Co-CEO of NIP Group commented: “We are thrilled to partner with The9. The9 has been committed to providing users with the forefront of gaming experiences and technical support. Combining the global esports expertise and fan engagement capabilities of NIP Group, we’re well-positioned to transform MIR M into a compelling esports title. Our shared vision is to create an engaging esports experience that honors the game’s legacy while opening new possibilities for competitive play.”

Hicham Chahine, Co-CEO of NIP Group remarked: “We are intensely focused on expanding our business across key verticals in a way that will have a tremendous impact on the growth of the industry at large. Through innovative partnerships, like today’s with The9, NIP Group is able to push the boundaries of our vision for a digital entertainment ecosystem that will reimagine IPs, develop additional market opportunities, and engage fans with new, creative experiences.”

Jun Zhu, Chairman and CEO of The9 added: “We are delighted to enter into this agreement with NIP Group. As a global digital entertainment group, NIP Group brings unparalleled expertise and resources in the esports sector, which will play a critical role in advancing the esports component of MIR M. We look forward to making this game one of the world’s largest esports titles.”

This partnership represents a significant advance in NIP Group’s strategy of diversifying its revenue streams, expanding its fan base, enhancing brand influence, and strengthening market competitiveness. It also marks an important milestone in the Company’s efforts to develop its game publishing business.

NIP Group remains committed to exploring innovative opportunities, delving deeper into the potential of creating entire esports ecosystems around games from scratch, driving the prosperity of the esports industry, and delivering more extraordinary experiences to esports enthusiasts worldwide.

About NIP Group
NIP Group (NASDAQ: NIPG) is a digital entertainment company created for a growing global audience of gaming and esports fans. The business was formed in 2023 through a merger between legendary esports organization Ninjas in Pyjamas and digital sports group ESV5, which includes eStar Gaming, a world leader in mobile esports. Building on the success of its competitive teams with an innovative mix of business ventures, including talent management, event production, hospitality and game publishing, NIP Group is developing transformational experiences that entertain, inspire and connect fans worldwide, to expand its global footprint and engage digital-first gamers where they are. NIP Group currently has operations in Sweden, China, Abu Dhabi and Brazil, and its esports rosters participate across multiple game titles at the biggest events around the world.

About The9 Limited
The9 Limited (NASDAQ: NCTY) is an Internet company listed on Nasdaq in 2004. The9 is committed to become a global diversified high-tech Internet company, and is engaged in online games operation, Bitcoin mining and AI investment businesses in different industries.

Safe Harbor Statements
This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking” statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this press release, as well as NIP Group’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. NIP Group may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about NIP Group’s beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: NIP Group’s growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; its ability to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of its brand; developments in the relevant governmental laws, regulations, policies toward NIP Group’s industry; and general economic and business conditions globally and in the countries or regions where NIP Group has operations; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in NIP Group’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and NIP Group undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

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SOURCE The9 Limited

Technology

Ben Kunz Promoted to Chief Strategy Officer of Mediassociates

Published

16 minutes ago

November 26, 2024

Brings focus on predictive analytics and AI research to advertising media campaigns

SANDY HOOK, Conn., Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, Mediassociates—a leading media planning, buying, and marketing analytics agency—announced the promotion of Ben Kunz to Chief Strategy Officer. Ben has been with the agency for nearly two decades, most recently serving as Executive Vice President, where he managed the agency’s client strategy and business development teams.

Ben Kunz Promoted to Chief Strategy Officer of Mediassociates

In his new role, Ben will lead marketing client strategy and product/service development at the agency, focusing on guiding the strategic direction of Precision Branding, Mediassociates’ unique approach to media buying and analytics. Ben was a driving force behind the agency’s Precision Branding methodology, which integrates upper- and lower-funnel advertising communications with new data signals about consumer and B2B prospect behavior, leading to more effective marketing outcomes. In addition, Ben will spearhead several key initiatives the agency including evolving its next generation PrecisionBranding.AI platform for improved ad campaign planning, testing, and forecasting, as well as developing innovative data strategies to help marketers connect with future customers.

A former management consultant and nationally published columnist, Ben has established himself as a prominent voice in media innovation, artificial intelligence and behavioral economics. Ben was an early champion of digital transformation in our industry and the shift to mobile. His insights have been featured in publications such as Ad Age, Forbes, Adweek, BusinessWeek, The Atlantic, and The Wall Street Journal. Additionally, he is a sought-after speaker at industry events, including the DMA Awards and SXSW.

“Ben is always 20 moves ahead in his thinking. With his foresight and expertise in tech and media trends, Ben is the ideal leader to elevate strategic thinking for our clients and our team,” said Jeff Larson, CEO of Mediassociates. “His track record of predicting industry shifts and his innovative approach to client solutions will be instrumental in driving the next phase of our growth.”

Throughout his tenure at Mediassociates, he has played a central role in building client success, launching the agency’s analytics, programmatic, predictive modeling, and AI practices. This has contributed to over 400% growth over the past decade.

“It’s an exciting time to be a leader in media,” Kunz said. “With advertising platforms changing almost daily and artificial intelligence building power and speed in campaign planning, I look forward to bringing new solutions forward for our clients and creative-agency partners.”

In his personal time, Ben is dedicated to cancer research fundraising, enjoys hiking in Iceland with his wife, and is passionate about photography.

About Mediassociates

Mediassociates is a leading independent, full-service media agency headquartered in Sandy Hook, CT. Since its founding in 1996, the agency has experienced remarkable growth, expanding threefold since 2020. With $275 million in media billings and a dedicated team of 102 employees, Mediassociates is positioned to be both nimble and scalable. The agency serves a national client base, partnering with mid-market companies to drive growth and leverage media as a competitive advantage. Mediassociates is a proud member of the Worldwide Partners Independent Agency Network and has received numerous industry accolades, including being recognized as a Best Place to Work by Ad Age, listed among the Fastest Growing Agencies by Adweek, honored as Media All-Stars by MediaPost, and designated a Premier Partner by Google.

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SOURCE Mediassociates

Technology

LeafLink Acquires Wholesale Marketplace Leaf Trade

Published

16 minutes ago

November 26, 2024

Combined companies are estimated to facilitate nearly $9 billion in wholesale gross merchandise value (GMV) yearly

Acquisition further streamlines technology tools available for cannabis operators to run their businesses more efficiently

LeafLink’s suite of cannabis solutions now includes B2B Marketplace tools, business banking, payment options like Payment on Sell-Through, data insights, B2B advertising, and retailer tools

NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — LeafLink, the nation’s leading cannabis wholesale platform, today announced it has acquired Leaf Trade, a wholesale marketplace primarily used by multi-state operators (MSOs) and enterprise cannabis companies.

With this deal, LeafLink will support the full spectrum of cannabis businesses, from small brands and retailers to MSOs, with robust marketplace offerings and industry-leading tools. The LeafLink and Leaf Trade technology platforms will operate as-is without disruption while a full integration roadmap is rolled out.

“Leaf Trade has been the clear industry leader serving the MSO and enterprise segment and we are thrilled to welcome the Leaf Trade team to LeafLink. We look forward to working closely with our new customers and providing integrated technology solutions that allow them to run their businesses more efficiently,” said Artie Minson, President and CEO of LeafLink. “Our mission at LeafLink is to help the regulated cannabis industry reach its greatest potential. We’re doing this by providing products and implementing standards that significantly streamline operational processes and meaningfully improve financial performance. Streamlining the technology stack is critical to ensuring the industry’s long-term success and we are thrilled to be partnering with the industry’s largest companies in pursuit of this goal.”

“This acquisition is an incredible win for our team, our customers, and the advancement of the cannabis industry. The Leaf Trade team has done a tremendous job driving significant growth while achieving profitability. With LeafLink’s acquisition of Leaf Trade, we’re unifying our strengths to create even more innovative solutions that drive growth and value across the supply chain. We are excited that our customers will now be able to leverage some of the major product investments that LeafLink has made recently,” said Brian Ward, CEO of Leaf Trade. “Sweed, a partner of Leaf Trade under High Tech Holdings, will remain an independent business, which allows us to reinvest in its growth and continue building on the tremendous momentum we’ve achieved. By leveraging our strategic partnership with LeafLink, Sweed will deliver smarter tools that empower our customers to drive growth and streamline operations.”

This past year, LeafLink has gained significant momentum behind its product portfolio with a suite of new tools. These new additions include Payment on Sell-Through, an industry-first fintech tool that tackles delinquent payments and enhances LeafLink’s existing payment tools; LeafLink Plus, a subscription service that includes detailed inventory analytics; and enhanced access to reliable, compliant, and safe cannabis business banking on the LeafLink platform via the acquisition of Dama Financial. These new products complement and enhance LeafLink’s existing product suite, which includes marketplace tools, targeted advertising, SaaS integrations, logistics software, and market insights.

As a result of strong performance, organic growth opportunities, and its focused mission to be the B2B operating system for the regulated cannabis industry, LeafLink recently upsized its Series D fundraising round from $100 million to $125 million. Investors in the Series D financing include CPMG, Nosara, L2 Ventures, Thrive Capital, and Tiger Global.

Contact: Press@LeafLink.com

About LeafLink
Founded in 2016, LeafLink is the wholesale cannabis industry’s leading B2B technology platform helping thousands of customers in 30+ markets. LeafLink believes that better access to modern financial services will propel the industry towards sustainable growth. In July of 2024, LeafLink announced the acquisition of leading cannabis banking platform Dama Financial in order to provide access to safe, reliable, and compliant banking. In 2024, LeafLink was included in the Fast Company, Best Workplaces for Innovators List in the Banking, Finance, and Fintech category and was also awarded Green Market Report’s Best Cannabis Fintech.

About Leaf Trade
Leaf Trade, a pioneering wholesale cannabis platform, is transforming how the industry connects cultivators, distributors, and retailers. By streamlining the supply chain and integrating with top industry systems, Leaf Trade ensures efficient and compliant transactions. With a significant presence in over 25 states and trusted by many of the largest cannabis operators, Leaf Trade stands out as a reliable and innovative solution for the cannabis market.

About Sweed
Sweed is redefining cannabis retail management with its cohesive platform, seamlessly combining Point of Sale, eCommerce, and Marketing & Loyalty solutions. As the original enterprise-grade platform purpose-built for multi-location scalability, Sweed empowers retailers to efficiently manage sales, customer engagement, marketing, and inventory — all from one system. By delivering a tailored, data-driven experience without relying on external integrations, Sweed enables cannabis retailers to drive growth and deliver exceptional customer experiences. For more information, visit https://sweedpos.com/.

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SOURCE Leaflink

Technology

Unlock Laser Engraving Excellence: Monport’s Biggest Black Friday Sale

Published

16 minutes ago

November 26, 2024

NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Monport Laser is rolling out its highly anticipated Black Friday Blowout Sale, offering up to $6,000 in savings on top-tier laser engraving machines. The Black Friday sale, which runs from November 5 to December 5, 2024, includes massive discounts, exclusive bundle deals, and free gift offers for customers looking to upgrade their engraving capabilities.

Monport’s Black Friday sale is packed with unbeatable offers for both new and seasoned laser engraving enthusiasts. Whether you’re a hobbyist, small business owner, or professional looking to upgrade, Monport’s extensive sale has something for everyone. Customers can take advantage of massive savings, including up to $6,000 off on select machines, and enjoy special bundle offers that provide even more value.

Key Deals:

Up to $6,000 Off on top Monport Laser Engravers: Monport’s top models, including the Reno Pro and Mega Laser, are available at incredible discounts, ensuring customers can get high-quality, professional-grade machines at the best prices of the year.Buy More, Save More with Bundle Offers: Shoppers can save even more by purchasing laser engraver bundles, which include essential accessories and materials at discounted prices.Limited-Time Free Gift: For a limited time, customers who purchase any laser engraver will receive a gift card up to $300, perfect for future upgrades, accessories, or materials.60-Day Price Guarantee: Monport ensures customers get the best deal by offering a 60-day price guarantee, promising the lowest price available during the promotion.

For a limited time, customers who purchase any laser engraver will receive a gift card up to $300, which can be used for future upgrades or materials. Additionally, Monport is offering a 60-day price guarantee, ensuring buyers get the best price during the Black Friday promotion period.

The Monport Black Friday Sale also includes discounts on engraving materials and accessories, with savings of up to 20%. Whether a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a machine or accessory to suit every need, from small business owners to laser engraving enthusiasts.

Exclusive Online Livestream Events

In celebration of the Black Friday sale and the launch of the Monport MEGA Laser, Monport is hosting three livestream events featuring product demos, engraving tips, and Q&A sessions with experts. The Black Friday livestreams will also offer a chance to win prizes like LightBurn software licenses and air purifiers.

Livestream Schedule:

November 25, 2024, at 8 PM CST : Hosted by GregNovember 27, 2024, at 8 PM CST : Hosted by CasonNovember 29, 2024, at 3 PM PST : Hosted by Brett

During these Black Friday livestream events, viewers will see the capabilities of the Monport Reno Pro, learn engraving techniques, and get a sneak peek of the Mega Laser’s advanced features. Prizes will be awarded to participants who engage during the livestreams.

Shop Now for Unbeatable Savings

Monport Laser urges customers to act quickly to secure the best deals of the year. With exclusive discounts, special bundles, and live event giveaways, the Monport Black Friday Blowout Sale is the perfect opportunity to invest in laser engraving equipment or expand an existing setup.

For more details and to shop the full range of discounts, visit Monport Laser’s Black Friday Sale.

Shop now and get exclusive savings—limited time only!

About Monport Laser
Monport Laser is a leading provider of high-quality laser engraving machines and accessories, offering innovative solutions for hobbyists, small businesses, and professionals. Known for cutting-edge technology and exceptional customer service, Monport continues to set the standard in the laser engraving industry.

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SOURCE Monport Laser